Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan

You know that feeling when autumn rolls around? The crisp air, the changing leaves, and suddenly you’re craving all things cozy and romantic. Well, Sophie Sullivan’s latest rom-com, “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” is like the literary equivalent of wrapping yourself in a soft flannel blanket with a steaming mug of apple cider. It’s sweet, it’s heartwarming, and it’ll leave you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for the magic of fall.

A Dash of Serendipity, a Sprinkle of Misunderstanding

Our story begins with Lexi Danby, a former track star turned struggling waitress, who’s just trying to keep her head above water. She’s juggling a million things – finishing her degree, taking care of her grieving mom, and attempting (rather unsuccessfully) to navigate the treacherous waters of food service. Enter Will Grand, Seattle’s most eligible bachelor and heir to a major company. Their meet-cute? Well, it’s more of a meet-clumsy, involving spilled soup and a whole lot of embarrassment. But hey, that’s how all the best love stories start, right?

From Fake to Fate: A Romance in the Making

Through a series of misunderstandings (and let’s be real, a healthy dose of plot convenience), Lexi and Will find themselves thrust into a fake engagement. It’s the classic rom-com trope we all know and love, but Sullivan manages to keep it fresh and fun. As they navigate the challenges of keeping up appearances, they discover that maybe, just maybe, there’s something real brewing between them.

Fall Vibes Alert!

One of the things I absolutely adored about this book was how Sullivan captures the essence of autumn. We’re talking:

• Apple picking in cozy flannels
• Outdoor breweries with twinkling lights
• Halloween preparations (complete with pumpkin carving mishaps)
• Walks through colorful foliage

It’s like the author bottled up everything we love about fall and poured it into these pages. I swear, I could almost smell the pumpkin spice while reading!

Characters That Feel Like Friends

Let’s chat about our leading lady and gent, shall we?

Lexi: More Than Meets the Eye

Lexi is the kind of protagonist you can’t help but root for. She’s:

• Determined (sometimes to a fault)
• Fiercely protective of her mom
• A bit of a mess (but in the most relatable way)
• Struggling with self-doubt and imposter syndrome

Her journey isn’t just about falling in love – it’s about rediscovering her own worth and learning to chase her dreams again. Sullivan does a fantastic job of showing Lexi’s growth throughout the story, and by the end, you’ll be cheering her on like she’s your own bestie.

Will: Not Your Typical Rich Boy

Now, Will could have easily fallen into the cliché of the “rich guy who needs to learn the value of real life” but thankfully, Sullivan gives him more depth than that. He’s:

• Genuinely kind and considerate
• Struggling with family expectations
• A secret romantic at heart
• Surprisingly down-to-earth (for a billionaire heir)

Their chemistry? Off the charts. The banter between Lexi and Will had me grinning like an idiot and occasionally snort-laughing (not my proudest moment, but here we are).

Supporting Cast: The Real MVPs

Can we take a moment to appreciate the supporting characters? From Lexi’s best friend Maisie (who deserves her own book, just saying) to Will’s meddling but well-meaning family, the secondary characters add so much richness to the story. I particularly loved the scenes with Lexi’s mom—Sullivan handles the complexities of grief and healing with a gentle touch that feels authentic and hopeful.

Themes That’ll Hit You in the Feels

While “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is definitely a rom-com at its core, Sullivan weaves in some deeper themes that give the story extra weight:

• Overcoming self-doubt and learning to believe in yourself
• The importance of found family and support systems
• Navigating grief and rediscovering joy
• The courage it takes to be vulnerable and open your heart

These themes are explored with sensitivity and nuance, adding layers to what could have been a simple fluff piece.

A Few Bumps in the Road

Okay, let’s be real—no book is perfect, and this one has a few minor issues:

• The pacing in the middle drags a bit (but picks up for a satisfying finale)
• Some of the misunderstandings could have been solved with a simple conversation (but where’s the fun in that?)
• The “fake engagement” trope might feel a bit overdone for some readers

But honestly? These are small nitpicks in an otherwise delightful read.

Sullivan’s Signature Style

If you’ve read Sullivan’s previous works like “Ten Rules for Faking It” or “How to Love Your Neighbor,” you’ll recognize her trademark blend of:

• Witty dialogue that’ll have you chuckling
• Heartfelt moments that tug at your emotions
• A cozy, small-town feel (even in a big city setting)
• Characters who feel like real people, flaws and all

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” fits perfectly into her bibliography while still feeling fresh and exciting.

Who Should Read This Book?

This rom-com is perfect for:

• Anyone who loves a good fake dating/engagement trope
• Fans of autumn vibes and cozy reads
• Readers who enjoy a balance of humor and emotional depth
• Those looking for a feel-good escape from reality

If you’re a fan of authors like Emily Henry, Tessa Bailey, or Christina Lauren, you’ll find a lot to love here.

The Verdict: A Fall-tastic Read

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” is like the literary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. It’s not groundbreaking literature, but it doesn’t try to be. What it does offer is:

• A sweet, satisfying romance
• Characters you’ll want to befriend
• Enough emotional depth to keep things interesting
• The perfect escape for a cozy weekend read

Sullivan has crafted a story that’ll leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, with a newfound appreciation for both the magic of fall and the courage it takes to open your heart.

Final Thoughts: Falling Head Over Heels

As I turned the final page of “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” I found myself with a goofy grin on my face and a sudden urge to go apple picking. Sophie Sullivan has done it again, delivering a rom-com that’s equal parts sweet, funny, and heartfelt. It’s the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with the genre in the first place.

So, grab your coziest blanket, brew up some tea (or spike that apple cider, I won’t judge), and settle in for a romance that’ll have you believing in the magic of fall—and maybe even in love at first spill. Just don’t blame me if you end up craving pumpkin pie and planning elaborate Halloween costumes by the time you’re done.

Ready to Fall in Love?

If you’re in the mood for a rom-com that’ll warm your heart and tickle your funny bone, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is the perfect autumn read. So go on, treat yourself—you deserve a little fall magic in your life.

And who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself looking at that clumsy waiter a little differently next time you’re out to eat. After all, you never know when your own rom-com moment might be just around the corner.