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The Sin Bin #7

Haka Ever After

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You are cordially invited to the Sin Bin wedding of the year—kilts required, undergarments optional.

Taine Afoa has faced opponents on the rugby pitch without an ounce of fear. He hopes to find the same courage when asking the love of his life to marry him. First, though, he has to ask Freddie’s fathers for their blessing.

If Taine survives, popping the question should be a breeze.

Freddie Whittle knows Taine has something up his sleeve. A yes forms on his lips before the question is even asked. But can they survive the madness of friends and family, all wanting to help plan their wedding?

As their May-December romance tumbles into happily ever after, one surprise after the other brings them more joy than they ever imagined possible.

The short story Haka Ever After is the seventh (and last) book 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.

44 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 28, 2018

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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
59 (44%)
4 stars
50 (37%)
3 stars
18 (13%)
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5 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,656 reviews367 followers
April 14, 2019
And so it ends

This excellent series rounds up with a joyous wedding at which Taine and Freddie and all their rugby friends, military men and their significant others celebrate love and family.
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,713 reviews
April 6, 2019
Freddie and Taine get married. Soooooo sweet, almost sugary but there’s too much spice in this crew of friends and teammates. Also the cheesiest wedding ever but Freddy wouldn’t have it any other way. Loved it.
Profile Image for Kirk.
353 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2018
Feeling a little melancholic knowing that this is the last of The Sin Bin series. This is a series I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and it’s been such a treat to read about this great group of men and their partners.

It’s been a great rough and tumble of a ride with a ton of laughs along the way and this last instalment, for Taine and Freddie’s wedding didn’t disappoint. I love the way the big question was popped and how brave Taine was in asking Freddie’s fathers blessing. The ceremony itself was sublime and to say they arranged it quite hastily, it honestly couldn’t have been planned any better, everyone played their part and traditions were honoured. It was so heartfelt with a ton of humour and trademark joshing between the guys that we’ve come to expect and it was great that they were all featured here in this last book. I laughed a lot, I felt a tear and I really don’t think we could have concluded the series in a better way, I adored it! There’s a BIG surprise as well for one of the MC’s, one you’ll just have to read the book for and it had my lips all of a quiver.

Farewell you guys, it’s been an absolute blast. I’ve loved the way you tormented each other mercilessly but underneath it all was such great camaraderie and respect for each other that was quite humbling. The way you all fell in love and found your soul mates was told so beautifully and I’m so happy I was there to see it happen.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.



Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
3,757 reviews109 followers
October 31, 2023
Haka Ever After is the final book in the Sin Bin series, and it goes out on a high. Taine wants to marry Freddie more than anything. He is even prepared to brave Freddie's fathers, which trust me, is a big thing. Read their full story. You'll see what I mean.

Now, as the synopsis is the invite, you can guess that Freddie's fathers don't eat him alive, but it is touch and go for a while. Not only that, but Taine and Freddie want to celebrate their different cultures, as well as deal with their many friends who want to help.

This is a lighthearted story that wraps up this series nicely. You get a few words from most of them, plus some nice parts that will have you smiling like a loon. A perfect ending to a great series. Absolutely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 27, 2018
Profile Image for Carra.
1,719 reviews30 followers
August 16, 2018
Haka Ever After is a fun catch-up with Freddie, Taine, and the whole Sin Bin group. I have to confess—when I read Freddie and Taine’s story in The Caretaker, I had a hard time feeling their connection beyond the physical. But here in HEA (that’s a perfect abbreviation, right?!), they actually felt like a couple who’d been together for so long and are so comfortable with each other that “old married couple” already fits them as a descriptor even without being married yet.

There are plenty of laughs packed into this short story, you know all the Sin Bin guys are up to their usual shenanigans…and Freddie and Taine get up to a bit of naughtiness (the very good kind!). But there’s also some really heartwarming moments as well, particularly with some of the things meant to honor Taine’s heritage, and Freddie’s honeymoon surprise for him.

This was a wonderful way to bring this series to a close, and for me Haka Ever After was a 4-star read and true HEA. This story is not meant to be a standalone; at the absolute minimum you should read The Caretaker first, but I would recommend reading the entire series in order so you have the full background of all the characters from the series. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
Profile Image for Maria Vickers.
Author 29 books378 followers
August 1, 2018
This is the perfect ending to an amazing series. The cast of characters from the Sin Bin series is back to celebrate the wedding of Freddie and Taine, and it includes Taine asking permission. Will their friends be the one planning the wedding? How are they going to make this work since they each have their own traditions? You will definitely have to read this one to find out.

I absolutely loved this series and this story was the cherry on top and wrapped everything up perfectly. It is a quick read, but that in no way distracts from the story. I kind of wish it was longer, but that's only because I've fallen in love with these characters and don't want to let them go. I highly suggest you one click this one today. 5 stars!
Profile Image for Socially Book Nerd .
511 reviews48 followers
December 3, 2018
Both saddened and elated!

I am sad the series has come to an end, and unbelievably elated to one more glimpse at my favorite rugby men! What the Author has created here is unbelievable. Such heart, love and silliness that make up the great relationships, theses men have. These characters and the small sea side town will forever stay with me. I'm looking forward to her next project.
Profile Image for Kaye.
692 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2018
Memory Lane with the best of friends.

This may be short but a lot of thought and research went into making this a great opportunity to revisit some of our favourite characters and make a very fitting end of series.

I'm sad that this is the end and I thank you Dahlia for writing the series.
Profile Image for Mindy McCray .
1,151 reviews9 followers
July 26, 2018
Such an amazing story! I'm kinda sad this is the end of the Sin Bin but what a way to end it! I can't wait to see what Donovan gives us next!
Profile Image for R.
1,903 reviews
July 11, 2018


The Haka is a type of Maori war dance traditionally used on the battlefield and when groups come together in peace. Haka is a display of a tribes strength, unity, and pride. (the very definition of the Sin Bin men).

Taine and Freddie are getting married. All the Sin Bin men and their significant others join in the festivities. Asking Freddie's fathers for permission was Taine’s first giant step, it was chaos from there (this is the Sin Bin group remember). From special rings to Freddie's wedding cake made of cheese, and kilts, lots of kilts. Definitely a wedding to be celebrated.

Bringing in all the traditions from their vastly different backgrounds was icing on the cake (the real cake). Creating a very special day for two very special men.

This was a very short book that managed to wrap up the Sin Bin series very nicely. I will miss these rugby players. I enjoyed getting to know them.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Profile Image for DebbieReadsBooks.
2,525 reviews43 followers
August 18, 2018
There comes along, once in a rare while, a book that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzie inside. A book that is far too stinking cute for its own good. A book that wraps up an ENTIRE series in so few pages. A book that is simply, brilliant.

This is book 7 in the Sin Bin series, and if you are just coming across this book, you should at the very LEAST read book two, The Caretaker, which is where Freddie and Taine meet. You should read them all, though!

Taine plucks up the courage to ask Freddie to marry him, but first he asks for Freddie's fathers permission. Since their first meeting wasn't exactly a tea party, Taine has reservations they won't chop him up and hide the pieces! But the fathers surprise him, and then Taine has to actually propose.

The proposal delivers, for me, the best line of the book!

Freddie asks, "why marriage?" Taine replies, "When they write our story after we're gone, it should read that I loved you more than anything else in the world. More than rugby. More than you love cheese. I want our names connected - intertwined. Legally. So no knobdobbers can claim I wasn't dedicated to you. So, will you marry me?"

The wedding plans are amusing, with all the previous characters taking part. So you can imagine what they all get up to! There is, of course, some messing about with food, cos ya'll know Ms Donovan's boys like to play with their food!

Bit that made me cry?? When all of Taine's rugby team mates perform the Haka at the wedding. That bit made me cry more that what happened on the honeymoon!

It's always sad to see a series end, but what a way to go!

5 stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
679 reviews7 followers
August 30, 2018

4.25 Stars!

I really enjoyed this last book of the Sin Bin series. Taine and Freddie's book, The Caretaker (The Sin Bin #2) was my first book in this series, and they are still my favorite couple. I would suggest reading at least their book first, but would also encourage reading the rest of the series since they are fun books with a number of colorful characters.

Taine wants to marry Freddie, but first feels the need to ask for Freddie's fathers for their blessing. Considering the first time Taine met them in Book 2, I could see why he was so nervous. However, I was beyond happy to see them correct and try to undo the damage they did when Freddie brought Taine to meet them.

I don't want to spoil more from the story. There's a lot of highjinks that only Taine, his former rugby teammates, and Freddie and his friends can get into. The opening scene with Taine and Freddie was pretty funny and a great way to start this journey to their wedding. I loved that Freddie knew that Taine was up to something. I loved the surprise that the other rugby players put together for Taine. I loved the surprise that Freddie had for Taine as well. There were so many good feels and laughs to be had in this story.


*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
4,957 reviews107 followers
July 27, 2018
This is the first book I have read in The Sin Bin series and it won’t be the last and as you can see for me to give it 4 Stars it certainly can be read as a stand-alone, I may have read the last book before I had read the first but that didn’t take anything away from this amazing love story.
Haka Ever After is set around Taine and Freddie’s wedding and what a wedding it turned out to be from the proposal to the cake made of cheese these guys were going to do it their way, traditions from two very different backgrounds come together for these very special men.
I enjoyed the short time I spent with the rugby players and now it’s time to go back to book 1 and really get to know them because this author who is new to me looks like she has a series I won’t be able to get enough off. This book has everything I could want I laughed along the way and it left me feeling all fuzzy inside what more can you ask for, looking forward to reading more from The Sin Bin for me this is sports romance at its best.
Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,440 reviews37 followers
August 1, 2018
This is the seventh and final book in this series. I love all the books in this series and this one was no different. I am so sad to see this series end. I love these guys so much. They are funny, romantic, and so much more. Taine and Freddie are getting married. Or they will be if Taine asks Freddie’s dads and then finally pops the question. Everyone has advice and wants to help plan the wedding. This book was so funny as usual. These guys know how to show their love for each other. It may not be in the most conventual of ways but it works for them. I loved reading about how they decided the different things for their wedding and how their friends helped them. They are one giant family. Often dysfunctional but still family. I can’t say enough about this book or the series. I am beyond words at the series being over. Hopefully we will get some more of them in some way in the future. I love Dahlia and all her books. I can’t wait to read her next series. Congrats on this fabulous series.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,073 reviews13 followers
July 29, 2018
Rating: 4.5*

Oh shucks, what a very sweet and romantic conclusion to this incredible M/M series. It has been a ride with all these incredible men and the men they fell for. It was a fitting conclusion with a proposal and a wedding between Freddie and Taine. It was a perfect vehicle to show their unwavering love for each other as well as their vulnerability in taking the next step. It has the usual wit and charm that you expect from Dahlia Donovan. She brings a smile to your face throughout as they try to combine their many cultural elements into one wedding. Epic wedding gifts for each other and all the remaining guys were well behaved.

I loved the way that this series was brought to its conclusion, knowing that all these characters have got their HEA. I am sad to be at the end of this series but leave it feeling content and happy from its romance.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Profile Image for Cassie May.
Author 10 books86 followers
August 12, 2018
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Blog
This book is not a standalone and I highly recommend reading Taine’s and Freddie’s story first, because otherwise you’ll spoiler yourself and I am telling you… You would not want that. You would be missing out on a lot of laughs, tears and happiness.
It was a short read, which I knew before, but still wished it was longer. Yeah, it should wrap up the whole series with a final bam, but I did not want it to end and wished for more and more words.
The plot was good to follow and without many twists and turns. I liked how the important parts were worked out and highlighted in a way that made it impossible not to root for the two main characters and their friends, not to laugh and smile with them.
I really enjoyed this book and think it was a good ending for the whole series that is one of the few good rugby series out there.

3.5 stars
3,226 reviews33 followers
January 5, 2020
Sweet love leads to happy ending at the End of the World🌏😌

💕This was a short, sweet HEA for a fun couple. As they look to a combined future, they also serve some sweet endings in the fitting room, etc, and present each other the perfect, well thought out gift. Raise your glass to multicultural coupledom!🍾🍰🧀

I had not read anything previous about the main protagonists retired rugby player Taine and nurse Freddie. It would have been nice to read how they met and their relationship developed; guess I'll have to go back in the series and find the right volume. The story hints at a blip or two of past angst or opposition. It also includes quite a few secondary characters, team- and workmates, who have obviously featured earlier in the series. But this happy story was fine as a standalone, brief novella.

The writing is good and I only noticed one mistake missed in editing. This was a nice, no angst read that I enjoyed😊.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,134 reviews24 followers
July 30, 2018
Freddie and Taine are sweet together and are surrounded by a wonderful support system of friends and family. Here Taine and Freddie get married and this is the story of the proposal, wedding planning, wedding and honeymoon. The proposal was adorable, planning cute and what Taine’s friends did at the reception was heart warming. Showed such love and respect for him. The honeymoon brought together family and showed love ad faith.

From Freddie with his cheese obsession to the Haka and Taine’s friends offering all they have available for the wedding the story was just so feel good and sweet. We see two men who love each other pledge their lives together and share it with those they love.

So wonderfully written and a precious story that has you smile throughout. A feel good story that warms the heart.
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,140 reviews25 followers
August 27, 2018
4.5 Stars

Haka Ever After is book 7 in the Sin Bin series and you have to, at the very least, read The Caretaker, which is Freddie and Taine's book. I suggest reading the whole series, though, it's fantastic and you'll be missing out otherwise.

This book ties up the series and shows us, not only how perfect Freddie and Taine are together, but how amazing and special this tight-knit group of friends is. It was a fun, sexy, emotional read (I even teared up at one point during the reception with a gesture from the rest of the guys to Taine) and I am sorry this is the last installment, although I guess that's what re-reads are for. Highly recommendable for fans of the series!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
2,269 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review

Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5

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

From that review: " Haka Ever After (The Sin Bin #7) by Dahlia Donovan is, as a certain someone would say, practically perfect in every way.  It's one flaw?  It's just too short.  I love this series and it's flawed, amazing, and totally endearing couples.  The synopsis indicates that this is to be the last in the series although from the author's site list she had planned for just one more so I'm not sure what's to become of Zeb & Silius"

for all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Profile Image for Ayla.
618 reviews
September 1, 2018
4.5 stars

I adored this short story to wrap up this series. It was super sweet and funny and had the perfect combination of all of the characters from the previous books. This last novella had be tearing up a bit and basically just warmed my heart throughout the entire read. I loved seeing Freddie and Taine tie the knot, and I loved seeing what all of the rugby guys did for Taine at the wedding. Basically, I loved this entire story and I am going to miss reading about these guys!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for DC.
909 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2020
What an amazing group of friends and such a treat to see their characters develop and mature. Why was Akash’s sister Padme with Nye at Freddie’s bachelor party? Isn’t Nye with Shanti?
This was a beautiful end to this series. The love and emotion at the wedding was palpable and Taine getting to meet his father’s family in New Zealand was a fitting way to begin his and Freddie’s HEA.
P.S.: There are still some characters that could use their own story. How about follow-ons for Silus and Zeb, and maybe Jack?
Profile Image for Becky Baldridge.
3,403 reviews104 followers
August 16, 2018
Haka Ever After is an absolutely delightful conclusion to the Sin Bin series. The story focuses on Taine and Freddie, and they are adorable together. We also get to visit with some past favorites from the series as this sweet couple gets ready to tie the knot. This one is easily read in an hour or less and is a great mix of sweet, sexy, witty, and charming. With zero angst, Freddie and Taine's happily ever after is lighthearted fun with plenty of reasons to smile.
Profile Image for Suze.
3,585 reviews
June 23, 2021
Fun short wrapping up the series, with Taine proposing after an abortive attempt at role reversals leaves both in fits of giggles.
Wedding planning to fit Scottish, Maori, Jewish and Welsh in has it’s moments, but the best ones are Taine and Fr Wilson.
Freddie shows his heart in finding Taine’s family so lots of warm fuzzy feelings all through
Profile Image for Jerri.
550 reviews3 followers
April 25, 2020
Short and sweet

I don’t know which was better- the wedding or the honeymoon! To have such incredible friends is a blessing! To have a hot husband to share a honeymoon with, well, that’s another thing!
Profile Image for George.
540 reviews55 followers
July 9, 2022
2.25 Stars

Clearly my reaction to Haka Ever After is in the minority here. It may be because this is the last book in a series and I’ve only read one of the other six.

Whether or not that’s the reason, Dahlia Donovan’s Haka Ever After simply didn’t work for me.
Profile Image for Reanna Hanley.
248 reviews13 followers
August 7, 2018
Haka Ever After

Taine and Freddie are so great! The Sin Bin series is absolutely wonderful and I hate to see it end. This book was short, sweet and full of emotion.
Profile Image for Christy Godfrey.
286 reviews8 followers
March 9, 2020
Beautiful ending

I will so miss the Sin Bin boys! A great ending to a wonderful series with the wedding of my favorite couple!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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