[Skye’s Review]: It Sounded Better in my Head by Nina Kenwood

It Sounded Better in my Head
by Nina Kenwood
Pages: 272
Published by Flatiron Books
Release Date: April 7th 2020
Genres: Contemporary Romance, YA
Source: Publisher
Format Read: ARC
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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.

It Sounded Better in My Head is a compulsively readable love letter to teenage romance in all of its awkward glory, perfect for fans To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Emergency Contact.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

It’s hard to believe that this is Nina Kenwood’s debut novel. I was hooked from the very first page. It was difficult for me to put this book down. I only took a break once, and that was because I had class.  Then, as soon as class ended, I immediately resumed devouring this book.

It Sounded Better in my Head is a hilariously sweet, endearingly awkward, relatable story. I connected with Natalie, our main character, right away. She talks about how her skin issues (acne) not only caused her to have self-esteem issues but also dictated how often she went out during high school. Natalie resonated with me on a whole other level. She felt so real. In fact, I think I understood and saw pieces of myself in her more than any other character–which is saying a lot since I read a ton. 

Honestly, I can’t gush about this book enough. Essentially, this book is about Natalie navigating through a new part of her life. Her parents just informed her they are getting divorced, her best friends are in love with each other making her the third wheel, and she’s waiting to find out if she got into her top choice university. 

What she doesn’t expect is Alex. Alex is her best friend, Zach’s older brother. They’ve never really talked….until Alex’s friend, Owen, invites Natalie to their friend’s party. Determined to be different and push herself outside of her comfort zone, Natalie accepts and goes to the party. Guess what happens at the party? She and Alex connect. She has fun talking to him….then, the party decides to play spin the bottle. All I’ll say about that is that the scene after is nerve-wracking and too precious for words. 

I had a perpetual smile on my face while reading this book, well in between the bouts of laughter. This book is exactly what I needed in my life. It’s entertaining, sweet, funny, and relatable. I can’t recommend it enough. In fact, I’m demanding Nina Kenwood write a sequel. Please?