Book Review: Fall Into You (Seasons of Love, #1) by Caroline Frank
As a self-proclaimed “typical white btch” who revels in the beauty of autumn, I couldn’t resist the pull of Fall Into You*. The cover, drenched in warm tones reminiscent of pumpkin spice lattes and falling leaves, promised a cozy read just in time for the season. Thank you to Caroline Frank and Booksprout for providing my eARC in exchange for an honest review! With my love for all things fall, I was eager to dive into this tale of romance and self-discovery—however, my reading journey was a mixed bag of sweet moments and a few frustrating twists.
At the heart of Fall Into You are Matt and Liza, two characters whose chemistry shines vividly against the backdrop of autumn festivities. But let’s talk about that initial spark—or, shall I say, the confusion that ignited within me. Matt’s instant infatuation with Liza caught me off guard, especially since he didn’t remember their previous encounters during her visits to see her brother, Vinny, his college roommate. I mean, how can you declare someone “well-read, smart, and quick-witted” after barely two minutes of reconnecting? It felt a bit like he was pining from a distance over those years apart, which made me question the authenticity of their developing romance.
Then there’s Liza. Initially, I found her relatable, with her attempts to navigate her feelings while trying to keep her relationship with Matt a secret from Vinny. Yet, as the story unfolded, I became increasingly annoyed with her evasiveness. She often pushed Matt away, making decisions that felt impulsive and immature. Meanwhile, Matt emerged as a caring, sweet, and intelligent partner—one who, to be honest, deserved better. He really turned out to be the heart of the story, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that Liza was taking advantage of his tender nature.
One element that felt like a missed opportunity was the potential depth of Matt not remembering Liza. Imagine the guilt he could have felt, or a slower burn in their relationship before things heated up. I yearned for more cute fall dates, especially given the book’s promise of an “erotic romance.” While the chemistry between them sizzled in moments, I wished for a little more spice to complement those sweet and tender encounters.
And now, let’s address the pregnancy trope. Liza’s surprise announcement felt like an avoidable cliché that detracted from the overall narrative. With most readers likely divided on this topic, it’s important to note that while some may find it endearing, it left me feeling a little underwhelmed. I crave innovative storytelling, and this felt like a fallback rather than a climactic moment in Liza and Matt’s journey toward happiness.
Despite my gripes, I want to emphasize that Fall Into You is still a decent read. Frank’s writing style possesses a warmth and accessibility that draws you in, and the scenes are painted vividly enough to make you want to curl up with a pumpkin spice coffee in hand. There’s raw potential in this story, and Frank’s talent shines through.
In conclusion, while I had my disappointments with the execution, I recognize that Fall Into You might resonate with readers who adore light-hearted romances filled with seasonal charm. If you’re someone who enjoys a sweet story underscored with moments of drama (and don’t mind a few tropes), you might just find yourself falling for this book. For me, though, I left wanting more—a deeper exploration of character dynamics wrapped in the cozy embrace of my favorite season. Despite that, I’m eager to see what Caroline Frank crafts next; her storytelling has the potential to truly captivate.
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