As a first time reader of Tracey Garvis Graves my excitement for this novel came from a fresh, unfiltered place. The blurb and simple, lovely cover intrigued me. As this author toggles between a ten year gap of time she introduces us to two misfit characters so well suited to each other and likewise so suitable to readers. Her story telling in the characters past is as reverent and nostalgic as it is shadowed by an inevitable separation. Bringing us to their present where this author weaves a tale of forgiveness, acceptance, and utmost courage through her wonderful writing.

I was consumed with this book almost all the way through. I couldn't get enough of the characters and their plights. Their story was as sweet as it was painful. It was interesting - two people who couldn't be more different coupled so well together. The trust and love apparent in this story is in abundance. As unseemly college sweethearts, Annika and Jonathan move through their journey together so naturally. Their stories and backgrounds are quite unique and different from each other. The patience and understanding of Jonathan and the quirks and bravery of Annika make them so appealing. As a reader, it was a comforting read even in it's delving into much deeper emotions than just simple romance.

Once I reached a certain point though and the author made it point to be more obvious to something I should have been paying more attention to, I was overcome with a sense of uniqueness in a situation that hits all of us so close to home. The devices used to create the final conflicts of the past coupled with what's happening in their present hit me full force. Unfortunately, the way the story races to the end in a series of questions and tumbles left me a little leery about truly loving it for five stars. Those devices weren't fully fleshed out for me in a natural way but rather seemed too obvious of plot devices once they happened. After so much excellent build up and beautiful story telling the ending felt rushed and even a little incomplete.

The Girl He Used to Know still does come very much recommended from me though. The character building of Tracey Garvis Graves is worth the read in and of itself. She needles her way into the very center of the loving and scarred hearts of her unforgettable characters and in doing so opens up her reader's hearts. Coupled with beautiful writing this story is one you don't want to miss.

Amazing story! Such a sweet read. really enjoyed it! Great read for anyone looking to find a great one to curl up with!

What a great book. Certainly a sweet, romantic and fun reading that made me fall in love with the characters and the plot! Everything is perfect and the writing is fantastic! I really did not expect to like it so much and I had a positive where from the front pages I couldn't let go of this story.

I fell in love with Jonathan and especially Annika. I loved every minute of this story and found myself cheering for the second chance of this fantastic couple. They are cute, funny, if they understand each other and together they are complete! Could not imagine Annika with someone else! Stella is amazing, so sweet and I was fantastic to be in her mind and find her dealing with day to day situations. A original and passionate heroine for sure.

The Girl he used to Know brings a refreshing, Sweet and romantic story.

Lovely, romantic story of people who reconnected after time. It makes you heart feel warmer. I'd recommend it to everyone on the night when they just want to make themselves feel better.

I was initially drawn to this book based upon the description of an awkward librarian reuniting with her long-lost college love. However, it was Annika who kept me enthralled with this story from beginning to end. I found Annika to be one of the most endearing characters I've read about in a long time. She is on the austism spectrum, and her story vacillates between heartbreaking and uplifting as she navigates through life and love unable to understand social cues and norms.

The drama in the latter half of the book gave me major anxiety. I can't believe I didn't see it coming, but my nerves were shot when it all happened.

I don't really read a ton of romances, but I totally would if they were as sweet and lovely as this one.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance e-copy of this book for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Graves did a wonderful job with character development. I loved this story so much. I have to say, the ending seemed very rushed. I had an inkling that the story was headed toward 9/11 and was prepared for the emotion that it might evoke ( I was in Manhattan that day). I certainly felt emotional, but earlier in the book Ms. Graves was so descriptive and took her time with the story, so it felt very fast at the conclusion. Overall - I would absolutely recommend.

This is a hard review to write because I don't really even know how I feel about The Girl He Used to Know. On the one hand, I like that we have more and more fiction where the main character is on the spectrum and shows a diversity of experiences--some heavier, like Annika's and some lighter. And I know that I'm not the one to judge if a character is the "right" representation. But, I have questions. Did Graves have a sensitivity reader? I don't know and it's not clear in the acknowledgments and maybe it doesn't matter to most readers but it matters to me. Because Annika's character seems very defined by this, I can't help but think it's important but as I don't know how Graves came to write this novel, I'll move on.



I like Annika. I like Jonathan--until I didn't...but that, too, is convoluted and spoilery so I'll just say that there are many many reasons why I liked him and a few reasons that I didn't. I like them together and I enjoyed their story. It's a little unconventional, a little flat in places and curious in others, and ultimately nice to see how they got together, broke up, and found each other again.



I'm not sure about the last several chapters. I understand, I think, why Graves would do what she did in those chapters but I still don't know if I felt like it enhanced or detracted from these characters and their story.



Ultimately, even with my questions and uncertainty about what I feel about this novel, I've been thinking about it for days and that definitely says something in this day and age of rapid romance reading consumption.

Warm, sweet, funny, touching: these are all of the words that come to mind in describing the love story between reunited college sweethearts. That the protagonist is on the Autism Spectrum is refreshingly believable, not predictably bumbling. Perhaps it is my age (somewhere in the middle), perhaps I've lost that sense of ooey gooey romantic spark after years of marriage and motherhood, but either way I was left feeling rather underwhelmed by the whole premise of boy meets girl, boy and girl drift apart, boy and girl unexpectedly meet again. This book was very good, but not great.

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.

Wow! I began this book because I went to the University of Illinois and was intrigued to read a book in this setting. To avoid spoilers, this book takes a turn you will not be expecting and is so worth the read. Annika and Jonathan are both lovable characters, and Annika loves books more than people, which is so relatable. You will find yourself rooting for the both of them.

Oh my heart...i LOVED this book so so much. It is fantastic from page 1 and keeps you moving through the book quickly. My favorite part was the writing style. It jumps from present day to college days and back and forth between the two main characters. Sounds confusing, but it is done beautifully and very easy to follow and understand. Loved the insight into Annika's mind and how she sees things and thinks through every words said. This is a beautifully written book that I highly recommend. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my own thoughts and review.

Although I've only read Covet by Tracey Garvis Graves, I feel like I can trust her writing enough to know going in blind, I'm not going to be disappointed. With the Girl He Used to Know, what I got was a wildly unique heroine and one of the best "book boyfriends" you could ask for.

Annika is different. She's socially awkward, very smart, very beautiful, and is unapologetically honest. Jonathan is sweet, smart, handsome and patient to a fault. What bothered me the most about this story is how I felt about a character like Annika. I lacked Jonathan's patience for sure, but honestly, that means her character was written to perfection. Despite my lack of patience (Seriously, what kind of person am I?), I really could not put this book down. I had to know why Annika and Jonathan didn't end up together 10 years ago when it seemed so simple and pure.

Annika is the epitome of a strong heroine. Managing the obstacles of day-to-day life could cripple someone like her, but she persevered and acquired a life and a career of her own ON her own. She truly is a remarkable character especially seeing her finally fight for the love she deserves.

Tracy Garvis Graves had excellent characterization built in Annika and Jonathan. I can't wait to devour more of her stories. The only thing I REALLY needed in this book was an epilogue. The ending was just a little too abrupt for me, but it really is a story that still deserves attention. If you're in need a strong heroine and a unique love story, this is the story to dive into.

The Girl He Used to Know was such a unique, sweet, and uplifting romance story.

I loved Annika and Jonathan!! I wasn't sure what to expect when picking up this book... and it turned out totally different then I envisioned in my mind.

Annika and Jonathan meet in 1991 at a Chess club in college. Annika is stunningly beautiful but due to her autism she has challenges with her confidence in relationships. Annika and Jonathan fall in love but a tragic event occurs between them that causes the relationship to end. The storyline takes place in 1991 and present... so naturally the readers are aware something happens between the two to break up the relationship.

Presently, Annika and Jonathan run into each other at the grocery store and end up rekindling their relationship. Can Annika and Jonathan rekindle their flame despite their challenges of why they broke up to begin with?

Tracey Garvis Graves does an amazing job with characterization. The characters feel so real, raw, and beautiful. I couldn't get enough of the story of Jonathan and Annika. Do you ever have just those perfect effortless reads? Well.... this is definitely one of them my friends!

I highly recommend this book. Sweet, unique, and amazing!

4 stars!!

Huge thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Publication date: 4/2/19
Published to Goodreads: 1/28/19

It has been a while since I read the blurb and I hadn’t read any of the reviews so I went into the story without any spoilers. After reading the story, I now see many reviews that state several important parts of this story and glad that I didn’t read them in advance.

Annika and Jonathan meet in 1991 as seniors in college at a chess club. Annika is such a unique character and I could easily feel her awkwardness, social anxiety, insecurity on how to interact with others, and loneliness. Jonathan sees this beautiful, smart girl but realizes that he will need to be cautious in earning her trust.

The character development is excellent and while Jonathan is such a good man, patient, caring, and willing to do almost anything to make things easier for Annika, he also realizes it’s a struggle at times being with her. To me, it’s Annika that stole the show. You learn about her struggles from childhood, being bullied (and the incidents she recalls brought tears to my eyes), struggling with new situations, and while her coping skills aren’t the best, she continues to try. She also has such a sweet and caring nature, especially when it comes to animals. When it comes to playing chess, she managers to lose herself in the competitive game and forgets any distractions. Her love of books rivals mine!

I loved her college roommate, Janice, who was the perfect person to assist Annika through various social situations on campus and gave such great advice and insight of other’s actions and comments. It was bittersweet and funny when Annika would realize what she should or shouldn’t have done after certain situations.

The story begins in 2001 when Annika and Jonathan run into each other after ten years apart. The story is from a dual POV and moves easily from 1991 to 2001. Between the past and present, you learn more about their time in college and since, along with various heartbreaking circumstances and sweetness of first love. Jonathan can see how Annika has matured and while she still struggles every day, she has found some unique ways to cope. He is torn between the pain of the past and how much he still cares for Annika.

There are so many things to love about this story but I felt like the ending wasn’t complete. I love epilogues and wish that one was included in this story but we are left with a happy-for-now ending. One of my favorite scenes was towards the end when Annika surprises everyone with her strength and willingly places herself into stressful situations for Jonathan.

This is another great story from Ms. Graves and from the author’s note, part of the story is based on personal experiences. Sometimes you obtain the best insights into characters when you have lived through experiences versus research.

Thanks to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this new work from Ms. Graves.

I just finished a really great, refreshing contemporary "Women's fiction" book titled The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves. I'd definitely call it a romance but it was definitely non-traditional. Annika (rhymes with Monica) is a beautiful Illinois college student in the 1990s who has always felt a bit "different" than other people. She's incredibly uncomfortable and awkward in social situations and has trouble forming relationships and being able to connect with others. I loved seeing the main character as vulnerable and flawed. This was a character not often seen in literature, so I LOVED this.

During chess club one day, Annika meets the incredibly handsome and kind Jonathan Hoffman, who is immediately attracted to her brilliant mind and falls in love with her not only despite her awkwardness, but partly due to her little qwirks. They fall madly in love and all goes well until they break up (we don't find out why until later in the book). 

Flash forward to 2001....Jonathan and Annika bump into eachother after not talking or having any contact for several years. Both of them have changed and grown a lot, and they slowly make their way back towards each other. The book jumps back and forth between their time together in college and the time they reconnect. 

I loved their story, and I LOVED the representation of Annika's character. Not all relationships are easy (DUH!), and not all women are flawless. Yet even people who are awkward and "different" (you'll find out more about her differences in the book) yearn for love, have relationships, and navigate heartbreak. 

The ending was really surprising for me and was incredibly emotional! If you are looking for a great contemporary romance/Chick Lit/Fiction, this one is definitely for you!

4 out of 5 stars for The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves, which will be published on April 2nd, 2019.

Thank you to the author and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

What a book. Sticks with you days/weeks after you finish. The ending felt a bit rushed, but it was still a beautiful and satisfying end.

I really enjoyed Tracey Garvis Graves book The Island. but this title didn't do it for me. I actually enjoyed the story but the ending was too abrupt. The ending felt rushed and unfinished. I would have liked to have read an epilogue.

Unique love story that showcases disability in an important way.
While this is a sweet romance, the back and forth took away from the story and lost me a bit. I don’t usually feel that way, but for some reason I got bored.

Wow. This is the first time I am reading a book by Tracey and I have a feeling it won’t be the last. She wrote such a beautiful story that had real depth to her characters. It might sound a bit silly, but I kept thinking about the tv show Parenthood when I was reading this. Her character Annika jumps out of the pages as a real person and it affected me in a meaningful way. People definitely should read this one!

I love Tracey Garvis Graves. She is truly one of my favorite authors. I was so excited to read this book that I rushed through the book that I was reading. I did like this novel...but I did not love it. I had a hard time connecting with the lead female character and didn't really believe their love story. That said, I will eagerly read her next book. Not every book can be a homerun. But Ms. Graves OK effort is still better than a lot of people who claim to give it their all.