I haven’t read a book by Kasie West in a while, so when I saw this tour sign up, I jumped at the chance to review this.

I really loved this book! It was a fun, sweet YA romcom. Finley was burned by her (now) ex boyfriend, Jensen. He auditioned for the school’s podcast Finley had been working for, and he got it and she didn’t. I loved the funny things she thought of to get revenge on him. But then sometimes they backfired, and it was so funny. Then, she thinks of the one thing that could possibly work, and Finley needs help from Jensen’s football rival, Theo.

This book is so fun. Finley is a great character. She is goal driven and dealing with some hard things. I loved her podcast with her grandma and what came from that so much. I also adored Finley’s friends, and Theo! The two of them had great banter and the development of their friendship/relationship was fun to read.

I received a NetGalley link from the publisher. All views and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book! With diverse characters, the "oh no, you didn't" moment, and mysteries and surprises, I would say that the story is good and fascinating. If you like podcasts and /or football as well as YA romance, then check out Better Than Revenge!

Thank you TBR and Beyond Tours, Kasie West, Random House Children's and Delacorte Romance for a gifted copy! All opinions are my own.

📚 BOOK REVIEW TOUR BETTER THAN REVENGE
BY KASIE WEST
PUB DATE December 31, 2024

Thank you @tbrbeyondtours and @kasiewest for allowing me to participate in this tour.

YA Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For fans of 🏈
Podcasts 🎧
and Revenge

When Finley is left confused and betrayed by her boyfriend for stealing her dream of becoming a Podcaster for her school's podcast she gets with his arch nemesis and plans her greatest revenge..

💭 I really enjoyed the friends Finley had that gave her so much support. My favorite moments in the book was the relationship Finley had with her grandmother who was in early stages of alztimers. They're time together was so memorable and sweet. I loved the witty banter between Finley and Theo and how they're relationship grows.

Finley’s ex stole her podcast idea and cracked the interview of her dream job. Furious about the turn of events, Finley and Jensen (her ex’s rival) embark on a fake relationship to seek revenge on him .

Although their relationship started out for revenge, it took a nice turn in the end.

Jensen’s question whether we should do something if there was only validation resonated with me. His questions made Finley rethink about her love for Podcast and helped her rediscover herself.

She was also helping Jensen to overcome his challenges. In that way, they were complimentary to each other.

I loved reading this book. Finley’s personal growth and the romance was nicely done. I would highly recommend it to YA Contemporary/Romance readers.

Thanks to the publisher, NetGalley, and TBR Beyond Tours for the DRC of the book.

I thought this was a well written YA romance. The teenagers acted the way teenagers act. They are far from perfect but eventually see their mistakes.

If you’re looking for a clean romance this is a good one. No bad language and nothing beyond kissing. The story is also good, easy to follow but a little predictable.

This was a very cute young adult romcom. I feel like I was more enteratined by it then some YA books and it was a fun easy read.

I have been a long-time Kasie West fan. I've read 15 books by her with 3ish left unread. When you look at someone's entire catalog of work and you've read most or all of their published books, I think you can consider yourself a fan. I haven't loved every single book by Kasie West. There are a few that I didn't enjoy as much. But overall, I find her to be a consistent author with consistent content. That said, I was a little disappointed that she joined the LGBTQ bandwagon in Better than Revenge. The main characters are straight, but there's a gay secondary couple.

Basically, Finley has dreamed of becoming one of the two podcast hosts for her school's podcast. This is for two reasons. One, she loves podcasts. Two, the podcast hosts will have an internship or scholarship, I can't remember which. The only problem is that Finley's long-term boyfriend decides last minute to try out for the position, using one of Finley's ideas. An idea that he guided her away from using. And he doesn't seem to take it seriously or realize how hurt Finley is over his choice--which proves that he isn't right for her. Heartbroken, Finley breaks up with him and vows revenge.

Enter Theo. Jensen (the traitor-ex) has always had some kind of rivalry with Theo. Theo has always played first-string kicker and Jensen wants the position. Jensen always felt like he deserved the spot. And well, Finley is determined to get Theo to teach her how to kick (now that Theo is injured and out of the running for first string) to get back to Jensen for stealing her dream position. Only, Finley didn't count on liking Theo. But can she trust that Theo isn't just using her to get revenge on Jensen, also? I really liked the relationship between Finley and Theo. Theo is just a really nice guy, and he deserves an award. I also liked the message of the story. I don't want to give too much away, but is revenge ultimately satisfying? I also liked Finley's podcast with her grandma. It was so heartwarming to see her trying to preserve her grandmother's memories while she still has them. My siblings and I did something similar with my dad a few years ago (although he doesn't have Alzheimer's).

Favorite quotes:
-"That's what Jensen said...about you." "He appreciated my peak physical condition?" I shook my head. "No. He said you were full of yourself." "Who else am I going to be full of?"

-"Am I going to hurt you?" I said through my shivering lips. "You're not going to hurt me. I have you." "I don't feel had." He reached up, took me by the waist, and lifted me up and around until both my feet were on the patio next to the steps. I gasped in a cold breath of air. Oh. I was had.

-"I hope you get to it soon," he said. "I need the kiss." His smirk was back. The little punk knew exactly what he was doing.

-"Imagine," Grandma said in an ill-timed moment of clarity, "what you could've accomplished if you spent that much time and energy doing something for yourself."

-"Can mistakes be purposeful, though?"

All in all, Better than Revenge was really good. I liked the story. I liked Finley even if her motivations were misplaced. I liked her journey and the moral of the story. I liked Finley with Theo. I just plain liked Theo. I liked Grandma. But I still felt sad over Kasie West's step into woke culture. Better than Revenge gets 4 Stars. Have you read Better than Revenge? What did you think? Let me know!

Finley’s boyfriend betrays her, putting her podcasting dreams at risk.

What better revenge than training with her now ex-boyfriend’s nemesis, Theo, to get her ex’s spot as first-string kicker on the football team?

I love this premise and execution. Jensen (the ex) is exactly what so many of us have dealt with from previous boyfriends— and clueless as to how he hurt Finley.

Finley, for her part, is incredible! Determined, kind, and surrounded by friends, I adored her from the start. (Even if her plan had some flaws…)

Meanwhile, Theo is a fun pairing with Finley. She’s not afraid to call him out for being arrogant, and what starts as enemies soon turns into a sweet romance.

This is a YA romance I absolutely enjoyed!

And it was primarily for the loveable characters— I was so rooting for them, and enjoyed reading about their growth. Highly recommend!

The plot is something we might've seen before: a story of vengeance that leads to a newfound belief in respecting ourselves and discovering the things that are worth the most in our lives. West approaches this topic in subtlety, elaborating on why the vindication feels important to regain Finley's sense of autonomy, particularly on how small yet relentless actions of gaslighting could lead to this embroiling determination—it is quite the unsettling example too. West illustrates how self-deprecation and gaslighting go hand in hand without making the perpetrator look like the bad guy. In contrast, we, on the disadvantageous side, are treated like crazy people for defending ourselves. She also showcases the deeply rooted sense of envy and insecurity that pertains to the need to dumb down other people to make themselves feel better, and for me, it feels ominous because it is something that we can visibly see when it happens to other people (or in this case, fictional characters), but unable to recognize once we are the victims of the same treatment.

In return, it influences the character construction of Finley as the protagonist. West introduces us to this passionate, multi talented teenager with podcasting dreams and a sassy mouth. She is quick to banter, filled with numerous ideas, and empathetic with her friends, so much so that she knows where she is wrong. Yet, we see how Finley is also a fragile little thing—an exact figure of a people-pleaser in general that, in some cases, she painfully demonstrates her unwillingness to see the bad of people and maintains a status quo on how people are "nice" that she needs to stick around with them.

It is both sad and relatable, even for me. We've all been in similar situations where we need to grapple with any semblance of acceptance because our confidence depletes so much before we finally grow a backbone to do something for ourselves and only ourselves. As a result, the more dominant emphasis on Finley's self-discovery journey feels genuine and empathetic, fitting the purpose of the novel's title itself.

On the other hand, as the male love interest in the book, I find Theo's characterization to be quite surprising because I had assumed that he would be this typical "bad boy" type of high school jock that is usually the preferred stereotype in high school romance. Theo is still a high school jock in this novel, but he looks so normal that I can't seem to pinpoint him on a particular trope. His moments of cockiness don't seem to be so forceful that it makes him less likable; he has scenes of nerdiness and looks open to anything that is thrown his way. Even his relationship with Finley as a friend and a romantic partner never hints at ulterior motives; his kindness is just an instance of his "it is what it is" attitude—seeing things the way they are, being straightforward without anything to hide.

Their personalities are the reason why I find their chemistry to be marvelous as friends and couples. Sometimes, you don't need characters with opposite characterization or extreme miscommunication to make their relationship work. Sometimes, you need characters willing to be upfront with one another—the ones who can support you when you're on your worst days and the ones who can call you out on your bullshit, which is why Finley and Theo work tremendously together in this novel.

What about the supporting characters, like Jensen, Deja, Maxwell, and Lee? As I've mentioned before, West excels at showcasing a gaslighter who is smart enough to make himself look like a saint in a situation, which is what Jensen is in this novel. Some readers might think the resolution of Finley's conflict with Jensen may be disappointing. Still, Jensen's dejected disposition at the end of the story is good karma for Finley because it showcases how pathetic Jensen is despite his efforts to act like the best person in the room.

Deja, Maxwell, and Lee are wonderful friends of Finley. Funny enough, this group of best friends consists of characters falling on stereotypical tropes of high schoolers: there's the star athlete like Deja, the jokester like Lee, and the nerd like Maxwell, including Finley herself as the ambitious all-rounder. West's decision to create a friend group that doesn't settle on a specific type broadens the environment where these people can stay tight as a group. Yet, they are implied to have different interests that fit themselves as individuals without being judged. I genuinely appreciate West avoiding unnecessary drama to uphold a particular "spice" to ascertain Finley's self-discovery.

Going back to the plot, I find the small portion of investigation and live podcasting subplots a delight in this novel. The main plot has already tackled heavier themes. Hence, West exhibits tidbits of podcast sessions, and its preps is her displaying a lighter tone to balance the entire story—the characters are silly, curious teenagers, and most of all, shown to have the most joyful adventures.

In the end, is Better Than Revenge good? No, it is absolutely way better than I expected. The story is excellent, perfectly translating what it means to have something better than doing revenge. I'd recommend this for those who seek light young adult romance with more highlights in their character development or have been genuinely a Kasie West fan for a while.

Kasie West delivers another charming and swoon-worthy read with Better Than Revenge. With its blend of humor, heart, and just enough drama, this novel is a delightful reminder of why West remains a go-to author for feel-good YA romance.

The story revolves around Finley, a determined and relatable protagonist whose dream of joining her school’s podcast team is dashed when her football-player boyfriend, Jensen, not only betrays her but also steals her idea. Fueled by hurt and frustration, Finley’s quest for revenge leads her to an unexpected discovery: a hidden talent for kicking. And when she enlists Theo, Jensen’s confident yet enigmatic rival, to help her join the football team, sparks—and complications—fly.

The dynamic between Finley and Theo is undeniably engaging. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry electric, and their growing bond feels natural and well-paced. Theo’s layers add depth to the story, as his cocky exterior masks vulnerabilities that make him all the more endearing. Watching Finley navigate her feelings for him while trying to prove herself on the field and in life is both entertaining and heartfelt.

While the romance shines, the novel also explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of pursuing your passions. Finley’s journey from revenge-driven to self-empowered is inspiring, and her friendships add warmth and levity to the story.

However, the pacing occasionally falters, especially in the middle where the revenge plot feels repetitive. Additionally, Jensen’s character could have used more nuance to make his actions—and Finley’s initial feelings for him—more believable.

Overall, Better Than Revenge is a charming, empowering read with a satisfying balance of romance and personal growth. Fans of Kasie West and YA rom-coms will love this fun, football-filled tale of ambition, redemption, and finding love in the most unexpected places. Perfect for readers seeking a lighthearted escape with plenty of heart!

I received this book as an ARC through Netgalley.

Just a short review, but I really wanted to like this book. I understand that high school "problems" can be exaggerated and blown out of proportion, but I feel like Finley is just too over the top and dramatic. Despite that, the story was easy to read and entertaining from start to finish. I loved her grandma's story. I could read a whole book based on her grandma!

I absolutely loved this book. A sweet, and honestly, predictable romance. It was all the right things and I enjoyed every second spent with Finley and Theo.

Finley misses out of her chance at hosting the school podcast, due to her boyfriend, Jensen, trying out last minute. Then, she comes up with a plan for revenge.

I really enjoyed the story and loved watching Finley and Theo grow closer together. There were times I definitely forgot it was a plan for revenge and was so supportive of Finley's journey. At the end, she goes through a huge growth and moment of reflection, which I felt changed the trajectory of the story right at the end and there wasn't enough time to resolve it.

However, I thoroughly loved this book and finished it in one day. The family dynamics with Grandma, balancing a new relationship and old friendships, and growing up were really well done.

Another sweet, light-hearted and heart-warming YA romance to recommend!
There are lots of important messages throughout the story, and I adore the characters. They’re not perfect, which makes them more relatable.

In this story, we follow Finley, who makes a plan to get revenge on her ex-boyfriend after he betrays and humiliates her.
I really enjoyed seeing Finley’s journey; how her character grows throughout the story, as well as her relationship with her family and friends.

As for the romance, I wasn’t sure about Finley and Theo chemistry at first.
But I was rooting for them soon enough after they start to open up about each other while Theo was helping Finley with her revenge plans.

Aside from the sweet romance and revenge storyline, I also enjoyed the sub-plot of Finley’s grandma love life back when she was young.
I loved that Finley’s bond with her grandma wasn’t affected by her grandma’s Alzheimer’s. She choose to spends time with her reminiscing together about her grandma’s history and lets her grandma set the pace.

Better than Revenge comes with a satisfying ending and brought up important themes such as forgiveness, moving on, empowerment through self-improvement and that revenge is not the answer.
This wasn’t my first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be the last. I’m looking forward to read more books by this author in the future!

such a cute and fun read!! not my favorite by Kasie West, but I still enjoyed it for the most part!!

Finley dreams of joining her school’s podcast team, but her plan is derailed when her boyfriend, Jensen, steals her pitch and secures the spot she wanted. Feeling betrayed, Finley hatches a revenge plot: taking his place on the football team. To achieve this, she recruits Theo, Jensen's charming and slightly arrogant rival, as her coach. As Finley trains for football and spends more time with Theo, their connection grows, but complications arise as secrets surface. Will Finley’s pursuit of revenge cost her a shot at love?

Tropes:
-Enemies-to-lovers
-Revenge turned romance
-Sports training and team dynamics
-Found family through friends and teammates
-Secrets and misunderstandings

It is a story that is equal parts funny, sweet, and empowering. Finley is an instantly likeable protagonist—her frustration over Jensen’s betrayal is relatable, and her determination to stand up for herself is inspiring and entertaining. West skillfully balances the lighthearted revenge antics with deeper moments of personal growth, making Finley’s journey one of self-discovery as much as it is about romance.

The chemistry between Finley and Theo is electric. Their banter is witty and sharp, yet their moments of vulnerability add depth to their relationship. As Jensen’s rival, Theo is more than just a typical love interest—he’s layered, with secrets of his own that intrigue readers. The development of their romance feels natural and organic, building slowly as they navigate their shared goals and emotional baggage.

The football subplot is another highlight, showcasing Finley’s grit and willingness to step outside her comfort zone. The team dynamics and training sequences bring humour and camaraderie, adding warmth to the story. West also touches on themes of ambition, betrayal, and forgiveness, making the narrative relatable to readers navigating similar challenges.

While the revenge plot may be the hook, the story’s heart lies in its exploration of personal growth and unexpected connections. Fans of Kasie West will adore this charming addition to her collection, and newcomers will find it a perfect introduction to her style.

I didn't enjoy this at all unfortunately, there was way too much focus and page-time for the betraying ex

Relatable, believable, and sympathetic characters were the draw for this romance.

Highlights were the way the author wove together humor with realistic situations and issues, using the love story of Finley's grandmother to bring it all together.

The romance develops at a believable pace, nicely balanced with the podcasts about the love story. Altogether a lovely read.

This book was so adorable and definitely all about enemies to lovers! Loved how it kept me guessing! The big scene at the beginning had me audibly gasping, and I couldn’t put the book down from there. Cute hallmark romance.

Absolutely loooooved this one. Did it have bouts of immaturity? Sure, they were in high school. Did it have petty drama? Absolutely. Again, they were in high school. But did it have friends? And family? And sticking true to yourself and not changing for anyone despite setbacks? Also yes! Did it have a real first true love with o e who loved the other despite all the negative? Yes!! Absolutely loved the plot development and the relationship between Finley and Theo. Sometimes once we get to know someone, our opinions change - proves listening to others isn’t always the best path. Following your heart is, though! Also loved quirky grandma. Such a great storyline!