DNF- so instalove but also hate to love. It was not working for me even though I was very excited for the fall setting in a read this time of year.

Fall Into You is the first book in the Seasons of Love series by Caroline Frank. Liza Castelli has been very down since her father’s death last year. But when her brother’s former med school roommate, Matt Wilson, comes into their lives, Liza has a brand new outlook. On the day they met, the family took her twin niece and nephew to the pumpkin patch and sparks flew between Liza and Matt. However, her brother Vinnie has memories of a real partier and puts his foot down on any relationship between his sister and best friend.

What does a lady do when the only fellow that has made her feel this way has been banned by her big brother? And how will she ever be able to get the family to accept how she feels?

This is such a sweet story! It shows how people can change, how relationships of many kinds can flourish and evolve, and how people can find each other in the most unexpected ways. I did enjoy this story and I do recommend it!

As a whole, I really enjoyed this book.
There characters were funny and easy to relate to, I liked the writing style and apparently I’m a big fan of the “brothers best friend” troupe.
The ending did feel a tiny bit rushed however.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

I loved the fall vibes of this, and wish there was more focus on that aspect. It was done very well, but was over quickly.

I feel like there was too much going on. That there were too many tropes being forced in. Less is more in this books case.

I also just ended up hating the main female character by the end. The entire situation was of her own making, and the stakes were not high enough for that to be the only conflict.

The pumpkin patch, Halloween costume party, Thanksgiving...I am in my fall romance era!

Warning: potential spoilers ahead.

I really did enjoy this book and got through it quickly. I give props to the author for her writing, because this had some tropes that I don't normally enjoy. It is definitely an insta-love story, which normally leaves me wanting more from a story. This trope usually lacks tension in the story, however, I felt that there was still enough tension in the family drama to keep me interested. There were a lot of sweet, tender and steamy moments throughout the book, but there could have been more.

What I did not love (here's your spoiler!) was the pregnancy trope. I am not a fan of this twist of events in books, especially when it comes with an insta-love story. It changes the dynamics of the relationship and leaves me with the question of, is it love or is it for the baby. However, this is a personal opinion and if you don't mind this trope, you've got nothing to worry about!

The thing I loved most about this book was the author's talent for writing. Caroline Frank took tropes that I don't like and somehow turned it into a book I actually enjoyed. I will definitely be checking out more of her books in the future!

3.5 stars rounded up because of the talented writing.

This is a must read rom-com that’s fall inspired with characters you can’t help but love. I feel like we get a great story with background and plenty of swoon moments.

A perfect romance for the upcoming chili months. Obviously with a title like this, such a romance will make you want to cuddle up with your favorite Autumn beverage in a cozy sweater and enjoy.

This Romance has tropes of forbidden Love, best friend sister, hidden relationship. The characters were lovable and although I didn't agree with all of their decisions, I did enjoy the story and was happy when it came to its resolution.

At the heart of it this story is about dealing with grief and finding one's sense of self so that you can show up the way your partner deserves in a relationship. I got through it very quickly and I enjoyed it a lot.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media & NetGalley for this eArc!

I thought the setting of this was cute, I enjoyed the fall vibes and also got a bit of satisfaction out of the female MC being in school to be a therapist. However, the actual plot of the romance lost me quite early on. These two fall for eachother… SO fast. It’s very insta-love, and I couldn’t buy into it entirely. Then, their entire conflict being centered around the brother not knowing was just a bit too strung out. I actually love this trope normally, but I think I need a bit more from the conflict or plot in order to really enjoy it. Both of the MCs frustrated me throughout this, and the ending trope is just never one of my favorites. I’m curious about the other books in this series, but this simply didn’t wow me:

3.5⭐, 2.5🌶️

This good was good at times, but very frustrating at others...honestly I just wasn't he best audience for it IMO.

So the beginning of this book gave me HIGH hopes that I would enjoy this! As a person that's usually skeptical of a brother's best friend romance, I like the take on a childhood crush turned possible relationship. BUT UNFORTUNATELY, this book took the route so many BBF take where the brother forbids the relationship because "he is my best friend, but a player and not good enough for you." And. I. Just. Can't. Stand. The. Double. Standard. Especially when the best friend ISN'T a player anymore and the brother is being stubborn, stuck in his ways, and annoyingly judgement. And then the relationship is a secret "so we make sure were actually serious before we tell my family." The only redeeming bits of this book were I (for the most part) enjoyed the adult-ness of the relationship between Matt & Liza when it came to arguments and communication (until the third act break-up, that frustrated me)...honestly, Matt I really enjoyed, Liza I just wanted to shake at times.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The instalove in this book was so cringe.
I ended up dnf it because I just didn’t like the FMC. She was immature.

I do not recommend this book at all.

I was really hoping for cute fall vibes and a sweet romance and unfortunately this one was just not for me.

I received an ALC for this book from NetGalley - thanks Netgalley!

One note about the audio that I didn't like was you could tell the narrator for the FMC had to do many retakes and it sounded off and took me out of the story every time. So the sound itself needs polish.

The instalove in this was cringe, especially considering the characters had NO chemistry.

There is no conflict, aside from the brother of the FMC not wanting them to be together, and even that feels half hearted at best.

The whole thing just felt really shallow. And then to throw in a surprise pregnancy at the end? When she said she was on birth control? It didn't make sense and also I hate it.

There was an attempt at coping with grief but even that felt half done. Just not my favorite.

Super cute fall vibes, doctor, psychology student, Italian family, brother best friend a great way to get in the mood for fall! Adorably done!

This is a perfect cozy read/listen for the fall season which I’m all about. The story follows Liza who falls for her brother’s best friend Matt. Her brother Vinny has forbidden Matt from pursuing Liza so they decide to keep things secret until they know if it’s serious between them. Overall I liked the story & the fall vibes. I really only disliked one thing & that was Vinny’s character. The overprotective brother trope was to the extreme with him & he made me roll my eyes most of the time. Liza & Matt’s story is cute though & most of the other characters are funny & enjoyable. I liked the narrators & the inflections they added to certain scenes. It really brought the characters to life & set the tone for whatever was going on.

Thank you to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the advance copy.

This was a really fun rom-com and was a great way to kick off the fall season!

While Liza is visiting her mother for the weekend, she is surprised when her brother's old college BFF, Matt, shows up unexpectedly. Liza is quickly reminder of her crush in majestic Matt, but he doesn't seem remember her at all. Their connection is instant but her brother is quick to cut off any budding romance between the two. Though they both hate lying to her brother, they won't deny their feelings for each other, what's the worst that can happen?

With its entertaining plot and endearing characters, this one really captures the essence of a feel-good romance. The narrator's expressive performance brings the characters to life, each doing a wonderful job of distinguishing all the characters; overall it was very well done and a really enjoyable listen. The witty dialogue and sweet, heartfelt scenes are perfectly balanced, keeping you entertained and emotionally invested from start to finish. It did take me a moment to warm up to Liza, as I did find her stubborness frustrating at times, but overall her and Matt were so sweet together, and you couldn't help but fall in love with them.

Ideal for a cozy fall afternoon, this audiobook is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to enjoy a heartwarming and enjoyable romance!

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape for the advance copy to listen to and review.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
🧡secret relationship
🧡brother's best friend
🧡insta love
🧡fall romance
🧡rom-com

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, to NetGalley as well as Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to read this book as an audio copy.

From Goodreads: “Fall Into You is an open-door, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about forbidden love and finding yourself after loss.”

This was absolutely adorable and cozy; the perfect read for this time of year! The narration on this was top-notch and was very easy to consume in a short sitting. Moving into the autumnal season, this will be a feel-good read for anyone who loves a cozy fall romance, pumpkin patch trips, and an “unexpected” plot twist.

I would have loved a little more detail in the steamier scenes but that is more of a personal preference than anything else.

I will say, the references to COVID in romance books always throw me for a bit of a loop. I know that at this point, it should not be because it was/is a real part of our lives but when it comes up in fictional tomes, I’m always just a little discombobulated.

Overall, this was an adorably fun read and made me want to read more by Caroline Frank in the future!

"Falling Into You" followed Eliza and Matt as they reconnect after it's been years since they'd last seen one another. As a matter of fact, Matt doesn't even remember Eliza, even though she'd had a big crush on him at the time.

Matt is Eliza's older brother's former college roommate and best friend. And the "bro code" means he's off limits. Yet their attraction to one another is undeniable. And when they keep finding ways to see each other without sabotaging the bro code, they're happy to do so. But we all know, eventually it's going to backfire on them.

It's easy to see why Eliza likes Matt so much. He does and says a lot of the "right things" to make a girl want him. But what's not clear is why he's so into her. As other reviewers have commented, she comes across as very immature in many instances (although a couple of times, I wondered if it was immaturity or wariness). And don't get me started about her brother! He's a man-boy that has a lot of growing up to do, despite being a father and doctor.

Overall, it was an okay story and I enjoyed reading it. But it's been a few days since I finished it, and it hasn't stuck with me beyond my dislike of certain characters.

Thanks to Caroline Frank, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

DNF @ 40%

I could not get into the story because of how immature the FMC acted. It also was unfortunate how the MMC was treated by his friend.

Light romance with a touch of festivities.

📚 brothers best friend
📚 he falls first (sort of)
📚 secret relationship
📚 Insta love
📚 found family
📚 dual POV

🌶️🌶️

|Thoughts|
Am a sucker for a forehead kiss and a brothers best friend. However, the immaturity of the FMC and her brother dampened by enjoyment. Liza comes across as very emotionally immature and that is what drives a lot of the drama (leaves a party she went with him to, because he was talking to an ex. See, I’d expect that in a YA romance but not when they in their late 20s and 30s).

Don’t even get me started on the brother…a fully grown adult (a father and dr to boot), he is a walking red flag.

“I’ve thought about you so much since I last saw you that I don’t think there’s a single thing in the world that would have kept me away from you today. Not even your over protective brother”.

Bonus points for references to the greatest show ever, Buffy.

“I’m not this awful villain you seem to think I am.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher & author for an eARC in exchange for this honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Fall Into You is the perfect cozy romcom for autumn! I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it for those crisp fall days. Set in New York, the story is filled with pumpkin patches, apple cider, and Thanksgiving gatherings that bring all the seasonal vibes.

Liza, a grad student from a big Italian family, rekindles a crush on her brother’s best friend, Matt, now a surgeon. Their chemistry is undeniable, but her brother’s disapproval leads to a secret romance that keeps you turning the pages.

The supporting characters, especially Liza’s sister-in-law Danielle, add humor and heart to the story, while Liza’s brother Vinny undergoes some nice character development.

If you’re in the mood for a feel-good, fall-themed romance with humor and charm, Fall Into You is a great pick. Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook! This was a 3.5 star read for me.

Classic brothers best friend romance! Loved all the moments between the two protagonists and the tension! Great narration and pacing of the story. Really liked the settings - especially the Pumpkin Patch scenes.