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I Can’t Help It: A Sweet Romantic Comedy
If wanting each other is wrong, why does it feel so right?
Ava Ashton
Did I fall for my ex’s best friend? Yep. I totally did. Is Luke feeling the same way? Well, that’s still TBD. But we’re going on a work trip together, and I’m ready to make my move!
It’s time to finally find out if he’s interested or not.
Luke Tanner
I don’t want to mess up my friendship with Wyatt. So, getting romantically involved with Ava is off-limits. We’re coworkers and ONLY coworkers. It doesn’t matter that I’m crazy about her. I need to keep things professional between us.
Okay, I lied, it definitely matters. I think I’m screwed.
~ I Can’t Help It is an off-limits relationship/mutual pining/forced proximity/coworkers romcom. This book has swoony kissing, flirting, and some innunedo but there is no swearing or other explicit content.~
Ava Ashton
Did I fall for my ex’s best friend? Yep. I totally did. Is Luke feeling the same way? Well, that’s still TBD. But we’re going on a work trip together, and I’m ready to make my move!
It’s time to finally find out if he’s interested or not.
Luke Tanner
I don’t want to mess up my friendship with Wyatt. So, getting romantically involved with Ava is off-limits. We’re coworkers and ONLY coworkers. It doesn’t matter that I’m crazy about her. I need to keep things professional between us.
Okay, I lied, it definitely matters. I think I’m screwed.
~ I Can’t Help It is an off-limits relationship/mutual pining/forced proximity/coworkers romcom. This book has swoony kissing, flirting, and some innunedo but there is no swearing or other explicit content.~
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2023
10 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Pixie Perkins
11 books140 followersmostly fluffy • a little angsty • always swoonworthy
Pixie Perkins is a dedicated romantic, an avid fangirl, and she enjoys writing/reading love stories about people who aren't real...even though they should be! Blessed with the amazing life God has given her, Pixie also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, baking cookies for almost every occasion, watching movies and binging TV shows, listening to music, and sharing the gift of laughter as much as possible.
To keep up with Pixie’s books and her writing life, visit: www.pixieperkins.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 29, 2023
All the heart eyes for this one!
I adored “I Can’t Help It!” 😍
I enjoy reading the sweet, lighthearted stories of Pixie Perkins and this most recent is everything wonderful about her work. It’s a fun romance with relatable, quirky characters that made me smile and swoon. The plot line remained simple, uncomplicated by extreme drama or negativity and yet, it is absolutely alluring enough to have the reader curiously anticipating how it ends! I found myself captivated by Ava and Luke’s story- rooting for them the whole time while absolutely loving their interactions and character dynamics.
Some tropes/aspects:
🧡best friend’s ex/forbidden love
🧡coworker romance
🧡”there’s only one bed” 🙌🏻
🧡flirty banter
🧡falling in love in Fall, seasonal vibes
🧡cinnamon roll MMC
🧡relatable, lovable FMC
🧡romantic and sexual tension
🧡adorably cheesy internal dialogue
🧡perfectly placed (comical) pop culture references, like Taylor Swift and Twilight
I would recommend this quick read to those looking for clean romance with plenty of sexual tension and chemistry. Well suited for those who enjoy YA romance and authors such as Sarah Adams.
The ending author note teased at a potential series continuation of side characters and I’m always here for the enemies/rivals-to-lovers trope! 🙋🏻♀️
I adored “I Can’t Help It!” 😍
I enjoy reading the sweet, lighthearted stories of Pixie Perkins and this most recent is everything wonderful about her work. It’s a fun romance with relatable, quirky characters that made me smile and swoon. The plot line remained simple, uncomplicated by extreme drama or negativity and yet, it is absolutely alluring enough to have the reader curiously anticipating how it ends! I found myself captivated by Ava and Luke’s story- rooting for them the whole time while absolutely loving their interactions and character dynamics.
Some tropes/aspects:
🧡best friend’s ex/forbidden love
🧡coworker romance
🧡”there’s only one bed” 🙌🏻
🧡flirty banter
🧡falling in love in Fall, seasonal vibes
🧡cinnamon roll MMC
🧡relatable, lovable FMC
🧡romantic and sexual tension
🧡adorably cheesy internal dialogue
🧡perfectly placed (comical) pop culture references, like Taylor Swift and Twilight
I would recommend this quick read to those looking for clean romance with plenty of sexual tension and chemistry. Well suited for those who enjoy YA romance and authors such as Sarah Adams.
The ending author note teased at a potential series continuation of side characters and I’m always here for the enemies/rivals-to-lovers trope! 🙋🏻♀️
dnf
November 1, 2025It was making me cringe and the female MC was kinda annoying and there was too much kissing for me….
November 30, 2023
3.5 stars
-My favourite things in this story were 1. The dedication 💞, 2. What Luke said on page 60 🥺, and 3. The make out scene on page 140 🥵.
-This gave serious wattpad vibes, and not my favourite kind, and you can tell that a gen-z wrote this book, from the major use of words written like this: “byeeeeee”, “finallyyyy,” “anywayyyyy”, and “nopeeeeee”, to the Taylor Swift reference—which would have been fine if it had been in Ava’s pov and not Luke’s. :/ I found the multiple words like “Anddddddd” and “Farrrrrrrrrrr”—7 Ds!! and 11 Rs!! WHY!?—very distracting. Unless that wording is used strictly in text form, no thanks. But besides that, the writing was pretty easy to read.
-Another problem I had was the main characters talking and acting like 18 year olds and not like the adults in their 20s that they supposedly were. Not a fan of that.
-There also seemed to be no distinction between Ava and Luke’s “voices”. It was almost like reading two different povs from the same person being bodysnatched, or the male version of Ava.
-Remember that these are all my personal reading tastes and that you still might love this book even if I didn’t. I’m honestly just really picky, so don’t mind me. And kudos to the author for actually writing a whole book! I could never.
Much thanks to the author for this ARC!
-My favourite things in this story were 1. The dedication 💞, 2. What Luke said on page 60 🥺, and 3. The make out scene on page 140 🥵.
-This gave serious wattpad vibes, and not my favourite kind, and you can tell that a gen-z wrote this book, from the major use of words written like this: “byeeeeee”, “finallyyyy,” “anywayyyyy”, and “nopeeeeee”, to the Taylor Swift reference—which would have been fine if it had been in Ava’s pov and not Luke’s. :/ I found the multiple words like “Anddddddd” and “Farrrrrrrrrrr”—7 Ds!! and 11 Rs!! WHY!?—very distracting. Unless that wording is used strictly in text form, no thanks. But besides that, the writing was pretty easy to read.
-Another problem I had was the main characters talking and acting like 18 year olds and not like the adults in their 20s that they supposedly were. Not a fan of that.
-There also seemed to be no distinction between Ava and Luke’s “voices”. It was almost like reading two different povs from the same person being bodysnatched, or the male version of Ava.
-Remember that these are all my personal reading tastes and that you still might love this book even if I didn’t. I’m honestly just really picky, so don’t mind me. And kudos to the author for actually writing a whole book! I could never.
Much thanks to the author for this ARC!
November 17, 2023
This was such a sweet, fun, and fast past romance book. I really loved reading about Ava and Luke’s story. They’re both really sweet and adorable. There’s no spice and clean language in this story. (Closed door romance). I thought that it was a really good fall themed romance book.
•forced proximity
•cinnamon roll hero
•coworker romance
•one bed
•she falls first but he falls harder
•forced proximity
•cinnamon roll hero
•coworker romance
•one bed
•she falls first but he falls harder
November 18, 2023
Cute little hallmark style read. If you’re looking for a fast paced romance this is it. Luke likes Ava but because Ava is Wyatt’s ex, she’s off limits (Wyatt is Luke’s best friend). Will Luke & Ava be able to keep their feelings in check? You’ll just have to read the book to find out! Short, sweet, & cute small town romance feel.
May 5, 2025
cute
This is my first by Pixie Perkins. It was a cute rom com. Fast-paced and sweet.
Clean (make outs), contemporary romance.
This is my first by Pixie Perkins. It was a cute rom com. Fast-paced and sweet.
Clean (make outs), contemporary romance.
September 23, 2024
If you like a book that’s fast-paced, cozy with autumn vibes this books is for you! (Even though it’s winter now, in our hearts it goes on forever)
Ava is sweet, fun and flirty and not afraid to speak her mind. What I really loved about this book is the fact that it goes straight to the point. The plot is just them. Ava and Luke. I like how there was no unimportant work details (boring! I always skim over those in work place romances) just cute, fluffy Ava and Luke 🥰
Luke is absolutely smitten by Ava and too relatable with his inner freaking out whenever Ava looks or smiles at him. (Also Wyatt is a real G I’d love a book/story about him)
4/5 I should’ve read this during October but only now was I given the great opportunity to read this ARC. The scenes were mostly mild, with only thoroughly described making out, so if you’re looking for something a bit more closed-door, this is the one! 🙌🏻
This book will be published on 30/11/2023 so stay tuned.
Ava is sweet, fun and flirty and not afraid to speak her mind. What I really loved about this book is the fact that it goes straight to the point. The plot is just them. Ava and Luke. I like how there was no unimportant work details (boring! I always skim over those in work place romances) just cute, fluffy Ava and Luke 🥰
Luke is absolutely smitten by Ava and too relatable with his inner freaking out whenever Ava looks or smiles at him. (Also Wyatt is a real G I’d love a book/story about him)
4/5 I should’ve read this during October but only now was I given the great opportunity to read this ARC. The scenes were mostly mild, with only thoroughly described making out, so if you’re looking for something a bit more closed-door, this is the one! 🙌🏻
This book will be published on 30/11/2023 so stay tuned.
September 16, 2024
I absolutely loved Luke & Ava's sweet, caring, funny, loving, swoony story!!!
November 30, 2023
I believe this is the second book of Pixie's that I've read so far, and I LOVE it! (Ironically enough, it's also the second seasonally themed book I've read by Pixie, which makes me love it even more, especially since it's set in the fall!)
Definitely a quicker read (I think it took me 1.5 hours to get through, and that's with stopping for my dog lol)... if you enjoy Hallmark movies, you'll most likely enjoy Ava and Luke's story (especially with the gazebo scene and all of the fall festivities).
I also enjoyed how the MMC was the anxious one about the relationship and the FMC knowing what she wanted instead of the other way around... I thought it was a good way to represent that men also have feelings of doubt and insecurity and those shouldn't be overlooked just because it's coming from a male (which makes it even better that this was released in November - the month of male mental heath awareness!!!).
Thank you, Pixie, for providing an ARC copy for me to review... I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy soon, and this is definitely getting added to my annual fall reads! ^_^
Definitely a quicker read (I think it took me 1.5 hours to get through, and that's with stopping for my dog lol)... if you enjoy Hallmark movies, you'll most likely enjoy Ava and Luke's story (especially with the gazebo scene and all of the fall festivities).
I also enjoyed how the MMC was the anxious one about the relationship and the FMC knowing what she wanted instead of the other way around... I thought it was a good way to represent that men also have feelings of doubt and insecurity and those shouldn't be overlooked just because it's coming from a male (which makes it even better that this was released in November - the month of male mental heath awareness!!!).
Thank you, Pixie, for providing an ARC copy for me to review... I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy soon, and this is definitely getting added to my annual fall reads! ^_^
December 2, 2023
Summary:
Ava works for an event coordinating company. She was raise by her aunt after her parents died in a plane crash. Her biggest fear is spiders. Ava is crushing hard on the newest employee Luke.
Luke just started at the event planning company Time Well Spent Events. He spends a lot of time trying not to notice Ava. She is after all his best friend’s ex-girlfriend. Luke is about to do his first on site visit for the company and their boss knows he is nervous. He asks Ava to join Luke for three week long visit.
What could go wrong?
My thoughts:
I enjoyed reading I Can’t Help It. This was a cute fall romance.
The connection/chemistry between Luke and Ava was well written. I did feel the conversation between Wyatt and Luke about Luke’s feelings was anticlimactic for how worried Luke was about telling him. However, it still worked for the story line.
This is a cute closed-door romance that was a delightful read.
Thank you to Pixie Perkins for the ARC of I Can’t Help It.
Ava works for an event coordinating company. She was raise by her aunt after her parents died in a plane crash. Her biggest fear is spiders. Ava is crushing hard on the newest employee Luke.
Luke just started at the event planning company Time Well Spent Events. He spends a lot of time trying not to notice Ava. She is after all his best friend’s ex-girlfriend. Luke is about to do his first on site visit for the company and their boss knows he is nervous. He asks Ava to join Luke for three week long visit.
What could go wrong?
My thoughts:
I enjoyed reading I Can’t Help It. This was a cute fall romance.
The connection/chemistry between Luke and Ava was well written. I did feel the conversation between Wyatt and Luke about Luke’s feelings was anticlimactic for how worried Luke was about telling him. However, it still worked for the story line.
This is a cute closed-door romance that was a delightful read.
Thank you to Pixie Perkins for the ARC of I Can’t Help It.
November 24, 2023
Thanks to the author for providing my review copy.
What stood out to me about this book was the expressiveness of the characters' voices. This dual POV of Ava and Luke was very fun to read. It felt like a conversation between friends or an excited text rant you get from your best friend. That's to say, their internal dialogues were relatable and made me love them! The pages flew by fast on this one.
Also, the author's dedication got me and set the tone for the book.
This is a really sweet story about coworkers -- the FMC dated the MMC's best friend -- who are crushing hard and have the chance to get together but need to navigate the rules of the bro code.
I recommend this to readers who like:
👉 Low spice rom coms (heated make outs)
👉 Clean language (no potty mouths)
👉 Cute autumn festival settings
👉 Dual POVs with characters who overthink and
👉 Forced proximity and coworkers to lovers tropes
What stood out to me about this book was the expressiveness of the characters' voices. This dual POV of Ava and Luke was very fun to read. It felt like a conversation between friends or an excited text rant you get from your best friend. That's to say, their internal dialogues were relatable and made me love them! The pages flew by fast on this one.
Also, the author's dedication got me and set the tone for the book.
This is a really sweet story about coworkers -- the FMC dated the MMC's best friend -- who are crushing hard and have the chance to get together but need to navigate the rules of the bro code.
I recommend this to readers who like:
👉 Low spice rom coms (heated make outs)
👉 Clean language (no potty mouths)
👉 Cute autumn festival settings
👉 Dual POVs with characters who overthink and
👉 Forced proximity and coworkers to lovers tropes
November 25, 2023
"Judge me all you want but that kiss altered my brain chemistry."
*
This book introduces us to Luke and Ava, coworkers who may or may not have a work flirtationship. The catch? Ava is Luke's best friends ex. Life becomes even more complicated when Luke is assigned a work trip-and their boss appoints Ava to accompany him.
**
I loved this book! It alternates povs between Ava and Luke and their thoughts are CHAOTIC to say in the least. They were so cute and loveable that it was impossible to put the book down! This is my first book by the author but she has so many other incredible books and I cannot wait to dive in!
I would undoubtedly recommend this book over and over, especially to those who are big on friends to lovers and forced proximity! If you're looking for a cute romance to get you out of your residing slump, this is the one!
*
This book introduces us to Luke and Ava, coworkers who may or may not have a work flirtationship. The catch? Ava is Luke's best friends ex. Life becomes even more complicated when Luke is assigned a work trip-and their boss appoints Ava to accompany him.
**
I loved this book! It alternates povs between Ava and Luke and their thoughts are CHAOTIC to say in the least. They were so cute and loveable that it was impossible to put the book down! This is my first book by the author but she has so many other incredible books and I cannot wait to dive in!
I would undoubtedly recommend this book over and over, especially to those who are big on friends to lovers and forced proximity! If you're looking for a cute romance to get you out of your residing slump, this is the one!
November 15, 2023
This was such an adorable book! I loved how Luke tried to keep denying his feelings for Ava but just couldn’t hold back anymore. Their kisses were so sweet and delightful to read. He also kept a notebook of the things he noticed about her. Also, the small town atmosphere and fall vibes were immaculate. There were so many cute lines in this book too, like “I have fallen so hard for you, Ava Ashton. There’s nothing I want more than to be with you. Only you. Always you.” I loved reading about all their little quirks and how they were both jealous over each other. Thanks to the author for letting me beta read this; all opinions are mine!
November 24, 2023
My first book from Ms. Perkins and I must say: LOVE!
A perfect read for the fall-winter holiday weekend - a sweet, romantic-comedy with a dash of angst; well-written, swoon-worthy kisses, and plenty of laugh-out-loud, "JUST KISS ALREADY!" moments.
"I Can't Help It" will have you giggling and kicking your feet at the chemistry between Ava and Luke. I love spicy stories as much as the next person, but I think we need the non-spicy romances just as much, I'll definitely be back for more of her fun stories!
A perfect read for the fall-winter holiday weekend - a sweet, romantic-comedy with a dash of angst; well-written, swoon-worthy kisses, and plenty of laugh-out-loud, "JUST KISS ALREADY!" moments.
"I Can't Help It" will have you giggling and kicking your feet at the chemistry between Ava and Luke. I love spicy stories as much as the next person, but I think we need the non-spicy romances just as much, I'll definitely be back for more of her fun stories!
December 1, 2023
Adurable, funny and cosy are three words that describe this book perfectly. From the beginning I was smiling and kicking my feet at how cute Ava and Luke are. It’s a lovely YA autumn romance that will have you smiling within a few minutes. Whilst there were a few moments that did not fully hit the mark for me, I would still reccomend this book if you want a light hearted read. I loved the world building of Briar Haven and it’s residents, I wish I could read a book about every single one of them ☺️
February 2, 2024
Pixie Perkins is always a pro at bringing the sizzle without too much spice in her romantic comedies. Her imagination and whimsical tone always brings characters that are relatable and amusing to spend time with. I especially enjoyed reading both characters’ points of view in this book because they both had feelings for each other long before anything happened, but it was so well-done. I’d definitely recommend this book, and other books by this author for anyone who wants swoon-worthy romance that is clean without seeming unrealistic or bland.
August 16, 2025
This was a quick read and overall it was cute! I always like mutual pining. There were parts that I enjoyed but this one fell a little flat.
I think if the story had been structured a little differently then I would’ve liked it better. As it was, I got bored and skimmed a good chunk of it. I think if they had gotten together a bit later or done some of the festival activities before, those scenes could have been more interesting.
I did like the little twist. I expected it but I wasn’t disappointed. I would’ve loved for it to be more drama filled but that’s just my personal preference.
I think if the story had been structured a little differently then I would’ve liked it better. As it was, I got bored and skimmed a good chunk of it. I think if they had gotten together a bit later or done some of the festival activities before, those scenes could have been more interesting.
I did like the little twist. I expected it but I wasn’t disappointed. I would’ve loved for it to be more drama filled but that’s just my personal preference.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2023
This cute and cozy romcom was the perfect way to kick off my Thanksgiving break!! I LOVED the fall festival setting and the banter was adorably hilarious, thank you so much to the author for providing me with this ARC! Luke and Ava are the perfect team and I can’t wait to read more from Pixie soon :)
Spice level: clean (no language or explicit content, but some references and descriptive kissing)
Spice level: clean (no language or explicit content, but some references and descriptive kissing)
November 22, 2023
🍂forced proximity/ only one bed/ she falls first-he falls harder/small town romance/ coworker romance
🍨 It is a fun, cute, and sweet romance story. The chemistry between Ava and Lucke was great. They are so cute and adorable. Lucke is totally a green flag. It is a story with no spice scenes, but it is truly amazing. ~AN atmospheric small-town romance story with autumn vibes as well. Thank you so much for sharing an ARC with me !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🍨 It is a fun, cute, and sweet romance story. The chemistry between Ava and Lucke was great. They are so cute and adorable. Lucke is totally a green flag. It is a story with no spice scenes, but it is truly amazing. ~AN atmospheric small-town romance story with autumn vibes as well. Thank you so much for sharing an ARC with me !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
January 2, 2024
Ahh!! My second Pixie Perkins book and it didn't disappoint!!! Thank you so much for the ARC!
Luke + Ava had such a fun story, and I'm so glad Pixie wrote it! The tension, angst, and over-the-top flirting was soooo fun and enjoyable! I was literally laughing every few minutes! I did find their reasoning for not being together a *little* silly, but it made for a fun plot point, so it still gets 5 stars from me.
Luke + Ava had such a fun story, and I'm so glad Pixie wrote it! The tension, angst, and over-the-top flirting was soooo fun and enjoyable! I was literally laughing every few minutes! I did find their reasoning for not being together a *little* silly, but it made for a fun plot point, so it still gets 5 stars from me.
stopped-reading
May 14, 2025DNF at 31%
Until 30% we only learn how good the other one looks. Seems like they are only attracted to each other physically and after reading this page after page it just got boring.
Also remember they are supposed to be grown ups. You really want to start dating your best friend's ex? I think at least you should have a better reason than that she is hot... Maybe there are other reasons I would have learned about in the next 70%, but I really didn't want to read this anymore...
Until 30% we only learn how good the other one looks. Seems like they are only attracted to each other physically and after reading this page after page it just got boring.
Also remember they are supposed to be grown ups. You really want to start dating your best friend's ex? I think at least you should have a better reason than that she is hot... Maybe there are other reasons I would have learned about in the next 70%, but I really didn't want to read this anymore...
May 6, 2024
Quick and sweet. It reads like a friends to more since they have a relationship that they both want to take further. This isn’t always my favorite trope so that may be why I wasn’t very engaged in the story. The male characters also felt off for me. It did have lots of Fall vibes so if you like that cozy feeling and friends to lovers, you might like this one.
Content Notes: Makeouts
Content Notes: Makeouts
November 23, 2023
Co-workers to lovers 💕
I finished this book in 5 hours. I love how Ava is so bold and she's the one who takes charge of the relationship. The dynamic between them is adorable. I especially love how cute Like is when he gets jealous I was SQUEALING. 😩💖
I finished this book in 5 hours. I love how Ava is so bold and she's the one who takes charge of the relationship. The dynamic between them is adorable. I especially love how cute Like is when he gets jealous I was SQUEALING. 😩💖
November 28, 2023
Arc review- thank you pixie for letting me read and review this book it was such a quick easy and wholesome read! I loved the autumn vibes and the romance.
December 3, 2023
Sweet story about Luke & Ava! I definitely loved all the obstacles and fun Fall theme activities they participated in!
If you were looking for a fun quick read, check this out!
If you were looking for a fun quick read, check this out!
December 5, 2023
Its been too long since I've read a Pixie Perkins book! So glad I got this one! I love the laugh out loud moments, the kissing and the great ending! Such a fun book!
September 26, 2024
This is just such a sweet book.
June 15, 2025
3.5 Quick, sweet Fall read.
November 21, 2023
Sweet book, but the dynamic between the characters was just not my cup of tea. I really wanted the MMC to grow a spine. The FMC just seemed a bit dependent on a man. I wished she was portrayed more independent. Overall, I do think this would be a likeable book for a lot of people, just not me.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews