Reviews

First & Then by Emma Mills

lala783's review

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5.0

There are a lot of things to be said about this book. First of all, AMAZING. Second of all, the characters and their interactions in this world is what really sold it for me. Devon, the narrator, goes through so much development and rich exploration, which is something I really enjoyed reading. I'll admit at first I was a little apprehensive of Devon because her negativity reminded me of some awful abomination I was in high school, but she develops so much throughout this book, especially through her interactions with Foster. Foster, along with all the other characters in this book, are really fleshed out and feel like real people, not just high school caricatures which was refreshing. It made me actually think positively on high school. Although this is PEAK ROMANCE, this book also has such strong familial themes that hit close to home. I enjoyed all the Pride & Prejudice and Jane Austen references, especially the PLOT TWISTS throughout this book reminiscent of her books. Overall, this book made me actually care about football and broke my heart (and repaired it :') ). Great read, would recommend to anyone with a heart. Also, don't know if the author will ever read this, BUT I feel like there's some real potential for a sequel for the gang to go to college. Perhaps, a sequel in the point of view of Lindsay (because I loved her!!) would be something worth exploring! Just a thought! But :)

talya_'s review

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2.0

The book was very slow-paced in a way that wasn't rushed, which I guess is a good thing, but it also crawled at a snails pace which led to inevitable boredom. The characters were all dull and blah, and I think that could have been different if the writing were better. Everything was just so detached and emotionless because there was a lot more telling than showing. We don't see that Devon had a crush on Cas-- she has to tell us. We don't see when she begins to like Ezra, because we're told that too. And it comes out of nowhere. We don't see true friendship with any of the characters in the book because their interactions are fleeting and almost meaningless. It's to the point where you can't decide if Devon has no friends or has a lot of them.
The romance lacked chemistry something fierce. It was the flattest romance I've ever read about. No sparks, no feelings, no nothing. It literally comes out of nowhere...one day they're talking about college schools and the next, Ezra's asking Devon to homecoming in the most awkward way possible. And she says yes way too quickly especially as she's supposedly crushing on Cas? I don't know, but her feelings for these guys really bothered me because we don't see any of them, we're only told of them occasionally...so how are we supposed to believe her feelings if she can't even show them? This bothered me throughout the whole book, and it's a shame cuz the book probably could've been a lot better.

eyleen's review

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1.0

DNF after 94 pages.
This is the most boring young adult book I've ever read!!
They only EVER talk about high school football, practice for high school football or watch high school football games. Nothing else happens. NOTHING!!
I don't give a f*** who scores and who drops the ball and who is on what team. If I were into sports I'd go outside and play them, but I'm a reader, so I want to be entertained!! Ugh!

mindfulbanter's review

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4.0

I'm impressed that I actually got through that. It was kind of hard to get into because there was this vague idea of what she actually wanted (and even still I don't think that was made entirely clear by the end but...) and then all of the football. Goodness, if my dad knew that I was reading about some defensive linemen and other very technical football terms, he'd never let me miss a game ever again. The point is, if you're into football and a little bit of traditional YA love confusion that turns out to have some really sweet moments, give this a shot. It's short, and by the time you finish, you might actually learn something you didn't know you'd ever need to know.

rumoursfromlnez's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Ezra lynley man of the year!!

jeslyncat's review

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4.0

I really like this. I loved the characters and their personalities, and the story itself was great. There were friendship moments, family moments, along with the romance and the wonderful Ezra.

hiveretcafe's review

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4.0

4.5 stars
review to come.

flowersofquiethappiness's review

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4.0

This is not a perfect story, but it was overall cute and sweet enough that I could overlook the imperfect parts. Mainly due to Foster! Because I absolutely fell in love with his character. :) He's a quiet and smaller part of Devon's story, but there was just something about him that I loved. His way of looking at the world is much simpler than most people's, but that only makes him more endearing. And the way that Devon revolves around him is sweet.

She, herself, is a huge mixture of emotions and teenage angst and trying to find herself. At times, she truly frustrated me, but then she'd do something incredibly sweet for Foster and I'd totally forgive her, much like Foster does. She has such a loving heart, for all her occasional surliness and sarcasm tries to hide it. Her romance with Ezra is quiet and slow-building, which is perfect! It basically sneaks up her until her heart is committed without her realizing. But the truly shining moments in this story is every single interaction between Devon and Foster. Foster is well worth getting to know, friends. I highly recommend "meeting" him. :)

aly_saurusrex's review against another edition

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5.0

I just love Emma Mills. That's all I've got right now.

ennitsud's review

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5.0

emma mills has this wonderful way of writing endearing characters (to me) like foster and ezra and lindsay and jordan (he reminds me of frank in this adventure ends) and as much as i want to take out a star for the somewhat detached narration, the easy-read, the quips, and the other characters make up for it!