I've read this book last month and gave it 5 stars. Since then, I've reread it a couple of times. I'm just in love with the simplicity of this story and how it captures the vibes that I usually look for in a contemporary book.

The romance didn't take over the plot, it's just a smudge. It's hate to lovers slash friends to lovers. Kind of. The family dynamics is perhaps my favorite. I've come to love Foster, he's a good complimentary character to Devon and Ezra.

The author narrated the audiobook, I really like her voice. In some ways, this is how I imagined Devon to sound like.

The only thing I didn't like about the plot is the characterization of the two character of colors. Every time, they appear they're only there to help Devon. It seems like they're only there as a pillar for the white heroine. Another thing is the way Devon describes the other female characters. She doesn't hate them but the way she illustrate their physical looks and traits, I can hear a sneer. It's not a good look, since, she doesn't have female friends. She's also very different than those feminine girls. She's more of a simpleton. Though, at the end, I like how Devon confronts her own bias towards Lindsay (another female character).

Overall, I really love First & Then. It reminds me of how I want my YA books.