Can't Help Falling in Love follows Lexi, a struggling waitress and Will, the heir to a major Seattle company. Lexi was once a promising track athlete who was building a name for herself and breaking records everywhere. When her father passes away, she decided to drop out of college and help her mother who is struggling with grief. Now trying to finish her degree, get her mother out of the house, and take care of the debts her father left behind, Lexi is working two jobs and barley making it by. On top of that, she sucks at waitressing. When old friends walk into the restaurant that she works in, Lexi decides to fake having her life together, and sits down with one of her customers, Will. Will is heir to a major company and is doing everything in his power to stop is mother from setting him up. When Lexi sits down at his table, he finds her to be charming. In many ways it is an insta-love situation. However, Lexi is terrified of having to potentially face the grief that her mother has been dealing with and has sworn off love. But where there is a miscommunication and word gets out that Lexi and Will are engaged, the two decide to play along. However, the danger of fake relationships are when lines start to blur and things start to feel real.

There are two different ways to look at this book, which is what makes Sullivan such a masterful romance author. On one hand it is your average romance book, with a dash of insta-love, and a fake engagement trope, which is a fan favorite. I do love Will and Lexi together, they bring out the best in each other. I like that while they fall for each other quickly, they are not instantly a couple. Will falls first, Lexi is scared. Its a good romance. But I would encourage readers to take the romance out of this book when reflecting on it. Sullivan is masterful at character development and having the characters go through really difficult situations in a way that feels relatable. Can't Help Falling in Love is a story about grief, about self=growth and acceptance, about standing up for yourself and setting boundaries with those whom you love. A major theme in this book is that life might not always go as planned, but that does not mean this new path is any less beautiful. Romance readers will enjoy this book, but I truly think those who will love it the most are those who like to watch their characters grow from situations that are relatable and those who like books that send a message.

Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin, Sophie Sullivan, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of Can't Help Falling in Love in exchange for my honest review.

Can't Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan is the perfect read to kick off your autumn! The book's fall setting is more than just a backdrop to the story; it creates the warm, cozy atmosphere for love to bloom in this fake relationship/rich suitor tale.. The story is full of complex relationships and touches on topics of grief, self-esteem, family dynamics, and self-actualization. A sweet rom-com with just a hint of spice and a happy ending to warm you up this fall!

This one had me hooked from the start! As soon as I started reading this one, I couldn’t wait to get more of the story and characters. It was truly such a fun and enjoyable read, I think this is my favorite Sophie Sullivan books so far!

This was a rather sweet Cinderella story with poor, struggling Lexi ending up faking a betrothal with the rich, attractive bachelor, Will Grand. I usually don’t really enjoy fake betrothal stories. It always seems so contrived no matter the efforts of the author to try to make the reasons for the phony romance seem realistic. At least in this novel, the protagonists acknowledge the problem. They tell each other that their fake story is better because they are using the story as an opportunity to get to know each other better and explore if their mutual attraction can grow into something stronger.

I like that the side characters are mostly supportive. Lexi is suffering from a lot of insecurities and is embarrassed to encounter friends who knew her when she was younger and had a bright future ahead of her before her father died and she had to work to save the family finances and help her mother who was in a deep depression. It turns out that her old friends weren’t mean girls and legitimately liked her for who she is.

Everything looks like it is working out for her until her own securities get in the way. She’s the one who needed to get some counseling, not just her mother. It almost seems that this mini-crisis arises mostly so that the author could insert the obligatory crisis that all romance novels seem to need before the HEA can be reached.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

I liked this one!

At 25, Lexi is not where she expected to be. Years after losing her father, she feels stuck. She's working the same job as high school, hasn't finished college, is struggling to wait tables as a second job, and her mom is stuck in her grief. When her high school friends walk into the patio where she's waiting tables, she can't handle that they might see where she's landed, so she sits down at the table of one of her guests, Will.

Will is tired of his society mother trying to find him a wife. When Lexi plops down at his table and says they are dating, he can think of worse things. When a miscommunication lands them in the newspaper as engaged, they run with it.

Sullivan takes the fake dating trope and spins it a bit. Yes, Will and Lexi's engagement is fake, but they decide to date for real, falling in love as they get to know each other. Will sees the good in Lexi, even when she can't see it herself, and that's one of my favorite microtropes.

While I think the third act upheaval is a bit rushed, I really flew through the first half of this book and felt that the two characters were written to have strong chemistry. There are a handful of side characters in this one that I'm hopeful we'll see again, as well!

* Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! *

This was a cute one! Definitely a quick read for the fall. There were moments that seemed forced and cliche, but I enjoyed the overall theme that life doesn’t necessarily turn out the way you had once pictured it would, but it’s the way you deal with the journey that says the most about you. Also, people only highlight the good things in their lives - remember that!

I couldn’t put this book down. I love a good meet cute. I really enjoyed getting the perspective of Will & Lexie. Hope there’s another book with these characters.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! I Can’t Help Falling in Love with this meet cute fall romance! The fake engagement between the two main characters was done very well, nice low stakes. MMC is obsessed with taking the FMC out on real dates and getting to know her, not just for the fake engagement.
FMC has a lot of personal issues with how she views herself and her confidence. MMC is snotty rich family, who don’t like his pore fiancée. Both come to realize the other is worth it and to let themselves be happy.
Overall it’s a nice fall read.

I am a sucker for a fun meet cute and this one grabbed my attention from the first chapter. Lexi and Will meets at the restaurant where she works and somehow ends up being in a fake engagement. Will happens to be one of the most eligible bachelor in Seattle while Lexi works multiple jobs and lives with her mom.

Their chemistry is intense and agree to help each other out. I love how they formed a friendship. Will is the cinnamon MC that you love that is accepting, sweet and not only took care of Lexi but her mom as well.

I adored Will's sisters, grandparents and best friend, they added so much to the story.

This story is not only about finding love but rekindling lost friendships and dealing with grief.

Thank you @smpromance for a copy of this.

Loved it. Lots packed into this charming story. Family issues, job problems, death, changes, and so much more. One is eager for the couple to reach their happily ever after, but you also care about the secondary characters. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Can’t Help Falling In Love is a sweet romance that will tug on your heartstrings, have you laughing, and wanting more. I couldn’t get enough of Lexi and Will together! They have the classic meet-cute when suddenly things start to spin out of control and the two land themselves in a fake engagement. Behind closed doors, they’re figuring out for themselves that they truly do have feelings for each other. And maybe they aren’t putting on a show anymore, since their feelings are very much real. Through the push and pull, they decide to try out a real relationship and let me tell you - they are the absolute cutest! I adored the way Will always lifted Lexi up and encouraged her.

Sophie Sullivan beautifully portrayed this relationship, plus grief and healing from that. I teared up so many times just because I really felt like I could relate to what Lexi and her family were going through. I also really adored Will’s sisters and loved the strong support system he had.

At times, I felt like some of their initial attraction and relationship ship was moving way too fast. Of course, it is easy to feel that way when you find somebody you’ve taken interest in. And I found myself always rooting for the couple and felt so connected to them, especially Lexi. But I wish it hadn’t seemed as rushed.

Thank you to Sophie Sullivan, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins for a chance to read this. Such a cute no spice fall romance book. Loved it was very sweet. Loved how it dealt with deal with grief and mental health but still kept the overbook light and fun was a great balance.

Sophie Sullivan writes the perfect cozy romances. This was very very cute! A fake engagement trope can be hard to realistically pull off, but I really enjoyed this.

Can’t Help Falling in Love is a must read for fall. The book revolves around Lexi and Will , who come from two different worlds , but find it difficult to be apart. This book is a feel good romance , with all the fall vibes. Well written , go ahead and add it to your TBR list. It doesn’t disappoint.

This books was super cute!!!!!!!! The characters are very lovable, and the side characters are outstanding. They grapple with grief, feelings of doubts, making a stand, and self-belief. The side characters form a chosen family, which I loved. The book is very easy to read and fast-paced; I couldn’t put it down, even though it’s written in third person, which is not my favorite perspective.

I especially love the male main character, Will—he’s now on my list of book boyfriends. I appreciate a man who is direct and quick to express his feelings. As I mentioned, the book is very fast-paced; from the beginning, you feel everything intensely, and events unfold quickly, making it hard to put down. I enjoyed this book.

The only reason it’s not a 5-star read for me (4.5) is that it’s not in first-person point of view. Otherwise, it’s a great fall read to enjoy from the comfort of your home while dreaming of apple picking and celebrating the holidays with your loved ones.

This is such a sweet story. It truly is about two people who have a charming meet cute, and honestly can’t help falling in love. I love the use of family here, and how they can influence your life, even unintentionally. And I appreciate that the characters acknowledge that no one has everything together in their lives at all times - so much of that is simply the image we present to the world. No one is perfect!

5 ⭐️!!!

Ugh I’m dying I love sophie sullivan’s books so much. Grab your pumpkin spice latte and apple cider donut and curl up with this book immediately.

Lexi is a 25 year old student, waitress, daughter, dreamer, track runner, friend, purchasing manager, but most of all, she’s a real representation of a woman who is scared of being hurt, who wants to be seen, and has so much love to give. And then there’s Will the CFO of the family business who has the most amazing sisters, sister in law, and family with just as much drama as the next one. Did I mention they’re both hot?? Their fake-engagement becomes the talk of the town and it’s sooooo perfect.

“It's okay to live your life. You don't have to feel guilty about letting things go and moving forward. Sometimes the next step means leaving a few things behind. That doesn't mean they're gone. Everything you go through is part of you. Makes you who you are. But you can't become who you're meant to be if you stand still.”

The backdrop of fall and Halloween make this the perfect read this September-December. I highly recommend this cozy romcom.

So cute! Will and Lexi are one of my favorites that I’ve read recently. Will was pretty perfect while Lexi was relatable. The family dynamics were so moving and many readers can connect to some of the feelings our characters went through. I found the grieving process that Lexi’s mother was experiencing was pretty on the nose for what a lot of people go through and how Lexi responded towards it was pretty on the nose as well. I thought there wasn’t going to be any third act break up to make up in this because it happened so late in the story. So when it happened I was disappointed. There was still a HEA thankfully but still I’m not a fan of super delayed 3rd act break ups. Even though I really enjoyed Will he was to perfect. I wish he was written to be more realistic with his reactions to situations happening. I also wasn’t a huge fan of how long it took Lexi to stop being a sort of Debby downer. Whether it’s toward herself or others in her life it got a little old when she had to be given the 1000th mini pep talk. Overall, it was a very good story and was very easy to binge in one sitting.

Thank you to. Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the chance to read this!

Even though this was a fake engagement romance, the relationship between Lexi and Will never felt fake to me. There was an instant connection between them that lasted the entire book. A few scenes gave me butterflies, including the truth or treat chapter.

Although I felt the chemistry between Lexi and Will, I alternated between being invested in the book and being bored. I can't really pinpoint what pulled me out of the story so many times. I just felt my mind drifting.

First off, thank you St, Martin’s and Net galley for this arc read.

Sophie Sullivan does it again, the banter in this book was well written. Lexi and will have great chemistry and are un unlikely couple that might not make sense on paper but end up working.

The side characters were just as great, Will’s sister and wife were probably my favorite side characters and played a great role in this book. Will’s patience with Lexi’s mom’s situation was very kind.

This book will be a perfect fall read, you will love this if you like fake dating, love at first sight, he falls first!