
Member Reviews

I shouldn’t be shocked that I simultaneously laughed and cried again at yet another Rachel Solomon novel. This coming of age story takes place after Neil and Rowan’s initial Happy Ever After from the novel Today Tonight Tomorrow. While Solomon explains key points from the first book, and this sequel could act as a standalone, you won’t have the chance to fall in love with the enemies turned lovers that brings a richness to the characters. In college in New York and Boston, Rowan and Neil feel world’s away as they make new friends, acclimate to new cities and navigate the college experience. Themes of mental health, love, and family ties are all explored over the course of the novel. Not only is the writing magnificent, but Neil and Rowan pick up seamlessly from where the first book left off. Several times I reread sections to try to commit them to memory. Solomon is a gifted storyteller and I found this story endearing and a worthy sequel and ending for Neil and Rowan. Note, this novel contains mature themes, so make sure to read Solomon’s content warnings.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Simon Teen for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review*
This book was my most-anticipated read of 2024 and it did not disappoint! While Today Tonight Tomorrow did not necessarily need a sequel, I was thrilled to fall back into the world of Rowan and Neil, and ironically enough, I started reading the book on my flight to NYC, so it was very timely given the setting of the book.
The thing I enjoyed the most about this book was that it felt very real. As someone in a long-distance relationship, all of the feelings and emotions around leaving the other person, the awkwardness when you're finally together, and the outside pressure of others' judgements were all so relatable. Distance relationships come with a lot of growing pains and I'm totally okay that this book didn't shy away from that. It's not all fluff; this book covers real and hard relationship issues while still being a romance. I also love Rachel Lynn Solomon's commitment to featuring Jewish characters and stories (which is nothing new from the first book, but warrants mentioning).
Characterization is so important to me when I am reading a book (seriously, if I like the characters, I would read a whole book about them going grocery shopping), so while reading the sequel isn't essential reading for fans of the first book, I highly recommend it if you want a slice of Rowan and Neil. Today Tonight Tomorrow laid the groundwork for the personal growth that both characters experience throughout Past Present Future, growth that doesn't necessarily hinge on the romantic relationship they share, and I love that. If you like those sorts of books, this book is for you.
Even though I got this ARC, I still have the special edition pre-ordered from Barnes and Noble because those sprayed edges are GORGEOUS. I can't wait for more people to read this one!

Alright, I loved the Today Tonight Tomorrow. It was my favorite book of all time for a good while, and this one just doesn't hit the same way. It has nothing to do with the author or story; I think it's not the right book for me right now. With that said, I think the writing being so straight forward, which I noticed is the same for every book this author writes, just isn't engaging to me the same way it was a couple years ago. I've learned that I like prose that is more flowy rather than straight direct feeling writing. I also felt that the Rowan being put down for liking romance novels was so in your face, so to speak? I think this links back to the writing style? It feels so much like she is giving the politically correct speech rather than simply speaking about her struggles. In fact, I think this is why I have begun to enjoy this author's books less. I feel like I'm told opinions and not shown them. I think this type of work is needed, however, because some people just getting into reading or expanding their views need these important views spelled out for them. Therefore, this is a solid book with great themes, but it just isn't my cup of tea.

Another fun read by Rachel Solomon. I enjoyed the breezy feeling of this one. It was good to be enveloped in the continuation of the two MC’s story. It felt very “normal “, the things they went through such as going to separate colleges and without giving away any spoilers, I felt the ending was lovely.

Fans of Solomon will devour this long-awaited sequel to 2020's Today Tonight Tomorrow. Now high school graduates, Rowan and Neil are navigating their first year of college--and their long distance relationship. Past Present Future is the "after" part of "happily ever after," but this story's focus on the characters' individual lives as college freshman is where it really shines. Their efforts to make friends, deal with mental health crises, live away from home for the first time, and deal with the academic challenges of college are sensitively written and extremely relatable. While their relationship suffers a bit as they each deal with their own challenges, it remains a touchstone for both and is ultimately strengthened by their individual struggles. College was a long time ago for me but I recognize myself--and my college-aged kids--in Rowan and Neil.

I loved spending more time with Rowan and Neil. Their story does not sugar coat any of the topics that the reader's actually face and I love it.

this was such a sweet conclusion to Rowan and Neil’s story and it was so cute and heartwarming. If felt like one extended epilogue to book 1 which I liked that it felt kind of weird when it ended. I know these characters will be together forever and I loved getting to read this book. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who read today, tonight, tomorrow.

I love Rachel Lynn Solomon. I've rated all of her books 4 or 5 stars and this is no exception.
I read this immediately after finishing Today Tonight Tomorrow and it was so nice to be able to follow Rowan and Neil to college.
It's amazing how fresh the uncertainty and excitement of college can feel even thought I'm 10 years removed from it, but that's exactly what Solomon's writing does. It puts you into the mindset of Rowan and Neil. Being excited to be on their own. Being nervous to be away from each other. I loved that we got both of their perspectives.
Neil's story especially broke my heart. It can apply to so many aspects of life, not just college. I felt for him as he felt like the plan he had set for himself was no longer what he wanted. My heart broke for him as he fought his past and didn't let anyone help him along the way.
As much as I love romance and happily- ever-afters, I think I wanted more of him finding his happy by himself. I hover my rating between a 4 and a 5 because of this, truly. He was so brave going to see his dad and talking to Skyler (by the way, BIG Skyler fan here.) I almost wanted one more thing or a little more time to really solidify his happy and his confidence. Rowan, too. I wanted to truly believe they could be on their own, but having each other just made life better.
I still believed in their ending though. It was so sweet to see Neil working on himself and Rowan never wavering from any of it. They'll always be there for each other, first as rivals and now as soul mates.

I was so excited to read the sequel for Today Tonight Tomorrow after devouring it. Although I didn't get through this one quite as quickly, I still really appreciated Solomon's writing style, and getting to be with Rowan and Neil again. I think anyone who enjoyed the first book will be satisfied, and I hope more people read Today Tonight Tomorrow so they can be in this world a little longer!

I absolutely loved reading this continuation of Rowan and Neil's story! Past Present Future tells the story of two college freshmen who are navigating a long-distance relationship along with the stress of the first year of college. Rachel Lynn Solomon did such a good job of writing this very true-to-life story that many people experience. I haven't personally experienced a long-distance relationship myself but I could really put myself in the character's shoes. Past Present Future is a true example of young adult romance done well.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, NetGalley, and Rachel Lynn Solomon for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. Pick up Past Present Future when it hits shelves on June 4, 2024.

Beloved Rowan and Neil are back, thanks to years of begging from fans. Solomon gifts us with this very realistic, but still romantic, story laying out the struggles of these two Seattleites (is that a word?) as they transition from their summer of love, into one of the hardest times in a young adult's life - the freshman year of college. This book will resonate with so many readers, whether they have been through that first year away or are anticipating it. Each character has their own battles with loneliness, making friends, and working to stay connected despite the Boston-NYC distance. Solomon carefully and respectfully handles Neil's family trauma and mental health challenges. She also weaves in great advice for young lovers about communication and intimacy. It reminds us that it takes time to make friends, to adjust, to work towards finding our footing in new situations, but most of all it is a huge reminder that it's important to ask for help and trust and confide in the the people around you that are worthy - a partner, a therapist, a family member, a professor.
I highly recommend this book! It could be read as a stand alone, there are enough references to keep the reader abreast of pertinent information about the two main characters, but it's so much more fun to read it as a sequel to Today, Tonight, Tomorrow.
Thanks so much for the ARC!

Such a beautiful continuation of Rowan & Niel's story. We get to see our characters go on to college and trying to make long distance work.
I hated how insecure they both got, especially Niel but....Rachel did not shy away from the truth. Long distance IS hard, there WILL be problems in relationships, college ISN'T easy, people have doubts, people change their minds....and it was all so truthfully and beautifully portrayed here.
We have to make an effort to keep people in our lives and WANT to make it work for it to work, which our characters come to realize.
It felt both like nothing & a lot went on in this book haha
But I was all for it and loved the but of romance and spice we did get. I still love this pair and am happy we still get that HEA and feeling of giddiness that book one gave me. SO glad I pre-ordered this 😍

this was cute! it was nice to jump back into rowan and neil’s world and see them navigate college. i also enjoyed that this one was dual pov because i liked getting to see how both of them tackle college and their relationship being long distance. i really enjoyed this!

This was everything I could have hoped for in a YA romance sequel! I always crave what comes next in the love story, and RLS delivered on this one. I loved the partial Boston setting, the visceral feelings evoked related to going away to college, and the deeper themes explored related to Neil.

I enjoyed Past Present Future a lot. Solomon's writing is always so, so good and so relatable. I appreciated the look into long distance relationships that some teens may experience in their years in college. However I'm not sure this sequel is super necessary (eeeek sorry).

Today tonight tomorrow was a favorite of mine from last year. I literally squealed when I got this ARC. This story was perfection. I laughed. I smiled. I cried. Rowan and Neil’s struggles make you love them even more.

Oh, Rachel Solomon's "Today Tonight Tomorrow" remains one of my top picks among young adult romances, masterfully blending the enemies-to-lovers trope with a nuanced portrayal of mental health challenges. Witnessing Rowan and Neil's journey from rivals to secret allies in a thrilling scavenger hunt, culminating in a whirlwind romance on the brink of college, was truly unforgettable. Now, with the sequel, Solomon treats readers to a delectable blend of heartwarming and spicy storytelling, as we follow Rowan and Neil's continued adventures. As Rowan navigates the challenges of life in New York and Neil explores his path in Boston, the question looms: can their newfound intimacy withstand the trials of a long-distance relationship? Let's dive in and find out.
In the aftermath of a whirlwind summer romance, Rowan and Neil find themselves navigating the choppy waters of a long-distance relationship as they embark on their separate college journeys. Rachel Solomon's sequel to "Today Tonight Tomorrow" delves into the complexities of young love amidst the challenges of newfound independence and mental health struggles.
Alternating between Rowan and Neil's perspectives, Solomon masterfully captures the essence of young adulthood, from the exhilarating highs of new friendships to the crushing lows of writer's block and depression. As the duo grapples with the trials of college life, their bond is put to the test, forcing them to confront the uncertainties of their future together.
Despite the physical distance between them, the palpable chemistry and unwavering love between Rowan and Neil leap off the pages, drawing readers into their heartfelt journey of self-discovery and resilience. With richly developed characters and poignant storytelling, "Past Present Future" is a captivating exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
As Rowan immerses herself in the vibrant literary scene of Boston, she struggles to find her voice amidst the pressures of academia and the weight of her family's expectations. Meanwhile, Neil navigates the bustling streets of New York City, forging new connections while grappling with the demons of his past. With each passing day, they confront the daunting realities of adulthood, learning to lean on each other for support in the face of life's uncertainties.
Despite the geographical distance separating them, Rowan and Neil's love remains steadfast, serving as a beacon of hope in the midst of life's storms. From late-night phone calls to stolen weekends together, they cherish every moment they can steal away from their busy lives. Yet, as they confront the challenges of growing up and finding their place in the world, they must also confront the possibility that their love may not be enough to overcome the obstacles in their path.
With its heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of young adulthood, "Past Present Future" is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of resilience and the bonds that hold us together, even in the face of adversity.
I also devoured and enjoyed the epilogue, which offered a glimpse into the future of this captivating couple. It left me hoping for a continuation where we see the adult versions of these characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I'm crossing my fingers that Rachel Solomon decides to write it.
I'm also grateful to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for providing me with this remarkable book's digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions. It was a pleasure to see Neil and Rowan back!

I thought this was a really great addition to Today, Tonight, Tomorrow. Neil and Rowan both have really compelling coming-of-age arcs and it was great to watch them grow together and on their own. They are such a sweet couple, I adore every part of their relationship and just how soft they are for each other. They have a special spot in my heart.

It was an absolute treat to revisit these characters. While the plot of Today, Tonight, and Tomorrow was a bit more fast-paced due to the timeline and premise, this book is still a page turner as you delve more into how Rowan and Neil navigate this next chapter in their lives: both separately and as a couple. It is the coming of age story they didn't get while in high school because they were too busy competing and trying to be the best.

I loooove Rachel Lynn Solomon books! I was so happy to get this ARC and couldn't wait to read it! It lives up to the hype and I was so glad to go back to these characters. The writing is amazing and the main characters are so cute. Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and Rachel Lynn Solomon!