With the delightful first book in her All In series, Helena Hunting takes her readers for a sexy ride filled with temptation, love when they least expect it and the fallout of not so little lies. A pro hockey player takes advantage of the fact that the gorgeous marine biologist who falls into his life while traveling to Alaska is blissfully unaware of who he is. Fun ensues and then life gets in the way.

Rook AKA RJ is a really easy guy to like. He loves his hockey life, but it's easy to see why he enjoys a little chemistry with a pretty lady who doesn't seem to have a clue who he is. When life gets in the way and he realizes he has no way of contacting her, life is a little less bright.

Lainey is blown away with the guy she meets in Alaska, and when it's time to head back home she can't seem to get in touch to leave her contact info. More than a year later, life puts them in touch again, but he's still got a major lie to come clean about, and it turns out she's got some surprises of her own.

I recommend this book to anyone loving a little humor with your sports romance. The characters are fun, their connection is yummy and their happily ever after is oh so sweet.

Let me start with a warning, if you are picking this up because you loved the Pucked series, then think again. This is the darker brother to that series but that said, it’s no less a fantastic read and no kidding a fricking awesome read.

This book was so not what I expected and so much more. I loved this book, plain and simple and am already desperate for the next book.

Lainey and R.J. are a couple you don’t to miss! Their story will have you glued to the pages as twists and turns unfold and you fall further under their spell as they get a second chance at a once in a lifetime love.

Yes, the Pucked characters make an unforgettable appearance. Violet especially but its THIS couple that will have you wanting to finish but not wanting to finish it. Trust me, you will understand this sentence when you read it.

This is so hard to write without dropping spoilers. There are so many favourite scenes I want to say watch out for but can’t. What I can say is this, be ready to lose your heart to this story. I know I have. Well played Helena Hunting, well played indeed.

Do not miss this story. That is all.

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance, especially of the second-chance variety.

I thought based on the title and cover that this would be sort of a romantic suspense story, LOL... so I was a little off base, but ended up enjoying this one quite a bit! I ADORED both RJ and Lainey, and their time in Alaska. It was very swoony and sweet, and their chemistry and different personalities were so fun. I honestly was dreading that part of the book coming to an end. However, I quickly found myself invested in the present day plot as well. I loved the way they uncovered secrets about their lives and lies, and how they tried so hard to make it work again. There is very little of the dreaded "JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER ALREADY!" sort of feeling, which I very much appreciated! I thought that their relationship both past and present was so sweet, and I liked the little bits of hockey life mixed in too. This book reminded me a little bit of Wait for It by Mariana Zapata and The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker, both books that I really enjoyed! I see that there is already a synopsis for book 2 in this series... and I am here. for. it. Definitely going to continue on.

I loved the Pucked series from Helena Hunting, and while I was sad to see it come to an end I'm so glad she created this spin-off series. And the first book, A Lie for a Lie, was absolutely fantastic! Rook and Lainey absolutely stole my heart. Seriously, the tenderness he showed her on that puddle jumper plane in Alaska (….those flights definitely make your stomach flip....) when he didn't even know her - major swoon moment right there!! Loved the relationship that developed during their stay in Alaska, and my heart hurt when they lost touch after Rook had to leave. But fate had something else in store for them, that neither of them had anticipated. Just everything about Rook and Lainey was so wonderful and I just loved their story so much. Enjoyed all the appearances from the Pucked world couples too - Violet never ceases to amaze me with the things that come out of her mouth!

Definitely looking forward to reading what comes next!

Lies come in different levels and seriousness. I know, I get it, all lies should be bad...but, telling a friend you love their new hair color (when you don't and they do) is one of the lies that aren't really 100% wrong.

Rook and Lainey, however, manage to come up with a couple of them that result in making their relationship easier (or so Rook thinks) and more complicated when you learn about Lainey's lie. For me, one of them was a serious lie and one was understandable, given the circumstances...but carried on for too long. I will let you decided which is which, as I am not going to spoil it here.

Helena Hunting has been a favorite of mine, because of her stories, her writing and her characters. And, while this is set in the hockey world, and there are some glimpses of some previous characters, the book has a different feel to it. It is more serious, and the characters (even the ones from previous books) seem less outrageous and more easily related to...and, well, I kind of liked this aspect. I liked seeing them, but as people and maybe not the outrageous characters from before.

Don't get me wrong. The characters in this still say what they think, even when stranded in horrifying Alaskan cabins, but it's done in a way that makes them feel more like real people. If that makes sense.

Also, I laughed. Out loud. More than once. So, the humor and the heart is still in this, even though the style and the tone are a little different.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

I have enjoyed all of Helena Hunting's releases since she ended The Pucked series but none have matched my love for that original series. Until now, A Lie for a Lie, has all my love. It takes place in the pucked universe, and even has cameos from my favorite men, but it can stand strong completely on its own.

A Lie for a Lie is the story of Rookie, aka RJ, and Lainey. They meet on a plane to Kodiak Alaska, where Lainey is headed to work on her thesis and RJ is escaping his crazy life of hockey fame for some rest and relaxation. They end up spending a month together getting to know each other personally and intimately until RJ has to leave suddenly for a family emergency. RJ was enjoying being treated normal so he told a little white lie to Lainey when it came to his career and celebrity status. A year later, fate has them meeting again and Lainey isn't pleased with the lies he told. Now RJ has to earn her trust again and this time there is more at stack than before.

Where do I start. I loved so much about this book. I loved how absolutely adorable RJ and Lainey were. She had anxiety issues, and he did the sweetest things to help calm her. He managed to help her without taking away her independence and was always giving her such great compliments. The intimate scenes were hot but not overly done, even the first time is described perfectly with just enough detail and emotion, it just really fit well with the couple and story line. Next, some of my favorite scenes were between RJ and another who I shall not mention because {{spoilers}} but trust me when you read it you'll know and be just as in love with them as me

A Lie for a Lie is a fantastic second chance romance with amazing characters with wonderful chemistry. Also, if you're a fan of Helena Hunting's Pucked series then this is a must-read. I can't wait for the next book, I need A For A Favor in my hands immediately.

Love this author and LOVED this book. I love steamy romance novels especially ones where random strangers fall in love. I love that Lainey was a nerd and such a quirky and awkward character. The way RJ loves her is so sweet. I loved that there were little details added in such as the name kodiak having special meaning to the couple and the aquarium. Thank you for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Pucked Series is one of my all time favourite hockey tales and when I heard there was going to be a spin off series I was so excited and A Lie for a Lie book one in this series did not disappoint, it was everything I expected and so much more. This book captivated me and once I picked it up there was no putting down until I had read the final line.
Rook or RJ as he is sometimes known as was everything I want in a hero, he is hot, he cares about his family, friends and teammates but most importantly he has learnt from the mistakes he made early in his career. He is the man we would all like on our side because he never crosses lines and he is always there to lend a helping hand.
Lainey is the baby if her family and has always been just a little bit spoiled, her family have wrapped her up in cotton wool but now it’s time to be a woman and live her life her way. She always says what’s on her mind even if that sometimes offends, she never means any harm she just has no filter, she may have a nervous disposition but that doesn’t mean she won’t try anything that’s thrown at her so what does that mean when these two meet in Alaska well I can tell you that’s when the fun and games begin.....
This book has it all, characters with intense sizzling chemistry, lots of funny witty banter and a beautifully written love story. I loved everything about this book and it will certainly be on my best reads of 2019 and I can’t wait to see what’s next in the All In Series because if this book is anything to go by this author has a hit on her hands.

I can not wait to read more from this new series. I have loved Helean Hunting's stories since I started reading them and I just can't put them down! The flow of this one worked out pretty well. There were a few parts where it was slightly slower or faster than I would have liked. But overall, the pacing was well done. The characters were sexy and I loved that although they got to gather it didn't last but then they meet up again a year later. It really makes you understand the power of love in a new way as well as how a story can unfold. The story had a good amount of twists and turns and it blew me away with some of them. I can't wait for more!

Definitely there is no one who can write a ROM-COM like Helena Hunting and this time was no exception. A lie for a lie is a sweet, funny, sexy story with a dramatic tint that I loved, I couldn't get enough of the characters and the plot, I read without stopping and practically without sleeping for two days in a row.

Rook stole my heart, I die of love with him, never while reading Pucked off I thought I would like him so much, but I loved how sweet he is, how important the family is for him and how he is willing to help Lainey through the plot. HE IS PERFECT. Lainey is my animal spirit, I felt so identified with her, sweet and somewhat nerdy.

Their attraction and connection is intense and immediate. I loved them together, their scenes are so sexy, wow, they made me laugh and sigh so many times. Their romance is unique and it caught me from beginning to end. They are so cute together, gahhh I swooned so hard. They are perfect for each other.

Besides everything, secrets and lies accompany their journey, and it left me in shock, I never saw it coming.

If you like Helena Hunting stories, this is one that you won't want to miss. Its plot will catch you and leave you breathless. Highly recommended.

YOU👏🏻GUYS. Helena is now officially one of my favorite authors and I’ve barely made a dent in her long list of hit titles. RJ & Lainey’s story was a joy to read. I instantly loved and connected with both of them. Even though I didn’t like that RJ was keeping things from Lainey, I understood why. Plus, he was so good to her in every other way. I love how he made her comfortable and helped her manage her anxiety but always made it a point to remind her and her parents that she was strong and independent and didn’t need anyone to protect her. Lainey is a rockstar. She’s intelligent even though she’s shy, I love that after just a bit together, she’s comfortable enough around RJ to show him her sassy side. I love that we got a glimpse into their future and I honestly feel like I could read another entire book about their life together. RJ & Lainey are one of my new favorite book couples FOR SURE!

3.5 stars

Lainey is 25 years old and getting her third Masters Degree. Rook (R.J) is a professional hockey player in the NHL. They have a "meet cute" on an airplane to Alaska. Lainey doesn't recognize him and Rook likes it that way. They have a few short weeks together in Alaska, before he had to leave quickly for a family emergency. She didn't even know his last name or telephone number. Fast forward to a year later, they meet again in Chicago. She finds out who he is and guess what she has! Surprise!

I enjoyed Rook and Lainey's story, though I found it a little predictable. It's not my favorite troupe to read. It was good, but I can't say it will be memorable to me or something I will want to reread again. It was a good escape for a couple hours. I am looking forward to book two.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

A Lie for a Lie is a fun, cute, and sexy romance. A Lie for a Lie may be one of my favourite Hunting novels. I’ve read most of her work and enjoyed her novels, but never loved them. A Lie for a Lie is definitely the exception.

RJ and Lainey’s personalities match, making it easy to picture them falling in love easily. The best way to describe Lainey is adorable. She is intelligent and confident. RJ is not an over the top alpha male, instead he is solid, confident in himself, and soft.

The beginning of A Lie for a Lie has strong The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker vibes. They both take place in Alaska and all the hardships that go along. The first half of the novel is easily the best part. I loved how Hunting took the time to develop their relationship in the beginning. Stories like these usually garner a more negative review from me because the past is never explored fully and the chemistry is always implied instead of earned.

There are three reasons I rated the novel four stars instead of five. First, the chemistry is not as explosive and all consuming as I wished it would be. Instead, it is a slow reliable burn. Second, there were a few moments that faded to black that I wish had been explored further. And, finally, I’m not usually a fan of the plot turn this book took, but Hunting made it work for me. At the risk of spoiling the novel, I will not elaborate further.

Overall, A Lie for a Lie is a solid romance that does not rely on stereotypical characters.

I can't stop smiling. Why you may ask? Well, I just feel so happy after reading A Lie for a Lie. It was such a cute and romantic story. Pro NHL superstar meets beautiful, shy nerd type. It was GREAT all around.

Helena Hunting always comes up with the best meet-cute moments and was definitely creative with Lainey and RJ's (Rook). I thought that their chemistry was felt from the very beginning. RJ was tired of meeting 'puck bunnies' and wanted a real connection with someone. Just when he thinks it's impossible, a woman named Lainey falls right into his path. She is unlike any other woman he has been attracted to. She is smart, anxious, and unique.

They are both headed to Alaska for their own self-care vacation and end up spending more time together. Although they are from different worlds, they realize they have so much in common. Lainey and RJ start falling and falling fast.

An unexpected event leaves RJ booking a flight home.

They didn't see each other after that, until 1 year later. Everything is so different in their lives, but when they see each other their 'connection' is constant.

I don't want to give anything away but I swooned so hard. I had so many favorite moments in this book, but I absolutely loved how they brought out the best in each other.

I give A Lie for a Lie 5 stars! Helena Hunting wrote another amazing sports romance that was filled with so much heart. She has the unique ability to make you feel apart of every story she writes. This just might be my favorite Helena Hunting book so far!!

When I first read the Pucked series by Helena Hunting, I immediately became a fan of the series. This spin-off of that series is just as fantastic!

This story focuses on RJ/Rook, a hockey player who is hiding out in the cabin he shared with his dad and brother in Alaska. While enroute, he meets Lainey, the nerdy girl trying to finish her dissertation atl a cabin in the middle of nowhere. When RJ offers her a ride to her cabin, he's not sure about leaving her in the run down shack. When he invites her for dinner at his sprawling A-frame, she never really leaves. The two start a hot and heavy romance that ends too quickly when RJ is called out of town by his brother. A series of events causes them to leave touch with each other for over a year.

When Rook, now back in Chicago, attends the birthday party of one of his team members kids, he's surprised to see that Lainey is there working!

Their reunion is not easy, as she discovers who he really is, and he has to win her back and find out exactly what she's hiding from him.

I am really looking forward to the this series!

I really loved the premise of this one, but the book I just finished didn’t feel like it came from that synopsis.

I liked Lainey and Rook well enough. She’s very smart and maybe a bit sheltered and naive. He’s charming and fairly down to earth. Together they’re thrown together in a meet cute and then it all went a bit weird. There are a lot of side characters due to his teammates and their wives and I didn’t even try to keep them straight.

Plot wise, it was okay. I liked that we actually got the flashback of how they met and the relationship before it came back to the present. For me the sex scenes were a little cringe-y, there were far too many uses of the word “beaver”, and I never once actually saw the chemistry between Lainey and Rook. I did like how he tried so hard to get her back and that they had open conversations once they met again.

SPOILER:

I will say that the entire plot thread about the pregnancy should have been included in the synopsis. I was looking for a second chance romance and while it was there, the main focus was the baby. I don’t often care for the surprise pregnancy trope and likely wouldn’t have requested this if it had been stated.

Overall, it was a quick read that I felt compelled to finish. I highly doubt I’ll be reading any other books in the series.

**Huge thanks to Montlake Publishing for providing the arc free of charge**

A Lie for a Lie will pull on your heart strings. You will wonder what is happening while you are living in the moment. I fell for Lainey and RJ. Lainey had a lot of strength with her independence and a lot would under estimate her. Not RJ aka Rook. He knew what he had was something special. Make that a year later times two!!

The moment you read this book, you are hooked! You feel like you are coming home when the side characters come back to life in a world I love to visit over and over again. You get your Helena Hunting trademark with HOT AND STEAMY in the mix. But the under line of the story is pure heart. A Lie for a Lie is not your typical second chance romance. Nope, not even a little. You get a full second chance to make it right and stronger than ever. I whole heartily recommend this book to all those book lovers that fall in love time and time again!

I forgot how much I loved Helena Hunting's writing and the glory that is Violet lol. This story, while it has cameo's of other characters from the Pucked series, can be read without reading Pucked...but then again, why wouldn't you read all about Violet (can you tell I just love her?). In any case, Kodiak, Alaska is the backdrop of some truly fun, funny, dramatic and wonderfully sexy times in the story that is Rook and Lainey. Fate is sometimes some one of the most mysterious animals I know and when she decides that something is meant to be, who are we to fight it. BUT, Lainey soon learns that not all is as it should be and that her past haunts may make it difficult to forgive. "My skin burns. My heart stutters. I should tell him my own truth. But for now we're tied: a lie for a lie." Getting past the lies is a journey in itself, and the truth should set you free, but can these two see past them in order to have what they both desperately want?

I can just die a happy woman! Once I finish reading the new spinoff series by Helena Hunting. A Life for a Lie is book #1 of her All In hockey romance series which takes place in the same universe as her Pucked series. Yes! We get to read a bit more of her Chicago NHL stars like Alex Waters.

Rook (RJ) Bowman wanted a break from the pressure of being captain of his NHL team and going to Kodiak Island in Alaska to get away from it all is just what the doctor ordered. He never expected a sweet, nerdy and gorgeous woman to literally fall on his lap on the way there. The fact that Lainey doesn’t know who he is only makes him feel more at ease and spending the following weeks with her are filled with delicious sexy times, laughs and happiness.

Unforeseen circumstances force him to cut their time together short and leave without a way to contact her, though. But a year serendipity puts them on the same path once again, only this time Rook is forced to come clean regarding his job while Lainey has a big secret of her own. Can they look past the lies and see person they fell in love with during their bliss filled vacation together?

Helena Hunting has skillfully written a story with a wonderful blend of sexiness, delicious sweetness and a whole lot of fun. Even though his past when it comes to women cast a philanderer shadow on RJ, we get to meet his true, caring, sweet and thoughtful self during his time with Lainey in Alaska. And once he gets over the shock of seeing her again and the very unexpected news she needs to share with him, he continues to display all his best qualities that made me fall for him along with Lainey.

Although their relationship was based on a lie, it developed in a truly deep and heartfelt way which had me rooting for them from start to finish. Together they made a supremely cute couple. And speaking of couple, we get to see a bunch of the fun and crazy couples from the Pucked series who added a layer of laughs and smiles that made this story absolutely enjoyable.

A Lie for A Lie is a standalone hockey romance in the All In series by Helena Hunting. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending.

I really enjoyed this book. We all know I am a sucker for second chance romances, especially when they are genuine. This one is most certainly a genuine, feel good second chance.

What I liked most about this book is we get a lot of their quick relationship. We get a connection to both of them and their attraction before they are brought back together. That aspect along helped build the new romance for these characters.

You can tell by the title, there are obstacles these two must overcome for their reunion to work. I enjoyed the train ride these characters took me on. I pretty much devoured this story from start to finish.