Is this book related to the Taylor Swift song?

While it shares the title and some of the 'vengeful ex' vibes, it is not an official tie-in. However, it definitely appeals to the 'Swiftie' demographic with its themes of girlhood, heartbreak, and reclaiming your narrative.

How 'spicy' is the romance?

Not at all. Kasie West writes 'sweet' romance, meaning the focus is on hand-holding, tension, and kissing. There is no explicit sexual content.

What is the 'assault' mentioned in reviews?

It refers to a physical altercation between high school rivals—think a school hallway scuffle rather than a serious crime. It's used to show how out of hand the rivalry has become.

Is it okay for a 6th grader?

If they are an advanced reader and interested in high school dynamics, yes. The content is safe, though the social situations (dating, high school politics) might be slightly ahead of their current experience.

Better Than Revenge – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Better Than Revenge

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book

80%

WISE Score

A witty, sweet YA romance that proves the best revenge isn't getting even—it's moving on (and maybe falling for your rival).

Better Than Revenge

book

80%

WISE Score

A witty, sweet YA romance that proves the best revenge isn't getting even—it's moving on (and maybe falling for your rival).

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Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

If your kid is asking for romance books but you aren't ready to hand over the 'spicy' BookTok sensations, Kasie West is your best friend. Better Than Revenge delivers the tropes teens love—enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, high school drama—without the R-rated content.

It’s a breezy, smart read that handles the complexity of teen social lives with a light touch. While there’s a bit of a physical dust-up and some snarky 'murder' jokes, it’s fundamentally a story about growing up and letting go of petty grievances. Just double-check the author on the cover, as the title is shared by a much more 'adult' romance novel.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12 to 17. It hits the sweet spot for middle schoolers ready for romance and high schoolers who prefer 'sweet' over 'steamy' stories.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Kasie West is the gold standard for 'clean' YA romance. The story focuses on emotional growth and navigating high school social hierarchies without leaning into toxic tropes or gratuitous content.

Imaginative

While it's a standard contemporary setting, West's ability to craft witty dialogue and engaging 'enemies-to-lovers' dynamics keeps it from feeling like a carbon copy of every other teen book.

Safe

Generally very safe for the YA category. There is a mention of a physical altercation (assault) and some dark humor regarding murder, but it stays within the bounds of a PG-13 style narrative.

Enriching

Excellent for exploring the futility of holding grudges and the importance of seeing people beyond their reputations. It's a solid social-emotional primer for high schoolers.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Clean Romance: Kasie West is a reliable 'safe' author for parents who want teen romance without the explicit 'spice' found in many modern YA books.
Relatable Stakes: Deals with high school reputation, social anxiety, and the pressure of public perception in a way that feels authentic.
Witty Dialogue: The banter is top-tier, making it a fast, entertaining read rather than a slog through teen angst.
Positive Growth: The protagonist moves from a place of bitterness to self-actualization, which is a great arc for younger teens.

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What to Watch For

Physical Conflict: There is a specific scene involving a physical altercation/assault that might be jarring compared to the otherwise light tone.
Dark Jokes: Characters occasionally make jokes about murder or 'getting rid' of rivals; it's clearly hyperbole, but sensitive kids might find it edgy.
Author Confusion: Make sure you are getting the Kasie West version. There is another book with the same title by Taylor M. Henderson that is marketed as 'mature content' for older audiences.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think it's so tempting to want 'revenge' when someone hurts your reputation?"
"Does the way the characters act on social media match how they feel in real life?"
"Can you actually be friends (or more) with someone you used to consider an enemy?"
"Is the 'best' revenge really just being happy, or is that just something people say?"

Deep Dive

The Kasie West Safety Net

In the current YA landscape, it’s getting harder to find books that aren't essentially adult romances with younger protagonists. Kasie West has built a career on being the exception. Better Than Revenge follows her established pattern: high emotional intelligence, snappy dialogue, and a 'closed-door' approach to romance that focuses on the butterflies rather than the bedroom.

Why the 'Revenge' Theme Works

The title (a clear nod to the Taylor Swift song) sets up a narrative about high school rivalries that feels very current. The protagonist, usually a bit of an underdog or someone who has been wronged, has to navigate the fine line between standing up for herself and becoming the villain of her own story. For a 13 or 14-year-old navigating the shark-infested waters of 8th or 9th grade, these themes are more than just entertainment—they're a roadmap for digital and physical social survival.

The 'Mature' Title Trap

Parents should be aware that Better Than Revenge is a popular title. While the Kasie West version is a safe, sweet YA bet, there is a Taylor M. Henderson book with the exact same title that contains significant mature content. If you're buying this as a gift or for a younger teen, verify the author. The West version is published by Delacorte and is widely available in school libraries and 'clean' YA sections.

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