Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I’ll bring my chaos into your calm.”

I am fairly certain that most romance readers love the “opposites attract” trope. More than anything, this trope brings about the greatest insight into the human experience. It highlights our differences but reminds us that those differences are complements to each other. This idea runs thoughtfully through Helena Hunting’s newest book, A Secret for A Secret. If you’re like me, you ran for this book because (1) Ryan Kingston, the “perfect” friend to Shippy in Hunting’s second book of the All in Series, A Favor for a Favor was dreamy, but needed mussing and (2) Hunting was going to do what she does best: bring a heroine to mess Kingston up. And man, did Hunting deliver in this book.

What do we need to know? Ryan Kingston or King for short, is a good guy: ever-present, always thoughtful, straight-laced, a great friend, khaki and white polo shirt wearing, consummate milk drinker. There is nothing he does wrong because his life is controlled down to the food he consumes, his sleep schedule, and the cleanliness of his home. He is the kind of guy you want to take home to your family.

Huntington’s heroine in this story, Queenie, is King’s opposite. She hasn’t figured out her life. The goals she previously set for herself are derailed through her choices. She’s an artistic type who is messy, colorful, and a bit of a loner. Queenie is struggling to find her path in life. As she investigates this, she moves home to live with her father and work as his personal assistant.

One night, Queenie and Kingston meet in a bar, and there is an instant attraction. Both of them commiserate over some life challenges. As one drink leads to another and another, these two end up together for the night. When Kingston wakes up the next morning, Queenie is gone, and he believes he won’t see her again. Until he does. On the first day of practice for the season. And she’s the general manager’s daughter. These two have a keen chemistry from the start, and Kingston, the everpresent good guy, wants to do everything right, but Queenie and her little bit of chaos try to derail it. Are Queenie and Kingston a match made in heaven? If you believe in the law of opposites attracting, then you know the answer.


First off, let me say that I adore Helena Hunting. I think I signed up for an ARC of A Favor for A Favor, and this began my Helena Hunting binge-read fest. When I first began reading romance, I read Hunting’s Pucked and fell in love with her storytelling, but I hadn’t read any of the other books in the series. After AFFAF, I jumped in fast. I quickly, using a combination of e-books and audiobooks, gobbled her Pucked and All In series. She does what others such as Penny Reid do: create these grand universes of characters who interact with each other in new books. That’s my crack in the romance world. Seriously. Nothing makes me happier than for older characters to show up in later books. Think Violet and Alex in A Secret for A Secret. It illustrates Hunting’s ability to know her readers and write romance that feeds their spirits. Secondly, it’s obvious she’s able to envision her fiction beyond one book. It shows a long-game plan, not a short-term enjoyment.

Secondly, Hunting makes me laugh. Out loud. There are so many moments (one especially) that tickles your funny bone in this new story. She finds the hilarity in simple life situations. Whether it’s an allergic reaction or a dad’s reaction to his daughter with a player, there is something funny in everything. Hunting’s genius as a storyteller, though, is her ability to balance her comedy with the gravity of life. Both Kingston and Queenie are dealing with various levels of expectation. Kingston’s family expects that he will make certain decisions, while Queenie’s struggle lies in her perceived expectations of her father and the verbal abuse of her mother. This dichotomy creates moments of despair for her, as she simply doesn’t feel “good enough” under the weight of those expectations. The depth of this reality conspires with the hilarity of Kingston and Queenie’s coupling to remind readers that life is full of ups and downs. How we handle those determine what we get out of life.

Add into A Secret for A Secret...well, secrets, and you have a story that is compelling and engaging. This ARC had been sitting on my Kindle waiting for me to finish ARCs that had an earlier release date. It taunted me because I knew Kingston’s story would be a good one, and Hunting did not disappoint. While the story is a seemingly simple one: straight-laced hockey player falls for the boss’s daughter, it really isn’t. There are heavy feelings of inadequacy due to parental verbal abuse and poor decision making. The constant in this story, the one thing that makes you turn the page until the book is finished, is the way that Kingston determinedly loves Queenie. Period. While there is seeming strife between these two, Hunting has crafted a hero in Kingston that propels you into their story because his love for Queenie is vast and beautiful. He loves every part of her, even though she is different from him. I loved Hunting’s articulation of it as their story grows, so much so that I binge-read the entire book in half a day. To read Kingston love Queenie as she needs to be loved is the glory of A Secret for A Secret.

True to form, Helena Hunting has offered up another glorious hockey story. I can imagine as an author this might become boring. As a reader, though, reading Hunting’s hockey players feels right: every. single. time. She brilliantly exposes the truth of the human experience through the heroes who light up the ice and the heroines who warm their beds. At the very least, the fact that Queen and King are the heroes of A Secret for A Secret should make you run to download their story fast.

I love Ryan Kingston! When we met him as a supporting character in the first books in the series, he seemed like a fairly grounded and "tame" personality. Find out what happens when a nice, toe-the-line guy on the outside turns alpha sex god behind the bedroom doors! King and Queenie trade secrets as virtual strangers but their relationship forms and unfolds based on this very premise! So exciting to watch King fight his alpha side while he tries to do the right thing. Queenie's unfiltered self is a breath of fresh air and keeps both of them on their toes! We definitely get to see more of their respective families as they are the ones who shaped our Hero and heroine into who they are today! Love the chemistry and dynamic between these two!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS

King and Queenie are a dynamic duo...the rule follower and somewhat flighty (more lost and discouraged) make a match made in heaven. As with all Helena's books, she creates characters that are endearing and relatable. I devoured this book as I do with all this author's works. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. You definitely want to go ALL IN. A Secret For A Secret by Helena Hunting is an EPIC read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!

I fall a bit more in love with this series with each book. I can't even say, Kingston without grinning ear to ear. He was everything I wanted him to be. He carries himself so well, with confident ease. And, only he can make being a rule follower, sexy as hell. Trust me, I get and appreciate his need for order. You know the good oh saying opposites attract, well that totally applies here.
My girl Queenie is everything Kingston isn't. She's a fiery, chaotic, beautiful mess. All of these qualities make her very relatable. All of this should explain why watching these two together is the best form of entertainment. It's the kind of story we all need right now. It's super fun, laugh out loud funny, with low angst. I guarantee you'll finish with a big smile on your face.

I am loving this series and all the characters. Helena Hunting is one of my favorite authors. She always makes me laugh and read as fast as I can. I was so excited to get Ryan Kingston’s story.

I love Kingston and Queenie so much. They are a couple you feel like you have always known. Ryan has always followed the rules and never strays. He saw what his brother and sister did with their lives and decided he wants his to be different. When Queenie comes into his life it’s at just the right time. He never thought he would need the girl who works for his dad who also happens to be his boss. The challenge he faces is to get her to see he is worth the risk of breaking the no fraternization policy at work.

I loved this book and can’t recommend it enough. A Secret for a Secret was just what I needed. This book will have you laughing, it is full of angst and swoon worthy moments. If you haven’t started this series yet you need to.

I was hooked on this story probably from the first time we met Kingston in this series, ha!

I love Kingston’s personality and how he interacts with his teammates, family and Queenie.

Queenie I think is such a fun character and I love her.

The dialogue was both funny and full of feels.

Ryan Kingston is the goalie for Seattle's NHL team and very good at his job, trying to follow all the rules and not cause any problems, until he has a one night stand with a beautiful woman who leaves before he gets up the next morning. You will not be able to keep your self from falling for this wonderful, romantic, sexy and caring man after you get to know him. King is the ultimate man to have in your life, but will Queenie realize that or keep him in the friend zone?
Queenie has secrets she wants to keep from everyone especially her father who is the General Manger of the team and has made a no dating the players rule, but will King be able to change his mind?
These two characters story absolutely stole my heart. King and Queenie are one of the best couples Helena has come up with. Their secrets throw them together but their friendship blooming into that unbreakable bond of love will give you hope for us all.

#arcreview #netgalley #release .
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A secret for a secret - @helenahunting .
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Happy release Day 🥳🥳🥳
This book was such an fun book to read..
Ryan King always the good boy meets Queenie the chaos master 😅 and those two together are fun...
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It’s an adult romance, sport based story, with some drama and personal growth for the main characters 🙌🏻
I loved reading it, and how those two try to fight their connection and keeping control 🤣 the strawberries 🍓... 🤐 I will not spoil it but it was really such an comical scene 🤣🤦🏼‍♀️
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Blurb;

My name is Ryan Kingston, and I’m a rule follower. I’ve never been in a fistfight. I always obey the speed limit. I don’t get drunk, and I definitely don’t pick up random women at bars.

Except the night I found out that my whole existence has been a lie.

I got drunk. And picked up a stranger.

Her name was Queenie, and she was everything I’m not: reckless, impulsive, and chaotic. We did shots and traded secrets. And ended up naked at my place.

She left me a thank-you note in the morning and her panties as a parting gift. But no way to contact her.

Six weeks later I’m sitting in the first official team meeting of the season, and there she is. I neglected to mention that I’m the goalie for Seattle’s NHL team.

And Queenie? Turns out she’s the general manager’s daughter.
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Genre adult romance sports
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Go grab your copy now 🙌🏻📖
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#bookreview #helenahunting #asecretforasecret #support #reading #tbr #adultromance #bookstagram #book #icehockey #hockey #puck #king #queenie #cute #creative #photography

King and Queenie RULE!! Helena Hunting slams the puck into the net and scores a winning goal with another hockey romance that is impossible to put down. I thought I knew who these characters were going into this, but HH never fails to surprise me with details about her characters. It makes such a difference when a writer takes the time to really invest in her characters and make them as real and as flawed as possible. Her characters, here and elsewhere, are so genuine in their quirkiness and peccadillos that they feel real. There is no way not to love them, not to want to be friends with them immediately.

After reading the first two books I badly wanted to read Ryan Kingston's story! Wow did Helena Hunting give him a good one! King is ever the Boy Scout with his khakis and polo and milk drinking habits. Only the hurricane that is Queenie could bring out what's hiding underneath it all. Together their opposites attract and create some moments that will have you laughing! They each have their own set of problems to work thru and their secrets will surely surprise you. I couldn't put this book down as I had to know what would happen!

Kingston was one of those characters I couldn’t wait to see peeled open like an onion. I knew there was more than met the eye. He’s buttoned up and proper. A rule follower and great manners. But when he’s let out, boy did he come alive! He’s delicious and sexy, and all the things I love about romance. And Queenie, I just adored her. She was precious and I felt like she was real and honest. She owned up to her mistakes. She may have ran from some of them, but I think that was the right choice at the time. I love all of Helenas books and this one was no exception.

4.5 Stars
WOW! Helena Hunting out did herself with the surprises in this book! There were so many things I did not see coming and I loved it! I've been a big fan of this author for awhile and this one did not disappoint. I really enjoyed these two characters. With names like Queenie and Kingston how do they not belong together??? Ryan Kingston was such a swoony character too. I loved this little quirks, like his khaki pants! But he certainly had some crazy skeletons in his closet. Then there is Queenie. She was a likable character but also had her fare share of skeletons as well! With all those secrets it made for an edge of your seat, entertaining read! The author did a great job writing their story and one I highly recommend.

WOW!

I love this! I love these characters and the silly, sexy situations they get themselves into. I also love the interactions of the extended families that make these stories stick right to your heart as well as entertain you with lots of giggles and heart.

Kingston is such a perfect gentleman and all American person, athlete, and die-hard milk drinker. Oh, so proper...most of the time...at least until he meets Queenie! Queenie is the polar opposite of Kingston and no matter how hard she tries, there are times that she can’t get out of her own way, some of it not her fault, but then, some of it truly is.

This is a very sweet, hot, romantic story of two people that are incredibly attracted to each other, but the world just gets in their way. The love they have for each other is total and committed. It’s just the people around them get in their business and help to make a total mess of most everything.

You need to read this. I an guarantee you are going to laugh out loud, cringe, and cry, but there’s no doubt, you’re going to love it!

Oh man, the good boy, rule follower sure took me by surprise in A Secret for a Secret and I loved every second!

Ryan’s followed the rules his whole life. Never making waves. Following the straight and narrow. Did it because he heard all about the disaster his sister and brother made of their lives—and didn’t want to make the same mistake.

Until he learned just about everything about his life was a lie. And on the night he learned the truth, he met a woman—Queenie—who’d been everything he never knew he needed and wanted. And she’d slipped out of his bed and his life without any way to contact her.

Until he sees her working as her dad’s personal assistant. Her dad, who just happens to be his boss. The general manager of his NHL team. A team with a strict non-fraternization policy.

But that’s not necessarily going to stop Ryan from going after the woman he cannot get out of his mind. Now he just needs to convince her he is worth the risk.

Man, I couldn’t read A Secret for a Secret fast enough to find out what was going to happen between Queenie and Ryan. From their adorably sexy meet-cute through the very last page, I rooted for them to find their happily ever after. And it wasn’t easy—especially when meddling family members get in the way. But, wow, was it worth it! A Secret for a Secret is my new favorite in this excellent All In series!

Admittedly, I'm a fan on Helena Hunting's hockey series so I knew going in that I would likely like this book. Thanks to NetGalley, I received an early copy. In the past, I've found that sometimes her characters are a bit on the crazy, wacky side. In King, she did an abrupt about-face and he's perfect. Only alpha when he needs to protect Queenie, he's so considerate, sweet and adorably innocent. He's a bit obsessed with being orderly and is an exact opposite to counteract, perhaps, his insane family. (I, for one, loved laughing at Gerard, his "brother's" antics and I loved his momster. Read the book to find out what these mean.

Queenie and King (these names...ha) had a one night stand and then he found out that Queenie is the daughter of the GM of his hockey team. They started out trying to be good friends and I loved their interaction- so real, so sweet and I'm a huge fan of friends to lovers romances because it feels more authentic. This book encapsulated the authentic aspect of things and in fact, towards the end, I loved how they became closer and more supportive as things got rough. This was a low angst, really sweet book and I enjoyed every minute of watching two sweet people overcome their pasts to find their HEA.

I'm really looking forward to the audiobook too- I've bought the audiobooks for the other 2 in this series and they have been amazing. Can't wait for this one as well!

I loved A Secret for a Secret! It was an incredibly sweet, funny, and super sexy story! King and Queenie were the perfect balance between straight-laced and chaos. Watching them come together was so entertaining. This was an addicting read and an excellent addition to the All In series!

King was the best! He was incredibly sweet and seemed so proper and a bit uptight but underneath all that, hello Mr. Naughty. This man made me swoon! I loved Queenie and this force of life she was. A little wild and a bit lost but working hard to find her way. I loved them meeting and the incredible connection they had. I thought the storyline set up for them was awesome and I was all in. I loved this awkward situation that they were in. I loved how opposite they were and really enjoyed the back and forth between them as they fight their attraction.

The secondary characters involved were the best. I love the guys and their bonding moments, they had me smiling and chuckling. I loved the women and how they rally around one another. It's always crazy fun when they get together. I adored Queenie’s dad Jake, he was sexy and intriguing and I hope he gets his own story. I need more of him! King’s family is a pretty outrageous bunch and I liked getting to meet all of them. Of course, there were some characters that completely stressed me out creating angst-filled moments. I felt it enhanced the story, really hooking me.

This was a super entertaining story with so many humorous moments. I don't want to spoil anything but I will never think about strawberries the same way again… I’m pretty sure I had tears in my eyes because I was laughing so hard when I read that scene. There’s also a nice amount of drama, emotion, and angst mixed in, rounding it all out. I loved the humor, building passion, and fun moments. I was always excited to pick the story back up, hated to put it down, and had a blast reading it!

This is the third book in the All In series and is probably my favorite of the entire series. If you love the rom-com genre, you can always count on this author to deliver. This is Ryan and Queenie’s story and it is a good one! Entertaining, sweet and sexy, and an overall good storyline-everything I’ve come to expect from this author. Just a warning – you will fall in love with King! I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC for NetGalley.

“I’m falling in love with her chaos.”

I am an absolute sucker for a hero who loves a heroine who doesn’t fully love herself. I live for a hero who appreciates nearly every single thing about a heroine that she considers a flaw about herself. Nothing gives me the feels more than a hero who knows to give a heroine the space to grow at her own pace, and supports her while she does it. Ryan Kingston is all of that, and Queenie is the perfect passionate storm that blows into the calm that is his life.

Queenie and King start as one night of unexpected fun when they both needed it. When they are pushed back together as sort of co-workers, Queenie being King’s bosses daughter, they decide it’s best to keep it platonic. *insert side eye* But I think we all know how that song and dance goes. This one was just so dang good. Of course there is some silly drama, and some laugh out loud moments, this IS a Helena Hunting novel, but at its core this is two opposite souls clicking into place.

A Secret for A Secret is a yin and yang love story that will make you swoon hard and feel all of the feels. Loved it and loved Queenie and King.

I absolutely loved this fun and sexy forbidden romance! Kingston has always followed the rules, doing what's right for everyone, even at the sacrifice of his own happiness. That is until he receives some shocking news that turns his world upside down. He breaks all his own rules, drinks alcohol, meets an amazing woman who he has a one night of explosive passion like he's never known before. He wants more from her only to find her gone when he wakes up. Now weeks later they meet again and he discovers she is totally off limits to him. Queenie's life is complete chaos. She is unorganized, and is trying to find her place in the world. King is so hilarious as he wars within himself to be the rule follower but also the explore his dominant passionate side with the one woman who makes him want more, his Queen. Queenie loves how safe and desired King makes her feel, but she struggles with feeling worthy of such a good, kind, clean man. These two may be total opposites but they are so perfect together, making each other stronger and more complete. I loved watching Queenie find her passion and realize her worth after being put down for so long by those she trusted. King is everything I love in my heroes. He was so kind, loving and deliciously dirty behind his polos and khakis! This All In series just gets better and better! You don't want to miss this fun, emotional, heartwarming, and steamy romance!

4.5 Stars Top Pick

This series just continues to win! Every book stands on its own but brings the series further along. I eagerly await each addition.

Queenie holds a lot insecurities from her childhood. Her mother was flighty and left her to be raised by her father. His career in sports got derailed but he became the general manager of Seattle’s hockey team. Queenie takes after her mother; she is the wildcard and depends heavily on her father. After losing her job, it looks like she will be leaning on him again.

Hockey player Ryan King discovered his life isn’t what it has always appeared to be. Pretending to drown out his sorrows, he meets Queenie. They share a secret for a secret and the next thing he knows he shares a wild night of sex.

Queenie’s new job lands her in another situation but unfortunately daddy won’t be able to help her out. She is her father’s new assistant and seeing Ryan again does a number on her. In fact, her father has initiated a straight up hands off approach to dating any of the players. Just when she thought she wouldn’t mess it up again!

Ryan is not my normal kind of hero. He is just too strait-laced but oh does the author make it so easy to fall in love with him. He anchors Queenie and is the perfect fit. Not to mention just because he is the good guy doesn’t mean he is not dirty between the sheets. Oh my goodness! The chemistry is smoking hot!

The only thing stopping me from giving this a full five stars is that the issue with them not being able to date is quickly gone. The small drama from some other characters is kind of thrown in to give angst but that falls short.

I loved that we got to see couples from the past books and even from the initial series. I hope we get more books in the series.

~ Samantha