**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**
Title It Sounded Better in My Head
Author Nina Kenwood
Description from Amazon
When 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, 2020
Initial Thoughts
I 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 Liked
- Quirky 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 About
- This 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 Value
I 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 Thoughts
I 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 Reading
- By 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.
Books Over Everything 