Let me start this review with the bad news. The Girl He Used to Know does not release until April 2019 😦 Now for some good news! This book MUST be added to your TBR, pre-ordered, whatever it is you do to make sure you don’t miss a book.

I love a good romance story and Tracey Garvis Graves has delivered another! Annika Rose is a student at the University of Illinois, but struggles with social interactions. Enter Jonathan Hoffman, who likes Annika just the way she is. Through alternating timelines (1991 and 2001), we learn what drove the two apart while also seeing if they can make it work the second time around.

Let’s talk a bit about Annika’s quirks. Many find her strange and she’s found herself bullied most of her life. I suspected what Annika’s actions meant, but that is not confirmed until the end. However, I thought it wonderful to see the not so perfect girl finding love. I loved Jonathan and Annika together and absolutely adored Jonathan for not letting what society says dictate what he did and how he felt.

There was a surprise near the end that I didn’t see coming. If I had been paying better attention I might have, but when the info clicked my heart rate picked up and I thought “Oh! Tracey better NOT do this to me!” I can’t say more or you might miss the opportunity to be surprised as well. Intrigued yet?

“I like books more than I like most people.” ~Annika

This is my favorite line from the book. I related to this so much and I know my fellow book nerds out there know what I’m talking about.

 “You have wonderful gifts to offer people, Annika. You are honest and loyal. Not everyone will appreciate that, and there are people who will dislike you anyway. Life isn’t easy for anyone. We all have challenges. We all face adversity. It’s how we overcome it that makes us who we are.”

This right here just grabbed me. Annika had an especially bad experience and this was her mother’s response. Annika did not have it easy but she did overcome and that was a huge motivational burst for me.

My heart is full and happy after finishing this book. I can’t wait for everyone else to read it! In the meantime, I’ll just be sitting here waiting for the next book from Garvis Garves.

I received an UNCORRECTED proof of The Girl He Used to Know from St. Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest review! Thanks for another great one SMP!

 

 

Rating: 4 stars

Reviewer: Jennifer

Title: The Girl He Used to Know

Author: Tracey Garvis Graves

Release Date: April 2019

 

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