Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I DNFed this book at 50%. However, I have read enough of it to provide appropriate feedback.

This book follows our two main characters, Lexi and Will, who find themselves in an awkward situation. Everyone thinks they're engaged! While Lexi works her second job as a waitress, a group of her old high school friends stop by. After seeing them for the first time in years, Lexi doesn't want them to think she has led an unsuccessful life. But after her friends mistake Will, a patron of the restaurant, for her hunky boyfriend, things spiral from there. With neither Will nor Lexi being in a place where they can have a long-term relationship, will these two crazy kids end up together or just as a one-time fling?

Let me start with the things I liked about the book.

-It's set in Seattle. That's cool. I, too, am a PNW girly, and I love Seattle. It's always fun to see it represented.
-I like Will's friends. They seem nice.

And that's it. I wish it wasn't, but there just was not enough in this book to keep my interest.

Moving into the dislikes.

-It was crazy to know that Lexi is in her late 20s and still obsessed with high school. Why would she care what these people think? There is literally a line in the book that says, "Maybe there is life after high school and heartbreak." I cackled when I read that because it is an insane thing for someone close to 30 to think. Lexi has been out of High school for almost a decade. I'm pretty sure most people stop thinking about it as soon as they graduate. This immediately makes her feel very childish and unsympathetic to me.

-When describing this book to people, I often say it feels like something I would read in High school and be super excited about. It just matches what a 16-year-old thinks about people in their late 20s. There's even a moment where one of her old friends talks about making partner at her law firm. PARTNER. OF A LAW FIRM. BEFORE 30. That's crazy and so unrealistic. A quick Google search confirms that making a partner happens much later. I know this is a small detail, but it really threw me.

-Now, I don't mind fake dating I would even say I enjoy it. But we can all admit that the way the couple enters fake dating is always a little cringe and contrived. Because how could it not be, right? People don't find themselves in fake dating relationships this often. So my one rule for the 'fake dating inciting incident' is that even if it's cringe, it has to be kind of silly and fun. This book fails at that pretty hard. It is only cringey. I cannot fathom why Lexi would not correct these people nor why Will would have any interest in this charade. The whole scene is uncomfortable and deeply unbelievable. If Will weren't a random stranger and maybe a regular that she occasionally flirted with or had some kind of repertoire with, it would make this scene a little better and more believable. But he's a complete stranger who's had his order messed up, and a drink spilled on him. In what world is this man going to bat for this woman?

-The two main characters have absolutely no chemistry. The banter is stilted and rarely funny. And every conversation these two had was roughly the same thing. Both character's inner thoughts were wildly repetitive.

-The escalation from fake dating to fake engagement was crazy. It felt like whiplash, and I could not figure out why her friends would have made that mistake when they first showed up at that party. There was nothing from their first meeting to suggest that these two people were engaged. Why would they think that? Better yet, why would Lexi and Will go with it? And WHY would they repeat the lie later? I cannot understand the logic of this book.

-Lexi and Will are way too into each other for people who barely know each other. Lexi is weirdly possessive, and Will is way too into it.

Outside of the above-listed things, there were several inconsistencies that I will chalk up to being an ARC, but I'll still mention them in case some of them were on purpose.

-When Lexi takes a fry from Will's plate, she describes it as tasking like sawdust, yet everyone ever in this book says the food at this restaurant is good. So why does the fry taste bad?

-When we first meet Lexi's mom, she refers to her as both mom and Gwen. This was so confusing that I thought a third person was in the room. She does this later in the book as well and I would highly advise the author to pick one and not have them both.

-When Will has his little sister over to the house, he offers her a bottle of water, but a couple of paragraphs later, a sentence says he took a sip of his pop. He is not drinking pop.

Overall, this book feels half-baked and lacks all of the charm needed to be a fun fake dating rom-com.

Loved this fake-dating to true love story of lovable struggling waitress Lexi and cinnamon roll rich hero Will. Lots of interesting family dynamics and great supporting characters make this a must-read romance. Hope this is just a first in a series. Thanks to @Netgalley, @stmartinspress and @macmillanusa for this ARC. The opinions are all my own.

This was the first romance book I've actually finished and I loved it. Reading it made me feel giddy like having my first crush. The author did a great job with being descriptive of the scenes and characters- I could imagine everything clearly! I would recommend this book to anyone who is either starting in romance or wants something light and fun to read.

Here's your warning

This is a book you are going to be so upset about when you finish.

I really miss Lexi

As an avid "thriller/suspense" reader, I am extremely particular when it comes to stepping outside my preferred genre. Sophie Sullivan, is what I like to call a "no brainer". I know if Sullivan, is writing it, I will be reading it and never once has she failed me.

Can’t Help Falling in Love, is a book that needs to be purchased by all, never mind your "preferred" genre. This book is literary gold. I hung on Sullivan’s every word. I fell in love with ALL of the characters, especially Lexi, and this book brought me to my knees, bellied over laughing!!!

This is by far one of the best rom-com's I have ever read.

Check out this teaser :

A struggling waitress and the heir to a major Seattle company stumble into a high-profile fake engagement while simultaneously trying to keep up with their own love lives in this flirty fall rom-com!

Lexi Danby is looking for some no-strings, fall fun. Once a college track star, she was forced to drop out when her father passed away. Now she’s trying to make ends meet while putting herself through school and caring for her grieving mother. When her comically bad waitressing lands her directly in the path of a handsome, charming stranger named Will, Lexi may just have found the distraction she’s been looking for. Their first date looks promising until a misunderstanding at a party thrusts Lexi and Will into a fake engagement they can’t talk themselves out of. And Will turns out to be a member of Seattle royalty.

Will Grand is heir to a major company, and Seattle’s most eligible bachelor. But he’s been placed in charge of an important merger with a company that values family above all else, and needs to show them that he’s settled down. While a fake engagement is advantageous from a business standpoint, it’s not so great for a budding relationship with a woman who’s wary of commitment. With a woman who Will is beginning to care about much more than he could have anticipated.

As Lexi gets a taste of Will’s glamorous world and the pair keeps up the pretense of their fake engagement for the press, they decide to see where a more casual relationship takes them out of the spotlight. And amid apple picking in comfy flannels, outdoor breweries in the crisp air, and fun Halloween preparations, Lexi starts to realize the scariest part of the season might just be taking a chance on love.

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.