By: Jaye Curry, Fiction Reviewer
Past Present Future by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a sequel to her book Today Tonight Tomorrow that explores a classic enemies-to-lovers trope. Rowan Roth and Neil McNair fought tooth-and-nail to be valedictorian and, while finishing out their senior year together, fell in love with one another. This novel, Past Present Future, is a continuation of Rowan and Neil’s story. They graduated high school together and now must navigate their college lives while prioritizing their relationship. Having a relationship in college is not impossible but it’s definitely not easy either. Add in the long distance— with Roman being in Boston and Neil in NYC— they must decide what they want for their relationship… and their future.
Now, I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book. I devoured it in three days, and I believe it’s one of the most satisfying romances I have ever read; the second novel in this duology was just as amazing as the first one. I never thought the author would continue the story, so when I was doing my monthly browse through the Barnes & Noble shelves and saw this book, I had to grab it. What made this book so satisfying for me is that since the characters already did the ‘falling in love’ part in the last book, I had a whole 400 pages to read that were dedicated to their flourishing relationship. I connected so much with Rowan in this story because I had the same experience: sneaking kisses in my dorm room and having a litany of emotions that were new to me. While reading these parts of the story made my heart melt, the hardships inevitably came and with these hardships came a sense of doubt to the wonderful notion that is love. The character Rowan, being an avid romance novel reader and writer, made it a point to say that romance novels are always about falling in love with their person, but never shows the work it takes to stay in it. The novel brings this idea to fruition, as Rowan and Neil’s relationship are affected by the uncertainty, doubt, comparisons, and all the other things that come from committing to someone when you’re young.
Being one of the billions of people who grew up reading fairytales and watching Disney movies, I was always aware of the happily ever after. I romanticized it and wanted it for myself. Because of that, this book was a gift. Seeing the continuation of the journey and how Rowan and Neil acclimate to college life and navigate long distance was wonderful. It felt like this book was destined for me, an English major who’s graduating in a few months. There were a lot of moments that felt like I was walking down memory lane: from Rowan’s experience in English classes to having a newfound intimacy and confidence with her boyfriend, Neil.
Another thing I loved about this novel was the fact that it just kept giving. When I was reaching the end of the novel— BAM— there would be an epilogue. And then after feeling giddy that there was more— BAM— there was another special chapter! Soloman was really giving me what I wanted and more.
That being said, there were some things that made me a little disappointed. I felt like the ending was a little rushed and wished that the other storylines from other characters were completed. For example, Skyler. We love Skyler. He was Neil’s roommate and was the main reason Neil started going out and having a social life. Neil even went to Skyler’s house and had dinner with his family. They were vulnerable with each other, and, because of that, I got attached to Skyler as a character. I wish I was able to see him get his happy ending too, and it made me a little upset that there was no mention of him even in the final graduation scene.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a sequel, or a series in general, but this novel reminded me of the reasons why I used to enjoy them. It feels comforting to know these characters even further and bask in their college experiences with them. I felt that the realities
and hardships of college were depicted well. Miranda Everett, Rowan’s creative writing professor, was such an amazing character. I loved how she approached writing and acted as a mentor to Rowan to guide her not just through the writing process but life as well.
Soloman writes in a way that is sweet and true to Rowan and Neil. It feels like no time has passed between the years I read the first book to this one. She had me engrossed in her words and immersed in the world she created. Soloman writes in a way where several lines each page imbue a sense of empathy, and it feels like she not only understands Rowan and Neil, but she understands what it’s like being young and in love. From ‘enemies-to-lovers’ to a novel about these lovers evolving into the people they are meant to become, together and apart, Soloman writes an intimate whirlwind of a romance that continually kept blowing me away for 400 pages and then some.
Past Present Future is a wonderful novel about two young adults in love who are finding themselves and what makes them happy. Soloman writes the perfect novel for anyone who has followed Rowan and Neil’s journey and wondered what they were up to, and for those who enjoy a page turning romance. A lot of romance novels seem to carry the motif that love conquers all, and I’d argue that Soloman’s novel is the epitome of the adage. This duology will be high on my list of romance novel recommendations.