A review by cosmicbooknook
First & Then by Emma Mills

4.0

A short and sweet story about a girl's growing and changing with her relationship after he comes to live with her family. Devon was not happy about this at first, but as they were forced to spend more time together, they became closer, sticking up for each other, sharing thoughts and feelings, and it was one of the most touching familial relationships I've ever read, the kind that makes you feel all warm inside.

I loved Foster, he was weird and sincere and didn't judge anyone no matter how strange they were. Ezra was a very likable love interest, Devon had presumed him to be an asshole simply because of his jock status, but as he grows close to both her and her cousin, she begins to see that that wasn't true at all; that he was sensitive, smart and selfless. The romance was perfectly realistic, it wasn't rushed or clique, and all the awkwardness and conflict of high school was included so that it felt like it honestly could have been a true story. I loved the three of them together, they complimented each others differences perfectly. I do feel like the story ended too quickly though, and I wished it was longer so more could have happened.
Overall, an impressive debut, and I can't wait to read more from Emma Mills!