Everything that Charlie has been through has shown her that any vulnerability she shows is nothing more than a way to hurt her so instead the demeanor she shows the world is brash and uncaring. When she is mandated to attend therapy, it brings Luke into her life, and he is not content to just take her actions or her words at face value.

Luc has a difficult past of his own, but he has chosen a different path. Instead of showing his emotions he keeps then hidden but there is something about Charlie that he finds both intriguing and infuriating and she makes him feel alive for the first time in a long time.

The feelings between them run deep, there are moments of humor as well as emotion as Charlie and Luc must make peace with their past so that they can open their hearts to love and a future together.

Can't Help Falling in Love by Mariah Ankenman, book three in the Jackson Family Distillery series, is a humorous, heartwarming, and deeply emotional story that explores the challenges of being unidentified as having ADHD and the chaos it has on one’s life, as well as how loving someone with addiction effects a person.

Charlie acts hardheaded and thick-skinned after having lost everything and everyone she ever loved; her way to protect her heart and hide her softer side. She is spontaneous and disorganized. After growing up angry after living with and dealing with an alcoholic father, Luc was forced into therapy. After being mentored by his therapist, he became one; currently at the hospital in town. From their awkward meet-cute, to Luc leading the anger management class Charlie was ordered to take, the chemistry and attraction between these two were evident. I adored these two together and the way they complemented each other; Luc helped Charlie find a bit of calmness while Charlie helped Luc remember the joy in spontaneity.

Ms. Ankenman wrote a humorous, charming, heartfelt, and endearing romance that I could not put down and should not be missed. I laughed, teared up and smiled throughout the book. The things that Charlie and Luc had experienced in their lives and the obstacles that they had to go through before finding their HEA are heartbreaking and very relatable. They were perfect for each other; warming my heart watching their love and growth. This is an emotional tale rich with attraction, chemistry, clever banter, humor, and a wonderful cast of secondary characters, Charlie and Luc get the love and future they deserve. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
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Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

I read this book in one sitting and I loved every second of it. The chemistry and passion between Charlie and Luc was undeniable and sizzling. They were made for each other.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a bad girl/good guy romance then you’re going to love it.

When everything you’ve ever loved has either left you or been taken away, of course you’re going to protect your heart. This is where we learn about the ‘softer’ side of the fierce Jackson sister. I’ve always loved Charlie’s take-no-prisoners attitude, so it was positively enlightening to discover what made her tick. And Luc? Oh boy. I couldn’t help but feel for him. I recognize big pieces in my own past in the events that had shaped him. I adored these two together, even when they made me doubt the wisdom of the pairing. I loved seeing Charlie find a little bit of calm, and Luc remember the joy in spontaneity. And now I absolutely can’t wait to find out what it will take to bring the last single Jackson to his knees.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

Mariah Ankenman’s Can’t Help Falling in Love is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and deep emotional resonance. While the novel delivers plenty of laughs with its unique and entertaining premise, it also tackles the challenges of loving someone with addiction, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

The character development is one of the book’s strongest aspects. Both leads feel well-rounded, and their journey is filled with moments that make you root for them every step of the way. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the way their relationship unfolds—starting with a hilarious meet-cute—keeps the story engaging and fresh.

Ankenman masterfully balances the lighthearted and the heavy, ensuring that the emotional weight of addiction and its impact on family is handled with care and realism. It’s this balance that makes the story feel so genuine, allowing readers to laugh, swoon, and even shed a tear.

Overall, Can’t Help Falling in Love is a charming, heartfelt romance that delivers both comedy and depth. If you enjoy romances that make you laugh while also tugging at your heartstrings, this is a must-read.

Oh dear oh dear. I fell for it. My cynical heart falls for these novels every time. This is surely the wonder of books. Or the wonder of good books.
I especially liked this because although it has the tropes. It didn't cross a line that has started to become a little uncomfortable in a few. That seems more fall into or be an excuse for sexism, control or "trad" values sometimes. So I must admit to coming at some books with too much barrier ready attitude.
But then there are those books that just give good swoon without being wrong.
This book did it. Yay! I am rather behind I think thoguh as I've now discovered there are more to this family and I've missed others in the series. I shall have to remedy that now.

I really like how it covered real topics. How it was sensitive yet not cliche or just adding bits for the sake of "clicks " type content. It was just really.great writing and so brilliant reading.
And I was rooting for our pair from the start. And if it wasn't a happy ending I would genuinely have been upset.
In this books we have Charlie. Who has a smidgen too much anger running through her and her reactions. So sent to an anger management course she is not happy.
Less happy is the volunteer leader of the class Luc. He's seen far too much anger in his life due to his own family. And has been far to hurt by it.
But when these two meet. Wow. It's not anger but real spicy but also tender emotions at play. And I loved it.

I cannot thank Mariah Ankenman or Netgalley enough for supplying me with the ARC of this book.

I enjoyed it so much, as I expected to after reading other books of hers. The banter, tension and spice were just right. Her characters are always so though out and it is so easy to understand and feel what they are feeling. I laughed, teared up and smiled throughout the book. The things that Charlie and Luc had experienced in their lives and the obstacles that they had to go through before finding their HEA are heartbreaking and very relatable. They are such a great balance to each other and it warmed my heart seeing their love and growth. I am so excited to continue reading about the Jacksons!

I am so happy that I came across Mariah Ankenman on Instagram and started reading her books. If you love neurodivergent characters, sassy females, swoon worthy males, banter and spice then you will absolutely love her.

Woohoo, another part in the Jackson Family Distillery! I am a big fan of Mariah Ankenman's books and of course I have read Crazy Little Thing Called Love about Delta and Somebody To Love about Bravo. And now it's Charlie's turn. (See a pattern here: The eldest brother is called Alpha :-)).

Charlie has been raised among her three brothers. So, she can defend herself pretty good. Maybe a little too good, according to the judge who sentenced her to an anger management class. Together with (crabby) Apple, the elderly lady we had already met in the previous parts of the series, Charlie has to suffer through the lessons. Fortunately there has been a new teacher for those classes and he is definitely a hottie.

Luc is the Doctor Hottie in question and due to his history with abusive alcoholics he is not a fan of liquor or anger. So, when he and Charlie meet; as you can guess, it didn't go over well: a little firecracker who is owner of a bar and a straight laced psychologist with an aversion of agression. But they have chemistry. A lot of chemistry. And although both Charlie and Luc don't want to give in to their attraction, Apple and Charlie's brothers have a field day over their banter and arguments.

Per usual, Mariah is able to create a wonderful story which keeps you entertained and craving for more. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.