Early Book Review: A Secret for a Secret (All In) by Helena Hunting

A Secret for a Secret is the third book in the All In series by Helena Hunting. Each book can be enjoyed as part of the series or on its own. It is currently scheduled for release on May  12 2020. 

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.

A Secret for a Secret is a sports romance with humor, heat, and heart. Ryan looks and acts like a boy scout, but his family life and history is not as perfect as anyone looking at him would suspect. Queenie feels like she is an utter mess, and has little faith in herself. When a one night stand has to change into a working relationship the battle really starts. I liked watching them come together, and get to know themselves and each other better. I could understand both of their frustrations, self doubt, and concern for each other. I did see a couple of the twists coming, but just enough so that I wanted to warn the characters to spare them the confrontations and additional angst.  As a fan of the author I loved getting to see past characters come into play. 

A Secret for a Secret is another great book from Hunting. Fans will need to add this to their collection. 

Early Book Review: The Best Man Problem (Mile High Happiness) by Mariah Ankenman

The Best Man Problem is the second book in the Mile High Happiness series by Mariah Ankenman. While the characters are very connected, newcomers can still fully enjoy the read on its own. It is currently scheduled for release on January 20 2020. 

Lilly Walsh is used to keeping things buttoned-up and aboveboard. After all, the last time she hooked up with someone in a wedding party, it nearly cost her her wedding planning business. Thankfully, those rules don’t apply when she meets a handsome stranger in a hotel bar. One bad pirate joke leads to the best night of her life, but come morning, she’s got a wedding to plan. Lincoln Reid never imagined he’d see the woman who rocked his world last night and then ran out on him ever again. But there she is, planning his best friend’s wedding with the same passion and drive that brought him to his knees. She’s adamant that wedding planner and best man can never mix, but that just means he’s got four weeks to make her see him as more than just a one-night guy. Because he’s itching for more than one night...or five, or ten…

The Best Man Problem is a nice return to the Mile High Happiness wedding planning business. Lilly and Lincoln each have their share of history and baggage, and neither are particularly good at opening up. This need to keep feelings lock down is something I could relate to, and was the majority of my connection to Lilly. I liked the story, and I think the conflict, heat, and resolution were all well done. I liked the secondary characters and their stories almost more than the main story. Marie and Kenneth's love story really caught my attention and I wanted more of them. I also cannot wait to see more of Mo. However, for some reason I just could not fully engage in the read. It could very well be because of my headspace when reading more than anything else, but I did enjoy the read over all and will be continuing the series. 

The Best Man Problem is a fun read with feels and moments of heat. I think fans of the author will enjoy it but I will admit that I thought the first book in the series was better. This will not stop me from reading the series, because now I need to see Mo find her HEA.