Member Reviews
**Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of So Into You in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are entirely my own.**
So Into You was a fun read that tackled difficult subject matter in a meaningful way. However, I did have a few problems with it.
I really enjoyed each of the problems the characters face in their personal lives, but there was a LOT of secret-keeping that was not fun to read about. I knew there would be a huge fight between a bunch of the characters because of the secrets, and that was a little stressful to say the least.
Though the book dealt with meaningful subject matter like addictions and anxiety, I feel like there were quite a lot of shortcuts within the book when talking about these issues. I think a lot of the characters’ deep struggles were resolved way too quickly and neatly, especially given the amount of characters and their struggles.
Speaking of the amount of characters, So Into You has at least 4 POVs, which meant the character depth was questionable at times. It took me out of the narrative, too, because sometimes I didn’t catch when the POV switched. In my opinion, Britt and Hunter’s POVs read quite similarly, too.
I did enjoy that it didn’t have spice, and the love stories were cute (although I don’t know how I feel about the ending). I liked the Christian aspect, too, but it felt like an afterthought. I would be really engaged, and then a faith-based part would come up, and I would be taken aback because I forgot that it was technically marketed as a Christian book.
So Into You was a fun read, and I enjoyed the plot, but I think it just tried to do too much. Great ideas with meh execution.
A sweet book with themes I am not typically drawn too, such as abandonment, religion and alcoholism. I felt like the anxiety storyline was well written and respectful, clearly coming from a genuine place by the author.
The multiple POVs made it a bit hard to find the characters feelings and relationships by the end of the book believable, particularly the older characters. The miscommunication that just kept building made some parts of the ending feel a bit forced or just really quick.
Overall I enjoyed the book as an easy read and would read more from this author.
I really enjoyed this book, it was very cute. This was my first time reading something by this author. I thought the storyline was predictable, I easily figure out what was going to happen and how everyone was connected. That said, I like easy, happy, light, and romantic books. This one did not disappoint.
I really enjoyed this book! The writing was really good and the characters had a lot of depth. And the romance was very cute!
Are you looking for characters who aren't squeaky clean? Characters who have...a past? Characters who struggle with real-life problems you can relate to? So Into You by Kathleen Fuller definitely has that in spades. Our lead character is a super talented artist who has severe social anxiety to the point she gets full fledged panic attacks. Thus she's content to be "uncomfortably comfortable" in her seriously introverted life where she lives with her divorced mom and works from home and minimally interacts with anyone--except her estranged dad who popped back into her life three months ago.
Hunter has a criminal background and is an alcoholic. But he's gone sober and turned his life around. He's shunned by his family due to past behavior. Bored he discovered Britt in a quick reel online. He really liked her voice, so just started listening to her art videos to help him go to sleep. Eventually, he reaches out to her in a DM about her work.
Long story short--art brings these two together. But both have a past that threatens any relationship they may have. We also have two additional characters in Daniel (Britt's estranged dad) and her mom. They have their OWN story going on too. And through this and that and maybe...fate (aka God), all four are brought together.
While I didn't relate on a personal level with any of these characters, I felt like they were represented well. Some of the story was *out there* like the whole climax. But it's fiction.
I didn't love it but I didn't not like it--so it just gets a solid 3 stars from me.
*This was a copy given to me by the publisher and NetGAlley. All opinions are 100% my own and this was my honest review.
At first, I was excited to read this book. It's about art, love and started off great with one of the leads struggling from anxiety which was nice to see represented in a book.
Then it hit me with the fact that the book was more than dual POV. It's a pet peeve of mine when there are more than two perspectives. There was also the fact that basically everyone was keeping secrets and there would be this blown up conflict that honestly stressed me out.
I felt like with the four POVs there just wasn't enough context for me to believe that the two younger characters were in love or make me care about them.
It wasn't a huge plot point, but the references to church and it also being a part of addiction recovery was a turn off for me. Religion isn't for everyone and I know recovering alcoholics who didn't find faith in order to stay sober. I should have taken the subtle Christian notes as a hint that the book would therefore have zero spice.
A book can be good without spice, I just wasn't invested in this one.
This is my first book from this author, and while the premise piqued my interest, I struggled to get into the story. I didn't connect with the writer's voice, and found Britt and Amy's interiority lacking.
A wonderful book that has inspired me to live life differently. The characters are so diverse that they would relate to many readers.
This was my first book by this author. I can honestly say I was pleased with the book. This was a great light hearted book that touched on a serious topic. I appreciated the way the author dealt with social anxiety.
Based on other books I’ve read by this author; I knew this would be a book that would end with a “feel good” kind of feeling. Definitely true for this delightful, heartwarming story.
Twenty-eight-year-old Britt Branch lives at home with her divorced mother. Her parents have been divorced for twenty years with no contact from her father. Only in the past few months has she and her dad gotten together, unbeknownst to her mother. He has cleaned himself up, no longer drinks and has a respectable steady job as the chauffeur for a prominent local attorney.
Britt is an accomplished artist with a successful online presence, where she teaches numerous different types of art lessons, however, she also suffers from a very bad case of social anxiety. She has only one friend, and rarely goes out in public. That one friend is getting married and asks Britt to be her maid of honor. She accepts but panic sets in and she decides that she must try to get over the panic she feels when out among people.
Handsome Hunter Pickett has had his share of troubles, getting by on his good looks, putting very little effort into school, resulting in changing schools many times during his high school years. His family is very wealthy, and both of his brothers are married with successful careers, while his parents have pretty much disowned him. At age 30, Hunter has a GED and works nights in a warehouse, sharing an apartment with a friend.
Hunter stumbles upon Britt’s channel and watches her videos. He is intrigued by her art and sends her a message which she responds to. They strike up an online friendship and when they coincidently meet one day in an art supply store that is one of Britt’s sponsors, things seem to click. Britt, however, is totally honest about the panic that seizes her when she’s around people and out in public. Hunter is determined to help her overcome her anxiety, one baby step at a time.
This is a book that kept my attention to the very last page. There is humor, some complicated situations that arise, as well as reconciliation and second chances. A heartwarming story that will stay with me for a while.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Loved this one! Great and fun read. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.
So Into You delivers a sweet yet unremarkable story that delves into themes of anxiety, abandonment, and alcoholism. The novel follows Hunter and Britt, who meet by chance and embark on a journey of personal and familial healing. Through their struggles, the book shines a light on resilience and the importance of becoming better for the ones we love. While it may not be a standout, it offers a heartfelt look at overcoming past hardships and embracing life's possibilities.
An enthralling story featuring two captivating, yet wounded people, “So Into You”, by Kathleen Fuller, also shows the devastating, lingering impact of addiction on individuals and families, but ends with a HEA and the promise of redemption.
Both leads are afflicted with serious issues and have been trying to overcome them. I appreciated the author’s take on these conditions and the problems, challenges, pain, frustration they bring.
I liked the characters and the romance. Hunter and Britt are likeable and relatable, each wounded and tortured in their own way. Their connection and attraction are sweet.
It’s easy to relate to Britt and the pain and despair her condition causes.
Hunter’s life trajectory seems like so many others young people’s wasted lives. Perhaps his healing process needed to be a little harder sometimes.
I also enjoyed that the older people got their story told, too.
I felt there were too many coincidences, but I really didn’t mind and thoroughly enjoyed the story.
Books focusing on social media never appeal to me, but this one intrigued me. However, I found it to be just okay. The constant emphasis on social anxiety became tedious to read about. While I empathize with people dealing with these issues in real life, it felt too much and didn't make for a compelling story. It was draining to read, so this book wasn't for me.
Sweet story about anxiety, abandon, alcoholism and the strength in order to be a better person for those who we love.
Britt is a talented artist suffering from anxiety. She can’t stand crowded places, therefore she is left to work behind a camera where interaction with others is only through DMs.
Hunter is a boy who rebelled against his family by drinking and misbehaving through his adolescence. His past left him stranded from everyone he knows, so now is up to him to get better and find himself in the process.
By chance, Hunter and Britt find each other and their journey of overcoming their struggles begins while also dealing with family struggles and trust.
There were contradictory moments in the plot and some loopholes such as the father’s story, the cause or origin of Britt’ condition, the origin of the problem between Hunter and his family and how everyone dealt with it felt flat. There are lots of moments yet to be improved in the plot in my opinion.
Such a sweet book! I loved how the main characters helped each other out as they overcame their challenges. The part about keeping secrets was challenging to read about as the reader knew that was going to be a problem. My favorite characters were the male ones in this story except for Maude!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
it's a 3,5 stars for me
"So Into You" by Kathleen Fuller offers a charming and uplifting romantic comedy that captures the magic of unlikely attractions and the transformative journey of self-discovery.
In this heartwarming tale, Fuller explores the themes of overcoming personal hardships and embracing life's possibilities while delivering a refreshing love story that feels sincere and invigorating.
The protagonist, Britt Branch, is an engaging character whose distinct 1970s-inspired style and thriving My-Tube art tutorial channel immediately draw readers in. Britt's struggle with severe social anxiety adds layers to her personality, making her relatable and endearing. Living with her mother and grappling with her desire for independence, Britt's life takes a turn when her best friend's wedding announcement pushes her towards self-improvement and new beginnings.
Hunter Pickett, on the other hand, is the striking yet troubled son of affluent parents, burdened by years of addiction and the stigma of being his family's outcast. His poignant journey from the depths of addiction to the challenges of maintaining sobriety for three years introduces a compelling complexity to his character. Hunter's accidental discovery of Britt's art channel leads to a budding friendship that grows as they decide to tackle their personal issues together.
Fuller skillfully portrays the evolution of Britt and Hunter's relationship, weaving a narrative that is both touching and genuine. She deftly addresses themes of vulnerability, truthfulness, and the courage to confront one's fears. The tension arising from unveiled secrets and the ensuing need to rebuild trust makes their path to love feel truly earned and authentic.
"So Into You" transcends the traditional romance novel by delving into themes of personal growth, bravery in the face of change, and the unexpected nature of love.
Kathleen Fuller's engaging writing style brings her characters to life, making their struggles and triumphs resonate deeply with readers.
A special thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction, Kathleen Fuller, and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
So Into You was such an enjoyable read.
Following the story of Britt, an artist who really struggles with social anxiety, this book follows her journey of growth with the help of a new relationship with Hunter.
Hunter seems to be perfect boyfriend material until Britt finds out about his troubled past. But is this something they can move on from?
As well as the romance aspect of the book, it is lovely to follow Britt as she steps out into her own independence and begins to really embrace her life.
The book is well written and I found it to be an enjoyable read. The author has made the story captivating and the characters are very likeable and real.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sweet story about Britt, a woman with crippling social anxiety, and Hunter, a recovering addict. Their relationship builds slowly after Hunter contacts Britt through her YouTube channel teaching art lessons. Both of them have family complications that cause a hiccup in their romance, but it all comes together for an HEA in the end.
The way the author treats each of their issues is very realistic and respectful and brings a lot to the story. The secondary characters are also well written. I will definitely read more from this author.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. I have written this review voluntarily.
2.5
i am...... somewhat disappointed. this felt very middle of the road to me. nothing really stood out. i appreciated the depictions of social anxiety, as it's clear they were handled with care and understanding, but i'm not a fan of britt's decision to get help for it just because of hunter. you gotta do it for yourself, babes.
this would have worked much better as a movie. it was written like a rom-com, but the only moderately developed character was britt, and i know her parents' points of view were included for context instead of having all the info dumped on the reader, but the backstory could have been woven in better without including unnecessary perspectives. hunter was just eh. he was there. for someone who was described as being soooo different from britt, their voices were awfully similar.
overall, this was okay. nothing memorable, but it wasn't bad, either. it's just there.
i received a complimentary copy of this book. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.