Title: Past Present Future
Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: June 4, 2024
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Summary
After falling for each other in just 24 hours, Neil and Rowan are now embarking on a long distance relationship for their first year of college. Rowan finds herself in Boston, ready to write the next great romance novel. Despite finally actually being in love, she can’t seem to find her writing voice.
Neil is in New York, finding himself in a new friend group and settling into college life. But his past keeps haunting him, bringing to light new things about his mental health. Will Neil and Rowan be able to make it work? Or will the first year of college find them growing apart?
Review: Past Present Future
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Past Present Future to review! Today Tonight Tomorrow was a fun rivals to lovers story, and it’s cool to see how their relationship changes into the future.
This book covers Neil and Rowan’s entire first year at college, and all of their fears and anxieties felt so realistic. A lot of teenagers have so many insecurities going into college, especially when it comes to choosing a major. There’s so much pressure to get it right, and Neil and Rowan definitely feel that throughout the book.
Their relationship also felt pretty realistic to a first year of college relationship. They really hadn’t been dating all that long before going off to college, but they had spent years being rivals. Throughout the story, they have to learn how to communicate; not just because of the distance, but because their relationship also moves into new territory, both physically and emotionally. A lot of the situations they find themselves in will be relatable to teens also moving into college while in a relationship.
In addition to the romance, Neil makes some important discoveries about mental health, and the representation of that felt pretty well done to me. He learns how to cope with it, and Rowan gives him the space to do so.
The side cast of characters is also fantastic; the new people they both meet in college are so fun. If you’re looking for a good romance to start off your summer, definitely check this one out!
4/5 stars