✨ Publication date: September 17, 2024✨

Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan is a closed door romance with great characters and witty banter!

Lexi Danby is a horrible waitress and even her understanding boss and coworkers are hitting their limit but Lexi needs this job. After losing her father and having to quit college to help her mother sort out their finances she has no choice but to take a second job, even if she’s terrible at it.

Lexi was once a college track star with so much ahead of her. She let all her friendships and old life lapse so when her old group of friends show up at her restaurant she lets them assume she is there with the cute guy at the next table to avoid embarrassment.

Will Grand is one of Seattle’s sought after bachelors. The heir to a family business, his mother is desperate to have him meet someone from their social circle and settle down. He’s tired of his mother’s meddling so when the cute waitress that was serving him pulls him into her charade he quickly agrees until the press catches wind.

An innocent charade over lunch has turned into a full blown fake engagement. Will and Lexie agree to ride it out but in the meantime they start spending time together and developing real feelings. Things are getting serious and don’t feel so fake anymore. Lexie never wanted this but Will is determined to make her see how good they could be together….for real!

This was a cute book with good character chemistry! This is a four star read for me!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #sophiesullivan #canthelpfallinginlove

My main issue with this book is that I felt like I got to about 65% and I still didn’t really know the characters, nor did I think they really knew much about each other. It seemed like most of the time when one was talking about the other, it was about how much they liked each other but I felt like I was missing the part where they actually got to know one another.

I also wished I had more explanation as to why, seemingly randomly, Will’s parents were so awful when everyone else in the generations above and below were wonderful? It didn’t make a lot of sense to me.

This is a fantastic fall romance! When you are ready for cooler temps and sweater weather, grab a cozy blanket and this book! It is filled with the best fall activities and two characters you will fall in love with. I love a good meet cute and fake engagement, and Sophie Sullivan delivered.

Can’t help falling in love is a cute, quick read! I love a fake dating trope, and it really delivered.

When Lexi runs into a group of girls from high school at a restaurant Will steps in to help her pretend she is out with him, instead of serving him. One thing leads to another and they are attending one of the girls' engagement parties and have to keep up the fake relationship.
As far as romance stories go, I'm always a sucker for a good fake relationship, and this one checks all the boxes. Very cute story that I couldn't put down!

This is the first book that I have read from Sophie, and I will definitely be reading more. This was a cute, slow burn that was written beautifully. There were so many different aspects to this storyline and Sophie brings each and every one out in the pages.
Lexi is trying. She is a waitress while working another job, taking care of her mother and going to school. She is doing the best that she can. But one day her so called friends from school come into the restaurant where she works. She can't face them. She sits down at the table with Will and pretends that they are a couple. From there this story starts the slow burn towards love.
Will is sick of his mother trying to get involved in his love life. He wants to be able to find someone on his own. But he is a huge part of the family business, and his family wants to control his life.
Lexi and Will agree to date be fake dating so to speak but a couple. But as the days go by these two realize that there is so much more between them. But will it be enough?
I absolutely loved Lexi. Her character is absolutely amazing. The struggle that she faces on a day-to-day basis. Trying to reach her own dreams and goals while trying to get her mother out of her own grieve. There are some very touching moments in this storyline and Sophie does one amazing job writing them. Her writing style is very unique, and you can clearly feel each and every emotion while reading this book. I can't wait to read more from her.

This was a super cute fall themed rom com that is perfect for the fall season. It's cute, fun, and just what you need out of a romance novel when you're looking for a good palate cleanser or light read. And di I mention it's perfect for fall???

Lexi Danby is at rock bottom no where near where she thought she would be at this time in her life..or so she thought. Lexi, meet the basement to rock bottom. While waitressing, a group of her high school besties walk in and there was no way she was letting them see what her life had become. Thanks to one of her other customers, she won’t have to show them what has become of her. Enter Will, her knight in shining armor.

I ended up loving this book! In the beginning I struggled. I even had thoughts of DNF’ing because it was just a bit too slow and not grabbing me. I AM SO GLAD I kept reading! This was such an array of emotions wrapped up in a book and I was not expecting it. I felt grief, happiness, anger, annoyance, and love radiate through out. Such a cute closed door romance! I would highly recommend this book and author!

This was a sweet story 💕 I loved following along on the journey with the characters! I felt like I had a smile on my face from beginning to end.

There wasn't anything I particularly loved, and nothing I didn't like. It was just okay for me. A sweet, easy read story, that kept me engaged throughout.

This was the first by this author for me, and I look forward to checking out some more 💕💕

I loved this book!

It has it all. A Fake Engagement (one of my favorite tropes), some spice, and such fun characters.

Sullivan writes such amazing characters, I loved the depth she found in Lexi and Will.

This book is the perfect fall read. If you are looking for a cozy read, this is it!

Sophie Sullivan is one of the comforting authors I grab when looking for a book; I know exactly what I will get out of it. In Can't Help Falling in Love is a charming rom-com with all the seasonal trimmings: cozy flannels, pumpkin patches, and the undeniable spark of a seemingly mismatched pair pretending they’re head-over-heels in love. With her signature lighthearted touch and endearing characters, Sullivan delivers a delightful, if somewhat predictable, tale that will keep fans of fake engagement tropes and cozy fall reads hooked from start to finish. It is a heartwarming love story filled with flirty banter. Autumn adventure and a dose of holiday magic make it the perfect escape.

Tropes:
Fake Engagement
Opposites-Attract
Found Family
Meet Cute

Arc received from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've been having a blast reading Sophie's work - I just finished a series of her's - and this one is a new favorite! If you're looking for fall vibes and fake engagement fun, I would absolutely recommend this super fun story!

BOOK REVIEW: Can't Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan
2024 Publication Date: September 17

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Contemporary Romance
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2024

Pages: 304
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sub-Genre: Fake Relationship Romance | Romantic Comedy
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶 (Mild Spicy)
Time Period: Contemporary
Location: Seattle, OR (US)
Publisher: St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin

BOOK QUOTE: "I know you're tired but it's because you're so close to the finish line... Dig deeper..." — Can't Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan

--------------------

All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Thank you, NetGalley and Publisher, for this ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.

I've read a lot of fake dating/marriage/engagement books in the past. While they can have a tendency to be repetitive, this one felt like a breath of fresh air. It has well-written characters who experience realistic growth throughout the novel and issues. Specifically, the portrayal of grief was something I think was wonderfully done; however, it did drag on at times, and the writing felt repetitive toward the end.
Side Note: The format of the Arc made it challenging to read at times, but I chose to separate that from the review

Can't Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan: 4 Stars

Five Reasons to Read Can't Help Falling in Love:

1. Fake Dating Trope—I personally love the fake dating trope. It's a lot of fun and often involves laugh-out-loud moments, which this book does and does well.

2. Poignant Plot Threads— Nothing makes RomComs better than a thread of a more poignant story threaded through it. In this story, Lexi and her mom are dealing with grief - debilitating, life-altering grief. Witnessing their growth as they slowly worked through their loss gave me all the feels.

3. Relatable FMC - Lexi, the main character, is a hardworking individual who strives to keep her and her mom afloat. Despite her admirable work ethic, she grapples with self-confidence and overall self-worth. While this aspect of her character may not always be enjoyable, it certainly makes her more relatable to readers, adding a personal touch to the story.

4. A Swoon-worthy MMC— Will, the male lead, is a character that will make your heart flutter. Handsome, rich, and not afraid to help Lexi and her mother work through their emotional challenges, he is the epitome of a swoon-worthy love interest.

5. Perfect Fall Coziness—The story is sweet and full of all the feels that create a sense of inner warmth and peace, making it the ideal read for a cozy fall evening.

Why Not Five Stars:
Though I love many aspects of Sophie Sullivan's Can't Help Falling in Love, the pacing caused me trouble at different points in the story. While the characters and plot were engaging, there were moments where the narrative felt either rushed or dragged, disrupting the overall flow. Despite this, the novel's charm and heartwarming elements still make it enjoyable.

Sophie Sullivan always has the sweetest stories. They are always surface level, and I’m okay with that. Sometimes you need a good palate cleanser and her books are perfect for that

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC for Can't Help Falling in Love, in exchange for an honest review.

*Can't Help Falling in Love* follows Lexi and Will, an odd couple thrown together by a misunderstanding that leads to a publicized fake engagement. Their initial mismatched circumstances set the stage for a surprisingly sweet romance.

From the outset, Lexi and Will's dynamic is both charming and entertaining. Their witty banter and the chemistry that simmers beneath the surface make it easy to root for them as they navigate the complexities of their fake relationship. I loved witnessing their transformation—from pretending to be in love to genuinely falling for each other. The bond that forms between them is beautifully portrayed, making their journey all the more satisfying.

What impressed me the most was how Sullivan tackled heavier themes, like grief, within the context of this love story. The characters are relatable, with realistic worries and emotions that add depth to the narrative. Sullivan’s writing is engaging and flows smoothly, making it hard to put the book down.

If you're seeking a charming and well-crafted romance that embodies the warmth and joy of love—complete with all the tropes of a fake relationship—then *Can't Help Falling in Love* is a must-read. It’s a story that will leave you feeling fuzzy inside and definitely one to add to your to-read list!
3.75 Stars!

3.5 stars!
I love Sophie Sullivan's writing! I think she writes great romcoms that are quick reads and easy to escape into! Can't Help Falling in Love had characters that feel like a warm hug. I think this book spoke of such healthy relationship dynamics, which is great! However, I was hoping for a bit more drama to keep me intrigued throughout the entirety of the book. I think that the grief was properly demonstrated and handled with such care, I think Lexi and Will are relatable characters depending on the person. You are either relating to Lexi because you are struggling with your identity and what you want in life. Or you are relating to Will because of expectations place on you that you feel you need to exceed. This is a closed door romance, which I do not mind. I do however wish we got to read about their intimacy physically as much as we did emotionally. Overall, I did enjoy this book and thought that it was a cute story.
Can't Help Falling in Love is a fun and quick romance read that you cant help but fall in love with Lexi and Will's story!
Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the eARC!

I really enjoyed the story line of this book. I loved that it took place in the fall. Fake dating is one of my faves so i loved the fake engagement. The mental health representation after loss was well done. I did feel a bit confused when sometimes the mom was referenced to as mom and other times as Gwen, it just sometimes felt like it was talking about a different person. I also felt like sometimes it was in a different POV, not POV between characters, but more so 1st vs 3rd person POV. overall I did really enjoy the book even with the couple things mentioned above. I'm so glad I got to read this during this fall season.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to arc read this novel!

This was your basic fake engagement romcom where they realize they were meant to be together all along, nothing really stood out. It was cute but nothing mindblowing.