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mycatismybookmark's review against another edition
5.0
I love everything about this book: secrets, surprises and sensational characters!
"I see you, Queenie. Don't let anyone tell you that you're not worthy."
Move over alpha-holes it's time for sexy sweethearts like Ryan "King" Kingston. Swoon; he's really too good to be true. Sweet, thoughtful, rule-follower King has no idea what he's in for with Queenie. Her chaos, strength and guarded heart have him determined to win her over.
"I'd rather have her chaos than stay stuck in the calm, where everything is lackluster."
Queenie's spontaneous passion and emotional vulnerably and King's steadfast determination and unfailing support mix flawlessly for a hat-trick of heat, heart and humor. With favorite characters from the All In and Pucked series (I adore Alex's and Violet's little girl, Lavender) A Secret for a Secret is an all-time favorite.
"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."
I cannot wait to see what Helena Hunting has in store next!
"I see you, Queenie. Don't let anyone tell you that you're not worthy."
Move over alpha-holes it's time for sexy sweethearts like Ryan "King" Kingston. Swoon; he's really too good to be true. Sweet, thoughtful, rule-follower King has no idea what he's in for with Queenie. Her chaos, strength and guarded heart have him determined to win her over.
"I'd rather have her chaos than stay stuck in the calm, where everything is lackluster."
Queenie's spontaneous passion and emotional vulnerably and King's steadfast determination and unfailing support mix flawlessly for a hat-trick of heat, heart and humor. With favorite characters from the All In and Pucked series (I adore Alex's and Violet's little girl, Lavender) A Secret for a Secret is an all-time favorite.
"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."
I cannot wait to see what Helena Hunting has in store next!
readfrenzy's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
This was a perfectly fine read for me. It’s sweet and sexy and there isn’t anything glaringly wrong. It just didn’t wow me the way some of the other books in the series have.
I swooned hard over Ryan Kingston. The professional hockey goalie is such a nice, straight-laced Boy Scout and I couldn’t wait for Queenie to loosen him up and bring out his naughty side. Queenie is impetuous and Ryan is overly cautious. He’s the calm to her storm. She’s the spice to his sugar. It’s a nice balance and they make a really cute couple.
Some of the side characters are rather one-dimensional and could have added more value to the story if they were just a tad more complex. In particular, the story involving Ryan’s mom and his ex went on too long and fell flat for me. I did enjoy Ryan’s odd relationship with his sister, though, as well as Queenie’s closeness with her dad.
The audiobook is quite good. Stella Blooms nails her depiction of Queenie, giving the character vulnerability and humor, in addition to a touch of sass. Jason Clark’s smooth baritone always makes me melt. He conveys a sense of longing and gentleness that is perfect for Ryan’s character.
Recommended for fans of:
Sports romance
Nice guys
Daddy’s girls
This was a perfectly fine read for me. It’s sweet and sexy and there isn’t anything glaringly wrong. It just didn’t wow me the way some of the other books in the series have.
I swooned hard over Ryan Kingston. The professional hockey goalie is such a nice, straight-laced Boy Scout and I couldn’t wait for Queenie to loosen him up and bring out his naughty side. Queenie is impetuous and Ryan is overly cautious. He’s the calm to her storm. She’s the spice to his sugar. It’s a nice balance and they make a really cute couple.
Some of the side characters are rather one-dimensional and could have added more value to the story if they were just a tad more complex. In particular, the story involving Ryan’s mom and his ex went on too long and fell flat for me. I did enjoy Ryan’s odd relationship with his sister, though, as well as Queenie’s closeness with her dad.
The audiobook is quite good. Stella Blooms nails her depiction of Queenie, giving the character vulnerability and humor, in addition to a touch of sass. Jason Clark’s smooth baritone always makes me melt. He conveys a sense of longing and gentleness that is perfect for Ryan’s character.
Recommended for fans of:
Sports romance
Nice guys
Daddy’s girls
lauren_soderberg's review against another edition
5.0
Helena Hunting’s A Secret for a Secret is the perfect combination of chemistry, humor, and emotion, and is an apt conclusion to her All In series.
NHL goalie Ryan Kingston is the epitome of a rule follower, from his overly cautious driving, to his perfectly pressed khakis. Queenie Masterson is a free-spirited ball of chaos who is trying to figure out her life. After a hot night of hooking up, both are sure they won’t see the other again. That is, until they both realize that Ryan plays hockey for Queenie’s father’s team. Can they attempt to be friends? Or will the overwhelming pull they feel toward each other be too intense to ignore?
One of Hunting’s greatest skills as a writer is her ability to incorporate witty humor and over-the-top laughs into a story that also has layers of emotional depth. There are so many moments where the interactions between Kingston and Queenie are downright hilarious (strawberries, anyone?), and others that tug at your heartstrings. Even though Kingston and Queenie hook up at the beginning of the book, you still feel the slow burn of chemistry as they both try to be friends without the benefits. It’s a satisfying narrative unraveling that has a great payoff. The reader also gets to know these two characters in an intimate way: they’re flawed, they’re insecure, they’re genuine. It’s very compelling to read.
Another Hunting hallmark is her intricate world-building. All of the characters contribute to the narrative arc in an essential way. No character feels superfluous, and you find yourself becoming invested in their stories as well. This is especially evident with Alex and Violet’s daughter, Lavender, with Queenie’s father, Jake, and with Kingston’s “momster,” Hanna. There are so many narrative threads to mine in this book, which is why I think Hunting is so adept at creating series. There are just too many stories to confine to one novel.
In all, A Secret for a Secret is a novel that will put a smile on your face, perhaps give you a few tears, and leave you feeling wholly satisfied. Add this to your TBR stack immediately, and check out the rest of the All In series (and the Pucked series) if you haven’t already.
Thank you to the author, Montlake Romance, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
NHL goalie Ryan Kingston is the epitome of a rule follower, from his overly cautious driving, to his perfectly pressed khakis. Queenie Masterson is a free-spirited ball of chaos who is trying to figure out her life. After a hot night of hooking up, both are sure they won’t see the other again. That is, until they both realize that Ryan plays hockey for Queenie’s father’s team. Can they attempt to be friends? Or will the overwhelming pull they feel toward each other be too intense to ignore?
One of Hunting’s greatest skills as a writer is her ability to incorporate witty humor and over-the-top laughs into a story that also has layers of emotional depth. There are so many moments where the interactions between Kingston and Queenie are downright hilarious (strawberries, anyone?), and others that tug at your heartstrings. Even though Kingston and Queenie hook up at the beginning of the book, you still feel the slow burn of chemistry as they both try to be friends without the benefits. It’s a satisfying narrative unraveling that has a great payoff. The reader also gets to know these two characters in an intimate way: they’re flawed, they’re insecure, they’re genuine. It’s very compelling to read.
Another Hunting hallmark is her intricate world-building. All of the characters contribute to the narrative arc in an essential way. No character feels superfluous, and you find yourself becoming invested in their stories as well. This is especially evident with Alex and Violet’s daughter, Lavender, with Queenie’s father, Jake, and with Kingston’s “momster,” Hanna. There are so many narrative threads to mine in this book, which is why I think Hunting is so adept at creating series. There are just too many stories to confine to one novel.
In all, A Secret for a Secret is a novel that will put a smile on your face, perhaps give you a few tears, and leave you feeling wholly satisfied. Add this to your TBR stack immediately, and check out the rest of the All In series (and the Pucked series) if you haven’t already.
Thank you to the author, Montlake Romance, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
whatshawnareads's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars. This book was exactly what I needed right now; I actually read it in one sitting. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Kingston and Queenie. Kingston and his buttoned up-ness were so cute, although he didn't replace my favorite grump (Hi Bishop!) Also, can we just laugh at Alex and Violet Waters having twins named River and Lavender? And that there was a hand washing scene? I know I can always count on Helena Hunting for a hilarious and heartwarming read; I can't wait for what she writes next for this world.
Thanks to Montlake and Netgalley for my ARC to review.
Thanks to Montlake and Netgalley for my ARC to review.
rubymajor's review against another edition
3.5
My favourite of the series so far. While I normally prefer a good alpha-male that's a little morally grey, Kingston made me appreciate him so much as a MMC that was a sweet & thoughtful rule follower. It was a cute story that made me both laugh and cry but there was nothing overly special or memorable about it. A nice little rom-com.
laura_devouring_books_crumpets's review against another edition
4.0
1 star less than all her other books as i felt it didn't have as much comic as im used to with the Authors writing....
Let me digest before this next comment i love all HH characters... im in love with her writing But.....
Compared to previous books Queenie fell a little short for me (shes is still an amazing character with multiple dimensions) its just shes missing something that HH injects into everyone else....
Ryan was up to HH standards though ... The reactions to the strawberry Milkshake was hilarious... And his milk guzzling and outlook on things... I think we all need a Ryan.....
Let me digest before this next comment i love all HH characters... im in love with her writing But.....
Compared to previous books Queenie fell a little short for me (shes is still an amazing character with multiple dimensions) its just shes missing something that HH injects into everyone else....
Ryan was up to HH standards though ... The reactions to the strawberry Milkshake was hilarious... And his milk guzzling and outlook on things... I think we all need a Ryan.....
rustbeltcoastie's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The story was cute and I laughed out loud a lot. It really hits you over the head with the hang ups of the FMC. And the whole paparazzi/puck bunny was exaggerated.