A beautifully written romance tackling some complex issues with great insight and sensitivity. The characters are relatable, the storyline is engaging and it was hard to put down! More than your average romance novel and one I’d highly recommend. It’s safe to say I loved it and will be looking out for more by this author.

So Into You by Kathleen Fuller was an absolutely delightful book.
This book has likable and relatable characters that will find their way into the reader’s heart.
This book has everything a sweet romance should: great characters; a wonderful setting; and a storyline that held my interest.

I was given the privilege to read “So Into You” by Kathleen Fuller before it actually releases for publication tomorrow (Dec 3). Overall, it’s a great story. I enjoyed the chemistry and relationship between Hunter and Britt.

One of the reviews I read, after reading the book, commented about the other characters and sideline stories that run along with the main one being unneeded. I actually disagree. I think seeing Britt’s parents deal with their issues as well as seeing the fragile relationship Hunter has with his parents are key in understanding the main characters.

I also absolutely loved Maude and X. They were just too fun!

Britt deals with social anxiety… Severe social anxiety. Often books will portray a character dealing with anxiety and they don’t make it much more than a bit of nervousness. As someone who lived eight years locked away from the world because of anxiety, I can tell you that is not true anxiety. Kathleen Fuller did a very good job portraying someone with this debilitating issue. And I loved Hunter‘s tenderness and understanding as he helped Britt deal with her challenges.

There’s a great deal in this story about how our past defines us and how we have to move forward in spite of it.

My one negative with the story comes with the fact that it is published by a Christian publisher and labeled as Christian fiction and yet faith and God are totally absent from the story. If it had not been labeled Christian fiction, I would’ve had no problem with that. Because even without faith included, it’s a great story. But I think the author missed a wonderful opportunity to show how faith plays a huge role in dealing with the various issues found in this book.

3.5 stars // romance, clean romance, christian // 💞

arc review 💌
release date : december 3, 2024

2024.12.2

okay so my feelings for this book are complicated. i wanted to enjoy/love it bc its a christian romance and etc... but the characters and multiple pov's kept mixing me up. i did get an audiobook arc (and e-book) i loved the voices of the narrators and they made the story sound amazing.

the main plot was a good idea, but the way it was executed could've been better. i am happy with the ending tho.

britt : okay so she's our fmc and she has a major anxiety disorder, not social, artistic and has a youtube channel, super innocent. she's basically marinette in another font (older, more shy version) and i liked that. some ways she was relatable, but not completely. her not seeing herself as attractive/loveable felt very real and something that's easy to connect to.

hunter : i liked his character of reformed bad boy, him turning his life around was really nice and we don't really see this kind of representation in books that often. he felt really real and ik there's lots of people like him in the world. i feel like i didn't learn much about him in this book tbh.

to me this book felt like a short story with a bunch of people's pov's in 3rd person (maybe omniscient?) idek but like there was a part with britt's, hunter's. amy's (britt's mom), and even daniel (britt's dad) - the latter two which were completely unnecessary.

adding a bunch of storylines made it more like a movie- knowing everyones perspective and sorts and not like a novel. there was random info with her mom and dad, we only got introduced to a "second chance" over 70% into the book.

this book was easy to read overall and an okay read to start december with, there's definitely worse.
this was not my fav, but if you're looking for a clean romance and are fine with many pov's and side plots i'd definitely recommend picking it up. otherwise it may not be your cup of tea


thank you netgalley and thomas nelson fiction for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review

Inspiring

Although the story's synopsis grabbed my attention, I truly did not know what to expect from it. But I can honestly say I was completely drawn in and blown away all in one shot.

I greatly enjoyed the development of Brittany and Hunter's relationship and eventual romance. I also enjoyed how the author beautifully combined Brittany's social struggles and Hunter's past issues into their relationship. All of what they were each "uncomfortably comfortable" with was so true to life and added so much depth to Brittany and Hunter's story. I also enjoyed the secondary characters' stories, which intertwined with the main characters without overshadowing them.

This is an inspiring story of family, overcoming, self-reflection, secrets that come to light, trust, and romance. Yes, it touches on some deep issues that don't normally get talked about in many books, but they are handled beautifully and play an integral part in the story. And although I initially did not know what to expect, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it did not disappoint.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely voluntary and my own.

3.5⭐
0🌶️
Tropes: Christian romance, mental health rep, addiction rep, anxiety rep, friends to lovers, closed door,
Multi POV 3rd person

I felt pretty meh, I didn’t hate it, but I don’t really enjoy reading clean Christian romances and all the different POVs were a little overwhelming for me. I think it would’ve worked better as a movie,

Although the characters seem underdeveloped, I appreciated Britt and Hunter’s struggles, with anxiety and alcoholism as well as how they helped each other through it. It’s nice to see that represented and I think it was handled pretty well. Along with that there were lots of twists and turns so it kept me guessing.

My biggest complaint is that a significant chunk of the story was focused on Britt’s parents as a means for giving backstory on Britt and Hunter, but it’s not mentioned in the blurb at all. I also didn’t like the miscommunication at the end- I don’t really care either way about a miscommunication trope but this bugged me because it seems like they were both purposefully misunderstanding each other.

This book is everything I want in every book! It was sweet and the main character was so relatable! I loved the MMC and how he made the FMC feel safe! This story was captivating from the beginning to end! There is no spice which I loved so much! So into you was adorable and I will reread!

So Into You
Kathleen Fuller
Publication date: 12/3/2024
4/5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! I really appreciated the character development and all the different POVs.

Thank you to Kathleen Fuller, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am not totally sure what I expected of this book, but I can emphatically proclaim that whatever it may have been this book blew it out of the water. I absolutely loved this book and I was so invested in both of these perfectly imperfect characters with real life flaws. The book is so relatable on so many levels. The author did an amazing job with bringing Britt and Hunter to life, as well as the characters surrounding them and who are impacted by their stories. A refreshing read!

This was just ok to me. While I liked the depictions of social anxiety and how they were handled, the rest was just kind of ok. Not super memorable but whatever.

Publication December 3rd, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved this book! Britt and Hunter’s opposites-attract story is so heartfelt and real. Their journey of helping each other grow is sweet, funny, and emotional. It is also deeply moving as they navigate significant issues such as anxiety, recovery from addiction, and self-improvement

Thank You Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction

So Into You explores the quiet battle of mental health through the story of Britt, a talented artist with social anxiety, and Hunter, a reformed addict. Their unlikely friendship grows into a meaningful relationship marked by personal healing. If you or someone you know has faced social anxiety or significant life changes, this book offers a compelling and relatable narrative.

Britt’s struggles with anxiety are portrayed with authenticity—her fear of judgment, discomfort in social situations, and feeling stuck in life. The book shows how anxiety can hold people back from pursuing their dreams, but Britt’s journey is one of gradual growth, full of setbacks and triumphs, especially in her interactions with Hunter.

Hunter, the reformed bad boy, is more than his past. His recovery from addiction and struggles with an estranged family add depth to his character. His journey will resonate with anyone rebuilding their life after past mistakes. Hunter’s quiet strength and patience create a safe space for Britt, reminding readers that change, even slow and messy, is possible with faith in Jesus.

Themes of second chances and forgiveness run throughout, particularly in the complex family dynamics Britt faces. The romance is sweet, but it’s the emotional journeys of Britt and Hunter that make their connection meaningful. While the story doesn’t delve deeply into surrendering your life to Jesus, Hunter’s Jesus-centered faith journey provides a quiet yet powerful message of grace and redemption.

Ultimately, So Into You is about healing, growth, and the tenderness of love. If you or someone you know has dealt with anxiety, addiction, or family struggles, this story offers both empathy and hope. Yet, marketed as Christian fiction, it misses an opportunity to deepen these themes by incorporating the transformative power of Jesus in a more substantial way. For readers who value stories that clearly center around the redemptive and transformative work of Christ, this book may leave you wanting more.

The audiobook version of So Into You is well done. It kept me engaged with the pacing and tone, making it easy to stay connected to the characters and plot.

I received a digital ebook and an audio ARC of So Into You from the publishers via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the super writing and story’s beautiful content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

This was a sweet book about second chances for friendships, families and relationships. Each of the 4 main characters we follow are all on journeys of self reflection about themselves and also how they interact with others. This book addresses challenging aspects of life very well which made it very comforting and inspiring to read. It's a good reminder to be gentle with yourself and the people in your life, no matter how complicated things were in the past or become in the present. A bonus: it was fun to read alongside a yacht rock playlist inspired by Britt!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with an ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

First of all, don't go into this book expecting it to be a rom-com. I know the title, cover and blurb make you think it is, but it actually has a literary fiction feel without exactly being one. I don't know how to place it. Guess you'll have to read it to understand what I mean.
So Into You tells the story of Britt, an art creator, and Hunter, who is trying to get his life back on track. But it also narrates the story of Amy, Britt's mother and Daniel, her father. This is a book about family, love, secrets and redemption. The story is so intricate, it makes you almost uncomfortably comfortable reading it.
Unfortunately, I feel like I didn't connect enough with the characters to be really immersed in the book, but I can see why so many people have given it 5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book and all the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

So Into You is a story of finding someone and helping each other to become better, while also showing that everyone is going through something you may not be aware of. Contains cute banter, real-life complexity, and love worth choosing in spite of it all!

A moving, heartfelt, multi-generational romance that has a divorced single mother reconnecting with her recovering alcoholic ex and her socially anxious daughter falling for another recovering alcoholic as they bond over a shared love of art. Good on audio with EXCELLENT social anxiety rep, this was a feel-good love story. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Loved this book! I felt all the emotions reading it. It was adorable. I loved the characters and the serious topics discussed. It was a great story , and I was hooked.

5 stars !

Meh. Didn’t connect to the characters and with consistently changing povs it made me care even less about Britt and Hunter

This book review proves that multi-author collections “work” in the sense of introducing readers to authors they might not otherwise pick up. I can’t remember why I passed on So Into You when I first saw it on Netgalley, but I did. Maybe I thought it looked like a rom-com with the cartoon cover, but didn’t really sound like one. There isn’t much funny (in my own opinion) about social anxiety, so maybe there’s that.

On a subsequent visit, I recognized Kathleen Fuller’s name from reading Mistletoe Season, and decided to take a closer look. I’m so glad I did. Even though this story is still not a rom com!

Is it my imagination, or are there more heroines with big issues these days? Britt Branch isn’t just a little introverted — she’s crippled by social anxiety in a big way. She’s a vlogger (video blogger) with a popular art-based YouTube channel. Bonus? She doesn’t have to leave the house very often… and she doesn’t. She lives with her divorced mom, paying her own way, but the thought of being totally on her own is more than she can handle.

Hunter is a recovering bad boy who watches Britt’s channel to unwind. He finds her endearing, and when he realizes that one of her sponsors is an art-supply shop local to him in the Dallas area, he wonders if there might be a chance to meet her. He begins commenting on her videos and, of course, they do meet (entirely accidentally) at that store.

Meanwhile, Britt’s high-school teacher mom and delinquent dad are also POV characters. Her dad, who’d walked out on them when Britt was eight, has reached out to her and reconnected, unbeknownst to Mom. He’s a recovering alcoholic working as a chauffeur for a wealthy lawyer. Britt knows her mom would totally flip out if she knew Britt was seeing Dad, so she doesn’t tell her.

That sets the pattern for secrets between all the characters. Britt’s not telling her mom about her dad. Her mom isn’t telling Britt about the new guy she is (possibly) seeing. Hunter isn’t telling Britt that he’s a recovering alcoholic and ex-drug-user, or who his family is. Dad’s not telling anyone anything.

It doesn’t take long for the reader to begin to imagine the explosion when the secrets find their voices, because we can see it coming, where each character only knows his or her part, not how their stories intersect. If you can call it intersecting when there’s an explosion! I don’t want to say too much, but the point is, yes, everyone intersects, yes, it’s intentional, and yes, it’s worth the ka-bang toward the end. But the ka-bang is not the very end. There is still soul-searching and trust-renewal issues beyond. And… I’ve said enough.

So, do I recommend this novel? Yes, I’d give it a solid 4.5/5. If you’re ready for a more solid, non-seasonal read, give So Into You a try. It releases December 3, so not long to wait now!

I received a NetGalley review copy but was not required to leave a positive review.

2.5 stars

Im a bit confused with this one…. And I feel like ive been disappointed?? Why did the focus so much on her parents??? And if it was a dual romance…. Please add it to the blurb. I definitely didn’t expect it and i skimmed through big parts of the book because i just wanted to focus on Britt and Hunter…. I didn't need all the ‘extra stuff’, some people call it background i call it unnecessary information that personally didn’t add to the story for me.

Britt also felt kind of immature for her age? Or was that supposed to be because she has social anxiety? Hmmm 🤔 and then all the miscommunication urgh….it was almost very frustrating to read, and IRL this couple was not going to happen, and i primarily read romance so I know most of these stories are seriously out there with true love and etc…. But this one just hit me the wrong way ☹️

I mean I appreciate the mental health rep, but I dont think this one was for me..