Unfortunately, it was a cute premise, but it wasn't for me. I ended up DNFing it at about 20%. I couldn't connect to the writing style or the FMC as much as I had hoped.

I was super excited for this book when I got the approval for it and I’m so so so glad it didn’t disappoint! I will say I’m always scared to read a YA romance book because sometimes I feel like I’ve outgrown them lol but this one was super fun and I really enjoyed it! I liked the different storylines that were explored throughout the book, I felt like it kept me entertained and engaged and there was never really a filler chapter which I appreciated. I really liked the FMC and her growth throughout the book. I definitely would’ve liked to see Theo grovel a bit more but of course they’re in high school, they can only do so much lol. Overall I really liked this one! Thank you for the opportunity!!

loved this romance about a girl who loves podcasting and the football player that helps her find some things of her grandmother. loved that they found a common connection.

This was a charming and engaging YA romance with a touch of humor. Finley is relatable and determined, and Theo is a charming and complex character. Their banter is witty and entertaining, and their unexpected connection adds depth to the story. It’s fun seeing their relationship blossoming naturally from enemies to lovers amidst their competitiveness. There was also a side story about Finely’s grandmother that made my heart melt. Overall it was a fun and sweet YA read!

In the past I've read a few books by Kasie West and really enjoyed them. Better Than Revenge caught my eye because of this adorable cover and the fact that our main character wants to become a famous podcaster. I don't listen to them myself, but for some reason I love that element in the books I read. When I picked up this book, I couldn't put it down and read it all in one sitting.

My heart broke for Finley. Working towards a spot on her school's podcast for her senior year has taken up a lot of her time. So when her boyfriend decides to audition without showing any sign of wanting it at all really hurts Finley. Even more so when Jensen gets the position she was hoping for and doesn't seem to understand why she's mad. Her emotions lead her to wanting revenge against Jensen and this turns her life upside down in many ways.

What I really appreciated about Better Than Revenge is that this wasn't just a romance or revenge plot. This book was filled with friendship, family, working on your dreams, and even believing in yourself. Theo and Finley's grandmother really stole the show for me, and if I'm being honest I teared up a few times while reading this book. Finley's personal podcast and the grand gesture at the end of this book was everything I wanted and more.

Better Than Revenge is a book I'd highly recommend and I'd have to say it's become my favorite Kasie West book. I didn't want to go in to too many details because I enjoyed going into this book knowing near to nothing. It was an emotional roller coaster, and it ended up being very heartwarming and left a smile on my face.

I have been an avid Kasie West fan for several years - to the point where I've read nearly everything she's published. I've loved her characters, their storylines, and the artful way she weaves real problems into a light and fluffy story.

I think Better Than Revenge is my favorite novel to date. Finley has spent her entire life preparing to be a part of the school's podcast team - a spot that is taken due to a last-minute try-out from her jock boyfriend. Crushed, Finley vows to get revenge on him by trying out for his spot on the football team. She enlists the help of Theo, fellow football kicker and nemesis to her (now) ex-boyfriend. So what if he's cute and rightfully cocky? She's too busy getting her life back on track and getting revenge to notice. Mostly

I felt that the main female character, Finley, was relatable, witty, and entertaining and that the main male character, Theo, was cocky, thoughtful, and kind. Their relationship and banter were reminiscent of a teenage entry to Darcy and Elizabeth from "Pride and Prejudice" (with her being slightly oblivious and him going out of his way to help her in the background). I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy so I can mark up some of my favorite quotes from their conversations.

If you are not a teenager (like me), you do have to remember to take this book with a grain of salt. I found that Finley often reacted in rash or juvenile ways that left me frustrated - but then I had to remember that it is a young adult book and that my own siblings who are the same age would react in a similar manner. Frustrating yes, but realistic to the age range.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of Better Than Revenge by Kasie West. I could not put this down 5 stars ✨️!
This was an absolutely adorable story about finding your footing and strength when you feel like your world has fallen apart. Finley's podcast with her grandmother was so cute and heartwarming. The banter and tension between Finley and Theo was so good! This had me giggling like a school girl. So cute!

This was a cute young adult book! It was very lighthearted and felt like I was watching an old Disney channel tv show. Finley is trying to get back at her ex boyfriend for taking her spot in the podcast show. She does this by trying to take his spot on the football team.

I liked the premise and the characters! I wasn’t too connected to the grandmother story but I wish I was. Has a lot of potential!

Forget "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." Hell hath no fury like Finley, a teenage podcaster with a stolen pitch and a grudge the size of a football field. Better Than Revenge is a chaotic symphony of teenage angst, sports drama, and just the right amount of swoon-worthy moments to make you simultaneously roll your eyes and clutch your heart.

Our heroine, Finley, dreams of podcasting stardom. She’s got her pitch, her passion, and a boyfriend named Jensen… who promptly yoinks her idea, lands her dream spot on the school podcast, and expects her to cheer him on. Big mistake. HUGE. Instead of wallowing in heartbreak like a normal person, Finley decides to channel her inner petty queen and destroy Jensen’s life. Cue the revenge montage.

Step one? Sabotage his football career. Step two? Steal his position as kicker. Step three? Enlist the help of his arch-nemesis, Theo, who’s irritatingly talented, undeniably attractive, and hiding a tragic backstory because of course he is. What follows is a delightful spiral of Finley’s increasingly unhinged schemes, awkward football practices, and a slow-burn romance so sweet it’ll make your teeth hurt.

Let’s talk about Theo. This boy is the human equivalent of a grumpy cat with a secret soft side. He’s cocky, clever, and—against all odds—actually helpful in Finley’s quest for revenge. Naturally, their banter turns into flirting, and their flirting turns into full-blown heart eyes. Meanwhile, Jensen is on the sidelines, watching his life implode and wondering why he ever thought it was okay to mess with Finley in the first place.

The plot is gloriously over-the-top in the best way. Finley’s transformation from “quiet, podcast-loving girl” to “football-kicking, revenge-plotting badass” is as unrealistic as it is entertaining. The side characters add extra spice, especially her friends, who alternate between hyping her up and questioning her life choices.

Sure, the book leans hard into its tropes (enemies-to-lovers, revenge backfiring, "oh no, we’re falling for each other"), but who cares when it’s this fun? Also, the football scenes are surprisingly engaging for someone who knows as much about sports as they do about rocket science (read: absolutely nothing).

Final thoughts? This book is like an angsty teenage rom-com with extra glitter, a dash of chaos, and a soundtrack full of girl power anthems. It’s messy, it’s dramatic, and it’s utterly delightful. Five stars for pettiness, podcasts, and a romance that proves revenge is great, but falling in love with your ex’s enemy is better.

This book was so cute! Finley’s story of revenge and developing relationship with Theo really kept me interested, and I loved the parallels in Theo/Finley and Grandma/Andrew’s stories. It was really sweet and I also thought Theo was so charming and I really enjoyed the tension between him and Finley.

A Taylor Swift song reference in the title and a new book by my comfort author?? Sign me up. I loved this story! Finley, the protagonist, has always wanted to become a famous podcaster. She even has her own podcast where she interviews her grandmother, but only her mom and her best friend ever listen to it. Finley believes that, to make her dream happen, she needs to become a host for the school podcast. To her utter dismay, her (horrible) boyfriend also auditions for the host role without telling her, stealing her dream (the absolute nerve!!)

Finley knows exactly how to get revenge--by taking lessons from her boyfriend's (cute) archnemesis so she can steal her (ex) boyfriend's starting spot as the kicker on the football team. But pretty soon, she stops falling on the field and starts falling in love...with the one person she thought she could never like. Will Finley get back at her boyfriend from stealing her dream? Or will she find out, perhaps, that some things are indeed better than revenge? ;)

Excuse the poor puns. But this really was a cute, easy read. I think I might be getting a tad too old for Kasie West because some of the characters came off a little cheesy (but I think she has an adult debut releasing soon?? Please please please??). She is forever my comfort author, though!

Thank you to Netgalley and Delacorte Romance for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Better Than Revenge is such an adorable and fun YA romance. Finley is a junior in high school, and she is auditioning for her school's podcast. Her boyfriend, Jensen, is a football player, and he sneaks in to audition for the podcast. He steals her spot, and then, he goes on air in front of the whole school and badmouths Finley. She breaks up with him, and she vows to get revenge on him. She and her friends come up with a plan with the help of Theo. Theo is her ex's nemesis. Theo sees that Finley can kick really well, and he agrees to teach Finley how to kick a football. The plan is to get Finley to take Jensen's spot on the football team.

Theo and Finley spend time together, and she starts to see that he is actually a really great guy. He likes spend time with Finley, and he even helps her with her podcast. Finley does a podcast where she interviews her grandmother. Her grandmother has Alzheimer's, and Emily wants to have a recording of her grandmother's stories.

Theo and Finley's friendship turned romance is really sweet. Their friend group is really a tight group, and I enjoyed their dynamic. This was a fun and sweet YA romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's for an ARC of this book.

What a sweet and nostalgic love story!! I loved the two plots happening throughout this story between Finley’s grandmother’s story with the surfboard and her and theo’s growth from friends to more. Perfect combo of banter and a quick enjoyable read!

Big thanks to Netgalley and the author for an early copy of the e-book! Review is my own based on my own opinions.

Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Spice Rating: 0/5 🌶️ (young adult / teen)
Content Warning: grandmother with Alzheimer's and active memory loss

ONE BREATH SUMMARY: When her (now ex) boyfriend swipes the coveted host position on the school podcast that Finley has been working towards for years, she enlists his enemy (football star Theo) to help her get him back, but soon discovers that the road to revenge might come with a cost.

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW BELOW:

Finley's story had me invested from the very first moment and that is 100% due to West's incredible storytelling ability. Absolutely no time is wasted getting to the meat and potatoes of why we have all gathered around these pages and—especially when it comes to YA which can sometimes meander due to our teen main character's attention spans, no hate...we've all been there!—I really appreciate that.

In addition to our main revenge plot line, we also have a couple of side quests keeping us company that never feel tiring or out of place. All the pieces of the puzzle fit together seamlessly as we continue to unbox it page by page, even with some secondary story moment paralleling the primary in a exciting, but not predictable way.

Finley and Theo's easy banter had me kicking my feet with a smile the entire way through and as someone who has lost multiple family members to Alzheimer's, I found West's depiction of Finley's grandmother to be very accurate and respectful. Every moment felt very relatable and had me easily slipping back into my teenage / high school mindset, feeling just as confident yet lost as we all know it can be.

Gave me very similar vibes to Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock, which is one of the best YA novels ever written, in my opinion. Love seeing young athletic female representation and encouragement!

Overall, I absolutely adored this book!

I had so much fun reading this book - Kasie West always writes the sweetest and swooniest YA Rom-coms and this one did not disappoint!

Finley has had one major high school goal - to be a podcaster for the schools senior-only podcast. There's just one catch - her boyfriend has been supporting and encouraging her, but then at the last minute he decides to also enter the competition to be a podcaster also AND he uses her ideas!

So finally, Finley decides it's time to take matters into her own hands and get revenge. Theo - the biggest rival of Jensen is more than happy to join forces with her and oh how I loved their chemistry! I smiled so much as I continued to read and must say that I really enjoyed the ending!

Thank you to NetGalley for an e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review

This was such a cute book. I'm such a sucker for sports romances and revenge plots. Her ex boyfriend Jensen made me so made! He was so inconsiderate and didn't really appreciate her. Theo comes off as standoffish, but he's really a sweetheart and he and Finley have a great dynamic. I also enjoyed her grandma's story and how they were trying to find the surf board she lost from her grandma's ex-boyfriend. My grandma had Alzheimers so I could relate to that a lot. I would definitely read more from this author.

It has been a while since I last read a Kasie West book, but they are just as sweet as I remember. She definitely did a great job capturing all the emotions of the story as well as the secondary story of beginning to lose someone to the downward spiral of Alzheimer's disease and the rush to capture the memories of that person.

I really feel as if the heart of this story was learning how to embrace change especially when it comes to finding a new way to achieve your hopes and dreams or even finding a new dream. The banter between the main characters was great (I definitely burst out laughing a few times.), but the part of this story that touched me deeply was Finley's connection to her grandmother. As someone who wishes she would have had the chance to listen to more of her grandma's memories before they were lost to even her, that secondary story and Finley's quest hit especially hard.

I now want to revisit all of West's previous books because of how much I enjoyed this one.

Thanks to @netgalley, @delacorteromance and @kasiewest for the #gifted copy of this book.

Summary: Finley's only dream has been to be the host of a famous podcast. The first step in that plan is to get a hosting spot on her high school's podcast team. What was not in the plan... her boyfriend, the kicker on the football team, trying out for that spot on a whim with her idea. Now that her dreams and plans are ruined, all Finley can think about is ruining Jensen's one true love football. Enlisting Jensen's nemesis Theo, Finley decides that the best revenge is to take his starting kicking spot on the team. But what happens when you start to have feelings for the one boy you've always thought was the enemy?

My Thoughts: This one surprised me by how much I enjoyed it. I don't typically enjoy high school-based YA stories anymore(mostly because I'm too far removed from that time in my life now), but this one was great! I loved that Finley's revenge plan included trying out to be the kicker on the football team and enlisting Jensen's self-proclaimed nemesis to help her. The banter and relationship that formed between Theo and Finley was so fun and exactly what I wanted in this story. My favorite part of this story was probably the podcast Finley hosted at home with her grandma telling her stories before she forgot them all with her Alzheimer's. What a beautiful gift for her family she was creating.

This is the perfect quick, cute read when you need a good laugh and a smile on your face.

Read if you love:
🔥Revenge scheme
🎤Podcasts
💕YA Romance
🏈Football-specifically the kickers
😍He falls first

Better Than Revenge was an adorable love story!! I loved the banter and great characters. I did think some of Finley’s choices were very stupid, thus the -.5, but other than that, I loved everything! I absolutely LOVED Theo. He’s being added to the book boyfriend list! I felt like I could relate to both Finley and Theo, too. Which is one of the major reasons why I rated this highly! Thank you Netgalley and Kasie West for an ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's/Delacorte Romance for providing the ARC.

Finley is absolutely crushed when her boyfriend of one year, Jensen, decides to audition to host the school's podcast - the very same one that Finley has worked towards for years and spent weeks with that very same boyfriend perfecting her pitch. Not only does Jensen secure the host position she has been vying for without any kind of experience, but he does so by stealing one of the ideas that she had pitched to him during her practice sessions. Not content to sit by the wayside and watch him live out her hosting dreams, Finley vows revenge by auditioning for his position on the football team, knowing that he has spent he last few years watching on the sidelines as second string. And who better to help than Jensen's nemesis - pretty boy Theo, who was the reason that Jensen spent time on the bench.

This was such a cute rom-com! Finley was such a dynamic character and it was hard not to root for her, even when she was doing things that were not exactly ideal. However, her revenge plot is highly believable. Who hasn't carefully and extensively mapped out what they would like to do to bring their ex down? And who hasn't acted on some of those ideas, to an extent. Jensen was portrayed as a typical high school boy concerned with only himself. Empathy is not strong with this one, and you will be fuming right along with Finley throughout the story as she navigates this new dynamic with her (ex) boyfriend. Theo is adorable, definitely the quiet, stoic hot guy with a chip on his shoulder. He and Finley have a very sarcastic type of banter that is quite funny.

There is a small subplot regarding Finley's grandmother and her Alzheimer's. While it doesn't really pertain to the overall plot, it does bring some warmth and heart to the story. You get to see Finley in her element and see how much joy podcasting brings her while simultaneously understanding just how deeply she cares for her family. It was a nice a touch to a book that really focused on Finley's anger towards Jensen and the situation he placed them in.

Overall, this was a solid YA read. I think teens will definitely resonate with the characters and the story.