I will always read and love anything written by Helena Hunting.. it's just a given. I love how she is able to bring us such lovable characters, funny and sweet moments, and sexy aspects all in one. Full disclosure: I have not finished the PUCKED series, but I know this is like spin-off series of sorts. The lead in this book is the newest captain for the hockey team that Alex Waters played on. It's nice to see some familiar faces from that series right in the beginning of the story. We first meet Rook, who is forced to go to his teammate's kids birthday party at a aquarium. He's kind of been down in the dumps because while in Alaska for a trip, he met someone and fell in love, but due to some circumstances, they were unable to connect with one another after the fact. The book begins with him seeing her again at the aquarium. Hunting then takes us back in time and we see how Lainey and RJ came to get to know one another and fall in love during their time in Kodiak, Alaska. We see how they got together and I just loved how they just opened up around one another. Lainey is dealing with some anxiety from a past event and I just loved how sweet and attentive RJ was with her! Safety cuddles were the cutest. I loved seeing them "fall" for each other once again and adjust to their new life together. You got to see her win over his sister and friends, but see him win over her family. There's a pretty big twist and it was so awesome to see it all come together. I just loved this book. It made my heart so full after so if you are looking for a fun feel-good romance, definitely pick this one up today. I'm already eagerly awaiting the release of the next book in the series!

I’m really sure what I was expecting before I started this book. With the title, I wasn’t sure if it was a little more serious than some of her previous books. I didn’t read the blurb and went in totally blind. I’m so glad I did. It completely blew me away how great this book is. A whole new wave of hockey players with some of our old favorites sprinkled in.

It’s a second chance romance of sorts between Laney and Rook. Meeting in beautiful Alaska these two hit it off from the moment they met. The relationship they have is so flawless and easy. When they part ways neither wanted it to be final but over a year later both haven’t had any contact with each other.

A chance meeting brings them back together again and the chemistry is just as intense as when they first met.

This book brought me out of of the longest book slumps I’ve been in. I couldn’t put it down and stayed up all night to finish. Total 5 star book!

What if you met the love of your life but your relationship started on a lie, albeit a lie of omission. What would you do? In “A Lie for a Lie,” RJ Bowman was faced with that question when he hid from Lainey that he was a professional hockey player and a famous one at that.

A chance meeting on a plane ride to Kodiak, Alaska started the summer long affair between Lainey and RJ. Lainey was a graduate student working on her thesis while RJ was there to go being, relaxing and recharging before the hockey season started.

They did not plan it to be casual; though they did not plan it to be serious either. When a family emergency arose, RJ had to go back to the Lower 48 in a hurry, forgetting to get Lainey’s contact number. And Lainey did not get his either.

Fast-forward one year. RJ was back in Chicago and attending a birthday party for his teammate’s child when he ran into Lainey again. He was surprised. She was surprised. But, things changed between them when Lainey realized who RJ really was.

Then, the biggest surprise of all – their summer long affair in Alaska resulted into a pregnancy. Now, RJ not only has to fight for Lainey’s heart but his son as well.

A professional athlete falling in love with an ordinary girl (Lainey is not truly ordinary though with her Ph. D.) is not an unusual premise for a jock romance. But for me, “A Lie for a Lie” stood out because it was set in Kodiak, Alaska in the beginning.

Having lived in the Aleutian Chain myself (not in Kodiak though), this story caught my attention early on. And to give credit where credit is due, even after the Kodiak scenes, “A Lie for a Lie” continued to grab my interest as RJ and Lainey became three-dimensional characters with the telling of their love story.

A fast and easy read, you will like RJ and Lainey. They are a bit quirky, but that is actually their charm. “A Lie for a Lie” is Rated T for Teens. Parental guidance is strongly advised due to some sexual content.

This was amazing!! Helena has fast become a new favourite author. The push and pull of this book is so good. I couldn't put the book down and ended up reading it all night into the early hours of the morning.

3.5/5 stars

I really enjoyed this start to a new hockey series! Rook and Lainey's second chance romance story was such a sweet read. The story itself was told in two perspectives, Lainey and Rook, and was a fast, easy read for me.

Lainey's personality was infectious in the beginning with her bright-eyed optimism and silliness. Rook was a family centered, teddy bear of a hockey player that you immediately fall in love with. I also enjoyed seeing character cameos from the Pucked series! I forgot how much I missed No Filter Violet. She's so sassy and blunt. I hope we see more of Violet and Alex in the next few books as well. Seeing some of the Pucked guys dealing with their new families & kids added a few laughable moments throughout the book.

I really enjoyed how half the story was set in Alaska and the other half back in Chicago. However, the first part of the story was a lot more interesting to read since it focused on romance. The other half of the story becomes more focused on their families, dealing with Lainey's anxieties, the aftermath of the lies, and a specific trope. I disconnected a bit at this part. I found I wasn't prepared for the surprise romance trope listed in spoilers and for it to take up most of the book.

Overall, I really liked this hockey romance and definitely plan on continuing the series. If you love romances with a lot of time spent on building family relationships, friendships, and the overall world, then I would definitely recommend this one.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Montlake publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this amazing digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

***Spoiler alert for tropes***
Forced proximity/forced to live together trope
Accidental pregnancy trope

✦Review, Guest Post & Giveaway: A LIE FOR A LIE by Helena Hunting https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-biX
Publication Date: October 15, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars

I enjoyed this sweet romance about a summer fling, little white lies, and reuniting. Although I couldn’t relate to Lainey and her insecurities, I totally understood his attraction to her. Nicely done, Ms. Hunting. It is written in first person, each given their own voice that deftly conveyed their feelings without bogging down the story. Yes, RJ is a hockey player, but the story did not revolve around that. So those that are not fans of sports novels will also love it.

RJ was lovable while keeping his manliness. I’m glad he came across as determined instead of weak and desperate. So many things made me smile and swoon a little. They made a great couple in and out of the bed. There were steamy parts, but it was more about instant attraction, overcoming obstacles and how love can blend two opposite lifestyles.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle $3.99 https://amzn.to/2MxZSGk ‬

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oh, hello Rook. *heart eyes* I really enjoyed reading this Pucked series spinoff. Rook was so caring and sweet to Lainey. He was heart melting throughout the whole book, especially after the plot twist. I appreciated reading a character like Lainey and all of her depth. I felt her struggles were real and relatable.

What I truly loved most about this book was how real their love felt. Rook and Lainey were perfection together and complimented each other in every way.

Another grand slam from HH & I can't wait to read A Favor for A Favor!

Thank you so much to @netgalley and Montlake Romance for the e-arc of A
Lie for a Lie. This book is the first in the All In series which is s spin off of the Pucked series. If you’re a regular to my bookstagram feed, you know that Helena has quickly become one of my favorite romance authors. I have loved everything that I’ve read by her so far and A Lie for a Lie is no exception. Now I have to admit that I haven’t actually read the Pucked series yet but do have several of the books on my shelves at home waiting to be read. But who can pass up a hockey romance by one of their favorite authors? Clearly I sure can’t.

A Lie for a Lie follows Rook(RJ) an NHL captain and Lainey, a young women working on her Masters thesis. They have an adorable meet cute on a plane traveling to Alaska. RJ is headed to his families cabin for some relaxation time and Lainey is venturing out to finish some research for her degree. They obviously hook up and spend a steamy few weeks together before RJ has to leave a little unexpectedly to deal with a family emergency. Some miscommunication leads them to lose touch for about a year. They have another chance meeting at an aquarium where Lainey is now working but things can’t just pick up where they left off. Lainey has a secret and she’s figured out RJ’s. What follows is a heartfelt love story. I really enjoyed this one. Helena expanded on her usual steamy romance path and gave this one a little bit something more. There was wit and banter but also some heavier topics. 5 stars.

I don't know where to begin. There was so much to love about A Lie for a Lie. It was absolutely one of my favorite reads this year! From the characters with their romance and the unfolding storyline arc of the book, I was addicted!!

Holy hotness. This book worked on so many different levels. Rook and Lainey truly complimented each other - both inside the bedroom and out. They're both sweet and streamy which made for a fun read. I couldn't get enough.

Helena Hunting is a go to author for me and books like A Lie for a Lie is the reason why. It was entertaining, captivating and a fabulous romance. Don't miss this couple and their journey.

This book started off really good, but then it just fizzled. The story got to be all over the place. I like this author but this didn’t seem be in line with her typical writing style.

First let me say that I love Helena Hunting, but I’m not a fan of the troupe used in this story which isn’t at all obvious from the blurb. I can’t say too much about it without giving away major spoilers.

This isn’t a bad book though, it still has all the humor you’d expect and the characters were mostly likable. I didn’t really connect with Lainey, but that is to be expected as I have nothing in common with her. Rook was nice enough.

So as long as the next book follows a different theme I’ll definitely read it.

I don’t know how Helena Hunting does it but each and every time, her books are perfect balance of romance and laughter with charming characters, so I think, I need to stop being surprised with this :)

‘Lie for a Lie’ is the first book of Helena Hunting’s brand new series ‘All In’. Since this is a spin-off series of ‘Pucked’, after finish reading ‘Lie for a Lie’ for the first time, I went back and re-read the whole ‘Pucked’ series :D It was amazing to re-unite with my beloved Pucked characters, starting from Lance, Randy, Violet and this book gives you a chance to see bits and pieces of their lives after ‘Pucked’. Also, by going back to read the ‘Pucked’ series, I got a glimpse of the wild NHL years of our hero Rook Bowman, a.k.a. Rookie or RJ. But those were his former years. Now that Alex is retired and RJ becomes the captain, he has more responsibility and big shoes to fill.

RJ is definitely sweet, charming, funny and hot. His relationship with his family is so sweet, especially with his sister, Stevie. Every year, as a family tradition, after the hockey season ends, RJ goes to Alaska for a fishing trip with his father and brother, Kyle. It gives him a chance to rest, unwind and be away from the spotlight for a while. After his father passed away, it is only Kyle and RJ but due to RJ’s sister-in-law’s high-risk pregnancy, Kyle cannot make it to Alaska so this year RJ is all alone. Lainey Carver is a smart cookie :) She is one of Helena Hunting’s unique heroines. She is super smart, sassy, and funny. Lainey comes from a large and very protective family. Her third Master’s degree thesis, gives her a chance to spend sometime in Alaska without her protective family. Her trip to freedom has an interesting start. Thanks to her misbehaving scarf, she finds herself on a super hot stranger’s lap. When this kind of embarrassing thing happens, you always think it is ok since you will never see that person again. However, hot stranger ends up sitting next to her on her next flight and after another embarrassing flight moment, they find out they are neighbors. Realizing Lainey doesn’t really know what RJ does for living only makes RJ more intrigued by Lainey. When you are on an island, that doesn’t really have a tropical climate, with not much to do and sharing a cabin with someone you are attracted to, what do you do? Of course you stay in the cabin and enjoy hot, blissful time with the hottie :) Annnd that is how RJ and Lainey mostly spend their time in Kodiak Island, they really enjoyed each other and appreciate all the important body parts ;) Unfortunately, their Kodiak Island bubble bursts, when RJ has to fly out earlier than plan because of a family emergency. He realizes that he doesn’t have a way to contact Lainey, but then it was already too late. Life being full of surprises, their roads crosses each other after a year in a birthday party. This time around RJ doesn’t want to leave Lainey but before moving forward, they both have to reveal the secrets they kept from each other. Both secrets being life changing, will they be able to get over them and take a chance on each other?

‘Lie for a Lie’ is a heartwarming, inspiring, sexy and so much more. RJ and Lainey is an amazing couple. Even though they are totally different, they fit each other perfectly. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book of the series ‘A Favor for a Favor’ which will be release on January, 2020.

A Lie for A Lie started out, for the most part, like any other romance book. But the guy isn’t an idiotic douchebag occasionally. Rook, or R.J., is really sweet and to tell you the truth, I may or may not have a new #bookboyfriend.

He was really sweet and really attentive and did and said all the right things. Rook meant them all too. Which is the best part. He genuinely cared for Lainey. Rook had been a decent guy all around and the way he responded to Lainey a year later was nearly perfect.

And Lainey experienced amazing character growth throughout the book. Both within herself and outwardly. Rook was an amazing character to see interact with the other characters and I couldn’t handle the adorableness of the couple.

It was a really quick read, definitely a binge read but OH SO WORTH IT.

Second chance romances are my catnip, so I couldn't wait to read Helena Hunting's latest novel. The characters meet on a flight to Alaska, and end up spending a whole month together in the middle of nowhere, playing house and falling in love in and out of the bedroom. But it all ends just as abruptly as it began, leaving them both with no way of contacting the other. A year later, they accidentally run into each other, but only to realise than they've both been keeping secrets, casting new light on everything they thought they knew about one another. A fun sports romance, garnished with several beloved tropes, that kept me captivated cover to cover.

Thank you to Helena Hunting, SocialButterflyPR, and Netgalley for the review copy of A Lie for A Lie, the first book in Helena's newest hockey romance series All In.

Characters: Lainey and Rook are the main characters. Lainey is your classic quirky protagonist. She comes from a large family, rural living experience yet she is highly educated.
Setting: The setting flips many times. There is a chunk of the book set in Alaska, and it is such a different setting for a romance novel. The Alaska setting of the stormy nights in the cabins was the perfect setting to watch two people fall in love. The other main setting of the story is Chicago as that is where Helena Hunting's hockey novels always take place.
Pacing: This book is in distinctive parts, the pre-Alaska, the Alaska, and post-Alaska. As what goes down in Alaska vastly affects the plot in so many ways.
Romance: Helena writes such satisfying hockey romance, taking these players with unlimited puck bunny access into reformed gentlemen deserving of all-encompassing love. In this case, though Helena also builds this female character in Lainey who has spent most of her life surrounded by others yet alone at the same time. The combo of Rook and Lainey is that of a couple so deserving of each other and of happiness.

This author is a hit or miss for me, and A Lie for a Lie falls somewhere in the middle. It's not a bad story at all. In fact, it's a pretty good story except that it goes on a lot longer than I cared for given the very low angst level. There are certainly causes for angst, and Lainey does a fair bit of clinging, crying, etc, but things are resolved much faster than I would've expected given the length of the book. Now, there's nothing at all wrong with a low angst story, but I don't expect them to be quite as slow-paced or drawn out as this one. I just kept waiting for something substantial to happen to warrant the build-up, and then that something does happen but it's like it's all just okay. I'm trying to be vague here so as not to give spoilers, but with what happened in RJ's past, I just expected more when Lainey reveals her secret. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't care for Lainey's clinging and crying, especially the frightened rabbit she was in the beginning, but her past does explain that. In the end, the characters were likable, and the book is well-written - two things I've come to expect from Helena Hunting. As far as the story - I didn't hate it, but I didn't particularly love it either, landing me somewhere in the fair to middlin' range. As I said, this author is a hit or miss for me, so I suppose this one really isn't either of those - or maybe it's a bit of both? Either way, I will check out whatever Hunting does next.

A Lie for a Lie by @helenahunting is the first of three in the new All In series, which serves as a spin-off to my beloved Pucked series. This one features Rook “RJ” ROOKIE from Pucked Off and Lainey.

They meet on a flight to Alaska where he is going to relax during the off-season and she’s going to finish up her Masters research. They become close, secluded together and have an unforgettable sexy six weeks together. RJ gets called back home unexpectedly for a family emergency and soon Lainey realizes they have no real way to contact one another.

Nearly a year later, Lainey is working in Chicago at the aquarium where she happens to run into RJ at a kids party (the dolphin scene here had me in hysterics.) RJ is thrilled to be reunited with Lainey until she finds out one major secret that he was hiding from her during their time in Alaska. RJ is determined to prove to Lainey that they can find their way back to each other until Lainey reveals she has a secret all her own and it has the power to alter their lives forever..

I loved this one. I love all of HH’s books but this one was different and such a nice change. I’m used to the snarky and sassy banter and while this one had banter it was also a tender and endearing love story. There was plenty of steamy scenes that I’ve come to expect and love but their overall story was so much deeper and stronger due to their circumstance. RJ really just melted my heart (I’m trying REALLY hard not to spoil anything.) I really liked this first spin-off but loved that we got tiny bits of Alex, Violet, Randy, Lily, Poppy, Lance and Charlene. Even though they were small inflections here and there I loved being able to return to a world that I’ve spent so much time in! A Favor for a Favor is next and I can’t wait!! // ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

My Thoughts:

I have come to expect nothing less than a great story when I see a book written by Helena Hunting. Her stories are consistently wonderful reads, and A Lie for a Lie was another excellent addition to the books that she has already written! I enjoyed the Pucked Series, and the All In Series is a new spin-off that I am looking forward to continuing!

In A Lie for a Lie we get the sexy and reformed playboy, NHL Team Captain R.J. "Rook's" story. Every year R.J. spends quality time in Alaska with his brother fishing, enjoying the great outdoors, and getting the peaceful quiet time that he needs. However, his brother is unable to come this time due to his pregnant wife having complications. R.J. decides to go anyway, because it was a tradition he had with his father, and he really needs to get away.

Lainey is on her way to Alaska to work on her research and thesis for her third Master's degree. She is studying dolphins and whales in the wild and is excited to have an exciting adventure.

R.J. and Lainey meet on the plane ride to Alaska. These two fall quick and hard for one another, and I loved the two of them together. R.J. was kind, attentive, sexy, and I loved him. Lainey was sweet, refreshing, a bit awkward, and quirky, and I loved her too! The two of them clicked.

The story began in the present, then went back in time to when R.J. and Lainey met and had their whirlwind romance, and then came full circle back to the present. I enjoyed the format, as well as the fact that we got both R.J. and Lainey's perspectives. A Lie for a Lie was a fitting title, and when everything came out between these two, the story got really exciting.

I absolutely adored the dynamic between R.J. and Lainey. They were such great couple, and their relationship gave me a major case of the "feels." I loved everything that R.J. did to try to make up for his lie of omission, and you could tell how much he had fallen for her, and that he didn't want to lose her again. This story had a great cast of secondary characters as well. I loved seeing previous beloved characters from the Pucked Series, as well as meeting new ones! If you are looking for a sexy, sweet, and romantic romance with unforgettable characters that will make you believe in whirlwind love, and romantic fate, check out, A Lie for a Lie!

4.5 stars

A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting is such a good read I ended up reading it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down.
I loved watching RJ/Rook and Lainey's relationship unfold, they have amazing chemistry and from the first meeting I knew they belonged together. ❤

*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the ARC.*

3.75 stars--A LIE FOR A LIE is the first instalment in Helena Hunting’s contemporary, adult ALL IN LOVE erotic, romance series. This is NHL captain Rook ‘RJ’ Bowman, and twenty-five year old, Lainey Carver’s storyline. The ALL IN series is a spin off from the author’s PUCKED series but you do not have to have read the original series to follow. Several characters from the PUCKED series cross over for cohesion and back story.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lainey and Rook) A LIE FOR A LIE follows the building but fractured relationship between NHL captain Rook ‘RJ’ Bowman, and twenty-five year old, Lainey Carver. Approximately one year earlier while on her way to study aquatic animals on Kodiak Island in Alaska, Lainey Carver would meet her future in the guise of sexy, ‘alpaca farmer’ RJ, a man with whom she will spend six glorious weeks that will come to a screeching halt when RJ is called back home. Fast forward to present day wherein Lainey will come face to face with her past while working at the Chicago aquarium. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Lainey and RJ that struggles in the face of secrets, lies and letting go of the past.

Rook ‘RJ’ Bowman knew Lainey had know idea about who he was so telling her a ‘little white lie’ meant no harm until Rook found himself falling for our story line heroine. A manwh*re by reputation, Rook struggled to reveal the truth to the woman with whom he would fall in love. An emergency back home found Rook on the move without leaving a forwarding address or revealing the truth about his professional status. Lainey Carver struggles with social situations having witnessed an horrific event while studying in college. Raised by over-protective parents, Lainey needs an escape to make it on her own but she never expected to see RJ again.

The relationship between Lainey and Rook is one of immediate attraction having met on the plane heading to Alaska. From Lainey’s disastrous rental to Rook’s lies of omission, our couple endure a minefield of secrets and lies but Lainey may yet hold the biggest secret of all. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several of Rook’s fellow teammates and their wives from the author’s PUCKED series play secondary and supporting roles. We are introduced to Rook’s sister Stevie, as well as Lainey’s over protective parents Simon and Elaine Carver.

A LIE FOR A LIE is a story of second chances; of secrets and lies; of love and happily ever after. The premise is sweet yet spicy; the romance is sensitive and sexy; the characters are animated, colorful and charismatic. A LIE FOR A LIE is a heart warming start to the author’s ALL IN series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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