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Sin Bin Stories #6

Playing Defense

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The hockey captain is totally wrong for me. He’s sunshine, I’m a cynic; he wants love, I don’t even want friends. I know I should keep my distance—instead, I offer to take his V-card.

Jamie O’Donnell: The face of a model and the body of a machine all wrapped in the personality of a golden retriever. He has the attention of every girl on campus, but there’s one thing he shockingly doesn’t have: experience in the bedroom.

Me: I’m taking a gap year, working at this small-town coffee shop while writing the novel I’ve always dreamed of. Jamie’s here almost every day, with a blushing smile and the yearning gaze of a hopeless romantic. No matter how often I give him the cold shoulder.

After a kiss that rearranges my brain, I make a proposal: I teach him what to do in bed, while he helps me work out some of the tension caused by my writer’s block.

I tell him not to expect affection. But for Jamie, showing that he cares is as natural as breathing.

He stays up all night talking with me when I have trouble sleeping.

He gets jealous when I tell him another guy bought me flowers.

He writes my name on the back of his shirt to show me how he feels when I wear his jersey.

Now Jamie’s playing for my heart. And I’m not sure how long I can keep playing defense.

Playing Defense is a full-length college hockey romance with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA ending!

Tropes:

reverse grumpy/sunshine
he falls first and HARD
found family
no 3rd act breakup
dual POV

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2026

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About the author

Lyssa Lemire

25 books479 followers

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5 stars
268 (24%)
4 stars
380 (35%)
3 stars
340 (31%)
2 stars
76 (7%)
1 star
14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Jen ♥.
1,852 reviews1,151 followers
Read
March 23, 2026
Apparently 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.
Profile Image for Megan.
364 reviews
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
Profile Image for Jessica Nicewonger.
30 reviews2 followers
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for kellyn :).
245 reviews3 followers
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
Profile Image for Valentina.
162 reviews
May 30, 2026
Honestly solid concept. I love the fact this author switches the narrative to give the women the sexual power to be the one teaching instead of the man doing it. There is something sweet about how a hockey player is waiting for the right person to loose his virginity to. This story was warm, funny, hot, and gives the vibe of a muggy winter day.

The strengths in this story lie in the internal dialogue and descriptions. I felt immersed into the college town and the author did a great job to bring out Vermont in the story. The internal dialogue was both hilarious and really makes you sympathies for love struck idiots. I mean Jamie was down bad and a clown at the same time.

The characters were great. Again with Jamie, he was complex and his thoughts were clear. Yet, once his sexual exploration begins we get to see a different side of him which just completes his golden retriever vibe. As for Carmen, she is literally the definition of black cat aura. She is definitely not fit to work in customer service but once she opens up to other characters we get to see a different side. I loved seeing the development of both characters and just finding that rhythm with their person.

Two things I will say this story is missing is:

A. I need more background on both Jamie’s and Carmen’s reasonings for their actions and their family. For example, what made Jamie wait instead of getting his practice in—was there a specific experience that drove that decision. We also never know if he’s in a happy home or if he’s an orphan—need more on his up bringing to understand his decisions and personality. As for, Carmen, I think I wanted to understand more of her parents to understand her. Also if she’s been in a relationship before why was she scared to settle down? Background builds these characters up, even if it’s just one or two sentences.

B. ***SPOILER***There has to be a more seamless transition between their first time and the climax of the story. It was abrupt and rushed. I felt like I got whiplash reading that one paragraph.

I definitely think I would’ve read the other books in this series but I just picked randomly and unfortunately read the last book first. In my opinion Felix and Veikko, should get their own moment and not just stolen moments from this book. It felt like two plots trying to work into one book. Let them have their story and I will read it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lindsey Adams.
1,414 reviews29 followers
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
Profile Image for Danielle.
7 reviews
June 23, 2026
This was such a fun read! I loved the black cat/golden retriever dynamic—it was done so well. He was an absolute cinnamon roll of a man. So persistent without ever being pushy, endlessly patient, completely smitten from the start, and just quietly adored her. Watching her slowly let her walls down while he refused to give up on her was one of my favourite parts of the book. 🥹

I also really appreciated how the virgin trope was handled. It felt refreshing to read a romance where his lack of experience was treated realistically. Too often in romance, a virgin somehow becomes an expert overnight, but this book didn’t fall into that trap. He was awkward, he learned, and it made their intimacy feel far more genuine and believable.

The chemistry was fantastic, the banter had me smiling, and the emotional moments gave the romance real depth. I also found myself becoming really invested in one of the side romances that was quietly developing throughout the story. I won’t say who because I don’t want to spoil anything, but I was genuinely hoping we’d get to see where it went. 💛

My only disappointment is knowing this is the last book in the series. I would have happily read another book just to follow those side characters. Overall, this was a sweet, funny, heartfelt hockey romance and a lovely way to wrap up the series. 🏒💕
Profile Image for Cheryl McTyre.
348 reviews3 followers
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.
Profile Image for b ⁺˖✧˚.
90 reviews
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
Profile Image for Keleigh.
280 reviews
July 7, 2026
3.25 ⭐️ This was good and just quick read. I did like Jamie and Carmen together but it just felt very quick like one minute they weren’t on a ‘date’ and the next they were telling each other they loved each other. And I do feel like it ended really quickly and some times the chapter just seemed to jump and they didn’t seem to flow very well. But I did enjoy the plot and the fact that Jamie was the virgin, that’s the first book I’ve read where the mmc is the virgin. I liked that Carmen was writing a book and I actually thought that the plot was really good for it so I’m glad that it was a hit for her. I also liked that she become friends with the main friendship group and they all had belief in her. I also like that Kazu felt protective of her and told Jamie to treat her well. I also liked the storyline between Felix and Veikko so I kind of hope that we get a book about them. It was okay but it was just a quick little read!!
Profile Image for Soila Trejo.
109 reviews
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!
Profile Image for Sharon Melia.
342 reviews4 followers
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
9,448 reviews67 followers
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.
Profile Image for Whitney Anderson.
73 reviews
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.
Profile Image for haleigh lee.
317 reviews
June 2, 2026
4.25 ⭐️ i can’t believe this series is over! i am so sad now! wow! i love this one so much. i have been so intrigued by jamie’s character since the beginning! i mean how could i not be?? he’s so shy and cute, such a golden retriever. i loved carmen. i loved how jamie got her out of her shell. i loved how much she was so focused on writing her book and didn’t let the opinions of her parents change that. i loved the other glimpses into relationships in this series of characters who don’t have a book as well! this was such a fun series!
Profile Image for Keles Wyntor.
86 reviews
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!
Profile Image for mikenlar.
349 reviews1 follower
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 😊
Profile Image for Didi.
2,317 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Mairzi.
917 reviews
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.
Profile Image for olive bell.
53 reviews
May 18, 2026
oh my gosh.

jamie is SO CUTE. usually i don’t love when a character is super grumpy, but carmen had a grumpiness that was honestly endearing. she wasn’t mean or intentionally hurtful, she was just closed off. i loved every second of this read. i was laughing and smiling the entire time.
16 reviews
June 7, 2026
So cute!

I kept seeing the pages tick down and growing anxious about this couple. They were so cute! I think the writing around the characters thoughts and actions was well done, especially with Jamie being a virgin. It was realistic, and that only enhanced the story.

To be honest, I’m really hopeful for more information on Veikko! He was a stand out for sure!
Profile Image for Samm Sciarratta.
177 reviews
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!
Profile Image for Casey Ann.
5 reviews
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.😂
Profile Image for Rocío.
114 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Annika.
343 reviews
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.
Profile Image for amelia x.
619 reviews3 followers
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
Profile Image for Laura.
1,874 reviews29 followers
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.
Profile Image for Janine Taylor.
247 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2026
The Sin Bin Series comes to an end 😢 I have loved this series & Jamie & Carmen finished off the series with a tidy little bow 🥰
My only request would be a little novella for Felix & Veikko 🙏🏼🙏🏼🫶🏼

“If your name is good enough to be written on my heart, it’s good enough to be written on my back.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews