Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan: Book Review

Can’t Help Falling in Love is the latest release from Canadian author Sophie Sullivan. With an anticipated release date of September 17, 2024, it takes readers to the Pacific Northwest in the fall. Lexi struggles to keep her world from falling apart further than it already has. Will is trying to make everyone happy, except maybe himself. After a chance encounter, they are suddenly thrust into the spotlight as one of the hottest couples in Seattle. The twist? They’re strangers! Could playing along with the story help them reach their goals, or will it push them off course?

I want to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Can’t Help Falling in Love. All opinions presented here are my own.

Synopsis from Goodreads

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.

My Opinions

Can’t Help Falling in Love is the first book I’ve read by Sophie Sullivan, but I doubt it will be the last. The writing is easy to follow, and the descriptions of the settings are wonderfully descriptive but not so over the top that they’re unbelievable. The cast of characters is a varied group.

A romance is not a book one often expects to find character growth. Okay, maybe there is some character growth in romances. But in Can’t Help Falling in Love, there is quite a bit of growth and maturing from several characters. Lexi is stuck in her feelings of failure because her life wasn’t where she wanted it to be after hitting several bumps. Gwen is grieving and isolating herself from the world. Even Will is afraid to stand up to his family and tell them how he feels. As the book progresses, those three start having their moments of growth and clarity.

Can’t Help Falling in Love is a breath of fresh air in the world of romance novels. It’s a compelling read, proving a romance can be steam-free and still captivate readers. While the book does feature some passionate kissing, it’s the emotional connections and personal development that take center stage. The scene where Will and Lexi share a bathtub perfectly shows how the book adds a touch of romance without crossing any boundaries.

Can’t Help Falling in Love is a book that will make you want to cheer for the characters. Who doesn’t want to see a twentysomething struggling with self-confidence and constantly feeling like they don’t have their life in order? Who doesn’t want to see that person gain that self-confidence? I know I’ve felt like the world is out to get me, and everyone else is doing better. Trust me, you’ll root for the characters and their relationship.

Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.