A return to the Pucked universe had me the real life imitation of that Daniel Bryan gif.... You know, the one where he's screaming yes and pumping his fists in the air? Yeah, that's me returning to Helena Hunting hockey. Pucked is one of my favorite series of all time and when I read the blurb for A Lie for a Lie, I couldn't handle my excitement for this new spin off!!

If you've read the Pucked series then you met Rook already but that introduction is nothing compared to this story. This book kept me on a rollercoaster. From the cutest, most awkward meeting ever to the most awkward reunion. The title says everything without giving anything away. A lie for a lie. Two people keeping secrets and those secrets seem to want to destroy what could otherwise be a perfect relationship. Lainey is amazing. I loved everything about her: her genius mind, her independence, her ability to stand up for herself. Rook has grown a lot since his first season in Chicago; he's no longer the bunny-chasing good time. I read... a lot, and I can't think of two characters more perfect for each other. I absolutely love when characters lift each other up and provide all the support the other could need. That's the catnip right there.

Once I started this book, I couldn't stop. The next thing I knew it was 2 a.m. and I had no idea if I even remembered to eat dinner. If this book is any indication, this new series is going to be ah-mazing!!!

This is the start of a new series for Ms. Hunting and RJ and Lainey is a second chance must read. What started out as a connection that ended with distance and lies as they both went back to their lives with no way of communication. Fast forward a year and fate stepped in, lies are reveled and RJ is in the fight of his life to get his girl back. The ending...sigh...perfect and made me a lot giddy. I also loved seeing the peeps from the Pucked series! I can't wait to read what comes next!

Rook/RJ is a hockey player looking to get away from all the spotlight and relax. He meets the adorable, awkward Lainey on a flight to Alaska. The two end up hooking up for month until Rook has to leave for a family emergency and has no way of contacting Lainey. Lainey is looking for a way to live out from under her parents. She is also dealing with her anxiety. The couple meet again and everything ends up coming out. Will they be able to make a relationship work? Will they end up alone? A sweet, sexy read with some hot sex and a gorgeous hockey player.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.

4.5 stars
A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting had me hooked from the opening pages.

It was a masterfully woven story about connection, second chances, and secrets that comes together in a story that kept me glued to my kindle rooting for RJ and Lainey’s forever happy!

I think the most amazing part of this story that both characters lie or maybe better said they withhold truths but the story is crafted with such literacy genius the reader never dislikes either character. The plot is so well done the reader understand the context and wants it to end in a forever happy.

The reader is able to bare witness to attraction and the deep connection. As RJ and Lainey two career focused people work to weave their lives together the readers get to be apart of the new family dynamic that develops. Speaking of family, I adored the use of Lainey’s to move the plot forward and the use of RJ’s teammates to give this relationship and his deep feelings for Lainey true context.

I loved RJ and Lainey and their happy was so perfect for them!!!!!

This book is completely stand alone and now I want more of this world. I am so excited for book 2 in the series A Favor for a Favor about RJ’s sister

A Lie for A Lie is the first book in the All In series by the hilarious and talented Helena Hunting. This is a spin-off of the Pucked series, which is one of my favorites! Helena is the Queen of hockey romance, humor, inappropriate sayings and all-around fun characters. This can be read as a standalone, but if you've read the Pucked series (and Lord, I hope you have. If not, please go and do that now!) then you've met Rook or Rookie as his teammates call him. He was hilarious and sexy back then and I remember hoping he would get a story. And I want to bow down to Helena for giving it to us! Ya'll, he's fighting Randy for my top spot. I didn't expect to fall in love with him so fast and I never wanted this story to end. Rook is going to Alaska with his brother to fish, just like they do every year, but he ends up just going solo this year. He meets an adorable, quirky and sexy woman on the plane and she's scared so he protects her. RJ and Lainey end up staying in the same area and after a days they can't stay away from each other. They become friends, kissing friends. They learn about each other. Their families, their lives. But Rook told her his name was RJ and he omitted a few things about himself. He just wanted to live a normal life for a little while. Lainey not knowing who he was and liking him just for him was the greatest thing. They have a sexy, romantic and fun summer but when RJ has to leave unexpectedly, they lose touch. For a year. When they see each other again, RJ is ecstatic, but Lainey is reluctant and still heartbroken. A series of accidents separated them, but a now they are in the same city. RJ is determined to get Lainey back and reminder her how good they were together. Turns out, Lainey has been keeping a secret of her own and when RJ finds out, he doesn’t run. He stays and fights. For love, for Lainey. This is an epic second chance romance and I loved every word. I loved being back with these characters and I know I smiled the entire time I read it. This book had all the feels! I laughed, cried, smiled, laughed some more and swooned. RJ is so darn sexy and sweet. Lainey is smart, funny and independent. They make each other better and fight for real love. I want safety cuddles from RJ!

5 'Safety cuddles' Stars!
ARC provided by the the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review..

Can any of you please kick me for waiting this much to read something by Helena Hunting again? I’ve never finished her Pucked series and after how much I enjoyed this upcoming release, I think I need to get right on that because this heartwarming sports romance was so much more than what I expected. I adored every single second of reading it, from start to finish, and I loved RJ and Lainey so much.

A Lie for a Lie is Helena’s first installment in her new series called All In. It’s focused on hockey and, from what I’ve read, it can be considered a spin-off of Helena’s famous Pucked series. It’s the love story between Rookie ‘RJ’ Bowman, the captain of Chicago's NHL team, and Lainey Carver, the beautiful nerdy woman he meets in a trip to Alaska. The hit it off pretty fast and they live a summer that will change their lives forever. A year later, fate puts them back together but there are some white lies between them that could be the end of their relationship. Will they trust and fall in love all over again?

I think about how I could get used to this—not just the sex, but her. And I wish I’d started this with the truth instead of a lie, because it’s too late to take it back…

I love a good sports romance and I know Helena Hunting is an expert on that matter. Her Pucked series is highly loved by romance book readers and now I am sure the fans will also enjoy this new one. I got so much into the story, I loved the main couple and their chemistry, I loved how everything developed and the unexpected twists that got quite entertaining and emotional. I loved the secondary characters. I simply loved every single thing about A Lie for a Lie. Literally I could not stop reading!

“I just wanted someone to see me, authentically see me, and I felt like you did. I never felt more like myself than I did when I was with you.”

Of course, what I enjoyed the most was the relationship between RJ and Lainey. The instant connection, the quirky and funny scenes, the spark, the sexual tension, the chemistry and the feelings. And the little surprise! ;) Everything was on point for me. And I am sure fans of the Pucked series will enjoy how Helena has linked this new series to those beloved books. And I am sure you’ll also fall in love with RJ, Lainey and the new crew because they are just as amazing: hilarious, smart, sexy and nerdy!

She tastes the same, feels the same—but better. She feels like mine and home and love.

Therefore, my rating for A Lie for a Lie is 5 STARS because it sure made me fall in love all over again with Helena Hunting’s writing and characters. RJ and Lainey were so sweet and just beautiful together and I loved their chemistry and the interactions with the rest of the characters. After reading this, it sure made me want to go back to the Pucked series, meet those people better and finish the books I haven’t read. And I definitely cannot wait to experience more of this new series too!

4.25 stars. This was a great book! A Lie for a Lie is RJ/Rook and Lainey's story. RJ and Lainey meet on a plane to Alaska. Lainey is a small town, very sheltered woman, who is doing college online and is in Alaska to do research. RJ is a pro hockey player who is staying in his family's cabin to relax before his season and to ice fish. The two meet and have instant chemistry. RJ is glad that Lainey doesn't know who he is, as he is used to girls liking him for his job. Instead Lainey likes him for him. So he lies and tells her that he is a farmer. But as the two spend lots of time together in Alaska, he plans on telling her the truth, because they both really like each other. However, before they can exchange information, RJ is called away for a family emergency, abruptly ending their time together. Over the next year, they look for each other, but neither know enough information to find each other. So imagine their shock when they meet again at the Chicago aquarium, where Lainey is now working. And she has a huge, life changing surprise for him. Over time, the two reconnect and fall in love.

I loved this book. Lainey and RJ were so sweet together. Neither really wanted anyone else during their separation. They pined for each other and were so glad to find each other again. Their circumstances were different when they reconnected and Lainey is cautious, but after a bit she saw how much RJ missed her and cared about her. I loved the two of them together. They had great chemistry. This book has one of my favorite tropes ( (view spoiler) ) and I loved the way it worked out in this book. The writing and story were very good. There is also a few cameos of Pucked characters, which I enjoyed as well.

A Lie for a Lie was a really sweet, simple story and an entertaining, easy read. There was little angst, despite the unusual circumstances, which I love. This book ranks right up there with my favorite Helena Hunting books. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

4/5 STARS


I’m just a sucker for Helena Hunting’s romcoms, her swoon-worthy characters and humor!

And if oy get a strong heroine, an obstinate male character, some twists and a second chance romance, with cameos from the Pucked Series, you get the perfect story!

I may have loved a little more angst but all in all, I had a fantastic read, especially between two especially angsty reads, so the timing was just perfect for me!

Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

A lie for a lie was so addictive!
I’m on a Helena Hunting roll…I have been really enjoying her books lately.

I have to be honest and say that going into this book, I kinda had a feeling about the ‘secret’ (read blurb) and boy am I glad it was what I thought it was.

A lie for a lie is jam packed with emotions! 
I am and will forever be a sucker for a second chance romance and this one really hit the spot.

This book was fun, at times sweet and was simply sexy….plus a hockey player?! Yes please!

Highly recommend this book.

OMG! WHAT A BOOK! I mean, I've read other books by Helena Hunting, and she never fails to deliver good stories, but A LIE FOR A LIE was amazing! Since the first pages you know you're up for the ride of your life, the characters share similar traits with the previous I've met but they are different at the same time, the brand of humor I've come to know and love was carried to a brand new level and the chemistry between the characters (plus the particular details of the story that I won't share to not spoil it for you) got me literally glued to my eReader the whole time.
A LIE FOR A LIE is a fresh, fun and romantic story, with lots of sweet and sexy moments. I loved this book and can't wait to see what's next in the series. So, prepare yourself to be amazed, entertained and to fall in love with RJ and Lainey while they unveil each other's secrets (and also fall in love with one another).

Helena Hunting is the hockey romance queen, and a Lie For A Lie is a spin-off of her popular Pucked series.. Rookie escapes to the Alaskan wilderness to find some peace and quiet... and ends up having a steamy, whirlwind romance with Lainey. He doesn’t exactly tell her the truth about who he is... and when they are unexpectedly separated, he has no way to contact her and is left wondering, what if?

A chance meeting a year or so later brings them face to face again, and this time Lainey is the one hiding something. (I figured it out fairly early on.) While the first part of their relationship took place in a bubble, how will they deal with real-life intrusions? Are their different lifestyles too much to make their relationship work? It’s a nice story arc as Rookie and Lainey try to navigate the chaos.

I received an advanced copy via Montlake Romance and NetGalley and voluntarily left a review.

I loved being back in the hockey world. RJ and Lainey’s relationship was such a whirlwind built on a lie, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

RJ was such a sweetheart. It was so hard being mad at him for lying when you totally understood why he did what he did. He was always trying to prove that he could be better, and wasn’t willing to give up.

Lainey was kind of a pushover at first when it came to her family, but once she grew her backbone, she took on her independence in full force. Even though it came with challenges, she wasn’t about to fail. She gave everything 100% and wasn’t willing to back down.

As always, the secondary characters in this world were amazing. It was so much fun seeing how their lives have changed over the years, but how they were the same in some ways too. I can’t wait to see where Helena takes this world next. New adventures are on the horizon for everyone, and I’m so excited!

-An Arc was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.-

I absolutely loved this book. I was laughing at the very beginning. Within the first few chapters I was already rooting for them and their happily ever after. Their chemistry was just perfect. I don't normally like romances where the love in just about instant, but this was perfect. Love at first sight. 

After a wintery, blissful time in Alaska together, their time together suddenly had to end when RJ had to head to be with his family. One of his biggest regrets was not getting her personal phone number before he left that morning. And since then, he hadn't seen or heard from her. He hasn't been the same since then. So when he shows up to a birthday party at an aquarium for one of his teammates kids, he never expected to come face-to-face with the girl who he never thought he would see again. He also never expected  her to reveal what she does to him either. Because with that news, it changes everything- for the good. He just now has to prove to Lainey that he isn't there to take away her independence but to help her if she needs it. 

This book will have you falling in love with RJ and being envious of the way he treats Lainey. Total swoon worthy and will have you "ooohing" and "awwwing" on every page.

Yes, he lied to her. Well, he just did not explain that besides having a family that owned an alpaca farm, he was also the captain of a professional hockey team. All he wanted was to spend his vacation with a woman that only saw him for who he was, not the famous hockey player that women sought after for his fame and glory.

Lainey had troubles of her own. Having survived a life and death situation had left her nerves shattered. Through her strength and courage, she has been trying to challenge herself and expand her horizons. Spending that month with RJ in Alaska was the best and safest she has ever felt. Too bad they lost touch of each other. She still thinks about him even though a year has passed. The memory of their short relationship has left her longing for it again.

Accidentally meeting where she is working in Chicago, Lainey is left speechless. More so as she realises he is a hockey player and not an alpaca farmer like he led her to believe. How much of what she knew of him was a lie? Did she really know this man that stole her heart?

Lovingly sweet, this story will warm your hearts!

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy with me.

A LIE FOR A LIE (All In Book 1) by Helena Hunting is a new contemporary romance that combines the romance tropes of second chance romance and secret baby into an endearing story with realistic main characters. This is a spin-off of Ms. Hunting’s “Pucked series” which revolves around the world of professional hockey players and the women they find their HEAs with.

Lainey is completing her third Master degree and needs time away to finish her thesis and get away from her over protective parents. She is looking forward to being on her own on the remote island after surviving a traumatic incident. Then she lands in the lap of a handsome stranger.

Rook (RJ) Bowman is looking forward to his yearly getaway to Kodiak Island with his brother for weeks of fishing and relaxing before the pressure of the new hockey season. When his brother cancels, Rook decides to go on his own. On the flight to Alaska, a beautiful woman falls right into his lap. Besides being beautiful, she is intelligent, anxious, quirky and has no idea who he is.

Rook is so tired of the puck bunnies and the press so just the fact Lainey does not know who he is intrigues him and turns him on. The two spend several weeks together in seclusion and feelings begin to grow and it turns into more than just a summer fling. Everything is perfect until his brother calls him away on a family emergency. As he hastily leaves, he has no idea his lie of using his family nickname instead of his real name will have unforeseen consequences.

A year later, a chance encounter brings Rook and Lainey back together, but has Rook’s lie destroyed his chance at HEA? And Lainey now has a secret of her own.

This is such a wonderful romance. Lainey’s transformation and growth felt realistic and heartfelt. She found out how strong she could be. Rook learned some hard lessons before he met Lainey and the man he is when he meets her is swoon worthy. Ms. Hunting writes the progression of the romance after their reunion perfectly for me. The dialogue is at times funny but also poignant. The sex scenes are explicit and well placed as the two work to reunite and trust each other again. This romance has a lot of love not only between the H/h, but also the families and Rook’s teammates. All the secondary characters are fully flesh-out out and not just placeholders or caricatures.

I highly recommend this contemporary romance and I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

An amazingly fun and entertaining read! 
This story reminded me of those toys that you unwrap and in each layer you get a prize. That is this book! With each chapter you get into this book you get a surprise and I loved every page of it! It was hilarious, sweet, steamy, and held lots of surprises.The writing was fantastic and the storyline was perfect. I couldn't have asked for anything more. This is 100% a must read!

Helena Hunting has a game-winner with A Lie for a Lie (All In #1). The All In series takes place in the same world as Helena Hunting’s Pucked series. This is Rook (Rookie/RJ) Bowman’s and Lainey Carver’s story. Rook is now the captain of Chicago’s NHL team. He meets the girl of his dreams while he is in Alaska. Best part, she has no idea he’s an NHL star. Unfortunately, he neglects to tell her his profession and his real name, going by his family nickname, RJ. After a family emergency, they are separated without getting each other’s contact information. A year later, they unexpectedly meet again, and they both have secrets. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult readers. It takes place in Alaska, Chicago, and Seattle.

I loved this book. Helena Hunting did an amazing job with this story. The plot was thought-provoking and skillfully written. The characters are genuine and likeable. Rook understandably enjoys being treated normal and not like a celebrity. He knows Lainey likes him for who he really is and not his celebrity persona. Lainey is smart, three master’s degrees intelligent. She has a tragedy in her past that haunts her. The two make an amazing couple that make each other stronger individuals. They have some trust issues to overcome and some other challenges.

I appreciated that the Pucked crew made appearances in this story. You can always count on them for a good laugh. I’m looking forward to book two, A Favor for a Favor. This is Rook’s sister Stevie’s story. I recommend this book to people who enjoy second chance sports romances. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Here we have the start to another hockey series by Ms. Hunting. I found this to be a fun, sweet second chance romance. It does have a fair amount of humor but not to the same level as the Pucked series.

I made a quick connection with RJ "Rook" and Lainey as their story unfolds. RJ has hit that grown up ready to think about settling down part of his life. Sure he did the wild and crazy puck bunnies phase but he is ready to be over it. It is refreshing when he meets the anxious and skittish Lainey.

Lainey is very determined to do this trip on her own. Work towards her thesis and breathe just a little. While she loves her family they can be very overbearing when they want to. Growing up home schooled and not having the same level of interaction with larger crowds has its downfalls and she often seems shy and nervous.

The chance meeting that leads to being almost neighbors far from home is the start of a great summer experience that ends too quickly. Loosing touch was heartbreaking and soul changing for them both. A chance meeting again a year later in a different state could be fate.

Will the lies of the past keep them from their second chance? Or could those lies be the force that helps bring them back together to find pure happiness?

Excited for the next book in the series.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

A Lie for a Lie, All In Book 1, Helena Hunting

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: General Fiction ( Adult), Romance

I first found Helena's book from the fabulous Clipped wings, still my favourite and just downloaded again for a reread. I've enjoyed others from her but also read some that didn't hit the spot. This one kind of falls in the middle.

I loved RJ, and understood exactly why he was so cagey about revealing who he was. Having had a stalker issue, he's bound to be cautious and with fame bringing out all sorts of crazy its sensible to take care. Of course that led to lots of issues further down the line, but he never outright lied, just didn't tell all and I thought once she knew the truth Lainey was a bit harsh to him over that.
I understood her issues, she'd been through a huge trauma. As a parent myself understood where her parents were coming from too, but of course at 25 no-one wants to still be having to run decisions by parents, and it was well past time for them to accept that.
When something happens in the novel I had a feeling it would lead to....and I was right. TBH I'm getting a little tired of that trope, its becoming too predictable. Maybe I'm just choosing wrong books though ;-) It then takes up a large part of the novel naturally, and becomes the focus of whether they can make it as a couple or not. I understood the characters, why they acted as they did, I enjoyed the story but wasn't glued to it, and it won't be a re-reader for me.

Stars: Three, an easy, relaxing read, but a little short on plot and drama for me.

Arc via Netgalley

I’m relatively new to Helena Hunting’s writing, this book being the third one of hers that I’ve read, and for that, believe me, I’m kicking myself. I mean, seriously, what was I thinking waiting this long to read her work? It’s ridiculous, and I’m embarrassed and ashamed of myself. But on the upside, I have a whole lot of awesomeness to look forward to in that back catalog of hers, so at least there’s that.

A Lie for a Lie kicks off with one heck of a meet-cute that turns into a bit of a mess (literally) before it circles back to cute. Rook, or RJ as he introduces himself to Lainey, solidly endeared himself to me during that whole episode. He was so gentle and kind, and I loved that he recognized right away that this woman was different and special, and from that first moment, he handled her with care, well except for that one big honking lie of omission… Lainey was so sweet and a touch naïve at first, but she was also brave, stepping way out of her comfort zone to go on this huge adventure alone.

Their magical few weeks together is abruptly cut short, and in a truly unfortunate set of circumstances, they part ways, planning to catch up with each other later. In a heartbreaking turn of events, though, that contact doesn’t go according to plan, and they lose touch. Fast forward a year, and fate steps in to reunite them in another meet-cute scenario that isn’t nearly as cute as their first meeting. RJ’s lie explodes in that moment as he sees Lainey for the first time in a year. It turns out, though, that Lainey’s got one of her own. Summoning up all the persistence, patience and purpose he can possibly muster, RJ pursues Lainey. He desperately wants a chance to prove he’s the real deal to Lainey, and she has decide if she’s willing to put her heart on the line again.

Rooted in one of my favorite tropes, A Lie for a Lie was an utterly romantic, sweet and sexy second-chance romance. Positively brimming with emotion, Hunting delivered a story that made me laugh, swoon, sigh and sob. I loved every single step of RJ and Lainey’s journey back to each other. Five smooches from me for A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads