I had heard that this series wasn’t a full rom-com like many in her Pucked series and that made me a little apprehensive. But I absolutely LOVED it!

I adored how Lainey and Rook meet, it is a hilarious and slightly cringeworthy meet-cute. And having the first 1/3 of the book set in Alaska?! Yes please! If you’ve read the Pucked series you’ll also enjoy seeing a lot of those characters again. I had only read the first book before this one, so it does work as a stand-alone as well.

Now before you dive in, please note this contains a trope a lot of people don’t love (personally I LOVE it) That being said, I don’t think this story is as messy as some others I’ve read. You know from the title that lying is part of the plot, but one of the lies is unintentional and I felt like that made the trope a little bit easier to handle. Either way I think it would have worked for me, it’s my favorite messy, complicated trope and Hunting handled it so well in this story.

While there’s definitely some funny moments, this is a contemporary romance, not a rom-com. CW: Lainey experienced a school shooting in her past and lives with anxiety and PTSD. There’s a few heavy moments in the book surrounding that. But I thought the way it was discussed between Lainey and Rook was really well done.

This was a fantastic introduction to the new series! A Lie for a Lie was a five star read for me. I recommend trying this one soon before the second book, A Favor for a Favor comes out in a couple weeks. I loved Lie, but I thought Favor was even better!

OHHH I love Hunting and her words! This book did not disappoint and I LOVED it so so much. I loved the twists in the story. I giggled and swooned. I absolutely could not put this book down the whole time! It is a classic Hunting story with epic storyline, amazing character build and a stunning story! It is a MUST read!

This was a fun story to read. Not a lot to do with hockey but the power f the team spirit and pulling it in to become a family. How the wives or at least some become the core to help the new girlfriends or wives’ transition.
We start off with lovesick RJ (Rook/Rookie) a hockey player for Chicago who just returned from Alaska his summer trip during time off. He’s bummed out because he was hoping that when he went, he would find a note from Lainey. Saying why she never answered his call last year before his emergency departure.
You see fourteen months before he met the woman of his dreams, Lainey. Unfortunately, that’s all he knew. You see on the flight to Alaska he saved her from choking herself with her own scarf while boarding. She to him was the most beautiful bumbling naïve natural woman he ever met. He was over years, the many puck bunnies that throw themselves at players and as a crazy rookie he did his part to do his part.
Now he wanted more but he just hadn’t found it until she fell in his lap. Lainey is a woman with a brain for knowledge. She has three Ph.D.’s, a whole lot of anxiety, and panic attacks. Which surprised RJ yet made him feel needed. On the Cessna she was scared to death he was right there for her as she said he is her own personal life-size Teddy bear.
The conditions she found herself living in while she conducted her study on dolphins and whales were deplorable. But she made it three days when RJ offers up one of his spare rooms. On with a bathroom, hot water, and use of a kitchen not hotplate with a sort of roof with major leaks she jumped on his offer.
Six weeks of bliss until the end and his brother’s wife hit complications during her pregnancy. He feels obligated to leave for California. When they were going to go to Seattle together now their plans would change or at least for him. The thing was he never told her he is a hockey player. Not a farmer from upstate NY where his family farm is.
Not knowing his mom had sold the family farm while he was in Alaska and moved to California where his two siblings are now living. He told Lainey he would call his house phone there in Alaska when he got to California. He figured then he would tell his truth.
This is the thing though in Alaska the summers have horrible thunder and lightning storms. This one was a terrible one and it knocked out the phone line and then the generator he had set up for was knocked out next. She had no other choice but to leave for Seattle early. She left a note which she never found this summer he was heartbroken and so has she been.
Both think the other wanted each other but only as a summer fling. Imagine their surprise when the two reunite in Chicago and what secrets they have to tell each other.
I give this: 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.

HHunting has become an author I can count on to deliver compelling characters and stories, and A Lie for a Lie didn't disappoint. It was a wonderful feel-good, second chance romance.

Lainey and RJ had me giggle-snorting over their meeting. Their romance quickly advanced to something much deeper and meaningful though. Sure they had chemistry that was palpable but in each other they found someone who accepted and appreciated them for who they were. If only RJ had been completely honest about himself from the beginning...before it was too late. Fate seemed determined about these two and they managed to find one another again. But when all secrets are revealed, will their second chance blossom or wither?

I adored Lainey and RJ. Lainey was adorably brainy and awkward. RJ, despite being an NHL hockey player, was down-to-earth and compassionate. I appreciated how HHunting had them develop and grow as characters, especially Lainey considering her anxiety issues.

The story had a little predictability with one plot thread but it didn't take away from my enjoyment. I admired how both Lainey and RJ handled accepting their second chance and the revelations it brought about. Overall, A Lie for a Lie was sweet and romantic, the perfect pre-holiday read for me. But you don't have to wait for a holiday to pick it up. ;)

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Garden Of REden rated a book it was amazing
29 minutes ago
A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting
A Lie for a Lie (All In, #1)
by Helena Hunting (Goodreads Author)
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REVIEWED BY JENN

I don't even know what it was about this story that made me love it so much. One of my favorite tropes is second chance love stories, but this one was extra special. Rook and Lainey clicked from the very start, and I clicked right alongside them. I even enjoyed going back to the past to see what brought them together, and what ultimately tore them apart. This story is a bit different than what you're used to in the Pucked Universe. It wasn't a laugh a minute, but rather sweet and endearing. It definitely tugs hard at your heartstrings. I loved Rook's devotion to Lainey and his willingness to do anything to get him back, and I loved just as much, Lainey making him work for it. I devoured this book in one sitting, It was unputdownable.

A spin-off of Hunting's Pucked series, A Lie for a Lie is a romance that sounded promising and delivered the same. Rook and Lainey meet for the first time and what was supposed to be a vacation turns into a steamy sex session. But their paths are divided only to meet a year later.
Now that premise got me all excited because fated encounters are something I enjoy reading. Rook and Laine's chemistry made the experience a whole lot better. A second chance novel. this series has its fair share of drama, love, joy, and bliss. It can get really steamy and fantastic at points and that's something to look forward to.

A sugary sweet romance that couldn't hold my interest. I had a difficult time finishing it and hence am late in reviewing it.

It was a sweet romance, even if a little predictable. The writing could have been tighter. The first half was all sugary sweet, a little too much. if you ask me. I found my interest ebb at times. And I simply could not endear myself to the heroine. She was immature and her actions were unrealistic. The hero was a too good to be true. Although I could see that the author genuinely wanted to build a genuine connection between them, I could not bring myself to connect to their chemistry. I found their initial conversations boring There was also the use of an overused trope that I hate.

The start of a new series.....All In.....more hockey from this author and I could not be happier!

Could anyone knock Randy Balls off the perch I have him sat on? #mine

I mean Rook was everything I want in a leading guy but I'm not sure he tops RB for me......well yet!

But Lainey and her secret. Insert eyes popping out!

When is a Favor for a Favor coming? I need!

A Lie for a Lie is a cute, quick read. Rook and Lainey were sweet, likable characters, especially Rook. I'm looking forward to Bishop and Stevie's story, up next.

I thought this book was a fun and entertaining read.

I was hooked into the storyline right from the start. I found the characters likable and relatable. As with other Helena Hunting books that I have read, I found this book kind of slow in parts. That is why I couldn't give this book 5 stars. There were sections of the story I thought could've been shortened or taken out completely to make this story move along a little quicker. That of course is just my opinion.

In this book we follow the story of RJ and Lainey. These two meet by chance but then spark up a month long fling....that is until RJ is pulled away for a family emergency and they have no way of contacting each other. Now a year later, RJ is at a friend's kids birthday party at the aquarium, little did he know that Lainey has a new job at the same aquarium. Things are not smooth sailing when they see each other again. Can Lainey forgive RJ for lying to her?? What happens when RJ finds out that Lainey has a secret of her own?? Can these two find their HEA??

I would recommend this book to all romance readers. This story will have you laughing, yelling, swooning and over all falling in love. If you are a fan of Helena Hunting's books, you don't want to miss this story!!!

The first half of the book was a pure delight. Rook was sweet, kind, and ever so sexy. Lainey was adorable, cute, and fun. They truly made the perfect couple. The way they met made me smile and so did the way their relationship progressed. They got to know each other without the pressures of the outside world. It was understandable that he kept a secret from her and I can't say I blame him for it. All in all, the first half of the book had me swooning.

The second half however includes a trope I actually dislike. When they were having their very last time together I knew it was coming, it was obvious. And when it happened I can't say I was pleased. It fits the title of the book and fits the plot and it all works. If you like that particular trope (ask me, I won't spoil it for everyone) you will love the book. It just sadly isn't one I usually enjoy.

This was a little too slow moving for my current mood. Totally not the book, it was me, I just decided to shelve it at the moment. I wasn't feeling connected or invested and decided tti continue at a later time.

Very entertaining. I enjoyed a pleasant relaxing weekend reading this romantic sports tell. Anyone who loves romantic sports themes should enjoy this novel.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars rounded up for the second half of the book

This is the first book in a new series and revolves around an NHL team, so would suit those who like sports romances. That said, there isn't really much sport, but certainly the issues faced by famous sportsmen.

The two leads in this story meet on a trip to Alaska. Hockey player RJ (Rook) is on an annual pilgrimage to the family fishing cabin, although this year alone – his father has died and his brother has a very pregnant wife. Lainey is on her third Masters at 25 and this is where she plans on doing the practical research into dolphin mating habits. She has had a very sheltered life, and after an incident at college, is still fighting back control of her life from her parents. One of her biggest fears are thunderstorms, so it would seem that Alaska is not the most safe place to visit.

RJ is undoubtedly protective of Lainey, but also managed to understand that she needs space – but really she doesn't. In fact, the cabin she is staying in is revolting. I am not sure why she stayed there more than five minutes – surely controlling her life includes not putting up with such a terrible location. Anyway, it gives RJ the perfect excuse to help out... and the rest seems like it is going to be plain sailing, but of course it is not!

Roll forward a year, and the story then really matures, and... well I am not going to spoil anything, but I think you will enjoy how these two come to terms with the possibilities of their new relationship. I had a few issues with Lainey being inconsistent to me; it felt like she could play at being successfully independent and then she reverted to not really coping – more than I would expect, but she is a likeable character, and she and Rook do fundamentally work together.

I look forward to the next installment in the series.


Erica – ☆☆☆
Spoiler-Free Review

Helena Hunting is a new-to-me author.

A Lie for a Lie is the first installment of the All In series. I need to admit that I struggled hard at the start of the novel, debating DNFing right at the start. There were dozens of names dropped within a handful of pages. Teammates, their wives and children, and how they were all connected. Is this a spin-off? Because I don't feel like I should need to take notes to keep who is who straight within the first three pages. Major pet-peeve of mine because it's chaotic and I don't know what information in the info-dump I need to retain for later.

Rook is a hockey player, leaving behind all the puck bunnies, which was made evident during this flight (hated how this made all women look mentally unstable, but I'm sure there are a few lurking). This started the unrealistic yet frustrating journey. The man needed to know how to set proper boundaries with women. Charismatic in the extreme, drawing women like flies to honey.

Lainey was meant to be awkward, insecure, and self-conscious, but I felt her insufferable for the first half of the novel. Her actions and reactions weren't rational or dictated by human nature. It was a bit over-the-top for my reading tastes. I can empathize and sympathize with anxiety, but it felt like it was more for the author using it as an outlet for emotional extortion or humor. This made Lainey ring false. It was hard to see the growth in her when her monologues contradicted her actions, especially with Rook enabling by treating her as a child due to her anxiety.

The trope, which I won't disclose, is at the bottom of the list for me. I can't swallow it. If I had known ahead of time, I probably wouldn't have read it. Most won't care either way, but it's something that strikes a raw nerve in me.

I had to swallow my dislike for the lying trope, because the blurb made it sound as if this was a sweet yet funny second-chance romance. To me, there are two vibes in the novel, the first half versus the last half. I enjoyed the last half more, since it felt more realistic, with true connections developed as they worked through their lies and evasions.

All in all, I'm just going to say that this book wasn't my cup of tea, neither was the author's writing style, and allow readers to make their own judgment calls. From the first page to the last page, the characters themselves and the storyline, the novel definitely wasn't for me. Since this is a well-loved author with high-rated novels, I'll chalk it up to not a good fit for us.

Wow what an amazing book! I seriously loved everything about it and can’t wait for more. Like I need more NOW! The writing was amazing and the storyline and characters were on point!

ALL. OF. THE. SWOONS.
This series couldn’t have started with a better book. I’m totally hooked, line and sinker, and already salivating for more. I’m head over skates in love with Rook and this swoony hockey romance about a reformed NHL star playboy and the quirky nerd that makes him fall.
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.
Rook is an NHL star and a former manwhore. He’s a man that’s used to puck bunnies doing anything to get his attention and then getting even crazier to keep it. So when he meets a beautiful woman on his flight to Alaska that ends up being his neighbor, he loves the anonymity of getting to know someone as just him. Lainey is a bit of a nerd and a lot of adorable. She’s a quirky, shy, sweet, and although slightly sheltered in her home schooled ways has also seen things that changed her irrevocably. They don’t see the other one coming but it doesn’t take long at all for them to being a whirlwind romance in the small town of Alaska. But then Rook has an emergency that forces him to leave and as fate would have it they lose touch due to a number of circumstances. Only to be reunited 14 months later in Chicago. This time, Rook knows that he’ll do anything to keep Lainey, if only he can get her to forgive him for the lie.
This was so wonderfully sweet. It was brimming with emotion and sweet heat. I couldn’t get enough of Rook and Lainey. I also loved Lainey’s friendship with Eden, who made for a wonderful secondary character. All of your favorites make a cameo here and I loved how Helena brought it all together. I loved this sweet second chance romance and can’t recommend it enough for all Helena Hunting fans. And if you haven’t read any books by her yet, this is a great one to start with!

A Lie for a Lie is a sweet, second chance romance. As the title implies, both characters are keeping secrets from each other. After a whirlwind romance in Alaska, it’s about a year before they run into each other again. Obviously their secrets drive the plot. They don’t come as a surprise for the reader but Lainey and RJ have a lot to work through to earn each other’s trust.

RJ was pretty perfect to me. Sexy, sweet and a big teddy bear. Lainey was cute and fun but she was also a little annoying and immature. Not enough to turn me off but just enough to bother me a bit. They have good chemistry and the sexy times, while not detailed, were still steamy.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed the book but I did get a little bored which is why I’m giving four stars instead of five. I love Helena, though, and will definitely keep reading her!

Good lord, I loved this book!! It ticked off all my favorite trope boxes: second-chance romance, sports romance, secret identity.

I loved the instant attraction between RJ "Rook" and Lainey. Loved their summer romance--one that ended too soon. And I loved their reconnection--even when the lies told are finally revealed, along with some secrets too.

A Lie for a Lie is a wonderful sweet, sexy romance. Lainey’s growth and maturity were realistic and heartfelt. She discovered her strength through her situation. And Rook. Damn, his growth and lessons learned made him downright swoon worthy. The progression of the romance after their reunion was perfectly paced for me.

And left me wanting more. I can't wait until the next one!

Honestly, my queen Helena Hunting can do no wrong. After devouring all 7 Pucked books, I was thrilled to learn that a spin-off series was launching and I would get to experience cameos from some of my favorite hockey boys!

Rook & Lainey definitely have more of romance story (less of the comedic aspect you'd find in some of the Pucked books) in Lie for a Lie but I devoured every page. I'm incredibly eager to get started on Book #2 in this new series, A Favor for a Favor!

As someone who loved the Pucked series by Helena Hunting, the announcement she was writing another hockey series thrilled me. A Lie for A Lie is set in the Pucked series world, but future books will take place with the Seattle expansion team. I loved this book on many levels and while it isn’t as in your face as the Pucked series, it still has humor, heart, and lots of sexy times. I feel it is a really good blend of Ms. Hunting’s writing styles and look forward to the rest of the series.
Rook Bowman and Lainey Carver meet in an unusual way that leads to them spending some quality time together in Kodiak, Alaska. Lainey is a bit sheltered, a bit timid, and suffers from anxiety and she has no idea that Rook (or RJ as he introduces himself to her) is the captain of a high profile Chicago NHL team. RJ is enamored with Lainey and wants nothing more than to be a “normal” guy so he doesn’t tell her who he is leads her to believe he has a totally different life and when he has to leave Alaska when his sister-in-law goes into early labor, he has no way to reach Lainey. A little over a year later, they once again meet in an unusual way, and despite the fact they were both heartbroken after they left Alaska, Lainey finds out RJ’s life is much different than he let on and she feels a bit betrayed.
I truly adored both these characters; despite RJ’s earlier man-wh*ring ways, he’s a good guy who loves his family, will do anything for his team members and their families, and wants to find someone to share his life with. Lainey is super smart and while she was overprotected by her large family she’s made great strides to be more independent and self sufficient especially in the year plus they’ve been apart. There was something so pure about their early relationship that despite RJ not telling the truth, I couldn’t help rooting for them to be together. Both of their lives are quite different after that time apart, and while it does take some heavy duty wooing RJ does manage to get through to Lainey and they work towards repairing their relationship.
I enjoyed seeing the characters from the Pucked series in little doses as they added some interesting flair, but more so, I enjoyed that RJ and Lainey had a meaningful, respectful, and adult relationship without any games as they had far too much at stake. The way they supported one another through different issues gave me so much hope for them in the long run.
Fun but filled with a lot of heart and emotion, I loved A Lie for A Lie!