QueenZany 5 Star Review
A Lie for a Lie
by Helena Hunting



A Lie for a Lie is one of the best romcoms I have ever read!
Oh, so perfectly hot, funny and sweet. But oh, so compelling that you pulled in!! Swoon!!

A Lie for a Lie is a terrific introduction to Helena’s new series and ties in fantastically with the Pucked series we know and love; including cameo appearances from some of my favourite characters alongside fornicating whales 😂

Lainey is a complete nerd girl at a genius level, 3 masters degrees to her name and the ability to spew random facts when nervous or anxious (which she is a lot) makes her utterly endearing. She is also terribly sheltered with a helicopter mother as well as being a little naive. Her mother’s overprotectiveness alongside Lainey’s heightened anxiety is understandable when elements of Lainey’s past experiences are revealed. However, Lainey is determined to prove to herself and her mother that she is able to take care of herself and up the level of adulting she is currently stuck on.

Rook (RJ) has taken over Alex’s (Pucked) position as Captain and as such a celebrity of the sporting variety. Being handsome, talented and rich comes with its own set of problems as well as drawing out the crazies. Which is why RJ lies by omission when Lainey doesn’t recognise him when they meet on the way to Alaska. This is not a problem, to begin with, because neither Lainey or RJ expected the whirlwind of passion that occurred between them during their stay in Alaska. Unfortunately, the closer they grew the less opportunity for RJ to confess his true profession.

While their time together in Alaska is short it is intense but also removed from reality where simple things like exchanging contact details do not come into play. THIS causes major problems when RJ is called away urgently due to a family emergency.

Skip forward a year before Lainey and RJ’s paths cross again by fate and a birthday party in an aquarium. A lot of things have changed in the time they have spent apart but not their feelings for each other. Understandably, Lainey is wary of becoming reacquainted with RJ as she questions his level of honesty regarding his feelings.

I completely adored their interactions and RJ’s courtship of Lainey; in addition to Lainey’s character development especially her self-confidence.

A Lie for a Lie is an ingenious progression of the Pucked series into the all-new All In series clearing the path for new characters and situations while keeping a tie to the hockey-verse we know and love.

Squeee! I loved Rook and Lainey and I really enjoyed seeing my favorite characters from the Pucked series make cameos with their babies!!! This book was really well balanced IMHO. Yes there is heat and humor and heart (my 3 H's of romance), but both characters were dealing with bigger issues than just their relationship - grief, PTSD, and growing pains (both career wise and personally). Both Rook and Lainey showed depth and growth throughout the book. I don't want to give away too much because a big part of the plot is a surprise that I personally enjoy, but I know some people don't. I thought that the groveling that Rook had to do was top notch and the angst level was was perfect (enough to keep me riveted but not so much that it gave me agita). I'm so looking forward to A Favor for A Favor and the rest of this All In series!

I struggled to enjoy this book at first. I liked Rook but Lainey was impossible to like for me. I thought her lie was far worse than his. I enjoyed the second half of the book better than the first but overall this one missed the authors usual mark that I enjoy.

5 Stars

A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting is the first book in the brand new series All In. This is the first book I’ve read from Ms. Hunting, and it for sure won’t be the last. I don’t even know how to describe all the emotions I’m feeling after reading this book. It was heartwarming, laugh out loud funny, and absolutely and utterly addicting.


Rook and Lainey were EVERYTHING! Seriously such amazing characters that captured my heart from the very beginning. Rook is looking forward to escaping his everyday life and vacationing in Alaska. Being a well known professional ice hockey player has its perks but he needs a break from it all, especially women. But when he meets Lainey, all bets are off. Little did they know a chance meeting would alter their lives forever...


I seriously loved this book so much! I adore reading sports romances but there is something about Ms. Hunting’s writing that makes it stand out in the best way possible. I am so excited to see where this series goes! Highly recommend reading this book!

❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
This book kept me captivated till the end! And even better was that I got to experience their HEA for about the last 10-15% of the book which I find rarely happens and yet I love!

Our hero and heroine meet on a plane to rural Alaska and by chance their cabins are relatively close. What starts as a friendship turns into a vacation of so much more till it ends abruptly with no way to contact each other. Fast forward a year and our hero (a hockey player) has a chance encounter with our heroine at an aquarium and he is determined to not let her slip through his fingers again.... the problem? He totally lied to her about his profession and it is not something she can get over.

My only complaint about this book was there wasn’t enough sports for it to be a sports romance. The hero is definitely a hockey player but other than interacting with team mates out of practice it’s a blip on the radar. I loved the hero and heroine and their journey together 😍.

I have been a fan of Helena Hunting for a while now so I was very excited to review a eARC of A Lie for a Lie.

I pretty much read this book in one day. I was so sucked into the story that I didn't want to put the book down.

I do highly recommend this one.

A Lie For A Lie by Helena Hunting is book one in hernew All In series - a spin-off from her best-selling Pucked series.
A Lie For A Lie is Rook and Lainey's story.
Rook is a NHL star and new captain of the Chicago NHL team. His former captain Alex, yes Alex and Violet, and he are best friends, they're like family. Everyone from the old tribe has settled down, is married, has kids.
Lainey, aka Alaska Girl, is a young woman who captivates RJ from the first Meet Cute til the wonderful and well deserved HEA.
I will not spoiler here, only so much, I loved this book from chapter one, I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this wonderful book and can't wait to read more about the new people in A and V's life.

A Lie For A Lie is a solid start to the All In series by Helena Hunting. This series is a spinoff from the Pucked series which is on my TBR but I haven't yet read. This book is a second chance romance between hero, RJ and heroine, Lainey who meet one summer in Alaska. Following a whirlwind romance they lose contact, but a year later unexpectedly run into each other and reconnect. Hurt feelings need to be healed, misunderstandings cleared up, and it's time to be completely honest with each other. ⁣⁣
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A Lie For A Lie felt different than the other Helena Hunting books I've read. I wouldn't call this book light and fun as it contains some tough situations. Lainey suffers from severe anxiety due to an intense situation she experienced in her past. The writing to describe the scenes, triggers, and her feelings is very well done, although it definitely caught me off guard as I was reading.⁣⁣
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Another scene almost ruined the book for me. I had to put it down and step away for a few hours. There is a trope within this book that isn't mentioned anywhere in the promos, blurbs, synopsis, etc. It blindsided me and while I can handle that (even expect it) in a psychological thriller, apparently that's not my favorite thing in a romance.
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I did continue with the novel and I'm glad. RJ and Lainey work though a lot to be together and it was refreshing to see them persist for each other. The theme of redemption is strong in this book and while there were parts of this story that I struggled through, I do love a good happily ever after especially when the characters really fought to get there. ⁣⁣
🔥🔥/5 steam rating for semi-descriptive, suggestive, sex scenes which fade to black⁣⁣⁣⁣

{Thank you to @amazonpublishing @netgalley @socialbutterfly_pr for the eARC #partner}⁣⁣

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

These past couple of weeks I’ve been so lucky to read so many amazing books. “A Lie for a Lie” is one of these. With a beautiful second chance romance, intense characters, secrets that may tear a relationship apart and so much more, it’s impossible not to wish for the next book in the series or any written by the author.

Our main characters meet in such a funny way. They click, they connect on many levels and they spend a good amount of time together. What happens when they all have to return to real life and their paths split? Read and find out 🙂

I can tell you about how great the characters are, about how lost I became into the pages. I didn’t know when time flew by. I was so wrapped up in Rook and Lainey I forgot about the real world. But I think the most important thought I was left with is that sometimes you need a breath of fresh air to spot the happiness. Our main characters have secrets they don’t want to share and just want to enjoy the moment. And sometimes this is enough to gain a life full of happy moments. For me, this book that may have just a simple second chance love story, it’s amazing that I was left with this thought, with this feel good thought.

And this is how a romance book should affect its readers. I cannot give less than 5 stars and I cannot wait to read more from the author! I do recommend it, with all my heart.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book.

Rook and Lainey hit just the right note for me. This book could've gone way dramatic and thank goodness Hunting didn't go overboard.

I loved the relationship between the two of them, there was so much chemistry and just the right amount of steam. I'm really looking forward to this whole series, especially after how fantastic this book was.

First of all, I have to say how much I loved the Pucked series that I read earlier this year. I've come to like hockey romances a lot in the last year and I've been devouring them. An athlete is an athlete whether they are playing a sport I know or not. So, when I saw A Lie for A Lie, I was excited to read it for two reasons, it was a Helena Hunting book and it was a sports romance. Once I started reading, I finally put two and two together and realized this was a spin off series from the Pucked series! I met Rook in that series and he was just coming into the league. I'd thought about him getting a book of his own. It was so freaking nice to see Violet & Alex, Randy & Lily, Poppy & Lance, Miller & Sunny, and Charlene! I loved those characters and they all kept me laughing out loud as they did in this book too. Seeing them as parents was pretty awesome too.

But I digress and will tell you my thoughts about A Lie for A Lie. I loved this book so freaking much. I loved the pacing of it and that the romance between Lainey and RJ did. It feel forced or rushed at all. I loved how it started with RJ seeing Lainey again and then jumping to 14 months ago so that we got to see the connection and relationship they had while in Alaska. They were quite cute together and had chemistry for days! And RJ was so darn sweet with Lainey and was always willing to help her deal with her problems and provide comfort when needed. I hated that RJ liked and never got the chance to tell Lainey the truth while they were in Alaska but I totally understood his motives.

The story got a bit angsty once the couple was reunited. The big secret Lainey was keeping wasn't really one for me. I pretty much guessed it from the start since I realized what happened when Lainey and RJ said goodbye in Alaska. The beginning of their reunion was frustrating with Lainey being unwilling to listen to anything RJ had to say and for keeping a secret from him. I understood his motives so I wanted her to understand too! But when everything was put in the open i was so happy. I loved again how natural their second chance played out. Nothing was rushed and seeing the two of them get to know each other again and work as a team was so amazing. They were such a perfect couple and fit well together.

I loved Stevie, Kody, Kyle, Joy, and Max as well as Lainey's parents and RJ's mom. I cannot wait to see more of these characters in A Favor for a Favor. Stevie is going to be a fun character to read about and I'm excited for the cameos from other characters! This is going to be another one do my favorite series by Helena Hunting!

I loved everything about A Lie for A Lie. It was a second chance, sports romance with one more trope I love but won't say because I'm not going to spoil anything! It was well written and naturally progressed and was such a hard book to put down!

***I received an ebook copy from the publisher at no cost***

Secrets, secrets everywhere….

A Lie for a Lie is the latest release from Helena Hunting. It’s the first in a new two-book series, but is set in the Pucked world and features characters from the Pucked series.

Rook – or RJ, as his family calls him – is a big, burly hockey player. The puck bunnies love him and he loves … pleasing them, shall we say. He and his brother go on a fishing trip each year to a cabin in Alaska that was once owned by their father. It’s a tradition for them and a way for the two to honor their late father. Only this year, Rook is on his own for the trip, as his brother has a last minute-change in his itinerary.

Lainey is also en route to Alaska, to do some work for her schooling. She literally falls into Rook’s lap and things kick off from there. What follows is a story that, in true Helena Hunting fashion, goes from comedic to sexy to angsty to swoonworthy.

Rook and Lainey have an instant connection, but neither wants to act on it. The sparks flew between them from the moment he locked eyes with her. The two of them are fairly opposite, with him being outgoing, womanizing, and popular in the hockey world, and her being shy, quiet, and focused on her studies. There was lighthearted, silly banter, and moments filled with heartfelt conversation and personal stories the two shared.

The title of the book fits perfect, because both characters tell lies to one another, which end up having an impact on their relationship. Hunting did a wonderful job of getting me invested these characters and in drawing out my emotions while I was reading. Anyone who knows me knows I adore second-chance romances, and this one was a bumpy but sweet ride.

And … it was so fun to get to see the Pucked character and where everyone is now and what they’re up to! This series is my favorite of Helena’s, so any time she’s kind enough to bring us back to it, I’m grateful.

Rook has won himself a spot on my list of Top Book Boyfriends of 2019. He’s charming and kind and very down-to-earth, considering the position he’s in with the hockey world.

Five stars to this novel!

Dolls this book made me so freaking giddy!!! As soon as I met RJ and Lainey, I had little goosies break out!! You know that special magic when you can tell this is going to be THE BOOK because Helena Hunting just LIT UP MY LIFE!! I can’t stop smiling, I’m glowing from the inside out. I’m bursting with all the ovary-explosion-feels! I mean RJ....come on with this man...it doesn’t get any better!!!

Lainey and RJ are made for each other from the start. This insta-connection has the perfect first chapter in small town Alaska. Away from real life, tucked away in a lust filled cocoon, I fell HARD for RJ while Lainey was a complete smitten kitten. Let’s fast forward to the second chance of their love story, I was bowled over. The story took a complete 180 turn, a little detour to love town and once again, I melted, I swooned, I died for this man.

I love both Lainey and RJ, her willingness to adapt to his crazy life while still maintaining her independence, sense of self and confidence was inspiring. The way he wanted to take care of her and show his unwavering love was soul melting. A Lie For A Lie just made my week! Definitely my favorite Helena Hunting book to date. I want to dive back into this world so bad! I can’t wait for the next book 🙏🏻

I really enjoyed the Alaska aspects of this book! The heroine was quirky and shy but really smart. Rj was really sweet and I loved how much he cared for Lainey without making her feel helpless. He helped her because he wanted to.

This was a sweet novel about second chances but most importantly taking a chance on each other! And what’s better than a sexy hockey player?!

This was an emotional and sweet romance, that I devoured.

I absolutely loved the setting of this story! Rook and Lainey's story starts in Alaska and they have a connection right off the bat. I love how open they were with each other and how they connected before their time together got cut short. We fast forward to the present when they are unexpectedly reconnected. I loved watching them reconnect and remember how they felt when they were all alone in Alaska.

I have to admit that I haven't read the Pucked series. I know, I'm like the only person left who hasn't. I'm so excited to go back and read that whole series after meeting some of those characters in this spin-off story. I also can't wait for the next book in this series!

Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.

It truly hurts me to say this since I loved Helenaʻs Pucked series so damn much, A Lie for a Lie turned out to be an OK read for me. There were manyyyyyyy parts that I loved and adored, but there were just as many parts that didnʻt quite fit.

Without a doubt, one of my favorite parts was seeing a little bit of my favorites from the Pucked series, they’re older, still have the same crazy manner-isms. But I lived for every single moment!

There were moments when I wasn’t connecting to the hero and heroine, and to their relationship. It was kind of a bit all over the place for me. And there were times when Lainey acted immaturely, however, I think a big part of that stems from her overprotective parents. I loved when she finally stood up to them, it definitely showed her growth.

For me, I think I just had a huge disconnect with the characters and storyline. As the title hints, there’s secrets being held and it was pretty easy to catch onto what Lainey’s secret was.

Overall, many cute moments and visits from some of our faves. Helena’s writing is still so engaging and I’ll never stop reading her books, so I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

Helena Hunting like no other with every book makes me fall in love with her writing and stories even more. I am addicted to her hockey players! The author with a sexy, cute and swoon-worthy bang started a spin-off series and I can’t wait for the next books! Add to this mix characters from Pucked series and I am a happy bunny.

Rook Bowman is a captain of Chicago NHL. He has it all: looks, charm, skills, fame, money, and women to pick from. Being a freshman he loved all the attention and never-ending line of puck bunnies but with time and more responsibilities Rook saw how his playboy way affected his game and beloved ones. Exhausted from attention and being recognized at every step he instantly warmed to Lainey, who completely didn’t know who he was. He was captivated by her honesty, strong, fierce and sweet personality. They spent some amazing time in Alaska but they weren’t honest with each other, especially Rook. Their cozy vacations suddenly ended and the secrets become even bigger. Now, after a year of no contact but only memories fate bought them back together uncovering the lies.

Will Lainey forgive Rook and give him a second chance? Will Rook prove to Lainey than he isn’t a playboy hockey player but a thoughtful and caring man she met at Alaska? And how will he react to the fact that Lainey has her own secret too?

I devoured A Lie for a Lie at one go! Helena Hunting, again, made me fall in love with her characters. Lainey and Rook were a perfect couple, partners and lovers. I adored their interactions with themselves, their friends and their families. I laughed, swooned and cheered for them. They fall hard and fought even harder for their love. Because this kind of relationship comes only once! I am a new fan of Lainey!

An arc kindly received in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!

So, I'm gonna be "that reader" that can't get past something one of the main characters does early on in the book. I tend to be pretty lenient about "bad" behavior, so long as I'm expecting it from the blurb. You know, the bad boy alpha-hole type stuff. But this...this was something entirely different. I read to the 35% mark, but just kept coming back to being upset by something the heroine announced at the 24% mark of the book.

Here's the passage I took issue with:
[ "Are you allergic? My oldest brother gets bloated when he eats it. It took us forever to figure out what was causing it. Sometimes I'll still put some in when he's coming for dinner, because it's funny to see him look like he's expecting." She tips her head to the side, "Or you just don't like garlic?" (hide spoiler)]

This is NOT okay. A physical reaction like the bloating the heroine describes is PAINFUL! As someone with food sensitivities, I would be livid to learn that a family member was deliberately doing something that caused me physical pain just for the sake of a laugh. This is not funny. It is ignorant and harmful! It's something I cannot get past. If the heroine does this to her own brother, what does she do to others? I'd never be able to trust her. So, this is going down as one of my very few DNF titles. I hate that an author on my auto-buy list thought this was acceptable. I hate it so much, the author is coming off of my auto-buy list.