A review by booksbytheglass
Past Present Future by Rachel Lynn Solomon

emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

this is 100% a “what happens next” romance for everyone wondering if rowan and neil stay together after their book, TODAY TONIGHT AND TOMORROW! and … I didn’t really think it was needed… 😅

I feel like I have an unpopular opinion here, but I’m firmly a team don’t ruin a good thing girlie!! some stories just don’t need a sequel because they were so wonderful on their own - and I definitely felt that about rowan and neil! their enemies to lovers story was so raw and open for a YA type novel that I didn’t have a doubt they would work it out in the future!

the continuation of their story follows them through their first year of college and dealing with the struggles of a long-distance relationship. and while I absolutely loved the realness of the positives AND negatives of a long-distance relationship, I just felt like nothing really happened to further their relationship. 

I did enjoy the exploration of how college and independence changes people (such as adapting new passions, making friends, struggling the work-life balance), and my favorite parts were with neil coming to terms with his relationship with his father and himself simultaneously!! 

for a YA novel, this was very character forward and emotionally heavy - and while I did enjoy it, the whole thing felt unnecessary to me 🤷🏼‍♀️ 

a big thank you to netgalley and simon and schuster for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!!!

rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: california brut sparkling wine