So Into You marks Kathleen Fuller’s latest venture into contemporary romance, delivering a heartwarming story that delves deep into mental health, family dynamics, and personal growth. As a departure from her well-known Amish fiction, Fuller demonstrates her versatility as an author by crafting an engaging narrative that resonates with modern readers.
Story Overview and Setting
Set in the vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the story revolves around Brittany “Britt” Branch, a successful YouTube art instructor with severe social anxiety, and Hunter Pickett, a recovering addict from a wealthy family trying to rebuild his life. Their paths cross through Britt’s channel, leading to an arrangement where art lessons are exchanged for help with social anxiety.
Character Development
Britt Branch
Fuller expertly portrays Britt’s struggles with anxiety without reducing her to her mental health challenges. Her passion for art, 70s culture, and yacht rock music adds depth to her character, making her relatable and endearing. While her anxiety often holds her back, her determination to change and grow makes her journey compelling.
Hunter Pickett
Initially appearing as the stereotypical rich playboy, Hunter’s character reveals surprising complexity. His struggles with addiction and family expectations create a nuanced portrayal of someone seeking redemption and purpose. The author skillfully shows his growth from a directionless recovering addict to a man who finds meaning in both art and love.
Supporting Characters
The secondary characters enrich the narrative significantly:
- Amy and Daniel (Britt’s parents): Their rekindling romance adds depth to the story
- Maude and X: The eccentric art store owners provide both comic relief and wisdom
- Savannah: Britt’s best friend whose wedding serves as a catalyst for change
Themes and Analysis
Mental Health Representation
Fuller handles the portrayal of social anxiety with sensitivity and authenticity. Rather than presenting a miraculous cure, she shows the ongoing nature of managing anxiety while still pursuing personal growth. This realistic approach adds credibility to the story.
Family Dynamics
The novel explores complex family relationships, particularly through:
- Hunter’s struggle to prove himself to his wealthy family
- Britt’s relationship with her divorced parents
- The impact of past choices on present relationships
Personal Growth
Both protagonists undergo significant character development:
- Britt learns to face her fears and embrace life
- Hunter discovers purpose beyond his family’s expectations
- Supporting characters also experience meaningful growth arcs
Writing Style and Pacing
Fuller’s writing style is engaging and accessible, though occasionally the pacing feels uneven. The first third of the book moves slowly as the characters are established, but the middle and final acts maintain steady momentum. The author’s experience in romance writing shows in her ability to build tension and create meaningful emotional payoffs.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel succeeds in many aspects, there are some elements that could have been stronger:
- The resolution of certain conflicts feels rushed, particularly the reconciliation between Britt and Savannah
- Some supporting character arcs could have been more fully developed
- The economic disparity between the main characters could have been explored more deeply
- Certain plot points rely too heavily on coincidence
Romance Development
The romance between Britt and Hunter develops naturally and believably. Their initial online interactions, followed by in-person meetings, allow their relationship to build organically. The author effectively uses their shared interest in art to deepen their connection while addressing their individual challenges.
Cultural References and Setting
The novel’s Dallas-Fort Worth setting is well-realized, and the references to yacht rock and 70s culture add unique flavor to the story. The art world elements are handled knowledgeably, making Britt’s career feel authentic.
Impact and Relevance
So Into You by Kathleen Fuller addresses several contemporary issues:
- Mental health awareness and treatment
- Addiction recovery and family support
- The influence of social media on relationships
- Intergenerational healing and reconciliation
Target Audience
This book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Contemporary romance with depth
- Stories featuring mental health themes
- Second-chance romance subplots
- Character-driven narratives
Similar Books and Authors
Readers who enjoy So Into You by Kathleen Fuller might also appreciate:
- Jenny B. Jones’s romantic comedies
- Katherine Reay’s contemporary fiction
- Denise Hunter’s small-town romances
Final Verdict
Strengths
- Authentic portrayal of mental health challenges
- Well-developed main characters
- Strong family dynamics
- Meaningful character growth
- Engaging romance development
So Into You by Kathleen Fuller is a compelling contemporary romance that balances light moments with deeper themes. While not perfect, it successfully delivers an engaging story about love, growth, and healing. Fuller proves she can write contemporary romance as skillfully as her previous Amish fiction.
Recommendation
Highly recommended for readers seeking a romance that goes beyond surface-level attraction to explore personal growth and healing. The book’s handling of mental health issues and addiction recovery adds depth to what might otherwise be a standard romance novel.
This book is particularly valuable for:
- Romance readers seeking stories with substance
- Those interested in mental health narratives
- Fans of character-driven contemporary fiction
- Readers who appreciate family dynamics in their romance novels
Kathleen Fuller’s careful handling of sensitive topics, combined with engaging romance and character development, makes So Into You a worthwhile addition to any contemporary romance reader’s library.