I was so excited to be chosen to arc read “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. I thought it would be a cute fall rom com but I honestly didn’t expect to relate to Lexi as hard as I did. Lexi and her mom’s relationship reminded me so much of the relationship with my own mom, that at a certain point I had to ask if this book was about me?? Will is also SUCH a green flag, right from the get go! He is always there to support Lexi in whatever way he could, from the very first moment in the restaurant to guiding his secretary to buy her dad’s tools. He was always there for her for whatever she needed. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a feel good read with a nice cozy setting! It’s the perfect way to start off fall reading!

The book was provided to me from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own!

Lexi and Will have a spectacular meet-cute. She is a hapless waitress and he comes to her rescue (while drinking copious amounts of soda just to keep in her company). After a misunderstanding, everyone believes that they are engaged and Will is only too happy to continue the guise.

It was a breath of fresh air to have an engagement of convenience where they don’t try to hide or deny their attraction. I will also always enjoy when the MMC falls first.

Lexi’s story sees her dealing with the continued ripple effects of her father’s death. She is struggling to make ends meet and her mother is still working through some debilitating sadness. Her mother’s self-imposed loneliness catalyses Lexi’s own actions and fears of commitment.

This was an absolutely lovely book. It was cute and sweet and would be a good fit for those who enjoy Sarah Adams.

You might like this if you like ...
Sweet Love Stories
Clean Romance
Dual POV
Fake dating/ engagement

There are mentions of
Parent and partner loss
Impacts of grief

A quote that hit home for me
“What you start to learn as you get older is that your parents are people. Regardless of their role in your life, they’ve only ever been flawed human beings”

This book has everything I look for in a heartfelt somewhat contemporary romance book. Characters that you immediately like and root for, a meet-cute, instant connection between main characters and fake dating/engagement.

Set in the backdrop of the Pacific North West we meet Lexi our FMC. She is currently building her life back up after the passing of her Father. For the past three years she put her goals on hold to focus saving her childhood home and helping her Mom. Lexi and Will cross paths while she is waiting his table at a local restaurant. After a miscommunication with old friends Lexi and Will find themselves fake engaged before they’ve even gone on their first date!

Aspects of their relationship were relatable such as the expectations placed on them by society, their friends and family, and even themselves. Overall I really enjoyed Lexi and Will’s story, the growth I saw in all the characters, and the cozy fall vibes.

This was the first book I’ve read by Sophie Sullivan, but it wont be the last. I like how Sophie touched on topics such as grief, expectations, self-love and worth as well as self growth.
Go add this to you fall TBR, you wont be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Can't Help Falling in Love is a sweet and surprising deep fake dating story. When Lexi's dad passes away suddenly she finds her dreams on hold while she manages the debit of the family restaurant he left behind while trying to finish her degree. Will is charming bachelor from a powerful family but he finds himself drawn to Lexi and her terrible waitressing skills. He pitches the idea of a fake engagement to help both of them out. As Will and Lexi spend time in each others very different worlds they realized there might be more to this fake relationship than they thought. This was a cute read and I enjoyed reading about them falling in love. I really liked Will but I never really clicked but Lexi.

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!