The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves is one of the sweetest romances that I’ve read in a long time! It’s now available, and I promise that you won’t want to miss this wonderful read! 

Annika (rhymes with Monica) Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people’s behavior confusing, she’d rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess.

Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game–and his heart–to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone.

Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. She’s living the life she wanted as a librarian. He’s a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins.

Well, if this one of the sweetest romances that I’ve read in a long time! The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves was honest, emotional, and such a refreshing read!

Jonathan and Annika’s characters completely captured my heart!

‘It’s like everyone around you has a copy of the script of life, but no one gave it to you so you have to go in blind and hope you muddle your way through.’

I adored Annika’s unique and quirky character. I felt for her challenges in social settings and conveying how deeply she really cared for people, and I was amazed that she had no insecurity whatsoever with her body and appearance. It was such a different perspective from what might be considered the ‘norm’ and showed that she also had her strengths as well.

‘She marched to the beat of an entirely different ‘band’. One you’ve never heard of and under no circumstances ever expected to like.’

Jonathan’s character was just wow! He had such patience and a simple appreciation for Annika. I felt his pain and understood his conflicts in dealing with her, and I also loved his wholehearted belief in her as well!

‘But I can recall with unbelievable clarity almost everything that happened during the time I spent with Annika. Probably because no one has ever loved me as fiercely and unconditionally as she did.’

Jonathan and Annika’s second chance romance was definitely challenging but incredibly sweet. Their story was told in both of their point of views, in the present and when they first met ten years prior, and their insight really brought their characters to life. Their journey was passionate, angsty, and heartbreaking at times, but above all showcased the true meaning of understanding and unconditional love.

Tracey Garvis Graves did an amazing job with this beautifully written story that will make you think and make you feel. It’s a story of overcoming your weaknesses, finding acceptance and success with who you are, and also a reminder of how judgmental and cruel people can be. I really don’t want to give too much away, because I loved how everything unfolded in an unpredictable and captivating way!

I’m not trying to be greedy here, but the ending felt quite abrupt. If I had it in me to take a little off my rating, I would. But, I just can’t do it. This is such a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it!

ARC kindly provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Purchase The Girl He Used to Know on Amazon TODAY!

Tracey Garvis Graves is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Her debut novel, On the Island, spent 9 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, has been translated into thirty-one languages, and is in development with MGM and Temple Hill Productions for a feature film. She is also the author of Uncharted, Covet, Every Time I Think of You, Cherish, Heart-Shaped Hack, White-Hot Hack, and The Girl He Used to Know. She is hard at work on her next book.

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