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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And one of my most favorite authors does it again….I LOVED this book! I’m a huge fan of sports romance and A Lie for a Lie did not disappoint in any way! This book has it all…some drama, angst, steam and a whole lot of laughter inducing dialogue!
I absolutely adored Lainey! She’s quirky, real and is ready to be seen for who she is.
Rook is a superstar who may rock her world and also forget to share that little, btw I’m famous tidbit with Lainey.
In classic second chance romance form, fast forward to when they meet up again! Can you really trust a famous hockey player who walked out in you? Can he trust after the secret that’s being kept?
I devoured this book! This author has never let me down, you will be flying through the pages, happy, frustrated, excited, hopeful, happy again and cracking up! Loved it!
Highly recommend!
I loved RJ and Lainey’s story from the start. She has a quality about her that makes her seem naive, but she is actually very smart and capable. Life has thrown her some curve balls that have been a struggle, but she preserves. I loved their meet cute. They had an amazing connection from the beginning. I loved every interaction between them. I enjoyed the way their story played out, even with the surprises along the way. They were definitely meant to be, because they have an equally great second meet cute. I was thrilled to see the Pucked gang in this story. I am always happy to get more of those wonderful characters. Nobody writes hockey romance quite like Helena Hunting. I already love this new series and can’t wait for more
Another phenomenal read by Helena that had me hooked from page one. If you love a second chance hockey book, then you must read Rook & Lainey’s story. RJ (Rook) & Lainey are absolutely adorable together and of course their sex is sizzling hot. I love seeing all the Pucked guys and of course their wives especially Violet in this book. This book will definitely give you all the feels. Another phenomenal 5 star read that everyone should one click.
A Lie for a lie
A kiss for a kiss
A surprise for a surprise
It’s like they are meant to be……
Helena has cornered the market on Hockey sports romance pretty much like a queen.
Her family of characters continues to grow and we get to enjoy hilarious and poignant anecdotes from the sidelines. She introduces us to another star athlete -Rook RJ Bowman, who’s the Captain of Chicago’s NHL team and a chick magnate.
“Being a professional hockey player in Chicago is like being Britney Spears in Vegas.”
To find some alone, normal time away from screaming fans and puck bunnies, he’s off to Alaska. On the way a beautiful nerdy beauty falls into his lap and he saves her from a Chokehold..legit, not even kidding.
Lips meet cheeks and breaths are mingled and fates hook their pinky fingers.
Beautiful setting of cabin on the sea in Anchorage-Alaska, brrrrrrring cold outside, passion clouds up the glass inside and love blossoms in this unforgiving terrain
The story has its trademark twists and turns but it’s like their lives are traveling on the same tracks and they keep meeting at unexpected stations.
It starts out with a laugh riot and then zooms in in the heart, hitting bullseye.
Helena doesn’t need any introduction, her stories follow a delicious pattern of lust, romance, love and HEA.
Pick it up for a frothy and light hearted read.
4.5 stars for Human Teddy Bears with safety Cuddles
Helena Hunting is the reigning Queen of Hockey Romances and with this book let’s add Second Chance Romances as well. (Trying real hard to keep my fan girling in check but who am I kidding – it’s not going to happen). When the opportunity to read an ARC of Helena’s latest book presented itself, I was all over it like a fat kid on a Smartie. This book did not disappoint. I was all in from page 1. RJ is a sexy as puck hockey playing God. After some not so nice issues with ever present puck bunnies, he swears off them, this coupled with the loss of his dad changes his outlook on life, woman and commitment. Lainey is sweet and charming and incredibly intelligent. A klutzy first encounter on an airplane leads to an incredible Alaskan adventure that ends in an unexpected way. A year later the two reunite, RJ is determined to make them work and is all in. Thus begins their journey towards their happily ever after. If you love hockey romances and second chance romances, as much as I do, then this book should already be on your TBR list and if it isn’t, move your pucking *ss and get it on there!
I absolutely Love the story of how Lainey and Rook meet and fall in love. The premise is intriguing, the setting is perfect, and they complement each other so well as characters, you can’t help but root for them. Even when you can tell there are issues and hurdles… and lies… and it isn’t going to be easy, you still find yourself rooting for them.
One of the best things about these characters (apart from their off the charts chemistry) is the way they grow through the story. When we first meet Rook, he’s a rather serious guy, with a secret longing for a lost love. Then we get to see how he used to be, and he’s just one of the most charming guys I’ve read in a while! I seriously spent the first half of the book swooning over him (and most of the second half too, why lie?). And Lainey was an utter delight. She starts out such a lost sweet thing, but with plenty of guts. The way she grows into this strong, independent woman is great, and exactly what you hoped for.
This book will make you laugh out loud in parts, and then pull at your heartstrings, because you’re going to be so invested in them. Apart from the lead pair, there are a number of really well written supporting characters. I like Eden so much, and Kody made me smile, cause he’s adorable. Stevie was really cool and I want more of her.
Also, though Rook is the captain of the hockey team here, this isn’t really a sports romance per se, because unlike the Pucked series, we don’t really get any on-ice action.
Speaking of… Those who have read the Pucked series: you’re going to love the glimpses of your favs… Randy with his beard in a hairnet made my day, and Violet is in great form here, and it is just so good to see where everyone is a few years down the line! (In case you haven’t read Pucked yet, it really won’t stop you from enjoying Lie for a Lie)
Overall, this was a really good book and I’m looking forward to more in this series!
OMG!! I loved this swoon-worthy, sigh-inducing, heartwarming, sweet, entertaining, sexy and perfectly romantic story. “A Lie For A Lie” brings it from the very first pages. Prepare to settle in for the long haul because Helena Hunting has a magical way with words. She knows how to spin a tale that will have you “ALL IN” and begging for more. Pure Sweet Heat! Packed with a lot of heart, Lol moments, sexiness, emotions, and sweetness. I can’t wait for the rest of this series! I was a goner.
I loved Rookie and Laney’s first meeting. It was just so super awkward and I immediately liked them. They were adorable and flirty together. Laney is so naive, dorky, sheltered and innocent. While Rookie is caring, considerate, sweet and genuine. They were complete opposites. I loved all the safety cuddles and they were just these wonderful genuine people coming together. There were just such great scenes that had me smiling the entire time. Until a family emergency brought it to a abrupt halt. But fate had a way of throwing them together once again.
But will Laney be willing to give Rookie another chance? You will need to read it to find out. So drop whatever you are doing on October fifteenth and get this book!! Do It!! You will love every word.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 Stars
A Lie for A Lie is the first title in Helena Hunting, All In series. I adored her Pucked series, and couldn’t wait to dive into a new hockey series and this title did not disappoint.
Fate put this pair in each other’s path not once, but twice. What ensues is a sweet, sexy, and fun second chance romance.
Lainey is sweet, and kind, yet also kind of naïve. She’s very intelligent, passionate and strong and shouldn’t be underestimated despite some of the quirks of her character.
RJ or Rook is a kind, caring and protective hero. A reformed player he’s sweet, charming, and thoughtful, and has plenty of determination and drive when it comes to proving his worth and character to Lainey.
The banter and interactions are fun, flirtatious and has the signature humor that I’ve come to expect from Helena’s books.
If you’re a fan of the Pucked series, you will love that several past favourites make a cameo appearance throughout this title.
I adored Lainey and RJ’s story and cannot wait for the next addition to the All In series.
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.
If your a huge fan of Helena’s Pucked series then you will LOVE this one. Soon as I started this book I was completely hooked and loved every word!
Its hard to write this review without raving about everything in this book but I won’t as I don’t want to give any of the deliciousness away.
I loved the main characters, they were so perfectly matched. Lainey is so sweet and innocent at the beginning but I loved her strength, she really bloomed. I loved Rook, he made me swoon and he knew what he wanted and would do whatever he had to get it.
You wil love seeing some familiar faces make an appearance in this new series. God I’ve missed them!
I am super exicted to see where Helena takes this new series.
Rook AKA “RJ” meets someone special when she literally falls into his lap. Can he convince her to take a chance on him? She has plans for her future, but he is blinded by wanting to be with her now.
Lainey has been sheltered a bit. She is a studious person who cannot believe someone as beautiful on the outside can be so sincere on the inside too. Having a hot guy think she is hot stuff is new and she is out of sorts from it.
This story touched me in many ways. I loved the heat. From the very beginning it was a consuming passion for this couple. I love the characters and how very real their story felt. Along the way, I loved that the story became richer, and deeper.
***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only, by Netgalley and its publishers.
A Lie for A Life is a fun, page turning and burning sports romance. I think RJ may have taken the place of Randy as my favorite Helena Hunting character, and I loved Randy!!
RJ and Lainey’s chemistry is off the charts from the moment they met on the flight to Alaska. They both had great personalities, they could banter with each other so good, and I loved how RJ wanted to always protect her.
This was a perfect beginning to Helen’s new series, All In. It was so great to catch up with all the Pucked character and their families.
Fate Had Her Own Plan
A sweet second chance romance that will leave you believing that some people are just meant to be.
She was a quiet girl trying to find her way. He was the player working to change his ways and just be a regular guy. Fate took control and turned their worlds upside down.
Lainey has led a sheltered life with an over-protective family. She suffers from anxiety but has decided to spread her wings and head to Alaska for field research on dolphins and whales for her master’s degree. It’s time she puts her past behind her and moves forward to embrace her independence.
RJ is a well-known player in the NHL. He’s headed to Kodiak Island, Alaska for his annual family trip. It’s his time to just be a regular guy and forget the fame. To just disconnect and enjoy the simple life.
She’s a nervous flyer. He becomes her rescuer. When RJ realizes that Lainiey doesn’t recognize him, he can be the man he wants to be. They are just a man and a woman who share some moments on a plane. Those moments turn into weeks of passion filled days and nights. They both know it’s only temporary. She has her own life and he has his.
Everything was perfect until RJ has to leave abruptly for a family emergency. They never exchanged last names or phone numbers. So now what they shared is just a memory.
It’s been a little more than a year and RJ still thinks about her. Then on an unexpected visit to the zoo, he sees her. The one he’s been missing. The woman he can’t seem to forget. This time he’s not letting her get away.
I loved the path the author took us on. The story is told in the present with a flashback sequence on how they met. Their love story was so sweet and beyond sexy! The chemistry sizzles right off the pages. I adored Lainey in her naivety. She was open and didn’t hold back when it came to expressing her thoughts. RJ was a good guy. He was a smooth talker and he had all the right moves.
A great read with some old characters to re-visit and new characters to love. Lainey and RJ were a perfect match!
Helena Hunting knows how to fill my heart with dreamy, swoony and deep emotions with her beautiful words. A Lie For A Lie gave me every sweet and sexy feel possible.
The story of Rook and Lainey was incredibly heartwarming. It all started in the cold and stormy Alaska when Lainey, the awkward nerdy girl meets Rook, the charismatic gorgeous celebrity NHL player. But Rook did not tell her as this was the time when he enjoys the private time. They have some amazing time together and fall in love. But due to unforseen circumstances they had to go their own ways and never found each other again. Now after one year they meet again when Rook’s identity comes out. It was a big lie but Lainey has a bigger secret.Can they go beyond their lies? Specially after it is clear none of them has moved on and still feel true love for each other?
I loved Lainey with all her cute, shy and nervous personalities. She had a sheltered life and a major traumatic experience. And that makes her anxious and cautious. But she is so brave to face her demons everyday and make something out of her life. Inspite of her anxiety, she took some big risks and I admire her for that. And the biggest risk was to reopen her heart and life to Rook. His life as celebrity is chaotic and Lainey had to adjust a lot. But Rook was so awesome and perfect that it was impossible to resist him. He is so sincere, protective, caring, supportive and understanding. He did everything to make Lainey believe in their relationship and it was hundred percent swoonworthy. They have something real beyond physical attractions. Lainey sees beyond Rook’s status and money. And Rook sees the tenacious and determined woman behind Lainey’s shaky exterior.
A Lie For A Lie was a beautiful, soul deep and heart warming love story from Helena Hunting. It had some truly inspiring and intense moments. A story of true love and friendship.
Received ARC for Honest review
This was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed it so much! RJ was a total dreamboat, and Lainey was a strong, vibrant heroine. I adored them both.
Rook “RJ” Bowman is on his way to a much needed vacation in Alaska. He’s the captain of a professional hockey team in Chicago, and during the off season, he likes quiet, and privacy. He used to come to Kodiak for fishing with his father and brother growing up, but after losing his dad 3 years ago, he and his brother have still been coming together every year. This year his brother bails at the last minute, due to complications with his wife’s pregnancy. Rook has a meet cute with a gorgeous girl on the plane, and he thinks things are looking up after all. And, when she doesn’t recognize him, he sees a chance to have a relaxing, zero stress fling, with someone who just likes him for him. He has no clue how his life is about to change.
Lainey Carver is mostly an anxious mess. She’s the youngest of 8 kids, and was homeschooled, so she’s been sheltered her whole life. She’s always been a bit anxious, but when she goes through a traumatic event right after she first gets to college, she goes home and finishes her degrees online. She’s taking a research trip to Alaska, to finish her thesis for her third masters degree, this time in marine biology. When she meets a man in the most embarrassing way on the plane, she’s mortified. But, she’s also intrigued by him, and attracted to the max. But they live on opposite sides of the country, so this could never be more than a summer fling, right?
RJ and Lainey’s chemistry was insane, and I loved their connection. They basically lived in domestic bliss for a month. Then RJ got called away for a family emergency in the middle of the night, and he left before they realized they had no real way to get back in touch with each other. They were both left brokenhearted and depressed for the last year. When they randomly run into each other in Chicago, and the bubble bursts on RJ’s lie about his job, Lainey is devastated all over again. Also, she has a lot more to lose now than before, and she doesn’t know if she can trust RJ enough to even tell him her truth at first. RJ knows he screwed up by leaving out such a big detail about his life, and he’s determined to get Lainey to give him a second chance.
RJ and Lainey had a bunch of serious hurdles to overcome in order to be together again. RJ had to earn back her trust, and they both had to be fully truthful to the other in order for them to move on together. RJ’s lifestyle of fame and fortune was basically socially anxious Lainey’s worst nightmare. She had to learn to deal with that aspect of his life if she wanted a chance with him long term. He had to realize that due to her secret, everything was going to change for him, for good, and he had to learn many new things as well. I liked how hard they really worked to be together.
The side characters here were Rook & Lainey’s families, as well as many of Rook’s teammates, and their wives. Having never read this author before, I’m sure I was missing some backstory on most of them, as well as the history of their close connection with Rook, but I still felt like I got to know them, and their relationships with Rook pretty well, even without the prior details. Most of them were hilarious comic relief, and I liked them all.
I really enjoyed that once they dealt with their history, in order to move on into the future, RJ and Lainey’s connection was at the forefront, and the story really focused on them falling in love again, but better this time. I liked that the only real obstacles they faced were themselves, and their history, and not a lot of outside factors.
I really enjoyed this story, and I loved these two characters and their sweet, steamy connection. I will definitely be adding more of this author’s work to my TBR pile! Also, it sounds like book 2 is about Rook’s younger sister, and his teammate! Friend’s little sister is my favorite catnip trope, so I am highly looking forward to book 2!
I think Helena Hunting is the queen of sports romances. Since her Pucked Series I have been a HH fan. And A Lie for a Lie is right there with that series, since it is a spin-off of it, but on a different level. The Pucked Series was more comical and this one was more on the serious side. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying it just as much.
A Lie for a Lie is about a man who really wants to live like a regular person instead of being a famous hockey player. When RJ’s brother decides to bail on him during a holiday, he finds himself alone with a woman, Lainey, who has no idea who he is. He enjoys his time away from his hockey playing persona “Rook” and begins falling for her.
They find a true connection with each other and that they can be themselves without expectation or judgment from one another. But RJ isn’t the only one hiding something. And when the time comes for him to leave, he finds that Lainey has already skipped out without so much as a word.
After a year they meet again and find out the things that they’ve been hiding from one another. Can they reconnect and forgive what’s been been said and done?
I really loved this story despite it being a tad insta-love. There isn’t a lot of angst or drama, thankfully. I thought the epilogue was the perfect way to rap up the entire story. If you loved the Pucked Series get ready for some great cameos.
Definitely recommend.
ARC generously provided by Netgalley and Socialbutterfly PR.
Let’s just say Helena Hunting is the Absolute best when it comes to writing Rom-Com. In A Lie For A Lie we meet RJ (Rook) & Lainey and right from the very start you can’t help know even though they meet in the most unconventional way that something is about to happen that will change the course of both their lives.
Lainey has been sheltered most of her life with the overbearing parents but when she finds the opportunity to go out on her own she finds that doing so can open her eyes to many things and one of those happens to be Rook Bowman.
Rook Bowman is a successful hockey player and up until recently a bunny-chaser but when a trip to Alaska has him meeting the one and only Lainey he can’t seem to get enough of her innocence.
You will find yourself falling in love with these characters and knowing that a lie can find yourself trying to make it right doesn’t mean having one yourself makes it any better. This couple will go through all different kinds of emotions, but in the the end you hope that HEA is the best one of them all.
Lainey can’t wait for her adventure in Alaska studying the mating patterns of whales and dolphins. Her family means well, but is extremely overprotective and she’s ready to experience life on her own for a bit.
When RJ was presented with the chance to be wanted for who he is, and not what he is which just so happens to be the captain of an NHL team, he takes it. He didn’t truly mean to deceive the lovely Lainey and intends to tell her everything, but circumstances got in the way.
From the moment Lainey tripped into RJ’s lap on the plan, I knew this couple would be combustible! They were so good together, and being insulated in Alaska really allowed them to get to know one another at their own pace without outside interference.
But, when RJ has to leave quickly for a family emergency, everything goes to crap when they both realize they never even shared a last name with one another. A year later, a chance encounter brings them back together, and the truth about RJ’s name and career come out. But, Lainey has one heck of a secret too . . . will they be able to give their relationship another chance, or are there too many lies and secrets between them to keep them apart forever?
Oh, I loved this book. It’s super sweet and simply adorable. Lainey is the best. She’s cute, awkward and has some anxiety but is an extremely loving and genuine person. What you see is really what you get with her. And, while RJ may not have shared his full name and career, he really had shared his real self with Lainey while in Alaska. I loved watching him work to break free from the dumb mistakes in his past and act like the loving “good” guy he really is.
A Lie for a Lie was just a lovely romance. RJ grows as a man. Lainey learns to trust and that she is stronger than she (and others) think she is. And, they both get their happy ever after. 5 stars!
A Lie for a Lie is Book One in Helena Hunting’s All In series. This is the first story I have read by this author and it certainly won’t be the last. RJ and Lainey had a great, steamy, connection from the start.
While I don’t condone lying and feel RJ should have been upfront after they became involved, I don’t blame him for not saying anything at first. On the plane when they first meet he feels guilty for not mentioning his identity. My first thought was “why would you, she’s a stranger and you owe her nothing”.
Was it just me or did the “neighbor” come across as a creep? Maybe I read too many suspense novels but I kept waiting for him to do something.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and look forward to reading what is next in the series.
I am still trying to find the right words to say after finishing this book. This book was emotional, beautiful, hilarious and so much more. Trust me, this is just one you’ll want to read for yourself because Helena does not disappoint with Rook and Lainey’s story.
Rook aka RJ met Lainey on a flight to Alaska. Those few weeks they spent together were perfect, they had so much chemistry but when things came up unexpectedly they lost touch. A year later fate seemed to have something else in mind when it brought them back together, but only this time there is a lot more at stake with their relationship.
I loved Lainey. She was easy to connect to. She had anxiety, overprotective parents and honestly, I really just love a nerdy heroine. She just felt so normal and down to earth. I want to be her best friend. Rook, I loved him. He loves his family and his team. I love that he wasn’t just a playboy, the man had layers.
A Lie for A Lie was perfect. I loved the story, the twists and turns, the romance, the banter and of course, there were a few Violetisms. Rook and Lainey had so much chemistry and there was no lack of steamy, especially in Alaska. I loved that this story not only made me laugh, but it also was emotional.
This book is EVERYTHING. Seriously, even if you haven’t read the Pucked Series you can still very much enjoy this and I cant wait for the rest of this series.