I have read a few Kasie West books and I always appreciate that they feel modern and sweet. I couldn't imagine going through all of the public embarrassment that she went through but I am glad that she was able to get into a good head space by the end.

I really loved the author's note at the end about how Karma is better than revenge and that we can learn to focus on ourselves, our goals, and our peace.

Do I think it was realistic that they both took the position the other had worked years for without much effort. not exactly, but it was still a cute story and it was an easy read.

I plan to share this story with my instagram followers a few days before publication.

I knew from the moment that I read the dedication that I was going to LOVE this book and it did not disappoint! Better Than Revenge is an adorable story about love, history and most importantly revenge on awful men. Finley was hilariously unique and I absolutely loved her relationship with Theo as well as the colorful cast of friends she surrounds herself with. I loved the subplot of her grandma and her story with Andrew and the surfboard. A beautifully unique book.

This was a really cute romance! The main characters were very likable and I enjoyed reading this book a lot!

Kasie West is probably my go to author when it comes to YA contemporaries. I can always count on her for a lighthearted, fun, and sweet story. I’ve read all of her books, and while I’ve enjoyed some more than others, she’s still a favorite YA author for me for sure and I will read literally anything she writes.

I really liked seeing Finley and her friends come up with all the different revenge schemes. I also loved the relationship she had with her grandmother. As someone who has worked in caregiving for dementia patients, I could definitely relate to how painful it can be to see at times.

The romance wasn’t my favorite by this author, but Theo was a definite sweetie and I liked seeing the relationship he had with Finley develop and change.

This was a quick and breezy read, and I liked the overall message of it as well.

Reading this book and finding out it takes place close to my hometown was really awesome! I could easily picture the locations described throughout the book even with it being a work of fiction. Kasie West’s writing style is always one that is so fast paced and keeps the reader captivated from the first few pages and this book was no different. I loved the concept as well of it being not only about our main character and her revenge plot and potential new romance but also I loved the subplot around Finley’s podcast with her grandmother and the mystery that unfolds through learning more about her grandmothers younger years. The side characters in this book as well feel like a true friend group that the reader could witness in the wild beyond the pages.

Is this my new favorite Kasie West book? I've been pretty loyal to PS I Like You for the past 8 years. But before that, I was pretty sure nothing could beat On The Fence. But, friends, Better than Revenge is adorable! It's, well not enemies but what else do we call it? Haters to more? That sounds silly. They weren't friends, k? And this book features sports and high school and drama and friendships and the cutest grandma and families and I seriously loved every page.

If you like good books, YA, football, soccer, revenge, and romance, read this one. It would be an absolutely lovely way to spend your NYE.

Omg this book has my whole heart! 🩷

Finley had one dream: to be on the school’s podcast. She had worked her whole life for it and even had her own podcast. All that came crashing down when her boyfriend Jensen tried out with her idea. Suddenly, her dreams were ripped away from her and so was her boyfriend. While she still made the team as a researcher, it wasn’t the same. Soon a plan of revenge took place. When someone takes something away from you that you love, the only logical choice is to do the same to them, right? Enter Theo: Jensen’s enemy. Him and Finley share a common goal. While he helps her become the best football kicker in school, will they both get more than they bargained for?

I loved the banter between Theo and Finley! I adored how Finley’s grandma’s story came out in her podcast and was a precursor to Finley’s life. I was invested in that story just as much as Finley’s for sure.

This was so cute, super fast paced and the characters were both likeable and interesting. I highly recommend this adorable light read! 🩷

A very sweet story about deciding what you want. I found some of the revenge plan a bit confusing about (2/3 of the way through the book), but overall I really appreciated the sensitivity with which the story touched on having a loved one with Alzheimer's. The friendships were definitely a strength in this book!

This book was so good and I really enjoyed reading it! I loved the growth Finlay had throughout the book and the overall message. I have loved every book that I’ve read from Kasie West and this book was no exception.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed above are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kasie West for this ARC. I have read most of Kasie West books. I found it similar to the "listened to your heart" with the whole podcast thing.. Most of her books are about finding love but this one was about trying to get revenge on a ex boyfriend. Finley seeks out get revenge on Jensen. Jessen ends up getting a spot on the school's podcast. She ends up having a podcast at home about her grandmother's stories. She found she is sick and can't remember a whole lot. That's when she decides she wants get revenge against him. She and her friend Theo planned to try to take his kicking position in the football team. I like the banter between Theo and Finley. It makes it cute and reliable to YA readers.

Pretty good! I thought it was a cute story! And I really liked the characters too. Also was giggling too! Very enjoyable and entertaining!

This was a very cute story. I would definitely recommend this book to YA readers. This book had great life lessons, and the romance was very sweet. This would be a great book for a younger audience, but I did not find it boring as an adult reader.

I really enjoyed the romance element to this book, it had that concept that I was looking for and enjoyed about the genre and still be something new. The characters worked with the story and I enjoyed how well everything flowed together. Kasie West has a strong concept for the genre and enjoyed how everything worked together. It uses the sports element perfectly and was glad that the romance was realistic.

Finley has waited for years to try out for her high school’s podcast. The spots only go to seniors and she has been preparing for years, including recording her own podcast with her grandmother. It’s her way of collecting her grandma’s life story before Alzheimer’s robs her of her memory. The big day of tryouts comes and her football kicker boyfriend Jensen shows up to audition for the spot without telling Finley. He uses one of her ideas to audition and ends up getting the on air spot she worked so hard for. In addition, he accidentally admits to the entire school over the loudspeaker that he didn’t think she would have been a good choice for the podcast anyway. So she dumps him and she and her close group of friends Deja, Max and Lee plot their revenge. The idea they come up with is for Finley to partner up with Jensen’s nemesis , super cute, injured former kicker, Theo. The plan is for Theo to help Finley train to be the next kicker for the football team and take the spot from Jensen. Theo hates Jensen, blaming him for his injury, and has had a crush on Finley (unbeknownst to her) for a while. The development of their friendship and more was great. There is also a side plot where they are investigating one of her Grandma’s stories to see if they can find a sentimental artifact for her that is really cute. In the end, Finley needs to decide what she really wants for herself and how she will reach those goals. This is my third Kasie West book and it is my favorite.

I devoured this sweet rom-com filled with morals and banter. The main characters had a chemistry that melted together and their banter was on par! I highly recommend!!

**3.5 STARS**

I haven’t read a Kasie West book in awhile! Here are my thoughts:

Likes:

+ Finley is out for revenge because he boyfriend took the podcast spot at school that she was trying for. I didn’t blame Finley at all for her revenge plot because her boyfriend, or should I say ex, was really a jerk. Throughout the whole book he was taking her ideas, making her feel like she wasn’t good enough and that sucked a lot. But I liked her journey with trying to figure what she wanted to do after her dreams were crushed and making things right in the end.

+ One of the cutest things in this story though is Finley’s relationship with her grandmother who has the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s. Finley does a podcast interview with her throughout the story and I love how it’s how she bonds with her grandmother and shows off her talent with podcasting and interviewing people.

+ Finley’s friends are really the best. They are with her even when this revenge plot goes into uncharted territory and when she messes up sometimes they don’t shut her out but they work it out. I loved Max!

+ The romance between Finley and Theo (her ex’s rival) is really cute. Theo is the popular guy with a reputation. Theo and Finley have really good chemistry when it comes to being rivals, then friendship and then into a romance. I like how they pushed one another to be better. I thought the way it paralleled somewhat with her grandma’s romance story was super cute!

Dislikes:

~ I did not like Jensen. And Finley wasn’t perfect, especially with her desperately wanting to get back at him so bad – but I can understand where she is coming from. Jensen, not so much, he was just a jerk.

Final Thoughts:

This story has heartfelt moments between family and friends and there is a cute romance Theo and Finley. It’s a quick read and teens and young adults will enjoy this one, especially if you have read other books by this author.

'Better Than Revenge' is such a joy. It's a perfectly balanced romcom with enough romance to have me planning their future wedding alongside comedic moments that had me audibly giggling. Finley and Theo's relationship arc is so immensely satisfying with top tier rhythmic banter as well as their deeper connection. Intertwining Finley's passion project podcast interviewing her grandma with Finley's own emotional development really brought a lot of depth to her. While the podcast may seem low stakes to some, it's so evident how much weight it holds for Finley and her entire family reminding us all about how time really is fleeting and magical all at once. A book so good I kept putting off finishing it, as I didn't want it to end.

Katie West has been a go to romance author for me for years. This one was just as cute and sweet as the others. The characters are swoony and fun with emotional moments mixed in. Another hit from this author!!!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC of Better than Revenge! What happens when your non-podcast loving boyfriend steals the host position from you, then proceeds to break up with you? Become friends (or maybe more) with his nemesis, of course! First off, I love the Taylor Swift references throughout the book - it was a nice little easter egg. Even though this book was more about Finley and Theo's relationship the story line with Finley's grandma was a bit more captivating - every story she told left me wanting to hear more. I absolutely loved Finley's growth as the story develops - from sad and upset to vengeful to self-discovery - it was relatable and heartwarming to read. It was also nice to see how she changes her views toward Theo. Overall, an adorable, funny, high school drama quick read that makes me want to read more of Kasie West's books!

This was such a cute read! I loved the relationship between the characters and the banter. I love Kasie Wests writing so much.