It Sounded Better in My Head

This book tugged at my heartstrings. Having grown up with severe eczema, I dealt with all those sorts of skin conditions and have been through most everything that Natalie seemed to have experienced. Body shame, lack of confidence, lack of self-esteem, emotional abuse, it was terrible. I could even recognize the medication she's taken, and some of the bizarre solutions she's tried in an attempt to cure her condition.Natalie is everything you'd want in a protagonist. She's your average girl that is relatable on so many levels. She's your 18 year old teenager, graduating from high school and ready to head into new territory with her two best friends. Everything is in limbo as they all wait for their acceptance letters, hoping to get in the same university. Zach and Lucy are in love and dating, and they are also Natalie's best friends, but that means, she's always left third-wheeling them. She doesn't mind it so much, but sometimes, it does get to her.Natalie is an introvert, through and through. She's not a fan of socializing, happy with her two friends, does not like partying or drinking and loves her routine. Except one night, on a whim, she decides to go to a party with Zach's older brother Alex and his best friend Owen. Owen is good looking, and she thinks maybe there could be something there, but then once she gets to the actual party, she realizes Owen is the farthest thing from her mind and Alex is the one she can't keep her eyes off.It was such a sweet read. Everything about it made me melt. I loved their chemistry, I loved the slow burn of their first kiss, I loved it all. I did think their romance was a bit too quick and slightly, very slightly, fluffy, but this is exactly what I needed when I picked it up and it did not disappoint in the least. I did not like Zach very much though. I wish I could say I understood his point of view, but I didn't, and outing his brother like that was not cool.I did feel for Alex after that. He had a lot to prove, and it wasn't fair on him, but he tried, and I appreciated Natalie and the way she handled the whole thing.Can't wait for more Nina Kenwood books!

Alex and Natalie read like a couple that would have thrived in the 90s and no one would have batted an eye about their coupling. This was a cute coming of age book for a person who clearly is coping with change in a very relatable way. Their interactions are very real and make the reader cringe and fawn at all the right parts. Adorable read.

This was a decent book but not sure if it’s worth the price. I’d read a sample first before purchasing

Finished in 2 days, as I couldn’t put it down. Anyone who is or has been a teenager will thoroughly enjoy.

My daughter love this book

I absolutely love how this story very much captures the worries, confusion and realities of relationships and body image many of us face when we are teenagers. You’ll be rooting for the MC as she navigates the awkward and cringe-worthy moments of growing up and all the changes that come with it. Plus spin the bottle always makes for an interesting time.

**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**Title It Sounded Better in My HeadAuthor Nina KenwoodDescription from AmazonWhen her parents announce their impending divorce, Natalie can’t understand why no one is fighting, or at least mildly upset. Then Zach and Lucy, her two best friends, hook up, leaving her feeling slightly miffed and decidedly awkward. She’d always imagined she would end up with Zach one day—in the version of her life that played out like a TV show, with just the right amount of banter, pining, and meaningful looks. Now everything has changed, and nothing is quite making sense. Until an unexpected romance comes along and shakes things up even further.Release Date April 7, 2020Initial ThoughtsI had seen this book around Instagram a lot lately and saw that it was a “read now” title on NetGalley. I really, like really, really, don’t need any more books in NetGalley right now but it looks like I’ll be working from home for at least another month so I figured one more book wouldn’t hurt.Some Things I LikedQuirky main character. I really liked that Natalie was an honest and flawed MC. She was open with the reader about her problems and she freely admitted when she had anxiety and where her imperfections were. The story was honest in a refreshing way.Laugh out loud moments. I found some of the scenarios to be hilarious. Also, there were some totally cringe-worthy scenes but for the most part, I really enjoyed the comedy in this story.Australia as a setting. This is a new one for me and I really liked it. Most of the contemporary books I read are set in the US so I liked reading about a new country.Body image issues. I liked that this was featured in a story. Too often the main characters of books have perfect skin and are model thin, and are essentially totally fictional. Natalie represented a real person and was a character I think all girls can connect with on some level.One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy AboutThis book was a lot heavier than I was expecting. The description gave me rom-com and light vibes but this story had several complex and heavy issues. I wasn’t crazy about the fact that this book was heavier than I was expecting.Series ValueI think this book has series / sequel potential. I think the ending leaves the reader with a feeling of hope but was also open ended. These characters are embarking on new chapters of their lives filled with uncertainty and I would read another book about them.Final ThoughtsI liked this book. It was a fast read that was filled with difficult issues that I think all people grapple with. The characters met their problems with a mix of mistakes and comedy and I enjoyed reading their stories.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Recommendations for Further ReadingBy the Book by Amanda Sellet – if you liked a main character with anxiety regarding the future, friendships, and relationships, try this May 2020 release.Today, Tonight, Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon – if you liked the theme of uncertainty about the future and an open-ended ending, try this July 2020 release.

3.75⭐I enjoyed this a fair amount HOWEVER I found Natalie a bit deluded, immature and extremely insecure which created problems that didn't really exist. There was so much talk about sex and I felt like it wasn't necessary. Zach was incredibly annoying. Natalie's mum was annoying. I liked Alex and Lucy though. I'm glad it was a HEA because otherwise I would have lost it.

Bought as a present so no review

Nia Kenwood beautifully captures the messiness and beauty of being eighteen and on the verge of big life changes. Natalie is such a relatable character; her experiences will undoubtedly strike a chord with young people who've ever felt as though they don't quite fit in.