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Love in Mission City
Rayne Check: A Love in Mission City Short Story
Everett
I meet an intriguing man at Quinton’s annual Halloween Extravaganza. That wicked smile and the tawny-brown eyes behind his mask hold my gaze. Under his costume, the restless energy of his body promises to do explosive, unexpected things to me. So we indulge in a little fun, but when the clock strikes midnight, the man I know only as Rayne disappears into the crowd.
My straitlaced Mission City friends tell me to chalk it up to experience, but I can't get that man off my mind, or stop hoping we'll meet again one day.
Rayne Check is a smoking-hot 7k word short story about a buttoned-up lawyer who lets go of his iron control for one night, the man he can’t forget, and the friends who have his back. The story is set in the Love in Mission City world.
I meet an intriguing man at Quinton’s annual Halloween Extravaganza. That wicked smile and the tawny-brown eyes behind his mask hold my gaze. Under his costume, the restless energy of his body promises to do explosive, unexpected things to me. So we indulge in a little fun, but when the clock strikes midnight, the man I know only as Rayne disappears into the crowd.
My straitlaced Mission City friends tell me to chalk it up to experience, but I can't get that man off my mind, or stop hoping we'll meet again one day.
Rayne Check is a smoking-hot 7k word short story about a buttoned-up lawyer who lets go of his iron control for one night, the man he can’t forget, and the friends who have his back. The story is set in the Love in Mission City world.
36 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2025
23 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Gabbi Grey
79 books265 followersGabbi lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 12, 2025
This was such a fun little novella teaser! I haven’t read the other books in the series, so I didn’t really know who anyone was going in—but it was still super enjoyable. It’s spicy, flirty, and gives you just enough of a peek into the characters to make you want more.
The narrator did a great job, and honestly, based on this novella alone, I’d absolutely pick up the rest of the series.
ALC from GayRomanceReviews
The narrator did a great job, and honestly, based on this novella alone, I’d absolutely pick up the rest of the series.
ALC from GayRomanceReviews
April 12, 2025
Oooh, Gabbi Grey's Rayne Check is the perfect tempting tidbit for the full length follow-up novel Rayne's Return. Luckily I already had it downloaded and ready to go. Rayne Check is a standalone, and all the stories in Grey's Love in Mission City novels can be read in any order.
Everett and Rayne have great chemistry - it's a real opposites attract story here. I'm not going to say any more so I don't ruin anything.
The audio versions of Gabbi Grey's entire Love in Mission City series is beautifully performed by the wonderful Michael Dean.
an audiobook copy of Rayne Check was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Everett and Rayne have great chemistry - it's a real opposites attract story here. I'm not going to say any more so I don't ruin anything.
The audio versions of Gabbi Grey's entire Love in Mission City series is beautifully performed by the wonderful Michael Dean.
an audiobook copy of Rayne Check was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
March 31, 2025
Everett is all tied up in knots after his hot Halloween hookup pulls a runner and disappears before he can get his number.
Rayne Check was a short and steamy little tease of a story that is the set up for Rayne’s Return, and I cannot wait to see how Everett and Rayne’s story plays out!
Rayne Check was a short and steamy little tease of a story that is the set up for Rayne’s Return, and I cannot wait to see how Everett and Rayne’s story plays out!
December 20, 2025
Open ending. One night stand and barely a connection, but sure, he’s unforgettable. 😏
And yeah, apparently everyone from the previous books in the series has to make an appearance. Pretty overwhelming for someone who hasn’t read anything from the series.
And yeah, apparently everyone from the previous books in the series has to make an appearance. Pretty overwhelming for someone who hasn’t read anything from the series.
December 7, 2025
3.5 stars
RTC
RTC
April 23, 2025
2.5⭐️
Audio: 3.5⭐️
Update: 4/16/25
I started Rayne's Return, and it proved that this short story should have been the prologue since the novel's prologue is ON THE SAME NIGHT, minutes after the hook-up. It's just from Rayne's perspective as he leaves the party. It is literally 4 pgs. Some ppl don't feel like an author is playing in their face when they expect them to pay for an extended prologue. I'm not the one.
~~~~~
Ngl, I have no idea why this isn’t simply the prologue/flashback in the novel. Grey does a good job establishing a sense of connection between the friends but falls flat for the actual MCs. It’s a primer into Everett’s character and unprecedented interest in Rayne but apparently also one into all the couples in the series.
Their relationships, visa woes, kids, etc. are given as much importance as the interlude that is the foundation for Everett and Rayne's novel. Much of the additional info doesn't set the scene better; doesn't offer more insight; and could be incorporated naturally into the novel. It feels like filler to create a short story where none is needed.
Though Everett’s personality is interesting—confident in his skills as a lawyer but considers himself run-of-the-mill and humorless in that way where he misses social cues for jokes but isn’t a wet rag—nothing about the story interested me enough to read the novel. I had more of a desire to read Everett’s friends’ books than his. The story beat me over the head with its goal to intrigue but misses the mark.
I also didn’t connect well with Michael Dean’s cadence and inflection choices. The voices are solid enough but don’t feel dynamic, and Dean makes Everett’s affect so dry that differentiating between his inner monologue and his dialogue isn’t smooth. Maybe I’d adjust to Dean’s style in a novel-length narration but here, not so much. The writing is solid, and I like the glimpses of the cast. However, it just doesn’t do enough with the MCs to stand on its own, and the narration contributes to my “Ehh” feelings.
Audio: 3.5⭐️
Update: 4/16/25
I started Rayne's Return, and it proved that this short story should have been the prologue since the novel's prologue is ON THE SAME NIGHT, minutes after the hook-up. It's just from Rayne's perspective as he leaves the party. It is literally 4 pgs. Some ppl don't feel like an author is playing in their face when they expect them to pay for an extended prologue. I'm not the one.
~~~~~
Ngl, I have no idea why this isn’t simply the prologue/flashback in the novel. Grey does a good job establishing a sense of connection between the friends but falls flat for the actual MCs. It’s a primer into Everett’s character and unprecedented interest in Rayne but apparently also one into all the couples in the series.
Their relationships, visa woes, kids, etc. are given as much importance as the interlude that is the foundation for Everett and Rayne's novel. Much of the additional info doesn't set the scene better; doesn't offer more insight; and could be incorporated naturally into the novel. It feels like filler to create a short story where none is needed.
Though Everett’s personality is interesting—confident in his skills as a lawyer but considers himself run-of-the-mill and humorless in that way where he misses social cues for jokes but isn’t a wet rag—nothing about the story interested me enough to read the novel. I had more of a desire to read Everett’s friends’ books than his. The story beat me over the head with its goal to intrigue but misses the mark.
I also didn’t connect well with Michael Dean’s cadence and inflection choices. The voices are solid enough but don’t feel dynamic, and Dean makes Everett’s affect so dry that differentiating between his inner monologue and his dialogue isn’t smooth. Maybe I’d adjust to Dean’s style in a novel-length narration but here, not so much. The writing is solid, and I like the glimpses of the cast. However, it just doesn’t do enough with the MCs to stand on its own, and the narration contributes to my “Ehh” feelings.
April 20, 2025
I liked this introduction to Everett and Rayne and look forward to their full story. Everett is a strait-laced lawyer who goes to a friend's Halloween party, where he notices a man that he doesn't recognize, who also happens to be the sexiest man he's ever seen. The man, who introduces himself as Rayne, is a mystery (to Everett and us), and the two have hot sex. Then Rayne leaves Everett without an explanation. It should be the end, but Everett can't forget his "half-night stand." It was the best sex of his life, and he wonders: 'Who is Rayne (and is that even his real name), what's his story, and will he ever see him again?'
This is an intriguing (and HOT) story that has me asking so many questions. It's a great listen, with strong, emotive narration by Michael Dean. Just don't expect to get any answers in this quick listen. This short excursion is for pleasure only.
I received a free copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
This is an intriguing (and HOT) story that has me asking so many questions. It's a great listen, with strong, emotive narration by Michael Dean. Just don't expect to get any answers in this quick listen. This short excursion is for pleasure only.
I received a free copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
April 27, 2025
'Somehow, I thought I’d look different. Because I felt different. Like something had shifted in my life. Something had changed.
Things would never be the same again.'
I enjoyed this book. It was an interesting, quick story. Everett spotted a masked man at a Halloween party and the chemistry between them was instant. Everett doesn't learn anything about him more than his name- Rayne. As a lawyer, he's good at reading people, and Rayne is very evasive. It felt very almost instalovey for Everett after they slept together, which was a bit weird to me because it felt like it came out of the blue. And Rayne disappeared right afterward. I immediately continued listening to Rayne's Return after this, so Rayne Check felt like a good starter to that- which feels like the real story.
Michael Dean did a good job narrating this book.
Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 4 stars
Story: 3 stars
Things would never be the same again.'
I enjoyed this book. It was an interesting, quick story. Everett spotted a masked man at a Halloween party and the chemistry between them was instant. Everett doesn't learn anything about him more than his name- Rayne. As a lawyer, he's good at reading people, and Rayne is very evasive. It felt very almost instalovey for Everett after they slept together, which was a bit weird to me because it felt like it came out of the blue. And Rayne disappeared right afterward. I immediately continued listening to Rayne's Return after this, so Rayne Check felt like a good starter to that- which feels like the real story.
Michael Dean did a good job narrating this book.
Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 4 stars
Story: 3 stars
February 24, 2025
4/5 This is a steamy short story that is a bit of a tease for an upcoming novel. We get to see Everett and Rayne meet for the first time, but they’ve got a Cinderella flees the ball vibe, so Everett is definitely left wanting more but not knowing how to find Rayne—or if Rayne is even his real name. I’d’ve liked a bit more of a solid HFN here, but knowing that the full story is coming makes me feel better. Rayne and Everett have an insta-lust attraction here, and I’d like to see it grow into more.
Michael Dean did an excellent job narrating.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Michael Dean did an excellent job narrating.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
March 31, 2025
Spicy short story set in the Mission City world
This is a short story written by Gabbi Grey, narrated by Michael Dean. Michael Dean is one of my favorite narrators and has the knack of bringing a book to life.
This story appears to be a prequel to Rayne's Return. Everett meets Rayne for the first time at a Halloween costume party. This is basically their meet cute, or I guess in this situation, it's more of a wham bam thank you man type of thing.
There's a bit of a mystery with who Rayne is and who actually invited him to the party.
Do you need to read this before Rayne's Return??? I'll have to get back to you on that. I'm diving into Rayne's Return next.
This is a short story written by Gabbi Grey, narrated by Michael Dean. Michael Dean is one of my favorite narrators and has the knack of bringing a book to life.
This story appears to be a prequel to Rayne's Return. Everett meets Rayne for the first time at a Halloween costume party. This is basically their meet cute, or I guess in this situation, it's more of a wham bam thank you man type of thing.
There's a bit of a mystery with who Rayne is and who actually invited him to the party.
Do you need to read this before Rayne's Return??? I'll have to get back to you on that. I'm diving into Rayne's Return next.
April 18, 2025
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story is set in Mission City and is really very short. It's about an anonymous encounter at a costume party. It gets super hot between Everett and Rayne, who I liked but can't say much more about due to the brevity. The story has a bit of a Cinderella vibe because one of them disappears at midnight.
I can't wait to see what happens next with these two!
Michael Dean is a really good narrator and he has once again delivered a very good performance here! He has a very pleasant voice, a great speaking tempo and he has chosen the right voices for the protagonists.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story is set in Mission City and is really very short. It's about an anonymous encounter at a costume party. It gets super hot between Everett and Rayne, who I liked but can't say much more about due to the brevity. The story has a bit of a Cinderella vibe because one of them disappears at midnight.
I can't wait to see what happens next with these two!
Michael Dean is a really good narrator and he has once again delivered a very good performance here! He has a very pleasant voice, a great speaking tempo and he has chosen the right voices for the protagonists.
January 22, 2025
Intriguing short story
This one's a quick read and takes place during a Halloween party. Who knew so much could happen at one little party? Definitely wish I'd have gotten an invite tho because of all the characters there from Gabbi's other books that I feel like I know and am friends with already. Everett and Rayne are new to me but they surely left their mark! Some instant chemistry and one hot encounter, A touch of mystery and intrigue and the sense that the saying "unfinished business" was modeled after these two fellas!
This one's a quick read and takes place during a Halloween party. Who knew so much could happen at one little party? Definitely wish I'd have gotten an invite tho because of all the characters there from Gabbi's other books that I feel like I know and am friends with already. Everett and Rayne are new to me but they surely left their mark! Some instant chemistry and one hot encounter, A touch of mystery and intrigue and the sense that the saying "unfinished business" was modeled after these two fellas!
March 31, 2025
A really good prologue!
For a surprisingly short story/listen, this capture my attention right away! Although the beginning was a little flat for me, once it picked up I was all in. It’s a great prologue to the story to come and I cannot wait to delve on it! I like the fact that it leaves you wanting more as it prepares you for the next book, but it doesn’t feel like the story is unresolved or unfinished in a bad way, just an open ending that fits into the next book.
All in all it was a really good read/listen.
For a surprisingly short story/listen, this capture my attention right away! Although the beginning was a little flat for me, once it picked up I was all in. It’s a great prologue to the story to come and I cannot wait to delve on it! I like the fact that it leaves you wanting more as it prepares you for the next book, but it doesn’t feel like the story is unresolved or unfinished in a bad way, just an open ending that fits into the next book.
All in all it was a really good read/listen.
April 3, 2025
At a costume party, Everett sees a Harlequin across the room, and they exchange a few words, but the only thing he really knows about the stranger is his first name, Rayne.
They hook up, and it feels like something more than that, but Rayne disappears and no one at the party knows who he is. He does leave his mask behind, which Everett holds onto.
This is an intriguing, fun start to the book Rayne’s Return, and is well read by Michael Dean.
I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review.
Audiobook
They hook up, and it feels like something more than that, but Rayne disappears and no one at the party knows who he is. He does leave his mask behind, which Everett holds onto.
This is an intriguing, fun start to the book Rayne’s Return, and is well read by Michael Dean.
I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review.
Audiobook
April 13, 2025
It was the first audiobook which was soo short 🏃🏽♀️➡️ Fast burn rarely work for me so I wasn’t surprised when some kind of “foreplay” before their one night stand wasn’t enough for me BUT I was left curious about the couple and would like to read more. When and how will they meet again and what will be their HEA?
The narration by Michael Dean was good :) I immediately got back into Mission City when I started listening to it and it was really comforting for me.
*A copy was provided by the author and GRR for review purposes. All opinions are my own and it is my honest review*
The narration by Michael Dean was good :) I immediately got back into Mission City when I started listening to it and it was really comforting for me.
*A copy was provided by the author and GRR for review purposes. All opinions are my own and it is my honest review*
April 18, 2025
This short story is the entre to the main story of Rayne and Everett.
For such a quick read, it was full of fun and flirty shenanigans. Everett meet Rayne at a halloween party and the two sneak away for a hookup.
After things cool down, Rayne disappears, leaving Everett wanting more.
I was also left wanting more. I absolutely need to know what happens with this couple. I will be picking up the full follow up story soon
A quick read, with plenty of spice and a hint of whats to come. Great narration by Michael Dean too.
For such a quick read, it was full of fun and flirty shenanigans. Everett meet Rayne at a halloween party and the two sneak away for a hookup.
After things cool down, Rayne disappears, leaving Everett wanting more.
I was also left wanting more. I absolutely need to know what happens with this couple. I will be picking up the full follow up story soon
A quick read, with plenty of spice and a hint of whats to come. Great narration by Michael Dean too.
April 20, 2025
Rayne Check is a fun & spicy novella that serves as a perfect set up for what's to come in their full length story! Centered on the magnetic first meeting between Everett and the mysterious Rayne, the story has serious "Cinderella flees the ball" energy—leaving Everett (and the listener) wanting more for their story!
Michael Dean’s narration is a definite highlight. He captures both the steamy tension and the playful vibe of the story with ease.
*I received an alc copy of this audiobook, all opinions are my own*
Michael Dean’s narration is a definite highlight. He captures both the steamy tension and the playful vibe of the story with ease.
*I received an alc copy of this audiobook, all opinions are my own*
Read
April 25, 2025This is a prequel to Rayne's Return (which already has a prequel of sorts from Rayne's perspective).
There's a Halloween party. Everett and Rayne hook up. Everett starts getting starry eyed while he's disposing of the condom, only to return to find Rayne gone.
That's it. The whole story in a nut shell. We're introduced to far too many other couples to easily keep track of unless you're a big Mission City fan. There's no chemistry between the MCs.
This could easily have been incorporated into the main book, where it would have made more sense and had more of an impact.
There's a Halloween party. Everett and Rayne hook up. Everett starts getting starry eyed while he's disposing of the condom, only to return to find Rayne gone.
That's it. The whole story in a nut shell. We're introduced to far too many other couples to easily keep track of unless you're a big Mission City fan. There's no chemistry between the MCs.
This could easily have been incorporated into the main book, where it would have made more sense and had more of an impact.
February 6, 2025
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Mysterious stranger!
I loved this short and spicy tale. Everett is smitten with the mysterious stranger he met at a party. Now I can’t wait to read Rayne’s Return coming to ebook soon.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Mysterious stranger!
I loved this short and spicy tale. Everett is smitten with the mysterious stranger he met at a party. Now I can’t wait to read Rayne’s Return coming to ebook soon.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
April 1, 2025
Audiobook Review:
Rayne Check: A Love in Mission City Short Story by Gabbi Grey
Narrated by Michael Dean
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
This is a short story of how Rayne and Everett met, and how their half a night happened. It’s short and help’s to give an inside of this world if you haven read/listen to this series. I really enjoyed listening to Michael narrate this short story. Like always is a treat to hear Michael v=bring to life Gabbi’s stories.
Rayne Check: A Love in Mission City Short Story by Gabbi Grey
Narrated by Michael Dean
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
This is a short story of how Rayne and Everett met, and how their half a night happened. It’s short and help’s to give an inside of this world if you haven read/listen to this series. I really enjoyed listening to Michael narrate this short story. Like always is a treat to hear Michael v=bring to life Gabbi’s stories.
April 6, 2025
Audio Arc Review
Plot 2.5 stars
Narration 5/5 stars
Spice level 2
Interesting prologue for the upcoming main story featuring these two MCs. It was a tease that I felt is meant to intrigue you into wanting to read their full story.
I felt it moved quite quickly between Everett and the mysterious Rayne, I didn't believe the connection but I'm sure the upcoming story would build on this. So far I accept this for what it was, a steamy one night hook up. Hot stuff.Great narration.
Plot 2.5 stars
Narration 5/5 stars
Spice level 2
Interesting prologue for the upcoming main story featuring these two MCs. It was a tease that I felt is meant to intrigue you into wanting to read their full story.
I felt it moved quite quickly between Everett and the mysterious Rayne, I didn't believe the connection but I'm sure the upcoming story would build on this. So far I accept this for what it was, a steamy one night hook up. Hot stuff.Great narration.
April 8, 2025
This is a single chapter, from Everett’s POV, of his one night stand with Rayne. It’s obvious something is up with Rayne, possibly something really sad/bad, and I’m eager to read Rayne’s Return. Michael Dean does a great job narrating. I’ve read most of Gabbi Grey’s Mission City books and have enjoyed them all. This was short (basically an extended prologue) but definitely got me excited for the full book.
February 1, 2025
2.5 Stars, I guess.
Short story, so possibly quick writing?
I didn’t love Everett from the get go because if everyone has to say “it’s a joke” after every single thing they say, that’s a no from me.
As for the writing, “only child”, and then “I wish I was close with my sister” practically in the same sentence. Also, once they get to the office fun, Rayne undoes Everett’s pants twice.
Short story, so possibly quick writing?
I didn’t love Everett from the get go because if everyone has to say “it’s a joke” after every single thing they say, that’s a no from me.
As for the writing, “only child”, and then “I wish I was close with my sister” practically in the same sentence. Also, once they get to the office fun, Rayne undoes Everett’s pants twice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2025
this is a short story between everett and rayne who have a one night stand on halloween. everett doesn’t know who rayne is and rayne doesn’t give everett much but everett is intrigued.
i’m excited to get their full length story. this has me so intrigued.
thank you to GRR and the author for the ALC.
i’m excited to get their full length story. this has me so intrigued.
thank you to GRR and the author for the ALC.
April 12, 2025
Audiobook - really good narrator who always performs well.
Story - a kind of extended prologue for the next story featuring Rayne, who was quite a mystery in this chapter. There was a Cinderella running away from the ball type of feeling, leaving Everett with nothing but a strong and unexpected attraction, questions, and a mask. I look forward to learning more about them.
Story - a kind of extended prologue for the next story featuring Rayne, who was quite a mystery in this chapter. There was a Cinderella running away from the ball type of feeling, leaving Everett with nothing but a strong and unexpected attraction, questions, and a mask. I look forward to learning more about them.
April 13, 2025
I love stories where two characters connect intensely at a ball, party etc. and then one disappears leaving the other to wonder who they've been with - the classic Cinderella vibe. Gabbi Grey does a wonderful job with that here and now I'm off to read the novel Rayne's Return which follows up with these characters.
April 22, 2025
AUDIOBOOK: Michael Dean knocked this out of the park, of course!
I've read quite a few of the Mission City books and I enjoy that world. This is a solid intro to Everett and Rayne's full-length book! We get to see into their hookup and get a sense of their personalities - definitely a spicy little treat to get you hooked into reading the book!
I've read quite a few of the Mission City books and I enjoy that world. This is a solid intro to Everett and Rayne's full-length book! We get to see into their hookup and get a sense of their personalities - definitely a spicy little treat to get you hooked into reading the book!
November 19, 2025
This is a quick listen to get you in the mood for Rayne's Return. This short set at Quinton's Halloween party and the first meeting of Everett and Rayne and a connection is made and wow sparks fly. The further I read of this series and the shorts, the more couples I want to know about and I am enjoying tracking down their stories
February 9, 2025
A short kind story that fits within a series, some of which I've read. This is a hot short as Everett attends a Halloween party and ends up doing you know what with a stranger, and that leaves a conundrum . . . to be continued it seems, and I'm going to, a girl needs to know!!
March 4, 2025
Intriguing!
Rayne Check: I loved how this story was presented! It pulls the reader in but leaves you hanging enough to read the continuation when it comes out! I lived the who costume theme! Great writing!
Rayne Check: I loved how this story was presented! It pulls the reader in but leaves you hanging enough to read the continuation when it comes out! I lived the who costume theme! Great writing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews