Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Falling in Love #1

The Art of Falling in Love

Rate this book
It’s irritation at first sight when Lulu destroys Nick’s shoe, and his peace of mind, with a wicked stiletto. And that’s just for starters.

Lulu
Why does the sexiest man I've ever met in real life have to be so annoying?
Not that it matters. I'm not interested in a relationship, thank you very much.

Nick
She has some nerve, waltzing into my law firm thinking she can up-end my ordered existence with her arty ways.
Being gorgeous is no excuse. It's a shame my boxers didn't get the memo.

A no-strings relationship seems like the perfect solution for Nick and Lulu. But sometimes the universe has other ideas, and it's not long before they're both questioning their feelings. Yet neither is ready to risk their heart and upset the delicate balance of their arrangement.

When Nick decides to wait for the perfect time to tell Lulu he wants more, he unwittingly sets off a chain of events that prove disastrous. Can he convince her things are not as they seemed? And can Lulu overcome her fear of commitment so they can create the life they never knew they wanted?

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2023

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Carrie Clarke

6 books43 followers
Carrie Clarke writes spicy contemporary romances that will tug at your heartstrings and fog up your glasses.

Carrie's debut novel, The Art of Falling in Love, came second in the 2021 RWAus Valerie Parv Award and in 2022 won the prestigious RWAus Emerald Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript.

In 2023 Carrie was a finalist in the Australian Romance Readers Association Awards for Favourite Debut Romance Author, Best Banter in a Romance (The Art of Falling in Love) and Favourite Couple in a Romance (Nick & Lulu from The Art of Falling in Love).

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
106 (30%)
4 stars
109 (30%)
3 stars
99 (28%)
2 stars
30 (8%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
3,957 reviews29 followers
March 16, 2023
The Art of Falling in Love by Carrie Clarke is a good, and enjoyable steamy spicy enemies to lovers office romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, clever banter, and they have scorching chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenifer.
2,248 reviews6 followers
March 18, 2023
A fun story full of miscommunication, grumpy/sunshine personalities and lots and lots of hot and steamy sex. Of course all that action might lead to a few surprises along the way. A truly enjoyable debut novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Enya Miche.
190 reviews6 followers
March 12, 2023
Don’t get me wrong – I love reading romantic comedies! While I enjoy the swooniness (not a real word but go with it) of a romance, let’s face it – the trope formulas get repetitive. What sets them apart for me is the comedic aspect. I love to laugh and when I find a romantic comedy that can give me the feels but keeps me in stitches, I have found my new home. The Art of Falling in Love was just that. It’s not tears down your face, holding your side hilarious but it is a funny, short and sweet, feel good read.

Meet Lulu and Nick – two magnificent specimens from opposite ends of the spectrum. An chip of the old block, Nick has been groomed since birth to follow his father’s well laid out plan – work as a lawyer, marry a well breed woman with political ties, use those ties to cross into politics himself. No room for fun, shenanigans, or anything that may compromise his future. Lulu, on the other hand, is a fun loving artist that gives the term “likable” a whole new meaning. Gorgeous and comfortable in her own skin, she lights up a room wherever she goes. She hasn’t met a person she couldn’t charm until she crossed paths with Nick in an unfortunate elevator incident (for the record, he started it!) Now stuck together, as she has been selected as designer for the office overhaul, Nick couldn’t be any less pleased if he tried, and boy does he try. From strangers to nemesis, they do their best to keep their distance but like magnets that attract, they can’t stay away from each other. It’s fine, all they need to do is get this inexplicable attraction out of their system. Neither believe is relationships so nothing will come from it right? Right?

I have to give Clarke credit, while the story was predictable – if you caught the hints, she still kept me glued to the pages until the end. The volatile dynamic that was Noah and Lulu was addicting. Two people who thought they were so different were so much alike in the most important ways. I also enjoy when the guy falls hard and falls first is a story, despite his declaration that he “doesn’t do relationships/girlfriends”. What I loved even more in this one was Nick was never minced for words. Sure, he was a man of few but he spoke up when things went off-kilter. He called Lulu out and tried his best to avoid the typical “miscommunication” situation to the best of his abilities. His mother though, I don’t think I ever witnessed a woman so committed to her convictions, no matter how wrong they were! I understand living vicariously through your child but she took it above and beyond a remotely healthy level.



As for the spicy factor, a Kama Sutra book could probably pick up some pointers from some of the scenes in this book. Having read as many books as I have, it still gets me when a writer throws in something so different that my brain needs a minute just to figure out the logistics of it!

If you’re looking to be in a lust induced coma, then I highly recommend The Art of Falling in Love. For fans of Amy Daws, this will be right up your alley. The perfect combination of humor, banter, and scenes so fire hot it could give the sun a run for its money.
40 reviews
February 17, 2023
What a lovely book! I hadn't seen up front it was a debut book, but I would definitely read more from Carrie!

In some ways, the same as many other office romances, where the 2 main characters can't stand each other but are attracted to each other. And of course, the communication, isn't that always the story? She thinks he must be feeling and thinking something, while he thinks she thinks... and so on. You get the drift.

But still: I was pleasantly surprised. Don't get me wrong, I do love stories anyways, even when you get the drift of what is coming.
But this one felt different.

Even though the same ingredients were there, the story has so many more layers to it! It already starts with the name... I love Lulu!
And the Irish influence, and her creative side. But also Nick who needs to find himself, while deciding what is good for him and not just what people might expect from him.
And then of course, after drama, coming back to each other.

In short:
Good story, loved the way Carrie build the story and the way she has written the book; a job well done! It was a lovely book to read and I did enjoy it a lot.

Note:
I received a free copy of this book, in favor of leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
19.4k reviews335 followers
March 18, 2023
Nick and Lulu . . .

Nick and Lulu have a rough beginning filled with antagonism. Neither wants a relationship and they seem to do all they can to prevent one – despite their attraction. Nick is a lawyer and Lulu is the artsy creative sort. Yet when they are around each other and learn more, they discover they have more similarities than they had thought. When they resolve their differences and frustrations, things are actually good! But his mother has plans for him and will make sure he goes back to his disgusting ex. Will she succeed? Or will Nick catch on to her plans and make sure it never happens?

The best part of the story for me was the humor interspersed in the story line. If something makes me smile or laugh, it’s impossible to not enjoy it. These two worked hard for their happiness and no one should try to rip that apart. Grab your copy and see how it all turns out for them.
Profile Image for Sriya.
176 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2023
4.5 stars. This was a page turning book that I could not put down till I finished it! It is a cute workplace romance with some secret dating. I was hooked from the very first page. Nick and Lulu are so cute together and they are now one of my favorite book couples! The chemistry between them is so 🔥🔥🔥🔥 the sec scenes were amazing and this book is just overall an absolutely amazing book! I am now waiting for her to release the next book because I need it now!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emma Mugglestone.
Author 7 books67 followers
February 17, 2023
Can we have a minute for how adorable and sexy Lulu and Nick are, please? Because ... wow! I loved this story from the first page to the very last one. Their chemistry sizzles from the very get go with the perfect blend of banter and snark and a whole lot of heat in the bedroom. Add in a workplace romance and some secret dating and you'll be hooked!

Carrie Clarke's debut is not to be missed and I'm already counting down to Book 2!
253 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2023
Had I not read at the end of the book that this was Carrie Clarkes first full length novel I would never have known.
This is one of the best books I have read recently. It has a great story, the writing is phenomenal and it keeps your attention.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen Lieversz.
Author 9 books26 followers
February 18, 2023
A delicious enemies to lovers office romance, this book had me hooked from the opening scene. The chemistry between Nick and Lulu is scorching. Add clever banter, and smoking hot sex scenes, and you will not want to put this book down until you've finished it.
Profile Image for beth.
147 reviews
January 21, 2024
Like realistically this book shouldn’t get five stars but I am emotional and sobbing like a baby at the end so
23 reviews
February 20, 2023
The characters were cute and fun. Their little nicknames for each other were always amusing. It was a sweet, easy read and I enjoyed it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Georgia.
83 reviews
March 9, 2023
A steamy opposites-attract rom-com. This book! Woah. It’s overflowing with awesome tropes and just when you think there couldn’t possibly be another layer added to an already good story, Carrie goes and gives you even more to love! There’s the meet-awkward, the insta-attraction, the opposites attract, the forced proximity… and that’s all in the first few chapters! It’s such a fun whirlwind reading Nick and Lulu’s relationship. A fabulous debut novel.
Profile Image for Catharina Simpson.
61 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2023
Thank you for the ARC copy.

4 stars
2/3 Spice

Lulu is an interior designer and painter. Nick is a CEO of a big company and they have an instant attraction to each other.

Their relationship starts as a stranger/friend with benefits and later changes into something more as time goes by and a lit of spending time together.

Loved how this book kept me on reading wanting to know what happens next. I felt like they could ahve communicated more and not just assume and run away because then the misunderstanding would never have happened.

There is accidentally pregnancy in this book. I was not surprised because repeatedly it was said that they forgot protection.
February 19, 2023
What a fun read! This book has all the elements I love in a romance-heart, humour and heat! Nick is so strait-laced as the corporate lawyer and Lulu a seemingly polar opposite with her art.
But they slowly get to know each other and it’s pure entertainment following their journey. They both struggle with emotional fear and making themselves vulnerable but with a guaranteed happily every after, its a satisfying read. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for book 2 in this series.
1 review
March 19, 2024
With Carrie Clarke’s fresh take on romance, The Art of Falling in Love is a great, fun read.
The characters are appealing and the story well crafted: it’s a spicy, entertaining new approach.
I look forward to seeing more of Carrie’s work.
177 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2023
This was such a fun read. I really loved Lulu and Nick. The story hooks you on page one and holds you captive till the end. Definitely worth checking out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jacinta Peachey.
12 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2024
Opposites attract, enemies to lover’s, grumpy vs sunshine. Some of my favourite tropes are featured in this debut book. I adored Nick and LuLu’s connection. There’s clever banter and relatable side characters, throw in some steamy spice and there is so much to love. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Lindsey Riley.
346 reviews7 followers
June 25, 2023
Carrie Clarke has written a wonderful debut novel that’s full of angst and heat, fear and love.

Nick seems to have been standing frozen at a fork in the road since his father��s death a year ago. His father decided on Nick’s path in life at his birth but Nick seems to be feeling more and more unsure if that is actually what he wants or what he has been told he wants. Unbeknownst to either of them, Lulu begins to lead Nick down the road less travelled.

I don’t usually enjoy a miscommunication trope but Carrie Clarke must have waved magic dust over this novel because I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The numerous miscommunications that unfolded fit perfectly into Nick and Lulu’s journey. Lulu’s fears, based on how her life unfolded after the loss of her mother, fuelled a lot of their miscommunications as well as Nick’s reluctance to tell her his feelings for fear of pushing her too far.

There are two antagonists at play here. Firstly it is both Nick and Lulu. Their fears and childhood experiences cause each of them to initially fight their attraction, and then later to continue to insist that their growing relationship is just temporary. The second is Nick’s Mum. If I could have reached into my Kindle and thr*ttled that woman I would have. Wow, was she devious! I think the only positive thing I have to say about her is that while her meddling ways caused so much heartache for Nick and Lulu, they actually led, in a roundabout way, to Nick finding a life that he loved.

A lot happens in Nick and Lulu’s story but it is well paced and relevant to the journey they face on their way to their happily ever after. I am excited to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Amber J. Cunningham-Moorât.
46 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2024
i'll be honest, i had my reservations about this book but i ended up being pleasantly surprised by how brilliant it is.

i have surprisingly never read a book mainly based in australia and i am really glad that i finally did. only thing i wish id gotten more of was Lulu doing more of her work for CPM, just because we only really got to see her painting and being with Nick. Nick really really really pissed me off at the start of the book, but as he put it in the book, he did change, and i'm very glad he did because some of the comments he said and thought were questionable at best. but i have to hand it to Carrie Clark, she wrote a brilliant grumpy love interest, which if you didn't know the telltale signs of anxiety, you wouldn't be able to pick up on his anxious tics like Lulu did.

now i don't usually like the unexpected pregnancy trope, but when it's done right, it can be amazing and that really was the case in this book. as a writer, i strive to be able to write like that. overall, it was a 4 ⭐ read and one i will probably come back to read many more times.
2,871 reviews40 followers
February 24, 2023
When they first meet, Nick and Lulu get off on the wrong foot and there's some initiial animosity but also a lot of physical attraction. The relationship seems doomed because both of them are convinced they don't want a relationship and because they're complete opposites on the surface. He is a starchy lawyer and she's artistic, and they argue a lot. But once they get to know each other better they have a lot in common. Their first time was mindless lust rather than a clear mutual decision but once that's over with their life becomes a pleasurable sex fest. However, he has a cold, manipulative mother who has planned for Nick to get back together with his cold, ambitious ex, and mother dearest goes to any lengths to achieve her goals.

A few plot twists were a little over the top but overall it was a very enjoyable debut effort. I liked the writing style and the characters' voices.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tracey 'BookBooksBookish'.
32 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2023
I have been given the opportunity to read an ARC of The Art of Falling in Love by Carrie Clarke (via BookFunnel) for my honest review.
The book is a great debut novel for Carrie Clarke and I look forward to reading more from her, this is book 1 so hopefully we don't have to wait to long for book 2.
It is an enjoyable enemies to lovers story, and the sexual chemistry between our two main characters Nick and Lulu is off the Richter scale.
The story is written in dual POV so we get into both our characters heads and what they are thinking about each other and any back stories they have.
The banter between the two is brilliant and Nick and Lulu had me laughing and smiling at times. I enjoyed the Grumpy/Sunshine trope it was well done with this story.
If you love a steamy read with a sprinkle office romance The Art of Falling in Love is the perfect book.
1,475 reviews21 followers
March 20, 2023
This is a cute, quirky, quick read that I enjoyed very much!

Nick has had a path laid out for him by his father - become a lawyer, marry well, go into politics. The expectation is that he keeps his persona squeaky clean.

Lulu is more of a free spirit. She enjoys life. People tend to like her - except of course, Nick.

Unfortunately for Nick, Lulu is going to renovate his office space. Although he does his best to avoid Lulu, Nick is so attracted to her. He is of the opinion that if they get the attraction out of their system, things will go back to normal.

Oh, Nick, you silly boy!

I really enjoyed this author's writing style and look forward to reading more of their work!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Harriet.
319 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2023
I loved this book, it is the first in a series (each book about a new couple) and I am here for it.

Nick and Lulu are both immediately attracted and irritated by each other. It leads to fun, witty and angry/frustrating exchanges and hot sizzling sex that will leave you as a reader burning up.

It was well paced and the characters so full of life it was an absolute joy to read.

These two are commitment shy, they talk alot but hide their true feelings out of self preservation but they let Thier bodies talk for them.

Overall an enjoyable, fun and sizzling read with a sweet HEA

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen Balint.
295 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2024
3.5 stars ⭐️

honestly, i ate this book up and loved it. the Australian banter, the storyline between Nick and Lulu, and finding your own way in the world was amazing.

everything about Nick and Lulu was perfection. the way they met, they sexual tension between them, the sex, and the words spoken were crafted beautifully. showing how each of these characters have different families and their backgrounds was something that you could relate to. he also literally ran after her all the way to scotland because he couldn’t live without her.

all i can say is: if he wanted to, he would.

also the name Isla, adding it to the list.
Profile Image for Christel.
232 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2024
I enjoyed this book. Really love romances. I loked the story, it was quite fast. Just like other things, the sex happened pretty fast. Could have started later tbh, was a little bit to early for me. This book was also definitely spicy. Besides spicy it was also funny. I love the characters, except for Marie, can't stand her. The couple is soo cute, love how they take care of each other, even tho they say it's just casual, no strings. Did not really like the pregnancy because i don't like that trope. But it was okay, they talked more about it, it wasn't just 'oh, i'm pregnant. That's it'. Which made it okay. Liked how things weren't instant, but it was a little predictable tho.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kellie.
218 reviews
October 19, 2023
A rather enjoyable read by a new author to me, this quirky comedy is an enemies to lovers book that has banter from the get go. Nicholas is a lawyer destined to fulfil promises he made to his late father when he meets artist and interior decorator Lulu when she enters his world like a gust of wind.

The attraction is instant though neither are looking for a relationship so tell each other they can’t stand each other. This cat and mouse tail is both entertaining and steamy with a sprinkle of sadness and I enjoyed the storyline immensely.

A fantastic read, offering 4.5 🌟
Profile Image for Kate Smith.
66 reviews7 followers
October 13, 2024
Stars - 3.75
Spice - 2

Quote - “And if you happen to trip and land with your pee pee in her vajayjay again, no harm done.”

Tropes - Enemies to Lovers, Workplace, Opposites Attract

This rom-com is beautiful and funny. I love a good enemies to lovers and this was no exception. I do have to say I was surprised at how spicy the spicy scenes were, so that was a pleasant surprise. The steel magnetism between Lulu and Nick was fabulous and exactly what I needed when it came to this workplace romance that surprised me in more ways than one.
1,577 reviews7 followers
March 15, 2023
The Art of Falling in Love (Book 1 of Falling in Love Series) by Carrie Clark. This is a new author for me and I knew I was in for a treat after reading the blurb and jumping head first into the wonderful and zany story of Nick and Lulu. The messy, the awkward, the funnies, and the chemistry all leads to a much deserved HEA. Good story that I enjoyed and would recommend to others looking for sweet and cute. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
517 reviews9 followers
March 16, 2023
For a first full in length novel this is extremely good. Nick and Lulu are wonderful MCs both having hidden traumas which guide their life's choices, and both needing each other more than they realise. Their relationship is hot, and for a while very fast paced.

The story is fun, sexy and sometimes serious. The writing is excellent. Great HAE!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.