First & Then

July 27, 2015
Devon is an only child—until her cousin Foster unexpectedly moves in with her family. Now Devon has a misfit younger “brother” to keep an eye on as he navigates his first year of high school, even as she struggles with an unrequited crush on her best friend Cas and not quite knowing what she wants to do with her life. In her first novel, Mills takes inspiration from Jane Austen for both romantic and family dynamics; Devon’s developing rapport with geeky and awkward Foster, as well as his role in bringing Darcy-esque football captain Ezra into Devon’s life, is not only fun, but a rewarding portrait of a nontraditional sibling relationship. The unlikely catalyst of football in Foster’s and Devon’s worlds—and the popularity and crowd that go with the sport—add a fresh backdrop to typical Austen themes of social standing and self-awareness. Readers will root both for Foster (as his school’s new varsity kicker) and for Devon and Ezra to discover their worthiness for the other in this satisfying romance. Ages 14–up. Agent: Bridget Smith, Dunham Literary.

Starred review from August 1, 2015
YouTube personality Mills (aka vlogger Elmify) debuts with a novel that mixes football and romance. Senior Devon Tennyson assumes college is next but isn't so clear on why. Her longtime friend and crush, Cas Kincaid, isn't interested in her romantically, alas. While she is part of his football crew, Devon has other friends who are as individual, though not as average, as she is. The wide-ranging cast provides background to Devon's struggles with her future, exemplified by her boring college essay. Add in the long-delayed and -dreaded phys-ed requirement to make her unhappiness complete. It's mostly freshmen except for Devon and an All-American football player and transfer student, Ezra. Also in the class is Foster, a freshman and a cousin who recently joined her household after his mother asked her parents to take him on full-time. Devon's clearly not impressed with his irrepressible presence and knowing observations. However, her protective instincts go on high alert when socially inept and scrawny Foster's great ability to kick a football is discovered by Ezra. When Ezra takes Foster under his wing, Devon isn't sure if it's a setup or real, given Ezra's low popularity quotient. With sporadic references to Jane Austen's famous characters and wickedly inventive language, Mills closely observes the social milieu of an American high school obsessed with our favorite sport and makes readers care what happens. A fresh, smart, inventive, and altogether impressive debut. (Romance. 11-16)

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August 1, 2015

Gr 8 Up-Devon Tennyson has always attended Friday night football games to watch Cas, her best friend and object of her affection. The only other thing Devon takes seriously is her love of Jane Austen's novels. She understands the world through Austen and happily aspires to Jane's biting wit. Devon's happy to avoid thinking about the future, but then her cousin Foster moves in. He's an oddball freshman and despite being a senior, Devon has to endure him in her gym class, in addition to having him in her home. The only other senior in the class is the school's Darcy-like All-American football star, Ezra Lynley. When a fluke reveals Foster's talent as a kicker, Devon finds herself spending more time than she'd like with both boys. The dynamic between Devon and Ezra isn't quite as prickly as Lizzie and Darcy's, but they have the requisite spats and misunderstandings that all opposites-attract couples must have. The frequent references to Austen may not resonate with some teens, but they will please budding Janeites, who will also find the familiar plot beats satisfying. As in the classics, Mills's debut gives equal attention to the heroine's familial and romantic relationships. However, Devon's growth isn't only relative to the males in her life; her development is related to but ultimately independent of Ezra, Foster, and Cas. VERDICT Readers looking for an innocent romance with a relatable protagonist will enjoy this Austen-inspired work.-Joy Piedmont, LREI, New York City

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2015
Grades 8-10 It doesn't seem like an obvious couplingJane Austen and high-school footballbut Mills makes it work in this contemporary sports romance. Devon Tennyson is an Austen-besotted high-school senior who's directionless. Life beyond graduation, without her crush and longtime best friend, Cas, close at hand, seems fuzzy. Enter Foster and Ezra. Foster is her nerdy freshman cousin, who her parents take in after his druggie mom abandons him. Ezra is a moody transfer student and a football star destined for big things. When Ezra begins to coach Foster, who's a stellar kicker, Devon's not sure what to think. A school newspaper assignment on Ezra puts Devon on a path that seems to lead her away from Cas while sharpening her ideas of what she wants her college years to look like. Side stories might seem to overburden the plot but are handled deftly. Like Austen's heroines, Devon learns her presumptions aren't always correct, and life is sure to serve up surprises. A lovely read for teen romantics.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)