Young adult
Again, But Better
Debut
We love supporting debut authors. Congrats, Christine Riccio, on your first book!
Quick take
When you’re a straight-A student, but you’re failing at life, sometimes a trip abroad is all you need.
Good to know
Romance
Millennial
Buzzy
Magical
Synopsis
Shane has been doing college all wrong. Pre-med, stellar grades, and happy parents ... sounds ideal—but Shane's made zero friends, goes home every weekend, and romance ... what’s that?
Her life has been dorm, dining hall, class, repeat. Time's a ticking, and she needs a change—there's nothing like moving to a new country to really mix things up. Shane signs up for a semester abroad in London. She's going to right all her college mistakes: make friends, pursue boys, and find adventure!
Easier said than done. She is soon faced with the complicated realities of living outside her bubble, and when self-doubt sneaks in, her new life starts to fall apart.
Shane comes to find that, with the right amount of courage and determination one can conquer anything. Throw in some fate and a touch of magic—the possibilities are endless.
Free sample
Why I love it
Siobhan Jones
BOTM Editorial Team
“I’m leaving the country because I have no friends.” So begins the sweet, honest, and utterly relatable debut novel, Again, But Better. While not all of us have jetted off to a foreign country in hopes of traversing our troubles, we’ve definitely all experienced those feelings of being adrift and alone.
Meet Shane, a 20-year-old college student who’s a wiz in the classroom (pre-med, anyone? oof), but lacking in social skills. Her dating life sucks, she has no friends, and instead of partying it up with her classmates, she spends weekends at home with her parents (womp). Taking matters into her own hands, Shane embarks for London with her eyes on a new internship, a smooch or two, and maybe even a sip of alcohol. Naturally, nothing goes as planned. But maybe that’s a good thing??
Readers anticipating this book likely know as much about its author as they do about its synopsis. Christine Riccio is a talented content creator with a fervent YouTube following. She’s also been a fierce advocate for reading since she was a very small human, so it’s extra exciting to welcome her—and her sparkling, inventive debut novel—to the BOTM YA community. But whether you’re reading to keep up with the convo on Twitter, or simply looking for your next favorite romantic comedy, you won’t be disappointed. Again, But Better is a knockout.
Member ratings (1,161)
Ghelie T.
Honokaa, HI
I thought this book would give a “second chance” romance vibe, and I surely wasn’t wrong about it. There was a character development as the story went deeply. It was as if the story was personal, IRL.
Lily C.
Boston, MA
This was the sweetest story-I really connected with Shane & her journey made me reminisce on my own study abroad experience. This is such a light, feel-good read & I loved the characters’ relationship
Lauren S.
Orlando, FL
Next stop: Europe! Shane and Pilot made me feel like I was sitting on the edge of my seat with every surprising twist and turn. Their love story was an unexpected whirlwind adventure worth waiting for
Breanna O.
Pickens, SC
One of my favorite books now! I loved this on so many levels and it had so many of my favorite things in a book: travel, trying to change your life for the better, and of course a great love story.
Elizabeth J.
Brainerd, MN
I wasn't so sure about this book at first, but it picked up and I couldn't put it down! Each character is constructed purposefully, and the added element of magic to the plot truly makes it sparkle.