Anatomy of a Single Girl by Daria Snadowsky

Anatomy of a Single Girl (Anatomy, #2)
by Daria Snadowsky
Published: January 8, 2013 by Delacorte Books
Source: from the author for review

With Judy Blume-like honesty and insight, this sequel to Anatomy of a Boyfriend is about life after first love--romance, sex, friendship, family, and the ups and downs of life as a single girl.

After everything that happened—my first boyfriend, my first time, my first breakup—jumping back into the dating game seemed like the least healthy thing I could do. It’s not that I didn’t want to fall in love again, since that’s about the best feeling ever. But as a busy college premed still raw from heartbreak, which is the worst feeling ever, I figured I’d lie low for a while. Of course, as soon as I stopped looking for someone, an impossibly amazing—and devastatingly cute—guy came along, and I learned that having a new boyfriend is the quickest way to recover from losing your old one.

The moment we got together, all my preconceptions about romance and sex were turned upside down. I discovered physical and emotional firsts I never knew existed. I learned to let go of my past by living in the present. It was thrilling. It was hot. It was just what the doctor ordered.

But I couldn’t avoid my future forever.

In Daria Snadowsky’s daring follow-up to Anatomy of a Boyfriend, eighteen-year-old Dominique explores the relationship between love and lust, and the friendships that see us through. [goodreads]

Where do you go when your first time was with a boy who was also your first love, followed up by your first heart break too?  Anatomy of a Single Girl is the continuation of Dominique's eventful firsts, as we take a trip home with her for the summer after her freshman year of college.  It's been several months since the break up, and as much as Dom likes to think she's on the path to being over it, she soon realizes that getting with someone new doesn't necessarily equate to getting over someone old.

There is an honest voice that comes across in this story which I found to be refreshing.  Dom meets Guy while she's home for the summer, and instantly there's a physical attraction there.  Could this be the guy to get over her ex?  The physical relationship these two characters embark on is definitely meant for mature readers, and I respected the honest portrayal of how this type of relationship can be.  Dom is also looking forward to spending more time with her BFF, Amy, who is home for the summer as well.  It's a summer of unexpected highs and lows for Dom, and learning how to handle different relationships in her life.

The friendship between Dom and Amy, really took front seat for me in this story.  It was something I came to understand, and respect eventually.  The in between years of high school and adult-life can be tough.  Having a best friend by your side to support you, and even disagree with you sometimes, is important.  A girl needs that challenge in her life, but above everything she also needs that stability, too.

You do not have to read the first book (Anatomy of a Boyfriend) to read this one.  I did not, and was still able to follow along with the storyline.  The author does a nice job of explaining Dom's previous relationship, without leaving any holes, but never over does it either.  I recommend this story if you're looking for something quick, without a lot of fluff, and a sense of realism to keep you engaged.