"You may need to set some parameters for me, my queen, so I know how out of control I'm allowed to get here."

This line seriously made me melt! I will take "my queen" over babe, sweetheart or cupcake any day of the week... the complete reverence Kingston shows Queenie is swoon worthy then throw in how the straight laced boy scout wants to lose control and I need to fan myself!

I was a little worried about how Helena Hunting would make Kingston's story entertaining and believable, he was a little too straight-laced in the previous book for me. I thought his story might be either boring or he would go down a complete rebellious path and it would be way to out of sync with the character we have come to know... but really I should never have doubted Helena Hunting. Kingston was still the khaki wearing, milk drinking nice guy that was completely endearing... but I absolutely loved how he would slowly lose control when Queenie came into the picture. The chemistry between them was great and they challenged each without trying to change who the other person was. Queenie had some major insecurities and doubts about herself but Kingston showed nothing but devotion from the beginning, he saw and loved all of her! I had a minor moment of wanting to throw down with Kingston's mom but luckily everything worked out. This book pulled on the heartstrings, had major chemistry, hot sex scenes and the humor we have come to know and love with Helena Hunting's sports romances (I don't think I can look at strawberry shakes the same again)!

*I received an Advanced Copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *

4.5 stars

I have to say there is just something about this author and the stories that she creates. She makes me like hockey, which is a feat in itself because I hate all sports except baseball. I can always count on her characters to be a little zany and over the top. However, this book was a tad different.

For once the characters in this weren't over the top but the people and the chaos around them were. I enjoyed Queenie. I could see why she felt out of control with the things that were going on around her from her mother to the big "fiasco" in this book. I liked that she found her strength and her purpose. I, especially, loved her Dad. He was much different than I was expecting him to be. King, this guy. He has to be the most patient and laid back guy ever. The way that he handled everything was nice to see. Together, these two were so cute.

I also enjoyed being around Violet and the Fam again. The scenes with Lavender were truly sweet and handled so well. I loved seeing a little of Bishop and Stevie again too. These characters are truly magical. The way that this author connects them all is done so seamlessly and it appears genuine. I never want this series to end, much like I didn't want the Pucked series to end. Regardless, of what this author does next, I will be here for the journey.

I loved King and Queenie! This was a great addition to this series and I was happy we were able to read about previous characters again and see where they were at. The epilogue was great and gave us a good picture of where King and Queenie are several years later. I loved how sweet Kingston was with Queenie. He was adorable and was always looking to take care of her and support her. There was a lot of baggage to unpack between these two characters and their lives which seemed like it was a little too much to read about but didn't overshadow the rest of the love story entirely. I loved how sweet the relationship was between Queenie and Lavender and how Queenie was able to help her grow into herself!

I loved this story! I loved the previous All In books and could not get enough of Kingston and Queenie. Their story is so heartwarming! I love King- I love his organization and priorities and how he is with Queenie. I loved watching Queenie grow throughout the book.
This book made my laugh and cry a bit! Helena Hunting is a new author to me and I cannot wait to go back and read her other books. I love how she tells a story and develops these characters!

Okay so seriously, who doesn't like Helena Hunting's books... I think every book of this author, I really loved. And I didn't want it to end. This one was the exact same thing.
I loved Ryan. Rule follower, and just an all around good guy.
Kingston and Queenie met in a bar after both of them had a kind of rough day. After a Secret for a Secret is exchanged, One thing led to another and you know how this story goes. The next day all that was left of Queenie was a thank you note and some really hot memories for him.

Weeks later when the GM introduces his new assistant, well hello girl from the bar... And the what a surprise she's the GM's daughter🤦‍♀️

She couldn't believe that someone like King would be interested in someone like her. She was a mess, her life is the total opposite of his and he wants to be with her. So she was going to enjoy her time with him. But even though Queenie wanted to be with him, King knew that, he still felt like she was keeping a part of herself from him. But he was going to break her down one wall at a time! But will King be able to stand by her side when her past comes crashing down around them?

I have to say that I didn't think anyone would be able to compete with Bishop, but... I loved Ryan Kingston... And Queenie was just as awesome. He was exactly what she needed. One being a rule follower and has some questionable OCD dishwashing and overly protective, to a total opposite of him.

Fun, adventurous, sweet and she was just perfect for him. She also had some emotional issues, due to a biatchy and vindictive mother. But i loved that King was there for her and he never let her forget that he was right beside taking on the world with her. Like I said who doesn't love a Helena Hunting book. Fun, steamy, lol, and some emotional parts and low on the angst scale. What more would you want.

5 star Review A Secret For A Secret (All In #3) by Helena Hunting
 
I have yet another new book boyfriend, Ryan Kingston, he ticked all the boxes for me. I love Ms. Hunting's style of writing, it is always strong, her characters are driven and yet “real” and I find them easy to relate too.

From start to finish Helena Hunting wove together a story that I simply could not put down,  she had me totally engrossed and staying up way past my bedtime. This was an entertaining, at times humorous story with angst, secrets and lies. It was also emotional and at times brought tears to my eyes.

Kingston finds himself diving head first into a passionate night with Queenie, a woman who he finds he can tell his deepest and darkest secrets too. The connection between them is not just physical, it is soul deep as Queenie opens up and shares her secrets too. They know they only have one night but it will be one they both will always remember.

However, fate works in mysterious ways and weeks later, Kingston is shocked to learn that Queenie is the daughter of the general manager of his team. The woman he thought he would never see again is now firmly in his life. I loved the awkwardness of their relationship, the shyness an the humour that had me laughing out loud at times. The chemistry between Kingston and Queenie was intense, almost electrifying. I fell hard and fast for Kingston, you cannot help but fall for him in my opinion.  

In fact there is nothing that I didn’t love about this book.

I received an copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley

Helena Hunting has hit it out of the park again! Her novels are really in a league of their own, full of heart, heat and humor - a thoroughly enjoyable trifecta!

A Secret for a Secret is the third book in the All In series, which is an off-shoot of her beloved Pucked series. They are all interconnected standalone novels and can be enjoyed in any order, but I do find that you get a lot more out of the them when you read them in order.

A Secret for a Secret is about Ryan Kingston's journey to love. He's a teammate of Rook and Bishop from A Lie for a Lie and A Favor for a Favor respectively. True to the title, each of them is keeping a secret that deeply impacts them. Kingston is a kind, compassionate, shyly romantic guy. He's truly drawn to Queenie in a beautiful, deeply touching way. This compassion and natural connection is what allows them to truly open up to each other.

Beautifully compassionate and touching. A wonderful addition to the All In series, and a gift to us readers.

4 stars
Ryan Kingston is the goalie, the good guy, the boy scout of their Seattle pro hockey team. He is polite and follows the rules...except maybe if he gets too much alcohol in his system. At least that is his excuse for picking up a stranger in a bar and taking her home for one hot night.

When Queenie was down and out, meeting Ryan at the bar made her feel better. Her life has been spiraling and she is kind of drifting. Sharing secrets is easier with a stranger. And an impulsive one night stand did not seem to be a problem.

But she has just moved back to Seattle to be her father's assistant. Her dad happens to be the GM for the Seattle hockey team. And soon that one night is coming back to haunt them both. More secrets.

It is an off-limits situation with uncontrollable chemistry. Sexual frustration leads to friendship. There is no way around it without trying to confront her father about their request to actually date in the open. But it seems for every step forward, more secrets are exposed.

This is a sexy, forbidden, opposites-attract, rom-com with heart and layers of issues. King is adorable and swoon-worthy despite his buttoned-up image. I loved King and Queenie together. King is the calm and center to her storm and chaos. But even King is full of surprises. Just when things would seem to settle down, something else would happen. Some secrets are omissions or even lies with repercussions. But the angst in the story is mostly external and not relationship-based about their actual feelings for the other.

But Queenie does have a lot of fears, insecurities, and self-doubt, and can be a bit much too handle. Will King be willing to weather the storm to be with her?

I loved Queenie's relationship with her youngish dad, Jake, and Ryan's with his momster. His family is kind of kooky and add some comic relief and drama. It is also fun getting more with the team, their significant others, and even their sweet offspring. They enjoy taunting each other, but are also an excellent support system. I would actually really like to get another book out of this series focusing on Jake. He's 40ish, hot, successful, protective, and ready to find love.

Helena Hunting brings it with A Secret for a Secret. I simply adore King and Queenie. King is known as the boy scout, he follows the rules and walks a straight line. Queenie is a little bit of a wreck. She is more impulsive and a runner when things get tough. They both harbor a few secrets that you will just be like what the heck just happened. I love King and Queenie together. They balance each other out. King shows that when the going gets tough he will stick with you. You'll laugh and love right along with King and Queenie. How can you not when it comes to anything Helena Hunting writes. I couldn't put this one down. Just wait until you fall in love with Queenie and King just like I did.

3.5-4 Stars - I recommend if you have read the rest of the series.

I love this series so much, it was super fun to see the characters from the other books again! I love the bromance between King, Rook, and Bishop. (woah I just caught that... chess pieces...!). I thought that the differences between King and Queenie were adorable and made them a great couple. There was a lot of chemistry and tension to swoon over. They balanced each other out really well, and it was so fun to read about their relationship. I liked her aspiring career as an art therapist and a look at Alex and Violet's kids. I felt like there were a few too many conflicts in this story for me, but that overall I enjoyed the book. Looking forward to seeing what comes next... and I hope it's what I think it is!

My sweet King and his Queen have such a beautiful love story.
I laughed out loud so much while reading this book and I remembered why I love so much this series and these characters.
Each one has a secret and it’s not always easy, to tell the truth, or find the courage to spill out all the beans.
Family drama, feelings to go for days and bumpy road ahead won’t keep them to find their happily ever after.

4.5 Stars

A Secret for A Secret is the final book in the All In series, and I loved it!

I have been dying for this book ever since Kingston was first introduced, and I love him even more than I expected. Helena Hunting has given us plenty of drool-worthy hockey players throughout her books, but Ryan Kingston is definitely one of a kind. A milk-loving gentleman with a secret dirty side, he might just be my new favorite. And he was the perfect Yin to Queenie's Yang! These characters balanced each other out perfectly, and I loved how supportive he was of her throughout the book.

This story is definitely a bit tamer than other Hunting hockey books, but her signature humor still shines with the help of an AMAZING guest star. I love how past characters are weaved into each book, bringing every story together and creating one big, happy family.

Perfectly paced with just the right amount of drama, this is such a fun story and I highly recommend it!

Helena Hunting has this uncanny ability to have me burst into laughter while squirming in my seat. She seriously writes the hottest chemistry and then just throws in a hilarious twist that makes it feel that much more authentic. Because seriously the crazy stuff always happens at the most inopportune moment and it is the crazy that makes us appreciate the perfect moments.

King and Queenie have been the best couple I have read in ages. I felt like I have known them forever and at the same time waited for years to meet them. They were real and authentic and chaotic and dysfunctional and just perfect.

Queenie was the perfect storm for Kings smooth lake. And I really enjoyed watching her strength and belief in herself grow as King proved to her that he would be her safe place to land. But more so I loved that she realised that she was strong enough not to need it. She was beautiful because she was so human and she had her own flaws and had made her share of mistakes.

King more than lived up to his name. And I call dibs. In so many regards he would drive me insane but at the same time I think that's because I am very much the type that lives in chaos. Although King had grown up in more than his share of chaos and I loved that his family was so nuts and dysfunctional.

I just loved this whole story. Every page, every word. The whole series has been awesome but this one took the cake. I couldn't put it down and I am dying for the next book and I am crossing all my fingers hoping it's momster and Jake. But I know even if it's not I am going to love it. And as much as I'll obsess over it, I'll also get more of the crew so it's got all the sprinkles.

A Secret for a Secret was a cracking read, and honestly the All In series has just got better and better, and I didn't think Ms Hunting could top the earlier books which are both wonderfully brilliant in their own ways. But she really has.

As that first interaction between Queenie and Kingston and the secrets they share, just set the tone for the whole story, and I knew from that moment I was in for a terrific time with these two. Especially when they meet again some six weeks later and find out who each other really are. And Kingston was a truly brilliant character who is extremely straight laced, follows rules and always confronts difficult issues head on, and I adored that. But boy was he hot in the sack!!! And Queenie was chaotic to say the least, yet, they worked together fantastically and watching her grow and gain confidence with Kingston's support was awesome. As was catching up with characters who I love from this world and the world of Pucked, particularly Violet and her adorable children.

And so, I was utterly captivated from the very first page until the last, and I could not put this story down, and for me, A Secret for a Secret like many others by Ms Hunting is a must-read, and it's one I would certainly recommend to others.

Kingston’s book was well worth the wait!

Kingston is straight lace, plays by the rules and doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary! But when life throws him a curve ball he throws caution to the wind and finds solace in the chaos that is Queenie!

One wild and perfect night was all they thought they had but fate had other plans. As they navigate what to do and what lies ahead they will learn that anything worth having doesn’t come easy and it’s up to them to decide what to fight for and what to walk away from!

I love Helena’s writing! Her humor mixed with deep emotional situations make her stories come to life and feel so real! I have loved her hockey romances for years and each character adds a new dynamic that keeps you drawn in and won’t let you go! Secret for a secret has definitely made me a fan for life!

<i>arc provided by the publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest review</i>

This was such a sweet, hilarious and entertaining story. I really enjoyed it! Bishop’s is still my favourite story of the trilogy but Kingston is definitely a close contender!

I want to start off this review by saying how refreshing it is to have a love interest and a couple who talk and have conversations when problems arise. They deal with drama and any sort of issue in a healthy way and it made this read so much more enjoyable. Yes, these characters still have flaws and insecurities but they didn’t let those get in the way of each other and their trust for one another.

Kingston was also a refreshing character to read about. I usually like the bad boy types more but King was just such a sweetheart that I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. I loved that he was the calm to Queenie’s chaos. He didn’t change her or make her any less her but his strengths matched up with her flaws and vice versa so well, it was great to see.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were fleshed out properly and had great development, the smut was steamy and the perfect amount and the plot was entertaining and kept me wanting more.

4/5 ⭐️

tw: abusive/manipulative ex, manipulative mother figure.

A Secret for a Secret was such a captivating and sexy read! I adored King and his absolutely adorable demeanor. He was so kind and good. His reliable and trust worthy personality made him such an easy hero to love! Such a freakin upstanding dude but when you got him alone and unguarded, it’s like he turned into a whole different person!!! I was enamored with the night and day shift of his personality when it came to his professionalism vs the bedroom! He was the perfect mix of genuine and passionate. King‘s intimate dirty talk was EVERYTHING!

Oh, Queenie. Such a mess and I loved every minute of it! She knew she was a hurricane of chaos and failure, but was trying so hard to turn the corner on her past. She had the unfortunate dark cloud of rejection hanging over her from her worthless mother and a shattered past when it came to dating.

These two were doomed from the beginning! But somehow they kept things honest and truthful (as much as they could) and didn’t let their complicated situations slow down the momentum of their passion and connection. Regardless of the hurdles that were thrown up in their way, they found a way to get over them. Even when Exes from their past were determined to ruin everything.

The drama was heavy and the emotions were real. This couple faced some intense challenges but overcame them with such a fierce partnership. I loved how King never let Queenie talk bad about herself or allowed anyone treat her with an ounce of disrespect. He put her on a pedestal, like no one ever had. It was a feeling she was not used to and had a hard time accepting. Their love bloomed quickly but it always felt so right!

The ending of this story made my heart so happy and the epilogue was perfect!!!

Finally!!! A Goalie gets some love’n!! LOL; One of my favorite hockey sports romance series is back with Ryan Kingston. After sharing secrets with a stranger at a bar & a wild and fun night with a girl named Queenie Masterson, he was ready to go back to work as Seattle’s hockey team’s goalie. Everything is going great right? Well, maybe not when the new general manager’s daughter just happens to be his last hookup!! Oops! Can they keep it professional with the “no dating policy?” This gave me a huge smile from the very first page. These characters are so well written, relatable and funny. King is so sweet and has semi Vi vibes going on with getting flustered. These two are magic together. If you love romantic comedies you’re gonna love this one! Oh and Queenie’s dad, Jake, might be my favorite parent ever!!! LOL we also get our favorites too in this book. Told in dual POV

King & Queenie!! swoon. I totally loved reading this book. Queenie is a little bit complicated and King was such a dirty talking gentleman! I love a hero who's all buttoned up until he gets in the sheets.

I loved the origins of King & Queenie. Normally straight laced King finds out some insane news and ends up having a one night stand with Queenie. Come to find out, she is the daughter of his hockey teams new GM. The reuniting post one night stand was pure comedic gold!! Kings play by play was so good.

Queenie came with a little baggage byway of crappy ex who ends up playing hockey with King. But King doesn't disappoint in the drama department either! I love a little drama in my books so I enjoyed the crazy!

While I think A Favor for a Favor ended up being my favorite, this was a great wrap up to the All In series. Hunting always brings the sexy and the comedy!!

Helena has entrenched herself pretty firmly in the Rom-com genre. Her PUCKED series just keeps on giving, the characters delighting us whenever they make an impromptu appearance, Esp Violet.
Then she suddenly surprises you with a heartfelt story like this one. she can extract tears from your eyes as adeptly as he can make you spit out your drink with sudden bursts of laughter
"Thank Baby Jesus riding a freaking Unicorn"
Earlier two books - A Lie for a Lie and A Favor for a Favor had a lighter vein in them. This one does too, but it's more than a few laughs. It's full of Changes and Challenges. All the characters go through it and everyone's reactions to them is most fascinating to watch.
Hanna's life changed when she was 18, which sets off a chain reaction of upheavals that upends lives of Kingston & his mom, and then his brother.
On the other end, Jake's life changes at 20, which brings a major turbulence in Queenie's life, while going through some heart breaking twist in her life too
All are shaken up, all try their best to hang on to their loved ones, nobody wants to hurt anybody....and therein lies the problem!!
They hide secrets" which ultimately dry up to become skeletons in their closets
Its an eye-opening story, with lots of laughs and funny situations thrown in, but don't take your eyes off the central theme of trust.
Trust Broken & Restored.
"I feel like I’ve finally found my person. The one who won’t try to tame my chaos but will let me live in it and help me balance my impulsiveness with stability. He’s yin and I’m yang. He’s sugar and I’m salt."
I did laugh a lot, esp strawberry scene, but I was glassy eyed too.
Every human being makes mistake, doesn't mean they're a mess, just that they're in a messy situation.
Kingston is the poster child of what a Golden Good boy should be.
A 70 point safe driver, a teetotaller, considerate, polite, punctual and respectful.
"Such a pretty boy. So nicely dressed, so polite. So very, very respectful. But good God, get that man’s clothes off and get him into a bed, and it’s a whole different story."
Falls for an impulsive, A tad confused Queenie and it's like the opposite poles just click in place.
Their love is obviously lust and passion but it's their connection anchored by Kingston which gives much needed acceptance and stability in her life that is most adorable.
"She’s my raging rapids, and I’m her calm lake at dawn. We’re good. Perfect."
It's a heartwarming tale of selfless love explored in depth by Helena, surprising and heart melting at every turn.
This one is the best of the series yet, and there's a fantastic, shy surprise in this book that just made me all gooey with love and adoration
5 stars for Strawberries & Lavender