A few years ago, I randomly stumbled upon Pucked by Helena Hunting as a Goodreads recommendation. I was already on a hockey romance kick at the time, so after reading the blurb I decided to give it a go! I would have to say that was one of the best reading decisions that I have made. I fell in love with her characters and storytelling, pretty much devouring each of her books. So, fast forward (and sort of rewind lol) to earlier in 2019 and her announcement for the spin off series, All In with book one titled A Lie For A Lie and I was excited!

And you should be too! This book is full of what I love most about Helena’s writing- great dialogue, lots of chemistry, and a nice bit of humor to balance out the feels. There are Easter eggs throughout that diehard Pucked series fans will enjoy too—- but this series is truly a spin-off that will be hard to put down for both old a new readers alike.

I’m not New to Hunting Writing Style , I’ve Read Handle With Care and Making Up , Her stories are interesting , Romantic , sweet and entertaining .
But In this Book , Unfortunately , I ended up not really interested in the story or the characters as the previous books .
I just didn’t get the whole Insta- attraction , and the surprise Plot which wasn’t really a surprise but changed the story completely , It wasn’t focused on the main couple relation, feelings and lives anymore , It became more focused on that” surprise ” , Which I’m not gonna mention , so I won’t spoil you .
For me , I didn’t really like this book , And Probably I won’t be reading the next novels in this series .
But If you like Romantic – comedy , second chance and sport romance books , Then , You will totally love this one .

A Lie for a Lie launches Helena Hunting’s new series, All In, and after reading this sexy, emotional, humorous, and utterly swoon-worthy sports romance, I couldn’t be more excited to get my hands on the next standalone book. Rook and Lainey met while they were both staying on Kodiak Island, Alaska, and they shared a few steamy, romantic weeks together until their time was suddenly cut short. They both return to their lives in different states, but neither can forget the other or their time together. Unfortunate circumstances and Rook’s lack of truthfulness make it impossible for them to find each other again. It seems their love story is destined to be a short but potent memory, until a couple twists of fate have them living in the same city and serendipitously running into one another. But their reunion isn’t simple or easy, because Lainey is devastated to discover Rook lied while also needing to share her own revelation. A Lie for a Lie is one of those books that you don’t want to end from the moment you begin reading it, and you can’t wait to read it again as soon as you finish it.

Helena Hunting is not an author I’ve read a lot of. I’ve maybe read two or three books. However, I’ve wanted to for a while so when this book came up for early review and it was the first in a series I was like, why not? Because I’m not familiar with her work, I immediately read the synopsis before I jumped …. monthlong sex fest … yup, I jumped!

Note: I haven’t read a single Pucked book. I KNOW! They’re still waiting on kindle LOL Even tho this series is a spin-off from it, I was totally fine.

Okay, so the plot points are all there in the synopsis, so I don’t have to go over them again. So, I’ll just swoon over Helena lol! Man, I love her style and voice. If the rest of the series (and every other book I must catch up on) is as good as this, I may kick myself for not investing time sooner. Everything about this story was just sexy and fun! Okay, not the angsty conflict, of course but for real, what a ridiculously great read this was! I cannot wait for more!!

I was so happy when Helena announced this book! We met Rookie in the Pucked series so I was excited to get his story.

There were some twists and turns in this one and I don't want to spoil it so I will keep this short.I loved Rook and Lainey. I didn't always agree with their actions but I really liked both of them. I think Helena wrote this wonderfully and I could not put it down! I definitely recommend this one and can't wait for more in the series!

A fabulous start to this new series. I have loved Helena's writing since I picked up Pucked for the first time. I have devoured everything she has written since. I can never get enough of her amazing characters and their hysterical antics. So needless to say, I was so so excited when I learned there was a spin-off series. A Lie For A Lie did not disappoint! It was everything I have come to expect from Hunting and so so much more.
I loved Rook and Lainey from the start. Rook had me swooning hard. He is sweet, charming, funny and oh so HOT. He captured my heart from the first meeting and I am head over heals in love.
Lainey is fun, smart, and I so wanted to be her friend. I love a strong smart heroine and Lainey was just what I had hoped she would be.
A sweet second chance romance, this one is hilarious and full of heat. I could not put it down and I highly recommend you pick this one up. You can thank me later!

A Lie for a Lie is the perfect second chance romance! I've been getting a little burned out with romances lately, but give me a feisty and stubborn female lead, and I'm all in (no pun intended.) When Lainey and RJ are reunited, I knew I wouldn't be able to put this book down until I finished. This can definitely be read as a stand alone, but it makes me want to read the Pucked series, just so I can appreciate some of the characters storylines more. Such a wonderful book from Helena Hunting, and I can't wait for A Favor for a Favor!

A Lie for a Lie is book one of Helena Hunting brand new ALL IN series. This series is a spinoff from the Pucked series. I must say she's off to a fantastic start. I loved it. I loved it so much that I had a 7 am flight but stayed up till 4 am reading. I looked and felt like a zombie on that flight. So worth it!

The story belongs to Rook and Lainey. They went to Anchorage for a little R&R. Little did they know it would be a life-altering trip. I loved both of these characters. Lainey is my kind of Quirky, she's a little vulnerable and a little badass. While Rook just completely caught me by surprise. Gahh, he's the best, literally the best.

I highly recommend and can't wait for more from this series. I think it's safe to say that I'm ALL IN.

Wow, what a totally awesome book from author Helena Hunting. A Lie for a Lie grabs you right from the beginning, and the captivating plot never loses its energy. The two primary characters, graduate student Lainey Carver, and NHL superstar Rook Bowman, have undeniable chemistry, and their romantic journey is replete with desire, discovery, and love. This is the first book from Ms. Hunting's brand new series, All In, and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Lainey is a very smart woman. She is almost done with her third master's degree, and researching her thesis is the last step. This time around she is majoring in marine biology, and she is on her way to Alaska to study dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. She meets RJ on the puddle jumper to Kodiak Island, when the plane's turbulence causes her already high anxiety level to skyrocket. RJ recognizes her fear and helps her through it. RJ has no idea that an incident from Lainey's past causes her to have extremely severe panic attacks.

RJ is enroute to his family's cabin for a little peace and fishing during the off season. He finds Lainey to be a breath of fresh air, because she does not recognize him. Lainey has no idea that her seatmate and Kodiak Island neighbor is a famous hockey player from the Windy City. RJ and Lainey hit if off almost immediately, and before they know it, their time together is up. Due to a family emergency, RJ has to leave earlier than planned and they never get a chance to exchange their personal information. It is a year later when they meet again, and slowly rekindle the feelings they once shared. They both have surprising news to unburden.

This is both an engaging and passionate love story. I really liked both Lainey and RJ, and there was never a moment that I did not want them to be together. In addition, the secondary characters added a lot of interest and fun to the plot. Ms. Hunting perfectly combines drama, sexiness, and emotion into this fast-paced romantic read. If you enjoy hockey, a hot couple, and a heroine that is able to successfully work through her struggles, then pick up a copy of A Life for a Lie.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

A Lie For A Lie was such a great read! Helena Hunting blends romance, heat, humor, and heart beautifully in this second chance romance.

I am not familiar with all of the Pucked hockey players, so RJ was the first of the bunch for me. I absolutely adored his and Lainey's story. I loved their chance meeting. Lainey had me laughing out loud and RJ was swoon-a-licious! Together, these two touched my heart.

The secondary characters added a bit of fun to the story and they now have me intrigued. I need all their stories now!

Fans of the Pucked series are going to be so excited to read RJ's story, and those new to the Pucked series like me, are going to fall in love with RJ and Lainey and want more!

♥ Review by Lys

*A Lie For A Lie is a spin off to the Pucked series, but can be read and truly enjoyed as a standalone.

I'm not sure about this book. The storyline isn't anything new but I was hoping for a new spin on this format.
I did enjoyed the beginning of the book but I had a hard time with the couple after they reconnected.
Certain phrases and they say they spoke felt almost juvenile to me.

I received a copy of this book for a honest review.

October is hockey season and Helena Hunting has it on lock! The new All In Series introduces A Lie For A Lie , a second chance romance featuring Chicago’s hockey captain Rook (RJ) and Lainey, a professional student currently working on her thesis, i.e. booknerd.
First of all, I don’t read second chance romance. I run away from them. Mainly, because I don’t appreciate every other chapter reflecting on the past. My philosphy has been – just tell that story instead of rehashing past events for the present. It doesn’t make sense to me.
I have no idea how Helena Hunting has become my new favorite author but I should have known her second chance romance would make me a lover of the trope. Her second chance is told as a memory how RJ and Lainey meet and fell in love as the first part of the book. After RJ and Lainey separated, the story moves to the present day and remains a current day story. If I am going to read second chance romances, this style IS my preference.
RJ and Lainey have the perfect meet cute on a plane bound to Alaska. Check Check for my perfect reading pleasure. They share a once in a lifetime life alteratering love affair secluded from their normal lives in Alaska and lost contact with each.
Fourteen months later they are accidently reunited. Before long, Lainey becomes torn descovering RJ’s true identity and keeping a dark secret of her own. Hunting does an exceptional job creating the push and pull. The savvy trope is romantic and complete with enough spicy hot scenes to keep a few ice chips nearby. I may have not have read all of her Puck Series, but this book is definitally packed with sexual heat. She has a great ear for dialogue during sex to capture your attention and not let up. Mile High Kink Book Club highly recommends A Lie For A Lie. Its a great book and fast read. You will love it from the safety cuddles to the end. Stay tuned for book 2: A Favor For A Favor

Oh my lanta, yes yes yes, a thousand times more yes! I am beyond excited to see Helena Hunting back in the Hockey RomCom world, this is truly the ultimate reason for my obsession for her writing style. A Lie for a Lie really brings back those PUCKED feels for me, and anyone who knows my addiction to that series is picking up what I am putting down. So yeah, when I saw the spin-off series in the making you bet your bottom dollar I am on that signup like a puck bunny to a rink.

The characters in A Lie for a Lie were definitely amusing, they were also different from what I was expecting. Though Lainey was sweet, kind and downright adorable – easy to love, she was a character that was slightly unmemorable. She just didn’t strike me as this empowering female lead, it was honestly her overly innocent, very naive mindset that really clouded my judgement. I was very back and forth with her, I wanted to adore her, she was so smart, I loved the nerd vibe, but it just didn’t scream a presence like most of Helena Hunting’s female leads generally bring to the pages. I will admit though, as she starts allowing Rookie back into her life, she breaks into a more demanding, perhaps enticing character. Her attitude and personality definitely grew for the better.

And speaking of Rookie, or RJ, maybe even Rook, so many nicknames – I really enjoyed his character. He was not what I was expecting at all with how the synopsis panned him out. I was expecting kind of a playboy attitude, regardless of his intentions of looking for a getaway escape but really he gave this sweet, really carefree emotionally structured male lead. He was caring, attentive, passionate about himself, career, his family and ultimately Lainey. It was hard not to swoon for his character’s dynamic. Trust me, I kind of tried to dislike him for his actions… but man did he net me back in.

The romance between Lainey and Rook was very much depth enriching. They had a range of dynamics and developments. I don’t want to give away too much, but I will say there was a certain level of insta-chemistry between them for starters, this honestly really made their sexual connection extremely delicious. The sex scenes – oh my word. Not only that though, they did have a mental and emotional development towards their romance as well as a surprise element that mucked up some drama. In short, it was jammed pack with some interesting, believable twists.

Something else I really enjoyed about the relationship between Rook and Lainey was the time hop. We do in fact get a little taste of the present, then backwards to the time in Alaska and back again, then back again. It was fun and entertaining. I think it really helped the romance appear to be more engaging for the reader. You were able to connect the dots on how insta-connection affected their romance while getting the feels on how it was for them to rebuild, start trusting one another and build for their future.

There were definitely some side situations I was liking, some not so much liking, and definitely a lot of vibes that were very similar to PUCKED, perhaps I have a foreshadowing feels, fingers crossed for you Eden. But seriously, the supporting cast was entertaining to say the least, introducing some new players I am excited to get to know. And lets not forget my spirit animal and her deliciously perfect cameo, it was beyond gratifying to catch up with the original cast; I love Violet and that damn mouth.

Overall, I loved it. I am head over heels smitten for the first installment in this new series, A Lie for a Lie really sets up the match for the following books, a series in which I will be tortuously watching for each and every new release. I had my laughs, my swoons, the melt worthy romance. I cannot say it enough, this is truly the world of Helena Hunting I belong in, her RomCom Hockey Romances are definitely my absolute favorites. Easy flowing plot, fun dialogue – hilarious chemistry between all characters, and the drama is realistic. Just a great blend of an enjoyable read!

A Lie For a Lie was one of those books that absolutely grabbed me from the first chapter – It is so much more than a sports romance, it's a beautiful love story.
I was over the moon to meet the gang again- I got so excited when I read Randy’s name and Violet... my girl... I missed her and her #NoFilterChat.

There really wasn't a thing about A Lie for a Lie that I didn't enjoy, but it was the ending that had me goofy smiling .
Trust me when I say , YOU don't need to know much (or really anything) about hockey to know that this story was captivating, unputdownable and just. plain. AMAZEBALLS !

RJ , my big teddy bear, his life was consumed with training, hockey until he met Lainey. Alaska has changed their lives... they don’t keep in touch .... and they meet again ... BOOM!

“Little by little he’s erasing his lie and earning my trust with everything he does.”
I’m not going to tell you what happened but A Lie for A Lie is the perfect title for this story!

I loved the intensity, the passion and the storyline. It is the perfect kind of story that you can just lose yourself in and that will make you heart melt.

*Arc Kindly provided by Montlake

A Lie for a Lie was a very entertaining read! I loved being back in Chicago with the gang, I just love that bunch! They're always a hoot and I was very happy to get an update on their lives. RJ and Lainey are wonderful and easy to like characters. How they meet for the 1st and 2nd times were both very funny. Lainey isn't so much of a people person, which leads to some funny and awkward things coming out of her mouth. She's a very smart girl with a good head on her shoulders. RJ is a strong, sweet, and gentle guy. He's the perfect guy for Lainey. They're so cute together. I saw the plot twist coming, but I still found it very cute. It may cause some problems and complications in their relationship, but RJ and Lainey are up for the challenge. I was a little sad with something that happened towards the end, but I get why it makes sense for them. I can't wait for more of this series!

"A Lie for a Lie" is yet another wonderful book from Helena Hunting. It's funny, sweet, sexy, and everything else I've come to expect from her writing. Though it is technically the first book of a new series, it is also related to Hunting's earlier Pucked series and features cameos from several of those characters. I haven't read any of those books (yet), but fortunately for readers like me, "A Lie for a Lie" is a complete standalone. In fact, I didn't even realize that it was connected to the earlier series until I went looking for more information about the characters after I finished reading this story.

I adored both of the main characters in "A Lie for a Lie," Lainey and Rook. At first, Lainey came across as such a sweet, innocent soul who needed to be protected from all of life's difficulties, but as the story progressed, it became clear that there was a core of strength to her that I really admired. Having struggled with anxiety myself, I know exactly how difficult it is to overcome, and what Lainey managed to achieve in spite of her fears is amazing. I found her to be very relatable on a number of levels, and the way her relationship with Rook developed was lovely.

As for Rook, I think I may have found a new favorite book boyfriend! He was so incredibly sweet with baby Kody, and I loved that he tried so hard to win Lainey over. When Rook finally fell in love, he fell hard. I appreciated that he wasn't afraid to do whatever it took to show Lainey how much she and Kody meant to him, and how much he wanted to be part of their lives.

Overall, I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next one in the series.

*ARC provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another great book by Helena Hunting.
Rook meets Lainey on a trip to Alaska and they have a few great weeks together. After an emergency that calls Rook away and a storm that blows in, they lose touch with each other. That is, until they run into each other in Chicago a year later. Only problem is...they both have a lie. Can one forgive the other and be able to move on and do what they need to do for the future?
I absolutely adored Rook. He’s like the reformed playboy. The one that wants to find something meaningful. I was a little apprehensive about Lainey at the beginning but she grew on me...probably because she had to get away from those that brought her down, those that smothered her. She had some growing to do which, in the end, she did.
I loved Rook's sister, Stevie, and can't wait to read the next book which is about her.
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

More hockey hunks from Helena Hunting made the decision to read this series a no-brainer. If you love her Pucked series, you are going to love this.

Rook absolutely stole my heart in this story. Not only is he a super sexy professional hockey player, but the man has a heart that will make you fall in love with him. He's Dreamy with a capital D. He's a compassionate, loving, stand-up guy. Is he perfect? No, he makes his fair share of mistakes, but his willingness to take ownership of them will make you love him even more.

I fell in love with Lainey at the start. She's awkward, quirky, and absolutely lovable. But as her story unfolds, you find out just how remarkable she truly is. She may have grown up sheltered, but her sense of adventure is enviable. She's smart, stronger than people give her credit for, and fiercely independent.

There was no aspect of this story that I didn't like. Lots of drama, lots of laughs, and a few surprise cameos make this an instant favorite. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series and can't wait to fall in love with more HH hockey hunks.

I thoroughly enjoyed RJ and Lainey’s story. The omissions of truth or “lies” kept things interesting. I really liked both characters and their individual traits and personalities. They were an unlikely match but totally made it work. I felt the author did a great job balancing the emotional and the sultry aspects of the story, never spending too much time in one or the other. The dialogue was great and the side characters helped bring the story to life.

Lainey was such a complex heroine. I fell for her instantly and couldn’t wait to see her shine in this read. She was charismatic, intelligent, a little messy and so darn sweet. She was the perfect cure to RJ’s playboy ways.

I’m going to enjoy reading the other books in this series because there wasn’t a single character I didn’t like!

Oh wow ..... Oh my freaking WOW !!!! FEELING SO IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK !!!!!!!!!!!! It's sweet, sooooo sexy (#PureFire!) and even more funny.... Gahh Ladies snd Gentlemen A Lie for a Lie is nothing less than Helena Hunting at the finest.

My heart if oficially melted by this characters. I don't care if they are real or imaginary- I'M PACKING MY BAGS and move out where they live because I want to be a part of their families 😉

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I can’t… LIE, reading every new book from  Helena is  always like coming back home. No matter if it’s standalone novel or another amazing story in series, this author knows exactly how to warm my heart, how to make me feel...loved and captivated. I know, it’s only books, from one of my favorite author but they will be special for me - FOREVER.

There were no suprises, A Lie for a Lie hooked me up from the very begining obviously, I didn’t read this book, I devorued it in the speed of light.  Before staring it, I  was deeply in book funk and one of the biggest book hangover ever.  I was really affraid IF I will be able to dive in the whole story, as much as I want , but  then BAM ! Mrs. Hunting  prooved once again, that she loves me the most as a reader, that  she only could give me the best story EVER. 
Lie for a Lie is EVERYTHING, Rook and Lainey made me swoon - literally !!! This couple and story line is nothing less than pure perfection. They are sexy – gah chemistry betyween them is over the charts, and seeing that they have typical Helena’s humor… OMG ! It's he best thing EVER !  They were like a dream, that You reading about – but thankfully it wasn’t - every Helena’s word just  flow by. I haven’t seen time and what’s happening around with A Lie for a Lie in front of my eyes. 

Helena Huntung has taken me for another Beaver-Crazy journey with my Dearest Hockey Players… Ahhh Hunting’s Boys and Girls welcome back – I’VE MISSED YOU!!! You won my heart again or rather… Congrats my heart is Yours Forever !

ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY must read !