We are SOOO back. This book is absolutely everything to me. I actually fell to my knees because this is exactly what romcom dreams are made of!! The first time I heard about this book, it was because the cover reveal showed up on my feed. After seeing the absolute most gorgeous cover ever, I went on to read what it was about and immediately added it to my want-to-read list. I requested an early copy and when I got the notification that I was accepted I literally started jumping with joy. Like I'm not even kidding—I literally started squealing.

Daniela Williams is rightfully pissed. The start of her junior year arrives after a nasty breakup—all thanks to her cheating ex. But wait, what can make it any better? The reminder that her ex and his new girlfriend are also on Dani's swim team. She's not one to give her ex the satisfaction of her fury but the man is insufferable and simply won't leave her alone. This is where Heath Belfort comes in. The captivating and stupidly handsome local surfer—oh and her ex's biggest swimming rival. The man is so dreamily hot. The perfect combination of icy blonde, tan, and tattoos all over. Heath smiles through her ex's jabs and wins in every race—without breaking a sweat. An idea sparks and Dani decides that there is no better way to get revenge against her loser ex than to fake date the one person he hates the most. While Heath helps her get revenge, Dani helps Heath by tutoring him so that he can pass his history class. With a good amount of kisses and some private tutoring lessons, what could possibly go wrong?

Guys (I say to my empty room at 6 in the morning after pulling an all nighter because I simply could not put this absolute masterpiece down), this is how you do fake dating. This is, hands down, my favorite fake dating book ever. Matter of fact, this has made it on to the list of one of my favorite books of all time. My God, the chemistry between Daniela and Heath is absolutely electric. When I tell you I was giggling, kicking my feet, blushing, putting my iPad down because I literally had to catch my breath from the simplest of scenes. I can't stress enough how absolutely amazing the chemistry is. Dani wormed her way into my heart the moment I started reading, and has become one of my favorite characters. She struggles with expressing herself in certain ways and seeing her get the chance to with Heath, with their friends, was so healing. Heath, you absolute stunning man. Guys (I say to my empty room again, and also my dog who's trying to sleep since it's now 7 in the morning), omg this man. Heath Belfort, the absolute man that you are. I literally have no words for the absolute green flag that he is. YOUR HONOR I LOVEEEE HIM. He is everything to me, everything you could want in a man. The perfect combination of sweet, funny, flirty, caring, and the perfect safe space for vulnerability. Also, the amount of sweet nicknames he calls Dani, oh my lordddd. Congratulations flirty blonde man, you've charmed me. Also, the absolute amazingness that is their friend group. I love a good found family trope and this book delivered it tenfold. Oh, and all those little breadcrumbs for future books/couples, I see youuuu. To wrap up the absolute perfection that is this book, it also has its fair share of emotional angst and yearning—two of my favorite things, I just love it when a book makes me cry😇

I kid you not, I need to be teleported into this book right nowwww. I love Better Than Revenge. I love Dani & Heath x1000. I love their friends. I love the 2000s romcom comfort vibe this book brought me. I felt so incredibly alive and exhilarated while reading this. Everything about this book was absolute perfection—infinite stars for Better Than Revenge⭐️

This is a must read, especially if you like:
🩵Fake dating
🌊Ex's rival
🫧2000s romcoms
🪼Black cat fmc x Golden retriever mmc
🐳Tutoring lessons
🫧College sports romance
🦋Found family
🩵Coastal beachy vibes

You must read it the moment it releases, there's literally no other option. I actually can't wait to get my physical copy so I can reread it!! I'm literally outside the bookstore trying to get a copy but the employees are telling me to leave and that it's not August 25th yet. Anyway, add this book to your lists because it is the perfect love letter to everything that is romance💙

Thank you to NetGalley, Headline | Headline Eternal, and EJ Blaise for this ARC of Better Than Revenge in exchange for an honest review!