Better Than Revenge is one of the best YA romances I've read. Finley knows exactly what she wants out of her last year of high school-one of the coveted spots on the school podcast and the college internship that follows. But when her boyfriend Jensen slips into an audition, using one of HER ideas to earn the remaining spot, Finley is livid. Thus, a revenge plot is born; Finley decides to try and steal what Jensen most covets.

There was so much to love here: flawed characters who grew and matured, Finley's podcast detailing her grandma's first love, and Finley's budding romance. A must read!

Finley Lucas has been dreaming of being the host of her school’s podcast since 7th grade. She is finally getting her chance to try out since host spots are reserved for the senior and she has confidence that she will get a spot… until her boyfriend, Jensen, decides to try out as well. This throws Finley for a loop; she can’t understand why Jensen would suddenly want to compete for a spot when he has never shown any interest in hosting a podcast before and he knows that there are only two spots open. When the spots are announced, not only has Jensen stolen the spot from Finley but says some unkind things not knowing the mic is still hot. Finley decides that instead of getting angry…she wants revenge. Being a former soccer player, she decides to try to take Jensen’s coveted first-string football kicker position for him. She has one month to practice and get good enough to take it away and she is going to need some help…enter Theo Torres, who also would like some revenge on Jensen, to help teach her how to kick and win the spot.
I really enjoyed Kasie West’s newest novel. I know often times her novels are called “swoon-worthy” but my favorite part of her novels are how real the characters are… they are flawed, they aren’t perfect, they have lessons to learn along the way and that makes them much more relatable and fun to read. I loved the growth we saw in Finley in this book- from anger and wanting revenge to learning what is more important to her and going after her dreams even if they have shifted a bit. I really enjoyed Finley’s podcast with her grandmother and her desire to get her grandmother’s memories recorded before she can no longer tell her stories due to advancing Alzheimer's disease. Revenge is sweet…or is it? Read “Better Than Revenge” to find out.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Better than Revenge. This book was adorable. I knew the rough outline of what was going to happen because, well, tropes. However, the getting there felt fresh, mainly because of the added layer of Finley's grandma and the podcast they were doing together. Maybe it's because I'm a sucker for grandparents, maybe it's because I would totally listen to that podcast, I don't know. Regardless, that part of the book was my absolute favorite.

Could some things (parent/child and sibling relationships, specifically) have been developed a bit more? Sure.
Did I think Deja got over being upset really quickly? I did.
Was Theo too good to be true? 100%

None of those things is the real point of the story though, so I'm willing to be less picky in that realm. The more important questions here are

Did I lose myself in the story? I did.
Would high school me have wished Theo were real? Most likely.
Were Finley's friendships a good model for real friendship? I think so.

And for that reason, I'll say this was 4.5 stars for me.

thank you to netgalley and katie west for an advance copy of this book!

ੈ♡˳ rating: five of five stars

ੈ♡˳ thoughts:
i genuinely adored this book. it was such a quick and easy read i finished it in about an hour. i felt drawn to the book for some reason, i couldn’t put it down. the fmc was such an amazing and strong character and the mmc was totally swoon worthy. they truly balanced each other out and he truly loved her which is something that i feel like i can barley say for romance books nowadays. this book truly swept my off my feet.

spice level - 0/5 - ya romance book!

ੈ♡˳ tropes
ꕥ enemies(sort of) to lovers
ꕥ high school romance
ꕥ he falls first
ꕥ sports romance

ੈ♡˳ fave quotes
“ೃ⁀➷ no quotes because an arc is always subject to change!

◡̈ ◡̈ ◡̈

I absolutely adored this story!! One of my favorite YA reads of the year!

West’s writing was so sharp, witty, and heartwarming. I went in expecting a story about revenge and I loved how this story evolved into so much more - I ended this book with tears in my eyes and a heart full of joy.

The characters were so endearing and I was so charmed by each of them (with the exception of Jensen… ugh, he is THE worst). Finley and Theo demonstrated such maturity in their communication, juggled school, extracurriculars, and work, while navigating challenging and unexpected circumstances, toxic relationships, and expectations.

The storyline with Finley’s grandmother was so incredibly beautiful and I loved watching the journey unfold.

I loved this book so much and am still smiling over these precious characters!

This was my first time reading Kasie West. I had no idea it was going to be YA?! I just requested it based on the cover. But I really enjoyed this! We have a book bf who knows how to communicate and a romance that starts with a revenge plot. I was thoroughly entertained.

A cute read for tweens about a high school break up gone embarrassingly public and a revenge plot gone sideways. A few of the supporting characters & subplots could use either more development or elimination, but not the personal podcast one because the storyline between Finley and her grandmother was so refreshing.

Better Than Revenge is a great book for young adults, specifically those who are looking for something more cutesy and less risqué. High schoolers would really enjoy this book and would relate to the strife in the main character, Finley’s, life. The developing love story between Finley and Theo could have had more depth. The most important love story was the love between Finley and her grandmother. I loved the way her grandmother’s story was woven into the podcast. I found myself looking forward to the next recording of each podcast, to hear more about the grandmother’s life. I would recommend to readers who enjoy a cute, innocent story.

Kasie West will forever be an auto buy for me. My kids absolutely LOVE her stories. I think I own every one of them. This book hits just like the others. I loved Finley. Her grandmother is the best!! I liked Theo enough, but I’m not the target audience. I’m sure my students will love this!

Revenge is a dish best served through football?
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Finley has been waiting forever for the chance to audition for their campus’s podcast, but at the last minute her boyfriend decides to audition as well, stealing her spot. Now she’s out for revenge. Finley teams up with her ex-boyfriend’s enemy and current first-string kicker for the football team. She uses her skills as a former soccer player to practice with Theo in order to show her ex up at the tryouts, but along the way she starts having new feelings for her coach, Theo.
🎙️
This was one of my favorites of Kasie West’s. It had a great subplot featuring Finley’s grandmother who has Alzheimer’s, as well as Finley’s struggle with perfection. I loved the tropes of: he falls first, enemies to lovers, sports. You can always count on West to provide a great beginner YA romance for middle schoolers ready to dip their toes into the genre. This title releases January 7.

CW: Alzheimer’s, injury

Thanks to netgalley for the ARC! This is a cute book from Kasie West. I would probably do 3 stars, but in thinking of my students, I’m going with 4. In this age of “spicy” romance books with cartoony covers, it’s nice to find a YA romance without the smut that I can recommend to my students looking for a book with some love. The main character of Finley has a nice, solid group of friends and a good family with a grandmother struggling ei5 Alzheimer’s. I felt like that was good to see in a YA book. Finley is very into podcasting and is floored when she loses her desired spot on the school podcast broadcast team to her boyfriend who never showed a desire to host before. She decides to embark in a journey to get the ultimate revenge and beat him out of the first sport kicker on the footballs team enlisting his rival Theo. The story follows her training and shows friendship and love in many ways, ult8mstely leading her to decide if revenge is really that sweet. It’s a clean romance with positive messages and no food language, which I appreciated for my students. We will be adding this one to our library.

Super cute! Lovely romance, awesome main character whose growth was realistic and whose relationships with her family (especially her grandma!) and friends was relatable and well-thought-out, and a great message. Lots of fun to read.

This book is my first Kasie West book and definitely won't be the last! I was thoroughly captivated by this cute, quick, to read, YA romance. I'd give it a very solid 4 stars. Reading this book gave me all the feels of a comfy and warm and just perfect romance between high school students.

I absolutely loved the characters!! Finley is a strong female character who knows what she wants out of life and isn't afraid to fight for it whether it's the podcast host at her school, stealing her ex-boyfriend's spot on the football team, or teaming up with his nemesis and rival. Finley's friends: Deja, Maxwell, and Lee, were also amazing characters. I love how supportive and protective they were of Finley. They were the perfect friends to have and I loved all the witty banter between everyone. Now let's talk about THEO!! He was the perfect book boyfriend!! He is a great communicator and listener, he volunteers with youth to help them form a love of football, and he helps out Finley with her grandmother. And can I just say he was absolutely swoon worthy.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a warm, cozy, YA romance book that will make you swoon and not want the story to end.

The pacing was a bit inconsistent here, and I didn’t like how Finley went all in on revenge then backed off in the end. Overall, this was a good light read!

I haven't read a Kasie West book in a hot minute, but picking this one up, I remembered how well I love her novels. "Better Than Revenge" is worth the read!

“Better Than Revenge” by Kasie West is a delightful YA romance that combines high school drama and unexpected love into a heartwarming and engaging story. Known for her ability to create lighthearted and sweet tales, West once again delivers a feel-good story with relatable characters and a satisfying message. If you’re in a reading slump or you’re feeling down, this book will definitely help re-motivate you and help you feel warm inside.

The story centers around Finley, a seventeen-year-old who dreams of becoming a podcast creator. Her ambitions come crashing down when her boyfriend, Jensen, not only takes her idea but also nabs the coveted spot on their school’s podcast team. Heartbroken and furious, Finley decides to seek revenge. With the help of Theo, Jensen’s charismatic rival on the football team, she sets out to claim Jensen's spot on the team and give him a taste of his own medicine.

Finley is a fantastic protagonist—funny, determined, and unapologetic about what she wants. Her character is both relatable and engaging, making it easy to root for her as she navigates her complicated feelings of betrayal and ambition. Theo is a standout character as well, quickly becoming the ideal book boyfriend with his witty banter, kind heart, and support for Finley, not only in her revenge plot but also in her personal growth.

One of the highlights of the book is the refreshing way Finley and Theo communicate with each other. Their open and honest dialogue avoids the common miscommunication tropes found in many YA romances, allowing their relationship to develop naturally and sweetly. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their journey from rivals to something more feels authentic and well-paced.

Beyond the romance, “Better Than Revenge” shines in its exploration of family dynamics, particularly the bond between Finley and her grandmother. The inclusion of her grandmother's old stories, shared through Finley's podcast, adds depth and warmth to the story. It’s a touching aspect that grounds the story and adds a layer of emotional resonance, highlighting the importance of family ties and memories. I enjoyed this aspect the most throughout the book as someone who recently lost a grandparent. These old stories almost made me tear up a few times as I was reading.

While the book has its share of lighthearted and humorous moments, it also delves into themes of self-discovery and the complexities of seeking revenge. Finley’s journey is not just about getting even; it's about understanding what truly matters to her, whether it's success, love, or simply being true to herself. As she grows and learns, she must decide if revenge is really the answer or if there's something more fulfilling to be found in forgiveness and moving on. This is a relatable message for young readers who may be tempted by feelings of revenge based on their own experiences.

Overall, “Better Than Revenge” is a cozy, heartfelt story with a dash of drama. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a sweet YA romance with strong characters, witty banter, and a message that goes beyond just getting even. Kasie West once again proves why she's a go-to author in the genre, delivering a story that feels like the literary equivalent of a warm, comforting cinnamon roll.

GUYS this book is so cute! The banter was my absolute favorite and had me giggling! Im not the biggest fan of revenge stories but Kasie West knows how to do it right. I loved how unapologetic Finley was in doing everything. Theo was the perfect book boyfriend( can I have him for myself?!) he was seriously the sweetest with Finley. Overall this book is perfection I cant wait for everyone to get the chance to read it!

what a cute read. kasie west’s books have gotten me back into reading so when i received this i was so excited. i don’t typically read revenge plots but this one was good!! i love the characters in this cute ya romance.

Mein Leseerlebnis

Die Grundidee des Jugendromans wirkte auf mich vor dem Lesen etwas unrealistisch, aber gleichzeitig auch frisch und interessant. Die Umsetzung konnte mich teils, aber leider nicht vollständig überzeugen.

Das lag primär daran, dass mich nicht jede Entwicklung in dem Roman packen konnte und dass die Hauptcharaktere etwas blass blieben. In manchen Szenen wirkten sie älter, als sie es sind, in anderen deutlich jünger. Das fand ich etwas verwirrend.

Die eigentliche Liebesgeschichte war ganz nett, aber leider nicht mehr. Auch sie blieb ein wenig blass und konnte mich emotional nur leicht berühren.

Ich denke, dass man aus dem Buch und vor allem den Charakteren mehr hätte rausholen können. Und ich denke auch, dass das Buch definitiv besser für Leser:innen geeignet ist, die im Alter der Hauptcharaktere sind.

🖤🖤🖤 1/4

Für wen?

Wer kurzweilige Jugendbücher mag, in denen die Rache am Ex zu unerwarteten Entwicklungen führt, für den könnte sich ein Blick in den Roman lohnen.

I absolutely loved 'Better Than Revenge' and how relatable Finley was as a main character. She was a believable amount of petty in her revenge plot but also handled everything with such grace - better than I could have! Her group of friends and their ideas for revenge were hilarious and some of my favorite moments were when they were all together scheming. Theo was a charming, mysterious love interest for Finley and I loved watching them go from strangers to friends to more! Finley's personal podcast with her grandmother was a sweet touch with an endearing story, though it took me a while to really get interested in that plot line.