Cover Image: A Secret for a Secret

A Secret for a Secret

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Member Reviews

There is only one word to describe this book and it's content: AMAZING!!

King was everything I wanted and expected him to be. I loved how respectful he was towards her and wanting to show her she was so much more than just sex. And I absolutely loved Queenie. She was quirky and funny and a total opposite to King which made them fit perfectly together.

I loved the way he handled problems and drama that was thrown to their relationship. It takes a strong person to do that and to love someone unconditionally.

I'm kinda sad this series has reached it end because each couple has stole a peace of my heart and it hard letting them go.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

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You literally can never go wrong with a Helena Hunting book. She writes such good stories. And does a little of everything from comedy to serious. And all the things in between.

She is one of those authors that I don't even bother reading the blurbs for. Because I know I will love pretty much anything She puts out.

And her sports romances are the absolute best!!! There has not been a hot hockey man I haven't loved yet. And Ryan is right there eup with them.
Him and Queenie are such a good mix. And I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to dive into this one and see what this goalie could offer haha

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Helena and hockey, they go together like olives and pineapple, if that's too weird for you imagine two things that blissfully mesh, that IS Helena Hunting and hockey. This whole story started in Pucked, and seeing this season come to a close is bittersweet. I know we will see some of these characters again, but still, it is not my usual cackle fest of a review resting in the knowledge more books were coming with these characters in them. Instead, we've seen people grow up, mature, and move on in the seasons of their lives. *Gives self a vigorous shake* Time to talk happy stuff about King and Queenie.

King was a unique character for us. He wasn't a manwhore (which some have been), he wasn't broody and damaged (which some have been), nor was he hiding some secret that was going to bite him on the butt (no spoilers!). He's an amazingly good guy. Safe driver. Goalie extraordinaire. Ax thrower. Milk drinker. And he's fallen for his queen. Honestly, y'all when he referred to her as, "my queen," I melted. He's charmingly impressive. That is what blends him beautifully with Queenie.

In many ways, she's his opposite, but in others, the similarities draw them together. Queenie needs a King to stand by her, encourage her, and believe in her. She is probably one of the more multifaceted characters Helena has introduced us to in this series. Her outward confidence in some areas belies all the hurt and blame she's mistakenly placed on herself, making her think she's not enough. That hurt and blame covered a truly empathetic spirit we got to watch bloom, especially when she was interacting with Lavender. Honestly, this story was sublime in its loveliness.

Then there's the chess aspect. All three of the novels in this series have to do with chess pieces. I could go there, but I'm not. Invent your moves; I'm sure Helena is good with it. I hope we will visit with King and Queenie again as I would love to see how the relationship between Queenie and Lavender grows as they age. I would like to know what happens with Queenie's dad. Does he find love? He's a good guy. Same for Hanna, King's momster. She's a good woman. Helena, you have many threads to tie up in that one last book you are promising that is coming. There are Pucked children we need to know about, Kody, and River. See, Helena we, your tribe, just are not quite emotionally ready to say goodbye ultimately to all these people. So, let's not sunset them entirely...just yet.

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I think it's common knowledge by now, that Helena Hunting is an exceptional writer. I haven't read one single book that I didn't love and didn't fall in love with the characters, the humorous banter and adorable story lines. This book is no different and a fantastic addition to this series! Another perfect romcom from this lovely lady <3

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I will read any book that Helena Hunting comes out with! I love her writing style and characterization and this novel is no different.

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Ryan is a very different protagonist than Helena Hunting's other books. Instead of driven my sex, a brooding ego, and a smirk– he follows the rules, making no rash mistakes. However, a drunken night with Queenie changes everything.

I loved how different these two characters were, highlighting just how valid their different experiences and approach to life was. It was an engaging read, with a very sweet protagonist. I usually prefer the more 'brooding' protagonist, so though it was a very different character than I would gravitate to, Hunting made this an engaging read.

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I freaking love this series. What happens when the one-night stand that you cannot get out of your mind shows up at the team's first meeting of the season as your GM's daughter? You crap your pants and try not to keep thinking about her. But, there is this pull between these two that just won't go away. This book is right in line with all of Helena's others, perfectly awesome! I love how we still get to see the other characters and they play an integral part in every book.

Although this book is part of a series, it can totally be read as a stand-alone. But why would you do that, go back and read them all!!

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Helena Hunting writes about sexy hockey players and she did not disappoint with Ryan Kingston.

Even when being teased about his always doing the right thing he marches on. It’s who he is.

But one night out in a bar after he has been notified of a secret from his family and he does something that he never does. He gets drunk and takes a woman home.

Queenie is known for being impulsive and flighty. Now without a job she has moved home with her father. Now she’s going to work as his assistant. She steps into a bar one night after her own secret has her needing to drown out some of what’s going on with her life.

One night and six weeks later, both are still thinking of the other and never expecting to see each other again, are shocked when the first team meeting of the hockey season. And The men of the hockey team are warned away from Queenie.

However, King and Queenie are drawn to each other, they start seeing each other. But King refuses to do things wrong so he asks permission from her father.

Can they work things through to have a relationship?

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What are fun, sweet, and steamy read! I love Helena Hunting's stories. They always have the perfect amount of heart, humor, and heat. I have really enjoyed this All In series of stand-alones. I adored Rook and Bishop, but I think King may be my favorite and that says a lot. He speaks to my rule following heart! I loved the dynamic between King and Queenie. It was fun to see how they related to each other and how they complimented each other's personalities. There were definitely some laugh out loud moments and some seriously sexy scenes. I love a good rom-com and A Secret For A Secret was everything I hoped for. This is the perfect story to get lost in, and I can't wait for more from this amazing author!

♥ Review by Lys

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Most of us will at some point in time have wondered what lurks behind someone’s strait-laced façade. Still waters and all. Ryan Kingston is one such character, and he does not disappoint.

In true Helena Hunting fashion, he finds out he’s been dealt some messed up family dynamics. When attempting to drown his sorrows, he meets Queenie, and they spend a night of unbridled passion together. Who knew he had it in him, right? I actually like how much of a truly good guy he is. It makes it all the more satisfying when he lets loose in the bedroom. And good manners and being a true gentleman are such turn-ons!

Queenie is a bit of a hot mess, but this can be forgiven considering things that have happened in the past. She now tries to get her life back on track, and accepting a (temporary) job as her father’s assistant is a helpful step in the right direction. Her wilder and more spontaneous personality is in stark contrast to King’s more disciplined and restrained attitude, but they actually balance each other out very well.

As can be expected with this author, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud shenanigans to go along with the personal growth and relationship development. Also, as a hockey player, King has some serious stamina, both on the rink and in the bedroom, so multiple hot scenes are guaranteed. And we can’t forget Violet and her non-existent filter! It’s always a joy to revisit this series and group of characters.

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Oh boy, this book was an emotional roller coaster and I loved every minute of it!

This Book In 5 Words:
Amazing. Sexy. Addictive. Passionate. Phenomenal.

King was absolutely AMAZING...and exactly what I hoped he'd be: a stand-up amazing man, but with a secret edge to him that only came out around his "Queen," our lovely main character, Queenie, who I adored! She was sassy, pure chaos to King's calm, and flawed in a very realistic and authentic way. I loved both her and King to bits! Their chemistry was so, so sexy and they complemented each other in the most wonderful of ways! I loved getting to see their relationship grow!

Along with loving King and Queenie, I loved seeing so much of the other All In couples (Lainey and RJ, and Bishop and Stevie), and I loved that we saw a lot of Violet, Alex, and their children...makes me very excited for one of Helena's future projects since there are some strong hints to two future novels--as always with Helena Hunting's books, I'm always eagerly waiting for more...I'm greedy like that with my faves. ;)

I honestly have nothing, but good things to say about A SECRET FOR A SECRET! I adored this book so, so much! I loved the characters, I loved the romance, and I absolutely loved how the story unraveled! I've yet to meet a Helena Hunting book that I didn't thoroughly enjoy and love, but her All In series is most definitely my favourite so far! Highly recommend it to anyone who loves sports romance, contemporary romances, sexy alpha heroes, and heroines that you can't help wanting to be best friends with! ;)

Star Rating:
★★★★★

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I'm a huge fan of Helena Hunting, and once again she did not disappoint. Secret for a Secret was such a fun, steamy read. I love books with a straight laced rule following hero and an impulsive and energetic heroine. Nerds are like my catnip, and Ryan Kingston was one of my favorites!! I loved the tension between them, how their relationship developed, and the ways they balanced each other out. A definite must read!!

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I love this series and the audio was excellent . Helena Hunting can do no wrong in my book.
Thank you for letting me read this book.

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LOVED, LOVED, LOVED!

This series is amazing and this book was just as perfect! I love sports romance and this book didn’t disappoint! I devoured this and would highly recommend

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Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this early. Helena Hunting is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This was such a great, fast read. If you’ve read anything by her, I suggest this one as well! 5 stars!

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Kingston and Queenie very much opposite characters as can be. Steady vs Impulsive. But somehow they work. I admit I was a tad bored they got to together quite easily even though their personalities were so different not much tension or conflict. Though the chemistry was very much there. I'm glad it wasn't all that easy after all. Helena Hunting threw in a few hoops they have to get through to find their happy. Nothing too major imo.

Ryan was really calm and supportive just what Queenie needs. They balance out somehow. It's refreshing to have a different hero in Ryan from all the books so far.

I definitely liked the Bishop parts of this a lot. I love their friendship unlikely pair too. I'm excited for the possible books.

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Kingston and queenie are a match made in heaven. I adore this story, I love all the books in this series.

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This was a good finish for this series. I liked that Queenie and Kingston met right off the bat! Kingston is a hockey player and meets Queenie at a bar, not realizing her dad is the general manager for his hockey team. Once they do meet they try to be friends, but they have so much chemistry it’s hard to let things just be friendly.

It was great to catch up with some of the other characters in this series! I liked how Queenie started being more sure of herself and really showed some maturing through Kingston support. Kingston was a perfect gentleman, although I would have loved to see him stand up to his mom a little sooner! Overall, I enjoyed the book!

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So, I wasn't sure how much I'd like Ryan Kingston because he was the kind of guy who could be a great friend......a straight-laced guy who followed all the rules. His go-to drink of choice is milk! LOL! But, he was the goalie on Rook and Bishop's hockey team and was dedicated to his career.

But after getting some totally crazy news from his family, he finds himself at a bar drowning his worries and meets Queenie. They hit it off, drink too much, and find themselves back at his place. Ryan Kingston does not do one-night stands!! This was so out of his comfort zone. So the next morning, when Queenie is gone, he thinks that's it.

Imagine his surprise then when he goes into work for his first team meeting and lo and behold Queenie is the General Manager's assistant. Not only that, she is the General Manager's daughter!

You can imagine the tension between them and the agreement to keep their first meet-up a secret.

Such a great series! I wish it would go on....I actually wanted to know more about another player who comes on board (and is a total d*&k)! But I don't think it will happen. I am thinking there may be a spin-off about Jake (the General Manager and Queenie's Dad) based on a little something that happened at the end - I'm hoping!

I also have to mention the allergic strawberry reaction...OMG! It was priceless!

King and Queen - epic!

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5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Secret for a Secret by Helena Hunting is by far, my favorite out of the series. It is the third book in the All In series and it can be read as a stand-alone. This book is seriously Ms. Huntings best book to date. Every single thing about ASFAS was pure perfection!

Ryan Kingston was EVERYTHING!! This character literally swept me off my feet and stole my heart from the very beginning. He was gentle and sweet but also steadfast in how he handled Queenie. The chemistry between the two was explosive and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!

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