Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Published: April 2, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Print ARC
Rating: 5 Stars
About the book:
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 them in Chicago. Annika is living the life she wanted as a librarian. Jonathan is a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and 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.
Review:
Before I get lynched—I’m just gonna go on record and say that this is the first time author for me. Even though I have a Graves books on my kindle, I’ve never gotten around to reading them. Yes, yes. I’m a bad girl. But you’ll be happy to know that my first experience was an incredible one. I see what the big deal is now.
I’m at a loss for words at what this book did to me. I LIVE for moments like these—where I e been so consumed by a story, that I can’t stand it. The Girl He Used to Know is told in a past and present storyline; with two POVs. Annika and Johnathan. They met in college when they were 22 while playing chess. Then something happens to tear them apart.
Now, it’s ten years later and they bump into each other in New York. When I was first approached to read this book, I had no idea what to expect. Luckily, while reading, I still didn’t know what to expect. It was nice being able to go in and see something new and fresh come along. Annika is a character much like a lot of us. She’s sociably awkward, quirky, and very beautiful. There’s no way that I would be able to do anything but adore her from the very first page.
Johnathan was awesome as well. He loves every single part of Annika and for that, I immediately felt drawn to him. Their romance was endearing and sweet—it’s hard not to root for that. The book was not without the bittersweet that makes you shed a tear or two. It happened to me and it was so unexpected. Overall, I thought was a very beautiful and poignant story that will no doubt leave a lasting impression on me.
*Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Buy the Book:
About the Author:
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.
No comments
Post a Comment