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Into You #3
In The Wild: A Single Dad Romance
A hot mechanic and a wild princess walk into a bar…
I’m an impulsive kind of girl, and my bar game of find-the-fake-boyfriend-to-make-engaged-ex-jealous lands me in apartment floor sex with Harry. Who doesn’t love a sexy mechanic with a tight-fitting white tee that hugs his huge biceps and…a six-year-old daughter?
Oh no.
I intended to cut town in my renovated van right before my ex’s wedding but then the piece of junk broke down (#VanLife.) Lucky for me that hot daddy Harry needs a babysitter right when I need a mechanic and a fake boyfriend.
Just three months of this charade while my van gets renovated and then I’ll journey into the wild. Except I kinda like Harry. And his daughter is kinda cool. And I kinda sorta may not want to cut town anymore.
This is a different type of wild entirely.
I’m an impulsive kind of girl, and my bar game of find-the-fake-boyfriend-to-make-engaged-ex-jealous lands me in apartment floor sex with Harry. Who doesn’t love a sexy mechanic with a tight-fitting white tee that hugs his huge biceps and…a six-year-old daughter?
Oh no.
I intended to cut town in my renovated van right before my ex’s wedding but then the piece of junk broke down (#VanLife.) Lucky for me that hot daddy Harry needs a babysitter right when I need a mechanic and a fake boyfriend.
Just three months of this charade while my van gets renovated and then I’ll journey into the wild. Except I kinda like Harry. And his daughter is kinda cool. And I kinda sorta may not want to cut town anymore.
This is a different type of wild entirely.
282 pages, Paperback
Published December 23, 2020
167 people are currently reading
2270 people want to read
About the author
Julie Olivia
29 books2,731 followersJulie Olivia writes cozy love stories filled with humor, spice, and close friend groups that feel like a warm hug. She is a roller coaster fan, avid romance reader, and rainy day enthusiast.
Julie lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their very opinionated pets.
Sign-up for the newsletter for book updates, special offers, and VIP exclusives!: https://julieoliviaauthor.com/newslet...
She can be easily reached on Instagram at @JulieOliviaAuthor! Come say hi!
Visit her at JulieOliviaAuthor.com
Instagram: @JulieOliviaAuthor
Facebook: @JulieOliviaAuthor
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2NbH7Jy
Julie lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their very opinionated pets.
Sign-up for the newsletter for book updates, special offers, and VIP exclusives!: https://julieoliviaauthor.com/newslet...
She can be easily reached on Instagram at @JulieOliviaAuthor! Come say hi!
Visit her at JulieOliviaAuthor.com
Instagram: @JulieOliviaAuthor
Facebook: @JulieOliviaAuthor
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2NbH7Jy
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
January 18, 2024
-=- 3 stars for Harry and Cara only 🥸 -=-
There's nothing more frustrating than wasted potential- because girl, this book could've been LIFE-CHANGING, but omg Saria (the h) just completely messed it up for me.
This book was essentially your typical fake-dating story to make an ex jealous/ doing it for your pride because of your family- and it started off really strong tbh.
My only problem with the book, aside from random plot points that were never really answered, was how immature the heroine was 😭.
-=-
I was really skeptical when I first started the book because of how well Harry and Saria did the whole fake dating thing- not in the sense that they were a good as a fake couple (they were though), but in the way that Saria was acc IN LOVE with her ex, and needed Harry to help her out.
I've never really been a fan of characters pining over someone else for YEARS, whilst the main love interest is literally the embodiment of a perfect partner- just because I hate miscommunication and misunderstandings. So yeah, I was skeptical.
So in that regard, I was annoyed with how Saria handled everything 😭. I hated how she kept comparing Harry to her ex, it felt so disrespectful to him bc they're NOTHING alike- and this happened EVERY single chapter (that's not even an exaggeration).
I lowkey really liked Saria at the start of the book, because she was really fun- but as a whole became immature REALLY quickly.
I feel like JO was trying to explain and justify Saria's character and her actions through Harry's POV- which ultimately didn't work for me. It would've been nice for Saria to independently make those observations about herself and acknowledge some of the things she did and said:
Hello? Babe don't get it twisted they were looking after you 🥸- And put some respect on Cara's name 🗿.
Saria never really changed, which sucked. It was so frustrating to never see her truly fight for them. I think the only reason I got so annoyed was because of how perfect Harry was- he deserved better than that 100%. The wasted potential makes me so mad 😭.
-=- HARRY & CARA APPRECIATION -=-
I absolutely adored him. He was the sweetest, most gentle man ever AND I WANT TO HUG HIM (amongst other things).
He was so mature throughout the book- I feel like JO nailed the calm, loving single father down to a T. I loved how open he was, and how he tried his best to avoid miscommunication. He just wanted to be happy and I love him.
And Cara 😭😭. Coming from someone who doesn't really like kids in books, she was the sweetest little addition to the book.
-=-
Anyways 💀 all that aside the book was decent. It got a couple of laughs from me, and aside from the h, I was obsessed with the story. There were definitely certain plot points that never got explained, but as a whole, this was a very lowkey fluffy read. Harry and Cara stole the show fr.
-=-
(I asked for a single dad romance and Neela came through)
There's nothing more frustrating than wasted potential- because girl, this book could've been LIFE-CHANGING, but omg Saria (the h) just completely messed it up for me.
This book was essentially your typical fake-dating story to make an ex jealous/ doing it for your pride because of your family- and it started off really strong tbh.
My only problem with the book, aside from random plot points that were never really answered, was how immature the heroine was 😭.
-=-
I was really skeptical when I first started the book because of how well Harry and Saria did the whole fake dating thing- not in the sense that they were a good as a fake couple (they were though), but in the way that Saria was acc IN LOVE with her ex, and needed Harry to help her out.
I've never really been a fan of characters pining over someone else for YEARS, whilst the main love interest is literally the embodiment of a perfect partner- just because I hate miscommunication and misunderstandings. So yeah, I was skeptical.
So in that regard, I was annoyed with how Saria handled everything 😭. I hated how she kept comparing Harry to her ex, it felt so disrespectful to him bc they're NOTHING alike- and this happened EVERY single chapter (that's not even an exaggeration).
I lowkey really liked Saria at the start of the book, because she was really fun- but as a whole became immature REALLY quickly.
I feel like JO was trying to explain and justify Saria's character and her actions through Harry's POV- which ultimately didn't work for me. It would've been nice for Saria to independently make those observations about herself and acknowledge some of the things she did and said:
''He wasn’t my responsibility. Neither of them were. It wasn’t my job to stay and look after them.''
Hello? Babe don't get it twisted they were looking after you 🥸- And put some respect on Cara's name 🗿.
Saria never really changed, which sucked. It was so frustrating to never see her truly fight for them. I think the only reason I got so annoyed was because of how perfect Harry was- he deserved better than that 100%. The wasted potential makes me so mad 😭.
-=- HARRY & CARA APPRECIATION -=-
I absolutely adored him. He was the sweetest, most gentle man ever AND I WANT TO HUG HIM
He was so mature throughout the book- I feel like JO nailed the calm, loving single father down to a T. I loved how open he was, and how he tried his best to avoid miscommunication. He just wanted to be happy and I love him.
And Cara 😭😭. Coming from someone who doesn't really like kids in books, she was the sweetest little addition to the book.
-=-
Anyways 💀 all that aside the book was decent. It got a couple of laughs from me, and aside from the h, I was obsessed with the story. There were definitely certain plot points that never got explained, but as a whole, this was a very lowkey fluffy read. Harry and Cara stole the show fr.
-=-
(I asked for a single dad romance and Neela came through)
July 14, 2023
If there's a single dad romance on KU with a cute cover, I WILL find it.
June 1, 2021
3.5 ⭐
Let's just start with saying how out of zone I was with this one.
I usually prefer a good slow burn
And with the action getting started right away I was a bit bummed
BUT the book builds up good, ADORABLE!
Saria was young , reckless, trying to get over her ex boyfriend and wanted freedom.
Harry had a little girl ( she was a breath of fresh air in this book let me just take my time and say how cute she was) , was settled up, and was 9 years older than Saria
Saria wanted a man to cover up for the fact that her ex was getting married. And so she went on and asked this man in the bar straight up to be her fake boyfriend.
And let me tell you ONLY the title was fake.
For me personally Harry stole the show because let me tell you THAT MAN IS PERFECT. He was calm. And was such a positive soul. The way he was with his daughter and the way he loved Saria. It was brilliant.
All in all a fun, lighthearted and an adorable book.
Let's just start with saying how out of zone I was with this one.
I usually prefer a good slow burn
And with the action getting started right away I was a bit bummed
BUT the book builds up good, ADORABLE!
Saria was young , reckless, trying to get over her ex boyfriend and wanted freedom.
Harry had a little girl ( she was a breath of fresh air in this book let me just take my time and say how cute she was) , was settled up, and was 9 years older than Saria
Saria wanted a man to cover up for the fact that her ex was getting married. And so she went on and asked this man in the bar straight up to be her fake boyfriend.
And let me tell you ONLY the title was fake.
For me personally Harry stole the show because let me tell you THAT MAN IS PERFECT. He was calm. And was such a positive soul. The way he was with his daughter and the way he loved Saria. It was brilliant.
All in all a fun, lighthearted and an adorable book.
December 16, 2020
This may be my favorite book of Julie Olivia’s in this series. Not only are the main characters the perfectly written and terrific to read separately, they are super hot together. I wasn’t so sure about the age difference at first, but she wrote it fantastic and you can feel the reality that a relationship with a age gap would have. Action (wink wink) kicks off right away and it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. Julie is INCREDIBLE at writing the sass and wit.
Oh, and this book stars a little kid and she is the perfect comedic relief. She is a typical happy, curious, innocent little kid and is honestly hilarious.
I won’t spoil the very end, but it got me choked up. The perfect ending to the series because I felt like I watched all of these relationships start and grow and it feels like the end of an era. LOVE IT!
Oh, and this book stars a little kid and she is the perfect comedic relief. She is a typical happy, curious, innocent little kid and is honestly hilarious.
I won’t spoil the very end, but it got me choked up. The perfect ending to the series because I felt like I watched all of these relationships start and grow and it feels like the end of an era. LOVE IT!
December 30, 2020
I really enjoyed In The Wild! It was a fun, sweet and steamy age-gap, single dad romance! I was a fan of both Saria and Harry, but I have to admit that Harry stole the show. I swear this man is perfect – yes, he is hot (of course), but he stood out to me because he was such a good, honest, kind person. Even if you can't have him for yourself, you will want to be his friend, he's just an awesome human to have in your corner. On top of all that – him as a dad? Gah! Adorable! The way he stepped up to the challenge of being a single father without blinking, made me admire him even more. Seriously, can't praise this man enough!
Saria is the wild child trying to find her path, after the life she thought she would have collapses around her. She's a bit of a mess (hey, aren't we all?), but has a generous heart. I did think she was immature at times, though she proved herself and grew throughout the story.
Julie Olivia made me really nervous towards the end, because at about 90% into the book I wanted to strangle Saria, which made me terrified that I would hate the ending and this great experience would be ruined. Thankfully, I was wrong and Julie turned things around in a way that I was happy with. I really admired the way the author steered this story and there moments when the characters interacted that things could have gotten ugly and hateful, but more than once they chose to communicate and set resentments aside – it was admirable and refreshing.
Last but not least, I will talk about Harry again – sorry, you had a little break, but I just have to say one more thing... this book was a great example on how a male character can be a positive influence, without being overbearing and controlling. Saria deserves all the praise for how she matured along the way, but I do think Harry gave her some good advice that pushed her to grow a little more. At the same time, he was always conscious that we need to be experience certain things in life on our own.
All in all, a fun, light read, with great chemistry and a beautiful heart!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Saria is the wild child trying to find her path, after the life she thought she would have collapses around her. She's a bit of a mess (hey, aren't we all?), but has a generous heart. I did think she was immature at times, though she proved herself and grew throughout the story.
Julie Olivia made me really nervous towards the end, because at about 90% into the book I wanted to strangle Saria, which made me terrified that I would hate the ending and this great experience would be ruined. Thankfully, I was wrong and Julie turned things around in a way that I was happy with. I really admired the way the author steered this story and there moments when the characters interacted that things could have gotten ugly and hateful, but more than once they chose to communicate and set resentments aside – it was admirable and refreshing.
Last but not least, I will talk about Harry again – sorry, you had a little break, but I just have to say one more thing... this book was a great example on how a male character can be a positive influence, without being overbearing and controlling. Saria deserves all the praise for how she matured along the way, but I do think Harry gave her some good advice that pushed her to grow a little more. At the same time, he was always conscious that we need to be experience certain things in life on our own.
All in all, a fun, light read, with great chemistry and a beautiful heart!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2025
Loved the mfc name, Saria. Haven't heard that before.
I liked that he encouraged her to be a vet and she helped him find a life outside of work.
The chemistry in the spicy scenes was good too 😉
I didn't want them to break up, but I wanted there to be more on the page adventure for our 21 year old fmc who seemed so set on it at the onset, even though it may have been a stress response.
I also really disliked Noah and didn't want him to be friends with the mmc, even though I suppose Noah did have some growth.
I liked that he encouraged her to be a vet and she helped him find a life outside of work.
The chemistry in the spicy scenes was good too 😉
I didn't want them to break up, but I wanted there to be more on the page adventure for our 21 year old fmc who seemed so set on it at the onset, even though it may have been a stress response.
I also really disliked Noah and didn't want him to be friends with the mmc, even though I suppose Noah did have some growth.
March 24, 2024
Absolutely loved this!
Single dad romance with spice?
Count me In!
Single dad romance with spice?
Count me In!
December 24, 2024
So I picked this book up on a whim, it sounded like a story that I would like given the fake relationship. Spoiler alert, I didn't. This book was not good at all. The age gap was weird. His willingness to sleep with some young girl that he just met even after they'd established the age gap was weird. The FMC was incredibly immature and stupid which made the age gap weirder. I honestly did not like any of the characters in this book. The FMC whole storyline was stupid with her needing a fake date cause the guy she used to be in love with was back in town but she was still in love him for half the book. Overall just blegh. Not good, would not recommend.
January 7, 2024
age gap romances kinda scare me but also i was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time
April 16, 2025
did i stay until almost 5 am to read?
yes.
did i like it?
thoroughly
was it funny?
yes.
yes.
did i like it?
thoroughly
was it funny?
yes.
October 26, 2022
I don't know, this was a bit disappointing for me. I think there were many plot lines that were forgotten. Some things happened but we haven't got to know how they ended. It was a bit too simplistic.
March 22, 2025
i understand she’s 21 but she was emotionally immature in a way that was kinda annoying. i liked the ending though and i think that was a good way to finish. 2.5 stars
April 12, 2022
2.5 stars maybe
It was fine. The pacing was weird though and I didn’t understand why we didn’t get to see the relationship actually evolve as they spent more time together. It was more that the reader was told that they went to the park and they went to the animal shelter but we never experienced it.
Also, we were told that Saria wanted to become a vet but never really saw anything that showed us that she wanted to become a vet. Again, we were just told that she liked animals and regularly volunteered at the animal shelter and had a pet parrot.
Harry and his daughter literally had no faults. And the faults they had were never really seen. As the theme continues, we were only told that Harry didn’t have a life outside of work and his daughter. Nothing to cement this or really showed that he didn’t have a life.
The fact that Nia and Grace and their partners didn’t like Saria was never really explained or resolved. We just got a one sided story of Saria hitting on Ian whilst drunk and that seemed to be the only reason they didn’t like her. But nothing ever came from that. Also, the meeting with the parents and how her dad didn’t like Harry but they truly only met once and then her parents weren’t needed anymore for the plot so they disappeared from the book. All the supporting characters were also so bland and one-dimensional. They seemed to only have one defining characteristic and that’s all they were.
We were again told that Charlotte and Noah got cold feet for their wedding and that they were struggling with this but it was never spoken of again or explained or seen. Also, Charlotte’s loneliness was seen like twice and it seemed like she didn’t have any friends or family ever around her. Weird.
Also, Saria wanting independence and feeling stuck and having all these problems were never really shown in her actions - it was just told to us that she did these things and it was like okay. 😐
And then at the end, when Noah and Harry are friends was random and it was kinda just really odd to put that there I think.
Overall, I think the romance was fine and nothing special. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters because they all felt incredibly shallow and poorly written in that, as I mentioned before, they were one-dimensional. I think the author did too much telling and not enough showing. I think the characters needed to be more fully developed in order for the novel to be better. Also, the pacing needs to be fixed and if you’re going to introduce all these conflicts between characters, you can’t just mention it once or twice and then they never get resolved or it gets resolved off-screen. It just makes the book lack more and boring because you want to feel with the characters and you can’t do that when the tension point never tips over while reading. It just makes all these random plot points useless and totally removable from the story. Anyway, yeah :/
It was fine. The pacing was weird though and I didn’t understand why we didn’t get to see the relationship actually evolve as they spent more time together. It was more that the reader was told that they went to the park and they went to the animal shelter but we never experienced it.
Also, we were told that Saria wanted to become a vet but never really saw anything that showed us that she wanted to become a vet. Again, we were just told that she liked animals and regularly volunteered at the animal shelter and had a pet parrot.
Harry and his daughter literally had no faults. And the faults they had were never really seen. As the theme continues, we were only told that Harry didn’t have a life outside of work and his daughter. Nothing to cement this or really showed that he didn’t have a life.
The fact that Nia and Grace and their partners didn’t like Saria was never really explained or resolved. We just got a one sided story of Saria hitting on Ian whilst drunk and that seemed to be the only reason they didn’t like her. But nothing ever came from that. Also, the meeting with the parents and how her dad didn’t like Harry but they truly only met once and then her parents weren’t needed anymore for the plot so they disappeared from the book. All the supporting characters were also so bland and one-dimensional. They seemed to only have one defining characteristic and that’s all they were.
We were again told that Charlotte and Noah got cold feet for their wedding and that they were struggling with this but it was never spoken of again or explained or seen. Also, Charlotte’s loneliness was seen like twice and it seemed like she didn’t have any friends or family ever around her. Weird.
Also, Saria wanting independence and feeling stuck and having all these problems were never really shown in her actions - it was just told to us that she did these things and it was like okay. 😐
And then at the end, when Noah and Harry are friends was random and it was kinda just really odd to put that there I think.
Overall, I think the romance was fine and nothing special. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters because they all felt incredibly shallow and poorly written in that, as I mentioned before, they were one-dimensional. I think the author did too much telling and not enough showing. I think the characters needed to be more fully developed in order for the novel to be better. Also, the pacing needs to be fixed and if you’re going to introduce all these conflicts between characters, you can’t just mention it once or twice and then they never get resolved or it gets resolved off-screen. It just makes the book lack more and boring because you want to feel with the characters and you can’t do that when the tension point never tips over while reading. It just makes all these random plot points useless and totally removable from the story. Anyway, yeah :/
October 10, 2021
Did I expect to become emotionally invested and distressed by the story of a single dad mechanic and a flighty, still-hung-up-on-her-ex, going-to-throw-it-all-away-to-live-in-a-van twenty one year old girl? No. But then again I need to stop kidding myself when it comes to reading @julieoliviaauthor’s writing. She has yet to *not* rip my heart out in the best way.
Harry, the aforementioned single dad mechanic is the epitome of every ‘Daddy’ stigma you’ve ever pretended you weren’t into. Not only is he undeniably sexy, grounded, a family man, and a *real man* when the world needs more of it, but he also cries at sappy movies. I mean. Come *on.*
Saria is his exact opposite in every way. But at the root of it all, she is every one of us at twenty-one years old when we see the person we thought we were meant to be with suddenly engaged. While the rest of her life is in hypothetical shambles. She’s grappling for a purpose, needing be independent and to be out from under every form of control her ex has had her under for her entire life. To say I connected and shed some tears is an understatement.
“In the Wild” begins at 100 miles per hour. Saria is in desperate for a shield at the thought of facing her ex, Noah, and his new fiancé. Luckily, Harry is her night in shining…car grease stained flannel (it’s okay. We’re *here for it*). The one night of fake relationship spins into a tale of making deals and playing dinosaur in the middle of Home Depot (with Harry’s *adorable robot daughter* Cara) and really, Saria and Harry realizing that they’ve fallen into one another’s lives at just the right time.
Saria’s personal growth journey was one of my favorite parts of the story. Along with Harry’s no nonsense, no jokes, we talk this stuff out, being a real man bit. That was gr8. 10/10.
Of course, some of my favorite characters from Julie’s other books make pit stops along the way. I felt like I was in the middle of a family reunion with some new friends and a crush on the guy who was just supposed to be fixing my car.
Y’all. I’m emotionally attached to this one and will be rereading it at least twice more this year. PLEASE. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of In The Wild when it releases! Just keep your paws off Harry. He is now *my* book boyfriend.
Harry, the aforementioned single dad mechanic is the epitome of every ‘Daddy’ stigma you’ve ever pretended you weren’t into. Not only is he undeniably sexy, grounded, a family man, and a *real man* when the world needs more of it, but he also cries at sappy movies. I mean. Come *on.*
Saria is his exact opposite in every way. But at the root of it all, she is every one of us at twenty-one years old when we see the person we thought we were meant to be with suddenly engaged. While the rest of her life is in hypothetical shambles. She’s grappling for a purpose, needing be independent and to be out from under every form of control her ex has had her under for her entire life. To say I connected and shed some tears is an understatement.
“In the Wild” begins at 100 miles per hour. Saria is in desperate for a shield at the thought of facing her ex, Noah, and his new fiancé. Luckily, Harry is her night in shining…car grease stained flannel (it’s okay. We’re *here for it*). The one night of fake relationship spins into a tale of making deals and playing dinosaur in the middle of Home Depot (with Harry’s *adorable robot daughter* Cara) and really, Saria and Harry realizing that they’ve fallen into one another’s lives at just the right time.
Saria’s personal growth journey was one of my favorite parts of the story. Along with Harry’s no nonsense, no jokes, we talk this stuff out, being a real man bit. That was gr8. 10/10.
Of course, some of my favorite characters from Julie’s other books make pit stops along the way. I felt like I was in the middle of a family reunion with some new friends and a crush on the guy who was just supposed to be fixing my car.
Y’all. I’m emotionally attached to this one and will be rereading it at least twice more this year. PLEASE. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of In The Wild when it releases! Just keep your paws off Harry. He is now *my* book boyfriend.
December 17, 2020
WOW!!
*Single HOT parent
*Fake dating
*Harry potter references
*Funny parrot
*Cute daughter
This book just keeps giving haha!
This is the third book within the "Into you" series, I will admit I have not read the previous books within this series. (I will be fixing that asap!) That being said, I was not lost one bit. I understood the characters and their backgrounds. Julie did an amazing job of introducing the characters that didn't overload the reader with information but also gave enough that we knew what and who everyone was.
Saria has always loved the idea of travelling the world in a newly renovated van, yip you read that correctly. When her ex shows up announcing his engagement, Saria takes this opportunity to go and follow her dreams. Or so she thought was her dreams, that was before she met Harry. The stranger that played along with her idea of being her fake boyfriend, who then later turned out to be the very mechanic that would help her get her van on the road.
Harry, Harry, Harry!! Where has he been my entire life. While reading this book, I pictured the Rock, aka Dwayne Johnson singing Moana songs to his daughter. I mean seriously, my poor ovaries haha! Harry was amazing, he was a hunk, sweet, caring but also passionate. I loved him. How he was there for Saria, also how he interacted with his daughter. He was perfect, yet he "normal". He had flaws and he owned them. He was human.
Saria, had fears and insecurities however her journey and her personal development throughout the book was breathtaking. I loved it. I loved her interactions with her friends and family. Mostly with Harry's daughter. Their little unit was so sweet.
I genuinely can't fault this book one bit. It was quirky, funny, steamy and fun. I loved the pace, the storyline and the characters were very likeable. There were a few Harry Potter references which I also really enjoyed.
Overall I loved this book and I give it a massive thumbs up.
Thank you to the author for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Is it too early to re-read it? Asking for a friend haha!
*Single HOT parent
*Fake dating
*Harry potter references
*Funny parrot
*Cute daughter
This book just keeps giving haha!
This is the third book within the "Into you" series, I will admit I have not read the previous books within this series. (I will be fixing that asap!) That being said, I was not lost one bit. I understood the characters and their backgrounds. Julie did an amazing job of introducing the characters that didn't overload the reader with information but also gave enough that we knew what and who everyone was.
Saria has always loved the idea of travelling the world in a newly renovated van, yip you read that correctly. When her ex shows up announcing his engagement, Saria takes this opportunity to go and follow her dreams. Or so she thought was her dreams, that was before she met Harry. The stranger that played along with her idea of being her fake boyfriend, who then later turned out to be the very mechanic that would help her get her van on the road.
Harry, Harry, Harry!! Where has he been my entire life. While reading this book, I pictured the Rock, aka Dwayne Johnson singing Moana songs to his daughter. I mean seriously, my poor ovaries haha! Harry was amazing, he was a hunk, sweet, caring but also passionate. I loved him. How he was there for Saria, also how he interacted with his daughter. He was perfect, yet he "normal". He had flaws and he owned them. He was human.
Saria, had fears and insecurities however her journey and her personal development throughout the book was breathtaking. I loved it. I loved her interactions with her friends and family. Mostly with Harry's daughter. Their little unit was so sweet.
I genuinely can't fault this book one bit. It was quirky, funny, steamy and fun. I loved the pace, the storyline and the characters were very likeable. There were a few Harry Potter references which I also really enjoyed.
Overall I loved this book and I give it a massive thumbs up.
Thank you to the author for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Is it too early to re-read it? Asking for a friend haha!
January 3, 2021
Harry is a DREAM.
Yes, I'm keeping that as the first line of my review even though I've had a few days to process. Harry, sweet Harry, just wants to live his life in peace. Then Saria shows up like a tornado and flips it all upside down, snagging his heart in the process. And Saria, she just wanted to get the hell out of dodge and live her best #vanlife (which I didn't know is a thing but am now fascinated by) but then she meets Harry and all of a sudden her priorities are shifting and she's questioning her entire plan.
What I think I loved the most, was that yes it was an age gap (what, 10 years? He was 30ish and she was 22) but it didn't totally feel like it. I was only reminded of it when Saria went to do something reckless and Harry, with his additional 10 years of life coaxed Saria into reexamining what she was feeling and why she was doing something. He was great for her in that way, and ultimately, it was Harry that helped her get over her ex on multiple levels; by forcing her to examine her priorities and her feelings, but by also being his sexy self.
(Harry was honestly fantastic, have I said that yet?)
I really enjoyed this book. I 100% am on board with the fake relationship trope always. I loved that Saria was pushed beyond her comfort zone. I loved that Harry was forced to reconsider how he stuck to himself and his garage, never fully embracing life. I loved watching them grow together as well as as individuals. Saria and Harry were funny, they meshed really well, and they brought out the best in each other.
If you love fake dating, strong and well-written characters, and super steamy scenes, then this book is for you. It was my first by Julie Olivia, but it won't be my last. I loved every minute with Harry and Saria, and I know you will too.
Yes, I'm keeping that as the first line of my review even though I've had a few days to process. Harry, sweet Harry, just wants to live his life in peace. Then Saria shows up like a tornado and flips it all upside down, snagging his heart in the process. And Saria, she just wanted to get the hell out of dodge and live her best #vanlife (which I didn't know is a thing but am now fascinated by) but then she meets Harry and all of a sudden her priorities are shifting and she's questioning her entire plan.
What I think I loved the most, was that yes it was an age gap (what, 10 years? He was 30ish and she was 22) but it didn't totally feel like it. I was only reminded of it when Saria went to do something reckless and Harry, with his additional 10 years of life coaxed Saria into reexamining what she was feeling and why she was doing something. He was great for her in that way, and ultimately, it was Harry that helped her get over her ex on multiple levels; by forcing her to examine her priorities and her feelings, but by also being his sexy self.
(Harry was honestly fantastic, have I said that yet?)
I really enjoyed this book. I 100% am on board with the fake relationship trope always. I loved that Saria was pushed beyond her comfort zone. I loved that Harry was forced to reconsider how he stuck to himself and his garage, never fully embracing life. I loved watching them grow together as well as as individuals. Saria and Harry were funny, they meshed really well, and they brought out the best in each other.
If you love fake dating, strong and well-written characters, and super steamy scenes, then this book is for you. It was my first by Julie Olivia, but it won't be my last. I loved every minute with Harry and Saria, and I know you will too.
December 28, 2020
I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This was a really great romance between Saria and Harry. I have not read any other books in this series, but I will be looking at them now. I thought that Harry was the perfect man. There was not much about him not to love. Saria learned that also. Their fake relationship snuck up and changed everything for them and his daughter. There is a chemistry between them that they cannot deny. Saria is younger, sassy and lost in direction. Harry is older, a father, stable and down to earth. These two are perfect for each other regardless of any differences. They have a few obstacles to get past, but once they do they can have a happy little family. I really enjoyed the storyline. It took you thru many emotions along with characters that seem genuine. I look forward to reading more books from Julie
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2020
I'm a sucker for a well-written fake dating situation, and this book definitely hit the mark! The characters were so well fleshed out that they felt more like real people than fictional; and even with a large cast of secondary characters peppered throughout, you never feel bogged down or confused about who's who.
I truly loved how Harry was with Saria. No matter how he ultimately felt about a deflating situation for Saria, his main concern was always how to build her confidence up again, to make her understand that no matter what had happened didn't have to define her future. Their spur of the moment friendship was just an easy thing for them, which helped bleed over into a romance.
Plus, those Daddy jokes made me laugh aloud, and that's always the sign of a great book for me.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my review, but I'll definitely be buying more of Julie's books!
I truly loved how Harry was with Saria. No matter how he ultimately felt about a deflating situation for Saria, his main concern was always how to build her confidence up again, to make her understand that no matter what had happened didn't have to define her future. Their spur of the moment friendship was just an easy thing for them, which helped bleed over into a romance.
Plus, those Daddy jokes made me laugh aloud, and that's always the sign of a great book for me.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my review, but I'll definitely be buying more of Julie's books!
December 18, 2020
“In the Wild” by Julie Olivia
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Third book in the “In to you” series
•Fake relationship
•Age gap
•Single Dad
•Adorable little girl
•Talking parrot
•Van adventure
I LOVED this book. Once I started, I really struggled to put it down. Each and every character is well written, as well as the over all story. It’s really funny and quite witty. Julie really knows how to write sarcasm well for her characters. This is definitely a series I will be picking up again and again.
I’ve read all three books in this series, (but not the prequel short story, but it’s next on my list) and I’ve enjoyed them all, but “In the wild” is definitely my favourite. Thank you so much to Julie Olivia for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Even though this book is part of a series, you can still read as a stand alone and not be lost as to what’s going on with characters from the previous books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Third book in the “In to you” series
•Fake relationship
•Age gap
•Single Dad
•Adorable little girl
•Talking parrot
•Van adventure
I LOVED this book. Once I started, I really struggled to put it down. Each and every character is well written, as well as the over all story. It’s really funny and quite witty. Julie really knows how to write sarcasm well for her characters. This is definitely a series I will be picking up again and again.
I’ve read all three books in this series, (but not the prequel short story, but it’s next on my list) and I’ve enjoyed them all, but “In the wild” is definitely my favourite. Thank you so much to Julie Olivia for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Even though this book is part of a series, you can still read as a stand alone and not be lost as to what’s going on with characters from the previous books.
January 5, 2023
I loved this book! 4.5 starts!
I love Julie’s style of writing, it’s quirky and fun and I really like how she writes her characters.
It’s the last book in the “into series” and I think it was my favourite, I loved Harry in this and I knew he would as I loved him in the first two books! 🥰
Felt like it ended nicely and kind of joined all three books together, but wouldn’t need to read them altogether if you really didn’t want too.
I love Julie’s style of writing, it’s quirky and fun and I really like how she writes her characters.
It’s the last book in the “into series” and I think it was my favourite, I loved Harry in this and I knew he would as I loved him in the first two books! 🥰
Felt like it ended nicely and kind of joined all three books together, but wouldn’t need to read them altogether if you really didn’t want too.
December 28, 2020
Julie Julie Julie what are you doing to me?! I think I fall in love with your writing the more I read. I want a Harry, where can I find one?!
I just adored this story. I love a good fake relationship you can't beat seeing a couple falling for each other under these circumstances. Throw in a cute kid, a quirky parrot and some great laugh out loud moments and I was gone.
Saria was spunky and appeared to have bags on confidence on the outside so it was great to see a vulnerable side to her. Harry well what can I say about Harry. Hello man candy! He had me swooning hard and has definitely given me a new book boyfriend. His adoration for his daughter left me with heart eyes. Throw Saria in the mix and they were an amazing little unit.
This book is the 3rd in a series but is a standalone and can definitely be read on its own as I have done although now I'm going to read the rest. I never felt lost or confused about who was who or their place in the story. I was also so glad we got to go back to Foxe Hill as that was where my Julie Olivia appreciation started.
This book was full of warm fuzziness, full of laughs, smiles, swoons the whole shebang. Go pick it up!
I just adored this story. I love a good fake relationship you can't beat seeing a couple falling for each other under these circumstances. Throw in a cute kid, a quirky parrot and some great laugh out loud moments and I was gone.
Saria was spunky and appeared to have bags on confidence on the outside so it was great to see a vulnerable side to her. Harry well what can I say about Harry. Hello man candy! He had me swooning hard and has definitely given me a new book boyfriend. His adoration for his daughter left me with heart eyes. Throw Saria in the mix and they were an amazing little unit.
This book is the 3rd in a series but is a standalone and can definitely be read on its own as I have done although now I'm going to read the rest. I never felt lost or confused about who was who or their place in the story. I was also so glad we got to go back to Foxe Hill as that was where my Julie Olivia appreciation started.
This book was full of warm fuzziness, full of laughs, smiles, swoons the whole shebang. Go pick it up!
December 19, 2020
This was a great story. I could not put it down. I love that their relationship grew over time and they learned so much about themselves along the way. I loved Saria’s one liners and her humor, she is so spunky. Highly recommend this one.
November 18, 2022
fun little book :)
October 1, 2023
This epilogue may be one of my new favourites. Fucking LOVELEY
February 12, 2024
all I have to say is WOOF
November 21, 2024
cara i love u. harry you're an angel saint
December 27, 2020
Such a good book. I enjoyed the approach Saria took when asking Harry to be her fake boyfriend. The two of them were very relatable and fun.
February 22, 2023
Honestly, I was not excited about this one but DANG did I change my tune! At first it felt way to much like your typical rom-com but Harry was perfection! It was fake dating done perfectly, they cross that line and I love that they never second guess the “feelings” like in other books, it felt so genuine
Saria matured so nicely with him beside her… I think I might be into the single dad trope… who knew?
And that epilogue was a lovely way to end the series!
Saria matured so nicely with him beside her… I think I might be into the single dad trope… who knew?
And that epilogue was a lovely way to end the series!
August 11, 2022
I don't know how to feel about this one.
I kinda liked Saria in the beginning but I couldn't relate to her. She was so immature sometimes and I know this book was about her journey about being more independent and basically her trying to grow up but :/ I don't know.
Some parts were boring and she gave too much importance to her ex.
Also there were too many time jumps. I felt like we didn't get to see enough of their relationship.
2.5⭐ because Harry and Cara are the only good things in this book
Also I didn't really like Nia?? But idk I definitely won't read her book. But I really liked Grant!
I kinda liked Saria in the beginning but I couldn't relate to her. She was so immature sometimes and I know this book was about her journey about being more independent and basically her trying to grow up but :/ I don't know.
Some parts were boring and she gave too much importance to her ex.
Also there were too many time jumps. I felt like we didn't get to see enough of their relationship.
2.5⭐ because Harry and Cara are the only good things in this book
Also I didn't really like Nia?? But idk I definitely won't read her book. But I really liked Grant!
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