This was way cuter than I thought it would be! 3.75 stars!

The Details:
Can't Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan

Quick Summary:
Lexi and Will meet-cute at a restaurant where Lexi is a waitress but pretends not to be a waitress when she sees her old high school friends and pretends to be in a relationship with Will. A few misunderstandings later, they're fake-engaged but real-dating.

My Take:
I'm usually very much not into the fake dating thing, but this worked so well. There was no "pretending" that they weren't interested, and they were both very honest and communicated well - love that! The banter and swoon levels, and just overall vibe were 10/10. I really enjoyed it as a light, quick, beachy read. I didn't give it a higher rating just because it was very light and some parts were a bit heavy-handed.

One of the best romance book I’ve read! It took me a few pages in to get hooked, but I ended up loving the chemistry between Lexi and Will. This book is somewhat like a fairytale but with hints of reality in it.

I can instantly relate to Lexi’s present, where you’re not where you’re hoping to be, and meeting someone like Will is just too good to be true in her life. I love how their relationship kicks off and how Lexi tries to be, but in the end sometimes you just can’t help falling in love.

What a perfect fall romance from Sophie Sullivan! I loved the instant chemistry between Lexi and Will and the dual POV really allows the reader to get to know each character as an individual. An adorable meet-cute plus a fake engagement had me hooked from the beginning. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story has one of those rare and special connections that I have not often found in a romance novel and that is that both MMC's genuinely like each other right from the start. Characters who have an immediate connection and actually like spending time together makes for an enjoyable reading experience. Both characters go through funny situations that end up with them needing to pretend to be engaged which leads to some difficult and hilarious moments for both parties.
While there are definitely moments that feel unrealistic and a bit far fetched, this is an overall enjoyable and sweet story.

I absolutely adored this book! It was a delightful blend of sweetness, fun, and lightheartedness—a true feel-good read. The marriage engagement of convenience trope was executed brilliantly, breathing fresh life into a classic theme.

I loved getting to know Will and Lexi both as individuals and as a couple. They had ample page time apart, which allowed their characters to be fully developed, revealing their wants, needs, and personalities. This depth of characterization made their relationship feel genuine and relatable. My favorite moments were when Will and Lexi were enjoying themselves, free from the stresses of their lives. Their meet-cute was one of the best I’ve read in a while—charming, unexpected, and utterly delightful.

The friends and family of Will and Lexi were wonderful, providing the kind of support we all wish we had in real life. Will’s sisters were standout characters, whether they were present or not, adding layers to Will’s backstory and emotional depth. Ethan, Will’s best friend, added humor and a touch of chaos with his life’s ups and downs, leaving a memorable mark on the story. His antics and loyalty provided much-needed comic relief and warmth. Maisie, Lexi’s best friend, was the ideal support system. Her unwavering support and insightful advice helped Lexi navigate the complexities of her situation, making her a character everyone would want by their side.

The side characters truly built the foundation of this book. Each of them was well-crafted and contributed significantly to the narrative, making the story richer and more engaging. Their interactions with Will and Lexi added authenticity to the plot and highlighted the importance of community and support in overcoming life's challenges.

Overall, this book was a sweet, fun, and heartwarming read that left me with a smile on my face. The well-drawn characters, engaging plot, and delightful romance make it a must-read for anyone looking for a light and uplifting story.

This was my first Sophie Sullivan book and my first fake engagement trope book I’ve read! I would say hands down. That Lexi and Will were the cutest! It was an enjoyable read, but I felt like a lot of parts were repetitive and we needed more from the characters. I typically connect with characters instantly, but unfortunately it didn’t happen with these two. I would say if you are looking for a quick rom-con summer read, this one is perfect! :)

Thank you so much NetGalley for my first ARC ever! :’)

I loved the premise of this one, but I found myself struggling immensely, even from the start. I’m all for details in a story, but the emphasis on how poor of a waitress the FMC was was too much. From there I felt like it was a lot of the same - so many details on the page and not enough happening to keep me interested.

Can't Help Falling In Love is a pretty fast paced book. It follows Lexi and Will as they unexpectedly (through a little white lie that grew on its own) become engaged.

I love Will and Lexi's relationship, they're so cute and sweet. He respects her and her choices, he helps her while respecting and actually listens to her.
We meet Will from the first chapter and the story begins immediately.
It was a bit of insta love, but it wasn't too bad. It was more of they were instantly interested in each other and grew to love each other as they got to know each other.
Despite the fake engagement making an early appearance in the book, their relationship actually developed slowly. I love how even though it has the fake engagement trope it doesn't follow the same formula. It's more of it happened and we like each so why not keep it going.
I LOVED that Lexi isn't afraid to defend herself and those around her. She's not a meek damsel in distress. She knows what she wants and doesn't let others push her to the side. She's a great example of how life doesn't always have to follow this straight path everyone has their own path in life.
Her relationship with her mom was as beautiful as it was sad. She was put into the caretaker position, although it disrupted the path she was taking she never let any of that stop her.
What can I say about Will and Lexi they are perfect for each other and their relationship is a dream. Their chemistry is EVERYTHING. I will 100% be picking up more
Sophie Sullivan books.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / St. Martin’s Griffin for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest opinions.

This unfortunately was a DNF for me I made it to about 30% and just couldn't do it. I didn't connect to either of the characters and was not sure how they fell for each other so quickly after an extremely awkward meeting. The drama felt very contrived and why they pretended to be together seemed a little unrealistic again for basically two strangers. The writing was fine and I'm sure there is an audience for this book but it just wasn't for me. I hate not finishing a book but there was nothing bringing me back to this book and never felt anymore invested when I tried to pick it up. I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc.

I really enjoyed this!

This the kind of story I like to find in a romance genre book. I even wouldn’t have minded if it had been a bit longer. This is also a rare time I wish these books had an illustration or two; I want to see Gwen’s miniatures!

There were, however, some glaring continuity errors I don’t usually come across in an ARC at this stage. Listed as follows:

Chapter 5: “Will pulled open the fridge and grabbed a couple bottles of 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿, passing Kyra one.”
Four paragraphs down: “Will nearly snorted the 𝗽𝗼𝗽 through his nose.”

End of chapter 7: “You are an intriguing man, Will Grand.” Neither knows the other’s last name yet.

Chapter 21: “It was large, big enough for a corner desk nook. He had several 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 books over the desk…” more books? Where were the original books?

Chapter 36: it’s not Elastic Girl, it’s Elastigirl

Chapter 37: “One who got to have over twenty years beside the person who knew her best?” Lexi is 25. Shouldn’t Gwen and her husband be closer to, or over, 30 years together before his death?

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘵. 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯'𝘴 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘯/𝘚𝘵. 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯'𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

Fake engagements ar Emy favorite and this one hits the mark for me. I’ve loved every book from Sophie Sullivan thus far and this one may be my new favorite.

Short synopsis:
A struggling waitress stumbles into a fake engagement with Seattle’s hottest bachelor. They try to keep up with their own lives, the chance of falling and their fake engagement all at once.


My Review: *slight spoilers below
This is my first Sophia book, and what a cute read!
I was honestly hooked from the beginning with the writing style and the little chemistry that shines through in just the first few chapters. As we follow Lexi, I had immediately connected with her. She is just a girl, trying to make it through life since she was dealt some not so fair things.

I believe this book really shows how so many things in life change you and it’s okay to love all the versions of yourself. You do not stay the same person you were in HS, or when you go through a traumatic event. The author, Sophia, showed this beautifully, and made me connect with our main character even more. Sophia also shows that no one is alone with feeling like they never lived up to their potential from HS.

Let’s talk romance! I am not one to like a ton of insta-love type stories, and I hear some call this one of those. I actually found it very different than the others I have read in the past. The chemistry started with him being a customer, and her being a not so great waitress. This led to misunderstandings that lead into fake-dating/fake-engagement. (My fav!)

The love they show for one another is kind, and gentle. It was honestly a breath of fresh air with how they treated one another, and talked through things. OF COURSE we have that part where there is a riff in the relationship, but it just hit differently.

Pros of the book:
- THEIR CODE WORD.
- How this man didn’t once think that our main character wasn’t enough for him or his family. (Her not coming from money.)
- How the author brought up harder topics —- death of a loved one, change and all types of relationships. (Friendship, Relative, romantic.)
- With the death being brought up, I just adored and appreciated how it talked about you not being the person you were when they were alive. That this is okay, and we are allowed to grieve not only them, but ourselves.
- Will realizing falling so hard so fast, and talking to us (the audience) about how some of it is Lust, and that he needs to slow it down.
- Background queer (lesbian) rep!
- Showing how all people go through harassment/cat calling.
- Mentioning two of my favorite things! (The Kiss Quotient & Nick Jonas!)

Con’s of the book:
- When they were playing the game of guess whose name is on your back —- I didn’t like that they used the “overeating in the states” comment that Michelle Obama made. The way it was said, just seemed unnecessary and could have used a different clue.
- (This is just a personal, dumb opinion —-) I HATE that the store is called Grand Babies. 😂

Thank you Netgalley, and to the publisher for allowing me to read this E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Sophie Sullivan read, and I can happily say I’ve become a fan. Grab a blanket and cozy up, because this is the perfect fall romance read!

“But everything about Alexandria Danby made him feel like he wasn’t driving this vehicle, he was just along for the ride.”

✨ Meet Cute
✨ Fake Dating / Fake Engagement
✨ He Falls First
✨ Opposites Attract
🌶️: closed door romance

Alexandria “Lexi” Darby is a lot of things, but a good waitress is not one of them.

When old high school friends show up at the restaurant Lexi works at, she all but panics when she learns how successful in life and love they’ve been since  last crossing paths. Lexi on the other hand has been struggling. She’s juggling two jobs to barely make ends meet, trying to finish school to earn her degree, and making sure to keep the roof over their heads for her and her grieving mother.

Luckily, Lexi has made an impression on Will Grand - one of the customers seated at her table and he agrees to play along into the scheme of being her fake boyfriend. When a misunderstanding happens at a party Lexi wakes up to news of not only her fake engagement, but to news that her new fake fiancée is the heir to a major company and one of Seattle’s “former” most eligible bachelors.

Lexi needs to continue to preserve this new reputation she has among her friends, and Will needs to keep his mother at bay from playing match maker with all of Seattle’s socialite candidates. Will suggests keeping up the fake engagement pretenses, but to actually explore a real relationship beneath the surface. When feelings start to turn real, can Will convince commitment wary Lexi that their relationship can be just as real as the world thinks it is?

Lexi and Will had my entire heart from start to finish!! Their characters are relatable and their character development was top tier. While this book contains all the fluff, humor and banter, Sullivan also does a great job including themes of societal differences,  mental health and grief.

I was also a huge fan of a few of the side characters in this book and I am holding out hope for a second book with Ethan!

This story charms with its endearing characters and a delightful meet-cute. While the romance unfolds quickly and sweetly, the characters' backstories feel rushed, leaving readers with unanswered questions about their past and motivations. Despite this, the novel remains a light and enjoyable escape, perfect for those seeking a quick summer read.

this was my first sophie sullivan book, and it certainly will not be my last. i absolutely ate this book up! i LOVE fake dating/fake engagement books and this one was done so well. i completely fell head over heels for will and i just adored lexi’s character too; they had such a sweet meet-cute!!! this was such a sweet, swoon-worthy, and and fresh story.

thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the arc copy! i loved this one so much!

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of can’t help falling in love.

I’ve read other books by Sophie Sullivan and really enjoyed them. I just couldn't connect with Lexi and Will in this book.

I usually love when there are many side characters but I feel like it took away from the main couple. It all seemed very unbelievable.

Perfect for a cute and cozy romance this fall!! It includes one of my favorite tropes, fake dating/engagement, and I knew I’d enjoy it! Loved the banter and chemistry between these two!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Sophie Sullivan for the chance to read/review an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

This was my first read from Sophie Sullivan, but it won’t be my last! The story line sucked me in almost immediately, and reading this felt like I was cozied up with a hot cup of tea watching a Hallmark movie.

Can’t Help Falling In Love is a light and easy read that follows the story of Will and Lexi from their meet cute at a restaurant, through the ups and downs of their fake engagement and then real dating. Lexi is relatable to what I was like as a 25 year old and Will is my favorite kind of cinnamon roll.

The story dragged in parts, and there were a couple times where it felt like the story jumped to a new part without leading up to it. I also don’t usually prefer closed door, but overall I recommend this book to anyone looking for a cute and cozy read, fake dating/engagement and fun banter.

Thank you, NetGalley, Sophie Sullivan and St. Martin Press for the opportunity to give an honest review of this ARC.

Like a perfect fall-themed Hallmark movie! Made me want to curl up in my blanket with a warm beverage.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for sending me this arc!

Such a cute story where the characters continue to just be drawn to one another. It was kind of predictable but over all it was a really cute story.