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The Sin Bin #5

The Unexpected Santa

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When a rugby bad boy butts heads with a retired Marine, which alpha male becomes top dog?

Scottie Monk came out of the womb angry at the world. He's selfish and bitter. "Bah humbug!" rolls off his tongue far easier than "Happy Christmas."

Gray Baird has dedicated his life to public service as a Marine Corps officer and later as a police chief. The decorated hero finds it impossible to ignore autistic twins in desperate need of holiday spirit. He'll be the grumpiest Santa in the world if it puts a smile their faces. And he'll drag a reluctant Scottie along for the ride.

This December, Gray and Scottie collide while unexpectedly playing Santa.

The short story The Unexpected Santa is book five in Dahlia Donovan's international bestselling gay romance series, The Sin Bin. Each one features hot rugby players and the men who steal their hearts. This is not a stand-alone story. It is recommended that readers have read at least The Royal Marine prior to reading The Unexpected Santa.

ebook

First published November 11, 2017

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About the author

Dahlia Donovan

41 books757 followers
Dahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress. She prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters. An autistic and occasional hermit, her life wouldn’t be complete without her husband and her massive collection of books and video games.

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5 stars
48 (26%)
4 stars
70 (38%)
3 stars
51 (28%)
2 stars
7 (3%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,654 reviews366 followers
April 14, 2019
Short and spicy

Oooh this serves up a tasty appetizer for what's coming in the next book as Scottie finally meets someone capable of dealing with his temper and his drinking.

I'm looking forward to more.
Profile Image for Kirk.
353 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2017
I was so excited when I got this book for read this book as I absolutely love the Sin Bin series. It was great to be back in Wales with this great group of characters and I was so looking forward to hearing about Scottie Monk, the ex-rugby player; he’s so angry at the world and quick-tempered and boy does he need someone to stand up to him and put him in his place. In steps Gray Baird, ex-military and ex-police chief, he’s solid, takes no nonsense and might just be what Scottie needs.

I was chuckling at Scottie right from the first paragraph, he’s so bitter and resentful, and everything seems to irk him. He tries so hard to make everyone dislike him. Gray’s not buying into this though and he can see straight through Scottie. When he starts acting up, Gray quickly puts him in his place. Meanwhile, there’s a slow burn happening here which I love, and as they’re thrown together at Christmas we see Gray form a plan; he knows he wants Scottie and decides to play the long game to reel him in. I don’t think Scottie knows what’s hit him when Gray starts to show his dominance, he’s a little blindsided but maybe this is exactly what he needs.

This book left me wanting more in all the good ways. I love Dahlia’s writing, she’s created a band of men who all have an interesting story to tell and have such a great camaraderie and I love that the story is set in Wales. A solid five stars from me and I’m really looking forward to more .

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.


Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,713 reviews
April 1, 2019
Different

This was a little bit about the autistic twins that worked with Akash and Gray somehow elected to share some Christmas cheer with them. Scottie, who I really don’t get as a character at all, is thrown into the mix and Gray is trying to make him a submissive? Scottie needs rehab and/or a year in AA plus anger management first. First book I wasn’t terribly satisfied with from the author.
Profile Image for Kaye.
691 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2017
An appetiser

I hadn't anticipated Gray's background or just how awful Scottie's was but they are kindred spirits.

It will be interesting to see how Scottie takes to submission.

They may have had Christmas dinner but I'm the one who's still hungry.
Profile Image for Emma Jaye.
Author 43 books669 followers
June 18, 2018
The start of a story rather than the full thing, but I forgave the author due to the bolshie Scottie. Loved his f-bomb first and think later attitude, and that it didn't deter Grey from pursuing him. Looking forward to exploring this dynamic further.
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,473 reviews219 followers
December 24, 2018
This short Christmas prequel to book six of the series was well done. It definitely intrigued me enough to not only want to read book six but the rest of the series as well. The MC's are both quite complex and each have their own issues. I look forward to see how they work toward becoming a couple. Over all an interesting introduction to these two people.
Profile Image for Cat.
379 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2017
A Fun Holiday Tease

Since I utterly fell in love with this author when I read the previous book in this series, The Royal Marine, I reached out with eager grabby hands to get hold of this one, as well! Let me start by saying that while this is a holiday short, you do need to have read The Royal Marine at the very least for it to make sense, as the characters are assumed to be known and the background info is either brief or absent altogether.

It’s Christmas, and Gray Baird has volunteered to watch over twenty year old twins Alice and Alex, who spend the holiday alone. When he runs into Scottie Monk, drunk, disorderly, and disgraced in his own eyes, though, Gray sees someone worth redeeming, someone worth taking a chance on, someone who makes his inner Dom stand up and take notice. Inviting all three to his house for a holiday he doesn’t celebrate surprises him as much as them, but fun ensues.

This is a slow burn story that tantalizes even as it soothes the soul. Written from both Gray and Scottie’s points of view, the reader really gets a good idea of what is going on in the irascible Scottie’s head. A delightful short, it is well-written, realistic, and I adore the way the author presents the twins’ autism and how simple it is to work around and with it. There is steam in the palpable chemistry between the two MCs, but this short doesn’t take their relationship too far. Super hot kisses will leave you aching for more, but it is clear that these two men belong together.

As I mentioned to the author, I am salivating for the actual coming together of these two men. She assured me that the rest of their story is coming, and I simply must recommend this book to be read right now, as well as The Sin Bin series as a whole! I rate The Unexpected Santa at 4 sweet yet very hot stars.


I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book for Divine Magazine from the author with hopes for but no obligation to provide a review.

**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
Profile Image for books are love.
3,134 reviews24 followers
December 4, 2017
This is a quick fun and sad read that has you hanging at the end and wanting more.

Scottie has a lot of issues that he tries to drink away. Gray is trying to forget things in his past as well thus the reason he is no longer in the states. Both guys are sweet and fun but Gray is more dominant and gets Scottie all tingly.

Here Gray is working to make Christmas a better one for Alex and Alice but also himself and Scottie. So he has a little Xmas celebration at his home. He shows us that you don’t need your flesh and blood for a happy christmas just fun and people who care.

The chemistry between Scottie and Gray sizzles. While not much happens in the sheets out of it we see a relationship begin to form. We see a patient man set the foundation for what can be a very sexy and explosive relationship that will curl our toes. We see Scottie at first fight it but slowly begin to come around and be intrigued but also let Gray in. We are left wondering at the end and wanting more of these two and waiting like Gray.

A fun read in terms of the story of attraction and christmas. Sad in terms of all everyone is dealing with but also one that has us truly waiting to see what is next for Gray and Scottie. .
Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,428 reviews37 followers
November 28, 2017
This is the fifth book in this series and they should be read in order. This book focuses on the characters Scottie and Gray Baird during the Christmas holiday. Neither Scottie or Gray are big on the holidays. Scottie is being his usual self which is assholish. Gray seems to be the only one who can handle Scottie. Gray wants to give the twins a proper Christmas. He will do whatever he can to make sure the twins enjoy the holiday. He twists Scottie’s arm and gets him to celebrate as well. The two collide in unexpected ways. I can’t wait to read the rest of Scottie and Gray’s story. This book was funny, hot, and so much more. As always with Dahlia’s book I loved this one. Her books always suck me in and make me want more. I love all the characters in this series and can’t wait to read more about them. Congrats on another fantastic book Dahlia.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
2,266 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review

Rating 4.5 stars out of 5

For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-cp1

From that review: The Unexpected Santa (The Sin Bin #5) by Dahlia Donovan is more like a prelude to the next story, a setup really,  to the much anticipated full blown clash that's coming between Scottie Monk and Gray Baird in The Lion Tamer.

However, taken within that context?  It's a wonderful anticipatory delight of a short story.  For all of the previous four novels, Scottie Monk's atrocious behavior within the close group of ex rugby players has gone from extremely annoying to using hate language, stalking,  and throwing punches.  He's constantly drunk and when sober, his behavior is sometimes even worse.  One by one his former teammates and friends are excluding him from their circle and events.  His  reaction is anger and self pity..."

For all our reviews, author interviews and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...

Profile Image for DC.
905 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2020
This just barely, if even, gets to three stars for me. This one is my least favorite in the series so far. It’s really short and meant as a bridge or teaser to the next installment, The Lion Tamer, but Scottie’s character has been dragged along enough already and this story just seems rather superfluous and could easily have been included as a prologue and opening chapters to the next one, which is also Scottie’s and Gray’s story. I’m cautiously optimistic about what’s to come. Although Scottie has been a total ass so far, there is something about him that has me rooting for him to find his happiness. As for Gray being that for him, well, I’ll just have to wait and see. Since Gray’s first appearance in The Royal Marine, I can’t say that I’m liking his character too much. He has the nerve to call Scottie arrogant and cocky when he is actually one of the most obnoxiously arrogant characters I’ve come across in quite awhile.
Profile Image for Maria Vickers.
Author 30 books377 followers
November 14, 2017
The Unexpected Santa by Dahlia Donovan picks up where The Royal Marine leaves off, and I'm hoping that it is the beginning of something more. My only complaint about this book is that it has a HUGE cliffhanger. Fair warning. That said, it is a good in between book and gives you more insight into Scotty. On top of that, I think we got to know the twins a little more, and I have to say that I absolutely love them. They add something to the stories that cannot be found other places. And Gray Baird...I can't wait to see more of him. I'm giving this submission for the Sin Bin series 4 stars. It's short and ends in the worst place, but what we did get was good and enlightening. I highly recommend it if you are a fan of this series.
Profile Image for Amy.
Author 19 books410 followers
November 26, 2017
I didn't read the description before I read this one, because I love the Sin Bin Series and I love the authors others works as well, so I jumped at the chance to read this book. The one book I haven't read of hers is The Royal Marine, which is the one it says to read before this, of course that's my luck! Even without having read that installment, I still enjoyed this short holiday read. I may not have known the entire history, but I knew some of the other characters mentioned from other Sin Bin books. After reading this, now I am going to download the Royal Marine and read it. This is a fun read with some seriously grumpy, yet lovable characters. I look forward to the next book from this author!
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,073 reviews13 followers
December 2, 2017
Rating: 4.5*

Scottie has been my least favourite character so far. However we get a sneak peak of what is to come for her and boy its going to be fun watching him fall!!

There is so much more to Scottie than we have seen so far and there comes an understanding as to why he is the way he is. The dominant Gray may just be what he needs even if he resists every attempt by Gray to assert his authority. Gray is still a bit of a mystery but this teaser has me excited for what's to come.

Loved this Christmas installment - it showed so much about these characters. It did what I didn't think was possible: made Scottie some what likable. It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Profile Image for Becky Baldridge.
3,400 reviews104 followers
December 29, 2017
3.5 stars
Having read The Royal Marine, I was familiar with Scottie and was looking forward to reading about the one to finally tame this contrary, not so likable man. Enter the silver fox, Gray, who is almost as cranky as Scottie, but is certainly persistent about what he wants - and may be exactly what Scottie needs. I loved Gray's interactions with the twins and how they grew on him, softening him up a bit for Christmas. The story is very fast paced and did hold my interest, but the biggest drawback for me was the abrupt ending. I would've preferred at least some form of a conclusion rather than the cliffhanger, but I am invested enough in these characters to watch for the next part of their story to see where it goes.
Profile Image for Ayla.
618 reviews
September 1, 2018
4.5 stars

This short story held so many promises to come! We finally get to see Scottie's POV and we get further insight into both him and Gray. This was the perfect little teaser for the next book in the series where we really get to see Scott and Gray come together. It was sassy and sweet!

I want to add a note that I just love Alex and Alice. The twins are amazing side characters. It was super sweet to see Gray create a nice Christmas for them. For characters who do not make a big physical impact in the book in terms of them being pretty quiet and shy, they were great additions to this story that left an emotional impact!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement***
3,220 reviews33 followers
September 25, 2020
🎁Short holiday teaser for Sin Bin's The Lion Tamer

Irrepressible hothead drunk/former rugby player Scottie is a swearing grump, but this short prequel for The Lion Tamer takes care of two issues well:

- It provides a window into Scottie's troubled childhood and the reason for his wildly inappropriate behavior; and

- It establishes the power play attraction between Scottie and American security expert/former Marine Gray Baird.

The tension between the two men is palpable and the presence of autistic sibs Alice and Alex at their Christmas get together only gives them time for the tension to build.

Yes, it ends before things really take off between them, but it was still a good story.

Profile Image for Jenn's Book Obsession.
709 reviews23 followers
July 1, 2018
This book has been on my TBR list since it came out. The blurb itself is very intriguing. This book is a great quick introduction into Gray and Scottie's story. I liked how the author gives us a tease on what to expect between these two.

The characters are very well written. I certainly started off not liking Scottie because his whole attitude just sucks. Gray is very likeable from the start. However, both characters are very arrogant and stubborn.

Dahlia Donovan does a great job with the pace of their relationship. It's a good slow burn that keeps you wanting more. A great start to Scottie and Gray's journey.
Profile Image for Claudia.
742 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2018
You might say that it's my fault I didn't like this book since I totally ignored this was #5 in a series which I haven't read. So this might only be enjoyable if and only IF you have read the previous 4 installments. I wouldn't have minded if I didn't get the full picture but there wasn't a picture to begin with. This was like a poor sketch of a story. There's not even an ending. Nothing really happens and if my body should tingle by the mere possibility of a D/s relationship and the super macho characters that curse a lot, well, it doesn't.
Profile Image for Fran.
962 reviews8 followers
November 11, 2017
A disappointing read.

Maybe my mistake is not reading "The Royal Marine" first so I could be familiar with Scottie's character. My impression was that he was a complete drunken jerk. As for Gray Baird he just seemed to be only interested in self motivation; not helping either of them to overcome childhood angst. The ending wasn't even a HFN ending. It was so abrupt and left me wanting.
Profile Image for Reanna Hanley.
248 reviews13 followers
February 1, 2018
The Unexpected Santa

I'm not sure what I expected but this wasn't it, don't take this wrong it was a great read but definitely too short! I NEED Scottie and Gray's story and this was just a tease!!! Unexpedcted, light, and interesting. If you haven't read the rest of the series I wouldn't recommend starting here but I would definitely recommend you start finding out about the Sin Bin!
Profile Image for Ken Cook.
1,342 reviews7 followers
February 2, 2018
Introduction to the novel

The eBook I read was just the initial story setting introductory chapters. The two lead characters are introduced, the stage is set for the story to develop. Enough of a taste to intrigue, and either read the whole book, or, because of the style and voice of the author, start at the beginning of the series and meet the full"team".
Profile Image for Lora.
1,288 reviews19 followers
February 7, 2018
4 out of 5 stars

This was a quick read to introduce us to the relationship of Scottie and Grey. I enjoyed seeing how things started and really can't wait to finish their story with their novel, The Lion Tamer. I also liked how much they came to care about the twins in this book. Those two are some great sub-characters that deliver a lot of punch to the books!
Profile Image for Louan.
793 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2018
3.5 ⭐️
Definitely an appetizer before the main course, and you definitely had to read the previous book or books to understand all of what’s going on. Intriguing enough to make you want to find out how Grey actually gets Scottie to bend to his will. I was really happy they guys and the twins were able to have a pleasant Christmas together.
Profile Image for Suze.
3,584 reviews
May 4, 2021
3.5*
A tasty little teaser giving us a hint of Gray’s dominant side and whether he can get Scottie to acknowledge his submissive side.
Scottie is slightly less asshole-y in this one as he is mostly sober, though his initial drunkenness does go to type.
The twins feature in a suitably styled Christmas with Gray and Scottie.
Profile Image for Renee.
169 reviews
January 15, 2018
Not gonna lie, when I saw it was only around 63 pages, I was disappointed because you can tell Scottie and Gray are both going to be complex characters and that’s not near enough time for their story. Sooooooo glad to see that there’s more and I can’t wait to read it!
Profile Image for Jerri.
548 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2020
Can’t wait to read the rest!

I love this series! What a teaser for this book, though - this is going to be one of the best, I think. Chemistry is already there, and it’s just getting started!
Profile Image for Kim Stone.
1,395 reviews
December 12, 2021
New to me author. This is a sort mm novella set in Wales. Main characters are Scottie and club owner and ex rugby player and Gray an ex USA marine and dominant. Set at Christmas time this book has just enough story to want to read more of this series.
379 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2017
I liked the story line, but didn't realize it would leave off as a cliffhanger. Wanted to see how it ended, not have to wait. Unsure if I will get the next that gives the togetherness.
Profile Image for Lisa Arrington.
Author 4 books39 followers
January 24, 2018
Wow

This was my first Sin Bin read and certainly not my last. Gray is delightfully delicious and Scottie is all sexy smolder, can't wait to see how these two work things out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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