Book Info
Better Than Revenge by Kasie West
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Publishing Date: January 7, 2025
Synopsis
A swoony new romance from the author of Sunkissed! When her football-player boyfriend and now ex lands the podcast job she’s been dreaming of, a girl takes matters into her own hands by enlisting the help of his nemesis to get revenge.
Seventeen-year-old Finley has only ever had one to become a famous podcaster. This includes coming up with the perfect pitch to land her on her school’s podcast team. But when her football-obsessed boyfriend, Jensen, decides to also try out—and uses her idea—she’s left confused and betrayed.
Determined to get back at him, Finley and her friends try to find the perfect revenge scheme, but quickly discover that Jensen is almost-impossible to best. Keyword, almost.
By chance, Finley discovers a knack for kicking and decides to take Jensen’s spot on the football team. To help her train, she recruits Jensen’s cute but conceited nemeses, Theo. Soon the two discover that their connection runs deeper than football. But Finley can’t let herself get distracted, and Theo has secrets of his own. Is true love really better than the perfect revenge?
Book Links
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213197107
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593643291/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/better-than-revenge-kasie-west/1145579939
IndieBound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/better-than-revenge-kasie-west/21477820
About the Author
Kasie West is the author of many YA novels, including The Fill-in Boyfriend, P.S. I Like You, Lucky in Love, and Listen to Your Heart. Her books have been named ALA-YALSA Quick Picks, JLG selections, and ALA-YALSA Best Books for Young Adults. When she’s not writing, she’s binge-watching television, devouring books, or bury-ing her toes in the sand of the Central Coast. Kasie lives in Fresno, California, with her family. You can find her online at kasiewest.com
Author Links
Website: http://www.kasiewest.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/kasiewest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasiewest/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5027236
Why Should You Read It?
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!
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