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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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.
HOLY HOCKEY PUCK! I love all of Ms Hunting’s hockey men but RJ is stealing my heart. I love his down to earth ways and the way he treats Lainey is swoon worthy! ANOTHER Great hockey series in the making! KEEP THEM COMING!
Helena Hunting is not an author I’ve read a lot of. I’ve maybe read two or three books. However, I’ve wanted to for a while so when this book came up for early review and it was the first in a series I was like, why not? Because I’m not familiar with her work, I immediately read the synopsis before I jumped …. monthlong sex fest … yup, I jumped!
Note: I haven’t read a single Pucked book. I KNOW! They’re still waiting on kindle LOL Even tho this series is a spin-off from it, I was totally fine.
Okay, so the plot points are all there in the synopsis, so I don’t have to go over them again. So, I’ll just swoon over Helena lol! Man, I love her style and voice. If the rest of the series (and every other book I must catch up on) is as good as this, I may kick myself for not investing time sooner. Everything about this story was just sexy and fun! Okay, not the angsty conflict, of course but for real, what a ridiculously great read this was! I cannot wait for more!!
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!
I’ve really enjoyed reading this book and just kept on smiling throughout the story. Not to mention sports romance and second-chance are really two of my favorite genres! A true rollercoaster of emotions but it had so many pieces you just can’t help but fall in love with Rook and Lainey. And best of all is that some old characters from another series peek around the corner in this story. One way or another, you won’t be able to put this book down, at least I hope so ‘cuz I couldn’t 🙂
Rook is heading to Alaska to go on his yearly fishing trip with his brother but due to unforeseen events, his brother can’t make it and he ends up going alone. What he didn’t expect is a woman falling into his lap but their encounter won’t be the last time they meet again. They end up spending weeks together and time goes fast. A bond seems to be growing between them and their feelings grow deeper but when Rook has to leave earlier than planned, they will lose track of each other… Now a year later, Rook comes face to face again with the one person he never thought he would see again but his lie catches up with him and she doesn’t want to have anything to do with him. Although Lainey has secrets of her own, she doesn’t want to risk her heart again. Rook will do everything he can to convince her to give him another chance but when Lainey’s secret comes out, it will either tear them apart again or bring them closer… Will they find their way back to one another?…
Fantastic new series. I adored Rook and Lainey. There story is one that starts with a lie of omission. Lainey doesn’t watch sports and when Rook realizes she doesn’t know who he is he wants to be just a normal guys for once. This of course comes back to bite him later on. They spend a summer together but through some circumstances beyond their control end up leaving each other with now why to get in touch. I loved watching their story unfold. I also loved seeing my favorite Puck series characters. This story was like seeing old friends and starting to meet new ones. Loved it. Cannot wait for the next one!
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!
I flipping love this!
From Puck Bunnies to the wilds of Alaska and controlling Mother-in-laws! I was totally captivated and entertained from the very beginning. Lainey is adoringly clumsy, and RJ is the sweetest gentleman.
I love the compassion RJ has for Lainey as he takes tender pity on her fear of flying which also makes her terribly anxious during takeoff. He’s a big, very well built, gorgeous man who attracts all kinds of attention, both male and female, but he just wants to get away and be himself without all the hype of his hockey persona. It’s refreshing to see that Lainey has no idea who he is and is grateful for his company during the flight.
I enjoy Lainey’s naivety but subtle strength as she prepares to spend a considerable amount of time alone in the wilds of Alaska doing her research. She comes from a large family, but having been homeschooled didn’t slow her down on her determination to pursue a stellar education.
I was totally entertained with RJ’s attempt to care for Lainey during her illness and couldn’t help laughing throughout his shopping expedition with Kody. He didn’t miss a beat and never gives up! My heart melted with RJ being a hands-on dad and a true partner to Lainey. He even takes on her very controlling mother and anxious father!
This is such an involved story you can’t help but be immersed in all that is going on and ride the roller coaster of emotions that come with it. I could understand Lainey’s parents’ need to help their daughter but also agree with Lainey’s determination to be independent and successful in her life.
I enjoyed every bit of this wonderful story and felt rewarded with the fabulous ending. I look forward to reading more of this series in the future!
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.
***ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review***
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4.5 stars
A Lie for a Lie is the first book in the brand new All In series, and I loved it!
For anyone who has read the Pucked books, you’ve gotten a glimpse at Rookie. And if you’re like me you’ve been hoping he would get his own book forever. Well, Helena Hunting finally gave us what we wanted, and he is definitely way more than the playboy you’d expect!
This book is a sweet, second chance story complete with Hunting’s signature humor and a few surprises thrown in. My favorite Pucked characters made an appearance, delivering plenty of comedy and a nice tie into where it all began.
After a whirlwind few weeks in Alaska, Rook & Lainey’s summer fling is cut short and unexpected circumstances keep them from exploring whether or not what they have is real. A year later they run into each other, and while he is ecstatic about their reunion she’s shocked to find out he lied about who he really is. He’ll do whatever he can to win her over, and prove the man she spent last summer with is the real him, but she’s got secrets of her own that could destroy any future they might have.
I absolutely adored these characters! Lainey is sheltered and full of anxiety, Rook is a reformed playboy trying to deal with life in the spotlight. But they bring out the best in each other, and throughout the book, each evolves into the best versions of themselves. I loved the strength each showed when faced with life-changing challenges, and proving to their friends and families that they can handle anything.
If you’re looking for a fun & flirty second chance, with plenty of laughs & steamy moments, this is definitely it! I have loved everything from Helena Hunting, and this is no exception! I’m so excited about this new series, the next book, and plenty more of my favorite characters!
A Lie for a Lie is the perfect passing of the torch, moving from one beloved series into a whole new world that will knock your socks off!
I have no idea how she does it with every single book, but Helena is about to grab your heart with one of her most engaging couples yet! I fell in love with RJ and Lainey’s story from the very first chapter and loved this journey this story took me on. The two of them were so fun & engaging, their chemistry left me breathless and the sex?? HAWT!!!!!!!
From the silly awkward moments to those that meant so much more, RJ and Lainey’s story is one that I just didn’t expect. It had a lightness to it and then became something much more intense, I was captivated in the afternoon it took me to devour this story and I cannot wait for more!
A second chance romance to start the new series!!! Ashley @ Carolina Chic’s Read
A great start to the new series! A lie for a Lie has all the feels…A second chance romance…..where to start the Rook aka RJ the NFL hockey player just wants to be a regular guy! Lainey the youngest of 8 siblings and has been through some stuff is in Alaska for some research and time away. When these two meet they fall into a bubble but will the lie that starts it all end it all! These two have lots of paths to cross and Helena pulls you in so you don’t want to put the book down! I can’t wait to read more of this series!
I was fortunate enough to receive an e-ARC and the audio version of A Lie for a Lie. Thank you to Montlake Romance and Brilliance Publishing for providing me an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Helena Hunting never ceases to amaze me and I have become such a fan of her work in the past couple of months. It’s safe to say that I love the Pucked Series and was super excited to see that there was a spinoff of the series. I didn’t know that this story would be about Rook or Rookie as we know him from the Pucked Series. I started this book and read half of it in pretty much one sitting.
I’m a sucker for stories where characters have a past connection. Rook met Lainey a year ago when they were both in Alaska at the same time. Rook there for fishing and hunting during his off season and Lainey was there working on her master’s thesis. They end up getting to know each other and spend the whole summer together. Fate pulls them apart and neither of them have any contact until Rook sees Lainey a year later.
Here are two characters who were so intimate with one another, and not just sexually. They genuinely cared about each other and when they reconnect there’s a huge void between them because of some choice decisions that were made. I couldn’t stop reading this book. I enjoyed the fact that Lainey and Rook were so mature and discussed each step of their relationship like responsible adults. They didn’t let miscommunications hinder the growth of their relationship and truly wanted what was best for one another.
I enjoyed seeing familiar faces from the series :). It’s always fun to revisit characters that you loved reading about.
Audiobook:
Story: 4.5
Narration: 5
Overall: 4.5
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of A Lie for a Lie. The audiobook was narrated by Jason Clarke (maybe my new favorite male narrator!) and Stella Bloom and they encompassed Rook and Lainey perfectly. Jason Clarke has such a wide range of character voices that he portrays. While listening to his voice I could immediately tell the difference between the various characters he was portraying in a scene. Stella Bloom also has such a depth to her voice. I felt all of Lainey’s vulnerabilities when Stella was voicing her. I would not hesitate to pick up another audiobook with both Stella Bloom and Jason Clarke.
Overall A Lie for a Lie was a 4.5 star read for me and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
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.
I loved Rook and Lainey’s story. You can never wrong with Helena’s books. This story is filled with love, laughter, sad moments, very sexy times, mad moments
First I’m going to say that I totally did not expect this book from Author Helena Hunting.
It was beautifully executed on giving us Pucked fans what we wanted, our Rookie
We wanted His story because we knew he had to have one & Author Helena Hunting delivered it.
Rookie surprised me immensely. He left me presently satisfied & shocked on who he really is outside the hockey world.
Not going to lie, he is the total package & I totally digged it!
And Lainey; once she meets Rook, their chemistry had me on fire just like them.
They brought out things in each other that were so raw, exciting, beautiful, loving and of course down right sexy.
And the twist, did not see that coming. my heart was aching and then some but it digressed and came back to a full circle swoon all over again for these two.
As always, we get our favorite Puck ladies and gents making appearances throughout the book that had me laughing and loving their unity within their Pucked Family!
Go find out if the lie for a lie wins out in this #mustread story.
5 popped!
All the stars! ALL. THE. DANG STARS. FOR. THIS. BOOK! Omg A Lie For A Lie is phenomenal! I’m talking all the romance, all the heartbreak, all the joy, all the sweetness, all the heat. Absolutely ALL THE THINGS are within the pages of this book. This just may be my number one favorite book this year.
Both RJ and Lainey are incredible in their own rights. RJ is a complete teddy bear. From the second he first meets Lainey this big tough hockey star is such a gentle sweetheart. I was head over heels for him. Lainey is a complete doll. She’s awkward, innocent, incredibly sweet and wickedly smart. The connection between them is quick to ignite and only manages to burn brighter as time goes on. There’s so much more that makes this book so incredible that you have to read and experience to truly get the full effect of the greatness that is A Lie For a Lie.
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!