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Into You

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What do you do when the body you wake up in isn’t yours?Olly and Scott promised to be best friends forever. They grew up on the same street, went to the same school, and did everything together. But one hot summer night, teenage experimentation caused hurt feelings and confusion, and their friendship was destroyed.Four years later they’re both eighteen years old and in their final term at school. Scott is a football star and Olly’s preparing for a main role in the school play. After a heated argument in the street—witnessed by their mysterious, elderly neighbour—they wake up the next morning stuck in each other’s bodies.With no idea how to get back to normal, they have to co-operate in order to hide their secret. Spending time together rekindles their friendship, yet feelings run deeper for both of them. With the end of school fast approaching, the clock is ticking. Unless they discover how to change back, they could be stuck in the wrong bodies 57,000 words

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2016

32 people are currently reading
565 people want to read

About the author

Jay Northcote

54 books1,654 followers
I don't hang out on Goodreads much, so if you'd like to connect with me then Twitter, Facebook or an email is usually best :) All my contact details are on my website.

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.

Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,576 reviews1,117 followers
August 20, 2016
~4.5~

Olly and Scott are in their last year of secondary school, preparing to take final tests that will determine if they get into the university of their choice. They used to be best friends, but one kiss the summer they were 14 changed everything.

Now Scott has a clingy girlfriend he barely tolerates and Olly can't look at Scott without contempt. Scott plays football and takes economics courses. Olly prefers psychology and literature, and is into drama.

When Scott, driving his new car, takes a corner too fast, causing Olly to fall off his bike, they have a shouting match right there on the street. And Olly's elderly next-door neighbor, she of the black cat and numerous plants, isn't happy, because that's not how things were supposed to go.



I've always been a fan of body-swapping stories. There's something compelling about being someone else for a day. Even returning to your younger self, like Tom Hanks did in Big, is an opportunity to see your life from a different perspective.

When Olly and Scott wake up in each other's bodies, they have to work together to figure out how to set things right. Scott needs to rehearse as Olly for a play, and Olly needs to go to football training. They have to become friends again and come to terms with their feelings for one another.



Scott has been living a lie but is scared to come out to his overbearing father. And Olly knows that underneath his resentment, his crush on Scott still lingers.

I really enjoyed this story. I couldn't put it down. It's incredibly sweet and will make you believe in second chances. Despite the rather magical plot, this book is really about being true to yourself and finding that one person who's meant for you.

The narration (dual POV) was a little confusing at times because when Olly is mentioned it's really Olly's soul (being? consciousness?) but in Scott's body, and vice versa. So I would have to imagine Olly looking like Scott (and being Scott to the world) but still being Olly. I don't think there's a way around that though, and I got used to it as the story progressed.

I expect serious smex in Northcote's books, but this book is definitely young adult vs. new adult. There are a couple masturbation sessions, which are a little wicked since the guys are not in their own bodies, a few kisses, and oral, but nothing beyond that.



I realize that saying I wanted more makes me sound like a grade A perv (I mean, the MCs are teenagers and live with their parents! ), so I'm not gonna say it. See? I didn't say it.

The story ends with an endearing epilogue that I would bill a HEA, even though Olly and Scott are so young. Sometimes you know your own heart, even at 18.
Profile Image for ☆ Todd.
1,441 reviews1,583 followers
August 25, 2016

I. Absolutely. Adored. This. Story.

At 9 years old, Olly and Scott are inseparable, even going as far as having their own blood oath to be best friends forever.

But when the boys are 14, a kiss and a lie shatters their bond and their friendship blows away like so many leaves in a strong wind.



Except that's not how things are supposed to happen, so when Scott nearly runs Olly down on his bicycle and an argument ensues, their elderly neighbor, Miss Wychwood, takes matters into her own hands in order to get fate back on track.

After all, blood bonds aren't something one can simply choose to break. Especially not when an old lady and her black cat keep their eyes on the prize.

The next morning, the boys wake up inside one another's bodies (and not in the 'bawm-chika-wow-wow' sexy way,) so they are forced to work together to sort out how to soul swap back again.



Olly, who is gay, must pretend to be Scott and deal with not only his clingy, annoying girlfriend, Amy, but also with Scott's extremely homophobic father. Plus, Scott is a star footballer, so Olly must fill those rather large, athletic shoes, too.



Scott, who says he's straight, has things a bit easier, as he's living with Olly's laid-back family, but he does have to pick up the lead role of Romeo in the school play, which isn't easy, as he's afraid of public speaking.



To pull off the task of pretending to be one another, the boys must constantly give advice and exchange details regarding their current lives, which is precisely what Miss Wychwood intended all along, as that process immediately begins repairing their broken friendship and hearts.

One of the funniest aspects of the book is that both boys find the other extremely attractive, only to then have unlimited, completely private access to the other person's body.

And what do teenage guys do behind closed doors on a regular basis? Yeah, therein lies the rub (pardon the pun.) I mean, who's going to know, right?

So while both boys try to be respectful that the body they currently inhabit (and are dying to touch, take out for a test drive if you will,) isn't theirs to touch, that can only last so long before their resolve begins to crumble.

And it's freaking hilarious to watch, like that piece of chocolate turtle cheesecake in the fridge. How long is that bitch really gonna sit there uneaten? Not long, let me tell you!

Another part of the story that I love is that Scott finally realizes that the lie he's been living isn't worth it. So as he is allowed to live as Olly, open and honest about his sexuality, Scott's fear of coming out simply fades away and he's ready to finally go for the life with Olly that he's always wanted as soon as they swap back, homophobic father be damned.



My one niggle about the story, which is completely unavoidable with body swap stories, is that I had to continually pause mentally and picture "okay, this is Scott speaking, but he's in Olly's body, so everyone else is seeing Olly" and vice versa.

There is zero way around that, which was distracting, but the story was so worth it, as it kept me on my toes and thoroughly entertained from the first word to the last.

Although both boys are 18, the sexy times are limited to some touching and oral, which does get pretty steamy, but doesn't proceed on-page any further than that.
The story ends with what I feel is an HEA, mainly because the boys have known one another for a decade and, whether they realized it or not, being together was always written in their stars.

We even get an epilogue with the boys attending Uni in Manchester, sleeping in the same bed most nights, which was the cherry on top for me.

And as a way of showing their gratitude for her help, the boys cultivate a friendship with Miss Wychwood, helping her with her lawn and garden when they're home.

This was a solid 4.5 star read for me and I would *lurve* to see more stories with a certain older woman setting the lives of other young gay boys back on track.

After all, fate sometimes needs a helping hand.

------------------------------------------------

My ARC copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
Profile Image for Sheziss.
1,367 reviews487 followers
September 22, 2016
This was a delight. Jay Northcote is a hit or miss for me and this time it’s one of those stories she nailed for me.

Imaginative and adorable. Colourful and positive.



It was cute, it was fun and it made me feel good. I seriously recommend this one!



Olly and Scott were BFF for most of their lives. But 4 years ago, it all ended after a kiss. Now they are 18 and the rift between them gets bigger and bigger with each passing day.

Until there is this argument. The last straw. The next morning, they are in each other’s body. After the initial shock, they decide to act as the other one in the most natural way they can manage, to try not to wreck each other’s existence, as to make everything seem as normal as possible.

But that means being together most of the time.

Just after reading the blurb I was thinking about Freaky Friday.



Only that this was a romance, and a great one at that.

Olly is out of the closet and Scott is struggling to look keen for the sake of his girlfriends. Olly is supported by his parents, whereas Scott feels crushed under his father’s homophobia. Olly plays Romeo in the school play, and Scott is successful in football (European football). They are as different as day and night, but somehow they were so good together. Once upon a time. Until that kiss happened and everything crashed and burnt.

Of course, there are hilarious times, when they feel weird at seeing themselves from the outside, when they kiss each other and in fact are kissing themselves, when they have entirely at their service a foreign body they have longed for a long time, when they wake up with a morning or they find something similar at night which doesn’t let them sleep. They have to go to each other’s classes. They have to answer to their “real” names and deal with friends with whom they are not familiar at all…

And there are serious matters, too. How to deal with true feelings which never stopped existing. How to deal with parents that are so different to their own. How to deal with not being ashamed of who you are, or how to learn to be free in order to have what you yearn for.



They get to be under each other’s skin. And to face feelings that never had a chance to die.

They can’t wait to be in their own body again.



Even though that also means there will be no reason to be together once that happens.

They cannot ever consider the chance that the other one feels the same, right?

Right?



I loved the story, but I loved the fact that I couldn’t put he book down even more. These characters are adorable (even the secondary ones are balanced and easy to like). Even when what drove them apart gets in the middle, they comply and make an effort to reach each other’s hand. They are not obtuse for the sake of it. They feel hurt and sad at their situation, and both of them would love something different. Both of them would love to get back what they used to have together.

Their interactions are awkward at first. They don’t know how to behave when being together. At first they are too angry at each other, but also frustrated and lonely. Then it becomes friendship again. Something they had missed for a way too long. And finally there is this “maybe” and this “hope” that turns into this “love”.

When the future is so scary and uncertain, it’s heart-warming that beautiful and powerful things can survive. I wish I found more optimistic and fairy-like tales like this one without being sappy and sugary. It makes you believe in second chances, in the best destiny ever being within reach. You just have to believe in it to make it possible. You just have to grab it with both hands and make it real.

BTW, I sort of imagine Mrs Wychwood like this:



*****



***Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
Profile Image for Nazanin.
1,283 reviews837 followers
lost-interested
August 25, 2019
DNF @ 32%

I didn’t care about characters, I couldn’t feel the connection. The plot wasn’t something new, actually I saw a movie (years ago) like this one just instead of two guys there were a boy and a girl, so I got bored. Still, I think it was me and not the book, hope you like it more than me!
Profile Image for Wendys Wycked Words.
1,590 reviews3,954 followers
September 13, 2016
 photo rx4zCih_zpseveziocw.gif

Wow, this was such a sweet and adorable read, I really enjoyed it.

Scott and Olly have been best friends for years. They even make a blood-oath when they are 11 years old, promising each other, to always stay friends.

Ofcourse life doesn't always go as planned and when they are 14 years old, something happens, that destroys their friendship.

Now, 4 years later, their paths will cross again. They have been in the same school for years now, but they've also been avoiding each other. Scott is a big time soccer player with a girlfriend and Olly is a out and proud musicalstar for the dramaclub. When Scott almost runs Olly over with his car, they have to confront one another.

Olly is still so angry with Scott, which he has no problem showing.

This makes their nosy old neighbour-lady very unhappy. This isn't how it's supposed to be.....Maybe fate needs some help.....

The next day, both boys wake up.....in each others body

 photo tumblr_luy23yzRNt1qbksm9o1_500_zpswbq3854l.gif

Now they are gonna have to get along, so they won't make idiots out of themselves. They have no idea how to undo this weird body-switch....

I really liked both these boys and they sure made masturbation very hot. Despite their fall-out years ago, they both work very hard to do the best they can while in the other person's body. Olly does his very best playing soccer and Scott studies very hard to memorise musical lines. They soon find out, that they really enjoy being friends again....and maybe even more then that.

A very sweet friends to lovers story with a touch of magic.

4,5 stars





Profile Image for Jay Northcote.
Author 54 books1,654 followers
Read
August 1, 2016
Coming soon from me :)
This was a fun story to write. It's a little different for me - younger characters and a touch of magic with the body swap trope.
Profile Image for drew.
216 reviews118 followers
April 30, 2022
welp, this book took me almost three days to get through and it’s only 200ish pages, so there’s that.

i’m usually pretty fond of Jay Northcote’s laidback storytelling and go-with-the-flow characters, but her usual writing style didn’t really lend itself all that well to this fantastical type of story? the characters were just too bland to really sell a body swap story for me, i guess. the two MCs are not developed enough and don’t have dynamic enough personalities for this trope to work. Olly likes drama and Scott plays football - and that’s about the extent of their differences lmao.

the swap causes very little drama and everything somehow works out perfectly for both of them even though it really shouldn’t? like, Olly is suddenly an ace football player in Scott’s body and Scott has no issues with learning a full script basically overnight? Scott’s teammates are all fine with him being gay? his homophobic dad comes around in basically one day??!? like….. where are the stakes!!!!!!! (also, Scott is basically told how to break the spell by the witch at one point and doesn’t even think to mention it to Olly until later in the story??) everything that happens is basically a nonissue for these guys and every obstacle is settled in the dullest possible way lmao.

im complaint a lot but i didn’t actually hate this book fffff. i do think some of the romance aspects were pretty cute at times, to be honest. i’m a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers story, so even this kind of bland one still managed to suck me in a bitsy lol. 2.75 stars rounded up.
Profile Image for Jewel.
1,937 reviews279 followers
August 25, 2016
4.5 Stars

The body swap trope, when done right, is simply delightful, and this one was done right! Into You is a little bit magical, a little bit fanciful, and a whole lot awesome.

Scott and Olly were BFF's when they were kids. At 9, they swore a blood oath to always be together. At 14, a kiss ended it all because fear is a powerful thing. Now, at 18, they're still not friends and a local old woman (and her meddling cat) decides to give fate a bit of a nudge... and our boys wake up to a new reality.

It took me a little bit to get used to the boys referring to themselves and each other by their actual names (rather than the names of the bodies they inhabit), but before long I was keeping up just fine. They inevitably screw up, from time to time, answering to each others names and, of course, they have to figure out how to be convincing as the other person. And I thought my teenage years were hard! And unlike some other takes on this trope that I have encountered, Scott and Olly don't act like parodies of each other. They really try to be convincing.

I loved how they were each embarrassed, and actually respectful about each others bodies. I mean, these are teenage boys we're talking about - a stiff wind could make them pop wood. But masturbating with someone else's penis...yeah, that's got to be a bit different.

It can be a challenge for all of us, to put ourselves in someone else's shoes, but Scott and Olly have no choice in the matter. They each discover the challenges that the other one faces on a day to day basis, so, it makes it really hard for them to stay mad at one another. They're forced to cooperate with each other so that their lives aren't totally screwed up when they figure out how to fix this problem. And being forced to cooperate means they spend time together and that brings out feelings that have never really gone away, so they just need the courage to admit to themselves and each other their feelings.

Into You was brilliantly done. It never felt trite and I was happy through the whole book. I read it in one sitting, so that should tell you just how engaged I was. I just loved it.

----------------
ARC of Into You was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Susan.
2,349 reviews456 followers
January 1, 2021
Re-read December 2020
Still such a feel good book. Love these guys together.

---------------------------

4.5 stars

This book was fun!

Olly and Scott used to be best friends, but now they're not. Now they’re both 18 and haven’t been friends for 4 years. Scott doesn't get why Olly suddenly stopped wanting to be his friend, but Olly knew he had to protect his heart after Scott told Olly he was straight when they shared a kiss at 14.

Both boys are pretty miserable without each other, but they have accepted that they will never be friends again. And when their neighbor comments on it, neither boy thinks much of it.

“This isn’t how it’s supposed to be.” Miss Wychwood stared at Olly and Scott, shaking her head.

The following morning they wake up in each other’s body! Of course they panic, but also agree that they have to work together to act as the other person, since they don’t want to be taken away in straightjackets.

So while Scott is trying to learn all the lines of Olly Shakespear play, and Olly is figuring out if he still knows all the rules of football, they both discover that it's quite easy to fall back into their friendship. But they also know it's not just friendship they feel. Even though Olly is convinced Scott is straight and Scott is terrified of coming out since his father is quite the homophobe.

I loved this!! I loved how they both tried to do the best thing for each other by constantly thinking how the other one would act. I loved how Olly played football as Scott and committed himself to the game, and how Scott learned all the lines of Romeo for the school play Olly was in.

These guys were just perfect for each other.

And I never thought simple solo masturbation sessions could be so damn sexy. Since they had each other’s body, they both got so turned on exploring the other one’s body, it was hot!

Once they switch back we also got some sexy times together.

This will always be my favorite Jay Northcote.

description
Profile Image for Ele.
1,319 reviews40 followers
September 5, 2016
*4.5 stars*
"Magic knows when the heart is true."

And this is proof that Jay Northcote can nail YA too. I'm very picky with my YA reads, and the body swap trope has never appealed to me. But I absolutely loved Into You.

Scott and Olly used to be best friends, but a kiss at 14 changed everything. Scott can't admit being gay, and Olly can't pretend that he's not in love with Scott. The boys take seperate ways, until they 're eighteen years old, and fate Miss Wychwood intervenes to bring them back together.

Miss Wychwood is not just a quirky, nosy, old neighbour. She knows magic! And one morning, Olly and Scott wake up stuck in each other’s bodies!



Now they have to put their enemosity aside, and work together to deal with their new everyday reality. Like Scott's clingy, annoying as fuck girlfriend. Or the fact that Olly will have to go to football practice as Scott, and Scott will have to go to the school's play rehearsal as Olly. Are you confused yet?

Surprisingly, I wasn't. I realise that this kind of trope can be pretty confusing, but personally, I didn't have any problems, although I had to be super focused.

Being into each other's bodies gave the boys the opportunity to look at things from a different perspective. Olly got to see for himself how pushy and bossy Scott's father was, and how it was like for Scott growing up in this house. Scott, on the other hand, experienced first hand how bad he hurt Olly back then.

But what I loved the most, is when the guys realised that the outside doesn't matter. It's the inside that they both fell in love with.
"Even though Scott was staring into his own blue eyes instead of Olly's green ones, he felt as if he could see Olly anyway, like he was staring into his soul and the outer shell didn't matter anymore."



The steam is low in this one but it fitted the story, so I didn't mind one bit. And there's plenty of slow burn too. Olly and Scott are even hesitant to masturbate, out of respect for each other's body. Now that's something that didn't even cross my mind until I read it. Probably because I'm a perv.

Anyway, this was delightful and it cemented the fact that Northcote is one stellar author. I can really see this becoming a series. Hopefully.

Highly recommended!

*Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,418 reviews196 followers
September 8, 2016
This was pure and simple fun! I wouldn’t consider it classic Northcote but there was no mistaking her signature writing. Typically I associated Jay’s books with thick, hot steam and this barely registered the fog alert, but I didn’t mind in the slightest. Both Olly and Scott are fabulously fun and even better together. They were the best of friends growing up and then a tragic misunderstanding shattered their indestructible bond. Jump a few years ahead and their hurt feelings have picked up a sharp bitter bite. Scott doesn’t know exactly why Olly dropped him as a friend but he’s in the habit of turning a blind eye on complicated truths. When they awake in one another’s bodies, he is forced to accept deep dark secrets or forever remain trapped in this ulterior reality.

I think the heart of body swapping is, understanding a situation from another pair of eyes. See what I see. Hear what I hear. Feel what I feel. Walking in someone else’s shoes can be a priceless gift and we should all be so lucky to have such a magical experience. Olly and Scott can’t comprehend the severity of the other’s emotional turmoil without this gift. Jay tackles it with a cheery, amusing and youthful approach. Olly and Scott are finishing high school and preparing for the next chapter of their lives. They had always envisioned sharing these milestones together and thanks to a peculiar neighbor, they might still after all.

What's to like: Entertaining and amusing storyline is completely unrealistic but this is a tale with a magical touch and it's fantastic! Scott may appear as a carefree jock but he has his own fair share of parental pressures. He neglects to acknowledge important pieces of himself because he's afraid of the guaranteed rejection from his father. Olly has tried to extinguish the torch he has carried for Scott but after all these years, it's still burning. They are destined to be together and when they fight fate, fate fights back. Bottom line...it's so much fun.

What's to love: When the guys switch bodies they have no choice but to accept life as they never knew it. This rattling and empathic experience allows them to consider things from a new perspective. It's not so easy to claim the other cowardly when they are suddenly privy to life behind closed doors. Fears are justified, secrets are revealed and most of all, questions are answered and understood. They struggle to 'play their parts' and hope beyond all reason they find their way back to their true body. Once they are returned perhaps they can follow life's path together again or maybe it's just not meant to be after all?

Beware of: PG-13 smut factor, tried and true body swapping and coming out in a whole new fashion.

This book is for: Anyone looking for a light-hearted young adult romance with a magical twist. Ohh, and Northcote's fans will want to check this one out, but I'm sure it has hit their radar by now.

Book UNfunk
Profile Image for Jan.
1,252 reviews989 followers
September 26, 2016
***2.5 Stars***

Honestly, I think I set my bar too high after seeing so many 5 stars.
I feel so disappointed :(
Profile Image for Elsbeth.
1,300 reviews40 followers
September 24, 2016
*4.5 stars*

I love body-swapping stories!! And this was lovely.

Scott and Olly have been friends since childhood but at the age of 14 they experimented a bit that scared the hell out of Scott. They haven't been friends ever since.

Scott is a football player and he has dated a lot of girls but it never felt right. One day he almost runs over Olly. They argue and somehow the next morning they wake up in each other's body!!

They are forced to work together, to help each other in being the other and to find a way to swap back into their own bodies. It was interesting though to see Scott struggling with Olly's body!! Olly came out as gay when he was 16 years old and it was Olly's body that helpt Scott accept his own sexual orientation!!

"It's not my problem to fix. You have the power, Scott. Every fairy tale needs someone with courage, and it doesn't have to be a handsome prince. Be brave and true to yourself, and all will be well."




I really enjoyed the story cause all that matters of course is that we learn to accept who we are and be okay with it.

*HIGHLY RECOMMENDED*
Profile Image for Alona.
676 reviews11 followers
September 15, 2016
2.5 stars,
Well, I think 3 years ago I would have enjoy it tremendously, but unfortunately, this ship has sailed for me.
:(
I honestly say that with sadness, I'm tainted!
I used to love a good written sweet and romantic young adult books, but I think I need to make peace with the fact that after 3+ years of m/m romance reading, the YA sub-genre feels mostly silly thus boring to me now (with exceptions of course, because I will always love books like The Bible Boys!)

This WAS a sweet story, and well written, and if you're lucky enough to still enjoy these kind of books, read it!
Its just not for me anymore :(
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,885 reviews99 followers
November 25, 2020
When I was offered the audiobook for a review I jumped at the chance without even knowing what it was about. Then I got the book and saw that it was about two best friends in high school and I thought on no. Well, I’d made a commitment so yesterday I started listening and I loved this book so much. It was such a beautiful story that I definitely put it in my top 10 this year. The narrator is Hamish Long and he does a wonderful job.
Profile Image for Anna Goerlitz.
1,051 reviews41 followers
October 26, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

4-4.5 stars
This book was so adorable, I want to roll it over and pet it's stomach!

Olly and Scott are BFFs all through their childhood, until a kiss at 14 confuses and ruins everything, leaving the boys angry and ignoring each other for years. At 18, in their final month of school, a minor accident and a small portion of magical help from a weird old neighbour, Mrs. Wychwood, leads them to being trapped in each others bodies and having to find a way to co-exist and work together to be themselves again.

The bodyswapping trope is fun and Jay Northcote does it right, with hilarious and cute results - and some very sweet and guilty masturbation scenes. But despite the magical undercurrent of the book, it is actually mainly a story about being true to yourself and finding out who you want to be.

Olly is out and proud and have been in love with Scott forever, still is, despite the mixed feelings and animosity between them after the kiss 4 years earlier. Scott on the other hand is a bit of a mess. Stuck in a life he really doesn't want, with a girlfriend he doesn't really like and A-level courses that doesn't interest him, but too afraid to find his way out it.

Naturally, Scott is the one with the most character growth through the story, but Olly too does grow, if in more subtle ways. Now, I am generally not a HEA kind of girl when it comes to very young characters, as I have a hard time believing in that, but for these two, I would believe it.

Warmly recommended story, which I read in one sitting on a rainy day. Left me warm and cheerful with a happy grin on my face.

Into You will be released on September 9th 2016.
Profile Image for Rachel.
941 reviews72 followers
August 20, 2016
This book was exactly what I needed today, a little bit of magic, a lot of sweet and a fabulous story about two lovely lads. As always with a Jay Northcote book I've come away with a smile on my face and another book to add to my reread list, Jay's books are my happy place <3
Profile Image for BWT.
2,250 reviews244 followers
dnf-or-hated
December 28, 2016
DNF 44%

I've tried with this one, but I just cannot get into it. I seriously just don't care about the characters. I tried again today to finish it and just don't want to.
Profile Image for Kudrat Kaur.
216 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2016
This is a cute, if somewhat predictable tale of teenaged angst resulting in the friendly neighbourhood witch deciding she needs to take matters in her own hands.
I liked the transition from how the story started when both Olly and Scott were children and best friends, far removed from the realm of teenaged angst, and the scene which put them at odds with one another - both not being able to stand each other's company. Immediately we were introduced to this strange character: Miss Wychwood, who ended up being the character that I wanted to know most about.

description

What has happened in that span of time for this change to happen? I was curious, and this curiosity was only satisfied to a certain extent.
Yes, now I know what events triggered the distance created between Olly and Scott. But, I didn't get how it got that bad. How did Scott let it go so far? Was being normal friends not enough? Did the BFF thing really have that little strength? I kept thinking that Scott really needed to grow a pair.
I wanted to know more about the in-between years, though in the grand scheme of this story that may not have made the most sense.
I wanted to know how Olly came to the big realisation, but then again - that's not really supposed to be the main focus of this story.
So, let's focus on how these two teenaged boys got themselves stuck in a web of their own creation.

description

Imagine one day you wake up in someone else's body. What would you do?
Obviously understanding what's going on should be paramount. How to get back into your own body should also be in there. Let's also say that you have this weird old lady living close by who'd left a cryptic message with you the day before. Let's also imagine you slowly start amassing this eerie sense of "she knows what's going on".
What would you do?
What do you think Scott and Olly would do?
Tears shone in his eyes. It was so weird for Olly to see what he looked like when he cried. He was actually quite cute when he cried. Maybe he should do it more often.
Focus, Olly. Priorities.

So, I ask again. What do you think Scott and Olly would do?

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Apparently the answer is nothing, because these two just tried to sleep it out. Of course it's admirable that they're trying to lead each other's lives properly so that they aren't completely screwed for when they're back into their own bodies. It's just that there isn't a lot of "let's try to get back into our own bodies" going on here.

There's self-realisation, and processing of feelings.
There's understanding the person you've obviously had the hots for from their shoes.
There's the obvious appreciation of a body you've admired from afar.
There's the slow but steady realisation of what could be if they only let themselves be.

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But, there's not a lot of using the big head going on despite all of this.
It shows their teenaged immaturity, though I'd imagine I would at least try to solve the conundrum I'd gotten myself stuck in.
There's angst. There's jealousy. There's friendship and love.
With him and Scott, it was the real thing. Something deeper, based on knowing a person's soul and not just appreciating the body that housed it.

There's not a lot of brainpower, but that's okay - because these two fumbling around trying to keep their head above water is interesting enough.
But, still. Miss Wychwood is the glue that provided the story line off of which these chapters hung. Yet, she isn't given her proper due. She's not as mysterious as she could be. The moments she does appear, it's more as if it's a method to get the plot moving instead of being an integral part of the plot itself.

I would have liked it if she'd gotten more screen time.

Scott had to get past a block he'd put on himself. Denying his sexuality so fiercely that it took switching bodies to realise that "hey, I'm gay"? Actually, if I think about it - I think Scott got off pretty easy. He wasn't really the one doing the heavy lifting in the "coming out" to everyone part. Olly was. His mom had already expressed her acceptance to "Scott". Which made it much easier for Scott to go for it. When I said he needed to grow a pair, I meant it. I feel as though we're only given an illusion of him growing any. The only moments I felt Scott was even halfway reliable was when he had this righteous anger over Olly having to suffer through his father's condemnation. For that, good for you Scott.

I'm not saying that the ease Scott seems to have had is a bad thing, but it felt too easy. As if he got really fucking lucky that the neighbourhood witch decided to give fate a helping hand. (though, of course he did - they both did)

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I like the stories Ms. Northcote tells and I like the concepts she uses and executes. It's just that I'm not the biggest fan of her writing because it feels choppy. I know I'd like her books if they came out as movies, and I know I like them as audiobooks, but I have trouble really relating to the characters because I can't quite keep my inner critic at bay when I read her stories. This story is like that too.
It's obvious how the plot is going to play out. You have two guys, obviously into each other, switching bodies because in the outside world they've let themselves fall prey to angsty insecurity regarding one another. There's only so much you can do. And truly, little of what could be done has been done. It's still interesting though, this book I mean. Especially because I have a weakness for this type of paranormal stories. The kind that give the protagonist(s) a chance to change their lives, and/or truly learn some lessons.

Despite my critique, I did enjoy reading this story and I'd recommend it to people who don't mind soppy Hallmark type movies, or might even enjoy them. I have, on occasion, been guilty of just that.

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I received this book in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,412 reviews400 followers
December 7, 2017
This book was fun, adorable and creative !

I've had so much fun reading this !
This is one of those YA stories I would never hesitate to read (hence I read so small amount of YA), and Jay nailed it. Again.
The 'body swap' idea is quite creative, added some 'closeted witch' and a black cat !
I'm sold!
A confuse teenager are often found, confuse about his/her sexuality and all. And Scott is mo exception.
He knew since the first time he kissed Olly, Olly is what he wanted. No one but Olly.
But his family came first. Duh, of course. A homophobic father? Ring any bells?
So of course Scott must hide his sexuality with telling Olly, he's into girl. And hurt Olly so bad.
Four long years of separation, not friends anymore, because, well, Olly was sad Scott rejected him.
Teens, who can blame them?
But the 'witch' won't let something slip from their hands, because, it wasn't what supposed to be happen with Olly and Scott.
They should be 'best friend forever', right?
With 'a little help', something's happened, and it forced them to be stay close together again and be friends again. Until what's usually happen in fairy tales, happen to them.
One simple 'kiss' !
Awww....
This one is so cute and gosh, I adore them so much !
Jay did a great job of making it 'believable' that Scott and Olly meant to be forever.

A nice, light, fun, funny, entertaining little story !
I highly recommended this one for those who's often lost their mood for reading.This one, is definitely a mood booster!

Read.This.Book!


*ARC was given by the author for a review, no high rating required.
Profile Image for Elsa Bravante.
1,159 reviews196 followers
February 12, 2017
Las historias de intercambios de cuerpo que solemos ver en las películas nunca han sido de mis favoritas, no me atrae. Pero quería algo ligero y dulce y para eso siempre se puede contar con este autor. Efectivamente, no me ha decepcionado, me he encontrado lo que me esperaba, una historia con la que pasar un rato agradable, que solo puedes disfrutar si partes con la idea de que es un cuento, y como cuento que es, es poco creíble y trata muchas cuestiones sin profundidad.

Ha estado bien.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,994 reviews435 followers
September 25, 2016
Another wonderful romance from Jay Northcote

4.5* This book makes you smile with its little hint of magic and mystery, the humour and the full flush of young love.

I love body swapping stories so this was right up my alley and it was very well done, a 'realistic' twist to get two best friends who'd fallen apart from each other to realise that what they'd had at the age of 14 really was something special.

Olly and Scott were well rounded characters, each unique with their own distinct voice and expressions. The setting was also firmly laid down with the English flavour of secondary school, A Levels (arghhhhhh they're a nightmare!), football and school plays, and the excitement of university.

There's not a lot in the way of steam, it's light as I'd expect when the MCs are just 18 but what there is has passion and emotion and a feeling of true connection.

Jay is one of my favourite authors and I don't think I've ever failed to be entertained by one of her stories.
Profile Image for xxoabbey.
437 reviews11 followers
August 29, 2016
I just finished this book with the biggest smile on my face. What an enchanting, heart warming read.

I absolutley loved reading about Olly and Scott overcome their differences and issues, and just the general feel good notion that goes along with it.

Every book of Jay's I have read have always left being warm and fuzzy and I can't wait to see what else she comes up. A definite one-click author for me.
Profile Image for Aeren.
510 reviews29 followers
September 17, 2016
Sobredosis de fluffy otra vez, (lo siento es otoño y estoy más moñas que de costumbre), no soy muy de YA, no lo era ni cuando yo era YA, pero el tema del intercambio de cuerpos es como una especie de placer culpable, creo que he leido cientos, (gracias fandom por esa enorme multitud de fics). Me ha gustado bastante, aunque viniendo de esta autora no esperaba menos, sin embargo al final se me ha hecho todo como muy perfecto y pastelosillo, acabado el conflicto, me van los finales rápidos, pero desde luego, es una lectura rápida y amena para una tarde tranquila con un buen café. Son tannn monos.(◕ฺ‿◕ฺ✿ฺ)
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