The premise is simple: Rowan Roth and Neil McNair have been academic rivals for four years. It’s the last day of senior year, and they’re competing in "Howl," a massive, storied scavenger hunt across Seattle. They end up teaming up to beat their classmates, and—shocker—realize they don't actually hate each other.

What makes this work isn't just the "will-they-won't-they" tension; it’s that these characters feel like real, stressed-out 18-year-olds. They’re obsessed with their futures, terrified of change, and dealing with the specific pressure of being "the smart kids." Solomon doesn't talk down to her audience, and the dialogue is fast, biting, and culturally fluent. It’s the kind of book that makes teens feel seen, especially the ones who have spent their entire high school careers chasing a GPA.

If your teen found this book, they likely found it via BookTok or a friend's recommendation, where "spice level" is a primary metric. Let’s be straight: this isn't a "closed-door" romance where the scene fades to black when the clothes come off.

There are two major sexual encounters in the latter half of the book. They are "open-door," meaning the descriptions are detailed and graphic. It covers consent, protection, and the emotional weight of a "first time" in a way that is realistic and healthy, but it is undeniably adult in its execution. If you’re used to the PG-13 vibes of To All the Boys I've Loved Before, this is a significant step up into R-rated territory.

The characters talk like real seniors who are five minutes away from being legal adults. The f-word is used frequently and casually. There’s also a scene involving marijuana—the characters are in Seattle, where it's legal for adults, and the book treats it with a "last night of high school" recklessness. There’s also some underage drinking at a party. It’s not "Euphoria" levels of hedonism, but it’s definitely not a PSA. It’s portrayed as a part of the contemporary teen experience, for better or worse.

If you can get past the "spiciness," there is a lot of substance here. Today Tonight Tomorrow handles Jewish identity beautifully. Rowan’s relationship with her faith and her family’s expectations is a core part of her character, not just a checked box.

It also tackles "future anxiety" better than almost any YA novel in recent memory. The fear of leaving your hometown, the realization that your high school identity might not matter in three months, and the bittersweet nature of ending a chapter—Solomon nails it. For a senior heading off to college, this book might actually be a therapeutic read, even with the racy bits.

The biggest friction point isn't the content itself—it's the packaging. The bright, illustrated cover looks like a "clean" rom-com you'd find in the middle school section. It’s not.

The Pro-Tip: If your 13 or 14-year-old is eyeing this, they’re likely ready for the themes of rivalry and transition, but the sexual descriptions might be more than they (or you) bargained for. A quick "Hey, this one gets pretty graphic in the second half" is a better move than a ban. It opens the door for them to tell you what they think about it, rather than hiding the book under their mattress.

If your teen is into the "smart people falling in love" vibe but you want to vary the menu, here are a few other picks that hit the same notes:

Get help picking a next book series

Q: Is Today Tonight Tomorrow appropriate for a 13-year-old? It depends on your family's comfort level with "open-door" romance. While the themes of school and friendship are fine for 13, the explicit sexual descriptions and frequent profanity are generally targeted at readers 15 and up.

Q: How 'spicy' is Today Tonight Tomorrow? On a scale of 1 to 5, it’s a solid 4. It features graphic, detailed sex scenes that go beyond just kissing or heavy petting. It’s a "New Adult" book disguised in a Young Adult cover.

Q: Are there any trigger warnings for Today Tonight Tomorrow? The book deals with academic pressure, anxiety about the future, and some instances of antisemitism (which the characters challenge). There is also underage drinking and recreational marijuana use.

Q: Is there a movie version of Today Tonight Tomorrow? As of May 2026, a film adaptation has been discussed in development circles, but there is no confirmed release date. For now, the story exists only on the page.

Today Tonight Tomorrow is a fantastic book for the right reader. It’s smart, inclusive, and emotionally resonant. But it’s also an adult-adjacent romance. If your teen is a mature reader who can handle R-rated language and sexual content, they’ll likely count this among their favorites. If they’re looking for something more innocent, keep browsing the shelves.