ARC Review: The Girl He Used To Know by Tracey Garvis Graves

Title: The Girl He Used to Know
Author: Tracey Garvis Graves
Published by St. Martin's Press
Date Published: 2 April, 2019
Pages: 304
Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Romance
Format: Print ARC
Source: St. Martin's Press
Purchase: Amazon~ B&N~ Walmart~Book Depository
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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.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author/St. Martin's Press and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.

Do you ever get to read one of those books that are all consuming? Those books that are so fascinating and gripping that you get lost in what you’re supposed to do, in what’s going on around you? Yea, that’s exactly how it was with this book by Tracey Garvis Graves. It’s not my first book by her, I absolutely loved Coveted. But, I have to say that this one is one that will stay with me from some time.

Annika. Bless her soul, I absolutely loved her character. She was full of quirks and struggled through her life but that just made me love her even more. Call it mama mode in me, but I did. I loved her hard. Enter Jonathan. Another cant-help-but-love character, and watching him both in the 1990’s and then again in 2001 in the story, really had me cheering for him and Annika. I loved how he felt about Annika.

That’s the character portion. Now, did I love the plot line? Absolutely. It’s tragic, it’s romantic, it’s twisty, it’s perfect. I loved it all. Graves has a stellar writing style and knows how to turn out a story that will not only haunt you and make you want more, but will wrap you up and consume your soul. And, when you reach the end of the story…….well, let’s just say this. It will make you stop cold and think about the entire story over again!

If you are looking for a book that will leave you laughing til you cry, or make you hate it, don’t get this book. If you are looking for a book that is stunning, gripping, and filled heart wrenching, unforgettable characters, then this is the book for you. This is beyond worthy of 5 stars. I would give it 5000 if I could! But, since I can’t, I will just tell you to go now, forthwith, and pre-order it. Order one for you. Order one for  your sister, your best friend, and your mom, too. I can not wait to see what Graves has in store for her fans in her next book!