For Eva

by Jen Davis

Eva Mitchell never imagined she’d end up a forty-four-year-old divorced stay-at-home mother. After the husband who insisted she give up her career leaves her for another woman, she spends her days trying to navigate her new life and her nights wondering where it all went wrong—until one phone call changes everything and sends her careening down the rocky road of memory lane, straight back to the late ‘80s and a world filled with sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll.

When Eva takes a job with her boyfriend’s band in 1989, she’s thrust deep into the Sunset Strip music scene and beyond as the band takes off, and they set out on a cross-country tour. But what starts as a never-ending party quickly becomes more than she bargained for, culminating in one of the most shocking moments in musical history—an event that alters the course of her life.

Nearly twenty years later, she comes face-to-face with one of the ghosts of her past who reawakens the strong, capable woman she’s always been. With the kind of love she’s always longed for within reach, Eva is faced with the decision to dive head first into uncharted waters or drown in the fears her past left behind.

Genres: Fiction

376 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2024

About the author

Jen Davis lives in Nashville with her husband and daughter. When not conjuring up stories in her head, she listens to ‘80s music and forces her ornery orange tabby cat to snuggle. For Eva is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Samantha Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an ARC copy!

Let me start out by saying, if you liked Daisy Jones/Seven Husbands/Taylor Jenkins Reid you will love this book.
The story mainly is from Eva's perspective with a few chapters from the different MMC's perspective. I think Davis did a great job using those chapters to add to the plot and character development while keeping it easy to follow and not allowing the confusion that can arise with too many narrators.
You're always rooting for Eva even when she doesn't make the best decisions or looks past red flags because she's just a good character that has flaws and that makes for a good book. I like the whole notion of you can still live your life after shit hits the fan and that anyone deserves a happily ever after.
The waiting throughout the book to find out if Eric does love her/she finally admits to loving him is so good and makes for a very satisfying ending when they get their HEA. The timeline of starting in Eva's present to then jumping back to the past reads well and makes a book that is mostly memories make sense while still allowing the present to be it's own story wrapped up with memories.
Altogether, this was a really fun sweet read and I would highly recommend checking it out!

[Anne Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible read! You’re thrust into the world of the 1980’s hair band scene and we follow Eva, a young girl with great instincts and talent, and she initially follows her guitar-playing boyfriend but ultimately finds herself. After a very rock-n-roll tour, Eva resumes real life but never quite leaves behind the question of what could have been? This novel follows an interesting cast of characters from LA to Chicago and coming full circle to Music City itself, Nashville, Tennessee. The book is written with such authenticity you’ll feel like you were right there! And you’ll cheer For Eva the whole way.

[Trista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read if you love:

🎸Dual POV
🎸Past & Present timeline
🎸Daisy Jones and The Six vibes
🎸Second chance
🎸Ride or die bff


This book gave me all the rock ‘n’ roll vibes! From playing at dive bars to going platinum to ending up in rehab, Counting Backward has definitely enjoyed their time in the limelight… but are they destined to rise or go up in flames?

Moving between a past and present timeline AND dual POVs, we follow Eva, her ride or die Denise, Danny and Eric.

I loved the gritty nature of the story and everything the characters had to overcome. I am absolutely floored that this is her debut novel and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.


I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Karlie Mose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received an Advanced Reader Copy in return for an honest review of the book.

Easily one of my favorite standalone books I’ve read this year. This book is everything I wanted Daisy Jones & The Six to be (and I like that book a lot). If you liked that one then I think you will absolutely adore this book. It has all the grittiness of the band scene still and some very real and heartbreaking issues but somehow managed to tell a sweeter story. I love how this story was told and it has one of the most satisfying final chapters I’ve read.

[Jacqueline Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful debut novel!

This is a beautifully written and complex love story with well-developed, relatable characters and all the feels. Davis does a wonderful job capturing the 80's rock scene (yay!). I also loved how seamlessly this novel went back-and-forth in time, letting us live through and see the backstory. Davis' writing is emotional and real and will have you believing in second chances.

Highly recommend. I can't wait to read more for this very talented author.

[Becca Oberlander · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect summer read! Actually, it’s great to read anytime! I loved the characters and story, not the ending I expected, it was even better.

[Ashs_Bookstash · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
80’s rockstar, second chance romance, Daisy Jones and the Six vibes
Read this in 2 days I was totally hooked into the story and at the ending. I wanted more but also it was perfect at the same time.

Apparently this is a debut novel 🤯 insane.

[dap · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
I liked this one. While Eva’s experiences didn’t mirror my own, I see me in her. The child/parent dynamic, high school drama, boy problems, feeling inadequate, navigating life as a daughter, a wife, a friend, a mom… she’s relatable and I rooted for her from the beginning and the HEA was absolutely perfect.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute must read. It may be a debut but wow Jen has such talent. You’d think you were reading TJR’s newest novel based on the veteran-level writing of this. The historical fiction blended with romance and drama also felt very Daisy Jones and the Six in essence. This story and the dynamic characters were completely captivating from the very first page to the very last.

“I was carried away, the song swallowing me up as pieces of our past floated alongside me like driftwood.”

While it’s mostly told from Eva’s point of view, I loved the way some of the other character’s POVs were interwoven throughout. It added such a great layer to the story without becoming overloaded. The timeline was such a vibe as we spent most of the book in the 80s, eventually leading up to present day. Those 80s & 90s references made for all the nostalgia!

“… I do know there’s only one girl I ever wrote a song about.”

The grittiness of an upcoming band destined for fame was raw, real, and transportive. I loved following Danny and Eric and Eva as they navigated this tumultuous LA music scene and all that came with it. And that ending was so damn satisfying. We love a redemption story with a happily ever after and boy does Jen deliver! And Eva-she had my heart. She sees the absolute best in everyone, almost to a fault. She’s such a beautiful and strong character. I rooted for her from the start and think everyone will be able to identify a piece of themselves in her.

“It was somewhere in between all those little moments that I realized I loved her.”

Please pick this one up and keep Jen Davis on your radar! This book will easily make my favorites of the year list and in the meantime I will be eagerly anticipating whatever she’s got in store for us next!

•𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 •
+ read if you like TJR writing and specifically Daisy Jones
+ all the 80s references
+ past & present timelines
+ lifelong female friendship
+ music and rock n roll
+ an up and coming band from just starting out to becoming signed by a label and shooting to fame
+ second chances, and redemption
+ a satisfying love story
+ single mom rep
+ character growth and self worth
+ she’s always wondered if that hit song he wrote was about her 🥹
+ they both love the band KISS
+ LA scene
+ read if you’ve ever been blinded by love
+ we love supporting indie authors

𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: June 2024
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Historical Fiction • Romance • Contemporary Fiction • Indie & Debut
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: Physical (376p) 📖
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★★★★ 𝟓
𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭: A must read!!

Thank you @authorjendavis for my #gifted copy of your incredible book!

[Kayla (Insta: booksandpittie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Her words pricked at my heart ... she saved my life."
"The important thing is I found you."

Look. I didn't know what I was getting into when I fell face-first into the Midnight in Dallas series by Melissa Grace (which 23423432/10 recommend) - but another thing I was not prepared for was Melissa introducing me to Jen.

I am in absolute AWE of Jen Davis and the fact that this is her DEBUT is astounding, inspiring and incredible. I fell for certain characters immediately with her writing as her ability to display raw emotion is effortless, then I was able to fall out of love with some of those same characters throughout the development of the book (in a good way!!)

Eva is just incredible. As a 90's baby, this book really gave me the feel for the 80's generation and I loved the throwbacks throughout the book. I can't go into the men that I loved/hated in this book AS YOU'LL HAVE TO FIND OUT YOURSELF WITHOUT SPOILING IT ;) but Eva & Denise are just everything good in the world and I love them both tremendously.

I read this back in 2023 and I am STILL (seriously, not just saying that) thinking about this book. Cannot wait to own my physical copy <3

Infinity stars. <3

[Taylar Proctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.**

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 stars)

If you loved "Daisy Jones & The Six," you're in for a treat with "For Eva" by Jen Davis. This debut novel is an emotional rollercoaster, blending rock 'n' roll nostalgia with a heartfelt journey of self-discovery.

"For Eva" is a total page-turner. Jen Davis nails the late '80s music scene, making you feel like you're right there on the Sunset Strip. Eva's story is raw, real, and relatable. It’s a fun yet deep dive into the highs and lows of her life. Some parts slow down a bit, but overall, this book is a gem. I can't wait to see what Jen Davis comes up with next!

**Summary:**
Eva Mitchell never thought she’d be a forty-four-year-old divorced stay-at-home mom. But after her husband leaves her for another woman, she's stuck wondering where it all went wrong—until a phone call plunges her back into her wild past. In 1989, Eva worked with her boyfriend’s band, diving into a world of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. It was a wild ride that ended with a life-changing event. Now, nearly twenty years later, a blast from her past helps her find the strong, confident woman she used to be and opens the door to new love.

[Jess Mill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid 5⭐️ read for me!!! Go get this one!!

First I want to thank Jen Davis @authorjendavis for sharing this ARC with me for an honest review. I was so pleasantly surprised how this story grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.

Jen’s writing is so natural and conversational albeit with lots of swearing in character dialogue (doesn’t bother me but might bother some) but her style and tone just are very real, natural and casual, which makes it easy to jump right into the plot. She does a great job of character development by slowly building out who each character is and the underlying complexities of their emotions, choices and what makes them tick. I loved the relationship between Eva and Denise especially, a constant throughout the story.

I’m not usually a fan of romance tropes but there’s enough happening in this story with the band in general where it didn’t feel like the main story was all romance and hooking up focused. Yes there is a main plot point related to relationships but it isn’t the only main plot and isn’t so forward or in your face.

I did predict the ending a bit but here’s the thing…I didn’t actually mind it because you find yourself rooting for that ending. I thought this was beautifully done and definitely recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!

[Alax Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH. Thank you Jen Davis, for the opportunity to read this ARC. I absolutely loved this. And as her debut?! This was INCREDIBLE. I loved the multi-POV, multi-media usage (letters and emails), and the jump from present to 20 years ago and all the way back to the present. The raw emotion throughout had me invested from the beginning. I was rooting FOR EVA the entire time. I adored her. Her growth, her maturity. And her best friend Denise, so spunky, a true girl’s girl, had me cracking up throughout the book. By the end of the book my mind was definitely changed as far as the MMCs went. But you’ll just have to read the book to find out what I mean. The whole time I was reading I wanted to be blaring 80’s rock and roll, while also thinking that this would be a movie I’d love to watch. And that epilogue… that was everything I needed and more. This book releases JUNE 20th. Add it to your TBR ASAP.

[Tracy Gerow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy rollercoaster of emotion! First of all, thank you to the Author, Jen Davis for choosing me to be one of the ARC readers for the book ‘For Eva’. What an incredible debut!

‘For Eva’ is a 5-star page-turner! At its core, the story is all about second chances, in all avenues. So, if you like stories about flawed characters with real-life issues, GRAB THIS BOOK!

The dynamic between Eva and the MMC seriously pulls at your heartstrings–I wish I could say more… but you’ll just have to find out on your own!

This book is written in multiple POVs and a timeline ranging from the 80’s, 90’s, and early 00’s. As someone who grew up in those times, it’s one of my favorite parts about it because it takes you back to a simpler time of how people communicated with each other. Jen did an amazing job illustrating the evolution through the years.

The ending is everything you could ever want for Eva!

[Amanda Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE book of the summer! Right from the start, I was hooked on these characters and invested in their stories. I was constantly torn between, “I can’t put this down!” and “I don’t want it to end!” It is the perfect summer beach read — endearing and interesting characters, perfectly painted descriptions of places and times, and emotional ups and downs. I love a book that pulls me in and doesn’t let go! As I neared the last page, I started praying the author is working on the next part for these characters. We need more of Denise, Eva, and their friendship!

As Elin Hilderbrand closes her writing chapter, I’m thankful Jen Davis has opened hers because I feel like this is the replacement I needed as we say goodbye to the adventures on Nantucket.

Grab this ASAP! You will enjoy every page!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big fan of this book!

I loved that it starts in the “present” and jumps back 20 years to the “past.” I was so invested in figuring out how we got to the present situation that I couldn’t put the book down! You get to see Eva go through so much and see her transform before your eyes. There are moments where you just want to shake the characters and there are moments where you just want to cheer from the sidelines. I loved that this book took me through so many emotions while keeping me on the hook. Well done to Jen Davis and I can’t wait to read more of her work!


✨I did receive an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review✨

[Brie Riss · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC BOOK REVIEW 📖: FOR EVA by Jen Davis

Rating: 4.5⭐️/5
Format: ebook

Synopsis: Eva Mitchell, a 44-year old, mother of two is trying to navigate her new chapter after her recent divorce from her husband. When she receives a phone call sending her back 20 years in the past to relive her days of rock n roll and young love- taking us along on a trip down memory lane.

Thoughts: This story had all the Daisy Jones and The Six vibes and I absolutely loved Daisy! Told in alternating povs and a flashback timeline (well starting in the present, then going back 20 years and continuing to present day), For Eva takes you back in time and makes you feel like you’re in the 80’s music scene. Eva is the perfect female lead: strong and full of resilience. But I would have to say her best friend, Denise, was one of my favorite characters in this book! She is a girl’s girl and supported Eva through all the highs and lows. Some of her lines had me hysterically laughing! And the epilogue!! It was just the “sweetest” ending.

Thank you Jen Davis sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Looking forward to reading more from you!

Read if you love:
Dual point of view
Past to Present timeline
Daisy Jones and The Six vibes
80’s Rock n Roll
“You’re a ten” 🥰

Favorite Quote:
“I miss your smile Eva. You have no idea how much I miss that smile.”

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ // Thank you Jen for the arc, I truly appreciate it!!

✩ ♬ ₊.🎧⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩ ♬ ₊.🎧⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩ ♬ ₊.🎧⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

I really enjoyed it, it gave me daisy jones & the six vibes so I was sat hehe. Super fast paced which is nice because sometimes we need a book like that & it got me out of my slump!! I love books with juicy drama & this book did NOT disappoint!

Eva & Danny being college lovers & then him overthinking & breaking Eva’s heart was so sad but saw it coming, what I didn’t think is how they’d reunite & how fast they’d get back together.

I looooooooved Denise’s & Eva’s friendship so much! Romantic relationships always overshadow friendships but in this book I was more team Denise than team Danny (which was basically nonexistent, I hate Danny)

I’m happy to see the grumpy character (Eric) actually become soft for Eva & that after a while they were able to have a lovely relationship. Eric’s recovery made me so emotional & I was so proud of this growth!! Him being supportive (even if he denied at first) made me so happy that Eva had someone there for her, rooting & cheering her on. When they wrote to each other & talked it made me so happy so when they reconnected after 19 years, let me tell you I was so giddy & happy, they’re my faves!

[Megan's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I normally dont like the time jumping this did. But once i got into the story, i didn't mind it. It's definitely well written. I loved the characters. Well. Except that one. 😠 He can just .ugh. lol but you start off disliking one of the characters and then you begin rooting for them. I can relate to Eva on a few different things. Im glad she got her happy ending. She deserved it. I enjoyed reading this, even cried a bit.

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was lovely! I adore Jen Davis’ writing style and this story as a whole! We begin in current time, but flash back to the 80s to follow our FMC, Eva, through a very relatable run in with her ex-boyfriend. As we follow Eva and Danny through their own curious navigations, we are truly transported to LA with them!

This story brought me back to high-school and staying up late to read the most enthralling fan-fictions!

Note: I received an ARC for an honest review!

[McKinsey Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every girl who’s a girl’s girl is going to love Eva Holloway. She’s got the spunky best friend, the boy who got away but then came back. And a second chance romance you didn’t even realize you were rooting for.

Jen Davis’ For Eva will have you blaring the 80’s rock and roll albums for the vibes.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this!

[Anna Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished and it was SO SO good!!! Definitely one of my favorite reads this year so far!! It is such a good summertime read and I absolutely love the development between Eva and Eric!! This book gave me all the feels and I didn’t want it to end! I am definitely looking forward to more books by this author!!

[Elizabeth Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just sat down and read this book for 5 hours straight. I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! It was amazing. I loved the flashbacks part 1. I adored how we started the book rooting for one ship then ended the book rooting for a completely different one. The characters are wonderful and flawed. The redemption arc was perfection, and the lack of a redemption arc for the guy that didn’t really deserve one was also sublime. I really loved how the book spans decades of time, and so much of it happens while the main characters are in their 40s, which is so different than so many books on the market where everyone is a 20 something. The whole time I was reading, I just kept thinking this would make an amazing movie. What a fantastic debut novel. I received an arc from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great ride! Great writing, great story!

[Caro.readsalot · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐️

[Melissa Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For Eva" is a story about a divorced mother of two who finds herself reconnecting with the past and herself when she gets called to participate in a profile piece about someone she worked with during her stint as an assistant for a rock band in the 80s. Told in alternating timelines, you are thrust into Eva's past as a twenty-something finding herself amidst the sunshine-soaked streets of the Sunset Strip and again as a newly single mother in the early aughts, trying to figure out how her life ended up as it did.

One of the most poignant and relatable things about this story for me is the way we see Eva slowly slip away and become someone she doesn't recognize, all in the name of safety and security. But what she finds is that the only safe bet she's ever had is herself--the one person she stopped trusting decades ago. As she begins to discover that belief in herself, Eva realizes it's never too late to start over. She's a character you'll be rooting for till the last page.

Equal parts grit, heart, and hope, Jen Davis's debut novel is perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid's "Daisy Jones and the Six" and for those who love the sharp storytelling and emotional journeys crafted by Colleen Hoover. It's my favorite read of the year, and needs to be on everyone's summer TBR!

[Allie B • Literally Booked Solid · Rating 5 out of 5]

FOR EVA is a fresh take on a mix of historical fiction and women's fiction that has strong romantic tropes. I was immediately drawn into the book, especially with two different timelines (past/present). We start in the "Present (2008)" with a bombshell of a phone call, then we jump back 20 years to watch all the drama unfold. I was heavily invested in Eva's story and I honestly did not see the ending coming, yet it was so incredibly fitting.

I really loved Eva's character, and I was rooting for her the entire book. She's super down to earth, and her grief and guilt over her mother's death was very well done. I also appreciated the spot on depiction of motherhood and divorce as we spend time in the present. There was strong character growth for Eva. I saw distinct differences in her maturity between 1988 and 2008, which was very well written and shown throughout her actions and decisions.

Along with Eva, we have a strong cast of found family. Eva's best friend, Denise, cracked my shit up. Everything she says is hysterical and I instantly fell in love with her. I also love when I have initial, gut reactions to certain characters, but my mind is changed about them as the book progresses. This was prevalent for two characters and that transformation just added to why I loved the book so much (don't want to tell you who, because spoilers are messy and no fun). The epilogue was absolutely genius and brought vindication and closure for Eva and the readers.

I'm a sucker for multi-media usage in books. The use of letters and emails was awesome and kept the story going while also building intimacy for Eva. Everything was very fast-paced, which kept me wanting to see what would happen next.

I was lucky enough to read For Eva early and let me tell you, you don't want to miss this debut from Jen Davis!

[Divya · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a good romance, particularly one that engages thoughtfully with the tropes of the genre, you do not want to miss out on author Jen Davis’s compelling debut novel! For Eva, an especial gift for Gen Xers, who grew up obsessing over the music scene of 1980s LA, alternates between being hilarious, heart-wrenching, dark, poignant, and introspective. Indulge every teenage fantasy, confront every adult truth of what it would have been like to have dated that brooding, long-haired musician from the posters that plastered your bedroom walls.

For Eva is a powerful coming-of-age story that navigates themes that include relationships, trauma, failure, success, and empowerment. It also performs the important work of giving voice to the untold stories of the women who shaped the rock n’ roll scene back in the day. The writing is evocative; the dialogue witty, humorous, and authentic; while the characters are complex, nuanced, and unforgettable. Moreover, Davis’s attention to plot, structure, and craft makes for a riveting read. For instance, she deftly employs narrative techniques, such as multiple POVs, dual timelines, and elements of mystery to construct a page-turner.

So, go on! Put on your high heels, your tightest leather pants, and that faded band tee that still hangs in your closet to make a nostalgic trip down the Sunset Strip as you follow Eva on her adventures!

[pageslovedbyali · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW.🤯 That was my initial thought when finishing this book. I am still completely blown away that this is a debut novel. Whenever I’m reading a book, I’m always seeking the special ones, ones that will leave a lasting impact on me…ones that will change me. And this one, my friends, is a special one.

writes with so much honesty, heart and rawness. I felt every emotion from these characters and was so immersed in their world. The storytelling aspect was flawless and sends the reader on a wild ride, one that will make you laugh, mad and shed some tears.

Eva will go down as one of my favorite FMCs. Although our experiences were different, I felt so connected to her. A single mom in her 40’s trying to be a present mom, but also make something of her life…doing something for her. I feel that so immensely- wearing so many hats as a woman and always seeking a sense of independence. Eva was strong, brave and a total badass. Every character I truly loved, but Eva was truly my spirit animal.

I can’t thank you enough @authorjendavis for allowing me to read your book before the rest of the world. and a big thank you to @heymelissagrace for introducing us! I know you’re nervous as hell today with the release of your book, but please know this: your words matter, this story matters and you have a place here in the literary world. Your writing is beautiful and it’s so apparent it stems from deep within you. Honored to know you my friend! 🫶🏻

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva Mitchell, a 44 year old mother of two is trying to navigate her next steps in life after her divorce from her husband when she receives a call sending her back 20 years to relive her days of rock and roll on the sunset strip music scene. The story begins and we are taken on an unforgettable heartfelt journey down memory lane.

OMG YOU GUYS!!!!! I am screaming! Like happy excited squeals. This book was everything, I mean EVERYTHING. If you love the movie Rockstar or loved Daisy Jones & The Six, you HAVE to read this!!

I honestly don’t want to say too much because this was an experience you all need to enjoy blind like I did. This was an absolute 5 star page turner. This story is all about second chances in every avenue of life, if you like flawed characters who are dealing with real life issues then you HAVE to grab this book. I literally didn’t want it to end, it will stick with me for a VERY VERY long time.

Jens writing is phenomenal and the way she handles the characters and their stories is done with the utmost perfectionism like wow.. she told their stories and she told their stories GOOOOOOD!!! I’m still shocked and I finished it a week ago.

Read if you like:
💫 Dual POV
💫 Past to Present timelines
💫 80’s Rock & Roll
💫 Immersive music culture
💫 Sunset strip music scene

♾️ stars!!