This book had me at the title, both a pun on the season and an Elvis song that I couldn't stop singing in my head. Overall this was a cute fake engagement romance from two lovely, cinnamon roll characters.

Lexi is down on her luck and trying to find her place in the world. After eligible bachelor Will saves her from a would be disastrous encounter with her old high school friends, a miscommunication leads the entire town to think that Lexi and Will are engaged. And they just go with it.

Unlike other fake engagement books where the deception is followed through because the MCs stand to gain something from it, Lexi and Will just like each other and their primary motivation is just to spend time with other. Yes, there are some bumps along the way but these two just can't stop falling for each other.

Unlike other similarly troped romances where characters date/get engaged under a false pretense, this sweet love story just lacked some of the tension and the stakes that make these types of reads so addictive. There wasn't anything to be invested in other than their relationship. I need something with more highs and lows, more risk on the line. However, Lexi and Will were cute as a couple, so if you want a simple, sugary fall themed read, this one is for you. I received this book through NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.in exchange for an honest review. Three and a half stars downgraded to 3 stars. I didn't dislike it, I just didn't love it.

Unfortunately i made the decision to DNF this book after multiple failed attempts to consume. I hope to pick it up again at a later time.

I want to start by saying I ADORED THIS BOOK. Like I just loved it. Every minute of it.

Until chapter 36. I felt like when Lorelei told Luke she slept with Christopher. Chapter 36. Devastated. Heartbroken. Whyyyyyyyyy???

After the chapter who shall not be named and the chapters who followed were past, I loved this book.

Lexi and Will! Will and Lexi! Ugh. I love them separately but together perfection. And Ethan. And Maise. And Kyra. And all their friends and family (except Will’s parents, you know what you’ve done) are just wholesome and lovable. I know I have used the word love a lot but this book was just that adorable. So good. And yes there were a few serious topics in the book with death, depression, self loathing but it was just written so well.

I will recommend this to literally everyone.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

I give this book 4.5 stars, but am rounding up to 5 stars. I loved this book so much - it was the perfect fall read! This book definitely gave me Daphne and Miles (from Funny Story by Emily Henry) vibes. The fake dating, the chemistry, the humor, and the supportive MMC!I loved it SO much!! I could hardly put this book down, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The fall setting was absolutely perfect. I enjoyed the mother-daughter relationship and the family trials throughout this book. I loved Lexi's journey of moving forward in life, and accepting good things in life when she didn't feel worthy. This story was so wholesome and sweet. It is a closed door romance, the author executes the romance perfectly! I highly recommend putting this book on your fall TBR! This book contains dual POV, a meet cute, fake dating, rich vs. poor, he falls first and fall vibes. You won't regret reading it.

Sophie Sullivan's "Can't Help Falling in Love" is a cozy, heartfelt romance with the cutest, most awkward meet cute opening.

Lexi's life has not gone as she planned after her all-star track days were cut short with the passing of her father. Now she is juggling a retail job, waitressing, finishing her college degree, and caring for her grieving, recluse mother. While at work, she experiences a connection with Will, the handsome customer reading alone. A series of mishaps lands her and Will in a fake engagement. Will has his own issues that include tension at his family's business and fending off his mother's attempts at matchmaking. Lexi and Will navigate keeping up their fake engagement while dating for real.

This story is charming and heartfelt with themes of grief, healing, love, and second chances.

Tropes:
- Fake dating/Fake engagement
- Rich MMC/struggling FMC
- parental grief
- Different classes
- Cozy Fall activities (apple picking, halloween party).

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounding up to 4. This was a super cute fall read! I loved the fake engagement and it didn’t feel too out there like a lot of books with that trope. Lexi and Will were adorable together and I loved how they fell in love, although it did feel a tad insta-lovey. The family drama was entertaining, but I also liked that it was clear they still loved each other and would make an effort to rebuild their relationships. I loved all the side characters, and I’d love to see a book with Maisie or Gwen. I did not like the third act breakup at all, but it was at least very short. I also thought that Lexi thought weirdly a lot about high school for a 25 year old. I enjoyed the character progression for both Lexi and Will.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you, St Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the advanced copy of Can't Help Falling in Love.

Sophie Sullivan is at it again. She creates characters that make you smile down to your toes, characters that you will root for until the very end! This was such a fun story, and I didn't want to put it down!! If you're looking for a good cozy romance, this is it!

Lexi's life has not gone as planned. A once-promising track star with a full-ride college scholarship was forced to drop-out when her father passed away. While still trying to pick up the pieces and care for her mother who hasn't gotten over the loss, Lexi is still trying to piece together her life. Just a little bit longer, she'll have all her classes paid off and her degree under her belt. When a misunderstanding has old high school friends accidentally outing her as the fiance of Will Grand, Seattle's most eligible bachelor, who are the two of them to deny it when the fake engagement is everything they both need at the time? Will they? Won't they? Of course, they will, but it's all about the journey!

Can’t Help Falling In Love by Sophie Sullivan was a fun read with many stories twined together. At the base of it all is a fake engagement that takes on a life of its own!

Sparks fly when Lexi and Will first meet, but what happens next is a one step forward and two or more back approach that drew me into the story full tilt!

Lexi’s life hasn’t gone as planned since her dad died several years ago and left her and her mom drowning in debt. Her mom is still grief-stricken, and Lexi feels it’s her job to draw her back into living her life. The decisions Lexi had to make were not how she planned her life. She has two jobs, neither of which is a career, and is also attending college online to finish her degree. All while caring for her mom, their house, and all it entails. When Lexi and Will get caught up in their fake engagement and start dating, things seem to be on the right path, but are they?

Will works in the family business with his dad, sisters, one of whom is still in college, mom, and grandfather, who built the company. He comes from money, Lexi does not. When he springs his engagement on his parents, things don’t go as planned, especially since his mom keeps setting him up with women in their social circle whom she considers acceptable.

The story has twists and turns as Lexi tries to figure out who she is and what she wants out of life. She’s always afraid of letting others down and never puts herself first. Her lack of self-confidence is woven throughout, and it takes others, including Will, to show her a different side of herself.

There are laugh-out-loud, heartwarming, and heartbreaking moments. The epilogue provides some closure, but I wish the story had gone on a little longer since there were some loose ends. Of course, if there’s a book in the future for Lexi’s best friend, Maisie, then we’d have the best of both worlds.

Can’t Help Falling In Love is a sweet, opposites-attract romance set in Seattle, with several interesting storylines. Sit back and get to know Lexi and Will as they navigate their fake engagement.

Lexi is a waitress working in a diner to pay her way through college when she meets the handsome Will while she clumsily waits tables forgetting orders and just trying to make it. Sweet Will makes light of her situation as he’s there reading his book having lunch. Next thing you know, he’s inviting her on a fake date/engagement to appease his family!

This one had so many things that I love or want to experience one day. I love the fake dating/fake engagement trope forever and ever. It’s my top favorite. It also was based in Seattle, a place I would love to visit and experience one day. I picture these two, Will and Lexi falling in love in the emerald city and that makes for the cutest picture!

While this one is cute and have all elements I typically enjoy in romance I felt there wasn’t much more that stood out. I did enjoy reading it and the progression of the two falling for one another. The family dynamics/issues were there to add the story as well. I especially enjoyed seeing Lexi get herself together and find her way while she stumbles into a relationship with Will. But, things do get a bit out of control when their fake relationship goes public. These parts were interesting reading Lexi navigate her and Will’s scheme.

Like I said it was cute and had elements I loved and I did enjoy reading ! If you love a cute fake dating romance you’ll enjoy this one.

Can't Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan is a male female, closed door, alternating point of view, fake dating/engagement, contemporary romance. This was a cute story with Hallmark movie vibes. A very cozy fall read.

Sophie Sullivan has gifted readers with another fun, heartfelt romance that starts off with the most adorable meet-cute ever! Okay, spilling soup on the hot guy, Will, sitting at a table, reading a book may not be the best way to meet a guy, but it gets the conversation started! Can things get any worse? Yes, apparently, they can when former track star Lexi tries to keep two old friends from finding out she’s working as a waitress. Can’t Help Falling In Love revolves around the adorable duo of Lexi and Will - two vastly different people. While strong and determined, Lexi is barely making ends meet while caring for her mother, and she has major commitment issues. Will is at the top of his game – Seattle’s most eligible bachelor and the heir apparent of a major company and yet one of the sweetest, nicest, sexiest heroes ever! Will steps up in a big way for Lexi to help her save face. When news leaks that the couple is engaged, they decide to roll with it. Where will it lead them??

If you love friends to lovers, fake engagement, social differences, sweet, sexy, swoon-worthy romance, grab Can’t Help Falling In Love today!

If you're a fall girlie who loves Hallmark movie vibes like me, this book will be right up your alley. It's a wholesome, closed door romance featuring a fake engagement that leads to real dating. I don't always reach for a closed door romance, but even if this story is without the sizzle, it still has some steam.
I related heavily to Lexi as a character who seemingly had everything going for them, but ended up with a job and a life they didn't see coming. Those feelings of wanting to hide from people who knew you then because of where you are now are so real.
Will is the heir apparent to a successful Seattle company, and while he's well off, he is also very down to earth. He falls fast and hard for our plucky waitress. He's also battling against parental expectations while making his own way in the world.
My favorite subplot features Lexi's mom, Gwen as she's trying to process and move through her grief after losing her husband. The relationship between her and Lexi is so precious!
In the words of the author herself, “If #canthelpfalling were songs, it would be a mix of The Alchemy & This is Me Trying.” As a Swiftie myself, I see this as a ringing endorsement!
Thank you to NetGalley, Sophie Sullivan, and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC opportunity.

If you are in the mood for a great fall friends to lovers read, look no further. I enjoyed the meet cute of the two main characters and the shenanigans that it causes right off the bat. Also, I liked many of the side characters and the dynamics that they brought to the story ( rom com miniatures scenes are my new favourite things).

3.5 Stars. Lexi Danby is working full time and waitressing on the side as she finishes up her degree, just trying to make ends meets. A misunderstanding while at her waitressing job leads to a fake relationship with Will Grand, Seattle’s most eligible bachelor as the handsome, wealthy heir to his family’s business. As the two grow close, the lines begin to blur between what’s real and what’s fake, with true feelings developing..

This was a sweet, heartfelt romance perfect for those who love the fake-dating/engagement trope. The beautiful fall cover drew me to this book, and while I loved the couple fall vibes sprinkled into the story, I would have loved there to be more! I think the characters were well-developed, as well as their family dynamics on both sides. Overall, it was a cute, easy read!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my gifted copy!

This one is a SLOW burn. If you stick with it, there are some cute moments. When we first meet waitress Lexi, she's a real disaster. Luckily, Will things the fact that she is a horrible waitress, and the two end up flirting and even pretending they are together when Lexi runs into old friends of her. All the tropes ensue in this book, including a fake engagement because Will needs to show his commitment to prove he's a good businessman (I mean really,? This seems to be pretty unbelievable in this day and age, and the book doesn't do much to make it relatable). I think the Romance part of the book is watching Will and Lexi fall in love, and mostly Lexi fall in love with all of the things that Will's money can buy them. There's so much scenery. So many Fall vibes. If you're looking for a RomCom romp that is SUPER light (even though Lexi's big tragedy is that her father died, and her life fell apart because of it), this one might check all your boxes.

Thank you NetGalley for the free digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You can't help falling for Sophie Sullivan's new novel. Can't Help Falling in Love has all the ingredients needed for a page turning romance and Sullivan is the master chef that brings it all together. Sullivan's characters are entertaining and thoughtful and the plot is at times silly, serious and sexy. Three cheers for another Sophie Sullivan five star read!

I am in absolute awe with this book.

Will fought for her every step along the way from the moment they locked eyes. (who doesn't love a good old boy obsessed trope) He is the sweetet, his relationship with his sisters is amazing and he's overal just amazing🥰.

Lexi struggles, but she fights. No matter what tears her down, she will always find her way back up. She supports her mother even though it drags here down and there relationship is beautiful, painful and imperfect, but beautiful. Her mom in general is so strong, and I shed tears following her story alongside Will and Lexis.

It's another beautiful book, another 5 star read up on my (imaginary) shelfes.

4.5 stars

I may sound like a broken record, but can publishers please stop calling every single new Romance book a rom-com? There is nothing com about this rom. Not to say it’s completely gloomy, but I was not laughing. Pockets of joy and happiness do not equal comedy. If you’re someone who needs/wants trigger warnings, this story delves quite deeply into grief. The grief of a young woman who unexpectedly loses her dad. The grief of that woman’s mom and the way it causes her to withdraw from society. It may be a fantastic book, but it’s not a rom-com! At least the description of the book mentions the father’s death and the mom’s grief, so I’ll give them that.

Almost four years ago I read my first book by this author and even went so far as to put her on a list of favorite new-to-me authors. Of course, I have read nothing from her since that time. SMH. This book reminded me why I loved Ten Rules for Faking It so much. This author can write chemistry. I was hooked on the connection between Lexi and Will before they even knew each other’s names.

Listen, from experience, I know not everyone can be a great server. I can waitress in small, slow-moving venues. Other than that I get anxious and forgetful. I can chat up customers and put them at ease when there is no rush, once there are more than a few people to keep up with I’m frazzled. I felt that in the first chapter of this book. The author did a great job of getting that feeling across. It was almost too good because I was getting anxious while reading it! But it led to Lexi and Will meeting and joining forces to get her out of a sticky situation, which showed Will’s kind heart right from the get-go.

This couple goes from fake dating to fake engaged in a heartbeat and quite by accident. Instead of setting the record straight, they go with it. How do you break up a fake engagement when you are both interested in dating each other? Especially when one of you makes the society pages regularly. It’s fake dating with a twist. Of course, they fall in love along the way, but they are interested in each other from the very beginning and don’t hide that from one another.

Not only did I enjoy watching Lexi and Will fall more and more for each other, but I also loved watching Lexi and her mom come out from beneath the cloud they’d been under since her dad’s death. There is still a lot of work to do, especially for her mom, but they are making strides. Lexi learns to love herself for who she is, not who everyone thinks she is. Lexi and Will are both the type to take care of everyone around them, only Will seems to know how to do that without making himself feel as though he isn’t worth the same energy and love. There is a ton of growth for all the characters and I love how self-image and the image the world sees are dealt with in this book.

I cannot let myself go another 4 years before reading more from Sophie Sullivan. Now I have to go back and read what I’ve missed over those years.

I loved this book! This author has quickly become one of my favorites. It was a perfect romantic comedy. I love the humor but it has so much heart too. I enjoyed Lexi and Will as a couple, but their relationships and interactions with others were so much fun too. I really hope there are more books about the other characters in this book as I liked them all. I am already looking forward to the next book from this author. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

3 Stars!

This was a quick and sweet romcom. I love fake dating, and I was so excited for the plot. Lexi and Will have an awkward meet that leads to a fake engagement. I really liked the side characters and how close they were to each other.

There were a few things that didn't work for me. I found the lack of character development to be an issue. It was really hard for me to relate to or care for the characters because of it. In the beginning I love the plot and how it was playing out. But I found there to be too much unnecessary drama near the end that took away from the main plot. Lastly, while I love fake dating, I found Lexi and Will to be lacking chemistry.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC!