I was excited to read this because it’s a very interesting concept and overall I thought it was very cute. Definitely felt nice to read something with a plot that felt different. Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

Very unique romcom! I don't think I've read anything similar to this so that was super refreshing.

The romance here is adorable and super fluffy. I really liked their chemistry and thought they complimented each other well. I was rooting for them to stay together. The third-act breakup did make sense and was not entirely predictable.

I also liked that Jason wasn't clueless the whole time about what Vanessa was doing. Him finding out actually created some hilarious situations.

This reminded me of "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, so if you enjoy that movie you'll probably like this. Overall this was very cute and would be a great pick-me-up read.

2.75/5 rounded up.

I'm so sorry, this was so insta-love I could not stand it. I really do not like insta-love stories, they annoy me so much. They always feel so lackluster and thrown together, you can't just make your characters instantly love each other, that's not what romance novels are about. Most people want character development and relationship development in this sort of book.

This was extra disappointing to me because the summary had so much potential! Our MMC needs a fake girlfriend (that his family will not like) - that is so good! That could've been so fun and dramatic and juicy! But no, this fell so flat for me because of that insta-lovey feeling. This really was a story that needs a slow ramp up and development of the characters.

I've also heard such good things about this author, so that added to my disappointment. I guess this just isn't the Mia Sosa book for me. I'm sure there are readers who don't mind insta-love and who would love this book. It's just not for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

Think the read can be characterized as "How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days' but with a Latina flair.

The author's transparent about Vanessa's motivation for her actions. The reasoning for it (financial, need to reconnect with her sister) is acceptable. The execution of their romance, not so much. Need more than immediate attraction to invest in a fictional characters HEA. Their respective backgrounds, his broken one with his father and her disconnect with former classmates, didn't garner much sympathy from me. Rather, the hints of romance between the main characters' siblings proved more intriguing.

There was a funny scene at the characters' attendance of a couples party but it resulted in a slight smile rather than a LOL reaction.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons , via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#TheStarterEx #NetGalley

Vanessa Cordero had an unusual side hustle in college—she was a professional "starter ex." Clients, mostly women (and occasionally men), would hire her to date their love interest and play the role of the worst girlfriend imaginable, paving the way for the client to swoop in as the much-needed "sunshine after the storm."

Now, years later, Vanessa is unexpectedly transferred by her boss back to her hometown—New York City—without her input. As she reconnects with her family, her sister Lisa uncovers Vanessa’s unconventional past. Intrigued and a little desperate, Lisa convinces Vanessa to revive her old role one last time.

The target? Jason Torres. Jason is commitment-averse and determined to keep it that way. With his sister's wedding approaching, his meddling mother is ready to play matchmaker with every eligible woman in sight. Jason needs a solution: a fake date to keep his mom at bay.

Enter Lisa—with a long-standing crush on Jason—and her sister Vanessa in tow. Jason isn't interested in Lisa, but Vanessa might be just what he needs to escape his mother's matchmaking efforts. What starts as a strategic arrangement becomes increasingly complicated as unexpected feelings surface.

Can Vanessa convince Jason to give Lisa a chance—or will her own emotions get in the way? And can Jason ignore the growing connection between himself and the woman hired to push him toward someone else?

While the premise is fun and the setup has potential, the story leans a bit too fluffy, and did not leave a lasting impression. I admit I came close to giving up on this story. What saved it was the male lead in the story. He was about the only character I liked.


2.75 stars!

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for allowing me to read this one! I have already listened to this story when it was published as an Audible Original and love it! Mia Sosa is one of my favourite authors. I discovered contemporary romance thanks to her books so I may be a bit biased but I just loved this book. The main idea of this book is super original, the characters are perfect, I just loved this!
I'll add my reviews on GR when this edition will be added.