What do you think?
Rate this book
Playing Defense: A Grumpy Sunshine Hockey Romance
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Read
March 23, 2026Apparently this is a series ender, but tbh, it didn't even end with a bang. Idk, I didn't read everything in this series, so I'm not sure what to expect, but this was meh, to say the least.
So, I don't know if it's because of this book, but I've come to realize that I'm not really a fan of black cat FMCs. It's tough, especially when there's not much explanation or context about why they act that way. I needed a bit of background because without it, I'd just think she's someone who enjoys being a witch for no particular reason. It's kind of like those MMCs in a grumpy x sunshine trope who aren't actually grumpy, just total jerks.
Then she's paired with this golden retriever, MMC, who's adorable but also kind of cringey at times, at least in how he acts around her. Idk, I love a hero like this, but it turns out I only enjoy it when the FMC somewhat returns the sentiment. Well, she's not totally closed off around him, but she knows he's a relationship-type guy and doesn't want to do anything serious with him. But after finding out he's inexperienced and has a crush on her, and since she's attracted to him, she thought she might as well explore the physical aspect of that attraction. She said it's a win-win; she'll relieve her sexual frustration, and he'll learn how to please someone. Idk, this comes off a bit selfish in the beginning because she only wants to use him, but he's more than willing to participate because it gives him a chance to get closer to her.
Idk, in the first half of this, nothing really happened between the MCs aside from their awkward interactions. Then they went from 0 to 100 in a flash, and I was confused as to why. Then the storytelling became more telling than showing, indicating some time jumps. I already wasn't invested, but this style makes it even harder to connect with the MCs. Then the second half was them becoming fuck buddies, and only at the last chapter did they become a couple, followed by the epilogue that lacks screen time for them. Tbh, I feel like I wasted my time reading this. I probably should've DNF'd, but this is just a short book, so I thought I might as well finish it.
Overall, I didn't enjoy it, and I felt like there were many tropes and side plots included but not really explored that much. This book is way too short, I suppose, and if I were a reader who followed this series, I probably would've wanted more from the final installment. Tbf, there's a link to get an extended epilogue that apparently includes the main MCs and all the MCs in this series. But I couldn't be bothered by it, because why do I have to sign up just to read those scenes? I wish those were included in here and available already.
So, I don't know if it's because of this book, but I've come to realize that I'm not really a fan of black cat FMCs. It's tough, especially when there's not much explanation or context about why they act that way. I needed a bit of background because without it, I'd just think she's someone who enjoys being a witch for no particular reason. It's kind of like those MMCs in a grumpy x sunshine trope who aren't actually grumpy, just total jerks.
Then she's paired with this golden retriever, MMC, who's adorable but also kind of cringey at times, at least in how he acts around her. Idk, I love a hero like this, but it turns out I only enjoy it when the FMC somewhat returns the sentiment. Well, she's not totally closed off around him, but she knows he's a relationship-type guy and doesn't want to do anything serious with him. But after finding out he's inexperienced and has a crush on her, and since she's attracted to him, she thought she might as well explore the physical aspect of that attraction. She said it's a win-win; she'll relieve her sexual frustration, and he'll learn how to please someone. Idk, this comes off a bit selfish in the beginning because she only wants to use him, but he's more than willing to participate because it gives him a chance to get closer to her.
Idk, in the first half of this, nothing really happened between the MCs aside from their awkward interactions. Then they went from 0 to 100 in a flash, and I was confused as to why. Then the storytelling became more telling than showing, indicating some time jumps. I already wasn't invested, but this style makes it even harder to connect with the MCs. Then the second half was them becoming fuck buddies, and only at the last chapter did they become a couple, followed by the epilogue that lacks screen time for them. Tbh, I feel like I wasted my time reading this. I probably should've DNF'd, but this is just a short book, so I thought I might as well finish it.
Overall, I didn't enjoy it, and I felt like there were many tropes and side plots included but not really explored that much. This book is way too short, I suppose, and if I were a reader who followed this series, I probably would've wanted more from the final installment. Tbf, there's a link to get an extended epilogue that apparently includes the main MCs and all the MCs in this series. But I couldn't be bothered by it, because why do I have to sign up just to read those scenes? I wish those were included in here and available already.
April 6, 2026
3.5
We need more virgin mmc's
OffSide Play - 3⭐️
Chasing The Puck - 4⭐️
Breakaway Goal - 4⭐️
Blocked Score - 3.5⭐️
In The Net - 4⭐️
Defence Play - 3.5⭐️
Kind feel like we needed more ngl
We need more virgin mmc's
OffSide Play - 3⭐️
Chasing The Puck - 4⭐️
Breakaway Goal - 4⭐️
Blocked Score - 3.5⭐️
In The Net - 4⭐️
Defence Play - 3.5⭐️
Kind feel like we needed more ngl
March 14, 2026
Great wrap up to the series. The only disappointment was that we will not be getting a Veikko-Felix book.
The way that Jamie and his virginity was written was well done and the fact that Carmen wasn’t written to “take” his virginity but rather for them to find vulnerability and love in each other made this trope work so well.
The way that Jamie and his virginity was written was well done and the fact that Carmen wasn’t written to “take” his virginity but rather for them to find vulnerability and love in each other made this trope work so well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2026
bumbling innocent boy who can’t talk to girls this was fantastic i don’t care what anyone else has to say
March 24, 2026
Super quick and cutesy!
March 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Any MMC who is a bumbling idiot in front of the FMC and owns it is a winner in my book. Book 6 of Lyssa Lemire’s Sin Bin series gives us a deeper look into Jamie, a virgin hockey player who holds his secret tight to his chest. Although every girl on campus knows who he is, he is able to ignore most of them. Until he meets Carmen who doesn’t seem to fall for his good looks, big muscles, and boyish charm.
Jamie will do anything to be around Carmen, so he proposes an agreement where they both can relieve tension. Carmen will teach Jamie all about bedroom behavior and in return get some “release” to hopefully help clear her writer's block. I really liked reading about them keeping their part of the agreement held, while trying to fight off real feelings forming. Jamie is a complete delight and total golden retriever for Carmen.
Lyssa has given readers so much in this series as a whole. I am happy whenever I see a new book coming out as I need to get to know all these players. She includes past couples and characters which gives a consistent reader the feeling of visiting with friends.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Grumpy x Sunshine
☕Hockey Romance
🏒College Romance
☕He Falls First
🏒Found Family
☕Virgin MMC
Any MMC who is a bumbling idiot in front of the FMC and owns it is a winner in my book. Book 6 of Lyssa Lemire’s Sin Bin series gives us a deeper look into Jamie, a virgin hockey player who holds his secret tight to his chest. Although every girl on campus knows who he is, he is able to ignore most of them. Until he meets Carmen who doesn’t seem to fall for his good looks, big muscles, and boyish charm.
Jamie will do anything to be around Carmen, so he proposes an agreement where they both can relieve tension. Carmen will teach Jamie all about bedroom behavior and in return get some “release” to hopefully help clear her writer's block. I really liked reading about them keeping their part of the agreement held, while trying to fight off real feelings forming. Jamie is a complete delight and total golden retriever for Carmen.
Lyssa has given readers so much in this series as a whole. I am happy whenever I see a new book coming out as I need to get to know all these players. She includes past couples and characters which gives a consistent reader the feeling of visiting with friends.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Grumpy x Sunshine
☕Hockey Romance
🏒College Romance
☕He Falls First
🏒Found Family
☕Virgin MMC
March 13, 2026
The sixth and final book in the Sin Bin series from Lyssa Lemire was a sweet, fun and steamy ending to the series. Jamie O'Donnell is captain of the Brumehill Bears Hockey team, and he's a virgin. Carmen is the grumpy barista in her aunt's coffee shop. He's been crushing on her for months, she knows it and so do the guys on his hockey team. Carmen is taking a gap year to follow her own dream of writing a novel. She knows Jamie has the crush, it should bother her, but instead she's intrigued.
As the two hang out and become friends, she wants more. He can help her understand what she wants in her love scenes and she can take what he's offering. Full of fun, witty banter and being reminded of why you fell in love with your partner. Always wanting more. A few side plots, visits from old friends and two HEAs makes this book a 5-star read. I'll read this series again and watch out for Lyssa's next series.
Tropes include:
Virgin male lead
Grumpy (her)/Sunshine (him)
He falls first, hard and often
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As the two hang out and become friends, she wants more. He can help her understand what she wants in her love scenes and she can take what he's offering. Full of fun, witty banter and being reminded of why you fell in love with your partner. Always wanting more. A few side plots, visits from old friends and two HEAs makes this book a 5-star read. I'll read this series again and watch out for Lyssa's next series.
Tropes include:
Virgin male lead
Grumpy (her)/Sunshine (him)
He falls first, hard and often
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2026
2.5 stars ☆
i can totally see why someone would love this, but it was not for me. jamie and carmen had a lot of cute moments, and the smut was well-ish written, if a little lack luster. i found that the author used a lot of violent action words when describing things like desire and lust, (not a quote) example: "pure heat blasted through my body." kinda took me out of it a bit??
i didn't feel like the plot really started moving until around the 40-50% mark either, which was kind of dissapointing. also, the ending was so rushed and threw in so many more loops than necessary. dialogue super cringey as well and also jamie got horny over the weirdest things ever & at super random times, it lowk made me laugh but js strange
giving this 2.5 stars purely for the veikko and felix content WHY WASNT THIS BOOK ABT THEM??? I LOVED THEM SMMMM! quite enjoyed the "he's a virgin" pipline too i need more of that
i can totally see why someone would love this, but it was not for me. jamie and carmen had a lot of cute moments, and the smut was well-ish written, if a little lack luster. i found that the author used a lot of violent action words when describing things like desire and lust, (not a quote) example: "pure heat blasted through my body." kinda took me out of it a bit??
i didn't feel like the plot really started moving until around the 40-50% mark either, which was kind of dissapointing. also, the ending was so rushed and threw in so many more loops than necessary. dialogue super cringey as well and also jamie got horny over the weirdest things ever & at super random times, it lowk made me laugh but js strange
giving this 2.5 stars purely for the veikko and felix content WHY WASNT THIS BOOK ABT THEM??? I LOVED THEM SMMMM! quite enjoyed the "he's a virgin" pipline too i need more of that
April 3, 2026
Laugh out Loud Funny
Wow! Absolutely devoured this book! I thought I was done with the Sin Bin Stories after reading Sebastian’s story! I didn’t realize Jaime would get his own book but I am so happy he did! I also loved how Felix and Veilko were tied in too! Although what about Jasmine? Will we see her in the next universe/series?
I just enjoy these quick reads so much. This book was funny, spicy and with just the right amount of romance. It felt light and breezy.
Jaime was so funny and Carmen was perfection.
Opposites attract, he falls first, innocent and spicy.
Lyssa did an amazing job of wrapping this series up. This book had me smiling and laughing out loud!
Wow! Absolutely devoured this book! I thought I was done with the Sin Bin Stories after reading Sebastian’s story! I didn’t realize Jaime would get his own book but I am so happy he did! I also loved how Felix and Veilko were tied in too! Although what about Jasmine? Will we see her in the next universe/series?
I just enjoy these quick reads so much. This book was funny, spicy and with just the right amount of romance. It felt light and breezy.
Jaime was so funny and Carmen was perfection.
Opposites attract, he falls first, innocent and spicy.
Lyssa did an amazing job of wrapping this series up. This book had me smiling and laughing out loud!
April 14, 2026
The inexperienced captain of the hockey team has a Crazy crush on the local grumpy barista. She's not a people pleaser and generally stays to herself writing her book & living life. but he's trying to catch her attention. and he does cause he gets caught off guard every yome
hen sees her either falling over himself
or crashing into things.
His goofy self is endearing to carmen and she lets him into her life slowly. Using him for her book inspiration and he for her sexual experiences.
It's a fun book, easy read & full of really endearing moments.
Great addition to the series
,I really enjoyed this one.
hen sees her either falling over himself
or crashing into things.
His goofy self is endearing to carmen and she lets him into her life slowly. Using him for her book inspiration and he for her sexual experiences.
It's a fun book, easy read & full of really endearing moments.
Great addition to the series
,I really enjoyed this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2026
Carmens taking a gap year working in the coffee shop, whilst writing her novel. Jamie is the smitten hockey player whose drawn to Carmen, but shes not one for even friendships let alone romance, and he still has vcard, when she relents to a physical arrangement, Jamie takes his chance at making this more than a passing fling, hes playing for keep. Well written engaging steamy reverse grumpy/ sunshine, hocky playing romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2026
• Grumpy x sunshine • he falls first • virgin mmc • friends with benefits • college hockey • dual POV •
Jamie is the blushing, awkward virgin who has it bad for Carmen, the grumpy barista/aspiring writer. This is a slow building romance where he falls first & she knows it. Enjoyed seeing everything play out - even though some parts may have been a tad predictable.
Sad this series is ending. Veikko & Felix deserve their own book after the TENSION in the subplot of this one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jamie is the blushing, awkward virgin who has it bad for Carmen, the grumpy barista/aspiring writer. This is a slow building romance where he falls first & she knows it. Enjoyed seeing everything play out - even though some parts may have been a tad predictable.
Sad this series is ending. Veikko & Felix deserve their own book after the TENSION in the subplot of this one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2026
Ugh this story was so cute. I really love this series, and am surprised to say that Jamie and Carmen’s story has been my favorite! Although the tease for a future MLM in this series might take that place! I really loved the dual POV. Jamie and Carmen both had such strong internal voices that really made the story. Lemire does such a job balancing funny banter and beautiful lovely romance. Can’t wait for the next book!
March 12, 2026
2.5⭐
I keep reading these books even though I never really love any of them. they are not great but I found them good as pallet cleansers no matter how bad they get lol. and the mistakes too!! though they are extremely fast reads and I feel like my brain can just shut off and sometimes these type books are the only ones that can achieve it 😊
I keep reading these books even though I never really love any of them. they are not great but I found them good as pallet cleansers no matter how bad they get lol. and the mistakes too!! though they are extremely fast reads and I feel like my brain can just shut off and sometimes these type books are the only ones that can achieve it 😊
March 15, 2026
Jamie has fallen for a grumpy barista. Carmen wants nothing to do with him or basically anybody. Loved the push pull between the sunshine and grumpy between the two. I enjoyed the growth of their relationship, humor, some twists, sizzle,
team antics and the wonderful HEA. Sad to see the series ending!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
team antics and the wonderful HEA. Sad to see the series ending!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2026
I read this just to see if the author got any better. Nope, didn't happen and she still doesn't even know the basic hockey positions. A quick google search would reveal that no one plays "center left". I think she meant left wing.
And while there was no more references to "mushroom head", there was a substantial increase in editing and proofreading errors.
And while there was no more references to "mushroom head", there was a substantial increase in editing and proofreading errors.
March 12, 2026
I fell for Jamie when we first met him & I loved Carmen's influence on him. I have to say I was here more for the subplot between 2 other characters though 👀 also, if the next series doesn't have Carter, I may be sad. Great end to Sin Bin!
March 19, 2026
Romance was fine, I guess? But was extremely distracted by dude bro hockey players discovering gay people in 2026… also could not see past the MMC saying “oh brother” on like more than one occasion. But I was also clearly entertained enough to read in one day.😂
April 1, 2026
29%
Why is it ok to force a person to strip in front of strangers assuming it must be normal for him yet knowing how shy he is???? Am I supposed to root for the FMC after this??
61%
I'm actually disappointed. I don't want to keep reading.
Why is it ok to force a person to strip in front of strangers assuming it must be normal for him yet knowing how shy he is???? Am I supposed to root for the FMC after this??
61%
I'm actually disappointed. I don't want to keep reading.
April 6, 2026
A good wrap up to the series, but I wish Felix and Veikko were getting a book. This series would have been fun to read all at once, but it came back to me easily. There wasn’t much spice; there was my favorite microtrope so points for that.
April 19, 2026
I can’t believe this was the last book in the series i need more😩😩😩loved every moment of this book jamie had my heart i actually love him he’s so cute and innocent!!! loved reading about the rest of them as well so cute
May 9, 2026
Sabia que el libro de Jamie me iba a encantar, ha sido tan dulce y hace tan buena pareja con Carmen. Una pena que no sepamos literalmente nada de la vida familia de él, me habría gustado que hubiera 50 páginas más desarrollándolo un poco más.
March 10, 2026
they are just so cute together <3 <3
March 13, 2026
hockey players discovering gay people in 2026
March 15, 2026
me encanto el libro, me lo lei en una sentada, me encanto todo y me da una pena gigante que sea el último
March 15, 2026
So cute and I was excited to get the Jamie story. And even more excited with the side love story in this one too
March 16, 2026
GAY HOCKEY PLAYERS
March 17, 2026
Súper súper cute! Jamie is down so bad for Carmen and I love that she finally gave in to her feelings for him. It was a super feel good book and made me giggle and kick my feet!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews