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Merry Little Lies
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS MY SISTER’S BOYFRIEND
Cian
When I agree to this fake boyfriend gig, I don’t expect to be tempted by Carli’s rich but hot older brother. Our worlds are completely different. I work hard to help my family overcome mountains of debt and keep the lights on; he attends private school and throws his money away on hair gel and expensive cologne.
I can’t even tell him my name.
But he awakens a passion in me, buried under the grief of losing my brother to cancer. A desire to paint again, to laugh again. A desire to love.
Aaron
My sister’s cute boyfriend isn’t what he seems, and I suspect he has ulterior motives for dating her. Our worlds are completely different. I’m destined to take over the family business while avoiding those interested in only my money; he bags groceries, fixes cars, and pretends to be someone he’s not.
I don’t even know his real name.
But he awakens a need in me, buried by years of heartache. A need to protect him, to heal his pain. A need to earn his love.
Can Aaron and Cian overcome the wounds from their past or are they destined to make the same mistakes as their parents and end up, like them, broken and alone?
Merry Little Lies is a 56,000+ young adult gay romance. It’s a standalone book in the Heart of the Holidays, A Gay YA Series celebrating love. It is also the introduction to the kids from Dublin High & Westbridge Academy. See reading order inside.
Cian
When I agree to this fake boyfriend gig, I don’t expect to be tempted by Carli’s rich but hot older brother. Our worlds are completely different. I work hard to help my family overcome mountains of debt and keep the lights on; he attends private school and throws his money away on hair gel and expensive cologne.
I can’t even tell him my name.
But he awakens a passion in me, buried under the grief of losing my brother to cancer. A desire to paint again, to laugh again. A desire to love.
Aaron
My sister’s cute boyfriend isn’t what he seems, and I suspect he has ulterior motives for dating her. Our worlds are completely different. I’m destined to take over the family business while avoiding those interested in only my money; he bags groceries, fixes cars, and pretends to be someone he’s not.
I don’t even know his real name.
But he awakens a need in me, buried by years of heartache. A need to protect him, to heal his pain. A need to earn his love.
Can Aaron and Cian overcome the wounds from their past or are they destined to make the same mistakes as their parents and end up, like them, broken and alone?
Merry Little Lies is a 56,000+ young adult gay romance. It’s a standalone book in the Heart of the Holidays, A Gay YA Series celebrating love. It is also the introduction to the kids from Dublin High & Westbridge Academy. See reading order inside.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2020
64 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
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November 19, 2024{Merry Little Lies by Addison Lloyd}
|| REVIEW || 🚫 DNF
QOTD: When do you decide to dnf a book?
•
Length: 230p
Source: ebook, Kindle
•
•
Absolutely ADORABLE cover? Check.
Horribly executed plot? Also check.
Ugggghhhh
I gave up at 68%.
I kept hoping it would get better.
Parts of the story were okay but ONE THING just ruined it for me…
Cian was supposed to be a junior in high school and Aaron was supposed to be a senior.
But they acted like grown adults.
Talking about working, buying gifts, talking about old partners like they were so experienced.
I kept forgetting they were only in high school until they’d do or say something stupid.
I couldn’t keep going.
It was like reading two different stories at once.
One a childish ya and the other a fade to black adult story.
It was just…confusing and I’m sad but I called it quits and I’m moving on! 🤷🏻♀️
|| REVIEW || 🚫 DNF
QOTD: When do you decide to dnf a book?
•
Length: 230p
Source: ebook, Kindle
•
•
Absolutely ADORABLE cover? Check.
Horribly executed plot? Also check.
Ugggghhhh
I gave up at 68%.
I kept hoping it would get better.
Parts of the story were okay but ONE THING just ruined it for me…
Cian was supposed to be a junior in high school and Aaron was supposed to be a senior.
But they acted like grown adults.
Talking about working, buying gifts, talking about old partners like they were so experienced.
I kept forgetting they were only in high school until they’d do or say something stupid.
I couldn’t keep going.
It was like reading two different stories at once.
One a childish ya and the other a fade to black adult story.
It was just…confusing and I’m sad but I called it quits and I’m moving on! 🤷🏻♀️
December 4, 2020
~4.5 STARS~
I thought the last paragraph and last sentence was a great way to end the story and made me smile. I really liked this story. There were plenty of sweet moments and even some teen angst.
Aaron and Cian were great characters, but Jade stole the show when he was around. I like that there wasn’t any sex in this story. Not all teenagers are having it and it made for a sweeter and more gentle relationship between the two. I’d love to read a story about Mark and Jade.
I thought the last paragraph and last sentence was a great way to end the story and made me smile. I really liked this story. There were plenty of sweet moments and even some teen angst.
Aaron and Cian were great characters, but Jade stole the show when he was around. I like that there wasn’t any sex in this story. Not all teenagers are having it and it made for a sweeter and more gentle relationship between the two. I’d love to read a story about Mark and Jade.
December 3, 2024
4.4 Stars
I really loved Cian and Aaron’s chemistry. They spark immediately. And even though Aaron initially thinks that Cian is his sister’s boyfriend, he can’t quite stop himself from questioning it and hoping it’s not true—even though he hates being lied to. Everything happens in a short amount of time yet because of their chemistry, it doesn’t feel too quick.
I loved Aaron’s best friend too—I’m glad Jade gets a book of his own because he’s a scene stealer and I want to know what’s up with him and Mark.
I’m glad there was an epilogue. It was good to see them a few months later still doing well together. I just wish they had addressed what was going to happen once Aaron goes to college since it was a concern earlier in the story.
I would have rated this book higher if it had had better copy editing.
I really loved Cian and Aaron’s chemistry. They spark immediately. And even though Aaron initially thinks that Cian is his sister’s boyfriend, he can’t quite stop himself from questioning it and hoping it’s not true—even though he hates being lied to. Everything happens in a short amount of time yet because of their chemistry, it doesn’t feel too quick.
I loved Aaron’s best friend too—I’m glad Jade gets a book of his own because he’s a scene stealer and I want to know what’s up with him and Mark.
I’m glad there was an epilogue. It was good to see them a few months later still doing well together. I just wish they had addressed what was going to happen once Aaron goes to college since it was a concern earlier in the story.
I would have rated this book higher if it had had better copy editing.
July 25, 2025
Merry Little Lies by Addison Lloyd
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5 stars)
This book had such a promising concept—two high school boys from completely different worlds, both scarred by life, finding love. I really liked the contrast between Cian and Aaron, and the way the story explored themes like loss, grief, and the massive gap between rich and poor. It definitely had moments that made me feel both sad and happy.
That said, the couple just didn’t fully vibe with me. While the idea of them together worked, their dynamic sometimes felt off. The misunderstandings were frustrating, and some of the characters’ reactions were just… strange. Instead of feeling natural, those conflicts pulled me out of the story.
Overall, it’s a bittersweet YA romance with potential and emotional moments, but not one that completely hooked me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5 stars)
This book had such a promising concept—two high school boys from completely different worlds, both scarred by life, finding love. I really liked the contrast between Cian and Aaron, and the way the story explored themes like loss, grief, and the massive gap between rich and poor. It definitely had moments that made me feel both sad and happy.
That said, the couple just didn’t fully vibe with me. While the idea of them together worked, their dynamic sometimes felt off. The misunderstandings were frustrating, and some of the characters’ reactions were just… strange. Instead of feeling natural, those conflicts pulled me out of the story.
Overall, it’s a bittersweet YA romance with potential and emotional moments, but not one that completely hooked me.
November 24, 2020
Cian agrees to pretend to be someone he isn’t when his friend has emergency surgery and can’t go with his girlfriend to a gala. He never expected to meet his friend’s brother and be attracted to him in the process. Aaron doesn’t know what to make of his sister’s boyfriend and quickly things something isn’t quite right. This is a Christmas story with an almost Cinderella twist as these two try to figure out how to be friends or maybe more despite their differences. They come from two VERY different worlds but that doesn’t mean that they can’t work it out. They just have to figure out how and it involves being willing to see things from a different perspective and being true to yourself. A very touching story and a much needed positive YA book in this genre. I highly recommend it!
January 18, 2024
This was surprisingly good…
This is my first Addison Lloyd book & I did at times wish this wasn’t a YA short story. Nonetheless, it ended fabulously IMO centered on 🖼️ & that I did appreciate. Also, the heartache & physical loss experienced by the MCs did appropriately age them up, I also really liked & felt seen with the epilogue of sorts & how she had Aaron refer to the classes he’d taken to be a better help to Cian. I didn’t care for the use of red hair yet again but it’s a minor thing I suppose, just wish this author had done her research there, as the hair color does pop up in Irish families. Anyway, I’m intrigued about Jade & Mark so if & when there’s a new book that it’s about them 🥰
This is my first Addison Lloyd book & I did at times wish this wasn’t a YA short story. Nonetheless, it ended fabulously IMO centered on 🖼️ & that I did appreciate. Also, the heartache & physical loss experienced by the MCs did appropriately age them up, I also really liked & felt seen with the epilogue of sorts & how she had Aaron refer to the classes he’d taken to be a better help to Cian. I didn’t care for the use of red hair yet again but it’s a minor thing I suppose, just wish this author had done her research there, as the hair color does pop up in Irish families. Anyway, I’m intrigued about Jade & Mark so if & when there’s a new book that it’s about them 🥰
January 21, 2025
Sweet love story between two gay teens
Cian is a gay artist, whose friend Carli asks to pretend to be her boyfriend Rob to attend a party at her Aunt's. Rob is recovering from an operation. At the party, Cian meets Aaron, Carli's estranged brother.
Cian is attracted to Aaron and Aaron is attracted to him, but Cian has to pretend to be Carli's straight boyfriend. Lots of mixed signals ensue with some conflict before all is resolved.
Merry Little Lies is the first book in the Dublin High and Westbridge Academy series. So there are clues to the other characters' story arcs which are fun but do not detract from the deep relationship which grows between Aaron and Cian. I liked this novel.
Cian is a gay artist, whose friend Carli asks to pretend to be her boyfriend Rob to attend a party at her Aunt's. Rob is recovering from an operation. At the party, Cian meets Aaron, Carli's estranged brother.
Cian is attracted to Aaron and Aaron is attracted to him, but Cian has to pretend to be Carli's straight boyfriend. Lots of mixed signals ensue with some conflict before all is resolved.
Merry Little Lies is the first book in the Dublin High and Westbridge Academy series. So there are clues to the other characters' story arcs which are fun but do not detract from the deep relationship which grows between Aaron and Cian. I liked this novel.
December 1, 2020
ARC provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review. This book was about finding yourself and overcoming your own predispositions. Both Ce and Aaron had to overcome a lot and dig deep in order to have something real with each other. This was calked full of emotions from both the MC's as well as all the sides characters, who I adored. I am glad that the wrap up was with everyone, as you got to see the friends and family members and were they were and what was happening. I loved that we got to see a few months down the road as well. This was just a heartwarming Christmas read. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for this in a YA setting.
December 4, 2020
Opposites Attract
When Cian was roped into posing as Rob, his best friend and attending an art gala with Carli (Robs girlfriend) he had no idea that he would bump into a gorgeous guy and that the gorgeous guy would be Carli's older brother Aaron, he didn't even know that she'd got a brother!
Carli makes Cian promise not to tell anyone that he's not Rob but it's really difficult as he and Aaron are drawn to each other and Cian doesn't like lying and it's making it really awkward being thought of as Carli's boyfriend... especially as he'd like to be Aaron's!
Good to read, does cover some challenging subjects but it's done thoughtfully.
When Cian was roped into posing as Rob, his best friend and attending an art gala with Carli (Robs girlfriend) he had no idea that he would bump into a gorgeous guy and that the gorgeous guy would be Carli's older brother Aaron, he didn't even know that she'd got a brother!
Carli makes Cian promise not to tell anyone that he's not Rob but it's really difficult as he and Aaron are drawn to each other and Cian doesn't like lying and it's making it really awkward being thought of as Carli's boyfriend... especially as he'd like to be Aaron's!
Good to read, does cover some challenging subjects but it's done thoughtfully.
January 2, 2024
The focus on the secondary couple was a bit annoying. I could have done without it. It could have been saved for their own book later in the series.
That being said, this book was a cute, quick read. Nice for the holidays. The characters had some serious issues that might have made them incompatible but they learned to work on them without things getting too angry. The dating misunderstanding was never a serious issue and communication between them was pretty okay. Some nice family moments.
November 27, 2020
Emotional YA love story.
Ultimately a sweet YA read, with the MCs having to overcome a few difficulties, before they can work things out. Cian especially has a rough time of it, and I feel that the author dealt with the concept of mental illness very well. Aaron is caring and, on the whole quite sweet. I loved the way he looked after Cian, and worked so hard to capture and maintain his bond with him. It's a very emotional read, well written, with some interesting secondary characters. Recommended.
Ultimately a sweet YA read, with the MCs having to overcome a few difficulties, before they can work things out. Cian especially has a rough time of it, and I feel that the author dealt with the concept of mental illness very well. Aaron is caring and, on the whole quite sweet. I loved the way he looked after Cian, and worked so hard to capture and maintain his bond with him. It's a very emotional read, well written, with some interesting secondary characters. Recommended.
November 28, 2020
What’s better than young love? Well, in this story it’s young love that fights for for survival. Cian, young and proud, meets Aaron, under the guise of a straight, involved boyfriend. They have instant attraction and the subterfuge is short lived. Their journey into a full blown, young relationship is worth the trip. Their sweet, as young love tends to be, connection blossoms beautifully into a love that just makes you feel good. There will always be obstacles but these aren’t insurmountable and, ultimately, love wins out. A lovely reading. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
December 9, 2020
This book was just really really sweet. I loved the way that Cian and Aaron felt so real and drew me in. I liked that the book was so heavily focused on the sweetness relationship instead of trying to progress the relationship too fast. I loved Jade and Mark too and thought that they were great secondary characters. I really loved the way that Cian and Aaron overcame what was so dramatically different between them so that they could be together. This book made me believe in young love. I would definitely recommend this book.
December 14, 2025
No encontré, pero este libro es claramente un fanfic de Klaine. Lo empecé a leer muy entusiasmada porque me hacía acordar a mi ship favorito de la vida y lo estoy leyendo en época navideña, pero al final me aburrió un poco. Sentí que la “navidad”estaba en segundo plano completamente y la autora no la relacionó mucho con la historia, creo que hubiese estado mejor que todo se desarrolle en varios meses. Además, esperaba más drama y pelea entre ellos, pero esto es solo una apreciación personal porque los fics que leo de klaine tienen mucho angst.
December 5, 2020
This is a really interesting take on the fake boyfriend trope. One of the MCs is pretending to be the boyfriend of a young woman when he and her brother discover an attraction to each other. The problem is, both are pretending to be people they are not in terms of both their relationship and their personality. How they face their truths makes for a truly absorbing YA story with a great deal of depth and emotion.
December 5, 2020
An amazing sweet and low angst story
Arlo has been in love with Jack forever. But seeing a parade of perfect partners, means hes convinced that he will never have a chance.
Jack has recently started to see Arlo differently and has tried not to do anything about it, as he believes Arlo doesnt see him that way anymore.
Due to a slip up at the hotel, these two are pushed together, and finally we see them as they should be.
I adored Arlo for his clumsiness and babbling. Drunk Arlo is awesome.
Arlo has been in love with Jack forever. But seeing a parade of perfect partners, means hes convinced that he will never have a chance.
Jack has recently started to see Arlo differently and has tried not to do anything about it, as he believes Arlo doesnt see him that way anymore.
Due to a slip up at the hotel, these two are pushed together, and finally we see them as they should be.
I adored Arlo for his clumsiness and babbling. Drunk Arlo is awesome.
December 20, 2020
Enjoyable read! In Merry Little Lies, Cian is asked to pretend to be his friend, Carli's, boyfriend at an art gala. While there, he meets Aaron, and feels attracted to him, not knowing he's Carli's older brother. Will Cian and Aaron find their way to each other, while dealing with issues of wealth, family issues, and their pasts? Merry Little Lies is a good story. The characters deal with real issues. If you like holiday stories full of heart, this is one for you.
January 4, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down and I binged it in a day. The romance is so sweet and it filled my soul with joy. The characters were all brilliant and well written. There was never a dull moment between Cian and Aaron and I was always waiting for the next exciting moment between them. I recommend this to any hopeless romantic or anyone looking for something to warm their hearts and bring them joy. It was the best way to spend my day.
December 25, 2025
Sometimes what you really need in life is a self published little fake dating Christmas romance that moves way too fast and is so cheesy and stereotypical and predictable and full of fluff that it feels like some sort of fanfiction for people who don’t like reading conflict of their comfort characters. It’s not high art, it’s not trying to be. It’s cute. It’s nice, it made me happy. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
January 3, 2026
Wanted to pick up something light and just randomly picked this one in my Kindle library. I have no idea when I purchased it but it was there so I read it.
It was actually pretty dang cute. Cian and Aaron's chemistry is very believable. Even their living situations are believable. But the drama wasn't even that dramatic which made me happy. I am a little invested in some of the side characters so likely that means I gotta figure out if she wrote something for them.
It was actually pretty dang cute. Cian and Aaron's chemistry is very believable. Even their living situations are believable. But the drama wasn't even that dramatic which made me happy. I am a little invested in some of the side characters so likely that means I gotta figure out if she wrote something for them.
November 20, 2020
My best friend Rob is in hopital on the mend but unable to go to a party with his girl Carli so they convince me to go instead. There I meet him, Aaron and then I find out he's Carli's brother, well rats! So now it's not bad enough I faking being Carli's boyfriend but my car breaks down and leads to a series of event that have Aaron wondering who is sister is actually dating and why.
November 22, 2020
Young love that has a lot to overcome in order to work out. Cian and Aaron each have some serious issues they need to figure out, a therapist would definitely help Cian out. Wish there was more sweet moments between the two, instead of drowning in so much drama. When they weren't stressing the issues, when they were just two young guys happy to be around the other, it was nice.
December 2, 2020
This was a heartwarming YA Christmas story! Cian agrees to be a fake boyfriend for his friend Carli, but he’s attracted to her older brother Aaron. Their social standing are worlds apart. This was seriously good, couldn’t put it down! I loved the character development! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
December 7, 2020
Cian & Aaron are so darn sweet, sometimes we forget what young love is like but these two young men remind us! They are absolutely adorable and the love they share is so sweet! Carli & Rob are awesome side characters & Jade just cracks me up! This is my first book by this author but I really enjoyed it and hope to read more by her! 😀
June 26, 2021
4.25 Stars
In ‘Merry Little Lies’ Addison Lloyd has created a sweet, adolescent angst filled YA gay romance novel. It’s impossible not to like Cian, Aaron, Jade, Carli, and Rob as you travel along on the adventures they share with family and friends.
If you’re looking for a short, charming read, this one is for you.
In ‘Merry Little Lies’ Addison Lloyd has created a sweet, adolescent angst filled YA gay romance novel. It’s impossible not to like Cian, Aaron, Jade, Carli, and Rob as you travel along on the adventures they share with family and friends.
If you’re looking for a short, charming read, this one is for you.
January 5, 2024
4.5 stars.
What a cute story with teenage MCs. I really liked how they were portrayed, how their relationship developed, the angst was appropriate and not overdone. There's no bonking (which don't get me wrong, I love a good sword cross) which in this case I think suited the story.
It just left my heart feeling warm and fuzzy. Cute!
What a cute story with teenage MCs. I really liked how they were portrayed, how their relationship developed, the angst was appropriate and not overdone. There's no bonking (which don't get me wrong, I love a good sword cross) which in this case I think suited the story.
It just left my heart feeling warm and fuzzy. Cute!
January 10, 2024
2.5 stars
Cute, fun, quick, and pretty bland, but the writing wasn't fantastic and some of the dialogue felt like the author just asked chat-gpt what teenagers using therapy language would say to each other. But you know, for a free book I got on Stuff Your Kindle Day, I can't complain too much, and it was enjoyable enough to finish in one sitting.
Cute, fun, quick, and pretty bland, but the writing wasn't fantastic and some of the dialogue felt like the author just asked chat-gpt what teenagers using therapy language would say to each other. But you know, for a free book I got on Stuff Your Kindle Day, I can't complain too much, and it was enjoyable enough to finish in one sitting.
November 19, 2020
Cian turns Aaron head
This was a sweet holiday read. There was some hurdles that both men had to overcome before they got their HEA. With the help of friends and family they were able to make it work.
This was a sweet holiday read. There was some hurdles that both men had to overcome before they got their HEA. With the help of friends and family they were able to make it work.
March 6, 2023
Love it
Lgbtq+ eat your heat out story, flows great the way the characters come together is real well could be real start of a relationship that is why this book gets 5* cause it could be a real life story
Lgbtq+ eat your heat out story, flows great the way the characters come together is real well could be real start of a relationship that is why this book gets 5* cause it could be a real life story
December 15, 2024
I enjoyed this YA holiday romance. Things moved quickly for our two MCd, but I felt like there was so much emotion and depth to their connection. I liked how there were some discussions about grief and anxiety woven throughout. Enjoyable, short read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews