I absolutely adored Today Tonight Tomorrow, like most of polite society did. Sequels are a scary thing- they can expand the story in awesome ways,
4.5*
I absolutely adored Today Tonight Tomorrow, like most of polite society did. Sequels are a scary thing- they can expand the story in awesome ways, or taint your entire love of the original. This, for the most part, thankfully does the former! There are so many things to appreciate in this follow up, I shall highlight them for you!
►College/changes. Look, it is not always easy and glamorous, and I love when authors keep it real. Gosh, change is hard. College was truly the most tumultuous time of my life, no exaggeration. There were good moments, eventually, but I'll be honest in saying that a huge majority of it was a clusterfuck of me falling into mental illness spirals. Seeing this on page? Huge. I felt so... not just alone, but like I was the only one reacting to college poorly. So this is just so vital, IMO.
►Prison dads. If you think my kids won't be reading this, you'd be wrong. It was so unbelievably refreshing to see Neil going through these emotions, and trying to navigate this. I have no idea how my kids will handle it, but seeing that others go through it too? So huge. Extra especially to see a male character going through it. Thank you immensely, Rachel.
►Mental health being a huge focus. Look, I am always here for excellent mental health rep, and Rachel Lynn Solomon excels at this, always has. This is just another wonderful example.
►Romance after the "HEA". I mean, that is kind of the whole point of this, right? What happens after "the end"? I have always always wondered that every time I have read a romance book. Obviously unless this is a tragedy in disguise, they continue to live after these pages, and at only 18, we can assume they're living quite some time. So... how the heck does it work? Does it work? I love that the author delved into these questions, because they are truly questions I am always asking!
What was keeping it from being a new fave? I have no idea. It just didn't have the... the vibes, for lack of a more coherent explanation. Still really enjoyed it, thrilled it happened, it didn't at all taint my love of the first book, and it added a lot to the story. I am rounding up because I cannot pinpoint anything I don't like, frankly.
Bottom Line:
Such a thoughtful response to the eternal question "what comes after 'happily ever after'?".