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Carrie Aarons
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A Wonderful Lie Kindle Edition

by Carrie Aarons (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 346 ratings
Everyone lies around the holidays. We lie about the money we’re spending. We lie that we’re following our diets.

What am I lying about this year? The fact that my workplace nemesis has become my friend-with-benefits.

Collin Machlan and I have been each other’s competition since we joined our college’s radio station freshman year. Six years later, we’re both hosting shows for the country’s most popular podcast network.

Just as everything starts turning red and green, our boss announces a promotion, and whoever gets the most listens during this merry season will be crowned the winner.

There is just one catch; the only way to draw an audience in December is to theme every episode around Christmas. For a woman who typically celebrates alone with takeout and slasher flicks, I’m at a big disadvantage.

Going toe-to-toe with the guy I’ve never been able to intimidate is only made harder by the fact that Collin doesn’t seem to want to play our usual games. Add in some mistletoe and a Secret Santa swap, and I finally give in to his shameless flirting.

Maybe it’s the delusion of cuffing season, but suddenly I’m spending every night with him. No one at work knows. Neither does his family, or my friends. I lie that it’s just physical. That me, a self-proclaimed bachelorette, couldn’t possibly be on the brink of a relationship. I lie that we’re still competing for a job he doesn’t even want.

Until one too many lies threatens to topple my life like a crooked tree with poorly-distributed ornaments. And I’m left to decide between my lonely and blue traditions, or a love that lasts all year round.
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  1. Print length
    234 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    November 30, 2022
  5. Grade level
    12 and up
  6. File size
    2.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is Carrie Aarons at her finest, from the amazing chemistry and steam, to the depth of the characters, to the overall story - A Wonderful Lie is an EXCELLENT holiday romance." -GA Book Lovers

"These two were SO good together and their chemistry was electric. Like hello spicy scenes that will now live rent-free in my head." -Hayley's Next Page

"If you're in the holiday spirit and need a hallmark Christmas movie with more spice to it then this is your book." -Turn the Page Mama

"Carrie Aarons turns Scrooge into a Christmas believer in a holiday story that should not be missed." -The Overflowing Bookcase

"These two are one of my favorite holiday couples! A Wonderful Lie is fun, banter filled holiday romance that is not to be missed." -Goodreads Reviewer

"This is by far my favorite book by Carrie Aarons. It brought out all the feels I want in a book and Collin is what a perfect book boyfriend is all about." -OMG Reads

"If enemies to lovers is your thing, make sure you get your hands on this book!" -LiteraryInsanity

"That grand gesture though... the rawness, it was just perfection and my goodness I love how this story all came together." -Goodreads Reviewer

"I devoured the book in one sitting, once you get to know these two it's hard to let them go." -Paula Loves Her Books

"This was such a fun holiday read and may be my favorite holiday season read! This book can definitely be described as "Hallmark after dark!" -Goodreads Reviewer

About the Author

Author of romance novels such as Fleeting and Love at First Fight, Carrie Aarons writes books that are just as swoon-worthy as they are sarcastic. Her stories are fueled by vanilla lattes, meloncholy music, and copious amounts of candles.

When she isn't writing, Carrie is busy binging reality TV, having a love/hate relationship with cardio, and trying not to burn dinner. She lives in farm country with her husband, two children and ninety-pound rescue pup.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BNQGWZFB
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 30, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 234 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 12 and up
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 346 ratings

About the author

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Carrie Aarons

Carrie Aarons

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Author of romance novels such as Fleeting and Love at First Fight, Carrie Aarons writes books that are just as swoon-worthy as they are sarcastic. Her stories are fueled by vanilla lattes, meloncholy music, and copious amounts of candles.

When she isn't writing, Carrie is busy binging reality TV, having a love/hate relationship with cardio, and trying not to burn dinner. She lives in farm country with her husband, two children and ninety-pound rescue pup.



Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
346 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great holiday read, with one mentioning it had them entertained for a couple of hours. The book features a spicy romance, and customers enjoy its humor, with one noting the banter makes them giggle and swoon at times.

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ReadabilityHumorRomance
7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful read, particularly enjoying it as a holiday book, with one customer mentioning it kept them entertained for a couple of hours.

"...holiday train, and the dynamic from that subplot just made this whole read really enjoyable...." Read more

"A Wonderful Lie is a wonderful read that will give you just those feels you are looking for...." Read more

"...this was a great read, one that made my smile and had me entertained for the couple of hours I spent reading it. A Wonderful Lie receives 4.5 stars." Read more

"This book was so good. Collin and Lark had the perfect love/hate relationship. She despised him for years even though she didn't really know him...." Read more

5 customers mention "Humor"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, describing it as an entertaining romp with banter that makes them giggle and swoon at times, and one customer notes it's a perfect blend of holiday cheer.

"...The banter will make you giggle and swoon at times. You may get a little teary-eyed when it comes to Lark and the battle she faces within herself...." Read more

"...is my latest holiday romance read, and Carrie Aarons delivers an entertaining romp featuring main characters who have been tied to each other since..." Read more

"...It's the perfect blend of holiday cheer, great humorous moments & that amazing swoon-worthy romance she always bring to her stories, but just a tad..." Read more

"The story was entertaining and fun. Things move fast, but it worked...." Read more

3 customers mention "Romance"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as spicy, and one mentions it's their favorite holiday romance read.

"...This is a falling for the nemesis romance that may just put a smile on your face. Collin and Lark are both podcasters who are up for a new time slot...." Read more

"This is a terrific grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-more, workplace nemesis holiday romance - or “cuffing season” romance as they describe it in the book...." Read more

"...blend of holiday cheer, great humorous moments & that amazing swoon-worthy romance she always bring to her stories, but just a tad spicier!!!..." Read more

BOOKWORM REVIEW: A Wonderful Life by Carrie Aarons
5 out of 5 stars
BOOKWORM REVIEW: A Wonderful Life by Carrie Aarons
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥.5 I love, love, love this book. Lark and Collin have been rivals since they worked together on their college radio station. Now they are two of the hottest podcast hosts in their publishing company, and when the top personality retires, leaving a coveted timeslot, it ramps up their rivalry even more. Problem is that the animosity between them has waned a little since their one-night-stand has turned into two, three.. The more they spend time together, the more they realize that there might be more to their connection than just physical. I live for workplace rivals-to-lovers, and this book meets the high bar I've set for that trope. The flirtatious banter between Lark and Collin is top-tier. Their chemistry was on point since page 1, and it just kept sizzling until the end with nice explosions in-between during the spicy moments. My other favorite part is the main characters' self-awareness. Do their personality flaws bring the angst? Absolutely, but we get a refreshing approach where the characters recognize where they may have gone wrong and work to fix it. Other books usually rely on a third party to provide this enlightenment, and that is totally okay, but I love the maturity that Lark and Collin bring to the table in their rivals-to-FWB-to-lovers arc. I also enjoy that Lark is the Scrooge in this relationship. Collin works really hard to get her on board the holiday train, and the dynamic from that subplot just made this whole read really enjoyable. This standalone holiday read also contains some spectacular spicy scenes. I love the dirty talk between these two, and Collin's attentiveness is just *chef's kiss*.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Filipino Bookworm
    5.0 out of 5 stars BOOKWORM REVIEW: A Wonderful Life by Carrie Aarons
    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥.5

    I love, love, love this book.

    Lark and Collin have been rivals since they worked together on their college radio station. Now they are two of the hottest podcast hosts in their publishing company, and when the top personality retires, leaving a coveted timeslot, it ramps up their rivalry even more.

    Problem is that the animosity between them has waned a little since their one-night-stand has turned into two, three.. The more they spend time together, the more they realize that there might be more to their connection than just physical.

    I live for workplace rivals-to-lovers, and this book meets the high bar I've set for that trope. The flirtatious banter between Lark and Collin is top-tier. Their chemistry was on point since page 1, and it just kept sizzling until the end with nice explosions in-between during the spicy moments.

    My other favorite part is the main characters' self-awareness. Do their personality flaws bring the angst? Absolutely, but we get a refreshing approach where the characters recognize where they may have gone wrong and work to fix it. Other books usually rely on a third party to provide this enlightenment, and that is totally okay, but I love the maturity that Lark and Collin bring to the table in their rivals-to-FWB-to-lovers arc.

    I also enjoy that Lark is the Scrooge in this relationship. Collin works really hard to get her on board the holiday train, and the dynamic from that subplot just made this whole read really enjoyable.

    This standalone holiday read also contains some spectacular spicy scenes. I love the dirty talk between these two, and Collin's attentiveness is just *chef's kiss*.
    Customer image
    Filipino Bookworm
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    BOOKWORM REVIEW: A Wonderful Life by Carrie Aarons

    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2022
    RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥.5

    I love, love, love this book.

    Lark and Collin have been rivals since they worked together on their college radio station. Now they are two of the hottest podcast hosts in their publishing company, and when the top personality retires, leaving a coveted timeslot, it ramps up their rivalry even more.

    Problem is that the animosity between them has waned a little since their one-night-stand has turned into two, three.. The more they spend time together, the more they realize that there might be more to their connection than just physical.

    I live for workplace rivals-to-lovers, and this book meets the high bar I've set for that trope. The flirtatious banter between Lark and Collin is top-tier. Their chemistry was on point since page 1, and it just kept sizzling until the end with nice explosions in-between during the spicy moments.

    My other favorite part is the main characters' self-awareness. Do their personality flaws bring the angst? Absolutely, but we get a refreshing approach where the characters recognize where they may have gone wrong and work to fix it. Other books usually rely on a third party to provide this enlightenment, and that is totally okay, but I love the maturity that Lark and Collin bring to the table in their rivals-to-FWB-to-lovers arc.

    I also enjoy that Lark is the Scrooge in this relationship. Collin works really hard to get her on board the holiday train, and the dynamic from that subplot just made this whole read really enjoyable.

    This standalone holiday read also contains some spectacular spicy scenes. I love the dirty talk between these two, and Collin's attentiveness is just *chef's kiss*.
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  • Beckyrae99 (Becky Wise)
    4.0 out of 5 stars wonderful read
    Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A Wonderful Lie is a wonderful read that will give you just those feels you are looking for. This is a falling for the nemesis romance that may just put a smile on your face. Collin and Lark are both podcasters who are up for a new time slot. They have known each other for years and the chemistry is a slow burn in the making. Lark has never liked the holidays and she has her reasons. Once you get her backstory your heart will ache for her. Collin will put a smile on your face when it comes to his family, the holidays and his ways. I love Collin and Lark together. They push each other with their podcasts and you see so many different sides of them throughout this one. The banter will make you giggle and swoon at times. You may get a little teary-eyed when it comes to Lark and the battle she faces within herself. Collin and Lark make so much sense as they navigate being nemesis's to more. I could not get enough of this one and everything that is Collin and Lark. This will start to put you in the holiday spirit and keep you glued to the pages. You need to fall in love with Lark and Collin now.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jen Valencia
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5-starred holiday rom-com
    Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It's all about holiday romances this month! Well, actually it started in September for me, but with just a few weeks till Christmas, there are more of them in my Kindle and I'm certainly not complaining. A Wonderful Lie is my latest holiday romance read, and Carrie Aarons delivers an entertaining romp featuring main characters who have been tied to each other since they were freshmen in college. That doesn't mean, though, that Lark Bradley and Collin Machlan were buddies. If anything they're more competitors than anything else. But six years on, they now work for the same company hosting rival podcasts. There was a fair amount of tension going on between them, sexual and otherwise, but you know what they say about that thin line between love and hate, although I doubt there was a whole lot of actual hate going on. Both main characters were easily likable, even though Lark could get frustrating. Collin was totally le sigh-worthy. All in all, this was a great read, one that made my smile and had me entertained for the couple of hours I spent reading it. A Wonderful Lie receives 4.5 stars.
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  • lindseydomokur
    4.0 out of 5 stars Lots of spice
    Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    You would have thought, with him being a manwh*re I would have not liked this. Well, I looked past it and he was basically obsessed with Lark at the beginning of the book. I could have done without all the talk of past conquests, but I also loved that he fell first. And he fell hard. I felt his struggles and I also felt hers. She was so grumpy and he was sunshine but neither of them knew what they were doing in a relationship, and that was evident. At least he tried. The one part I can’t get over is there was a P&P reference and the author said Kiera Knightley was Jane that found her Darcy. … it bothered me more than it should have that we all know it’s Lizzie and Darcy. Right?
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  • @Michelle_Reads_Romance
    5.0 out of 5 stars Spicy Workplace Nemesis Romance!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a terrific grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-more, workplace nemesis holiday romance - or “cuffing season” romance as they describe it in the book. We have two characters who have similar outlooks on their love lives (no entanglements) but very different viewpoints on Christmas.

    Lark and Collin have been competing since college and a new Christmas competition pits them directly against each other for the most lucrative time slot. Collin is all about the holidays and family time and seems to have a clear advantage in coming up with relevant Christmas content. But no one should discount Lark’s competitive nature.

    These podcasters share very intimate looks into their personal lives every week, but Lark is still a mystery to most. When the line between love and hate gets blurred and Collin starts to get her to open up, he’s very surprised at what he finds. Lark definitely has a sad story.

    With all the details that these two are willing to share about their private lives, you can bet this is one spicy romance!

    I love that these two were so upfront about their non-relationship and their work competition. This has a very believable conflict and the resolution is even better. You cannot help but root for Lark to get out of the way of her own happiness! There is a reason that opposites attract and this story shows it to you!

    Loved it!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Leyendo Forever
    4.0 out of 5 stars another great holiday story by Carrie!
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 13, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    4⭐️

    Carrie Aarons is one of my favorite authors, providing comfort books that I always go back to. Holidays stories are not something I consider a favorite trope but since last year, Carrie provided a story where I can go back and read about these times of the year (If Only in My Dreams is a MUST holidays read!).

    With a very original setting, this sunshine/grumpy story has the holidays, technology, sex and love all wrapped in a very entertaining package.

    Lark and Collin have history and watching them try to keep their new “arrangement” under wraps is entertaining and hilarious. And Collin’s family makes everything even more complex and funny! (Obviously, the sex element has everything to do with it, since podcasting about it makes it a matter of opinion).

    Cool story, great characters and a unique writing style. 🎄💜
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  • Vivien
    5.0 out of 5 stars Jingling at love!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 17, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Collin Machlan and Lark Bradley work together at a radio podcast company. Both have podcasts about sex and seem to have a hate/hate relationship. After an event where someone calls Lark a wh0re, they end up going home together. the chemistry between them is hot enough to burn and they keep.coming back for repeat performances, keeping the relationship secret. Whilst Collin has a great upbringing with living parents, Lark did not and has some issues that stop her from being open. Can they take a little from the other to create something special? Are the troubles from Lark's past too heavy to let go of? This read was both hilarious and sweet and even though it's Christmas time, it's perfect for any time of year!
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  • Anna P.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Another stunning holiday romance from Carrie!
    Reviewed in India on December 1, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Carrie Aarons pens some of my favourite holiday stories and this one, the clashing and smashing of Lark and Collin, was no exception. Everything from the concept to the storytelling, I was hooked. I loved the easy flow of the story, the characters that were introduced. And as someone who gets grumpy about the holidays, I totally related to Lark. I’m also a fan of books where the heroine is the grump, because it’s easier to connect to those women a lot of the time.

    In A Wonderful Lie, you’ll find:
    ✨ rivals to lovers
    ✨ one night stand
    ✨ friends with benefits
    ✨ grump x sunshine (she's the grump!)
    ✨ holiday shenanigans
    ✨ banter, tension and delicious chemistry
    ✨ wiiiide open door scenes
    ✨ amazing family dynamics

    I need more rivals to lovers in my life, because this was so entertaining. Lark and Collin work for the same podcast company and while their shows have similarities, it’s still quite different. Except when one of the podcasters leaves and his slot opens up, it becomes a race to see who has the highest rating so they can get that slot. Lark and Collin want it. Both deserve it, but only one can get it. And in the process of fighting for that slot, the two of them fall into bed together. And in love. And it’s all kinds of glorious.

    Banter and sexual chemistry are two things that I know I can always find in Carrie’s books and with Lark and Collin it was overflowing. I loved their constant bickering and the way they needle each other. I loved how they found ways to tease and taunt, but also really just not hurt the other person too much. Lark is such an incredible character. Yes, we are similar in the sense that we both don’t care for Christmas and we don’t care about what people say about us. I loved how Lark just lived her life the way she wanted, without having to explain herself to anyone. She was her own boss and she stuck to it hardcore. Also, her level of grump matches mine and that alone made me love her so much. Collin had golden retriever energy and with his confidence and charm, it was easy to love him.

    While these two maintain a friends with benefits situation, I loved how much talking and communicating and bonding there was. They really dove deep, getting to know each other and really settling in to make this thing work. Collin’s all in, almost instantly, and Lark is the one holding back and I absolutely loved that too. I liked the adventures they went on, the things they did together and how Collin worked to show Lark the other side of the holidays, just to see if she might change her mind. And of course, let’s not even forget the magic they work in the bedroom. So delicious.

    Definitely add this to your holiday TBR, because it’ll be a good time. Also check out If Only in My Dreams , another awesome holiday romance from Carrie!
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