From the New York Times bestselling author of the Pucked series comes a romantic comedy about instant attraction, second chances, and not-so-little white lies.Sometimes I need an escape from the demands, the puck bunnies, and the notoriety that come with being an NHL team captain. I just want to be a normal guy for a few weeks. So when I leave Chicago for some peace and quiet, the last thing I … quiet, the last thing I expect is for a gorgeous woman to literally fall into my lap on a flight to Alaska. Even better, she has absolutely no idea who I am.
Lainey is the perfect escape from my life. My plan for seclusion becomes a monthlong sex fest punctuated with domestic bliss. But it ends just as abruptly as it began. When I’m called away on a family emergency, I realize too late that I have no way to contact Lainey.
A year later, a chance encounter throws Lainey and me together again. But I still have a lie hanging over my head, and Lainey’s keeping secrets of her own. With more than lust at stake, the truth may be our game changer.
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Sports romance alert!!! Hot athletic alpha meets quirky heroine! Yesssss!
Such an amazing romantic story! Toss in the familiar faces from the Pucked series to complete this rom-com. I literally didn’t think Helena could write male that was sweeter than Alex in the Pucked series, but Rj is stealing the sweet factor in this one. He goes above and beyond at Lainey’s pace and comfort level to win her over. He is so supportive.
As far as the comedy nothing is funnier and cute than kids. That and Violet’s lack of filter and I could stop laughing. All I have to say is the aquarium scene. Love this book very much. Can’t wait for the next. Completely recommend.
“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.
A Lie for a Lie, an all-new sexy second chance romance from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is available now!
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Listen up hockey romance fans! Helena Hunting has a new release! If you’re looking for a romantic comedy with instant attraction and second chances… this is the book for you!
Signature Helena quirkiness and humor. Loved this sexy hockey romance!
This book was everything I love about a Helena Hunting book. Super, laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, full of charm and perfectly angsty without making me want to rip my heart out of my chest to make it stop.
What an amazing beginning to a series! Un-put-downable!
This book has all of the elements I love about Helena’s books. A quirky heroine and hot alpha hockey player heat up the pages and kept me smiling the whole way though! I definitely recommend this one!
Helena brings ALL the funny in this epic second-chance romance!
I love a good second chance romance, and as per usual, Helena delivers with her trademark humor, wit, and swoon!
5 Safety Cuddle Stars!
Rook and Lainey has such a beautiful story filled with summer love, second chances and happily-ever-afters.
#1 – if you miss your favorite Pucked series characters, you’re going to get to see them again. I loved appearances from my favorite peeps. I’ve missed them.
#2 – get ready to swoon. Rook was so romantic and Lainey was just the sweetest thing ever.
#3- get ready to be surprised.
I am totally in love with these characters!! Rook is Captain of an NFL team and trying to keep a low key profile after his young bachelor lifestyle that’s gotten him into more trouble than he’d care to admit. Lainey was a blessing. A sweet, smart girl looking to adventure out on her own in Alaska. Highly anxious (no thanks to the constant hovering of her helicopter mom) but she strives to work past her boundaries and control her anxiety. And thanks to Rook’s safety cuddles, he easily makes it all better.
Their summer fling was quick but no less perfect. Their connection was not only instant but incredible deep. They are most definitely an opposites attract kind of couple but their edges fit into perfect pieces when they are together. It was the sweetest and most precious thing to see.
I loved this book SO much!!!!
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!
4.5 stars!! Loved RJ & Lainey and the glimpses of Pucked series characters. Lots of humor, heart & heat with a bit of angst thrown in for good measure. Must read!
A Lie for a Lie is a spin off trilogy set in the same world as Hunting’s Pucked series. You see cameos of a lot of old favourites. While you don’t need to read the Pucked series before reading A Lie for a Lie, I do recommend the Pucked series because it’s outstanding.
This book was stunning. Absolutely stunning. A beautifully told second chance romance that left me giggling and crying happy tears.
It holds everything you would expect in a Helena Hunting book. It’s laugh-out-loud hysterical, the chemistry leaves you swooning, sexy enough to make you melt, and stellar dialogue that can pull at the heartstrings.
What I loved most about this was how beautifully Hunting handled Lainey’s social anxiety. It was all written in such a relatable and genuine way.
I won’t reveal too much of the plot because it’s best to go in blind. Just know that the story is remarkable and a must-read to all romance readers.
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.
Thoughtful, endearing, and funny, this story was an absolute delight to devour. As a fan of Hunting’s work through the years my expectations for another hockey book were a bit high but I can gladly say that she did not disappoint!
While Lainey and RJ’s immediate connection and off the charts chemistry kept my eyes glued to the pages of my book, their story was also full of heart, humor and had me fully engaged right until the end.
Cameo visits from some of the most cherished characters in the Pucked Series also gave this book a bit of a blast from the past feel and added another dose of humor to an already almost near perfect read.
As Always, Happy Reading!
“5/5 Beaming Brains!” – Lit-Up My Mind
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!!!
Rook and Lainey will steal your heart!
A Lie for a Lie is sweet, sexy, and fun, it leaves you with a smile on your face, and I absolutely adored it! Rook and Lainey have an adorable meet-cute, followed by a blooming friendship and relationship. I mean, it may be based in lies, but at least they are both lying, right? After a series of unfortunate events, these two part ways, and then fate intervenes and brings them back together. I love the chemistry, I love the premise of the story, and I love the characters. A Lie for a Lie is a complete standalone, but if you’ve ever read any of Ms. Huntings previous hockey books, you may just see some familiar faces. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this new series!
5 “karmic chance” stars!
A Lie for a Lie is an all new sports romance that makes you laugh, turns up the heat, and brings on the feels. With realistic and enticing characters and a captivating and entertaining storyline, this heartwarming love story is unputdownable and easily joins my list of favorite second chance romances.
Rook is an NFL team captain who is as popular off the ice as he is on it. Ready for things to slow down, he’s changed his ways and now enjoys more time out of the spotlight. When his annual Alaska trip with his brother ends up being just him, he decides to enjoy the quiet time alone. At least until Lainey falls into his life.
Lainey is a shy, small town girl who grew up in a big family and hasn’t really been on her own despite her being twenty-five years old. She’s ready for an adventure so she takes a six-week internship for her master’s degree in Alaska. She feels prepared but she could never have imagined the turn her life would take when she literally falls on a gorgeous guy while boarding a plane for the first time.
I fell hard and fast for Rook and Lainey! These two are just perfect for each other. Rook is trying to be the best person he can be on and off the ice. He strives to be a respected team leader and a good role model and loves playing hockey but his popularity can be overwhelming. When a beautiful woman falls on his lap on the flight to Alaska he braces himself for the reaction he usually gets when a woman sees him. However, Lainey doesn’t recognize him and to say it was refreshing would be an understatement.
“Here on this plane I’m not the NHL forward and team captain with a history of being a player on and off the ice. I’m just a guy, and she’s just a girl.”
Lainey is anxious, quiet, and super smart. She was homeschooled and everything having to do with traveling is new. She is unsure, a little awkward, sweet as can be, and completely endearing. Her character is real and I found myself drawn to her and her challenges immediately.
Lainey is fun and different and Rook finds himself intrigued by her. He introduces himself as RJ, the name his siblings use, thus taking away his reputation so he can be just a regular guy. He can be himself without expectations and he loves that she doesn’t throw herself at him. She genuinely wants to get to know him and he seems to calm her nerves which makes it easy for them to enjoy each other’s company.
These two are fantastic together. Rook and Lainey share a connection and their relationship is fun and natural, and even though their feelings sneak up on them quickly, I love that they take their time. It doesn’t feel rushed. It’s sensual and emotional, beautiful and tender, and I fell for them as a couple. Then, they are pulled apart in a heartbreaking way, and neither are left unscathed.
“I wish I’d started this with the truth instead of a lie, because it’s too late to take it back . . .”
When Rook and Lainey see each other over a year later, it’s a shock. Things have changed for both of them and their chance meeting will once again flip their lives upside down.
“I should tell him my own truth. But for now we’re tied: a lie for a lie.”
I loved seeing Rook and Lainey reconnect. All of the feelings they tried to get over come rushing back. It’s emotional and real. Rook is even more amazing. He is all in even when Lainey has her reservations. He is patient and sweet and totally swoony, and I fell harder for him with ever page I turned. Lainey is strong and brave. She has such a huge heart and I loved that she did her best to make a life for herself away from her over protective parents. I respected her and her decisions and I am glad she follows her heart because these two are meant to be.
Overall, A Lie for a Lie is a sweet, entertaining, heartwarming romance that will make you believe in fate and second chances. It’s the first book in the All In series, and I cannot wait for more!!
I’ll add that lovers of the hilarious Pucked series will be thrilled to get cameos of Pucked characters having so much fun. I loved seeing their friendships remain strong and roles they all play in Rook and Lainey’s lives.
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!