First and Then... Perfection

First and Then
Written by Emma Mills
Contemporary, Sports, Romance
Published in Australia January 15th 2016
272 Pages
Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia
Add to Goodreads
★★★★★
Devon Tennyson wouldn't change a thing. She's happy watching Friday night games from the bleachers, silently crushing on best friend Cas, and blissfully ignoring the future after high school. But the universe has other plans. It delivers Devon's cousin Foster, an unrepentant social outlier with a surprising talent for football, and the obnoxiously superior and maddeningly attractive star running back, Ezra, right where she doesn't want them, first into her P.E. class and then into every other aspect of her life.

Pride and Prejudice meets Friday Night Lights in this contemporary novel about falling in love with the unexpected boy, with a new brother, and with yourself.
Rarely is a novel ever so utterly perfect that I've fallen in love from the very first page. First and Then was nothing short of immaculate and one of the loveliest contemporaries I've ever had the pleasure of reading.


UTTER. PERFECTION.

It follows the story of Devon, the girl, not the luncheon meat. She's an only child with doting parents and no real direction throughout her senior year of school. Then fourteen year old Foster comes to stay. Oh Foster, he was such a breath of fresh air. Adorably naive and so incredibly lovely, he's been abandoned by his mother and taken in by his aunt and uncle to restore a sense of normalcy and family. Since his father died, life with his neglectful mother has left him unemotional and mentally absent. It takes a significant part of First and Then for Devon to finally accept Foster as a part of her newly formed family unit but their relationship although tentative, was beautiful to watch them both grow as individuals and as new siblings.

Hello Ezra Lynley. Ezra is the golden boy of football and a new recruit, seemingly untouchable yet takes an interest in Foster in the shared physical education class along with Devon. Although Foster is oblivious, the tension between Devon and Ezra is delicious and he begins helping Foster learn the basics of touch football and the two form a close bond. I know nothing about American football but First and Then didn't delve too deeply into the technical side of the sport thankfully, but more so the team comradery and etiquette of the game. 

The bond between Ezra and Foster began as a worship type relationship and although beyond the college scouts and attention, Ezra is never comfortable with the admiration. He isn't the typical high school senior and is determined not to let his status define him. He's quiet, reserved and gives off a tortured impression. It's Devon who is yet to fall under his spell, she's in love with her best friend in Cass, who as the storyline moved forward really surprised me and I felt I never truly had a sense of who he was beyond how Devon had seen him.

The Final Verdict

The underlying storyline of acceptance and learning to trust was beautiful and lovingly written. I laughed, I cried and was utterly smitten with First and Then and in particular, Foster. Not often does a book come along that makes you feel how special it is to delve into the fictional worlds of authors, First and Them made me feel giddy as I turned the final page and gave me one hell of a book hangover.

Kelly is still swooning over the loveliness of First and Then. But Kelly is sick of talking about herself in the third person.


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40 comments

  1. I thought this was such an adorable read too, so it makes me happy that you loved it so much! I loved Devon and Foster's growing relationship too! I think I may have liked it even more than I enjoyed the romance, which I thought was very shippy in the first place! I'm excited to read more by this author! :)
    Lovely review, Kelly!

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    1. It was just so lovely wasn't it and completely agree with Devon and Foster's relationship too Nick. Even without the romance between Devon and Ezra, I still would have adored this. Ahhhh I absolutely loved it! Thrilled you loved this one too.

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  2. I just checked this out from the library (then Pride & Prejudice line hooked me) but I have yet to read it. Now I'm sold!! I might have to finally pick this up and read it.I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Perfect Review!!!

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    1. Thanks Taylor. It really is a brilliant read and I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  3. I read mostly mixed reviews of this one, so it's nice to see such a glowing review! Ezra sounds fantastic by the way. Thanks for sharing, Kelly!!!

    -Lauren

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    1. Me too Lauren and I was a little hesitant, but for me this was the perfect read. It was funny, sweet and absolutely adorable not to mention well written. I would love to see what you think of it.

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  4. Ah it sounds gorgeous! Your reviews are always so good Kelly. :) Haha, I love your bios at the end of your posts. Very tongue-in-cheek of you. :D

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    1. Those author boxes are weird aren't they. I always feel like an idiot talking about myself in the third person.

      You need this book in your life Mawa, it's absolutely gorgeous and so swoony too, the perfect read for Valentines day.

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  5. Oh gosh. I had the most peculiar reaction to Devon at first. But I slowly warmed up to her. I ended up enjoying this one, though not as I'd initially expected I would. :/

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    1. I felt the same Joy. I wasn't sure if I would warm to her at first, because when it came to Foster, she just felt incredibly abrasive. But she seemed to be all front and just feeling the strain of going from an only child, to almost babysitting Foster, so I could see why she wasn't to thrilled. But as it progressed, I fell in love with it. I'm so glad you enjoyed it as well Joy, it was just so adorably cute!

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  6. This sounds like such an amazing book! I've heard some great things about it, but your review really seals the deal for me Kelly. ;) Definitely going to have to get a copy of this. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! ♥

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    1. Thanks Zoe and you changed your photo! Aww.

      You have to read this one Zoe, it's just so lovely. I'm surprised that anyone wouldn't like it actually. A bit like saying I hate rainbows or I hate puppies. Or puppies riding rainbows.

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  7. I really liked this one too! It's weird but I loved the relationship with Devon and Foster better than the romantic one. Both were good, but it was so refreshing to see a great family dynamic, especially in YA. I heard the audio for this one and it was just adorable!

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    1. Me too Nereyda, although I did like the romance too, I think Foster's own storyline is what really captured my attention. Such a wonderful character.

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  8. This looks fantastic! Although I'm a bit wary about Devon. Anyone who sounds like a lunch meat, really.

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    1. It was a bit of an odd name choice. I always seen the name Devon as a male first name. I know I know, we shouldn't be limited by a name being dependent on what sex we are, but you wont find many guys named Mary I suspect.

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  9. I MUST READ THIS ONE. So many people have RAVED about it haha :D And plus that cover is gorgeous! I hear that this is a book that also tackles the theme of family - looking forward to reading a YA book that actually does that! :D
    Geraldine @ Corralling Books

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    1. The core family unit is wonderful, being Devon's parents. They're so incredibly supportive and a big part of both of their lives. Such a refreshing change to the typical young adult parents who seem to be missing from the storyline more often than not.

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  10. Ooooh, this sounds lovely. I think I saw you talking about Ezra on Twitter at some point and thought that was a lovely name. And that cover, c'mon. SO GORGEOUS.

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    1. It's such a beautiful read Alyssa, one of the best contemporaries I've ever read.

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  11. I've heard some really good things about this Kels so I knew you would love it! This book seemed right up your alley so I'm SUPER DUPER happy that it gave you just what you wanted! <3 I love the sound of Ezra and Foster's relationship! And I agree with Alyssa, THAT COVER THOUGH!

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    1. It's absolutely lovely! Both inside and out. If you're a fan of contemporaries and a swoony romance which I know you are, you need this book!

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  12. Awww, I love that you loved this one! EZRA WAS JUST SO CHARMING - totally an A+ Darcy haha. I also really enjoyed the lessons that Devon learns, and going past stereotypes (bursting that "bubble" of hers, so to speak). :) I thought that was super sweet and FOSTER IS JUST THE BEST. <3 THESE CHARACTERS ALL MAKE MY HEART SO WARMMMM.

    I would not say no to a sequel companion for this book!

    - Aila @ One Way Or An Author

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    1. I would absolutely love one too Aila! I think you should start a petition to get one. I miss Foster already, he was just such a lovable character, I'd love to see his story continue.

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  13. Eeeeeeeee I've been wanting to read this since I first heard about it but still haven't managed to get myself a copy. I just cannot seem to find it in Dymocks or Kinokuniya. Will have to try to get them to order it in! It sounds absolutely amazing and I need this in my life!

    Jenna @ Reading with Jenna

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    1. It's available on Booktopia too Jenna if you're stuck for a copy. It's amazing! One of the best contemporaries I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  14. I loved Devon as a kid!!! Now I've admitted that.
    What a pretty cover!! The cover drew me in, then with your review - YEP another one for my TBR list :-).

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    1. As a kid? I could still eat it now.

      Push it up that TBR Sarah, this one demands to be read.

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  15. Kelly, this sounds wonderful! To be honest, I haven't heard a lot about First and Then, and then I was also hesitant because it is a contemporary, and it's about football. But I'm glad to see it doesn't go TOO much into football! And Foster sounds like a squisher.

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    1. I have no clue about America football either poppet, but it was just more of a bonding tool between Ezra and Parker and it didn't go into specifics of the sport. He's totally a squisher, just wait until you meet him.

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  16. I admit I was a little weary after Cait’s complaints about football, but your review gave me hope that I wouldn’t be bothered by it much. I definitely in the mood for a book that would make me feel good. Great review, Kelly! I hope you wouldn’t suffer a book hangover for long though.

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    1. I have no clue at all about American football either Ksenia, but it was basically just a background sport and was used more as a common ground for Ezra and Foster. No technical details but just a way to bond. Definitely don't let that stop you, it's a phenomenal read, so lovely and heartwarming.

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  17. I can't wait to read this! I remember you telling me on hangouts how amazing this book was, and you know when you love a contemporary, I HAVE to pick it up. Thank goodness for amazon gift cards :)

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    1. YES! YOU DO!

      This book is amazing and really, Tika you should have already bought a copy by now. Quickly, go and catch yourself a copy out in the wild and crack it open. I can almost guarantee you'll fall in love.

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  18. This sounds like a sweet read, and that cover is so lovely! I hate American football but I think it makes for some entertaining movies, perhaps that crosses over into books too; will have to find out for myself!

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    1. It could just as easily be Aussie rules footy or even soccer, as it really doesn't do into too much detail more just the pressure and support of playing in a team sport. It's absolutely wonderful Wattle, one of the best books you'll read all year.

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  19. It sounds like you really got into this one Kelly, with the sweet romance and how down to Earth Ezra actually sounds. I'm not a fan of American football, but I'm glad you enjoyed this one Kelly!

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    1. I'm not either Jeann but you don't need to be, or know anything about it really to enjoy this one. It was Foster's character that lured me in. I love honest and flawed characters that aren't afraid to be themselves and he was an absolute delight to read about.

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  20. Oh. My. God. This book sounds like it would have been my high school fantasy. Indeed... I'm now in my *ahem* mid - late 40s and it still sounds like that. I was SO into athletic types growing up!

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  21. I've got a copy of this out of the library, because, hello, it's a P&P retelling. Your review has just made me push it up my tbr, from the very first sentence! Ezra sounds very swoony, I can't wait to meet him ;)

    I love your reviews, and can't wait to read more :)

    Sophie @ Sophie Reads YA

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