First & Then (original 2015; udgave 2015)

I was pleasantly surprised at how, when we discovered new histories about side characters, the book would go a layer deeper into sincerity. This was a cute, simple high school tale about how no person is simply average or storyless, but there was enough romance and family support to keep me engaged the whole time. ( )

I'm newer than many to Mills, but I swear she has a direct line to high school brain.

I don't know why the title didn't clue me in to a football themed romance, but here we are. There's still something very high school about Friday night football, the football after parties and dashed homecoming dances. Let's be honest, were those ever what you thought they'd be? (Okay, honestly, I have had the best meet cute at a high school football party, could've been a verbal exchange right out of this book, but other than that)

We have Devon, slightly judgmental and in an unrequited love situation. She loves Jane Austen, is totally ordinary, and that is where I kind of love-love Mills's books- her characters are just high schoolers being high schoolers. Not surface, but not really bogged down either.

There's no doubt this smacks of a nod to P&P, slightly judgmental heroine included. Swoony broody running back too.

But what makes this book is the humor, the accessibility of the characters, the fact that you probably knew them all in high school. And I appreciate this little nod to intense leads, I feel seen. ( )

This book is an interesting young adult novel about high school life. It tells the tale of a high school girl and her every-day life in with an addition of an adopted new sibling. The main characters goes through the classic trials and tribulations of a high schooler but knows that through difficult times, that as long as you have friends and family you can still succeed.

Devon and Cas have been best friends for years and, though she’s secretly in love with him, she keeps that part under wraps. Frustrated at her inability to feel any interest in everything that comes with college plans, she takes it out on Foster, her 14-year-old nerdy cousin, who has just moved in with them.

The worst part about school for Devon is having to take gym with a bunch of freshmen – including Foster. She and Ezra Lynley, the football team’s newest star, are the only seniors in the class but seem to rub each other the wrong way. It seems as if every conversation ends in disaster. When Ezra discovers Foster can kick a football extremely far, he becomes his mentor and helps Foster join the varsity team.

As Foster becomes cool with his fellow freshmen, Devon struggles with her feelings towards Cas, Lindsay and Ezra. Though he annoys her, she likes his protectiveness towards Foster. In time, Devon realizes she needs to look outside of the box she’s placed around herself in order to discover a real life instead of the make-believe one she’s fashioned for herself.

I empathized with Devon in her complicated feelings towards both Lindsay and Cas, and was glad she got her act together in regards to both Ezra and Foster, as they deserved more chances than life had given them. It was a good book and a quick read, though I’m a bit confused as to what the title is supposed to mean.

Recommended for ages 14 and older.

Book review link: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.com/2019/12/09/first-then-by-emma-mills/ ( )

Well, this is a DNF.

I suppose I can't delve too deeply into the plot of this one, as I only made it through about five chapters and then skimmed the rest. I will say, however, that the only interesting thing I came across within those first 50 pages was Foster (Devon's little cousin and new housemate). While I was actually a bit curious about both his backstory and the growing friendship between him and Devon, that wasn't enough to keep me reading. Perhaps with some additional character building and bit less awkward staring by Ezra, I could have made it to the & then part of this one. ( )