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.

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!

I didn’t think much of Rookie in the Pucked series, particularly in Lance’s book, but I immediately changed my view after only a few pages of Helena Hunting’s latest book and first in a new spinoff series. He was a wonderful hero and had obviously matured in the intervening period. Lainey was a good heroine but I couldn't help feeling her lie was much bigger than his, tipping the balance in his favour for my sympathies. Thankfully, there was no contrived external conflict to break these two up in the latter part of the story. However, as other reviewers have stated, this book is not exactly what the blurb describes, and if you don't like the trope - and I'm not a fan - you may feel blindsided. Still, I couldn't put this down and will definitely be reading the rest of the series.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

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.

Helena Hunting did it again. I absolutely adored this spinoff series. I loved that it featured some of my favorite Pucked players and their significant others. Yes we get a few cameos of Violet who is hilarious. I really liked this book and read it in one sitting which is a sign of a good book. My only complaint was that there was no hockey action. Most of the book took place off the rink.

Rook (RJ) Bowman uses the quiet of his family’s cabin in Alaska to recharge and reconnect once a year with his family. But this year it will be even quieter as the rest of the family isn’t able to join him for the first time ever. As luck would have it though, RJ doesn’t end up spending his cabin time alone. Lainey’s literal fall into his lap piqued his interested when she didn’t recognize him as a professional hockey player and instead treated him like a regular guy. Lainey is heading to Alaska for a few weeks of research on her latest Master’s thesis. Their month together turns far more domestic than either were angling for, but a medical emergency back home has their time cut short as RJ has to race home to be with his family. Through a series of unfortunate events, a year passes and both think the other has gone on and forgotten about their time together. In fact, Lainey doesn’t even know RJ’s real name or his profession.

When they run into each other a year later, there are plenty of sparks flying, but Lainey is even more guarded than she was when they first met, and RJ needs to atone for his omissions in Alaska and prove that he means what he says.

I enjoyed both of these characters. RJ needs a little normal in his life with all the crazy that surrounds his career, and though I wanted him to tell Lainey the truth, I couldn’t really fault him for the omission as he showed her a side of himself he didn’t normally show the public. Lainey’s sheltered life left her a little on the quirky side, but I loved the vulnerability she shared with RJ and how he was able to keep her grounded when she needed it most. Together, these two just fit; they balanced each other nicely.

This was a fun, second chance romance with a little extra thrown in. Both are hiding secrets at various points in the story and the consequences of those lies (or omissions) are the biggest hurdles they have to overcome. Each little twist in their story kept the story flowing and the pages turning, and jumping into this new series was thoroughly entertaining.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I was really surprised by this story. It definitely wasn't what I was expecting. That being said, I fell in love with this story and these characters. It was fun and sexy. It hit me in the heart with all the feels. It left me with a complete book hangover. Helena never disappoints and this was no exception. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of reading it and I can't wait to see what she has next.

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!

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!

My first, believe it or not, from Helena Hunting and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. A Lie for a Lie is an easy read, as Hunting's writing style is smooth and well-versed. This sweet love story features two very engaging characters in RJ (Rook) and Lainey and I found myself fully immersed in their romance.

No one could have predicted that their 6-week whirlwind affair in the wilderness of Alaska would make a lasting impression. But the gorgeously unassuming nerd and the very sexy and nurturing hockey player could not forget what they found in a cabin deep in the woods.

Hunting does a good job in giving us the details in what transpired during that crazy summer as the present shows us the results of spending many passionate days and nights together. Neither person knows what to do when they are face to face after a year apart but the hurt remains that it meant nothing to the other and RJ and Lainey have to start from scratch. Guarding both of their hearts is no easy task but I was happy to see that both could find the necessary forgiveness when their lies threaten any future chance at happiness.

A charming book, the secondary characters, many who seem to be from the Pucked series, add the right touch and support to our couple when needed. But it's the chemistry Lainey and RJ still have together with sharp humor that make this story so endearing and had me looking forward to a beautiful little HEA.

An overall very satisfying read, A Lie for a Lie is perfect for a lazy afternoon when you need something a bit lighter to read.

4 stars.

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!

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.

Helena Hunting is another author I've been pretty obsessed with this year, and was super excited when I was able to read an advanced copy of A Lie For a Lie. This novel is the first in a spinoff of the Pucked series.

This novel follows Rook, a side character from the Pucked series, after he runs into the girl he fell in love with over the course of a month after a year apart. Half of the book is the past, during the month Rook and Lainey spend together in Alaska, and the other half is when they run into each other after the year apart.

I love Helena Hunting's writing, and I was not disappointed with it in this book. I sped through this in a little over a day because I couldn't stop reading! I love how Rook and Lainey communicate with each other. I know miscommunication is a common trope in romance novels, but it's one I get so annoyed by, so I was glad to not see much of that here.

If you've seen any reviews, you know there's a twist in the novel[spoiler]Accidental pregnancy[/spoiler]. I knew what it was going in so I enjoyed how it was incorporated into the story, but knowing myself if I didn't know that going in I probably wouldn't have enjoyed the book as much as I did because it's not a trope I usually go for.

There were two small issues I had with the story, that were small parts of the story and didn't affect much, but I have to point them out. During the first half Lainey acted and was treated so much younger than her 25 years. I understand that it was so we could see a change from past and present, but I think at the beginning she was portrayed very, very young and it was a little cringey and uncomfortable. There was also a small comment made in regard to a conversation about a school shooter that school shooters are mentally ill. That is an inaccurate statement that I don't think should be normalized or used as an excuse.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, love the relationship between the two characters and cannot wait to read more from Helena Hunting and more of this series!

4 Stars / 4 Steam Fans

Rook lost his father recently and is taking the annual Alaskan trip to clear his head from the hectic hockey season. Lainey is researching the whales and dolphins in Alaska and also has some social anxieties. Rook and Lainey meet on the plane and then again because their cabins are close together. They spend six weeks in an Alaskan bubble until Rook is called away. There are secrets, super fun banter between Rook and Lainey, the sexy time is on point with Helena Hunting's style that doesn't fail, and the swoon worthy love journey is so special. There are content warnings for PTSD, traumatic events, anxiety, and stalkers.

This specific video review will be included in the October 2019 wrap-up.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake romance for the ARC of a lie for a lie. Helena Hunting is one of my favorite RomCom authors. I loved the entire Pucked series so I was so excited to learn about her new series that is also somewhat revolved around hockey. I am happy to say this book was AMAZING. I loved the main characters because they had such chemistry. It really drew you in and kept you rooting for them. I can’t wait for book 2 in this series. It is so hard to wait. Check this book out!!

If you’re a fan of Helena Hunting’s Pucked series, you no doubt reacted as I did when you found out that she was creating a spin-off series: lots of fist-pumps of glee and excitement.

The good news is that Helena Hunting more than exceeds your expectations.

Rook, the hockey all-star and captain, strives to get away to Alaska to do some fishing and relax away from the demands of fame and sport. On the flight over, Lainey literally falls in his lap. It turns out his house and her rental are close by, and … one thing might just lead to another.

I enjoyed getting to know these two, and I enjoyed the way Helena Hunting forces them apart. It feels real and more than a little emotionally affecting. So when they reunite, you experience the same myriad of responses as Rook and Lainey. You also start cheering on the two of them, hoping they find a way to get past his lie and hers.

Hunting crafts Rook and Lainey as people who have much love to give each other, although they aren’t sure how. For him, it’s a matter of trying to control the chaos around him. His fame causes him to be recognized, which in turn encroaches on his privacy. Given the chance to be his true self, he leaps for it, grasping onto it with need. Lainey, however, balks at control. The youngest of eight children, she’s been smothered and babied, and now she wants to make her own choices.

The lies the two tell each other vary in degree. Rook’s perhaps is more understandable on the surface, but you feel Lainey’s deeper. By the time she reveals the truth, you are on her side, empathizing with her over the decisions she makes.

Rook and Lainey’s romance is glorious. It’s hot and sweet and arousing and hilarious. They make you laugh and squeeze your thighs with equal measure. Rook is delicious, dear readers. He is everything you hope for in a Hot Hero. One of the things I appreciated the most about him is that he isn’t some distant alpha, but rather a guy with a huge heart. You want him to work things out with Lainey because you know he’s good.

Some of your beloved characters from the Pucked series make appearances, and you will enjoy checking in with them. You’ll also enjoy getting to know Rook and Lainey, who kick off this new series in the best way.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do not miss this story. That is all.

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

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