Sin Bin With the Scrooge

I’m rounding up to 4 stars, but for me this is more a 3.5 star read.

The storyline is really angsty beyond the inherent angst of a relationship with her ex’s older brother. The push/pull and chase/run antics of their secret relationship got pretty old.

Tessa and Clay had a moment 3 years prior when he kissed her after coming in drunk late at night. Nothing was said and nothing else happened. Unbeknownst to the other, they both actually had pretty serious feelings for each other, but neither pursued something.

A road trip through a winter storm ends up with Clay and Tessa snowed in at a cute little cabin in the woods. Attraction flares, but Clay’s still reeling from the sudden end to his NHL career after an injury. Tessa is around 22 years old and she has a decent sense of maturity for her age, but she still comes across as a young.

The relationship seems more physical attraction and lust than an actual emotional relationship. Clay is very reactive and has a tendency to make decisions and leave Tessa in the dark until he’s disappeared/left. The storyline is set around the Christmas holiday break, and has holiday related mentions and moments but I wouldn’t categorize this as a ‘holiday’ storyline - it could pretty much take place whenever.

The storyline was interesting and entertaining, and it kept my interest.

I received a free ARC from the author and The Author Agency; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

Denisa Claudia Raicu

422 reviews11 followers

November 17, 2025

Avem o poveste frumușică tare, cu vibe de sărbătoare, în care dragostea cu năbădăi este pricipala idee în jurul căreia se învârte acțiunea.
Avem un fost jucător morocănos, nervos, recalcitrant, care și-a ruinat cariera odată cu ruperea ligamentelor.
Si apoi o avem pe Tessa, o fată pe care toata lumea o iubește, o fată dulce si pozitivă, veșnic optimistă.
Cei doi se cunosc de mult timp, ea a fost pe punctul de a căsători cu fratele lui, familiile lor făceau sărbătorile împreună, numai că în secret, Tessa simte mult mai mult decât ce știu cei din jur.
Bine, și invers, dar asta aflam mai târziu.
Povestea lor a început cu 3 ani în urmă, când un sărut dat la beție le-a schimbat modul de gândire.
Si asftel, prin înconjurari haotice, ajung cei doi să fie surprinși de o furtuna de zăpadă și se refugiază la o cabană din pădure.
Atmosferă feerică, de sărbători, fix ca în basme!
Avem chimie, avem sex appeal, avem o relație frumușică de dragoste, dar avem un personaj prost care pleacă din când nu trebuia.
Dramă puțină când ea se trezește brusc singură, însă happy end când el își dă seama că e prost și că o iubește!

Crystal Smith

890 reviews56 followers

Clay is grumpy, broody, a hot head on the ice and a Christmas Scrooge. He suffered a career ending ACL injury and he is now trying to figure out what is next. Tessa is the opposite, she is a ray a sunshine and screams Christmas cheer!

A few years ago these two shared a kiss but that was it. She had dated his brother and everyone thought they were perfect and would get married, but she has always had s crush on Clay. Now they are stuck in a snowstorm in a cabin and emotions are running high. They are attracted to one another and the chemistry is there, but he doesn’t want to hurt her. And when he finally gives into her, whew it’s hot. After Christmas is over and he leaves without a goodbye, she is left with mixed emotions and a broken heart.

Clay and Tessa find each other on the same campus, he is an assistant coach and she is a student. Can they stay away from one another or will they give in to temptation? He is trying to clean up his act to land a bigger coaching position and she doesn’t want to be a secret. Their desires and feelings are at an all time high. But he wants to prove he is not the hot head he once was and also show her he is the man she deserves. It was funny, it was sweet, fully of broody moments and lots of spicy ones too.

Jessica Alcazar

4,386 reviews620 followers

2025-arc obrien-brooke pr-the-author-agency

This story was one move away from a volcanic eruption LOL! It was tension fueled with a whole lot of push/pull, secrets, and deception. It was well written, and the plot unfolded fairly well. I honestly would have preferred there be a more “open” communication between our leads and not so much left unsaid or un-acted on. It felt forced after a while, like dragging out the drama of it all, and that made me take some deep breaths but overall, everything really happened as it should have.

I’m having a really good time with my #2025HolidayRomance season thus far, and although I wouldn’t classify Sin Bin with the Scrooge a “holiday romance”, it takes place in the winter, there’s snow, and Christmas is one of the featured holidays, so there’s that. LOL Plus, the cover is cute as can be and the title is adorbs and fits “holiday romance” perfectly!

Erin Lewis

6,152 reviews218 followers

November 9, 2025

4 Star Review Sin Bin With The Scrooge by Brooke O'Brien

What’s better than a story set around the holidays ? This is Clay Barlowe former NHL player and Tessa St. James’s story.

This is a well written, heartwarming and emotional story that will draw you in until the last chapter is read.

These two should be off limits to one another after all she is his brother’s ex but the heart wants who the heart wants regardless.

Clay is such a grump and Tessa really brings the light into his life.

Could they both find love and happiness together?

Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down and it left me with a smile on my face.

Wendy Livingstone

19.9k reviews254 followers

Clay is a grumpy, stubborn, and a hot-headed NHL star, who suffered a career ending ACL injury, while Tessa is a ray of sunshine, full of Christmas cheer. Clay is Tessa’s ex boyfriend’s brother, and their family’s have always been close. On the way to spend Christmas with their families, Clay and Tessa end up snowed in together.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, forced proximity, humour, witty banter, miscommunication, sizzling chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, Christmas holiday romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

Amanda M

2,754 reviews16 followers

November 5, 2025

This was such a fun holiday read. Clay and Tessa were lovely characters. I really liked the storyline too. And the words flowed nicely from one page to the next. I loved the forced proximity, snowed in, and one bed tropes featured in this story. I couldn't put this book down. I read it in one sitting and can't recommended it enough.

Favorite line: "You're all bah, humbug and broody. Don't pretend I'm not right."

Thanks to the author and the author agency for an advance copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.

Farrahlea

74 reviews5 followers

Clay and Tessa was the most fun read this time of year. The sin bin with the Scrooge is a cute holiday read, I wish the story never ended. It's a holiday read with all the holiday feels. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. You could feel the tension between the two characters and it makes you crave what they have. I highly recommend this beautiful, feel good book.

Sarah Oliver

1,027 reviews7 followers

hockey-romance sports-romance vacation-romance

This was a very angsty story with twists and turns, miscommunication, and frustration, but also plenty of chemistry and a heap of spice. I enjoyed the lead characters and their journey, despite the heartache and frustration they put me through, and loved their happy ending.

maria

208 reviews7 followers

November 15, 2025

Thank you to Brooke O'Brien and the Author Agency for the ARC!

I would rate this 3.5 stars but I have rounded down since GR does not have half stars and I will explain why.

This story follows Clay and Tessa. They had kissed three years ago, never spoke about it and now they are snowed in together... so you know it is about to happen again!!! This was a cute and quick read! It helped me get into the holiday spirit.

That prologue sucked me tf in! I was hooked immediately and I really enjoyed them being snowed in together... but once they left the cabin is when my attention started to waver. The prologue, car ride to the cabin and the cabin felt perfectly paced but the pacing felt off after that. From that point on, things felt rushed or jumpy to me. It felt like with an extra 100 pages, things could have been better executed. Some things that felt rushed through were like the forbidden aspect, Evan, their relationship getting exposed and even the spice felt rushed.

Clay and Tessa's relationship was cute but felt a little bland. I genuinely enjoyed how Tessa centered Clay but I feel like that was their whole relationship. Granted, although Clay and Tessa were out MCs, it didn't feel like we really got to know them. Like we knew that Tessa was chaotic and messy but it felt like that was all we knew about her... we found out what her major was at like 75% when it was announced that she was changing her major. Or like we knew that Clay played professional hockey and that he was a hot head... but I swear that was the extent of what we knew about him. It did not feel like there was any depth to the characters.

This had three of my favorite tropes (ex's brother, forbidden and age gap) and I was foaming at the mouth for this when I applied for the ARC. However, it felt like the bare minimum was done to add these tropes into the storyline. Like yeah, they snuck around at Christmas... or like Clay had to listen to Evan say he wanted to give Tessa a second try once... or like there was an age gap mentioned but no side characters really said anything about it. Like there was opportunity to make these tropes shine and give conflict... but nothing really happened... it felt like they were just brushed over. Felt super anticlimactic for me.

I LOVED the nickname Sugar that Clay gave Tessa.. but when he would shorten it to Sug... that was the biggest ICK for me.

I did like the set up Brooke did at the end of the book with Evan and his new "girlfriend." Do I smell a fake dating trope??

PS. I literally hate MMCs named Clay because I swear I just picture a blonde dude whose a Juggalo, he smokes cigarettes inside and he has a creepy clown hanging above his bed. IYKYK. There is nothing I can do to change this in my mind... and yeah, that is all I have to say about that.

Here is my pros and cons list because I feel like my review was chaotic.

Pros:
Quick
Cute
Got me in the holiday spirit
The nickname Sugar
The first like 40% of the book
The hopeful set up for a fake dating book for Evan

Cons:
Too quick
Felt rushed
The name Clay
The nickname Sug for the nickname Sugar
The tropes felt anticlimactic

Take my review as you will!

Angela

60 reviews1 follower

November 8, 2025

Well I don't think I will look at a candy cane the same way this Christmas!

This book had both sugar and spice. Clay aka Scrooge is an ex hockey player who wanted the girl he deemed as off limits for years. He used so many excuses to stop himself from going after her. Clay had sabotaged his hockey career when he started playing again before his knee fully recovered and reinjured it worse than before. Now this hothead had to figure out a new career path, hopefully hockey related.

Tessa was a college student trying to find her place in tge world. She loved her family but it seemed like they thought she was unreliable and childish. She had been drawn to her ex's brother for several years but since her family steered her towards his younger brother she went along with it. It seemed easier to go with the flow instead of fighting for who she really wanted.

This Christmas, their families were once again spending it together and due to a snowstorm Clay and Tessa were traveling home together. When the storm gets too bad, Clay and Tessa find a cabin to ride out the weather. Driving in the whiteout conditions would be too dangerous. While trapped together, their true feelings are revealed along with how their Christmas interaction, three years ago made them feel. This time, even though Clay tried to control himself they didn't deny their feelings. They were explosive together and it felt right.

When they finally made it to their families cabin, they hid the truth. They suffered in silence during the day and got cozy during the nights. Their mothers and her ex still tried to force a relationship that she didn't want while Clay held his tongue. It made him question, if he was worthy of Tessa. He worried that his past mistakes would hurt her and create a scandal. He was scared that a scandal would end his potential new career before he had a chance to prove himself. His fear made him break his promise and both of their hearts.

Tessa was furious and called him on his crap. They couldn't stay away from each other but this time they were determined to get it right. They weren't ready for everyone to know but they would be working towards that goal. When the truth came out, Clay pushed his fears away and publicly claimed Tessa. He was no longer afraid of their love. It was worth more than family awkwardness. He would prove his worth to the team and his bosses while loving Tessa. She made him feel like their was more to himself than his past and the tabloid headlines. They would create their own narrative and their own future!

I loved Tessa and Clay, like a lot of us they caved to family pressure and expectations. They denied themselves happiness because of what seemed easy and predictable. When they finally were selfish and chose for themselves, they were happier and lighter than ever before. It gave them the courage to follow their hearts and let the past be a guide not a hindrance. Their future looks bright together. The Scrooge finally got what he truly wanted for Christmas!

Thank you Brooke O'Brien and theauthoragency for the ARC! I enjoyed reading it and am grateful for the opportunity to review!

Cigi cini

665 reviews47 followers

November 7, 2025

🎄 Christmas Romance
🏒 Pro Hockey Player
💔 Ex-Boyfriend’s Brother
❄️ Snowed-In / Forced Proximity
🛏️ Only One Bed
📚 Standalone

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Brooke O’Brien’s Sin Bin with the Scrooge is a festive, slow-burn romance that perfectly captures the magic of the holidays while delivering emotional depth and sizzling chemistry. At its heart is Clay Barlowe, a former NHL star whose life changed overnight when injuries ended his career. His reputation as grumpy and unapproachable precedes him, and coaching is his shot at redemption, if he can keep his guard up. Enter Tessa St. James, the girl next door who’s always been part of his family’s Christmas traditions. Everyone assumed she’d marry Clay’s brother, but her heart has quietly belonged to Clay all along.

The setup is irresistible: snowed in during the holidays, only one bed, and years of unspoken feelings finally breaking through. Brooke O’Brien uses these tropes masterfully, creating a story that feels both cozy and electric. The contrast between Clay’s icy exterior and Tessa’s warmth gives the narrative a delightful grumpy-sunshine dynamic. Their stolen kiss under the mistletoe isn’t just a spark; it’s the start of a fire that burnt through old expectations and fears.

What makes this book stand out is its balance of heart and heat. The emotional tension is palpable as Clay wrestles with vulnerability and Tessa risks her heart for the man she’s always loved. The hockey backdrop adds authenticity without overshadowing the romance, and the holiday setting infuses every page with charm to think sugar cookies, twinkling lights, and the kind of cozy intimacy that makes you want to curl up with a blanket.

Fans of sports romance will appreciate the insider feel of Clay’s world, while holiday romance lovers will swoon over the festive details. It’s a standalone that delivers everything promised: forced proximity, family ties, and a love story that feels earned. O’Brien’s writing is warm, witty, and full of chemistry, making Sin Bin with the Scrooge a perfect seasonal read for anyone craving a mix of nostalgia, passion, and holiday cheer.

arc

Nova McCormack

127 reviews3 followers

November 16, 2025

People say I’m a hothead. Fine. I’ve earned the reputation. Getting knocked out of the NHL by an injury didn’t exactly help. But this coaching opportunity? My chance to turn things around. I can’t afford distractions.

But Tessa St. James is the ultimate distraction. She is a weakness I don’t need and the one person I’ve never been able to stop thinking about, not since our drunken kiss three years ago… honestly, not since long before that.

She’s always been there. The Barlowe and St James families always spend Christmas together. She was my brother’s girl, until she wasn’t.

She’s a disaster, talks too much, smiles too much, and looks at me like I actually mean something. And now we’re snowed in, just the two of us. I shouldn’t want her this badly, and yet… she feels like mine, and now that I’ve had her, I don’t think I can walk away.

This was such a sweet read. Clay is your classic stiff, stubborn, short-tempered ex-hockey player, and now, since his injury has taken him out of the game, the sharks are circling. He has to figure out who he is and what his next steps are, all while dealing with outside criticism and attention. This coaching gig is a lifeline for him, a fresh start, and he wants to be seen for more than just his nickname, Hothead.

Tessa is a mess in the best way. She’s bubbly, sweet, and the sunshine to Clay’s grumpy. She’s always had feelings for him and craved that connection, but he was quite a bit older, and her family “encouraged” her to date his brother, Evan. Still, she has always felt the pull toward Clay.

After sharing a stolen kiss three years ago, they have avoided seeing each other, and now they are reluctantly traveling together for Christmas to their families’ lodge, which makes for an awkward drive. When a snowstorm strands them, the push and pull of their feelings and attraction finally boils over, and they give in. From there, they have to navigate their relationship, his new job opportunity, their families, and all the public attention he draws. It makes for a fun, heartwarming read with some truly beautiful moments.

Thank you so much to Brooke O'Brien and The Author Agency for this gifted e-copy.

adult contemporary holiday-romance

Sandy S

8,202 reviews205 followers

November 14, 2025

SIN BIN WITH THE SCROOGE by Brooke O’Brien is a stand alone, contemporary adult focusing on former NHL player Clay Barlowe, and university student Tessa St. James.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Clay and Tessa) following several pathways SIN BIN WITH THE SCROOGE focuses on the tempestuous relationship between former NHL player Clay Barlowe and Tessa St. James. The Barlowes and the St. James families have been best friends forever, spending holidays including Christmas together. Tessa and Clay’s brother Evan were high school sweethearts but life and everything in between split our couple apart. A career ending injury found Clay applying for a coaching job at Kolmont college but Christmas with the St. James pushes Clay and Tessa together. Snowbound, and on their own, Clay and Tessa will confess their attraction to one another but a perceived betrayal threatens any potential for a future. Clay’s foray into coaching is rocky from the start but his relationship with Tessa may be another nail in the proverbial coffin and the end to his career.

The world building focuses on the family dynamics, hockey and coaching careers, journalists and betrayal,and the potential fall-out of anger and rage

The relationship between Clay and Tessa is a brother’s ex-girlfriend, friends to lovers, in which Clay and Tessa struggle with perception, the media, family and friends. Clay fell in love with his brother’s ex girlfriend years before but their attraction to one another cannot be denied.The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including both the Barlowe and St. James’ extended families, roommates, teammates, and friends.

SIN BIN WITH THE SCROOGE is a story of family and friendships, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is captivating; the romance is seductive ; the characters are charismatic and determined.

copy supplied for review

Geri Stoikova

574 reviews4 followers

Misty (Reds Romance Reviews)

Sin bin with the Scrooge by Brooke O'Brien is a fun holiday novella with all the family mix ups, a lot of angst and tension, the inevitable forced proximity and a snow storm that kind of messes everything just to put it right after that. Yep , Tessa and Clay have been pinning for each other but never acted on it except for a life altering kiss three years ago. But Tessa was always with Evan, Clay's brother and they always been meant for each other or their families thought so . So the guilt and the angst are in full force and the tension is thickening. And then there's no longer Tessa and Evan . And Clay is spiraling and trying to fix his life and career. And it's Christmas again and he and Tessa are heading back for the holidays in the biggest winter storm of the season. And they ended snowed in in the cutest holiday cabin ever . And let's just say that the pre-holiday season just got heated up. A lot. Being snowed in got them reflecting on their lives and their mixed past. Tessa wants to live her life for herself and not what everyone expects of her and Clay is fighting for a second chance at his career. I loved the banter and the tension between them. But when they finally gave up resisting each other those two were pure fire together. When the storm is over and they're back they are confronted with everything that was left behind - family expectations and media circus. And somehow Tessa is the one standing by Clay while he's the one running away. Let's just say that groveling Clay was better than grumpy Clay and he totally redeemed himself by stepping up when needed. That only meant that they're no longer a secret and they still have some fights to win . I loved their happy ending and that bonus epilogue was so good. Now I'm curious about Evan and is he getting his story. And is it a Christmas one because those hints were mighty.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

Mégan Isabelle

117 reviews1 follower

November 14, 2025

ARC - 5 🌟 2 🌶️

🏒 Former hockey player now coach x student
🎄 Ex-boyfriend’s brother
🏒 Grumpy x sunshine
🎄 Christmas romance
🏒 Second chance

This books makes the whole vibe even more romantic and Christmassy. 🎄❤️‍🔥✨

Sin Bin With The Scrooge by Brooke O’Brien is basically the story of how a man on the edge, Clay, our grumpy, overworked, hockey Scrooge finds his peace, his joy, and his entire heart in one woman: Tessa, Christmas personified.

Clay is juggling everything because of his career debut. Pressure, expectations, the weight of proving himself, not exactly the stuff that makes a man want to deck the halls. He’s exhausted, guarded, and drowning in challenges he can’t escape. And then Tessa shows up like his own personal holiday miracle. Soft. Warm. Sparkly. A candy cane in human form.

But here’s the part that made me flip: He chooses her (After a wake up call SIR👀). Even when his career is demanding every piece of him, even when he has every reason to push her away… Clay looks at Tessa and decides SHE is his safe place. His bright spot. His Christmas magic.

And once he chooses her? It’s OVER. The man is GONE. Everything starts getting better, his mood, his focus, his heart. She becomes his calm in the storm, the twinkle lights to his dim December, the person who reminds him there’s more to life than pressure and performance.
And Tessa? She doesn’t just love him, she believes in him. She helps him breathe again. She makes him laugh, makes him hope, makes him believe that even a Scrooge can have a happily ever after. Their moments together are pure holiday romance. By the end, Clay isn’t just surviving his career challenges. He’s THRIVING.

Because he chose love, chose joy, chose Tessa… and she turned his whole world into Christmas morning. This book will melt you faster than hot cocoa on a cold night.

Thank you The Author Agency for this arc opportunity!

3,398 reviews6 followers

November 10, 2025

Clay Barlowe knew he was making a bad decision the moment he stepped back onto the ice before his knee was fully healed, but he was tired of waiting, he needed to get back to the game he loved. But that decision would come back to haunt him moments later when that knee gave out and he could no longer skate. He knew then that it was over... it was an injury he would never recover from. His days on the ice were over...or were they?

Sin Bin With the Scrooge is a slow burn holiday romance romp that is destined to tempt and torture you in all the best of ways. Clay is a down on his luck former hockey player with a promising second chance on the horizon, but it comes with a few stipulations... one being no distractions. Then she walks through the door, brings a snow storm along with her, and tempts him under the mistletoe. He knows getting involved with Tessa St. James is going to bring trouble to his life, but his good sense has escaped him for the moment. She is his brother's ex and their families have been tied together for years, them being involved would create drama he couldn't afford. Or it could be the best thing to ever happen to him?

This book arrived on my tablet at the perfect time, I had just finished a book and was in search of something festive and a little sweeter than the book I just finished and this one definitely hit the spot. I loved watching these two find their well deserved happily ever after, their heartfelt and steamy story was not only captivating, but quite good on the heart too. If you are looking for a holiday romance to settle down with, I highly suggest you make it this one, you will love these two, I promise!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

Kimberley

392 reviews8 followers

This is the perfect book to get you into that Christmas spirit especially as it has the edition of a grumpy past ice hockey player as one of our main characters. The plot line for this book was utterly perfect in my eyes, we first get a glimpse of three years back when Tessa and Clay had a little moment at Christmas and then everything changed, Tessa dated Clay's brother and both of their families are wound very tight together which makes things complicated.

After having a visit with the past we see that Tessa and Clay are both late to leave and get to where their families hold Christmas every year and as every single flight out of the city is grounded due to the snow storm, these crazy two decided to drive, resulting in them getting snowed in at a cabin some of the way to where they need to go.

There was so much tension between them that they were bound to snap sooner or later and when they did it was perfect, only then did everything change when they were surrounded by their families and then after Clay left after a night with Tessa in the family house, without any explanation.

Now imagine Tessa's surprise when she finds out that Clay has disappeared to go and possibly get a coaching job for the ice hockey team at the college that Tessa attends. Definitely surprising for her and so some much-needed words were had but the chemistry between them was like no other and so they just needed to prove that they were worthy of each other and not care what outsiders think of the relationship in any sort of way!

This book was a rollercoaster and a half but I loved reading about Clay and Tessa so much! Their love story was utterly perfect and I could not have thought of a better ending for them!

Amber Kirk

446 reviews2 followers

November 14, 2025

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... to end up snowed in with your ex-boyfriend's brother.

She's sunshine, sugar cookies, and Christmas cheer. He's a grinch, cold as ice, with more coal than candy canes. When one kiss melts the line between right and wrong, Tessa isn’t just snowed in… She's stuck in the sin bin with the scrooge. And this holiday season, the only thing at risk is her heart.

Why you will love this book... ❄️Christmas
🎄Hockey
❄️ Ex-Boyfriend's Brother
🎄Forced Proximity
🔥Snowed in
🎄Only One Bed
🔥Standalone

“She was supposed to be my brothers forever. Now she’s the mistake I’ll never regret.”

“she calls me scrooge, but the truth is, she’s been thawing me out since the moment we got snowed in together.”

she hums christmas songs and off key, burns the cookies and still leaves me undone.

i call her sugar.
she calls me scrooge.

“every second i’m near her, it gets harder to remember why i should stay away”

"I didn't say it for them, Tess. And I'm sorry I didn't say it to you first. I said it because it's true. I love you. I've loved you for a long time. And I'm done hiding it."

I absolutely ate this up I loved this read!
Tessa has been dating the brother of the man she really wants for the longest time that both families expected them to be married. When an unexpected admission to a heavily intoxicated Clay ends in a scorching hot kiss, Tessa knows she can't say yes to his brother's proposal, but no one's satisfied with the way things turn out…
Fate finds these two snowed in together three years later, and their attraction is still undeniable, and they finally act on those feelings, damn the consequences.
Such a sweet holiday read I would definitely recommend this book! ❄️💕🎄

Teresa Williams

605 reviews6 followers

Read

Sin Bin with the Scrooge: A Snowed-In for Christmas Hockey Romance by Brooke O’Brien tells an unusual love story between two close family members, where Tessa St. James falls for her ex-boyfriend’s older brother, Clay. Clay is a former hockey player with a quick temper and a torn ACL who was released from his NHL team due to injuries. He also earned a reputation for being un-coachable. The two families spend holidays together at a cabin, where they first shared a drunken kiss, then they each pretended it never happened for the next three years, during which Tessa and Evan, Clay’s brother, broke up. Now a college student, Tessa’s parents arranged for Clay to pick her up and drive her to the cabin for the holidays since the planes were grounded due to a snowstorm. Because of the severity of the snowstorm, the need for shelter took priority over getting to the family cabin, so Tessa found a nearby cabin to wait out the storm. While there, another storm brewed between the two of them, leaving them both wrecked in a good way. Once arriving at the family cabin, the shenanigans continued until Clay left Tessa with a plane ticket home and then departed without saying goodbye. The relationship transforms and crashes as quickly as it began, but by then, feelings are caught. Consequences are a real deterrent for Tessa and Clay. Brooke O’Brien’s "Sin Bin with the Scrooge: A Snowed-In for Christmas Hockey Romance" features thrilling emotional moments and scalding-hot scenes that keep readers riveted, turning pages as fast as they can to reach the HEA—yet they don't want it to end. I can’t wait to read any new books penned by Brooke O’Brien.

Liberty Munson

410 reviews1 follower

I read a review that said they read it in one sitting... I totally wanted to do that except I started the book late in the evening. I got sucked in and while I really wanted to finish it, when the clock shows 1am and you have to work in them morning, it's time to call it (I was very tempted to finish in the morning while I was "working" but my better angels won). Don't be me. Start it when you have time to finish it (about 3.5 hours) because you will not want to stop once you start.

I haven't read many books with "my ex's brother" as the key trope (other tropes: age gap, caught in a snowstorm, grumpy/sunshine, a touch of second chance), so I wasn't sure what to expect. I do think the concern about how the family would react was a little overdone, but the fact that Clay has anger management issues, is impulsive (in a less than good way), and is trying to become the hockey coach at Tessa's college was a better reason to try to resist the relationship (which he does initially). But close proximity works its magic, and they spend the night together, which leads them to spending a few nights together secretly when they finally connect with their families (who have known each other for a long time and holiday together). Clay makes promises about the relationship lasting longer than the holiday, which he immediately breaks. What I loved about this book is that Tessa called him on his behavior, telling him that he broke her heart twice. Her strength in forcing the conversation and not giving him a pass showed who she really was. How Clay eventually pulled himself together was a great redemption arc.

Why are you still reading this review and not the book?!?

Shayna

112 reviews3 followers

✨Sin Bin with the Scrooge

If you love:

🔹Forced Proximity
🔹Friends to lovers
🔹Age gap
🔹Ex-Boyfriends brother
🔹small town
🔹Christmas romance

This story follows Clay 🏒 and Tessa 🎄 — two people whose families have known each other their whole lives, spending every holiday together. Clay, a former pro hockey player sidelined by injury, is the ultimate bah humbug Scrooge 😒, while Tessa is basically the human embodiment of Christmas cheer ✨. She also happens to be his little brother’s ex… but the heart wants what it wants. And let’s just say, the chemistry between these two could melt even the iciest December night 🔥.

I loved how different they were but how easily they made each other laugh — complete opposites that just fit. Their banter was hilarious, their tension delicious, and even though Clay’s hot-and-cold behavior had me wanting to shake some sense into him 😤, I couldn’t help but root for him. Both characters felt so real — flawed, hurting, and healing in their own ways.

Brooke O’Brien did a magnificent job balancing the spice 🌶️ with a heartfelt plot full of warmth, humor, and relatable emotion. She perfectly captured what it’s like to find light in the middle of life’s messiness.

❤️‍🔥 I highly recommend this festive hockey romance — it’s got spice, plot, and all the cozy Christmas vibes you need this season.

Genre/Type: Contemporary
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 265
Rating: 4🌟
Spice: 3🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Standalone
Tropes or themes: age gap; ex-boyfriends brother; forced proximity; christmas; pro hockey player turned coach; small town; sexy hallmark vibes; friends to lovers; snowed in;
Check Triggers ⚠️ ✨

Maz

1,652 reviews31 followers

November 22, 2025

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

If you need warming up this season then this Hockey Romance is for you.
It had everything, drama, slow burn, tension, f it moment, spice and plenty of Christmas cheer.
Clay is known for his hot temper and the one that ruined his career with poor decisions. But there is so much more to him than the grumpy scrooge (as Alice calls him). He has also been fighting his attraction and feelings for his younger brothers ex girlfriend.
Alice is a big ball of chaos, fun and love. She is still figuring life out and also her feelings for Clay. She has always had a crush on him but both their families being best friends, they pushed her and Evan together instead.
So them being together is a total no no. Until they get stranded on their way to their family cabin for Christmas.
Now stuck in by the storm the fire between them is heating up more than the fire log.
They give in and it's glorious after all that stress. But Clay is in the beginning of redeeming himself and starting a new career. On top of her being his brothers ex. He keeps pushing away and then giving in. Really did frustrated me at times but I loved Alice's strength at times.
No he either fights for the one person that makes him happy or let her go.
Really loved this and I loved how Clay really worked hard to become stronger against his tormentors and fight for what he wants.
I hope we get Evan's stroy because I can see an interesting fake relationship happening there.
As always Brooke has given us another fantastic read.

“I want to hear sweet Tessa beg for my c*ck before I dirty her up.”

Donna reads Romance

1,022 reviews40 followers

Mindy Menotti bookishly_mindy

A festive DELIGHT!!

The best kind of holiday romance!
A grumpy/ sunshine,forced proximity with a little forbidden wrapped up in the spirit of Christmas.
I was utterly and completely consumed with Clay and Tessa‘s amusing merrily enticing, and wonderfully festive romance .
It’s tradition for Clay and Tessa to spend Christmas with their combine families together … the little yikes is that Tessa used to be in a relationship with Clay’s brother although she has been harbouring feelings for Clay for many years.
Three years ago, they both shared a searing hot kiss that neither of them have been able to forget .
Now it’s time for them to meet up for their annual Christmas vacay however, this time everything that could happen to make the sexual tension between them harder to ignore happens …
A snowstorm and one bed …
Sweet temptation that puts them on the naughty list!
The undeniable chemistry and attraction between these characters is spicy and hot.
The banter and the bah humbugs will make you laugh and smile.
Clay is coming to terms with the end of his professional hockey career, and Tessa a student is questioning her career choices too.
Offers and decisions are made that bring clay and Tessa to the same town together.
The secret relationship hidden from Clay’s brother and the emotional Ride is definitely one that is intense, alluring yet heartwarming.
Escaping into Clay and Tessa story was incredibly Entertaining, passionately, beautiful, and cheerfully impressive.

Liz

2,083 reviews15 followers

November 15, 2025

A grumpy/sunshine festive romance from Brooke O��Brien or perhaps that should be bah humbug/sunshine as the broody Clay Barlowe, a former hockey player who blew out his knee finds himself at a crossroads in his life. He’s ruined his career in the NHL and the only door open to him is coaching at his former college but first, he must survive Christmas with his family and the James family as well, including Tessa, his brother’s ex. This was one tradition he could do without but somehow, he’d been wrangled into collecting Tessa but neither had counted on getting stuck in a storm.

This book was the trifecta of a close proximity romance - a remote cottage, one bed and a snowstorm which meant no one was going anywhere. Clay and Tessa’s families had been pushing for Tessa to marry Clay’s brother and at one point she’d given into the pressure, but it had always been Clay who’d had her heart and a kiss, several years before had been enough to convince her she couldn’t be with his brother. That didn’t mean their families had accepted this but after his recent behaviour Clay was on his last chance and couldn’t risk losing it but Tessa wasn’t the only one who hadn’t forgotten that kiss. The trouble was with his history of acting without thinking, Clay had done a one-eighty and was overthinking things worrying about rumours and their relationship causing a scandal without actually talking to Tessa leaving her with the impression he didn’t want her. If you enjoy romances that involve sneaking around. With great characters and a good storyline, this was my kind of festive romance.

Carolyn

1,094 reviews28 followers

November 10, 2025

String Lights & A Candy Cane Used For More Than Decorations!😉 Sin Bin With the Scrooge is a complete stand alone Holiday Romance by the wonderful author, Brooke O'Brien. A Hockey romance, Christmas, a road trip with one bed, forced proximity with his brothers ex is just the start of this emotionally sweet and spicy book gift. I highly recommend anything this author writes, but this book will get you in the festive mood real quick.

I sincerely Thank Brooke O'Brien and The Author Agency for my ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.

Clay Barlowe and Tessa St. James basically grew up together since their parents are such close friends. Clay is 7 years older and Tessa used to date his brother, Evan.

Clay played professional hockey in the NHL and blew his knee out, not once but twice and it ended his career. He's now interested in coaching his Alma Mater's team, Kolmont Kings.

Tessa is in Kolmont majoring in early education and will be heading home to Briar Creek for Christmas. Clay will be picking her up and driving her in since they couldn't come until later.

There is a snowstorm that sends them seeking shelter alone together. They try to ignore the attraction that has been simmering for 3 years but only end up fighting instead.

The Scrooge and Sugar end up in each others arms and neither are wanting it to end but promises are made and broken.

What's a girl to do when her crush ends up at her college and you have to stay a secret?

age-gap alt-pov arc

627 reviews72 followers