A Secret for a Secret by Helena Hunting

From New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting comes a new romance about trading secrets, breaking the rules, and playing for keeps.
Book synopsis:

My name is Ryan Kingston, and I’m a rule follower. I’ve never been in a fistfight. I always obey the speed limit. I don’t get drunk, and I definitely don’t pick up random women at bars.
Except the night I found out that my whole existence has been a lie.
I got drunk. And picked up a stranger.
Her name was Queenie, and she was everything I’m not: reckless, impulsive, and chaotic. We did shots and traded secrets. And ended up naked at my place.
She left me a thank-you note in the morning and her panties as a parting gift. But no way to contact her.
Six weeks later I’m sitting in the first official team meeting of the season, and there she is. I neglected to mention that I’m the goalie for Seattle’s NHL team.
And Queenie? Turns out she’s the general manager’s daughter.

My thoughts:
Fans of contemporary sports romance in general and Helena Hunting in particular will be delighted with this new instalment of All In series that deals with romantic lives of Seattle NHL team... and in my humble opinion, this one is the best so far.

Romance books are full of bad boys who swear, drink too much, treat their parents with no respect and cheat on their partners. And yet, countless readers continue justifying their behaviour and find excuses for them. And there are very few (too few) books where the protagonist is a good man, caring and thoughtful, has principles and lives according to them. I don't know about you, but I find this kind of guy irresistible.

Ryan Kingston (AKA King) is a the goalkeeper. His job is to save and protect. He is also as good of a guy as it gets. No lying, drunken one-night stands with strangers, or anything impulsive or chaotic. Partly this can be explained by his family story. He just recently found out that his older sister Hanna is really his mother, and his caring and sometimes interfering Mother is ....his grandmother. His brother (Uncle) who has been in and out of prison a few times is one of the reasons why his parents (grandparents) were very strict with him and instilled a healthy respect for rules and acting sensibly at all times. Ryan lets his guard just once: the night when he finds out that he's been lied to all his life, shocked, upset, and confused about what this discovery will mean for all of them, he gets drunk with Queenie, a beautiful and lonely girl who has had her own share of trouble. They trade secrets and do shots, and have a wild night with no expectation to see each other again. Until Ryan finds out that Queenie is going to work as the new assistant for the team general manager. Not only that- she is also the manager's daughter and is strictly off limits for any player on the team.

There is great chemistry and undeniable attraction between Queenie, who might have made a few serious mistakes in her life, and King, who does everything by the book and needs somebody to show him that there is a lot in life he's been missing out on. Ryan is sweet and tender, but it also takes a special kind of girl to appreciate and love him for himself, not his money or his success or even his family. Queenie is smart, artistic, kind and generous, but it takes a special kind of guy who is going to be there for her, and will help her lose her insecurities and start to believe in herself. Save and protect.

Sweet, sexy (there are a few hot and steamy scenes in this book- this is Helena Hunting, after all) and surprisingly romantic, A Secret for a Secret is a light and enjoyable read for all the fans of sports romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.