Where It Begins by Helena Hunting Release Blitz

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting comes a new story in her Pucked series. The untold story of Skye and Sidney, and the origin story where Vi and Miller are teens when their parents start dating and fall in love…

I accidentally grabbed the wrong drink at the coffee shop. On the upside, the hot guy it belonged to chased me down to kindly swap with me. On the down side, the reason I grabbed the wrong drink in the first place is because the hot guy had just caught me checking out his ass…sets.

In my defense, his rear view is rather magnificent.

In true, humiliating form, I word-vomited a bunch of horrible nonsense. Including an unnecessary explanation of the trauma I’d evaded thanks to his chasing me down. Nothing could ruin my lactose-intolerant day faster than my one true nemesis: dairy.

I did not expect him to ask me out on a date after that.

I also didn’t expect the date to go well since my tendency to truth-vomit is high, and not everyone finds that quality endearing.

But apparently he does. Because he asks me out again.
And again.

Sidney Butterson (yes, it’s a weird last name) ticks all my boxes.
He's smart, he's funny, he's employed and he's ridiculously hot.
There’s one catch.

We’re both single parents. With teens.

And if our kids don’t like each other?
Well, we’re doomed.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Pucked series!
For book two, Pucked Up, click HERE.
For book two, Pucked Over, click HERE.
For book four, Forever Pucked, click HERE.

 

 

Book 0.5
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Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

Hubert, the barista, calls out, “Skye and Sidney! Your lattes are ready!”

I rush forward and grab mine, muttering a hasty, “Thanks!” Then beeline for the exit. Of course, that’s the moment a hoard of teens barrel through the door, forcing me to hold it open until the entire gaggle has stormed the café.

Once outside, I hustle to the crosswalk. I punch the button and glare as the sign counts down from thirty.

And then I hear my name being called.

I glance toward the café and, much to my horror, the attractive man whose butt I was admiring is rushing toward me, coffee in hand.

“Hey! You’re Skye, right?” he asks.

“Yes. That’s me.” Maybe he didn’t mind my checking out his butt.

“You took the wrong coffee.” He taps the side of the cup with the name SKYE written in Larissa’s lovely cursive.

“Oh.” I turn mine around and see Sidney scrawled on the side. And it’s a pumpkin spice latte. Half sweet, skim milk. “Wow. I would have spent the rest of the afternoon working from a bathroom stall if you hadn’t caught me.” At his questioning expression, I continue with the embarrassing word vomit. “I’m lactose intolerant and this much dairy would mean stomach cramps for days.” I bite my lips together and close my eyes. “Sorry. You didn’t need to know that. I haven’t taken a sip. See. No lipstick prints.” I thrust the cup toward him and reluctantly crack a lid.

He’s smiling. Widely. “I’m very glad I caught you when I did then. I wouldn’t want to be responsible for an afternoon of prolonged discomfort.”

We exchange takeout cups. “It would’ve been my fault for not checking more than the S, but I was trying to escape my embarrassment. Seems like it’s following me around and making things worse.” I step away from this exceptionally hot man who inspires an unprecedented amount of word vomit. “Thank you for stopping me. You, uh...you didn’t drink out of mine, did you?”

“I didn’t.” His eyes are blue. So vibrant and pretty and his teeth are straight. I glance at his hand. His ring finger is bare. Then I realize he’s giving my hand the same inspection. “Do you work around here?”

“Just across the street.” I thumb over my shoulder. “You?”

“No, but I’m in the area often.” He tucks a hand in his pocket. “Maybe you’d like to grab a coffee later this week?”

I blink at him. Then open my mouth and ask a stupid question. “Are you asking me out?”

“Unless you’re already seeing someone. I didn’t see a ring, so I was hopeful.” His bottom lip slides through his teeth and for a moment, he looks boyishly handsome.

“But… you don’t know anything about me.” I don’t know why I haven’t said yes yet. He’s attractive and thoughtful enough to stop me from drinking the wrong coffee. His kindness saved me from ending up curled in the fetal position on a bathroom floor.

He rubs the back of his neck. “I’ve seen you here before. I’ve been working up the nerve to introduce myself. Looks like the universe gave me a push in the right direction.” He holds up a hand and gives his head a little shake. “I’m probably making this awkward. I’ll be here Wednesday at eleven-thirty. Hopefully, I’ll see you then.” And with that, he turns and disappears into the crowd.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I love the 1001 Dark Nights books because they give newbies a glimpse of the goodness of a series, and for series fans, it is a bonus episode which brings back all the feels. This particular story was just the icing on the cake – and I just know that I am going to be going back to my Kindle and going back to book one as I had forgotten just how funny Vi was!

I have one piece of advice when you read this book – try and be somewhere where you will not be embarrassed when you laugh out loud! I was sat in a coffee shop reading with friends, and of course my friends wanted to know what I was laughing at... and I really couldn't explain... but let's just say, I will never look at calamari the same way again!

Skye and her word vomits are just so, so funny, and in a professional woman whose daughter is in high school, is clearly something she is not likely to grow out of – lucky Sidney!!

I plan on saying no more, as really you need to read it to get the impact of it all, but I promise it is absolutely lovely from the very first page. Skye is a total hero as a mother, and as passionate a woman that any man could wish for. Sidney is a dreamboat of a man too – and I loved his reactions to her honesty, perfect!

Just thinking about this book makes me smile – I am sure you will be laughing too!

 

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author HELENA HUNTING lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. She writes all things romance – contemporary, romantic comedy, sports, and angsty new adult. Some of her books include Meet Cute, Pucked, and Shacking Up. Helena loves to bake cupcakes and has been known to listen to a song on repeat 1512 times while writing a book, and if she has to be away from her family, she prefers to be in warm weather with her friends.

Connect with Helena Hunting!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Helena Hunting's Beaver Den

 

 

For more information about the 1,001 Dark Nights releases, follow them at:

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Where It Begins (Pucked #0.5) by Helena Hunting to read and review.

A Love Catastrophe by Helena Hunting

The fur is about to fly between a cheerful cat sitter and a grumpy hockey nerd in this hilarious and charming rom-com by the New York Times bestselling author of Meet Cute.

Kitty Hart has become internet famous as the Kitty Whisperer for her expertise on all things feline, and as a result, her cat-sitting business is booming. But lately, she has a terrible feeling that maybe her life isn’t quite going where it’s supposed to—especially after falling face-first into her newest client. Not exactly the best first impression.

Fortunately, Miles Thorn is just as bad at first impressions. Strike one: he doesn’t like cats, especially Prince Francis, the haughty and mischievous Sphynx his mom left in his care. Strike two: tackling Kitty to the floor in a misguided attempt to save the pet he continually calls “the gremlin.”

As awkwardness slides into attraction and things start to turn purr-sonal, will these two complete opposites ever be able to find their furry-tail ending?

 

 

Buy Links

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
Forever (Hachette)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a funny, sweet, and really easy read, which is perfect for summer, when you just want to escape the world and relax.

Kitty Hart has a cat-sitting business, which is doing well enough for her to work at it and her social media presence full time. She has a range of amusing clients and is definitely adept at her job – even training cats to press bells to ask for treats, etc.

Miles is a statistician working for an NHL team finding how to improve small things in players to increase their effectiveness on the ice – I found this engaging as a concept and gave another dynamic to the story. He is also dealing with a mum who has just been hospitalised and found to be suffering from early onset dementia. He now needs to sort out how to care for her Sphynx cat too. I felt that Hunting did a good job of adding some difficult elements to the story without bringing the whole vibe down, and she paired it well with Kitty's parental issues.

Miles calls Kitty for help and the rest all falls together in a cute and slightly crazy way. You will have to read it to find out just how crazy, because it is always best to come to these things afresh, but I don't think you will be disappointed. I like it when awkward becomes confident thanks to the people around them supporting them through the difficult things that life kicks up. It deepens the connection and reminds us that love is not just passion – although, that is good too. 😻

I did laugh out loud a few times, as well as having a few tears, but I enjoyed racing my way through to see how a Great Dane owning guy could have a relationship with a cat-loving Kitty Whisperer!


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
A Love Catastrophe made me laugh out loud. Kitty and Miles’ first meeting was funny and Miles’ comment about his mother’s – OMG, I couldn’t stop laughing. Initially, the story had a little bit of an enemies-to-lovers vibe because their first meeting doesn’t really go well, but it doesn’t take long before romance has things between Miles and Kitty moving in the right direction.

Despite the fact that Miles works for an NHL team and Kitty is a bit of an internet star, they feel like regular, every day people. Their love story felt like something every day people could aspire to.

While romance is blooming, Kitty and Miles are both dealing with grief and the aftermath of losing a loved one. Even though dealing with grief is a serious issue, it didn’t bring the book down. I really appreciated their honest conversation, and I loved the way they supported each other.

If you are looking for a traditional, fun romance with just a dose of spice, I’d definitely recommend A Love Catastrophe, I really enjoyed it.

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author HELENA HUNTING lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. She writes all things romance – contemporary, romantic comedy, sports, and angsty new adult. Some of her books include Meet Cute, Pucked, and Shacking Up. Helena loves to bake cupcakes and has been known to listen to a song on repeat 1512 times while writing a book, and if she has to be away from her family, she prefers to be in warm weather with her friends.

Connect with Helena Hunting

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Helena Hunting's Beaver Den

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of A Love Catastrophe by Helena Hunting to read and review.

Starry-Eyed Love by Helena Hunting

Charming, hilarious, and emotional, Starry-Eyed Love is Helena Hunting at her very best!

Having just broken up with her boyfriend, London Spark is not in the mood to be hit on. Especially not when she’s out celebrating her single status with her sisters. So when a very attractive man pays for their drinks and then slips her his number, she passes it right back to him with a ‘thanks, but no thanks.’ As the business administrator for their family’s event hotel, the Spark House, London has more important things to worry about, like bringing in new clientele.

As luck would have it, a multi-million-dollar company calls a few months later asking for a meeting to discuss a potential partnership, and London is eager to prove to her sisters, and herself, that she can land this deal. Just when she thinks she has nailed her presentation, the company’s CEO, Jackson Holt, walks in and inserts himself into the meeting. Not only that, but he also happens to be the same guy she turned down at the bar a few months ago.

As they begin to spend more time together, their working relationship blossoms into something more. It isn’t until their professional entanglements are finally over, that London and Jackson are finally ready to take the next step in their relationship. But between Jackson’s secretive past and London’s struggle with her sisters, London must question where she really stands – not just with Jackson, but with the Spark House, too.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Spark House series!
For book one, When Sparks Fly, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Hardcover (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
St. Martin’s Griffin (Macmillan)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and I would recommend that you read them in order, as the story is ongoing.

London and her sisters, Avery and Harley, run their family hotel business now that their grandmother has retired. Whilst this was Avery's lifelong ambition, London had a completely different dream that she has put on hold to support her much loved offspring. As the business manager a lot of responsibility lies with her and is keen to partner with an organisation which will guarantee their long-term future.

By a twist of fate, a group who offers support to environmentally friendly businesses happens to have at its head the very man who asked London out months earlier. So now London must weigh up the value to the business with the chemistry that she feels for someone who she should not date due to the conflict of interest. Jackson, as the head of Holt Media, is also aware of the optics, but his feelings for London are so unexpected and so strong that he knows he has to get the deal done sooner, leaving him free to enjoy her company. It cleverly adds the frisson of illicit romance without it really being wrong, which I found fun. Their relationship feels very genuine, and it is impossible not to want them to work out the issues which they face.

I enjoyed the sisters' interactions as they work together and manage the competing demands on their time. I wish we could see what London's craft creations look like, but I can certainly see her sitting making tiny stars!

I am already looking forward to the next installment, as we will get to see more of this new romance, and also see whether Harley can find her happily ever after too.

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author HELENA HUNTING lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. She writes all things romance – contemporary, romantic comedy, sports, and angsty new adult. Some of her books include Meet Cute, Pucked, and Shacking Up. Helena loves to bake cupcakes and has been known to listen to a song on repeat 1512 times while writing a book, and if she has to be away from her family, she prefers to be in warm weather with her friends.

Connect with Helena Hunting

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Helena Hunting's Beaver Den

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Starry-Eyed Love (Spark House #2) by Helena Hunting to read and review.

Bitter Sweet Heart by H. Hunting Blog Tour

From the outside looking in, I live a charmed life: hockey legend for a father, my own promising future in the league, a great family, awesome friends.

It’s not untrue, but it’s not quite that simple either.

My dad’s advice has always been to make hockey my number-one priority—at least until I make it to the pros. So, going into my senior year of college, I have a plan. I’ll put in the effort required to pass my classes, play hockey like my life depends on it, and avoid relationships. All I have to do is stay focused on the end game.

It should be easy.

But when a woman literally floats into my dock, just before summer ends and my senior year begins, I can’t resist one last hookup. What harm could a one-night stand do? It’s not like we even exchanged numbers.

Everything is fine until I run into her on campus.

It’s a big school. I should be able to avoid her.

Except she happens to be in my class.

And she’s not a student.

She’s my professor.

 

 

Book 2
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Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

When seven o’clock arrives, I introduce myself and explain that I’ll be taking over for Professor Connelly. I field a few questions and reassure the students that he’s okay. I also brought in a get well soon card for them to sign. I pass it to the student directly in front of me, then pull up my attendance list and start calling names.

The door opens when I’m halfway through, and a student straggles in. It happened in my English class earlier, but in a class of three hundred students, it’s easier to slip in the back door and quietly find a seat. That’s what I expect this student to do.

Except his phone starts ringing. And it’s not a normal ringtone. It’s a song blaring through the room at full volume.

“Fuck. Shit.” He’s standing in the middle of the room, facing the back of the class, every single student staring at him in wide-eyed horror.

He rummages around in his pocket and pulls out the offending device as Justin Bieber croons “I’m so fucking lonely” to the entire class. Instead of silencing it, he answers the call—on speaker.

A male voice that sounds like an angry father starts yelling. “Why the hell am I getting calls about you being late for practice, you’re—”

He spins around, gaze moving over the class as he takes in their looks of horror. He’s wearing a baseball cap, and the lights above cast a shadow over his face. “Oh, fuck me,” he mutters. “Hey, Dad, I’m in the middle of class. I’ll call you back later.” He rushes the words, so it all sounds quite garbled. Then he drops into the closest empty desk and slams his elbow on the edge on his way down. He sucks in a groan.

I give the student a look that I hope conveys how unimpressed I am. “Are you quite done?” I’m ready to go off on him, but he raises a hand and knocks his hat off his head.

“Uh, sorry, Professor. I think I might be in the wrong class.” His eyes dart around the room. “Or maybe not?”

“Professor Connelly is out for back surgery. Professor Sweet is taking over the class,” the student beside him says.

“Oh shit.” His vibrant green gaze, ringed in hazel, meets mine.

All the air leaves my lungs on a whoosh. The room tilts, and I’m suddenly light-headed. I can tell instantly that he recognizes me, and the silence in the room is deafening. Fortunately, he fills it by rambling out an explanation.

“Sorry about the phone call. And for being late. Coach kept me after practice and my dad’s on my ass because I had a bad game. I’m so sorry, Cl—” He clasps his hands in front of him and bites his lips together.

“Don’t let it happen again.”

My mouth feels like it’s full of cotton, and the rest of me feels disconnected from my body. Because this student, sitting in the middle of my sophomore class, is my summer fling.

My one-night stand who left behind an origami crane and a lot of memories I wish I could now erase.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the sports-based series – and whilst you don't need to have read the first, the couple from it feature in this book too and you would have missed out on a great story, and the reason why Mav can be so overprotective! You will also be a little slower to make the links to the Pucked and All In series!

Maverick is about to enter his final year at college, and everyone expects him to be drafted into the NHL. His dad is a hockey great, and his best friend, Kody, was born to be on the ice... but it becomes clear that Mav is not necessarily in that same space. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book – it gave Mav a lot of depth, and whilst he was undoubtedly distracted by his newfound attraction, he was also struggling with expectation and dread at the future.

What he never could have expected was that the woman who he spent a memorable night with at the end of the summer break would turn out to be a professor teaching his class. The one who got away really didn't, and that is also playing with his head, and possibly his heart. Teacher-student relationships can have real power imbalances, but generally in the favour of the man, so it was fun and engaging to see these two try and ignore their past, and failing that compromise. Clover is diligent in ensuring that the academic situation is safe, yet conflicted as she really is attracted to Mav.

Turns out that Clover also had a secret which is now coming to cause her trouble, and Mav's care is just what she needs. For Mav, it brings back difficult memories of his childhood. Together they are stronger in facing both the past and the future.

There is so much depth to this story, with plenty of passion, humour, and hockey!

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Helena Hunting, writing as H. Hunting, lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She started her writing career with new adult angsty romance and branched out in sports romance and romantic comedies that will make you laugh and swoon. But sometimes she likes to serve up a little heartache on the way to the happily ever after.

Connect with Helena Hunting

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Helena Hunting's Beaver Den

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Bitter Sweet Heart (Lies, Hearts & Truths #2) by H. Hunting to read and review.

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting

Charming, hilarious, and emotional... When Sparks Fly is Helena Hunting at her very best!

Avery Spark is living her best life. Between her friends, her sisters, and Spark House, the event hotel her family owns, she doesn’t have much time for anything else, especially relationships. She’d rather hang out with her best friend and roommate, Declan McCormick, than deal with the dating scene. But everything changes when she is in a car accident and needs someone to care for her as she heals.

Declan avoids relationships, giving him a playboy reputation that he lives up to when he puts a one-night stand ahead of a promise he made to Avery. While he may not have been the one driving the car, he feels responsible for Avery’s injuries and is determined to make it up to her by stepping into the role of caretaker.

Little did they know that the more time they spend in compromising positions, the attraction they’ve been refusing to acknowledge becomes impossible to ignore. When they finally give in to the spark between them, neither is prepared for the consequences. Their love is fragile and all it will take is a blow from the past to shatter it all.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this book, which has lots of layers and plenty of romance.

Avery and her two sisters run an events hotel – Avery taking the lead in most things. They are trying to do really well, so that they can restore the fountain. Things take a turn for the worse when Avery is in an accident, and everything becomes more complicated to achieve.

Declan considers himself to blame for Avery's accident, and so he promises to do everything to make her life easier. They may share a home, but they have stayed away from the burning attraction for years. He is right to blame himself as he had a woman stay over the night before and let Avery down. I have to say this act did not endear him to me at the beginning, but he works hard to make things right.

You will need to read the goodness for yourself, but rest assured that things change in a number of unexpected ways after the accident. Some things really are unexpectedly funny, some very moving, and all leading to the happily ever after which we all want to happen.

Helena Hunting has once again delivered a really engaging, sexy, sweet, and satisfying read.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
When Sparks Fly is a really good friends-to-lovers romance. Avery and Declan are best friends and roommates and when Avery is in an accident, Declan steps up and takes care of her and their relationship starts to change. The romance is a bit of a slow-burn but the story isn’t slow at all, it was always engaging and I think that is because Avery and Declan are good, fun people. I really enjoyed spending time with them no matter what they were doing. They are the kind of people I’d want to be friends with.

There were a few things about When Sparks Fly I particularly liked, aside from Declan and Avery being a hot couple. One is that Avery and Declan are just regular, everyday people living their lives, hanging out with friends, and trying to move forth in their careers. Another is that Avery and Declan ultimately deal with difficulties in their relationship like adults. This is one of those rare romance novels where I didn’t feel that the drama was overblown, and that the conflict was legitimate, and the resolution was appropriate.

This was a great story and there are good times and bad times, and the ending was fabulous. When Sparks Fly is the first Helena Hunting novel I’ve read, and I now understand why Helena Hunting so popular. I’m definitely going to take the time to go and check out some of her other work. She has a new fan in me.

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author HELENA HUNTING lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. She writes all things romance – contemporary, romantic comedy, sports and angsty new adult. Some of her books include Meet Cute, Pucked, and Shacking Up. Helena loves to bake cupcakes, has been known to listen to a song on repeat 1512 times while writing a book, and if she has to be away from her family, prefers to be in warm weather with her friends.

Connect with Helena

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Helena Hunting's Beaver Den

 

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of When Sparks Fly (Spark House #1) by Helena Hunting to read and review.

A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting Blog Tour

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Pucked series comes a romantic comedy about instant attraction, second chances, and not-so-little white lies.

Sometimes I need an escape from the demands, the puck bunnies, and the notoriety that come with being an NHL team captain. I just want to be a normal guy for a few weeks. So when I leave Chicago for some peace and quiet, the last thing I expect is for a gorgeous woman to literally fall into my lap on a flight to Alaska. Even better, she has absolutely no idea who I am.

Lainey is the perfect escape from my life. My plan for seclusion becomes a monthlong sex fest punctuated with domestic bliss. But it ends just as abruptly as it began. When I’m called away on a family emergency, I realize too late that I have no way to contact Lainey.

A year later, a chance encounter throws Lainey and me together again. But I still have a lie hanging over my head, and Lainey’s keeping secrets of her own. With more than lust at stake, the truth may be our game changer.

Book 1
Buy Links

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~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Lainey vs. Puck Bunnies in A Lie for a Lie

A Lie for a Lie is a heartwarming, sexy, emotional romantic comedy. It’s a second chance romance, filled with secrets and there are definitely some exciting, fun twists. It’s also a story of empowerment, self-discovery, and independence.

Rook Bowman, aka RJ or Rookie as he has been known as previously, has recently taken on the role as captain of Chicago’s NHL team, and with that role comes big responsibility and more fame than he sometimes knows how to handle. As with any professional sport, the NHL lifestyle can often be full of excess and decadence; money, fame and an endless stream of women who will do just about anything to get into bed with them, and it’s not always easy to avoid that kind of temptation.

When we meet Rook in A Lie for a Lie we learn that he has a less than shiny past when it comes to the excess and the puck bunnies (hockey groupies). NHL players are often drafted quite young—just watch a game and you’ll notice that the rookies can often barely grown peach fuzz, let alone a full beard. They’re still teenagers when they start their careers, and Rook was no different. Having grown up on an alpaca farm in rural New York, his focus was mainly hockey and the family farm, but once he hit the pros he found himself surrounded by women who literally threw themselves at him. And being young, attractive and full of testosterone, he fell headfirst down that rabbit hole. At least until the drama found him in the form of a fake pregnancy and a social media firestorm. Because of that, and the impact it had on his relationship with his family, Rook swears off the bunnies and refocuses on his career, rather than extracurricular activities.

He meets Lainey on the way to Alaska, where he’s gone every summer since he was a teenager with his dad and his brother. He lost his father a few years earlier, but kept the tradition with his brother because he craves the escape from the demands of his life as an NHL superstar. Lainey encapsulates everything he misses about being a “normal guy.” She doesn’t recognize him or seem to even know anything about hockey, and that makes her even more alluring. For once, he can just be himself. He doesn’t have to worry about ulterior motives or being used. Lainey is refreshingly innocent, incredibly smart, genuine and overwhelmingly sweet and Rook finds himself enamored with her sense of adventure. As they get to know each other, Rook learns about her traumatic past and realizes that despite the challenges she’s faced, Lainey possesses a quiet strength and resilience. Add some insane chemistry and you’ve got a recipe for love. Unfortunately for Rook, he built their entire fragile relationship on lie he can’t take back.

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.

When Lainey excuses herself to the bathroom, I rush upstairs and throw on a T-shirt. I know she said whatever makes me comfortable, but sitting around shirtless is such a douche move.

I make it back to the kitchen and pour her a fresh drink before she returns from the bathroom.

“How can I help with dinner?” Lainey drapes her sweater over the back of a chair.

And my mouth goes dry. Like I ate an entire sleeve of saltines and chased it with a tablespoon of salt. So far I’ve only seen Lainey in a giant parka or an oversize sweater. Under all that bulky fabric is one hell of a body. She’s wearing a simple white waffle shirt that conforms to her curves. A pair of dark-wash skinny jeans encase her toned legs.

I’m used to bunnies throwing themselves at me, often in questionable states of undress. I stopped getting excited about miniskirts and revealing tops a long time ago. There’s something infinitely sexier about a woman who can show off her body without actually showing it off at all.

Lainey tips her head to the side. Her teeth press into her full bottom lip. I want to do that. Suck that pouty, full lip between my teeth and bite it. I want to do a lot of other, far more explicit things than that, but a kiss seems like a good place to start.

“RJ? Is everything okay?” Her eyes dip down to my chest. I’m wearing a shirt from one of my endorsement campaigns. It afforded me the extensive renovations on this cabin a few years ago.

“Huh?” I give my head a shake. “Oh. Yeah. Everything’s good. Sorry, zoned out there for a second.”

She smiles and pushes up on her toes, her eyes twinkling—like, they legit light up, and her excitement makes her entire body vibrate. It also makes her boobs jiggle. I try to keep my eyes glued to her face. It’s not easy, though.

“I do that all the time! Sometimes my brain is busy with so many thoughts I miss entire conversations. Does that happen to you too?”

I grin. I love that she seems to say whatever is on her mind. “All the time.”

“It’s actually a helpful skill when you’re being lectured, because I can sort through stuff in my head, but it’s not so great when your supervising professor is telling you what’s wrong with your thesis.” She pulls her hair over her shoulder and finger combs it.

“I take it that’s happened to you.”

“It did. Thankfully he also emailed all his criticisms, so missing out on it the first time wasn’t that big of a deal.” She divides her hair into three sections and deftly braids it without looking at what she’s doing even once. It’s pretty damn impressive. I almost want to pull it apart so I can watch her do it all over again. “Anyway, enough about that. Let’s get started on dinner!” She nudges me out of the way so she can wash her hands. She dries them on her jeans and moves over to the fridge, opening it to check out the contents.

I kind of like that she makes herself at home. I’m used to women who expect to be catered to. It’s refreshing to meet someone who doesn’t want me to pander to her.

I start pulling things out of the fridge as she starts naming items she’ll need and set them on the counter. I manage to locate most of what she asks for.

“What about garlic? Do you have any of that?” She leans over, peering into the fridge beside me. Her braid slips over her shoulder, skimming my arm.

“Uh, maybe we could forgo the garlic?”

“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?”

“I like it sometimes, but it depends.”

Her brows pinch together. “On what?”

“Who I’m eating with. I mean, if I’m going out with buddies, you bet I’m gonna order the honey garlic wings, or the cheesy garlic bread, or the pasta Alfredo. But if I’m eating dinner with a pretty girl, I’m gonna pass on the garlic.”

“Oh.” She twists the end of her braid around her finger.

I hope I’m not reading things wrong and making her uncomfortable.

“Does that mean you think I’m pretty?”

That she sounds genuinely curious as to my answer is unexpected. “You see yourself in the mirror every day—what do you think?”

She averts her gaze, still playing with the end of her braid. “My eyes are too big, so I always look like I’m surprised. My nose is small, and my lips are too full, so my mouth doesn’t really fit the rest of my face.”

“Wow. I think you need a new mirror, because all I see is a whole lot of gorgeous.”

She snorts a laugh and waves me off. “Once, I took a portrait class, and we learned all about proportion and symmetry of the face. Those are just my flaws based on what I was taught.”

“Well, I’m a big fan of all your flaws, and I think they make you more beautiful, not less.”

“Thanks. I think you’re beautiful too.” She cringes. “I mean handsome. You’re very nice to look at, with or without a shirt on. When I fell in your lap on the airplane, I remember thinking, At least I fell on someone nice looking.”

“Is that so?”

“Mm-hmm.” She opens a drawer, maybe to avoid looking at me. “And as much as I was mortified when you sat beside me on the Cessna, I couldn’t complain about the view, inside or outside of the plane. That you turned out to be really nice, and just so helpful, was a great bonus.” She hands me a roll of foil. “Why don’t you wrap the potatoes? They take the longest, so we should get started on those first.”

I put the potatoes on the barbecue and let Lainey order me around. She definitely knows her way around a kitchen. When I was growing up, my mom did most of the cooking, but my dad could make a mean Saturday-morning brunch. He also made great bread, which I miss a lot.

An hour later we’re seated at the table, plates full of steak, twice-baked potatoes, and crispy brussels sprouts cooked in bacon fat. I open a bottle of red wine and offer Lainey a glass.

“Just a little bit? I’m not sure I like red wine.”

“Maybe you just haven’t had the right red wine.” I pour a little into her glass.

She picks it up and gives it a swirl, then sniffs it. “I’ve seen people do this in the movies, but I don’t really know what the point is,” she admits, then tips the glass back and takes a tentative sip. Her expression turns thoughtful; then she takes another, slightly more robust sip. “This is actually really nice. I like it. Maybe the red wine I had before was bad.”

“Maybe. Some of the cheap stuff tastes pretty awful.” I pour more into her glass before filling mine. I hold up my glass and wait for her to raise hers.

“To chance meetings.”

“To new adventures and great company to share them with.” We toast and take a sip, each smiling behind the rim.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. Helena writes everything from contemporary romance with all the feels to romantic comedies that will have you laughing until you cry.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of A Lie for a Lie (All In #1) by Helena Hunting to read and review for this tour.