I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

One of my favorite tropes in romance novels is fake dating or fake engagements, so I was captivated early on in this one!

I love how the chemistry between Will and Lexi blossomed while partaking in fall themed activities, making this one a perfect fall read! Not to mention the cover is so fun and gorgeous for fall!

While the story tackled some pretty intense topics such as overcoming grief, the lighthearted and witty banter between Will and Lexi were a perfect balance for the book!

Read this one if you like:
💕 Insta love trope
💍 Fake engagement trope
🤝 Meet cute
🍂 Fall activities
🩹 Overcoming grief and healing
😂 Funny moments in books
👨🏽 He falls first

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Sweet and Sassy Rom-Com

Sophie Sullivan's Can't Help Falling in Love is a delightful and heartwarming read. The story follows Lexi, a hardworking young woman, and Will, a charming and successful businessman, as they navigate a fake relationship that unexpectedly turns into something real.

Sullivan's writing style is both witty and endearing, making it easy to get lost in the story. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with their banter and chemistry adding a spark to the narrative. While the plot is predictable at times, it's still enjoyable to follow the couple's journey.

Overall, Can't Help Falling in Love is a perfect escape for fans of romantic comedies. It's a cozy and comforting read that will leave you smiling.

4 stars

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #stmartinspress #macmillianaudio #canthelpfallinginlove #sophiesullivan #smpinfluencers

I think I would have liked this book more if the author had shown us the characters got to know each other. It seemed like when they talked about each other they just already knew everything & we never got to see that.

This was a cute book though.

**Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the free e-arc.**

I adored this book; it may be my favorite Sophie Sullivan work. The beginning was a little bit slow for my liking, but I was soon hooked on the fun, sweet plot, and the characters' personalities. Will is such a golden retriever MMC, and Lexi is hardworking and loyal. Put those together and you've got one of the year's best reads for me.

I love Sophie Sullivans books, and this one is no exception! Although it didn’t hook me as much as her other ones, I still really enjoyed Can’t Help Falling in Love. I love a good fake engagement trope starting with an epic meet cute. However, I’m not the biggest fan of instant love, which is definitely what I felt from this one. Either way, this was a heartwarming book!

"Can't Help Falling in Love" was the cozy, swoon-worthy romance I didn't know I needed. Sophie Sullivan's books keep getting better and better!

Lexi is a caring, determined, and selfless waitress who is struggling to take care of her mother and make ends meet. Will is a charming, considerate, and dedicated businessman who wants to continue to grow the family business and find his HEA with someone of his choosing. I loved seeing these two fall deeply in love while in a fake engagement but dating for real. I liked the slow burn of their relationship, how open they communicated, and the cute dates they went on.

I loved the development of Lexi and her mom's relationship and how Sullivan wrote about dealing with grief after losing huge parts of yourself. How that loss often leaves us stuck in the seemingly hopeless in-between of Before and After, too afraid or unsure how to begin again. I loved how these two strong women rediscovered themselves and the confidence to create a meaningful life despite fears of failure.

I also liked how the author used Lexi's background as a former track star as a metaphor as her character grew and the kind of business Will's family owns and operates.

There were a few times I thought Will was a bit pushy (though genuine) in wanting to prove to Lexi that their feelings were worth taking a chance on. It felt like he was glossing over the bigger picture that Lexi had far more to lose if things didn't work out and/or people found out their engagement was fake.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this flirty and fun romance!

Thanks again St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the e-ARC to read in exchange for an honest review!

Lexi expected to be attending college on a track scholarship. Those dreams ended when her father got sick. Instead, she was forced to drop out of school. She's juggling two jobs and going to school part time. Unfortunately, she's terrible at her waitressing job.

Will is amused by Lexi. Even when she mixes up his order and then finds her joining him at his table. When he realizes Lexi is trying to hide from the group women who just walked in, he's happy to be part of the charade. One thing leads to another, then to their first date.

A misunderstanding has Will and Lexi faking an engagement. Then Lexi discovers who Will is. While the they have a connection, Lexi is uncomfortable in Will's world. But Will is falling for Lexi. He's not willing to let her run.

Lexi and Will start as strangers, then move on to a friendship that became so much more. I think it's that middle step that helps make this story so special. They make a decision to just have fun with each other and the relationship grows naturally from there. And in building that bond, they help each other learn more about themselves.

This is the second book by Sophie Sullivan that I have read. Each of them were filled with a warmth and charm that I just didn't want to end. If you're looking for a sweet, uplifting read, look to Sophie Sullivan.

Lexi's father's death--and the revelation of his true financial condition--upended Lexi's life. Now she's working two jobs while trying to finish her degree and caring for her mourning mother, who escapes into romance novels and the miniatures she creates. A monumentally bad waitress, Lexi catches the eye of Will, a member of a moneyed entrepreneurial Seattle family. When a series of weird misunderstandings force Lexi and Will to pretend to be engaged, they decide to maintain the misunderstanding.

The old trope works in this novel. Lexi and Will fall in love and he is understanding of her problems, reassuring her that they're not her fault. Lexi's and Will's personalities keep this story afloat. #CantHelpFallingInLove #NetGalley

Lexi and Will were lovable main characters! What starts as a misunderstanding, ends up resulting in a fake engagement between a waitress and a wealthy bachelor. My main takeaway from this book was learning to accept yourself. Both past and present so you can have a fulfilling future and not fear the unknown, like worrying yourself about the outcome of a relationship before you’ve gotten to really experience it. Lexi really grew throughout this book from a struggling young woman who’s also taking care of her mother after the passing of her father, to a woman falling in love with her fake fiancé while trying to sort out her present life and future. This book had a bit of everything on the emotions spectrum and really had you rooting for all the characters in the end. A fun romance to celebrate the fall season.

Tropes: Fake dating and meet cute between a waitress and customer.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars!!! (rounded up to 5 for goodreads and amazon) Sophie is the QUEEN of writing romances that are fun and filled with humor and banter between love interests! I ALWAYS am laughing within the first few chapters of her books. they are so easy to read and enjoy and this one is NO different. this book is wholesome and kind of disney star vibes!

i thoroughly enjoyed this one though, Lexi's struggles were so real. She was a super star in high school and it helped her become a star in college, however she decides family is more important and puts all that on hold for her family, after a sudden loss of her father, who also left a TON of debt in the wake of his passing. Lexi decides she must help and is now working two jobs, one being a waitress--enter meet cute between waitress and hot guy. Lexi is utterly terrible at waiting tables, which only adds to her charm.

Will, oh will. there is just something about that name, because 9/10 times i love any character with that name really. they always turn out to be the best, which is no lie where this one comes from and also where the vibes of Cinderella come into play. He comes to her rescue, how charming ;)

little does Lexi know that Will is in fact basically a star himself. He is a socialite in Seattle. what starts as an impromptu fake boyfriend to save her from friend's scrutiny and him from his mother's need to fix him up with eligible ladies, quickly evolves. they must continue under the pretense that they are together. Lexi and Will's chemistry was undeniable, so it was easy to believe they were more than they were leading on, their biggest feat coming down their social lives and power dynamics.

it was truly such a treat to read Will and Lexi's story, coming from different backgrounds came be a struggle, but they just worked out so well, you knew they would find their happily ever after. Sophie's books always give me butterflies in the best ways and truly are so humble and sweet. the characters are lovable and the story is always so easy to read. another great read by Sophie Sullivan!

Didn’t love the FMC. And no was the MMC coming on strong. Not sure how I feel about this one. Could have used more banter and spice but that’s just me.

ARC Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lexi has had a rough couple of years. After her father unexpectedly passed away it was revealed that he left her and her mother with a ton of debt and a failing business.

Stemming from a successful family, Will has never had to struggle financially. While he has lived a comfortable life, the pressure to thrive in love, life, and work has taken its toll on him.

But when a misunderstanding lands Lexi and Will in a precarious situation, the two discover they might be exactly what the other needs.

Sophie Sullivan outdid herself with her latest book, Can’t Help Falling In Love. While I have been a fan of her previous work, there is just something special about this particular story.

I came into this book expecting a typical fall, romcom. What I found was a book with a ton of heart and a beautiful message. While it does tackle topics such as unexpected loss, insurmountable grief, and feeling unworthy/inferior; Sullivan leaves her readers with a renewed sense of hope and an optimistic outlook on the future.

This book also features:
- meet-cute
-fake dating/ engagement
- he falls first
- fall vibes
- dual POVs
- closed door romance

Special thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press (Griffin), and Sophie Sullivan for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have been provided with a review copy of Can't Help Falling in Love from NetGalley for an impartial review. I was just drawn into this story and I just couldn’t get enough of it. I was so disappointed to turn the last page and I immediately wanted more. I can’t wait to see what's next from this author.

Of all the awkward meet cutes! 😆

Expect 👉🏼 Opposites Attract, Fake Engagement, Meet Cute, Billionaire Romance, He Falls First

Lexi is just treading water. Multiple jobs and not looking for love. Until she has to save face in front of old friends and pretends to be dating Will.

Will is instantly intrigued by Lexi. She’s beautiful, fun and needs his help… and he wants more of her. One night spirals into more and soon this billionaire bachelor has been tied to the former track star and neither wants to get untied.

This was such a cute love story. I enjoyed the messy meet cute as well as Will and Lexi fitting together like puzzle pieces. The supporting cast was great and I would love to spend more time in this world.

3.75/5

Thank you SMP for the gifted arc.

I always have a fairly good time reading Sophie Sullivan's books and this was no exception. Although this felt a little insta-lovey, I think it was done in a cute way that really had me rooting for the main characters.

I DNFd this book, I felt like there was no chemistry between the couple and I typically don’t like insta-love.

✨ Publication date: September 17, 2024✨

Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan is a closed door romance with great characters and witty banter!

Lexi Danby is a horrible waitress and even her understanding boss and coworkers are hitting their limit but Lexi needs this job. After losing her father and having to quit college to help her mother sort out their finances she has no choice but to take a second job, even if she’s terrible at it.

Lexi was once a college track star with so much ahead of her. She let all her friendships and old life lapse so when her old group of friends show up at her restaurant she lets them assume she is there with the cute guy at the next table to avoid embarrassment.

Will Grand is one of Seattle’s sought after bachelors. The heir to a family business, his mother is desperate to have him meet someone from their social circle and settle down. He’s tired of his mother’s meddling so when the cute waitress that was serving him pulls him into her charade he quickly agrees until the press catches wind.

An innocent charade over lunch has turned into a full blown fake engagement. Will and Lexie agree to ride it out but in the meantime they start spending time together and developing real feelings. Things are getting serious and don’t feel so fake anymore. Lexie never wanted this but Will is determined to make her see how good they could be together….for real!

This was a cute book with good character chemistry! This is a four star read for me!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #sophiesullivan #canthelpfallinginlove

My main issue with this book is that I felt like I got to about 65% and I still didn’t really know the characters, nor did I think they really knew much about each other. It seemed like most of the time when one was talking about the other, it was about how much they liked each other but I felt like I was missing the part where they actually got to know one another.

I also wished I had more explanation as to why, seemingly randomly, Will’s parents were so awful when everyone else in the generations above and below were wonderful? It didn’t make a lot of sense to me.

This is a fantastic fall romance! When you are ready for cooler temps and sweater weather, grab a cozy blanket and this book! It is filled with the best fall activities and two characters you will fall in love with. I love a good meet cute and fake engagement, and Sophie Sullivan delivered.