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Sin Bin with the Scrooge: A Pucks and Presents Standalone
It's the most wonderful time of the year... to end up snowed in with your ex-boyfriend's brother.
Clay Barlowe's NHL career ended the night his knee gave out. One torn ACL was bad enough. The second? Game over.
Now he's the guy with a reputation—grumpy, stubborn, hotheaded. Every teammate would agree he's impossible, and he hasn't bothered to prove them wrong. Coaching might be his second chance… if he can avoid distractions and keep the rumors under wraps.
Which is why being snowed in with Tessa St. James is a temptation he can't afford.
Their families spent every Christmas together. Everyone thought she'd grow up to marry Clay's brother. No one knew her heart quietly belonged to Clay.
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.
Sin Bin with the Scrooge is a standalone snowed-in, forced proximity, only-one-bed Christmas romance with an ex-boyfriend's pro-hockey player brother.
Clay Barlowe's NHL career ended the night his knee gave out. One torn ACL was bad enough. The second? Game over.
Now he's the guy with a reputation—grumpy, stubborn, hotheaded. Every teammate would agree he's impossible, and he hasn't bothered to prove them wrong. Coaching might be his second chance… if he can avoid distractions and keep the rumors under wraps.
Which is why being snowed in with Tessa St. James is a temptation he can't afford.
Their families spent every Christmas together. Everyone thought she'd grow up to marry Clay's brother. No one knew her heart quietly belonged to Clay.
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.
Sin Bin with the Scrooge is a standalone snowed-in, forced proximity, only-one-bed Christmas romance with an ex-boyfriend's pro-hockey player brother.
Audible Audio
Published September 22, 2026
About the author
Brooke O'Brien
32 books1,708 followersClick the FOLLOW AUTHOR button to be notified of Brooke's new releases!
USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O'Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult romances. She's best known for her sports and rock star romances.
Brooke believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.
When she isn't writing or falling in love with a new book boyfriend, you can find her spending time with her family, cheering on her favorite sports teams, listening to ASMR, or binge-watching the latest true crime documentary. She loves rockin' a comfy hoodie with leggings and believes the best days include a good nap.
If you're new to Brooke and are wondering where to start, visit authorbrookeobrien.com/booksbybrooke and download the reading order guide.
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Brooke O'Brien is represented by Two Daisy Media. For all subsidiary rights, please contact Savannah Greenwell at info@twodaisy.com.
USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O'Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult romances. She's best known for her sports and rock star romances.
Brooke believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.
When she isn't writing or falling in love with a new book boyfriend, you can find her spending time with her family, cheering on her favorite sports teams, listening to ASMR, or binge-watching the latest true crime documentary. She loves rockin' a comfy hoodie with leggings and believes the best days include a good nap.
If you're new to Brooke and are wondering where to start, visit authorbrookeobrien.com/booksbybrooke and download the reading order guide.
Brooke loves connecting with readers and hopes you'll join her on her social pages or reader group to stay in touch.
Connect with Brooke:
www.authorbrookeobrien.com/follow
Facebook » facebook.com/authorbrookeo
Instagram » instagram.com/authorbrookeobrien
TikTok » tiktok.com/@authorbrookeobrien
Threads » threads.net/@authorbrookeobrien
Reader Group » facebook.com/groups/brookesbookbabes
Influencers, join my Hype Team » authorbrookeobrien.com/hype
Subscribe to Brooke's newsletter for updates on...
» Upcoming releases, sales, and pre-orders.
» Sneak peeks on cover reveals, excerpt, and teasers.
» Details on upcoming book signings and events
To sign up, visit: authorbrookeobrien.com/newsletter
Brooke O'Brien is represented by Two Daisy Media. For all subsidiary rights, please contact Savannah Greenwell at info@twodaisy.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
November 7, 2025
Talk about making the holidays awkward!
Tessa has been dating the brother of the man she really wants for so long that both families expected them to be married. After 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 the pair snowed in together three years later, and their attraction won’t be denied, consequences and hurt feelings be damned.
This was a decent hockey-adjacent romance read for the upcoming holiday season. I received an advance reader copy from The Author Agency, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Tessa has been dating the brother of the man she really wants for so long that both families expected them to be married. After 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 the pair snowed in together three years later, and their attraction won’t be denied, consequences and hurt feelings be damned.
This was a decent hockey-adjacent romance read for the upcoming holiday season. I received an advance reader copy from The Author Agency, and I’m sharing my honest review.
September 23, 2026
4🌟 | 3🌶️
The chemistry, forbidden tension, and snowy holiday setting made this a fun audiobook to settle into, but the narration is what really kept me invested.
Amy Hall was a great fit for Tessa, bringing out her warmth, uncertainty, and emotional side in a way that made her easy to connect with. Gabriel Spires also gave Clay plenty of intensity, especially as he worked through the frustration of losing his hockey career and figuring out what came next. His delivery suited Clay’s broody, guarded personality really well, and the emotional moments landed because of the weight he brought to them.
The romance itself has plenty of tension, especially with the history between Tessa and Clay and all the reasons they should stay away from each other. Their chemistry translated well to audio, and I liked watching Clay slowly figure out what he wanted while Tessa became more confident about what she deserved. There were a few moments where the back-and-forth felt a little drawn out, but the cozy winter atmosphere, family drama, and emotional push and pull kept things entertaining.
Overall, this was an enjoyable listen with strong performances that made the story easy to get swept up in.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Brooke O'Brien and The Author Agency for the ALC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
The chemistry, forbidden tension, and snowy holiday setting made this a fun audiobook to settle into, but the narration is what really kept me invested.
Amy Hall was a great fit for Tessa, bringing out her warmth, uncertainty, and emotional side in a way that made her easy to connect with. Gabriel Spires also gave Clay plenty of intensity, especially as he worked through the frustration of losing his hockey career and figuring out what came next. His delivery suited Clay’s broody, guarded personality really well, and the emotional moments landed because of the weight he brought to them.
The romance itself has plenty of tension, especially with the history between Tessa and Clay and all the reasons they should stay away from each other. Their chemistry translated well to audio, and I liked watching Clay slowly figure out what he wanted while Tessa became more confident about what she deserved. There were a few moments where the back-and-forth felt a little drawn out, but the cozy winter atmosphere, family drama, and emotional push and pull kept things entertaining.
Overall, this was an enjoyable listen with strong performances that made the story easy to get swept up in.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Brooke O'Brien and The Author Agency for the ALC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
November 11, 2025
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.
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.
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!
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!
September 16, 2026
ARC/ALC review
“You are the one thing I can’t stay away from.”
This book follows Tessa and Clay, two people who have had feelings simmering beneath the surface for years. With their families spending Christmas together, being snowed in at the family lodge puts them in close quarters and makes it harder and harder to ignore the attraction between them. Clay is dealing with the loss of his hockey career and trying to figure out what comes next, while Tessa is caught between her history with Clay’s brother Evan and the growing realization that Clay is the one she really wants. What starts as forbidden attraction slowly turns into something much deeper, with family drama, jealousy, and plenty of spicy moments along the way.
I really wanted to love this one more than I did. I liked the forbidden aspect of Tessa and Clay’s relationship and the fact that there was clearly so much history and tension between them. Their chemistry was definitely there. I enjoyed watching Clay slowly come out of his shell and figure out what he wanted for his future.
That said, I struggled with some of the back and forth and the family drama. There were moments where I just wanted Tessa and Clay to communicate instead of dancing around their feelings. I also felt like some parts of the story moved a little too quickly, especially when it came to their relationship becoming more serious.
The Christmas/winter setting was fun, I liked the cozy family atmosphere mixed with all the forbidden attraction. It had some good spicy scenes and plenty of chemistry, but overall I just didn't connect with the story as much as I hoped I would.
Audio book – 4 stars
This book is narrated by Amy Hall and Gabriel Sires. I enjoyed the audio book and think the story translated well to audio. Gabriel did a great job with Clay’s narration. I really liked his voice and felt like he brought the right amount of emotion and intensity to Clay, especially during the more emotional and spicy scenes.
Unfortunately, I didn't care for the female voice that Gabriel did for. It just didn't work for me and made some of her scenes harder to get into. I think I would have enjoyed the audio book more if he would have used a different female voice. I think Amy did an excellent job of portraying Tessa.
“You are the one thing I can’t stay away from.”
This book follows Tessa and Clay, two people who have had feelings simmering beneath the surface for years. With their families spending Christmas together, being snowed in at the family lodge puts them in close quarters and makes it harder and harder to ignore the attraction between them. Clay is dealing with the loss of his hockey career and trying to figure out what comes next, while Tessa is caught between her history with Clay’s brother Evan and the growing realization that Clay is the one she really wants. What starts as forbidden attraction slowly turns into something much deeper, with family drama, jealousy, and plenty of spicy moments along the way.
I really wanted to love this one more than I did. I liked the forbidden aspect of Tessa and Clay’s relationship and the fact that there was clearly so much history and tension between them. Their chemistry was definitely there. I enjoyed watching Clay slowly come out of his shell and figure out what he wanted for his future.
That said, I struggled with some of the back and forth and the family drama. There were moments where I just wanted Tessa and Clay to communicate instead of dancing around their feelings. I also felt like some parts of the story moved a little too quickly, especially when it came to their relationship becoming more serious.
The Christmas/winter setting was fun, I liked the cozy family atmosphere mixed with all the forbidden attraction. It had some good spicy scenes and plenty of chemistry, but overall I just didn't connect with the story as much as I hoped I would.
Audio book – 4 stars
This book is narrated by Amy Hall and Gabriel Sires. I enjoyed the audio book and think the story translated well to audio. Gabriel did a great job with Clay’s narration. I really liked his voice and felt like he brought the right amount of emotion and intensity to Clay, especially during the more emotional and spicy scenes.
Unfortunately, I didn't care for the female voice that Gabriel did for. It just didn't work for me and made some of her scenes harder to get into. I think I would have enjoyed the audio book more if he would have used a different female voice. I think Amy did an excellent job of portraying Tessa.
September 16, 2026
Sin Bin With the Scrooge
By Brooke O'Brien
Narrated by Gabriel Spires, Amy Hall
Getting ready for Christmas? Here is a fun listen to help put you in the spirit! Clay has a reputation on the ice. After returning from an injury too early, had him angry and now it's the first thing people see. Coaching is the next step, so as he is going home with Tessa, he knows she has to remain off limits. For more than one reason too. Tessa and Clay had a moment, never discussed and now driving home for the holidays with him is awkward. Yes, it is years ago, but the tension is real. With a looming blizzard, the two get a room, and now it's impossible not to act on their feelings. But where do they go from here? Their families are friends, there is history and emotions to take into consideration not to mention Clay needs to focus on his new job. Hot and cold, push pull, messing with her mind, this relationship is off the charts combustible and emotionally exhausting! Will they find their happily ever after? All in. That is how I was for these two. I could feel the chemistry, their true feelings and went on their crazy ride. Brooke O'Brien had my heart and she took care of it with this fun listen.
Gabriel Spires and Amy Hall are the story tellers and they know how to drive their characters home! Spires has Clay emotionally driven and he used every feel to make him real. Every scene he was spot on with every emotion. Hall is Tessa, relatable, and confused. She brings out all the feelings and I could feel her despair and love. This is a fabulous listen.
By Brooke O'Brien
Narrated by Gabriel Spires, Amy Hall
Getting ready for Christmas? Here is a fun listen to help put you in the spirit! Clay has a reputation on the ice. After returning from an injury too early, had him angry and now it's the first thing people see. Coaching is the next step, so as he is going home with Tessa, he knows she has to remain off limits. For more than one reason too. Tessa and Clay had a moment, never discussed and now driving home for the holidays with him is awkward. Yes, it is years ago, but the tension is real. With a looming blizzard, the two get a room, and now it's impossible not to act on their feelings. But where do they go from here? Their families are friends, there is history and emotions to take into consideration not to mention Clay needs to focus on his new job. Hot and cold, push pull, messing with her mind, this relationship is off the charts combustible and emotionally exhausting! Will they find their happily ever after? All in. That is how I was for these two. I could feel the chemistry, their true feelings and went on their crazy ride. Brooke O'Brien had my heart and she took care of it with this fun listen.
Gabriel Spires and Amy Hall are the story tellers and they know how to drive their characters home! Spires has Clay emotionally driven and he used every feel to make him real. Every scene he was spot on with every emotion. Hall is Tessa, relatable, and confused. She brings out all the feelings and I could feel her despair and love. This is a fabulous listen.
November 12, 2025
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.
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.
November 11, 2025
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!
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!
September 13, 2026
The angst. The tension. The chemistry. 👀🔥 I was hooked and absolutely devoured this one.
Tessa and Clay were such a fun combination. She’s sunshine and Christmas cheer, while he’s basically the grumpiest Christmas Grinch ever. 😂 Put them together, snow them in, and add all that forbidden tension… yeah, I was invested.
And hear me out… having your wrists bound with Christmas lights sounds like a pretty damn fun time to me along with the candy cane scene. 🤭🫠🎄🔥
There was so much desire and chemistry between these two, and I loved watching everything unfold. Such a fun, spicy Christmas romance with exactly the kind of holiday chaos I want.
🎧 Narrated by Amy Hall and Gabriel Spires. I really enjoyed their performances and thought they were a great fit for Tessa and Clay.
Tessa and Clay were such a fun combination. She’s sunshine and Christmas cheer, while he’s basically the grumpiest Christmas Grinch ever. 😂 Put them together, snow them in, and add all that forbidden tension… yeah, I was invested.
And hear me out… having your wrists bound with Christmas lights sounds like a pretty damn fun time to me along with the candy cane scene. 🤭🫠🎄🔥
There was so much desire and chemistry between these two, and I loved watching everything unfold. Such a fun, spicy Christmas romance with exactly the kind of holiday chaos I want.
🎧 Narrated by Amy Hall and Gabriel Spires. I really enjoyed their performances and thought they were a great fit for Tessa and Clay.
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.
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.
November 12, 2025
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.
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.
December 19, 2025
5 stars
KU
310 pages
Ex-boyfriend's brother
NHL player
College coach
Christmas romance
Tension/banter
Grumpy/sunshine
LOVED everything about this book! Truly enjoyed the banter and tension between the Clay and Tessa! The way this storyline and characters are put together it is ALL so perfect! I was hooked from the beginning and loved everything about it! Overall such a great book! Loved all the hockey talk in this book!
KU
310 pages
Ex-boyfriend's brother
NHL player
College coach
Christmas romance
Tension/banter
Grumpy/sunshine
LOVED everything about this book! Truly enjoyed the banter and tension between the Clay and Tessa! The way this storyline and characters are put together it is ALL so perfect! I was hooked from the beginning and loved everything about it! Overall such a great book! Loved all the hockey talk in this book!
November 11, 2025
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.
September 24, 2026
I received this as an ALC for a voluntary review. And let me just say, this was a blast. I had the best time listening to this one. It was narrated by Amy Hall and Gabriel Spires. They did such an amazing job bringing this to life. This was fun and steamy. A grumpy Clay and a sweetheart Tessa. They just worked so well. This was a fantastic listen and I can’t wait for more from Brooke.
September 17, 2026
Omg this is the perfect Christmas romance! Listening to it was so stinking good and left me so obsessed with them! There isn’t anything I didn’t love, especially when he realized how much he actually loves her. So good!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 12, 2025
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.
November 7, 2025
The Grumpy Scrooge Meets His Chaotic Christmas Miracle 🎅🔥
Where do I even start with Clay and Tessa? Clay is your classic brooding Scrooge never smiles, never jokes, total control freak vibes. Meanwhile, Tessa is pure chaos wrapped in charm: wild, witty, and just the right kind of unhinged to crack his frosty shell.
Their love story? Oh, it’s forbidden (because she’s his younger brother’s ex). Their families are tangled up in holiday gatherings and shared history, which means tension and temptation are always on the guest list. And let me tell you—the chemistry between these two could melt Frosty himself🔥
This book had me hooked from page one and made me completely forget that I was supposed to be working 🫣. This was my first book by Brooke, and definitely not my last! Perfect for anyone who loves grumpy/sunshine, forbidden romance, and a dash of holiday spice with your swoon ❤️🎁
Edited to review the audio:
The narration was such a great addition to this story. Gabriel Spires completely nailed Clay’s broody, guarded personality while still bringing out the emotions hiding underneath all that grumpiness. Amy Hall gave Tessa so much personality and emotion, and I loved how easily she conveyed everything Tessa was feeling. Their performances made the characters feel even more real, and I was completely invested in listening to their story unfold. Definitely a fabulous listen!
Where do I even start with Clay and Tessa? Clay is your classic brooding Scrooge never smiles, never jokes, total control freak vibes. Meanwhile, Tessa is pure chaos wrapped in charm: wild, witty, and just the right kind of unhinged to crack his frosty shell.
Their love story? Oh, it’s forbidden (because she’s his younger brother’s ex). Their families are tangled up in holiday gatherings and shared history, which means tension and temptation are always on the guest list. And let me tell you—the chemistry between these two could melt Frosty himself🔥
This book had me hooked from page one and made me completely forget that I was supposed to be working 🫣. This was my first book by Brooke, and definitely not my last! Perfect for anyone who loves grumpy/sunshine, forbidden romance, and a dash of holiday spice with your swoon ❤️🎁
Edited to review the audio:
The narration was such a great addition to this story. Gabriel Spires completely nailed Clay’s broody, guarded personality while still bringing out the emotions hiding underneath all that grumpiness. Amy Hall gave Tessa so much personality and emotion, and I loved how easily she conveyed everything Tessa was feeling. Their performances made the characters feel even more real, and I was completely invested in listening to their story unfold. Definitely a fabulous listen!
November 5, 2025
🎧 Updated review to add audio:
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.
As for the audiobook it elevates this book. I loved coming back to this story and listening to it. And I loved it even more as an audio. You could all the tension and emotions as the narrators voiced the words. Amy Hall and Gabriel Spires were the perfect pairing and made this an amazing listening experience. They deliver an incredible performance. And brought this story to life perfectly. I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this as an audio it doesn't disappoint. Thanks to the author and the author agency for a copy of this. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
Favorite line: "You're all bah, humbug and broody. Don't pretend I'm not right."
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.
As for the audiobook it elevates this book. I loved coming back to this story and listening to it. And I loved it even more as an audio. You could all the tension and emotions as the narrators voiced the words. Amy Hall and Gabriel Spires were the perfect pairing and made this an amazing listening experience. They deliver an incredible performance. And brought this story to life perfectly. I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this as an audio it doesn't disappoint. Thanks to the author and the author agency for a copy of this. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
Favorite line: "You're all bah, humbug and broody. Don't pretend I'm not right."
September 20, 2026
I think we’re all hoping for cooler weather right now, and maybe reading some wintry books will help. That’s where Sin Bin with the Scrooge by Brooke O’Brien comes in. If you want to get into the holiday mood and are hoping for chilly days again, this festive story is a great choice for your TBR. The book is about a former pro hockey player, Clay, who tries not to fall for the FMC, Tessa, especially since she once dated his brother. But when they end up traveling home for Christmas together, things take a turn. They get snowed in, and those hidden feelings finally come out, leading to a chemistry between them that’s impossible to ignore.
I always enjoy an opposites attract story, especially since I’m married to my complete opposite. These stories really warm my heart. It helps that the characters, even though they’re so different, are both lovable and relatable. At times, one of them made me want to jump into the book and give some advice, especially with how they handled things and kept pushing the other away. I understood why, but I didn’t have to like it. I appreciated how the other character eventually stood up for themselves, and the message about not hiding feelings anymore. I loved that communication played such an important role in this story.
What stood out to me most was the strong chemistry between Clay and Tessa when they finally got together. That’s why things never worked out between Tessa and Clay’s brother; she was always meant for Clay. They’re a much better match, especially since she brings out the best in him. Clay’s hockey career ended because of injuries, and while he’s trying to move on and find a new path, some people can’t let go of his past, and it’s hard on him. I loved how Tessa supported him when others doubted him. She truly was his biggest supporter and anchor.
Just a heads up: this book takes place during the holidays, mostly over college winter break since Tessa is in college and Clay starts working at her college. It has a Christmas and New Year’s theme, but the main focus is on the characters finally getting their happily ever after.
You can really read this book any time of year, even in summer (like I did, a few days before fall starts actually), if you want to imagine cooler weather. Brooke O’Brien made me feel all the emotions and had me rooting for Clay and Tessa to finally get the happily ever after they’ve wanted, especially since their families are so close. Overall, it’s an emotional, impactful, steamy, and holiday-themed story. I give it four stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys these kinds of books. Plus, it’s a standalone, which is another great reason to pick it up.
Audiobook Review: I listened to the audiobook version of Sin Bin with the Scrooge and really enjoyed the narrators. They brought Clay and Tessa to life and did a great job with the story. My only small issue was that even at 2.5x speed, the male narrator’s voice still sounded slow, which was a bit frustrating. That’s not his fault; I just follow along better with faster narration. It might sound odd, but if you knew me in real life, I tend to talk fast and get excited when I speak; I really prefer audiobooks at a quicker pace. Other than that, I enjoyed the audiobook and recommend it to readers who love listening to your books.
What to Expect:
🎄Holiday Romance
💔Ex-Boyfriend’s Brother
🏒Pro Hockey Player Hero
❄️Snowed In
✔️Forced Proximity
🛏️Only One Bed
I received a complimentary ALC from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I always enjoy an opposites attract story, especially since I’m married to my complete opposite. These stories really warm my heart. It helps that the characters, even though they’re so different, are both lovable and relatable. At times, one of them made me want to jump into the book and give some advice, especially with how they handled things and kept pushing the other away. I understood why, but I didn’t have to like it. I appreciated how the other character eventually stood up for themselves, and the message about not hiding feelings anymore. I loved that communication played such an important role in this story.
What stood out to me most was the strong chemistry between Clay and Tessa when they finally got together. That’s why things never worked out between Tessa and Clay’s brother; she was always meant for Clay. They’re a much better match, especially since she brings out the best in him. Clay’s hockey career ended because of injuries, and while he’s trying to move on and find a new path, some people can’t let go of his past, and it’s hard on him. I loved how Tessa supported him when others doubted him. She truly was his biggest supporter and anchor.
Just a heads up: this book takes place during the holidays, mostly over college winter break since Tessa is in college and Clay starts working at her college. It has a Christmas and New Year’s theme, but the main focus is on the characters finally getting their happily ever after.
You can really read this book any time of year, even in summer (like I did, a few days before fall starts actually), if you want to imagine cooler weather. Brooke O’Brien made me feel all the emotions and had me rooting for Clay and Tessa to finally get the happily ever after they’ve wanted, especially since their families are so close. Overall, it’s an emotional, impactful, steamy, and holiday-themed story. I give it four stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys these kinds of books. Plus, it’s a standalone, which is another great reason to pick it up.
Audiobook Review: I listened to the audiobook version of Sin Bin with the Scrooge and really enjoyed the narrators. They brought Clay and Tessa to life and did a great job with the story. My only small issue was that even at 2.5x speed, the male narrator’s voice still sounded slow, which was a bit frustrating. That’s not his fault; I just follow along better with faster narration. It might sound odd, but if you knew me in real life, I tend to talk fast and get excited when I speak; I really prefer audiobooks at a quicker pace. Other than that, I enjoyed the audiobook and recommend it to readers who love listening to your books.
What to Expect:
🎄Holiday Romance
💔Ex-Boyfriend’s Brother
🏒Pro Hockey Player Hero
❄️Snowed In
✔️Forced Proximity
🛏️Only One Bed
I received a complimentary ALC from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 22, 2026
Yikes. The holidays bring their own kind of awkwardness... and this story takes it to a whole new level.
Tessa has known Clay her whole life as their families are long-time friends. However, she dated his brother and honestly, their families expected their love to blossom into a marriage.
But Tessa? She's no longer interested in the brother after an earth-shattering kiss with Clay. She moves on... with neither brother.
After fate brings them back together for a trip home for the holidays, they end up trapped during a snowstorm three years post-kiss and this time? The attraction is still there, debatable whether it's stronger or not... and consequences be damned, the attraction won't be denied.
What I enjoyed most about this story is the character growth for Clay. Known as the hothead from his hockey days, we see and witness his growth through a variety of means. He's staying guarded but slowly taking things down bit by bit for Tessa. He's struggling because he doesn't want to be the guy everyone expects him to be... he wants to be a new, improved version of himself. He's working to get the job at the college Tessa is attending so that he can be the new head coach of the hockey team and he knows it'll be difficult... he will have to break out of the shadow that is himself... the previous version of himself. He tries to do what he thinks is best, trying to keep Tessa in his life without telling her his plan... as always, the lack of communication backfires but this time, it makes things easier for the relationship moving forward.
He fell hard. I mean, he may have become a pancake on the ground once he fell.
Tessa is a bright light in his life... even before he really realizes what he wants. Listening to him talk about her while she was interacting with the other kids at Christmas was so sweet. I could simply feel right then and there... it was endgame. He just had to figure out how.
Because I received this as an audiobook, I want to discuss the narrators for a bit. In the beginning, I was suspicious of the two selected. However, I just needed to take a breather and let the story dig in. Amy Hall did a great job voicing Tessa with the different levels of emotion and yearning to just be desired. She gave Tessa warmth and vulnerability in an amazing way, with a touch of confusion (as you'd expect from a college-age student). She brought sunshine into a world that seemed to lack it a bit... at least for Clay. And Gabriel Sires was a perfect match for Clay. Full on grumpy ex-hockey player personified. I believed it fully. Then the mix of added emotional touches, intense moments in life and love with extra hints of spicy for the spicy moments. Downside? It was hard to keep a straight face when he did his female voice. It took some getting used to... and still makes me giggle.
I want to thank Brooke O'Brien and The Author Agency for this ALC opportunity.
TL:DR
⭐️ 4/5
🎄 Holiday adjacent romance (happens over Christmas & New Year's)
💙 He's her ex's brother
🎓 She's a college student
🏒 Former pro hockey player turned coach
❄️ Snowed in moment
🛌 One bed
🏠 Family friends from childhood
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
💞 Heartfelt moments
🤫 He keeps a secret about his new job
🍭 I'll never look at candy canes the same
🤌 He calls her sug
😮💨 He keeps her panties
❌ No third act breakup
🌶️ 2.5/5
Tessa has known Clay her whole life as their families are long-time friends. However, she dated his brother and honestly, their families expected their love to blossom into a marriage.
But Tessa? She's no longer interested in the brother after an earth-shattering kiss with Clay. She moves on... with neither brother.
After fate brings them back together for a trip home for the holidays, they end up trapped during a snowstorm three years post-kiss and this time? The attraction is still there, debatable whether it's stronger or not... and consequences be damned, the attraction won't be denied.
What I enjoyed most about this story is the character growth for Clay. Known as the hothead from his hockey days, we see and witness his growth through a variety of means. He's staying guarded but slowly taking things down bit by bit for Tessa. He's struggling because he doesn't want to be the guy everyone expects him to be... he wants to be a new, improved version of himself. He's working to get the job at the college Tessa is attending so that he can be the new head coach of the hockey team and he knows it'll be difficult... he will have to break out of the shadow that is himself... the previous version of himself. He tries to do what he thinks is best, trying to keep Tessa in his life without telling her his plan... as always, the lack of communication backfires but this time, it makes things easier for the relationship moving forward.
He fell hard. I mean, he may have become a pancake on the ground once he fell.
Tessa is a bright light in his life... even before he really realizes what he wants. Listening to him talk about her while she was interacting with the other kids at Christmas was so sweet. I could simply feel right then and there... it was endgame. He just had to figure out how.
Because I received this as an audiobook, I want to discuss the narrators for a bit. In the beginning, I was suspicious of the two selected. However, I just needed to take a breather and let the story dig in. Amy Hall did a great job voicing Tessa with the different levels of emotion and yearning to just be desired. She gave Tessa warmth and vulnerability in an amazing way, with a touch of confusion (as you'd expect from a college-age student). She brought sunshine into a world that seemed to lack it a bit... at least for Clay. And Gabriel Sires was a perfect match for Clay. Full on grumpy ex-hockey player personified. I believed it fully. Then the mix of added emotional touches, intense moments in life and love with extra hints of spicy for the spicy moments. Downside? It was hard to keep a straight face when he did his female voice. It took some getting used to... and still makes me giggle.
I want to thank Brooke O'Brien and The Author Agency for this ALC opportunity.
TL:DR
⭐️ 4/5
🎄 Holiday adjacent romance (happens over Christmas & New Year's)
💙 He's her ex's brother
🎓 She's a college student
🏒 Former pro hockey player turned coach
❄️ Snowed in moment
🛌 One bed
🏠 Family friends from childhood
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
💞 Heartfelt moments
🤫 He keeps a secret about his new job
🍭 I'll never look at candy canes the same
🤌 He calls her sug
😮💨 He keeps her panties
❌ No third act breakup
🌶️ 2.5/5
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!
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!
September 19, 2026
✨ALC Review✨ - 3 ⭐️
This definitely had some VERY hot moments and some really sweet ones, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to fully connect with the story. I also felt like the story was kind of all over the place at times, and there were a few things that really pulled me out of it.
For one, everything surrounding his past as an athlete and the “scandal” around them being together felt excessively dramatic. There was so much build-up around it, and then they have one simple interview with the press, and a conversation with his brother and suddenly everything is fine? I feel like these issues still could’ve been apart of the story without making it seem like the whole world revolves around his decisions as a former hockey player, or like the world is going to end if people find out they’re dating.
His inability to communicate with her was also incredibly frustrating. He was acting so immature, and was honestly bordering on insufferable at times. And he’s supposed to have 8 years on her?? He would screw something up, apologize, and then turn around and do basically the same thing again. And then he literally tells her that she doesn’t deserve to be treated that way.
THEN STOP DOING IT!!!
Okay, he eventually DID stop doing it, but then it felt like he did a complete 180 and suddenly started doing everything perfectly. And if he was capable of communicating and handling things that way the entire time, why didn’t he just do that in the first place?! It just didn’t feel particularly realistic to me.
And speaking of things that got repetitive…
“You have no idea what you do to me.”
WE KNOW. 😭😭 WHY DO YOU KEEP SAYING THAT?! OH MY GOD.
I also wasn’t a huge fan of how obvious the setup for the next book felt. Usually, I think you can get away with a sentence or two in the epilogue to cement what’s coming next, but I really would have preferred if we had seen something building throughout the actual story. Instead, the epilogue spends an entire conversation trying to convince us that something is going on, and it felt a little too obvious.
I think a subtler approach would have worked much better. Give us a few little hints throughout the book and then let the epilogue confirm what we’ve already started to suspect. 👀
🎧 While I did mostly enjoy the story overall, I wasn’t a huge fan of the audio. I generally enjoy listening to both of these narrators, but I think different narrators may have been better suited for this particular book in a dual narration format.
I felt like both narrators struggled with giving a strong, distinct voice to the opposite character, and it took me out of the story quite a bit. I also struggled with the differences in volume. I could be listening to Clay’s POV and his voice would be perfectly fine, but then when he switched to voicing the female character, I could barely hear him. That made it especially frustrating when listening in situations where I couldn’t easily adjust the volume.
I feel like this review makes it sound like I suffered through this, a which is not the case. However, there were quite a few things that bugged me and there is definitely room for improvement in the future.
Thank you so much to Brooke O’Brien and The Author Agency for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This definitely had some VERY hot moments and some really sweet ones, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to fully connect with the story. I also felt like the story was kind of all over the place at times, and there were a few things that really pulled me out of it.
For one, everything surrounding his past as an athlete and the “scandal” around them being together felt excessively dramatic. There was so much build-up around it, and then they have one simple interview with the press, and a conversation with his brother and suddenly everything is fine? I feel like these issues still could’ve been apart of the story without making it seem like the whole world revolves around his decisions as a former hockey player, or like the world is going to end if people find out they’re dating.
His inability to communicate with her was also incredibly frustrating. He was acting so immature, and was honestly bordering on insufferable at times. And he’s supposed to have 8 years on her?? He would screw something up, apologize, and then turn around and do basically the same thing again. And then he literally tells her that she doesn’t deserve to be treated that way.
THEN STOP DOING IT!!!
Okay, he eventually DID stop doing it, but then it felt like he did a complete 180 and suddenly started doing everything perfectly. And if he was capable of communicating and handling things that way the entire time, why didn’t he just do that in the first place?! It just didn’t feel particularly realistic to me.
And speaking of things that got repetitive…
“You have no idea what you do to me.”
WE KNOW. 😭😭 WHY DO YOU KEEP SAYING THAT?! OH MY GOD.
I also wasn’t a huge fan of how obvious the setup for the next book felt. Usually, I think you can get away with a sentence or two in the epilogue to cement what’s coming next, but I really would have preferred if we had seen something building throughout the actual story. Instead, the epilogue spends an entire conversation trying to convince us that something is going on, and it felt a little too obvious.
I think a subtler approach would have worked much better. Give us a few little hints throughout the book and then let the epilogue confirm what we’ve already started to suspect. 👀
🎧 While I did mostly enjoy the story overall, I wasn’t a huge fan of the audio. I generally enjoy listening to both of these narrators, but I think different narrators may have been better suited for this particular book in a dual narration format.
I felt like both narrators struggled with giving a strong, distinct voice to the opposite character, and it took me out of the story quite a bit. I also struggled with the differences in volume. I could be listening to Clay’s POV and his voice would be perfectly fine, but then when he switched to voicing the female character, I could barely hear him. That made it especially frustrating when listening in situations where I couldn’t easily adjust the volume.
I feel like this review makes it sound like I suffered through this, a which is not the case. However, there were quite a few things that bugged me and there is definitely room for improvement in the future.
Thank you so much to Brooke O’Brien and The Author Agency for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
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!
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!
September 17, 2026
A grumpy hockey player, a sunshine heroine, and being snowed in with your ex-boyfriend’s brother. What could possibly go wrong?
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️🌶️☆☆☆ (2/5)
Audiobook: Dual
Series: Standalone
HEA: Yes
Sin Bin with the Scrooge was my first book by Brooke O’Brien, and this was such a fun festive hockey romance. I’m rounding up to 4 stars, but for me this was more of a 3.5 star read. The Christmas setting was definitely a highlight, with the cozy family atmosphere, winter vibes, and forbidden attraction all coming together nicely.
Clay and Tessa had so much chemistry and desire between them, and I enjoyed watching that attraction slowly unfold. The grumpy sunshine dynamic worked well, especially with Clay being the perfect Christmas Scrooge while Tessa brings all the warmth and holiday cheer. Add being snowed in, forced proximity, and one very complicated connection, and you have plenty of tension to keep things moving.
The story also managed to balance the spice with an emotional plot. There were some good spicy scenes, but the romance still had plenty of warmth, humor, and heartfelt moments. It’s exactly the kind of festive hockey romance that gives you spice, plot, and all the cozy Christmas chaos.
What I Loved
✔️ Cozy Christmas and winter setting
✔️ Grumpy x sunshine
✔️ Ex-boyfriend’s brother
✔️ Snowed in and forced proximity
✔️ The chemistry and tension between Clay and Tessa
✔️ Fun banter and holiday chaos
✔️ A good balance between spice and story
✔️ Heartfelt emotional moments
🎧 Narration
Amy Hall and Gabriel Sires did a great job bringing this story to audio. Gabriel really captured Clay’s grumpy exterior and emotional side, and I especially enjoyed his voice. He brought the right amount of intensity to Clay, particularly during the more emotional and spicy moments.
Amy was wonderful as Tessa. She brought out her warmth, confusion, vulnerability, and emotions really well, and I could feel the love and frustration behind her character.
I did have one small issue with Gabriel’s female voice. It didn’t quite work for me and made some of those scenes a little harder to get into. I think I would have enjoyed the audiobook even more with a different female voice from him. That said, Amy’s performance as Tessa was excellent, and overall this was still a very enjoyable listen.
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Christmas Romance
✔️ Hockey Romance
✔️ NHL Player
✔️ College Coach
✔️ Ex-Boyfriend’s Brother
✔️ Grumpy x Sunshine
✔️ Friends to Lovers
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Snowed In
✔️ One Bed
✔️ Small Town
✔️ Age Gap
✔️ Forbidden Attraction
✔️ Banter & Tension
Final Thoughts
Sin Bin with the Scrooge was a cozy, festive, and spicy Christmas romance with plenty of chemistry and holiday charm. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the dynamic between Clay and Tessa, even though a few things kept it from being a full four stars for me.
Still, if you’re looking for a fun Christmas hockey romance with a grumpy hero, sunshine heroine, forbidden attraction, and plenty of cozy winter vibes, this one definitely delivers.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️🌶️☆☆☆ (2/5)
Audiobook: Dual
Series: Standalone
HEA: Yes
Sin Bin with the Scrooge was my first book by Brooke O’Brien, and this was such a fun festive hockey romance. I’m rounding up to 4 stars, but for me this was more of a 3.5 star read. The Christmas setting was definitely a highlight, with the cozy family atmosphere, winter vibes, and forbidden attraction all coming together nicely.
Clay and Tessa had so much chemistry and desire between them, and I enjoyed watching that attraction slowly unfold. The grumpy sunshine dynamic worked well, especially with Clay being the perfect Christmas Scrooge while Tessa brings all the warmth and holiday cheer. Add being snowed in, forced proximity, and one very complicated connection, and you have plenty of tension to keep things moving.
The story also managed to balance the spice with an emotional plot. There were some good spicy scenes, but the romance still had plenty of warmth, humor, and heartfelt moments. It’s exactly the kind of festive hockey romance that gives you spice, plot, and all the cozy Christmas chaos.
What I Loved
✔️ Cozy Christmas and winter setting
✔️ Grumpy x sunshine
✔️ Ex-boyfriend’s brother
✔️ Snowed in and forced proximity
✔️ The chemistry and tension between Clay and Tessa
✔️ Fun banter and holiday chaos
✔️ A good balance between spice and story
✔️ Heartfelt emotional moments
🎧 Narration
Amy Hall and Gabriel Sires did a great job bringing this story to audio. Gabriel really captured Clay’s grumpy exterior and emotional side, and I especially enjoyed his voice. He brought the right amount of intensity to Clay, particularly during the more emotional and spicy moments.
Amy was wonderful as Tessa. She brought out her warmth, confusion, vulnerability, and emotions really well, and I could feel the love and frustration behind her character.
I did have one small issue with Gabriel’s female voice. It didn’t quite work for me and made some of those scenes a little harder to get into. I think I would have enjoyed the audiobook even more with a different female voice from him. That said, Amy’s performance as Tessa was excellent, and overall this was still a very enjoyable listen.
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Christmas Romance
✔️ Hockey Romance
✔️ NHL Player
✔️ College Coach
✔️ Ex-Boyfriend’s Brother
✔️ Grumpy x Sunshine
✔️ Friends to Lovers
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Snowed In
✔️ One Bed
✔️ Small Town
✔️ Age Gap
✔️ Forbidden Attraction
✔️ Banter & Tension
Final Thoughts
Sin Bin with the Scrooge was a cozy, festive, and spicy Christmas romance with plenty of chemistry and holiday charm. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the dynamic between Clay and Tessa, even though a few things kept it from being a full four stars for me.
Still, if you’re looking for a fun Christmas hockey romance with a grumpy hero, sunshine heroine, forbidden attraction, and plenty of cozy winter vibes, this one definitely delivers.
September 14, 2026
The angst. The tension. The chemistry. 👀🔥 I was hooked and absolutely devoured this one.
Tessa and Clay were such a fun combination. She’s sunshine and Christmas cheer, while he’s basically the grumpiest Christmas Grinch ever. 😂 Put them together, snow them in, and add all that forbidden tension… yeah, I was invested.
And hear me out… having your wrists bound with Christmas lights sounds like a pretty d*mn fun time to me along with the candy cane scene. 🤭🫠🎄🔥
There was so much desire and chemistry between these two, and I loved watching everything unfold. Such a fun, spicy Christmas romance with exactly the kind of holiday chaos I want.
🎧 Narrated by Amy Hall and Gabriel Spires. I really enjoyed their performances and thought they were a great fit for Tessa and Clay. 4.5 stars-By Mary
****SPOILERS AHEAD****
I had the opportunity to listen to the Audiobook of Sin Bin With the Scrooge and I enjoyed it.
I honestly don't really read or listen to alot of Holiday themed books,but decided to listen to Brooke O Brien's festive book.
Clay Barlowe's NHL Career ended when he picked up an ACL injury and he is NOT happy about it at all.
The only option left to him is to try coaching so he can still be involved in the sport he loves.
Tessa St James is Clay's brother Evan's Ex girlfriend and her family is friends with Clay's family so they tend to spend holidays together.
She had always wanted Clay he is older,but her family pushed her to date Evan and it never worked with Evan.
Many years ago Tessa and Clay did share a moment and kissed it was something they both never forgot.
This year their families are spending Christmas together and Tessa and Clay have to drive to the destination together...But are caught in a snow storm and have to stay in a cabin together until the storm passes and they can get on the road again.
Of course tensions run high and the attraction to one another is just electric..and then it snaps and the passion explodes.
They keep having spicy times when they reach their families and Christmas is steamy until Clay leaves without saying a word.
So Tessa goes back to college and trys to get on with her life..But fate intervenes and guess who the new Hockey coach is on campus?..Yep Clay !!!
Narration was wonderful and both are new narrators to me Amy Hall and Gabriel Spires who both perform perfectly as Tessa and Clay.I like their voice and I thought they both did a great job.
I think if you are looking for a Christmas romance then Sin Bin With the Scrooge is well worth a listen or read whichever you prefer to enjoy it.
There is Hockey,Spice,a grumpy mc and a sunshine fmc,there is a forbidden relationship,secrecy and revelations.
There is a slight Christmas feel but it is not the main theme of the book as some of the story takes part after Christmas as well..An enjoyable audio.
4 Stars.- Cat W.
Tessa and Clay were such a fun combination. She’s sunshine and Christmas cheer, while he’s basically the grumpiest Christmas Grinch ever. 😂 Put them together, snow them in, and add all that forbidden tension… yeah, I was invested.
And hear me out… having your wrists bound with Christmas lights sounds like a pretty d*mn fun time to me along with the candy cane scene. 🤭🫠🎄🔥
There was so much desire and chemistry between these two, and I loved watching everything unfold. Such a fun, spicy Christmas romance with exactly the kind of holiday chaos I want.
🎧 Narrated by Amy Hall and Gabriel Spires. I really enjoyed their performances and thought they were a great fit for Tessa and Clay. 4.5 stars-By Mary
****SPOILERS AHEAD****
I had the opportunity to listen to the Audiobook of Sin Bin With the Scrooge and I enjoyed it.
I honestly don't really read or listen to alot of Holiday themed books,but decided to listen to Brooke O Brien's festive book.
Clay Barlowe's NHL Career ended when he picked up an ACL injury and he is NOT happy about it at all.
The only option left to him is to try coaching so he can still be involved in the sport he loves.
Tessa St James is Clay's brother Evan's Ex girlfriend and her family is friends with Clay's family so they tend to spend holidays together.
She had always wanted Clay he is older,but her family pushed her to date Evan and it never worked with Evan.
Many years ago Tessa and Clay did share a moment and kissed it was something they both never forgot.
This year their families are spending Christmas together and Tessa and Clay have to drive to the destination together...But are caught in a snow storm and have to stay in a cabin together until the storm passes and they can get on the road again.
Of course tensions run high and the attraction to one another is just electric..and then it snaps and the passion explodes.
They keep having spicy times when they reach their families and Christmas is steamy until Clay leaves without saying a word.
So Tessa goes back to college and trys to get on with her life..But fate intervenes and guess who the new Hockey coach is on campus?..Yep Clay !!!
Narration was wonderful and both are new narrators to me Amy Hall and Gabriel Spires who both perform perfectly as Tessa and Clay.I like their voice and I thought they both did a great job.
I think if you are looking for a Christmas romance then Sin Bin With the Scrooge is well worth a listen or read whichever you prefer to enjoy it.
There is Hockey,Spice,a grumpy mc and a sunshine fmc,there is a forbidden relationship,secrecy and revelations.
There is a slight Christmas feel but it is not the main theme of the book as some of the story takes part after Christmas as well..An enjoyable audio.
4 Stars.- Cat W.
December 23, 2025
I had some books by this author on my TBR, but since I was in the mood for a holiday romance, I decided to start with this one. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Clay and Tessa. It was strong from the beginning and made their interactions more fun and interesting to read.
Tessa and Clay’s families had always celebrated the holidays together, so Tessa and Clay’s brother, Evan, had an on-and-off relationship for a few years. However, Tessa had always been attracted to Clay, despite their age difference. One night, they shared a kiss and then went their separate ways as if nothing had happened. After that, they spent three years without seeing each other. In the present, Clay ended up giving Tessa a ride to her parents’ house, but because of a storm, they had to stay in a cabin together for a few days.
Clay had a closed-off personality around Tessa, even though he was clearly attracted to her. He was struggling after his hockey career ended and was waiting for a job opportunity during the holidays. Clay had hidden his feelings for Tessa for a long time, so being stuck with her was difficult for him, especially since his attraction never faded. Despite his grumpy moments, I loved how Tessa never hesitated to tease him, and how their opposite personalities worked so well together.
There was a lot of back and forth between Tessa and Clay, especially because Clay wasn’t sure what he wanted for his future. I enjoyed reading how they tried to fight their feelings, but spending time together made them realize they had never forgotten their chemistry. Clay tried to keep his distance, but it was satisfying to read how they finally gave in to their attraction and all the pent-up tension from years of trying to stay away from each other.
Clay didn’t tell Tessa about his job opportunity, and after sharing one last moment, he left without saying goodbye. He later ended up working for the hockey team at Tessa’s college, and once she found out, she didn’t hesitate to confront him and ask for answers. Clay didn’t want to stay away from Tessa and lose her, but he also didn’t want to lose his chance to prove himself as a coach. I liked how Tessa understood his reasons and decided to support him.
Their secret relationship didn’t last long, and I loved how Clay confessed his love for Tessa in front of everyone. They finally got the chance to be together openly, and I really enjoyed reading their moments in the final chapters. Clay eventually got the job he wanted, and I loved the bonus epilogue, which showed them getting their happy ending and achieving everything they had hoped for together.
Tessa and Clay’s families had always celebrated the holidays together, so Tessa and Clay’s brother, Evan, had an on-and-off relationship for a few years. However, Tessa had always been attracted to Clay, despite their age difference. One night, they shared a kiss and then went their separate ways as if nothing had happened. After that, they spent three years without seeing each other. In the present, Clay ended up giving Tessa a ride to her parents’ house, but because of a storm, they had to stay in a cabin together for a few days.
Clay had a closed-off personality around Tessa, even though he was clearly attracted to her. He was struggling after his hockey career ended and was waiting for a job opportunity during the holidays. Clay had hidden his feelings for Tessa for a long time, so being stuck with her was difficult for him, especially since his attraction never faded. Despite his grumpy moments, I loved how Tessa never hesitated to tease him, and how their opposite personalities worked so well together.
There was a lot of back and forth between Tessa and Clay, especially because Clay wasn’t sure what he wanted for his future. I enjoyed reading how they tried to fight their feelings, but spending time together made them realize they had never forgotten their chemistry. Clay tried to keep his distance, but it was satisfying to read how they finally gave in to their attraction and all the pent-up tension from years of trying to stay away from each other.
Clay didn’t tell Tessa about his job opportunity, and after sharing one last moment, he left without saying goodbye. He later ended up working for the hockey team at Tessa’s college, and once she found out, she didn’t hesitate to confront him and ask for answers. Clay didn’t want to stay away from Tessa and lose her, but he also didn’t want to lose his chance to prove himself as a coach. I liked how Tessa understood his reasons and decided to support him.
Their secret relationship didn’t last long, and I loved how Clay confessed his love for Tessa in front of everyone. They finally got the chance to be together openly, and I really enjoyed reading their moments in the final chapters. Clay eventually got the job he wanted, and I loved the bonus epilogue, which showed them getting their happy ending and achieving everything they had hoped for together.
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.
🏒 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.
November 15, 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.
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.
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
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
September 14, 2026
I had the opportunity to listen to the Audiobook of Sin Bin With the Scrooge and I enjoyed it.
I honestly don't really read or listen to alot of Holiday themed books,but decided to listen to Brooke O Brien's festive book.
Clay Barlowe's NHL Career ended when he picked up an ACL injury and he is NOT happy about it at all.
The only option left to him is to try coaching so he can still be involved in the sport he loves.
Tessa St James is Clay's brother Evan's Ex girlfriend and her family is friends with Clay's family so they tend to spend holidays together.
She had always wanted Clay he is older,but her family pushed her to date Evan and it never worked with Evan.
Many years ago Tessa and Clay did share a moment and kissed it was something they both never forgot.
This year their families are spending Christmas together and Tessa and Clay have to drive to the destination together...But are caught in a snow storm and have to stay in a cabin together until the storm passes and they can get on the road again.
Of course tensions run high and the attraction to one another is just electric..and then it snaps and the passion explodes.
They keep having spicy times when they reach their families and Christmas is steamy until Clay leaves without saying a word.
So Tessa goes back to college and trys to get on with her life..But fate intervenes and guess who the new Hockey coach is on campus?..Yep Clay !!!
Narration was wonderful and both are new narrators to me Amy Hall and Gabriel Spires who both perform perfectly as Tessa and Clay.I like their voice and I thought they both did a great job.
I think if you are looking for a Christmas romance then Sin Bin With the Scrooge is well worth a listen or read whichever you prefer to enjoy it.
There is Hockey,Spice,a grumpy mc and a sunshine fmc,there is a forbidden relationship,secrecy and revelations.
There is a slight Christmas feel but it is not the main theme of the book as some of the story takes part after Christmas as well..An enjoyable audio.
4 Stars.
I honestly don't really read or listen to alot of Holiday themed books,but decided to listen to Brooke O Brien's festive book.
Clay Barlowe's NHL Career ended when he picked up an ACL injury and he is NOT happy about it at all.
The only option left to him is to try coaching so he can still be involved in the sport he loves.
Tessa St James is Clay's brother Evan's Ex girlfriend and her family is friends with Clay's family so they tend to spend holidays together.
She had always wanted Clay he is older,but her family pushed her to date Evan and it never worked with Evan.
Many years ago Tessa and Clay did share a moment and kissed it was something they both never forgot.
This year their families are spending Christmas together and Tessa and Clay have to drive to the destination together...But are caught in a snow storm and have to stay in a cabin together until the storm passes and they can get on the road again.
Of course tensions run high and the attraction to one another is just electric..and then it snaps and the passion explodes.
They keep having spicy times when they reach their families and Christmas is steamy until Clay leaves without saying a word.
So Tessa goes back to college and trys to get on with her life..But fate intervenes and guess who the new Hockey coach is on campus?..Yep Clay !!!
Narration was wonderful and both are new narrators to me Amy Hall and Gabriel Spires who both perform perfectly as Tessa and Clay.I like their voice and I thought they both did a great job.
I think if you are looking for a Christmas romance then Sin Bin With the Scrooge is well worth a listen or read whichever you prefer to enjoy it.
There is Hockey,Spice,a grumpy mc and a sunshine fmc,there is a forbidden relationship,secrecy and revelations.
There is a slight Christmas feel but it is not the main theme of the book as some of the story takes part after Christmas as well..An enjoyable audio.
4 Stars.
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