First off, I want to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this wonderfully written book by Sophie Sullivan! Thank you.

RATING: 3 STARS (read below for review)

Meet Lexi Danby, aka Alexandria. Waitressing may not be her best skill, but it allowed her to meet the man of her dreams. Will Grant. Dark-haired and handsome this CFO and Lexi seem to fall for each other at first glance, or at least that is how I viewed it. Beautiful and ex-track star Lexi has a run-in at work with some old (and rather preppy) friends from high school. She and Will are invited to this party where it is said they are...fiances! That is the first rather big twist of the story and this is where the plot builds from. It's a fake married trope with curves and twists for around 300-ish pages.

I have mixed feelings while reading this novel. I enjoyed the romance and I very much enjoyed the characters. However, I felt it was too fast-paced. Under 20% of the book, they have already started to develop romantic feelings for each other. It seemed to have happened rapidly without much build-up. That was one of the things that knocked a star off for me. I enjoy slow-paced romance novels.

As for the plot in general, I found it to be cute. I thought the concept was executed nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed when Lexi and Will would chat with each other. It was heartfelt and romantic at every turn! However, I found the route that the author took to irk me. I believe the book would have ended on a better note and left a better taste in my mouth had it been written a different way.

With that being said, this book was written exceptionally well and I loved it. Would I recommend this to my fellow readers when it comes out? Yes! Would I reread it? Yes, but this feels like a seasonal book to me. I would most likely reread it next year during the fall. All in all, this was a pleasant read!

Most definitely cute! I've been gravitating toward this genre lately and I don't regret picking this one up. Simple enough to be a breezy read but still enough depth to be worth it. An enjoyable read.

4/5⭐️ – A delightful fall rom-com that will sweep you off your feet!

When a struggling waitress crosses paths with a Seattle-based corporate heir and finds herself in a fake engagement, how could you not want to dive in?

Lexi and Will were adorable together! Will’s charming words and laid-back nature had me swooning throughout, and don’t even get me started on the apple-picking scene – the ideal fall date!

This book will leave you longing for your own autumn romance with a successful businessman who's ready to be your biggest supporter. The banter was top-notch, and the chemistry between them was absolutely swoon-worthy!

This book had so many of my absolute favorite romance tropes.

🍁 slow burn
🍁 fake engagement
🍁 he falls first
🍁 anxiety rep
🍁 opposites attract

“Don’t do that. Don’t diminish how amazing you are”

That line had me standing up clapping for every women in the world who has ever doubted herself in her head for one bit!

Thank you to St. Martins Press for an ARC copy of this cute romance!

I want to start by saying a HUGE thank you to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book was super cute!! For a fake dating, it managed to keep me interested and engaged while keeping the story unique and different. I was worried going into the book that I'd just be reading another fake dating with the same story of them falling for each other after realizing they enjoy each other's company, however, Sullivan managed to keep the book exciting and kept me coming back for more!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced reader copy.

I feel torn about this book, since the characters were very enjoyable to follow (Lexi and Will are cute and I just wanted to hug them). They had a sufficient amount of complexity to each of their characters. But the dialogue was really off-putting for me. It was as though there was no subtext that existed in the world of this novel--characters said exactly what they were thinking all the time, which didn't feel authentic.

Can’t Help Falling in Love tells the story of Lexi and Will, two people who couldn’t be more different. Coming from polar opposite backgrounds, Will – the guy born with a silver spoon in his mouth, growing up in an affluent family, and Lexi, who’s had to fight tooth and nail for everything she has, even sacrificing her own dreams (a promising future as a track star) after the sudden loss of her father.

Meeting in the most unlikely of circumstances, their relationship begins with a small lie told out of embarrassment - which then spirals into a big misunderstanding. As the two get to know each other more, sparks fly and it’s clear that something real is in bloom between them. Can Lexi and Will find their happily ever after – even though their relationship started on a lie?

This book is the perfect cozy fall read. While the chemistry between Will and Lexi is 100% palpable, the spice is closed door, lending to a sweet and innocent, heartfelt romance that’ll have you smiling throughout.

You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
💖 Fake dating
💖 Meet cute
💖 Friends-to-lovers
💖 Closed door spice

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Sophie Sullivan for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

4 stars for Can't Help Falling in Love! This was a cute rom-com book that had both humor and emotional depth. I was captured by Will and Lexi's love early on and was very interested to see how Will's family dynamics would play out. The book is set in Seattle during the fall season so it is perfect to get you in your cozy fall feelings.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Can't Help Falling in Love is available on September 17, 2024.

*** Truth or Treat ***

Truth: Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan is an adorable read with a blend of tropes, including fake dating, meet-cute, and one candy bucket. That’s similar to the one bed trope, right?
Truth: Lexi, the FMC, is a dedicated, hardworking, and caring woman who is navigating life’s struggles after her original plans were derailed by a tragic event. She’s scrappy and relentless with her perseverance.
Truth: Will is an MMC to swoon over. In an attempt to save Lexi from humiliation, Will steps in to support and get to know Lexi. He sees her from the very first interaction even when she doesn’t necessarily see herself.
Truth: The romance is centered on more than just love. If you are currently working through grief, you might want to ease into this read, especially if you’ve lost someone very close. I was intrigued by the healing journey of one of the side characters in addition to Lexi’s experience. The power of time and taking small steps of hope is beautifully depicted.
Treat: Sullivan packs this delightful story with fun fallish Hallmark vibes. From delicious treats to seasonal weather in Seattle to an abundance of glorious pumpkin decor. Drops of autumn bliss are everywhere.

Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Sophie Sullivan for allowing me to read the ARC of this charming story in exchange for my honest opinions. I rated it 3.5 stars.

Can’t Help Falling in Love is my fourth novel by Sophie Sullivan after enjoying two novels from the Jansen Brothers series, How to Love Your Neighbor and A Guide to Being Just Friends, and one novel from the Rock Bottom Love series, Love, Naturally. This story follows Lexi Danby, a struggling waitress in Seattle who also cares for her grieving mother after her father passed away. Will Grand, the heir to a major Seattle company, helps Lexi, but the situation ends with a fake engagement. I loved that the story was set in the fall as it created a great backdrop for each scene.

This story takes a bit to suspend belief as Lexi is “comically” bad as a waitress, which was a little over-the-top for me. She is also 26 and still cares a lot about high school. I am sure it may be true for some people, but I have yet to come across someone in real-life who cared as much as her by her age. While these parts of her character took a bit to connect with, the grieving and trying to figure things out portions were easier. The story is very Hallmark, in a way, as you have opposite characters who come from different worlds, start their relationship off with a lie, and then must navigate potentially having real feelings. It is a very sweet story that is perfect when you are in the mood for a nice easy romance. There is some insta-love, so I wish the story took more time to fully establish their chemistry as I thought it was lacking in some places. Overall, this was a good story and I look forward to reading more from Sullivan.

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Griffin, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

This was the first book that I have read by this author. I loved this book so much. I read it in one sitting. I will be looking for more books by this author. I would definitely recommend this book.

I really, really enjoyed this book. It was really cute and I liked all the characters. I really enjoyed reading through Lexi and Will's journey. I thought that Maisie was hilarious and that the book was well written.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book. This book has my whole heart. I absolutely adored this! From the incredible characters, to the plot, to falling in love with everything so quickly- I couldn’t put this down. I highly recommend this! It really just sucks you in and makes you never want to leave. In my opinion, those are the best books and I couldn't get enough.

Rating 4.5 Stars

I absolutely ADORED this story! For one the fake engagement trope I eat up every time because I just love seeing the main characters fall in love whilst faking to the world that they already are in love. Will and Lexi's relationship was great to see develop over time and I loved how Will fell so hard for her fast. I also loved the side characters in this story, especially Gwen's storyline. Being able to watch her overcome her grief in such a realistic manner was inspiring. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book for everyone who enjoys cozy romances!
Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for providing me a digital copy of this book for my honest review.

4.25 ⭐️
Even though the engagement is fake, what will and Lexi have is so cute! I absolutely loved their relationship and watching it grow. Unfortunately a part of me struggled with Lexi and how she continued to remind herself that what they have wasn’t “real” when yes, the engagement wasn’t, but they did have a real dating relationship throughout the book.
Even reading about Lexi’s mom Gwen and how she was struggling with getting past a loss and finding herself again is relatable when it comes to daily life and tasks that were once easy, now are not due to certain reasons.
This was such a cute, easy read and I absolutely loved it. A part of me hopes that more books will be written about this couple, or others within the story.

5/5 stars
1/5 spice (Fade to black)

Tropes:
Strangers to lovers
Fake engagement
Class differences
Opposites attract
Slow burn
He falls first
Dual POV

So I did NOT expect to get all emotional with this one. I honestly thought it was gonna be a cutesy romcom. It was, but there was so much more going on in the background of the romance that just hit me in the feels. Grief after death is such a hard topic to navigate, but this author did it justice. I felt for Lexi and her mom... I cried with them and celebrated their growth. And of course, Will was just such an amazing MMC. Swoony, kind, supportive, and funny. I loved seeing these two fall in love. It did feel close to insta-love, but it wasn't done in a way that was super cheesy. It just made sense for them because their chemistry was palpable from the start.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

Thank you to Saint Martins Press & NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was the perfect book for me to pick up and kick off my fall Reading. The setting in the PNW during Fall & Halloween was just perfect. Sophie Sullivan is such a comfort author for me, because her books feel like getting wrapped in a warm and cozy blanket. This is my new official favorite book of hers!

Will & Alexandria’s romance happened in a whirlwind, but I loved every second of it! I think I loved it so much not only because of the romance, but also because of the growth and learning we see Lexi go through. This story and storyline felt so real and raw because a lot of the feelings Lexi was having are things I think all of us struggled with when we were in our mid 20s! I loved seeing her grow and become more confident in herself; and I loved the way Will was there every step of the way to build her up and cheer her on!

There’s no spice, but don’t worry you won’t miss it because the story is just so cutesy and fun! You definitely want to add this book to your Fall TBR!!

Tropes:
-Dealing with grief
-Fake dating
-Fake engagement
-He falls first & harder
-Small town in PNW
-All the fall and Halloween activities and vibes

🍁🎃❤️🧡

I loved everything about this book and Lexi and Will’s journey and love story. A cozy, fall read that reminds us it’s ok to not have it all together.

This was such a cute story with humour, warmth, and with a great plot and writing. Will and Lexi had amazing chemistry and their meet cute was awkwardly funny. He was absolutely enamoured by Lexi from the moment he first saw her. The balance between the heavier topics and romance was done really well.

Lexi is a hard working and loyal daughter to her mother, who has been struggling through grief for a few years. She’s also super smart but with her insecurities and her own grief, she doesn’t allow herself to be happy and have fun. Will is a supportive, kind, and patient man, with a passion for doing what’s best for his family company. I really liked that throughout the book, Will tries to bring Lexi out of her comfort zone and slowly eases her out of her insecurity about not being good enough. Him being patient with her every step of the way was beautiful. I also really loved all the sweet and tender moments between Lexi and Will, they had me smiling throughout.

And the side characters! They were amazing! I loved Lexi’s best friend, Maisie, who is so supportive and always there for Lexi. And Will’s sisters were so charmingly funny and loyal. I loved them! I would really like to see a book about Maisie and Ethan! These characters were so relatable and real, and were such a joy to read about.

Overall, such a feel good romcom! Apple picking, beer tasting, Halloween party and crisp weather checked all the boxes for radiating cozy autumnal vibes with an absolutely perfect ending!

🍂 Fake Engagement
🧡 Dual POV
🍂 Slow burn
🧡 He falls first
🍂 No spice
🧡 Opposites Attract

Thank you NetGalley for the arc❣️

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for the free copy for review.

I couldn't help but fall in love with Lexi and Will in this sweet story. Lexi, a devoted daughter with big dreams, harbors a deep-seated fear of love's uncertainties. Will, grounded despite his affluent upbringing, wasn't searching for romance until he found himself in a charming charade with Lexi. As their fake dating scenario evolves into something real, the tension mounts as they each confront their personal challenges and vulnerabilities.

The secondary characters add depth and warmth to the narrative. Will's sisters are relatable and endearing, providing humor and camaraderie, while Lexi's mother, with her journey through grief and moving forward, captures the heart. I found myself rooting for Lexi and Will, my heart resonating with Lexi’s mom, and absolutely loving Will’s sisters, who I could easily relate to.

Ultimately, this story offers more than just the comforting glow of romance; it poignantly explores the themes of fear and the grief of losing loved ones. It's a satisfying read that encompasses everything I seek in a romance novel. A perfect book to curl up with for fans of meet cute, fake dating, intricate family dynamics, and characters who linger in your heart long after the last page is turned.

Endless thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

3.5 stars overall! This book was adorable from the start. From the sweet meet cute between Lexie and Will, to the way things unfold, I was interested in the story the entire time. I really liked the journey Lexie goes on, learning more about the person she's become, the dreams that have changed, and the strength she needed to see past her flaws but look at her accomplishments, too. Will was adorable and supportive, but I wish he had some sort of flaw. He was almost too perfect. But who am I to complain about flawless men in a romance novel, anyway. I really enjoyed reading about how Sullivan depicted the grief of a spouse and how people navigate and endure through it; I found it to be incredibly poignant.
Also, the fall vibes? Fantastic. And the cover? Perfection.
Overall, such a cute and enjoyable read!