Book Review: A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting

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 month long 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.

Sometimes you need a sweet romance to lift your spirits and A Lie for a Lie accomplishes that goal. The story is a heart warming second-chance romance with a little something extra. As expected there are a few good laughs but it's far from a traditional romcom. 

Lainey is out on her own, she needs space from her overprotective parents. What she didn't expect was her cabin in the woods is far from a cute cottage but rather a shack from a horror movie. Luckily, the man she tangled up with on her plane ride was able to save her from the death shack. 

Rook 'RJ' Bower is stepping away from the spot light to get a a little R&R. He has fishing plans with his brother until his brother has a family emergency, leaving Rook up to his own devices. After meeting Lainey and discovering she has no idea of his true identity, he decides to let her believe he works on an alpaca farm. 

As their time comes to a abrupt ending, Rook regrets not telling Lainey the truth and getting her information. Luckily, a year later Rook finds Lainey again but this time she has her own secret. 

I enjoyed this heartwarming romance. It's less hockey and more about second chances. Lainey character initially struggled with anxiety due to an experience from her past. As the story progresses, Lainey becomes stronger and self-reliant. I would of loved more of Lainey's story in the year post meeting Rook and before reuniting. 4 Stars