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Sin Bin Stories #5
In the Net
I’ve hated the hockey player for years. But when I need a guy to pretend I'm in love with, he’s the perfect choice.
Sebastian Bookish, athletic, and—as much as I hate to admit it—hot, he’s most girls’ dream come true. But I grew up with him, and I can’t stand the arrogant, entitled hotshot he’s become.
As an English major with PhD ambitions, I live my life buried in books. So what if my dedication to academics means I rarely date? There are more important things in my life than men.
But try getting my old-fashioned family to understand that. They’ve been on my case about my perpetual singleness, and I’m tired of it. Maybe the right date to an upcoming family wedding will get them off my back …
Sebastian is superficially impressive enough to wow my family, and there’s zero chance of real feelings developing from this fake relationship.
Not even if we do share the same taste in books and have surprisingly insightful and interesting conversations.
Not even if our banter is starting to become fun and addictive.
Not even if the kisses he gives me for show start to take my breath away … or if we start spending time together even when no one’s watching … or if he starts buying us copies of the same book to read together …
Uh oh. I might be falling in love with the guy I’m supposed to hate.
In the Net is a full-length hockey romance novel with plenty of steam, no cheating, lots of banter, and a guaranteed HEA ending!
academic rivals to loversfake relationshiphe takes care of her when she's sickone bed tropeno 3rd act breakupdual POV
Sebastian Bookish, athletic, and—as much as I hate to admit it—hot, he’s most girls’ dream come true. But I grew up with him, and I can’t stand the arrogant, entitled hotshot he’s become.
As an English major with PhD ambitions, I live my life buried in books. So what if my dedication to academics means I rarely date? There are more important things in my life than men.
But try getting my old-fashioned family to understand that. They’ve been on my case about my perpetual singleness, and I’m tired of it. Maybe the right date to an upcoming family wedding will get them off my back …
Sebastian is superficially impressive enough to wow my family, and there’s zero chance of real feelings developing from this fake relationship.
Not even if we do share the same taste in books and have surprisingly insightful and interesting conversations.
Not even if our banter is starting to become fun and addictive.
Not even if the kisses he gives me for show start to take my breath away … or if we start spending time together even when no one’s watching … or if he starts buying us copies of the same book to read together …
Uh oh. I might be falling in love with the guy I’m supposed to hate.
In the Net is a full-length hockey romance novel with plenty of steam, no cheating, lots of banter, and a guaranteed HEA ending!
academic rivals to loversfake relationshiphe takes care of her when she's sickone bed tropeno 3rd act breakupdual POV
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2025
791 people are currently reading
1221 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
October 8, 2025
Maybe I do like cocky men
October 14, 2025
Okay I am SO glad I decided to continue with this series because I contemplated moving on to something different after the last book, and this brought back the airplane book vibes the first books had that I was looking for. Was it cheesy? Yes. Was it unrealistic? Yes. Was it repetitive? Yes. And if there’s one thing about Lyssa Lemire it’s that she’s going to introduce a plot thread as if it’s a big thing but then will pretty much ignore it. And you know what? I don’t care, it was fun, okay?? Let a girl LIVE.
Sebastian and Harper were v cute and I love a rivals fake dating plot, even more so where they refuse to admit they’re both in love with each other!! Now give me Jamie’s book IMMEDIATELY, I need to read about my sweet golden retriever boy and the black cat girl he’s crushing on!!
Sebastian and Harper were v cute and I love a rivals fake dating plot, even more so where they refuse to admit they’re both in love with each other!! Now give me Jamie’s book IMMEDIATELY, I need to read about my sweet golden retriever boy and the black cat girl he’s crushing on!!
November 27, 2025
Sebastian & Harper
September 13, 2025
this was written like a wattpad book except not even the fun kind with a ton of spice because they didn’t even do anything until 75% through. also when they did do something it wasn’t even hate sex I was expecting hate sex. nonetheless, it was a cute story. I wish we got to see more of the old side characters though. I like how she set up the new characters books. I have a feeling this series isn’t going to end any time soon and even though it’s not my favorite I still enjoy it a lot. I’m excited for Jamie’s book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.5/5
October 1, 2025
Why are these books not longer.
October 8, 2025
They definitely breakup after this book
October 8, 2025
Slow Burn!
Not a lot of hockey in this book. Or as much interaction with their friends. Lots of traveling and schoolwork though. It could use more plot. Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
Not a lot of hockey in this book. Or as much interaction with their friends. Lots of traveling and schoolwork though. It could use more plot. Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
September 16, 2025
It was good. I was waiting for this one! I'm just slightly disappointed...
I felt like the ending was so rushed, to be honest, but I loved it no matter what. I loved the banter they had, and even though there were a few spicy scenes, they were worth it!
I felt like the ending was so rushed, to be honest, but I loved it no matter what. I loved the banter they had, and even though there were a few spicy scenes, they were worth it!
September 15, 2025
good enemies to lovers and the slow burn was slooowww!
September 12, 2025
3.5 Stars
Super quick, lighthearted, cutesy read. Wasn’t my favorite in the series but enjoyable all the same as a nice little hockey romance.
Super quick, lighthearted, cutesy read. Wasn’t my favorite in the series but enjoyable all the same as a nice little hockey romance.
Read
September 18, 2025I really want a book for jamie
October 6, 2025
Best yet of the series. Sebastian and Harper are just cute little smarty pants that love a quick sarcastic comment and I loved them.
Childhood friends to ‘enemies’ to lovers all via fake dating.
Fuck boy hockey player x academic FMC
Only issue was the ending felt very abrupt after a lot of back and forth and repetitive storyline throughout the middle.
Childhood friends to ‘enemies’ to lovers all via fake dating.
Fuck boy hockey player x academic FMC
Only issue was the ending felt very abrupt after a lot of back and forth and repetitive storyline throughout the middle.
October 8, 2025
3.5 stars
The beginning icked me out too much for me to give it a higher rating
The beginning icked me out too much for me to give it a higher rating
January 29, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ I think was my favourite book of the series ! I just love an enemies to lovers trope and I have been waiting for this book since I first introduced to them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2025
Very basic, I wish something more happened in Paris.
October 3, 2025
Their entire relationship was based on how physical they were. Yes this was a 300 page book but it still felt so rushed. Apparently they went through their entire relationship with out and conflict, which was very unrealistic. The last "I love you" scene, gross. Safe to say, I was mostly disappointed.
September 29, 2025
hot nerd? ugh
and such a lighten-heart (?) book.
no owd
now 3rd act break-up
like everything wont make you anxious like straight to the point
and such a lighten-heart (?) book.
no owd
now 3rd act break-up
like everything wont make you anxious like straight to the point
September 28, 2025
Loved this book!
September 9, 2025
The first 50% of the book really had me hooked! Was sitting there thinking that this might be a new author for me to read, but I might have jinxed myself a little. The start was really good, the banter was good, the plot was good, I was just generally enjoying myself! There was a few things here and there that kind of felt a bit off; like constantly having the mc’s remind themselves (and the readers) that they’re supposed to hate/dislike each other, but kind of overlooked it thinking it’d just get better.
The repetition of words kept being overdone, and the book went from a enjoyable 4 star to a 2.5 star because of that alone.
I don’t need to be reminded that the MCs are each others «fake boyfriend/girlfriend» all the time. It feels like this book should be edited some more.
I also do miss character development. The MMC from the start is painted in a «cocky, arrogant» way but alot of him and what he does in the book never gets answers.
The story was packed with stuff, which felt at times a little unnessesary.
I do however give credit where credit’s due; the slow burn and banter was really good! I adored the FMC and MMC as well as their relationship, but I felt like the story and writing made it a bit of a miss for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The repetition of words kept being overdone, and the book went from a enjoyable 4 star to a 2.5 star because of that alone.
I don’t need to be reminded that the MCs are each others «fake boyfriend/girlfriend» all the time. It feels like this book should be edited some more.
I also do miss character development. The MMC from the start is painted in a «cocky, arrogant» way but alot of him and what he does in the book never gets answers.
The story was packed with stuff, which felt at times a little unnessesary.
I do however give credit where credit’s due; the slow burn and banter was really good! I adored the FMC and MMC as well as their relationship, but I felt like the story and writing made it a bit of a miss for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2025
I loved the premise and the characters in this story, I’m sang the writing felt so choppy and rushed but dragged on.. wanted to love it
September 19, 2025
this one is my favourite out the series, enemies to lovers! yesss thank you ❤️
September 15, 2025
didn’t LOVE it as much as the last one but was still very good !
September 13, 2025
I'm a sucker for the helping when sick scenes
September 12, 2025
bingeable? yes. will i remember this story a month from now? probably not
September 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Lyssa Lemire’s newest addition to her Sin Bin Stories series is here! In the Net brings another fun, sexy, and romantic couple together. I always enjoy Lyssa’s stories, and while this was a good read, it didn’t resonate the same as her other books in this series. It has some of my favorite tropes and I love when characters are deeper than they appear, but the sizzle wasn’t sparking for me.
Sebastian’s story is one that I have looked forward to. Every book has spotlighted the hockey players, bringing to light layers beyond the college hockey players most only see them as. Sebastian is much more than a star hockey player, but most don’t take the time to get to know him on a deeper level. They care about his plan to beat the opponent in the next game or to hash over highlights of the last pro hockey game. But underneath the hockey loving exterior, lies someone who loves reading, deep conversation, and just more than hockey.
Harper was harder to connect to FMC for me. She always had her head in a book and dreams of her PhD. She sometimes comes across as though no one is at her same intellectual level. She isn’t snobby, but definitely takes people at their first impression. However, when she needs help, she can’t think of anyone to help her but Sebastian. When she lets her guard down and truly starts to get to know him, he surprises her. Who knew the hockey player would have read her favorite books and could actually hold a conversation? I loved how she learned to not judge a book by its cover.
While not my favorite book of Lyssa’s, I still enjoyed reading this romance. As our MCs truly got to know each other and let their first impressions be given another chance, they truly do bring out the best in each other. Sebastian helps Harper in ways she never imagined and Harper lets part of Sebastian shine that don’t often. I also love getting to see old characters from past books and wonder who the next couple is going to be?
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Academic Rivals to More
📚Fake Relationship
🏒One Bed
📚He Takes Care of Her
🏒Hockey Romance
📚College Romance
Lyssa Lemire’s newest addition to her Sin Bin Stories series is here! In the Net brings another fun, sexy, and romantic couple together. I always enjoy Lyssa’s stories, and while this was a good read, it didn’t resonate the same as her other books in this series. It has some of my favorite tropes and I love when characters are deeper than they appear, but the sizzle wasn’t sparking for me.
Sebastian’s story is one that I have looked forward to. Every book has spotlighted the hockey players, bringing to light layers beyond the college hockey players most only see them as. Sebastian is much more than a star hockey player, but most don’t take the time to get to know him on a deeper level. They care about his plan to beat the opponent in the next game or to hash over highlights of the last pro hockey game. But underneath the hockey loving exterior, lies someone who loves reading, deep conversation, and just more than hockey.
Harper was harder to connect to FMC for me. She always had her head in a book and dreams of her PhD. She sometimes comes across as though no one is at her same intellectual level. She isn’t snobby, but definitely takes people at their first impression. However, when she needs help, she can’t think of anyone to help her but Sebastian. When she lets her guard down and truly starts to get to know him, he surprises her. Who knew the hockey player would have read her favorite books and could actually hold a conversation? I loved how she learned to not judge a book by its cover.
While not my favorite book of Lyssa’s, I still enjoyed reading this romance. As our MCs truly got to know each other and let their first impressions be given another chance, they truly do bring out the best in each other. Sebastian helps Harper in ways she never imagined and Harper lets part of Sebastian shine that don’t often. I also love getting to see old characters from past books and wonder who the next couple is going to be?
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Academic Rivals to More
📚Fake Relationship
🏒One Bed
📚He Takes Care of Her
🏒Hockey Romance
📚College Romance
September 10, 2025
This is a contemporary college hockey romance that is so cute and funny.
This book had me grinning like a fool. There were so many sweet and hilarious moments. I practically inhaled this book I was having such a great time.
The story revolves around MCs Harper and Sebastian who are childhood friends turned enemies-to-lovers in college. They begin fake dating and well the rest is such a cute, sweet, and funny ride full of plenty of great banter and steam.
Not only were the plot and MCs great but the side characters also added to the story.
Tropes you'll enjoy:
• Enemies-to-lovers
• Fake dating
• He takes care of her
• One bed
• No 3rd act breakup
• dual POV
This book just had the best balance of sweetness and spice while keeping it humorous. I'm eager to go back and read the rest of the books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had me grinning like a fool. There were so many sweet and hilarious moments. I practically inhaled this book I was having such a great time.
The story revolves around MCs Harper and Sebastian who are childhood friends turned enemies-to-lovers in college. They begin fake dating and well the rest is such a cute, sweet, and funny ride full of plenty of great banter and steam.
Not only were the plot and MCs great but the side characters also added to the story.
Tropes you'll enjoy:
• Enemies-to-lovers
• Fake dating
• He takes care of her
• One bed
• No 3rd act breakup
• dual POV
This book just had the best balance of sweetness and spice while keeping it humorous. I'm eager to go back and read the rest of the books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2026
It had penitential but the pace was too fast. I won’t go to in-depth but here’s what I think could improve this story:
-pace slows down where small scenes are drawn out into detail.
-the whole best friend plot point needed to be explored more through interactions between the two. We only get two moments and then the author calls it resolved.
-the exploration of memories when they were both Wong would’ve added to this.
- the whole Paris trip wasn’t believable. I think if the setting changed to somewhere in England it would’ve made more sense.
- at the same time, they both were in a weird position for 50% of the book I think more concrete ways of them being unsure of their feelings before that halfway mark would’ve been great.
-I wish we would’ve had more scenes of them just bonding it would’ve explored more of that tension.
The basis of the story is strong I just think details and exploring scenes and interactions between characters would’ve added more to it.
-pace slows down where small scenes are drawn out into detail.
-the whole best friend plot point needed to be explored more through interactions between the two. We only get two moments and then the author calls it resolved.
-the exploration of memories when they were both Wong would’ve added to this.
- the whole Paris trip wasn’t believable. I think if the setting changed to somewhere in England it would’ve made more sense.
- at the same time, they both were in a weird position for 50% of the book I think more concrete ways of them being unsure of their feelings before that halfway mark would’ve been great.
-I wish we would’ve had more scenes of them just bonding it would’ve explored more of that tension.
The basis of the story is strong I just think details and exploring scenes and interactions between characters would’ve added more to it.
October 22, 2025
2,5 ⭐
One for the occasional good line, one for effort, and half a star fot the bookish man.
It had a lot of potential, however, the execution didn’t quite hook me the way I hoped it would. The pacing felt uneven. Not a bad book, just one that didn’t quite live up to its promise.
I didn't feel like it was enemies to lovers.
I loved the bookish mmc who wears glasses though.
The characters? I don't think they had ANY connection.
Sebastian quotes:
"How the hell was I able to lie to myself for so long? How was I ever able to convince myself that this moment isn't everything I ever wanted?"
"We could sync our reading while I'm gone and talk about it on video calls... Look we are book twinning. Isn't it cute?"
🇬🇧
One for the occasional good line, one for effort, and half a star fot the bookish man.
It had a lot of potential, however, the execution didn’t quite hook me the way I hoped it would. The pacing felt uneven. Not a bad book, just one that didn’t quite live up to its promise.
I didn't feel like it was enemies to lovers.
I loved the bookish mmc who wears glasses though.
The characters? I don't think they had ANY connection.
Sebastian quotes:
"How the hell was I able to lie to myself for so long? How was I ever able to convince myself that this moment isn't everything I ever wanted?"
"We could sync our reading while I'm gone and talk about it on video calls... Look we are book twinning. Isn't it cute?"
🇬🇧
September 12, 2025
*3.5 stars*
I usually love Lyssa's books, but this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Sebastian was a standout, but I struggled to connect with Harper as the FMC. Something felt missing... maybe a deeper emotional pull or a touch more angst to really elevate the story? The enemies-to-lovers dynamic (my FAVORITE trope) also didn’t fully land for me; it lacked that tension and spark I was hoping for. That said, I still enjoy Lyssa’s hockey stories and I’m definitely looking forward to more!
*ARC courtesy of Booksprout and Lyssa Lemire*
I usually love Lyssa's books, but this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Sebastian was a standout, but I struggled to connect with Harper as the FMC. Something felt missing... maybe a deeper emotional pull or a touch more angst to really elevate the story? The enemies-to-lovers dynamic (my FAVORITE trope) also didn’t fully land for me; it lacked that tension and spark I was hoping for. That said, I still enjoy Lyssa’s hockey stories and I’m definitely looking forward to more!
*ARC courtesy of Booksprout and Lyssa Lemire*
January 22, 2026
In the net is apart of the sin bin series and is about Sebastian who has not given up on dating Harper. Once he saw her he knew that it was all over for him. Harper on the other hand is a very stubborn person who needs a lot of convincing when it comes to a new change in her life. What I thought worked about this book was that even thought the two may not seem like they are meant for each other, the author really made us wait in suspense during the two’s fake relationship, but in the end it was worth it. I would recommend this book to anyone who thinks that love is worth the wait!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews