User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
4.5 Stars This was simply beautiful. I can confidently say it was the best out of the series so far.
While there is nothing extraordinary about it, everything just fit together so peacefully. King and Queenie call each other
the calm and
the chaos respectively, and I find that description so beautifully fitting.
They are truly good for each other in an opposites attract kind of way, but it goes way beyond that as well. Usually opposites attract but they also burn through the novelty and excitement of it all pretty quickly. I loved that their differences were discussed in a way that didn’t gloss over them by preaching the whole “love will conquer it all” mantra.
They discuss their differences, plan on how to deal and accept them while respecting each other’s needs and wants. The way anyone would describe King would probably be “perfect”. They wouldn’t be wrong, except, no one is perfect. He needed passion and healthy recklessness in his life and Queenie needed stability, support and understanding.
To be honest I’ve never read of a more balanced couple. Reading this made me feel good, peaceful even. I realised that the writer reached a good balance where this was able to be a safe, sweet story that did not fall in the trap of being boring in the slightest.
Apart from the story itself I loved reading about the other characters and their kids, especially Violet’s twins, one of whom will develop a sweet relationship with Queenie. I also liked reading the conversations about anxiety in children and ways of dealing and helping through art.
This book was exactly what I needed at the moment and it was a great addition to the series.
King, is the kind of hero we can say we love and want without adding “but not in real life” at the end.
Rating: really liked it
An emotional and compelling romance, filled with many secrets to be revealed and cherished by two individuals that learn how to fall in love with each other... 
So this third installment, has officially stolen my heart and has claimed it! That's right, Kingston...
my sexy and very romantic Ryan Kingston has taken a toll of grasping my beating heart and make it beat much faster for all the ways he expresses his admiration towards Queenie. In the little things he does, his blushes, his tenderness, his way of being is what draws you in to him.
Though the title does indeed say it all. Sharing one secret with another is what this story revolves itself around.
But once they both open up to each other, breaking down those walls in which reveal the truth of Quennie's past as well as prepare and build a future with Kingston. Everything about Queenie is what truly draws Kingston to wanting more of her, not just because she makes him act like a totally different person when they are intimate involuntarily, but also because her true identity is what makes him fall even deeper in love with her;
"She's a tornado, and half the time I don't know what to do with her, but still want to get caught up in her vortex..."
When obstacles are in the way, Kingston knows to not give up on Queenie because he also knows that there is no going back once he has a claim on her.
And Queenie knows that being with Ryan is something she cannot pass out on since her heart is the one who takes over for her and her love for him;
"He's the calm to my storm.
My still lake at dawn.
My king..."
There is no denying at all that Ryan will forever own my heart. I am not sure if this is the last installment in the series, though there are many other hockey players in which have been mentioned that I would love to read a book of. We just have to be patient and see what else Helena has up her sleeves...
ARC kindly provided by Montlake Romance, in exchange for an honest review...Follow Me On:Instagram ❁ Twitter
Rating: really liked it
5 stars 
I’ve read a lot of Helena Hunting’s books and as much as I’ve enjoyed them, I was surprised to find that I hadn’t given any of them a full 5 stars… until now.
A Secret for a Secret was such a great read for me. It was just what I needed and by far my favorite book of hers.
Ryan Kingston is a NHL goalie and the good guy of hockey. He is respectful, kind, follows the rules and always makes the right calls. One night, he’s out and drinks a little too much, totally not his normal and has his first one-night stand. And six weeks later… he finds out his one night stand, Queenie, is the general manager’s daughter. Yikes.
Queenie is not quite the rule follower that King is. She’s a bit wild and impulsive. She’s trying to become a little less irresponsible and is working for her dad. Seeing King turns her world upside down. Especially when the one rule her dad gave her was to stay away from the hockey players.
King and Queenie love spending time together and decide being friends is better than nothing at all. Until they can no longer deny the attraction and connection they share. They completely balance one another out and make the best friends to lovers couple.
She’s a tornado, and half the time I don't know what to do with her, but still want to get caught up in her vortex.
We all know Helena Hunting does an amazing job writing steamy scenes and alpha athletes, but who knew she could write the perfect, straight-laced, sweet, and most romantic hero? I fell so hard for Ryan Kingston and as much as I loved Queenie, King was the best part of this book for me. I loved watching Queenie finally find her King.
If you’re looking for a sweet, funny, and steamy romance with a hero that will sweep you off your feet, look no further. This is Helena Hunting at her best, and I can guarantee
A Secret for a Secret will be on my 2020 favorites list.
I feel like I’ve finally found my person. The one who won’t try to tame my chaos but will let me live in it and help me balance my impulsiveness with stability. He’s yin and I’m yang. He’s sugar and I’m salt.
Rating: really liked it
PrologueMommy IssuesKingston
I have six different drinks in front of me, ranging from very expensive scotch to some kind of carbonated fruity cocktail that’s so sweet I’m positive I’ll get a cavity if I finish it. Despite the variety, I’m still having trouble getting drunk. Mostly because I’m not a fan of the way alcohol tastes, so I’ve only had a couple sips out of each glass.
“Excuse me, is this seat taken?” A soft, slightly smoky female voice draws my attention to the left, where the stool next to mine sits empty.
I notice several things as her gray-blue eyes, ringed in navy, lock and hold with mine: she’s pint size and stunning, with long chestnut hair pulled up in a loose ponytail, high cheekbones, full lips, and thick lashes that don’t appear to be coated in mascara. But beyond how beautiful she is, she looks sad.
We match.
“Uh, no, it’s all yours.” Regardless of my sour mood, I push back my stool and stand, partly to make space for her, since the stools are crammed in close together.
She climbs into the one next to mine before I have a chance to offer my assistance.
“I’m Queenie.” She holds out a hand, and when I do the same, she slips hers into my palm, sending a jolt of unexpected energy through me. The way her eyes flare makes me think she’s felt it too. Maybe there’s something in the air.
“Queenie?” I smile. “I’m Ryan.” I don’t know why I introduce myself this way. No one calls me Ryan except for my parents. Even my siblings call me by our last name most of the time. In part because of my career choice, where my last name is what most people recognize. It’s too late now to backtrack. Maybe I don’t use my last name because my entire identity has been brought into question thanks to today’s events.
“Hi, Ryan.” Her gaze darts down and then back up. Our palms are still connected. And I’m still staring at her.
I release her hand and instantly want to find a reason to touch her again.
The bartender is quick to spot his new customer. I take my seat again while Queenie orders. “I’ll have a vodka martini, extra dirty, extra olives, please. Actually, make that two.”
The bartender’s eyebrows rise, but he gets out his shaker. She stops him when he reaches for the bottle on the shelf behind him and asks for well vodka instead. I’m not sure what the difference is between the two, but that gets another eyebrow raise from the bartender. He fills two martini glasses and drops a skewer of olives into each one. He looks to me before he moves on. “You still doing okay?”
“I’m fine, thank you.”
I try not to stare at Queenie, but I can see her reflection in the mirrored bar. She takes a sip out of one glass and makes a face, then does the same with the other one. She transfers one of the skewers of olives to the other glass and downs the whole thing in two gulps.
Her shoulders curl in, and she turns her head away, coughing into her elbow.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
She holds up a finger and coughs a couple more times. When she finally looks my way, her eyes are watery and her cheeks are flushed. “Fine, thanks. Well vodka isn’t very smooth going down.”
“Oh.” I don’t know much about vodka. “Why didn’t you have the other kind, then?”
“Because it costs twice as much, and I just lost my job, so I have to get drunk on the cheap stuff.” She plucks one of the skewers of olives from the still-full martini glass and pops one in her mouth.
“I’m sorry that you lost your job.”
She gives me another wry smile. “Thanks. I kind of sucked at it, though, so it’s not much of a surprise. Plus, serving tables isn’t my endgame, so this is sort of a wake-up call to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life.” She motions to my lineup of drinks. “What’s going on here?”
“I’m trying to get drunk too.”
“You’d have a lot more success if you actually drank them.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m not big on alcohol,” I admit.
She scans me slowly, her grin growing wider once again. “Can’t really say I’m surprised to hear that. You look like you got lost on your way to a Boy Scouts meeting.”
“I used to be a Boy Scout.” I run a hand over my chest. I’m wearing a white polo and khakis, which is my usual attire. “I was even a camp counselor when I was a teenager.”
She throws her head back and laughs. “God, you’re adorable. And I mean that in a good way.” Queenie props her cheek on her fist. “So tell me why a former Boy Scout and camp counselor would need to get drunk by himself.”
“It’s a little complicated.” I pick up one of the glasses in front of me and take a hefty gulp.
“I’m the queen of complicated. Hit me with it.”
I bite the end of my tongue for a few seconds, debating. “It’s pretty messed up.”
“That’s okay. I’m pretty messed up too. How about this: you tell me why you’re getting drunk, and I’ll tell you why I’m a mess, aside from the fact that I lost a job.” She holds up her pinkie finger. “And we can pinkie swear that whatever we tell each other tonight, we’ll take to the grave.”
I link my pinkie with hers, and again, that jolt of energy hits me. Like the static in the air that comes with a thunderstorm. “A secret for a secret?”
“Exactly.”
“Okay.” I nod once and blow out a breath. It’s probably easier to tell a stranger this than it is to tell someone close to me. I bend so my mouth is close to her ear and say quietly, “I found out my sister is actually my mom.”
Queenie leans back and rapid blinks several times in a row. “I’m sorry . . . what?”
“My sister is actually—”
She waves her hand in the air. “I heard you. Oh my God. I don’t even know what to say to that. Are you . . . okay? Never mind. That’s a stupid question. Obviously you’re not okay. Do you want to . . . talk about it?”
“Uh, not really. Is that okay?” I almost feel bad that I don’t want to share more, especially since she’s expressing genuine concern. I do feel a little better about the whole thing, considering her shock and empathetic expression.
“Of course it’s okay. It also totally explains why you have a line of drinks in front of you.” She chews the inside of her lip. “I feel like my secret is kind of lame in comparison.”
“I’m sure it’s not. And you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” I won’t be the least bit surprised if she finishes her second martini and leaves, considering my revelation.
“I want to. Tell you, I mean.” She slurps her second martini and exhales a long breath. “I have dependency issues.”
“On alcohol?”
She laughs again. “God, I love you.” Her eyes flare. “I don’t mean that literally. I just mean you’re cute. The things you say, just . . . anyway . . . I’m not dependent on alcohol, apart from at this moment. I’m dependent on my dad.”
“That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though, is it?”
Queenie pops another olive in her mouth and chews thoughtfully. “He was only twenty when I was born, and he ended up having to raise me on his own. So lots of trial and error in the whole how to deal with raising a kid alone, you know? And I’m really good at messing things up, and he’s really good at bailing me out every single time, so I’ve perpetuated that dependency, and he sort of inadvertently feeds it.” Her nose scrunches up. “Sorry, I’m basically unloading all my baggage on you, and you already seem to have enough of your own to deal with.”
“Please don’t apologize. It’s good to know I’m not the only one with problems.”
“I’ve never actually admitted that out loud before, so it kind of feels good to unload it, even if it’s with a virtual stranger, if that makes sense.”
“It does. Make sense, I mean.” I feel like fate has obviously thrown us together tonight for a reason, so I decide I’m willing to share a little more. “I’m actually the product of a teen pregnancy too. My biological father wasn’t in the picture, and my grandparents decided it would be best if they raised me as theirs to give my sister . . . mom . . . and me a better chance at a normal life.”
“So I guess that means we both have mommy issues.”
“Looks that way, doesn’t it?” I agree.
“You know what we should do, Ryan?” There’s a hint of mischief in her eyes, the kind I might have shied away from before today.
“What’s that?”
“You game for getting drunk and forgetting about our mommy issues, at least for tonight?”
“I’m game.”
She pushes my scotch toward me and clinks her glass against mine. “After we knock back all your drinks, we can do shots.”
* * *
My head is pounding.
The last time I had a hangover like this, I was seventeen years old.
I crack a lid and groan when the light streaming through my bedroom window hits my eyeballs. I drag my hand down my face and freeze.
Because it smells like sex.
I glance to the right, noting the rumpled sheets and the head-dented pillow. I roll over—which makes me nauseous—and breathe in the sweet scent of vanilla shampoo.
Queenie.
After we polished off all my drinks, we did shots. Which, based on how I’m feeling right now, was definitely not a good idea.
And then I brought her home.
I throw off the covers and sit up. I’m naked. Again, this is atypical. I usually sleep in a T-shirt and boxer briefs. I find a discarded pair on the floor and pull them on so I can go in search of Queenie.
I get as far as the hallway when a yellow Post-it stuck to the doorjamb catches my eye.
Thanks for taking my mind off of my mommy issues last night. And this morning. ;)
Xo
Queenie
I peel it off, hoping she’s left a phone number on the back, but it’s blank. Which is when I notice the scrap of fabric hanging from the knob. I untangle it and realize that it’s a pair of women’s underwear.
A thong, to be exact. A ruined thong.
And this, right here, is the reason I don’t drink. Or bring random women home. Because now I get to feel equal parts guilty and mortified that last night’s sexual-therapy session has only warranted a Post-it goodbye note.
Rating: really liked it
It just made me cringe and the entire milk thing????
Rating: really liked it
Once again Helena has managed to do what she does best and created a masterpiece, a man you can’t help but fall for and a heroine you instantly love.
A Secret for a Secret is the third book in the All In series and can be read as a stand-alone but I’d recommend reading them in order to get the backstory of other character in the book.
When we were first introduced to Kingston I was intrigued. He’s kind of like Darren (from the Pucked series) in ways, he keeps himself to himself. He’s super quiet and at times quite nervous. King is loving and kind and fierce at times when it comes to those he loves. It’s been quite enjoyable reading this book and unraveling the parcel that is Kingston.
Queenie, oh this woman has been through a lot. She has mommy issues and doesn’t feel like she’s good at anything and it truly hurts to see her feel like that. We get to see just how talented this woman is throughout the book. She’s determined to be independent and not rely on anyone. She’s an intriguing character and I just love her so much.
These two together are polar opposites. He’s neat, likes everything in place and she’s not. She’s a storm, a chaotic storm and leaves everything, everywhere. But put those two together and they work. It’s so much fun to see.
Helena truly delivered on this one. King and Queenie are two characters that have embedded themselves on my heart and I’ll never forget them. They’re perfectly imperfect and it suits them so well.
I’ve been a fan of Helena’s for so long and she never ever fails to bring us a book that’ll hook us in and keep us addicted. I truly can’t wait to see what comes from her in the future.
A Secret for a Secret is a forbidden, sports romance that’s super sexy and adorable all mixed together. It’s fun, emotional and filled with flirty moments. It’s a book that you won’t want to put down until you hit the last page.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Rating: really liked it
3.5 STARS 
Give us a chance to get through this together, Queenie. Let me catch you when you fall. Let me be your safe place to land.”
This was so stinking cute, y'all! Like goofy smile on my face the entire time reading sort of cute.
Ryan Kingston is definitely a change of pace from your typical professional hockey player. The man is a freaking boy scout. He doesn't swear. He doesn't drink. He doesn't disappoint his parents. And he doesn't do one-night stands. He's a guy that was a perfect kid growing up and then got the shocker of a century from his parents and finds himself reeling at a bar about it. One drink and a chance encounter with a beautiful woman leads to another drink and a different encounter entirely. But then he finds out that his beautiful one-night stand is the GM's daughter and new assistant. Ruh roh.
Queenie is a free spirit. She's never quite found herself and sees herself as a disappointment for her devoted father. She can't find a job that sticks and always seems to mess up. So when her father tells her that the hockey players are off limits, she's determined to do things right. But it's tough to keep it friendly when your chemistry is through the roof and Ryan is determined to do things right with her and date her.
Now don't pay my rating any mind, because this is based entirely on personal preference here. While I loved the opposites attract thing, Queenie and Ryan weren't my usual cuppa when it comes to characters. Ryan was just a bit too sweet for my reading tastes. Stop judging me! I do love that he still had full alpha vibes even with all that sweetness. Queenie was a touch too brash for my particular tastes too. Though I did love her fire and spark. Ultimately, I loved the story and the characters, even if it wasn't my typical preference. I simply adore all things Helena Hunting and this series just does it for me. It's tough to follow the perfection that was book two for me, but this one still definitely hit the spot.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest reviewFind me on:
Rating: really liked it
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.
Available now!!
*ARC
Rating: really liked it
“He’s the calm and I’m the storm”
The following ratings are out of 5:Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️💜
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 😢🙃🙂😚🥰
The heroine: Queenie - she is the daughter of the General Manager of the NHL Seattle expansion team. Her mother left when she was a baby and she was raised by her father alone, she tends to be a rule breaker and gets into trouble which her father usually has to help her get out of. She was on the verge of getting a psychology degree when her mother told her she would make a horrible psychologist, so she quit school and has since had and got fired from a string of waitress jobs.
The Hero: Ryan Kingston - He is a former boy scout, drinks milk with every meal, wears khaki’s and polo shirts, drives below the speed limit and is an all around good guy. He is also a hot as puck NHL Hockey Goalie.
The Story: On the night King finds out that his sister is really his mother, and Queenie loses yet another service job, they meet in a bar, get drunk and have a one-night stand. Six weeks later, when the season begins, King finds out that Queenie is not only the new assistant to his team’s general manager, but his daughter as well.
Helena Hunting does hockey romance like nobody else and I love all of them. I recently read
Little Lies which is a spinoff series from this and the Pucked series and I loved to see Lavender, River and Kodiak from that book as little kids in this one. Queenie from this book also appeared in
Little Lies, so it was nice to see her before she had her life together.
The book was told in dual points of view via dual narration. Narration was done by Stella Bloom and Jason Clarke who are two of my favorites. Jason has a deep sexy voice and Stella has a clear voice and she is great at portraying emotion through her voice.
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Rating: really liked it
*****FOUR STARS*****{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
He’s the calm to my storm. My still lake at dawn. My king.
Ryan Kingston is the milk drinking, khaki & polo shirt wearing, straight-laced goalie of Seattle’s top-ranking NHL team. He quickly falls for the one woman who is his complete opposite and totally forbidden. Queenie Masterson is the definition of chaos. She’s also the GM’s only daughter. Their story is incredibly steamy while light on angst and Helena Hunting’s signature comedic sense of humor. King and Queenie fall into a passionate romance and are a perfect match. It’s only King’s crazy family and a secret from Queenie’s past that post a threat to their relationship. While I found the story to be entertaining, I wished for the usual laugh-out-loud moments that I am used to from this author.
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero:
4Heroine:
4Plot:
4Angst:
3.5Steam:
5Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine:
4.5
”A SECRET FOR A SECRET” releases on May 12th.
Amazon US → https://amzn.to/33ks3io
CA → https://amzn.to/2RX9EWS
UK → https://amzn.to/38LVU7f
AU → https://amzn.to/38LOwsw
Rating: really liked it
3.5 StarsOverall Opinion: This was cute. I had liked the H in the previous book in the series, so I was happy to get him again and that he got a HEA. I like the opposites attract type stories and we definitely get that here. I did, however, struggle with the h after a while. I like my hs confident and where they are still strong in their vulnerability. I understand that her mom messed her up, but it kind of bugged me that she didn’t actively try to work on that damage — especially since she was a psych major. That might just be my own psych degree talking and some projecting...but it bugged me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Queenie and Ryan’s story. They meet when both of them are in a bad place in a bar and have a (kind of) ONS. They then are both shocked when they find out that Queenie has started a new job as an assistant to her dad who is the General Manager for Ryan’s professional hockey team. They become friends but then cannot deny the attraction to each other they still feel after their night together and end up giving in. There is some ex and family drama and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Queenie and Ryan’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No
H (Hero) rating: 4.5 stars. Ryan. I really liked him. He was straight laced (except in the bedroom) and he’s super sweet and loyal. And when he called her “my queen” it made me swoon a little 😜
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Queenie. I liked her but then I struggled with her. She had low self esteem and it got old.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: No
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes (view spoiler)
[The H’s ex is around and his family is trying to get them back together and the h’s ex is a new member of the team and she find out that she is (view spoiler)[still married to him and not divorced like she thought they were after a impulsive wedding when she was 18 (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)
[Verbal/emotional abuse by mother (off page) and h was (unknowingly still) married and divorced OM (on page) (hide spoiler)]Closure: This had a cute epilogue with what I would call a HEA ending (view spoiler)
[they’re married with a son and she’s pregnant (hide spoiler)]Safety: This one should be
Safe for most safety gang readers
(view spoiler)
[
- Does Not have cheating
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does Not have the h or H pushing away
- Does Not have a separation between the h and H
- Does Not have abuse
- Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]
Rating: really liked it
Queenie and King.There was this very sparky one night stand six weeks ago and now they find out that she's working for the manager of the hockey team he's playing for. And not only that, but said manager is her dad!
Her dad quickly initiated a no-dating-the-players policy. But they can be friends, right?
And maybe her dad won't be too mad if they asked nicely if they could date??
And his crazy family and her secret past won't become a problem soon, right?? LOL!
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN ...
══════════════════
Adorable!Another beautiful hockey romance!
Queenie and Ryan/King are soo adorable and funny and awkward. Especially sweetheart King. He's soo boy scouty and just so ... good!
I absolutely adored those two. It was so super adorable and hilarious and crazy to watch them fight for their happily ever after!
I loved that we didn't get this typical misunderstanding - you know the one? The one romances almost always use - no idea why - where we fight and break up and it could've all been cleared up with just one conversation or whatever - ugh - I hate those! ☺
I just loved reading this ... and seeing all the people again!
Can't wait for more - I wouldn't mind reading Lavender and Kody's love story one day! ☺
A SECRET FOR A SECRET was such an adorable + funny Hockey Romance!!! I just loved it!! Run to your nearest amazon for your own King - he'll be sold out in no time - and this one is MINE!
💜
💜
Rating: really liked it
4.5 Rules to Be Broken Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
We have heard over and over again, opposites attract. When there is an agreement over the ages about something like this, it is no surprise when it turns out to be true. Helena Hunting took this idea and made it one of the core meanings in A Secret for a Secret.
Ryan Kingston, the goalie for Seattle's NHL team, is trying desperately to get drunk. He has lined up numerous potent drinks and is struggling to down any of them.
Were they made incorrectly-nope
Were they not tasty-nope
They were perfectly fine. The problem was that Kingston wasn't a drinker. The only drink he indulged in was...Milk, gallons of it. So as he sat at the bar, taking sips of these drinks, it was like he was taking medicine and the medicine was going to get him what he needed...A Blinding, Solid Drunk.
Queenie Masterson is after the same results, however, she has no problem downing two martinis one right after the other. She is sitting next to King and wonders out loud why he has all these drinks in front of him. King, introduces himself as Ryan, why, he has no idea, and proceeds to say he learned a secret about his life today and wants to just forget about everything. Queenie, understanding exactly that feeling and shares with Ryan she too has had a terrible day and has another secret to share.
Both look at each other and at that moment decide to share a secret for a secret. They tell what has been the deepest, darkest thing that is giving them this pain, and the telling is liberating. It also binds them and Queenie decides to guide Ryan into having shots, and then see where things go.
Well, They Go Extremely Well, Thank You Very Much. Ryan wakes, hungover barely able to get out of the bed, and looks for Queenie. Unfortunately, all that is left of this amazing, sensual, amazing woman is a post-it note telling him thanks, but no telephone number for him to follow up.
This is really disappointing because Ryan wanted to go out with Queenie and get to know her better. She had this energy, nothing like his normal vibe. She was like an exploding star, bright and shiny. As he remembers their time together, how intense and clearly very different from his time with his ex-girlfriend for the past years, Ryan cannot put it aside.
Which is very unusual for Ryan. Ryan has always been able to compartmentalize things, yet Queenie keeps seeping into his head. She is there when he goes through his numerous routines. His cleaning up, his exact driving, and organized eating pattern directed by his phone alarms.
Ryan isn't the only one who has had thoughts about the sexy time they shared. Queenie has spent many a night reliving the dirty, filthy things this conservatively dressed hunk of a man did...yes, he left quite an impression.
Queenie is back in Seattle because she has returned home to try to figure out her life. It seems Queenie hasn't been able to get herself on a path for some time now. Queenie, being 24, felt it was time to be settled, have her career on track. She should not be starting a new position as her father's personal assistant. As the General Manager of the Hockey team, her dad had always had an assistant, so the position made sense. It just frustrated Queenie that once again, she ran to her dad to help her and she felt she should be doing more.
It is the first day of the new season for Ryan and as the team is gathered to go through the usual meetings, talks from the GM and Coaches, he sees this beautiful woman with her back to him and the team. When she turns, he is shocked to see the bedmate he has been dreaming of...there right in front of him. After a couple of worries about her relationship with the GM, it turns out she is his daughter.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...
And Queenie is just as shocked because her dad asked her to not get involved with any of the people involved with the team, on the ice and off.
This is the perfect set up and if this story was about this conflict only, it would entertain. But Helena Hunting took it to another level involving multiple layers of conflicts and cray cray. We have both of them wanting to be with each other but fighting their desires because of the dad.
We have Ryan's family and all of their insanity, Hannah not included. There are ex's popping up and causing all sorts of things. Through it all, though, you have Ryan standing right beside Queenie supporting when she thinks she doesn't deserve it. He is what she needs and she is everything he never knew he wanted.
This story took me by the hand, told the story of Still Waters Run Deep...and just because a guy wears khakis and polo shirts, don't assume he is all J. Crew and not hiding an alpha beast underneath.
I do not know if this is it for this series. I think for sure a little novella may be coming for Queenie's dad...if not, Ms. Hunting...hint hint...just sayin' there is something there...
A Lie for a Lie (All In, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Favor for a Favor (All In, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Secret for a Secret (All In, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Kiss for a Kiss (All In, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~ So ready to read this tonight ❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️
Yes, I am That Guy...
The Oxymoron of Hockey...
No...Not a Moron...
Just a Guy Who...
Lives and Dies by The Rules...
What Rules You Ask...
Well...
Don't Fight...
Don't Speed...
Don't Get Drunk...
And Above All Else...
Never, Never Pick up...
Random Women at Bars...
You see, everything...
Hockey Players are Known For...
Hence, Oxymoron...
But Here is the Deal...
My Life Took an Ugly Twist...
I was Lost...
And Did Something I Never Do...
Broke All My Rules...
Got Drunk, Shared Secrets...
Got Naked and Woke With...
A Thank You Note...
And her Panties Too...
The Season is Starting...
Jazzed to get Started...
And in Walks the GM's Daughter...
I Guess We Both Have...
More in Common With... A Secret for a Secret-May 12, 2020 A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Rating: really liked it
4.5 'The calm to my storm' Stars!ARC provided by the the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Who fell in love with the sweet Ryan Kingston in the
All In series? THIS GIRL! And I loved him even more after reading his wonderful love story with his queen, Queenie. How freaking adorable is that? I love me a funny, sugary sweet and steamy sports romance and Helena Hunting is one of the best authors at those. Obviously, she did not fail with this whole series and neither with
A Secret for a Secret. This crew of characters is just that amazing!
So,
A Secret for a Secret is Helena’s third installment in her
All In series and it focuses on the “forbidden” relationship between King and Queenie. These two are not in their best moment and they found understanding and a whole lot of chemistry in a drunken passionate one night stand. They did not imagine they would run into each other again. Well, things get complicated when this couple meets again in a meeting where King realizes Queenie is the daughter of the GM in the hockey team he is the goalie of. Things are about to get secretive, steamy and emotional!
She’s a tornado, and half the time I don’t know what to do with her, but I still want to get caught up in her vortex. I loved this couple! Gah, they were so freaking cute together! Ryan Kingston is different from what you expect in the typical romance hero and I appreciated that. He is such a good man, tender, attentive, loving and SHY! And Queenie is just as strong and endearing. It was great to read how she finds herself all over again throughout the book. I just adored how this love relationship developed, how they peel the vulnerable layers off of each other, sharing their secrets and falling in love in the process. That turns into a beautiful relationship, with a bit of light drama, a mind-blowing chemistry and a whole lot of feels.
I feel like I’ve finally found my person. The one who won’t try to tame my chaos but will let me live in it and help me balance my impulsiveness with stability. He’s yin and I’m yang. He’s sugar and I’m salt. Therefore, I am rating
A Secret for a Secret with 4.5 STARS because it was a great addition to the
All In series. Completely different from the other two books but still in the same style that we all love from Helena Hunting. I loved King and Queenie, I loved their relationship and I loved the moments with the rest of the crew. These characters are just amazing and freaking hilarious! I hope we get more books because I am definitely ready for more. Gah, I am so happy these two got together and they got their HEA. Highly recommend!
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Rating: really liked it
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧 I'm still on my busy week/month/life after covid, and couldn't stop to actually read a book! So thanks to Kindle unlimited with audible narration, I've been able to grab a few listening moments between my work and drive.
This book is one of those included on the program, and it was on my May's TBR before the next release
A Kiss for a Kiss. This is my favorite series by Helena Hunting and I can say that A secret for a secret is a favorite book too!
Since the first book, Kingston and his polite-good boy-glass of milk ways, I was intrigued and excited about his story!
I don't even know why it took me soo long to read it!
He's an incredible character and the perfect hero! He's also super sexy and irresistible!
On the other side of this amazing couple is Queenie... And she is a mess! 😂😂
For every put together and well folded piece of King's life, there's at least 10 crumpled and smelly pieces of Queenie's life scattered around the room and over the chairs!
They're the definition of opposite sides!
But I couldn't imagine no one else better to mess up King's polos shirts and caqui pants!
Their chemistry were amazing, their friendship and how incredible for each other they were just made this book an easy and fast read/listen.
Queenie's relationship with the other wives and with Lavender deserves to be mentioned too! They're definitely an sanding group of friends and Bishop and Steve still owns my heart! 😂😂😂
I loved all the cameos from previous characters and I'm over the moon with the news of Jake's book!
🎧 About the Audiobook Narration... 🎧 I have to say that I'm not a huge fan of Jason Clarke's narration, because although he have an incredible voice, it's always lacking in interpretation and emotion. It's flat and he looks like he's bored out of his mind. He shows more emotion when he's doing other character's voice, which isn't enough to me.
Stella Bloom did it good in bringing all the right tones to the messy and funny Queenie!
