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Willow Shade Island
Can't Help Falling in Love
Cricket has loved Micah since childhood, but being treated like a sister while he crushes on other girls has become unbearable. When charismatic actor River Stone shows genuine interest in her, Cricket finally feels like someone's first choice.
Micah's world is crumbling—social anxiety derailed college, his YouTube fame is spiraling out of control, and the public is hunting for his identity. His anchor has always been Cricket, but now she's spending all her time with River Stone. Why isn't she there when he needs her most? And why does seeing her with another man feel like his heart is being ripped apart?
Sometimes the scariest fall is into love with your best friend—especially when you might already be too late.
Micah's world is crumbling—social anxiety derailed college, his YouTube fame is spiraling out of control, and the public is hunting for his identity. His anchor has always been Cricket, but now she's spending all her time with River Stone. Why isn't she there when he needs her most? And why does seeing her with another man feel like his heart is being ripped apart?
Sometimes the scariest fall is into love with your best friend—especially when you might already be too late.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2025
33 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 4, 2026
Another winner in the Willow Shade Island series! If you haven't read the previous books, I do recommend you read them in order because they each build upon the previous one. But if you aren't interested in the previous ones, I think you'd be ok to read it as a standalone and not feel completely lost.
I loved watching Cricket and Micah's friendship and the back and forth POVs for each of them. I loved seeing what they are thinking and knowing more of their whys! But yes, sometimes I really wanted to just yell at my kindle and tell them to TALK!!! Hahaha! Do you feel that way sometimes when you're reading a book? But it definitely works. And there's a third character that comes into play. But don't worry, it's not a love triangle. Micah has a lot on his plate and a lot of choices to be made. I loved that Cricket was there supporting him and showing him that he could follow his dreams, even with his struggles.
And I loved seeing more of this group of brothers and all of their stories continue to unfold. Such a great series about family and loving and helping each other!
Content: Clean. Some themes of social anxiety, anxiety and the struggles from it. Some sweet kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the author, via Booksirens. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I loved watching Cricket and Micah's friendship and the back and forth POVs for each of them. I loved seeing what they are thinking and knowing more of their whys! But yes, sometimes I really wanted to just yell at my kindle and tell them to TALK!!! Hahaha! Do you feel that way sometimes when you're reading a book? But it definitely works. And there's a third character that comes into play. But don't worry, it's not a love triangle. Micah has a lot on his plate and a lot of choices to be made. I loved that Cricket was there supporting him and showing him that he could follow his dreams, even with his struggles.
And I loved seeing more of this group of brothers and all of their stories continue to unfold. Such a great series about family and loving and helping each other!
Content: Clean. Some themes of social anxiety, anxiety and the struggles from it. Some sweet kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the author, via Booksirens. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
December 21, 2025
1.5 stars
I seem to be in the minority here, but this book just didn’t work for me.
Sometimes you can tell within the first few pages that a book isn’t going to be for you — and unfortunately, this was one of those cases.
From the very first chapter, I felt completely thrown into the story. I don’t usually mind being dropped right into things, but here it felt less immersive and more overwhelming. There was a lot of information dumping (mostly via inner monologue) and not enough actual story or action. Instead of showing me who these characters were, the author kept telling me — and with such a short page count, that imbalance became really noticeable. I think it could have been handled much better.
The dialogue between the main characters also felt flat and unrealistic to me. Friends-to-lovers is already a tricky trope, and for me it really needs to be done well to land emotionally. You’re constantly being told about all these precious shared moments and how deeply they care for each other — but I’m just supposed to take that at face value. They’ve known each other forever, and then suddenly, in the blink of an eye, they’re in love? That transition just didn’t feel believable here.
Also. The FMC’s name is Cricket 🦗
I’m sorry, but what.
On top of that, I usually prefer single POV because it keeps a sense of mystery, so the dual POV didn’t work in this book’s favor for me either.
I honestly might have rated this higher if the plot had been even a little more engaging. I know it’s a romance, but this has to be one of the most predictable and boring plotlines I’ve read in a while. It basically went like this:
Micah and Cricket (ugh, the name) have a moment.
Micah and Cricket, separately, spiral in their internal monologues about whether the other might be in love with them.
They both conclude “no.”
Repeat this cycle at least 18 times.
I usually don’t mind miscommunication as a trope, but here it was painfully obvious. Either Micah is the most oblivious person on the planet, or he’s just… not very bright. The FMC literally writes a book about a girl being in love with her best friend, and he still doesn’t get it when he reads it. Direct quote from the book, after he reads a chapter of her book:
“She’s always there for him, she supports his art even when no one else does, she knows him better than anyone… and he just sees her as a friend? It’s driving me crazy.”
At that point, I was tapping out.
Friends-to-lovers is hard because the characters already know and love each other — the author has to make us feel that history, not just tell us it exists. Here, that emotional groundwork just wasn’t there for me.
All in all, this one wasn’t for me — and yes, I’m still stuck on the name Cricket. 😭
I seem to be in the minority here, but this book just didn’t work for me.
Sometimes you can tell within the first few pages that a book isn’t going to be for you — and unfortunately, this was one of those cases.
From the very first chapter, I felt completely thrown into the story. I don’t usually mind being dropped right into things, but here it felt less immersive and more overwhelming. There was a lot of information dumping (mostly via inner monologue) and not enough actual story or action. Instead of showing me who these characters were, the author kept telling me — and with such a short page count, that imbalance became really noticeable. I think it could have been handled much better.
The dialogue between the main characters also felt flat and unrealistic to me. Friends-to-lovers is already a tricky trope, and for me it really needs to be done well to land emotionally. You’re constantly being told about all these precious shared moments and how deeply they care for each other — but I’m just supposed to take that at face value. They’ve known each other forever, and then suddenly, in the blink of an eye, they’re in love? That transition just didn’t feel believable here.
Also. The FMC’s name is Cricket 🦗
I’m sorry, but what.
On top of that, I usually prefer single POV because it keeps a sense of mystery, so the dual POV didn’t work in this book’s favor for me either.
I honestly might have rated this higher if the plot had been even a little more engaging. I know it’s a romance, but this has to be one of the most predictable and boring plotlines I’ve read in a while. It basically went like this:
Micah and Cricket (ugh, the name) have a moment.
Micah and Cricket, separately, spiral in their internal monologues about whether the other might be in love with them.
They both conclude “no.”
Repeat this cycle at least 18 times.
I usually don’t mind miscommunication as a trope, but here it was painfully obvious. Either Micah is the most oblivious person on the planet, or he’s just… not very bright. The FMC literally writes a book about a girl being in love with her best friend, and he still doesn’t get it when he reads it. Direct quote from the book, after he reads a chapter of her book:
“She’s always there for him, she supports his art even when no one else does, she knows him better than anyone… and he just sees her as a friend? It’s driving me crazy.”
At that point, I was tapping out.
Friends-to-lovers is hard because the characters already know and love each other — the author has to make us feel that history, not just tell us it exists. Here, that emotional groundwork just wasn’t there for me.
All in all, this one wasn’t for me — and yes, I’m still stuck on the name Cricket. 😭
December 24, 2025
This is a friends-to-lovers story, but the kind that hurts a little because Cricket has loved Micah forever, and he’s always treated her like a sister while pining over other girls. That feeling of being right there but never chosen? Yeah… it nails that. When River Stone shows up and actually sees Cricket, you can’t blame her for wanting to give it a chance. She finally feels like someone’s first choice.
As for Micah…his side of the story tore at my heart. He’s dealing with social anxiety, college falling apart, accidental internet fame, and suddenly, the one person who’s always been his safe place isn’t there anymore. He realizes his feelings too late—and spirals about it.
What I loved most is how real their connection feels. Their bond is built on years of friendship, not just instant attraction, so the tension hits harder. I was internally screaming, “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER” while also bracing myself for the fallout. This is why I have issues with the best friends-to-lovers trope.
If you like angsty, slow-burn, best-friends romance that makes you feel everything and keeps you emotionally invested, this one’s absolutely worth the read. I received a copy from BookSirens. All opinions in this review are my own.
As for Micah…his side of the story tore at my heart. He’s dealing with social anxiety, college falling apart, accidental internet fame, and suddenly, the one person who’s always been his safe place isn’t there anymore. He realizes his feelings too late—and spirals about it.
What I loved most is how real their connection feels. Their bond is built on years of friendship, not just instant attraction, so the tension hits harder. I was internally screaming, “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER” while also bracing myself for the fallout. This is why I have issues with the best friends-to-lovers trope.
If you like angsty, slow-burn, best-friends romance that makes you feel everything and keeps you emotionally invested, this one’s absolutely worth the read. I received a copy from BookSirens. All opinions in this review are my own.
December 9, 2025
This is the fourth in the series, and we meet Cricket and Micah. Cricket knows how she feels about Micah, the problem is he sees her as a sister. Enjoying his relationships with various girls whilst Cricket waits. That is until she doesn't. But will Micah realise too late and loose the best thing in his life. This is a sweet clean romance that just makes you smile. A great addition to the series.
December 3, 2025
What a fun, adorable love story! I laughed at so many parts, and I absolutely adored Cricket and Micah's sweet relationship. I loved watching the tender moments they shared and the believable misunderstandings and self-doubt and had to hurry and flip to the next page to see what happened next. Even though I haven't read the other books in the series, it was easy to follow along with the story and the other relationships in the book. This was a great, clean book I devoured in a day that I definitely recommend!
December 29, 2025
This was a fine little story; predictable, but in the sense that it couldn’t have played out any other way and still been satisfying. I don’t really care about River and Kiera, so this will probably be the last book of the series that I read. It was a good little wrap-up for the brothers’ stories.
I will say that Cricket cries so easily over any emotion she ever feels. Constantly blinking back tears or flat out crying in public. Like, girl, get yourself together.
I will say that Cricket cries so easily over any emotion she ever feels. Constantly blinking back tears or flat out crying in public. Like, girl, get yourself together.
December 11, 2025
Willow Shade Island is a series I’ve personally enjoyed, and this book continues that charm. Although this story focuses on the youngest of the Barrett brothers, it isn’t the final book in the series—something I was grateful to discover, especially knowing there may be a bonus story featuring another member of the family.
Micah, the youngest Barrett brother, left school to pursue his music career. He’s spent years working as a ghostwriter and singer, quietly building a loyal fan base big enough to catch the attention of major record labels. When his identity is suddenly leaked, he turns to the one person who has always been in his corner—his best friend, Cricket, who has loved him for as long as she can remember.
Things become even more complicated when a sweet, charming child actor begins showing interest in Cricket. Suddenly Micah is forced to confront feelings he never realized he had for the girl who has always been by his side.
Their story unfolds in the cutest, sweetest steps as they navigate friendship, jealousy, and finally acknowledging what’s been there all along. I truly loved their journey and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
This is a clean, easy-to-read romance—heartwarming, wholesome, and perfect for readers who love best-friends-to-lovers stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Micah, the youngest Barrett brother, left school to pursue his music career. He’s spent years working as a ghostwriter and singer, quietly building a loyal fan base big enough to catch the attention of major record labels. When his identity is suddenly leaked, he turns to the one person who has always been in his corner—his best friend, Cricket, who has loved him for as long as she can remember.
Things become even more complicated when a sweet, charming child actor begins showing interest in Cricket. Suddenly Micah is forced to confront feelings he never realized he had for the girl who has always been by his side.
Their story unfolds in the cutest, sweetest steps as they navigate friendship, jealousy, and finally acknowledging what’s been there all along. I truly loved their journey and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
This is a clean, easy-to-read romance—heartwarming, wholesome, and perfect for readers who love best-friends-to-lovers stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 7, 2025
I thought that Micah and Cricket's story was awesome! I didn't want to stop reading. You just want to knock sense into the characters and it keeps you on your seat about what is going to happen! I loved this story and I love this series. I can't wait to read River's story! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I highly recommend this book, this series, and for that matter any book by Victorine E. Lieske.
I highly recommend this book, this series, and for that matter any book by Victorine E. Lieske.
December 31, 2025
Cricket and Micah have been best friends through thick and thin, but she's gradually losing hope that he'll ever see her has more than a friend. Deciding it's time to try to get over him, she agrees to go out on a date with another man - and that makes Micah sit up and take notice in a way he never has before. But however much he might want to, Micah can't find anything bad to say about River, and he cares too much about Cricket to want to spoil her chances if she really likes the man. Micah's eyes been opened to his true feelings for Cricket - but is it too late, or does he still have a chance?
It's been clear in previous books that these two belong together, but also that Micah is oblivious to Cricket's feelings. So I loved seeing them finally end up where everyone knew they would. Naturally, the journey couldn't be easy, and that's what really makes the story worth reading. I didn't expect to enjoy getting to know River, but I did (and am looking forward to seeing him get his own story, though it sounds like he's going to have his work cut out for him). I was sorry he lost out, but Micah and Cricket were too close for any other relationship to work - I really enjoyed seeing them finally come to the point of jointly realising it. All in all, a great addition to the series (but still a standalone story) - looking forward to the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's been clear in previous books that these two belong together, but also that Micah is oblivious to Cricket's feelings. So I loved seeing them finally end up where everyone knew they would. Naturally, the journey couldn't be easy, and that's what really makes the story worth reading. I didn't expect to enjoy getting to know River, but I did (and am looking forward to seeing him get his own story, though it sounds like he's going to have his work cut out for him). I was sorry he lost out, but Micah and Cricket were too close for any other relationship to work - I really enjoyed seeing them finally come to the point of jointly realising it. All in all, a great addition to the series (but still a standalone story) - looking forward to the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 11, 2026
I couldn’t help falling in love with Can’t Help Falling in Love. Victorine E. Lieske delivers a swoony, emotionally satisfying friends-to-lovers story packed with longing, humor, and small-town charm. Cricket is relatable and heartfelt, Micah is frustrating in the best way, and the slow-burn tension kept me glued to the pages. I loved the island setting, the witty banter, and the way music and books are woven naturally into the romance. The jealousy, miscommunication, and emotional growth felt authentic, not overdone. If you enjoy heartfelt contemporary romance with a cozy vibe and characters who feel like real people, this one is absolutely worth your time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
December 27, 2025We finally get the last Barrett brothers story, Micah and Cricket’s story. This is a great young love, oblivious to feelings, best friends to more story. I've loved Cricket's unwavering dedicated in all the series and my heart broke a little for her.
She writes a book, which he reads and he writes music which she helps him pursue. They have a lot of ups and downs, but great friends and family to support what Micah can’t see. It takes watching her be with someone else to recognize his true feelings.
Cricket's ability to see and help Micah with his social anxiety was sweet. I felt for him, but I also wanted to smack his eye open. LOL. This would be a great YA for teens.
She writes a book, which he reads and he writes music which she helps him pursue. They have a lot of ups and downs, but great friends and family to support what Micah can’t see. It takes watching her be with someone else to recognize his true feelings.
Cricket's ability to see and help Micah with his social anxiety was sweet. I felt for him, but I also wanted to smack his eye open. LOL. This would be a great YA for teens.
December 26, 2025
3.5 - 4*
Whenever I read a" friends to more", I wonder how they don't pick up the vibes. I wonder why jealousy finally gets them becoming aware of how they really feel. It is the same with Micah and Cricket. She has always shown her support for his interests and his future plans.
This author has all the right words and emotions, but I must have taken a step off the road and not found it again. Never-the-less, I look forward to the next in the series.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Whenever I read a" friends to more", I wonder how they don't pick up the vibes. I wonder why jealousy finally gets them becoming aware of how they really feel. It is the same with Micah and Cricket. She has always shown her support for his interests and his future plans.
This author has all the right words and emotions, but I must have taken a step off the road and not found it again. Never-the-less, I look forward to the next in the series.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 1, 2026
A sweet, slow‑burn romance built on missed signals and quiet longing.
In Can’t Help Falling in Love, Lieske leans into the “she falls first” trope beautifully. Cricket's (FMC) feelings are obvious to everyone except the hero, whose obliviousness is equal parts endearing and exasperating. Their near‑miss moments create gentle tension, and the clean, wholesome tone keeps the story light. Predictable, yes—but charming in that comforting, small‑town‑romcom way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In Can’t Help Falling in Love, Lieske leans into the “she falls first” trope beautifully. Cricket's (FMC) feelings are obvious to everyone except the hero, whose obliviousness is equal parts endearing and exasperating. Their near‑miss moments create gentle tension, and the clean, wholesome tone keeps the story light. Predictable, yes—but charming in that comforting, small‑town‑romcom way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 5, 2026
This was a nice read and is of the friends to more trope with a social anxiety representation.
This was well written and with charming characters. The story felt realistic and flowed well.
I usually enjoy these types of romances but this one? Not so much. I think it was because it was a coming of age/young adult book (not a fan). At times the characters felt much older and then they showed their age.
I received an advance review copy courtesy of BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was well written and with charming characters. The story felt realistic and flowed well.
I usually enjoy these types of romances but this one? Not so much. I think it was because it was a coming of age/young adult book (not a fan). At times the characters felt much older and then they showed their age.
I received an advance review copy courtesy of BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 10, 2026
This is one of the cutest stories I've read, there are relatable characters and the plot is something we have all heard of before. Almost everyone has a friend or heard of someone who loved a "friend" and seemed not be corresponded on the feelings. The whole thing is how the author writes so beautifully about it, building the feelings, the jealousy, the heartbreak, the desire, and proving that friendship might be the best start of all love stories!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 6, 2025
So cute! This is part of a series. Readers wouldn’t be completely lost reading this as a stand-alone, but it would be a bit more challenging to know the secondary characters without knowing their history. It’s pretty predictable, but stress free and sweet. It’s a best friends to more, clean, sweet romance. The main couple in this story are college age, so ideal for YA readers. I’m not in that age bracket, but I really enjoyed it.
December 8, 2025
What kind of name is Cricket?!
So Micah goes around kissing whoever he wants but when Cricket kisses someone, suddenly there are feelings…☠️
He first saw her as a sister, until they kiss.
This is not okay 😵💫
And then Cricket is playing games with River to make him jealous. How manipulative.
.
So Micah goes around kissing whoever he wants but when Cricket kisses someone, suddenly there are feelings…☠️
He first saw her as a sister, until they kiss.
This is not okay 😵💫
And then Cricket is playing games with River to make him jealous. How manipulative.
.
December 10, 2025
This story had me hooked from the start. Cricket’s unrequited love and Micah’s spiraling anxiety make their slow shift from best friends to something more feel incredibly real. Watching Micah struggle with his feelings, especially once River enters the picture, adds so much tension and heartache. It’s a tender, messy, beautifully written friends-to-lovers story that captures what it feels like to almost lose the person who means everything to you.
December 21, 2025
Can’t Help Falling in Love
Cricket and Micah have a wonderfully sweet story. They have been best friends and neighbors for many years. Cricket has loved him forever but he cannot see her as anything but a sister. As Cricket helps him deal with his growing fame, she tires of him not seeing her. Micah seems to start seeing her differently when she starts dating an actor visiting the island. I recommend you read the book for the rest of their story.
Cricket and Micah have a wonderfully sweet story. They have been best friends and neighbors for many years. Cricket has loved him forever but he cannot see her as anything but a sister. As Cricket helps him deal with his growing fame, she tires of him not seeing her. Micah seems to start seeing her differently when she starts dating an actor visiting the island. I recommend you read the book for the rest of their story.
January 2, 2026
So this was my first book on the series to read and honestly I fell in love with the characters. Cricket has been in love with Micah since she was young. Always having to stand aside and watch Micah with other girls. Feeling like a last choice with Micah she starts seeing river stone who makes her feel like she’s all he can see.
This tale is one of longing, happiness, sadness and overall very enjoyable read.
This tale is one of longing, happiness, sadness and overall very enjoyable read.
January 12, 2026
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Cricket, an aspiring writer, has loved her best friend, Micah, an aspiring musician, forever but he sees her as just a friend. When she starts dating River, he begins to be jealous but won’t admit it. Then he starts being recognized and has a panic attack so she agrees to be his manager. A delightful book about relationships, discovering yourself, and determining future goals.
December 6, 2025
This story was so delightful to read, the fun banter had me smiling. I loved Cricket and Micah, these best friends have a hard time expressing their true feelings, but he writes and sings his own songs and she is an author, so what better way to get their feelings out. A story you won’t want to miss, sweet, swoony and all around a fun story.
December 10, 2025
Once again Victorine Lieske has written a book that I found hard to put down. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book follows the youngest Barrett brother in this series but the angst is so thick in this book, you couldn't cut it with a knife. Lots of emotion in this book and more tears than I'm comfortable with but, all in all, a good book.
December 11, 2025
changes
I really hope for Cricket that Micah´s sudden change of interest in her is not merely hunter´s instinct because somebody else starts dating her. I struggled understanding the protagonists´reasons, sometimes their behaviour even annoyed me and I had doubts about a HEA being in the cards for them. No other way to find out until you finish this book.
I really hope for Cricket that Micah´s sudden change of interest in her is not merely hunter´s instinct because somebody else starts dating her. I struggled understanding the protagonists´reasons, sometimes their behaviour even annoyed me and I had doubts about a HEA being in the cards for them. No other way to find out until you finish this book.
December 21, 2025
I have loved this entire series and the Barret family, but this one was exceptional! I've been looking forward to Micah and Cricket and their story exceeded my expectations, I couldn't put it down! The emotion was so real, I could feel all the joy the pain and the struggles.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 4, 2025
This was a great read. It's a slow burn full of "will they or won't they." It's sweet and easy to like all of the characters. It's clean, no cussing and has an HEA! Tropes: best friends to lovers, slow burn, small town. Thanks for the early read Victorine!
December 30, 2025
I enjoyed the book. For me the best part was the small town and all of the different characters. Also really enjoyed the banter between the FMC and MMC ❤️
I would have loved if the ending was a little longer.
I would have loved if the ending was a little longer.
January 8, 2026
An adorable best friends to more love story. This book was entertaining, emotional and heartfelt, so well written. With fun characters and cute banter that was priceles this story is wonderfully touching and I couldn't put it down. This is the BEST series! Don't miss it!
December 3, 2025
Part of an interconnected series with overlapping characters. Can be read as a standalone but better if read in order.
Best friends to more
Family pressures
Sudden changes
Best friends to more
Family pressures
Sudden changes
December 6, 2025
A sweet friends to lovers romance. An engaging story. Thanks to BookSirens for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews