For the girl I used to know

Rozchodové blues #2

by Nykolla Vargová

When what we see on the outside, is not always the truth...

Alexa has everything anyone could ever dream of. She's landed her dream job, exudes confidence, is constantly surrounded by people, and is in high demand everywhere. There's no doubt that Alexa is winning the game of life.

But what if it's all a facade? What if behind the outwardly strong personality, is a fragile and broken girl with a mountain of secrets? Can she handle the betrayal of her best friend?

Alexa continues to battle bulimia and seeks the right path with the help of her friends. When she reconnects with Greg, she stops trying to suppress her feelings. However, life has a different plan for her, and Alexa will have to start over.

464 pages, Paperback

Published August 22, 2024

About the author

What started as an inner pain that Nykolla felt while writing her feelings on paper turned into her lifelong passion.

There is nothing she enjoys more than writing (and reading) stories that are heart breaking and humorous, with a touch of cute, cliché romance and a poignant streak of truth running through them.

When she's not writing or making up stories, you can find her in a coffee shop with her nose in a book. Sometimes she pops in for fish and chips with her dog Marlo or does makeup (her other hobby).

Reviews

[Maeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guessed correctly that the second book would pick up right where the first one left off. This time, the story follows Nia’s friend, Alexa — who, in the first book, comes across as confident and sassy. But from the very beginning of book two, it becomes clear that Alexa is carrying a heavy load of secrets.

This story focuses on a female main character who must confront her past in order to begin accepting herself as she truly is — not relying on a man to save her. She struggles with serious attachment issues and validation when it comes to relationships with men. The overall tone of the book felt quite sad, as the author delves into some very heavy topics, all of which are clearly listed on the front page before the story begins.

Alexa’s story had me hooked from chapter one. I appreciated how the plot gradually grew deeper and darker, despite a few humorous moments shared between friends. This time around, we see Alexa’s circle — including Nia — from a much different perspective. As the events unfold, you really feel how some of the friendships begin to drift apart.

I don’t know how to explain it, but their friendship feels incredibly real — because that’s life. People do come and go. By the end of the book, I had the feeling their bond wouldn’t be quite the same as in the first book — and honestly, that’s completely okay. In fact, I hope the author explores this theme further — the way people naturally drift apart.

As for the love interests (yes, there’s more than one), I found Alexa’s back-and-forth situationship with Greg frustrating. He annoyed me so much in this book — he’d changed so much, and Alexa deserved better! That said, I really admired Alexa’s bravery in confronting her eating disorder and eventually seeking help. The letter at the end of the book absolutely broke me — I was in tears.

Also, as I mentioned in my review of the first book, we start to see the consequences of Nia’s impulsive behaviour, and it left me feeling heartbroken for her. I truly hope the author gives Nia her happy ending — she deserves one.

I adored Patrick — I’m so glad the author didn’t write him out. Even though he wasn’t mentioned much in the first book, his character really resonated with me. He matches Alexa’s energy so well, and I loved seeing the two of them together + absolutely loved their chemistry!

Once again, the author included some lovely illustrations throughout the book, as well as another great playlist that I listened to the whole way through.

I’m honestly so glad I stumbled upon these books by accident — and now I can’t wait for the next two in the series (if I’m right, each will be about one of the other girls). I’m really looking forward to their stories — and hopefully, happy endings for all the FMCs!

[Liiz_cita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do druhej časti som sa pustila s očakávaniami – ale úprimne? Dostala som oveľa viac, než som čakala. Zatiaľ čo Rozchodové blues bolo svižné, mladistvé a miestami chaotické presne tak, ako bývajú prvé veľké životné zmeny, Alexin príbeh je hlbší, citlivejší a pôsobí celkovo dospelejšie. A hlavne… bol neskutočne silný.

Hneď od prvých strán mi bolo jasné, že to nebude ľahké čítanie. Alexa je sebavedomá, žiadaná, obklopená ľuďmi… no pod tou odvážnou maskou skrýva dievča, ktoré toho nesie až príliš. Minulosť, bulímia, toxické vzťahy, zrada kamarátky, spomienky, ktoré nedokáže umlčať – všetko sa postupne odkrýva a mala som pocit, akoby som pri nej stála počas každého jedného kroku, aj toho bolestivého.

Autorka sa pustila do náročných tém s veľkou citlivosťou. Nič nepôsobí prvoplánovo ani prehnane dramaticky. Skôr som mala pocit, že som nazrela do niečích skutočných myšlienok. Niektoré kapitoly som si musela prečítať dvakrát a, priznám sa, niekoľkokrát som knihu aj odložila - nie preto, že by ma nebavila, ale preto, že som to jednoducho potrebovala predýchať.

To, čo na tejto sérii milujem najviac, sú vzťahy. Dievčatá spolu fungujú presne tak, ako to v skutočnosti býva - raz sa podržia, inokedy si lezú na nervy, no vždy je medzi nimi niečo pevné a úprimné. Žiadne presladené kamarátstva, ale také, ktoré občas bolia a občas zachraňujú.

A potom sú tu muži. Ku Gregovi sa radšej ani nebudem vyjadrovať, lebo už len pomyslenie naňho mi dvíha tlak. Ale Patrick? Ten do príbehu priniesol pokoj, humor aj presne ten typ chémie, pri ktorej sa pristihnete, že sa usmievate.

Najsilnejšia na celej knihe je ale Alexina cesta. To, ako sa prestala spoliehať na to, že ju niekto „zachráni“, a začala hľadať cestu k sebe samej. Ako sa postavila svojej poruche príjmu potravy. Ako dokázala priznať, že nie je v poriadku. Jej príbeh je bolestivý, ale zároveň krásne nádejný. A ten list na konci? Úprimne, zlomil ma aj poskladal zároveň.

Tento príbeh odporúčam každému, kto má rád knihy plné hlbokých emócií, realistických postáv a autentických vzťahov. Alexa vás dostane svojou zraniteľnosťou, humorom, odvahou a neustálym hľadaním samého seba. A ja už teraz neviem, ako sa dočkám ďalších príbehov dievčat z jej partie – som si istá, že každá z nich má niečo, čo vás chytí za srdce.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come! I will say I LOVED this book. Such a great read Nykolla you have done it again

[Caitlinjoyful · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted a copy from Nykolla.

"You've made great progress and are no longer the blonde girl you used to be, and that's okay. Don't lose hope." - Alexa

A non-stop novel that focuses on the struggles of a young woman as she navigates relationships, friendships, and life.

The world around her is moving fast, and her friends are dealing with it. But Alexa can't help but feel like they are moving without her. Stuck in her own head, constantly being told that she isn't good enough, and doesn't deserve things, Alexa turns to binge eating as a distraction. And it doesn't help that she missed her chance with the boy she liked.
When she turns to her friends for help, they open their arms to her. But it turns out that they are struggling with things just like Alexa.
Can the four of them help each other, and will Alexa be able to take notice of the guitar-playing cutie right in front of her?

I knew that after the emotional roller coaster Nykolla took me on in Vive la London that this book was going to get my emotions going. But I wasn't prepared for what was in this book.
Once again Nykolla didn't shy away from the heavy topics (Listed Below) and she does an amazing job again of giving enough detail that the reader understands exactly what Alexa is going through.

Through Nia's eyes, we see a little bit of what Alexa is going through in Vive La London, the binge eating and boy problems. But we see the full extent of it in this book and learn why she is going through these things.

Like book one For The Girl I Used To Know is very fast-paced, taking place over a year (and a bit) picking up right where we left off in Vive La London. (So I would recommend checking that book out first.

I fell in love with the Sisterhood of the Traveling Beret in book 1 and was so excited to continue their journey. But what with Oliva dealing with her relationship struggles, Nia working out how to be a new mum, Alexa being made at Poppy for dating her toxic ex and Poppy for just simply being Poppy, the girls were all dealing with a lot in this book.
I hated the discourse that Poppy dating Alexa's ex brought to the book, it didn't help Alexa's mental state and meant that both Nia and Oliva were stuck in between their two friends trying to play peacekeepers. However, when Alexa started taking it out on both Nia and Oliva it went too far. The girls always had each other to rely on and for a few chapters, they wouldn't even speak to each other, and all over a toxic boy.

The understanding that Poppy and Alexa have when it comes to their eating disorders. They both went through similar experiences and are still struggling with recovery but know that the other is there for advice and to hold when it all feels helpless.

I hated the relationship Alexa had with Greg. How easily she used him in book 1 and then tossed him aside so I think she deserved to experience the same thing in this book. But Greg took it way too far, using her again and again only to tell her he loved her before dropping a bombshell and breaking her heart.
The only good thing that came from Greg in this book was the way it drove Alexa to her person.
I loved Patrick from the first time he was mentioned.
He saw Alexa, and treated her like a human being who was allowed to make mistakes.
And when he found out about her eating disorder, he didn't discard her, or tell her it was her fault. He sat and listened and promised he would help. And he did.
I loved them as a couple and they were always endgame for me.

I loved exploring Alexa and Malik's friendship more in this book. For most of the book, Alexa is living with Nia and Malik and so we get to see their new relationship from her point of view.
And it's not all sunshine and rainbows. We see Malik turning to Alexa for advice and help when he doesn't know what else to do. She is the one telling them to go on a trip together and that she will hold down the fort.
I love that he was the first person she trusted to know about her relapse and how he listened to her vent about her childhood and the things she had to go through that led to the things she was struggling with.

The moment that Alexa explained to the girls what she had to endure as a teenager and the things that led her to eating disorders was so heartbreaking. As she cried and opened her heart to the girls, who felt so broken by what she was saying. The fact that they all comforted her and began constantly reminding her just how much they love her, and helping her with her food. It was incredible to see the things that they can do for each other. Those moments when each girl is at their lowest, the others are right there holding their hand.

Like book 1 I would give this book a spice rating of 1. It's got some spicy scenes, not many, but they are focused on Alexa's emotions and thoughts in the moment.

Overall I really enjoyed the wild ride that was For The Girl I Used To Know.
And can't wait for Olivia and Poppy's books.
Check out Vive la London till then!

Trigger Warnings:
Eating Disorders (Bulimia and Anorexia)
Abuse (Off page)
Depression (On page)
Sexual Assault (On and Off page)
OCD (On and Off page)
Rape (Mentioned)
Death (Mentioned)
Bombing (Mentioned)

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nykolla has really done it this time.
Excuse me while I go weep and process everything I've read. Promise to be back with a propper review that will make justice for this book.

REVIEW UPDATE !

Okay, so....I still haven't processed the book and everything that went down between its pages, but I will try to put out what I have for the time being.

(WARNING NOTE : This book isn't for the faint of heart. It contains triggers such as : sexual abuse, suicidal tendencies. Some of the readers may find it kind of....hard to read, repulsive etc. It is okay, because it is not for everyone. )

For the girl I used to know, is the sequel of the Breakup Blues series and it written from Alexa's POV. Here we are given really really good insight on why and how she got into the state she currently is fighting so hard to get out of.

This second book is full of twists and surprises that you won't be able to see coming. You'll have your heart beating sooo fast, you will ask yourself if it's the same book you're reading.

For the girl I used to know is a true rollercoaster ride. Not just once did I felt like punching some characters, throw the phone ( which I didn t do, of course) , call the author and yell at her "Whyyyyyy? Whyyy? You are driving me insane?"
This book got me through all the mother-freaking-feels.
I love how their friendship still goes on, even after all the fights they went through, how they stick up for each other no matter the situation AND how love finds its way back to those who, somehow let it go at some point.

The first in the series, has ended with Nya moving in with Malik, after their baby was born. Now the story picks up from where it ended, in a way. Betrayal is set to happen, regarding Alexa, who shares a home with Poppy and Olivia. We know that Poppy is fighting her own battles and recently has started going to the AA meetings. What we did not expect, is for, Alexa's abusive ex - Phillip - to be there to. From there, and up until she finds out that she is seeing him, isn’t long. Alexa ends up moving out of the house in the middle of the night, with Nya and Malik.
Uncertainty, tension and doubt, fill the air. Malik leaves for Boston again, which sets Nya into overdrive and starts doubting her relationship with Malik.

After her meeting with the her shrink, Alexa decides to pay her family, a visit. Only, not alone, fear still sticking to her.

What I have learned from these two books is that, with the right people in your life, you can overcome any inner battle that you are facing. If you actually let them help you. That, when you find a friend, who sticks with you through every challenge, you got yourself a true friend for the rest of your life.

[Baruš · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre dievča, ktoré som kedysi poznala je druhá časť série Rozchodové blues. Príjemne ma prekvapil vizuál a vnútro knihy s nádhernými ilustráciami. To sa už veľmi často nevidí.

Kniha pokračuje presne tam, kde skončila prvá, ale tentokrát je v popredí Alexa Yvanova. Už sme sa o nej čo-to dozvedeli, ale v konečnom dôsledku nebolo vždy všetko pravdivé.

Štyri najlepšie priateľky si opäť toho veľa preskákali. Niektoré situácie boli reálne, z niektorých som mala pocit, že som sa ocitla v telenovele. Ale niekedy to tak v živote býva. Mali aj ťažšie chvíle, kedy sa odcudzili, pohádali, ale snažili sa napraviť svoje priateľstvo. Jedine Poppy mi stále príde veľmi zvláštna, neviem, čo si o nej myslieť.

Alexa je silná hrdinka, ale musí si to najskôr uvedomiť. Niektoré pasáže ma boleli čítať, ako sa neustále pasovala s minulosťou, bojovala s bulímiou a stále som na ňu v hlave kričala, nech zoberie svoj život do vlastných rúk. A keď nastal ten moment, bola som na ňu hrdá.

Romantická linka nebola vôbec prvoplánová, Alexa sa naháňa za minulou láskou, ale nakoniec jej do cesty vkročí niekto, o kom si vôbec nemyslela, že bude ten pravý. A toto sa mi veľmi páčilo, pretože to bolo milé, nečakané a hlavne také prirodzené.

Konečne som dostala v knihe aj riešenie duševných problémov. Nebolo to len opisovanie príznakov, sťažovanie sa okoliu, ale postavy naozaj vyhľadali odborníka. A za toto som ako psychologička veľmi vďačná. Že sa to ukazuje aj v knihách.

Táto časť mi prišla už v niečom vyspelejšia, vidieť, že sa autorka posunula. Viac sa venovala vnútru postáv, ich myšlienkam, emóciám a správaniu. Spomeniem, že ma pri čítaní trošku rušili gramatické chyby či rôzne preklepy.

Keďže má byť ďalšia časť o Olivii, som naozaj zvedavá, čo nám prinesie jej príbeh s OCD.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girls I Used to Know by Nykolla Vargola is a captivating dive into friendship, growth, and the complexities of leaving behind past versions of ourselves. The story weaves through the lives of several women, each reflecting on the people they once were and how those former selves shaped their present.

Vargola’s writing is raw and introspective, balancing both vulnerability and strength. Each character’s journey is unique yet universally relatable, with the exploration of self-doubt, resilience, and the ties that bind friendships through all seasons of life. The writing style is beautiful—simple, yet layered with depth and meaning.

What makes this book stand out is how real the characters feel. They’re flawed, courageous, and full of life, making it easy to connect with their experiences and the emotions they bring to the surface. As the title suggests, this is a story about the different versions of ourselves that we carry, and how every past version of us leaves an imprint.

If you’re looking for a book that digs deep into themes of identity, friendship, and self-acceptance, this one is for you. It’s not only thought-provoking but also incredibly heartwarming. I’d give it a solid 4.5 stars—Vargola brings a fresh voice to contemporary fiction, and this book will resonate with anyone who’s ever looked back at their past self with both nostalgia and growth.

Trigger Warnings: This book addresses themes of emotional abuse, self-harm, addiction, and toxic relationships, which may be sensitive for some readers.

[Aurélia Staviarska · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎀 Pre dievča, ktoré som kedysi poznala 🎀 je veľmi silný, emocionálny román pre mladšiu generáciu, ktorá rieši dosť ťažké témy, ktoré sú tabu. Autorka sa púšťa do náročných traum z detstva - bulímia, zneužívanie v detstve a strata sebaúcty. Hneď na začiatku je aj na to upozornenie. Taktiež poukazuje, že prežiť nestačí, treba sa aj naučiť znovu žiť. Učí znovu veriť v seba, v lásku a v odpustenie. Naozaj je to ťažké čítanie, ktoré sa dotkne duše. Ja som si musela dávať pauzy a predýchať to, pretože niektoré pasáže sa čítali dosť náročne. Celkovo táto kniha je za mňa napísaná omnoho lepšie ako prvá, pretože tu máme možnosť viac nahliadnuť do hĺbky traum, ktoré sú veľmi citlivo a jemne spracované.

Tentoraz mám pohľad Alexi, ktorá je navonok sebavedomá, priama a plná sarkazmu, ale pod tou maskou skrýva svoje najtemnejšie tajomstvá - svoje nočné mory. Keď náhodne stretne Grega na ulici, vráti sa jej ich spoločná minulosť. Kedysi sa zahrávala s jeho citmi, odmietla ho a teraz, keď je s inou, ju to viac zraňuje. Nedokáže už ovládať svoje krehké srdce a znova má problém s bulímiou...

Našťastie má svoje kamarátky - Niu, Poppy a Olíviu, ktoré sú tu vždy pre ňu. Ich priateľstvo je veľmi pevné a plné podpory. Lenže Poppy, jedna z jej najlepších priateliek, ju zradí a tak sa ich priateľstvo rozpadá. A to ma zaujalo, pretože takto to reálne chodí. Ľudia, ktorých máme radi a sme tu vždy pre nich, nás môžu jedného dňa zradiť.

Ako sa s tým všetkým Alexa popasuje? Nájde samu seba a uvedomí si, že sa nemusí už viac pretvarovať?
Pretože priznať si, že nie si v poriadku nie je hanba, ale je to cesta k tvojmu lepšiemu ja.

Za poskytnutie e-knihy na recenziu ďakujem Nykolle Vargovej.

[Michaela Mihalíková · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hneď na začiatku príbehu je úsek, ktorý sa hlavnej hrdinky Alexy veľmi hlboko dotkne – a úprimne, ani sa jej nedá čudovať. Sú to situácie, ktoré by sa nemali stávať, no vieme, že sa dejú až príliš často. O to viac to bolí. Alexa za nič nemohla a napriek tomu si to musela odniesť. Ľudská krutosť nemá ospravedlnenie a práve tento moment ma zasiah­ol hneď od prvých strán.


Čo sa týka Poppy, tam sa môj názor vôbec nezlepšil – skôr naopak. Jej správanie som nedokázala pochopiť. Ako to mohla urobiť svojej najlepšej kamarátke? Vedela o všetkom, a predsa sa správala, akoby bola obeťou ona sama. V polovici knihy prišiel veľký zvrat, ktorý som vôbec nečakala, no paradoxne som bola rada, že sa stal. Dodal príbehu ešte silnejší emocionálny rozmer.


Celý čas som mala pocit, že zlých vecí v tejto knihe nikdy nie je dosť. Udalosti a nehody ma úplne rozobrali a absolútne som chápala, prečo boli dievčatá také, aké boli. Koniec bol viac-menej šťastný, čo po tom všetkom pôsobilo ako malé svetlo na konci tunela. Knihe dávam 9/10, jeden bod strhávam za gramatiku. 🙈📖

[Vivian Mora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nykolla Vargova’s *Breakup Blues: For the Girl I Used to Know* is a fast-paced, emotionally charged novel centered on Alexa, whose life begins to unravel as secrets about her eating disorder, dysfunctional family, and troubled past surface. Vargova handles these heavy topics with sensitivity and respect, offering a raw but truthful portrayal of trauma and mental illness that will deeply resonate with those who’ve experienced similar struggles.

As Alexa’s story unfolds, readers can’t help but feel both sympathy and empathy for her and the other characters, who each face their own battles. The novel emphasizes the importance of communication in relationships and friendships, showing how unspoken pain can tear people apart, while honest conversations have the power to heal.

Overall, Vargova has crafted a gripping, heartfelt read that combines the intensity of Alexa’s personal challenges with a reminder of how crucial it is to open up, especially in times of crisis.

[sahltmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read, but I must admit, I found Alexa more captivating. This book had me on the edge of my seat, yearning to keep reading. I found myself staying up late, playing out the scenarios as I read deeper into the story.

However, this read did manage to lift my reading slump. The plot and characters were so real that they felt like they were right there in front of me. The writing was simply beautiful.

The book explores complicated relationships, family drama, and friendship conflicts, making it a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

If you’re seeking a quick romance read that will keep you up at night, this one is it.

Please be aware of the trigger warnings before reading.

[Rory Carlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! This is the 2nd book in the series and I loved this even more than the first. I loved getting to dive into Alexa’s life after her just being a side character in the first book. There are so many complex stories in this book that all weave together. I recommend this to anyone looking for a deeply emotional romance!

[Morgan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now normally I don’t read these types of books but I thought I would give it a try and yes unfortunately it’s still not my type but never the less if your into this kind of genre I would really recommend as it was written amazingly!!! And I will be reading breakup blues to !!!!

[Shannons.minilibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fast paced romance read from Nykolla Vargova, so much happens in this book in such a short space of time, so if you want a quick and easy read this is great. There are so many complicated relationships, friendships and family situations in this book (similar to the first one, read the trigger warnings beforehand).