In college, Vanessa ran a clever (and profitable) side hustle. She’d date your crush, make him miserable, and clear the way for you to swoop in as the dream girl. These days she’s grown up, settled into her career, and back in NYC. But when her younger sister convinces her to take on one final “job,” Vanessa finds herself in over her head. The target? Jason, her sister’s best friend’s older brother. The only rule: don’t actually fall for him. Naturally, the plan unravels, and Vanessa and Jason discover that what’s supposed to be fake might be something real after all.

Need to make your crush see what he’s missing, Vanessa has your back. She’ll make his life miserable - be overly clingy, jealous and maybe even a little crazy until he comes running back to you. Her newest victim is Jason, a chronically single man who her sister is interested in. But despite her worst efforts she can’t seem to shake him. Maybe this time she’s the one being played.

The how too lose a guy in ten days description is spot on except the motivations behind the MCs actions and Jason knows he’s being punked. It lends itself too some hilarious moments but all the double crossing less fun the longer it went on. Which is the reason this one only got 3,5 stars from me.

The characters are wonderful, love all the cultural references, Spanish phrases and delicious food.

Read this if you like
🧡Fake dating
🫶🏼How to lose a guy in 10 days
🔥Slow burn
📖Dual pov

This was a cute, fun little Rom Com to break up some more serious reads. She would date someone's crush for them and make the person they were dating miserable. They would break up and be ready to date the crush. Vanessa hasn't done her starter ex gig since college but her younger sister Lisa calls in a favor. Thank you to Net Galley and Putnam for the opportunity to read this ARC!!

I just finished The Starter Ex and honestly, it was such a fun ride. The premise is kind of wild in the best way — Vanessa used to pretend to be the world’s worst girlfriend so other people could swoop in and look amazing by comparison. It’s ridiculous, but somehow it works. And of course, she gets roped into doing one last “job,” which totally backfires when feelings get involved. Obviously.

Vanessa and Jason have really great chemistry. Their banter is snappy and fun, and you can tell there’s something deeper building between all the chaos. It had me smiling a lot, and I liked that it didn’t take itself too seriously but still had some heart.

There were a few predictable moments, and yeah, the romance moves kind of fast but if you’re just in the mood for something playful with a clever concept, this hits the spot. Also loved the cultural bits woven in. It gave the book a little extra warmth and flavor.

Overall, it’s a light, sweet rom-com that doesn’t try too hard and delivers exactly what it promises -a good time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

This was a cute, fun little Rom Com to break up some more serious reads in my TBR. I loved the premise of this book because I love 90s rom coms and especially How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. This book is a bit zanier and over the top but it works. It was cute to see Vanessa and Jason go from sabotage to shooting sparks.



Thank you to NetGalley G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an ARC of this book.

Thank you to Net Galley and Putnam for the opportunity to read this ARC!!

Rom-Com, Fake Dating, Forced Proximity

Not my first Mia Sosa book so I knew this book would be great!!

Vanessa (an Afro-Latina FMC) had a side hustle as a College Student where she make man hate her as a partner and forces them into the person who is paying her to be an awful Partner. She runs into a College associate who explains the entire situation to Vanessa’s sister Lisa. Now Lisa wants Vannessa to do it for her. MMC is Jason who is Lisa’s best friend Camilla’s Brother!

This story follows both POV’s of Vanessa and Jason who are essentially fake dating so that Jason can be forced into the arms of Lisa. This had its funny moments at serious moments. Also definitely has a couple of twist that no one will expect! I thought that this had a great story line and would recommend to anyone looking for a light/funny read.

The starter ex is about Vanessa Cordero, who in college developed a side gig called the Starter Ex. She would date someone's crush for them and make the person they were dating miserable. They would break up and be ready to date the crush. Vanessa hasn't done her starter ex gig since college but her younger sister Lisa calls in a favor. Lisa wants vanessa to date her crush Jason. Jason is the older brother of Lisa's best friend. Vanessa recultely agrees to help out Lisa. From the beinging, Jason is very interested in vanessa. Vanessa end up develooping a connection with jason but also doesn't want to let down her sister. It was very cute story. Story had its moments where it felt longer than necessary. I enjoyed th unexpected twistst at the end of the book.

The short and sweet rom com that I needed!

Afro-Latina FMC. All the chaos and beauty of large Puerto Rican families. Fake dating but neither knows the other one knows they’re faking! Spicy without sacrificing plot. Real characters with real flaws overcoming trauma to heal and build a relationship.

This was a cute, fluffy romance. Low stakes but very enjoyable ❤️

Loved it!!!! Fantastic writing, fun, lighthearted and sweet. The friendship, the storyline and the characters and growth were so good! Definitely recommend!

I truly love anything Mia Sosa writes, and this is no exception. The Starter Ex is chaotic in the best way possible, like if How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days had a baby with a telenovela and then sprinkled it with Nuyorican spice. Vanessa Cordero is retired from her wildly unorthodox side hustle as a starter ex: the girl you date before you meet The One, until her sister ropes her into one last gig. Enter Jason Torres: he is a commitment phobe, mama’s boy (but in a lovable way), and suddenly the target of Vanessa’s antics. What starts as sabotage quickly turns into sparks, and watching these two banter, bicker, and blur the line between fake dating and real feelings was just pure entertainment.

Vanessa is sharp, messy, and completely self-aware, like that one friend who swears she’s done with drama but somehow always shows up with the best stories. Jason, on the other hand, is smooth on the outside but surprisingly vulnerable underneath, and watching him slowly crack open was honestly adorable. Together, they’re magnetic, and their chemistry makes this prank filled setup actually feel believable.

Mia Sosa nails the balance of hilarious hijinks and heart. The family dynamics, especially the tug of war between expectations and independence, add layers to the rom com fun. The cultural backdrop brings so much life to the story, making it more than just witty banter and spice (though there’s plenty of that too).

Is it over the top? Absolutely. Did I laugh and side eye some of the ridiculousness, and still root for Vanessa and Jason the whole way through? Also absolutely. The Starter Ex is flirty, chaotic, and unexpectedly sweet and emotional, and I loved every minute of it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Mia Sosa, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the eARC of this book.

The Starter Ex by Mia Sosa is a slick, laugh-out-loud romance that hits with realness and heart. For a first-time reader of Sosa, this book is a vibe smart, spicy, and full of messy love and second chances. Vanessa Cordero used to be a “starter ex,” the woman guys dated before they got serious with someone else. She played the role, stirred the drama, and then dipped. But she’s retired now, trying to live low-key, until her little sister ropes her into one last job: sabotage Jason Torres, a fine but emotionally unavailable man, so he’ll be ready for love. Problem is, Vanessa and Jason start catching real feelings, and the game flips on its head.

The characters are mad relatable. Vanessa’s got that tough exterior with a soft center—she’s witty, guarded, and tired of being everyone’s stepping stone. Jason’s got layers too: charming, emotionally stunted, but trying to do better. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the banter? Top-tier. Sosa brings in Latinx culture, family dynamics, and the kind of generational pressure that hits home for a lot of urban readers. The twist isn’t just about falling in love—it’s about breaking cycles, owning your worth, and choosing yourself even when it’s hard.

The ending lands with heart and heat. Vanessa and Jason don’t just get a romance they earn it. Sosa doesn’t sugarcoat the work it takes to heal and grow, but she makes the journey feel worth it. The Starter Ex is more than just a rom-com it’s a story about reclaiming your narrative, setting boundaries, and finding love that sees you fully. If you’re into stories that mix humor, culture, and emotional depth, this one’s must-read. Mia Sosa came through with a fresh voice that speaks to the soul and the streets.

The only book I’d read by Mia Sosa before this was The Worst Best Man, which I really enjoyed, so I was excited to dive into this one—and it definitely gave me How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibes.

That said, the setup wasn’t very believable, and some of the side characters (especially Lisa and Denise) were pretty unlikeable. The dialogue could feel cringe and a little forced at times. On the flip side, I did enjoy the banter between the main characters and the vibrant backdrop of Nuyorican culture—it gave the story a lot of energy and heart.

One thing that didn’t quite work for me was the use of terms like “Latinx” or “Afro-Latinx,” which sometimes felt more awkward than authentic in the context.

All in all, it was a fun, prank-filled rom-com with humor, spice, and family themes woven in. Not perfect, but definitely entertaining and did its job.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC!

Vanessa Cordero solía dirigir un trabajo paralelo rentable: por una tarifa razonable, salía con tu enamorado... y le haría la vida miserable. ¿Muy pegajoso? Comprobar. ¿Celoso? Comprobar. ¿La peor pesadilla de un padre? Triple comprobación. Para cuando Vanessa terminó con él, tu chico prácticamente estaba rogando por ti.

Entra Jason Torres, un comprometido-phobe certificado que no planea casarse pronto, para consternación de su madre. Lo que él necesita es una novia temporal. Una novia totalmente inapropiada. Alguien a quien su madre odiará, así que finalmente abandonará sus sueños de llevarlo al altar.

La hermana menor de Vanessa, Lisa, tiene sus ojos en Jason y convence a Vanessa de salir de la jubilación para un último compromiso con el ex titular. Las reglas son simples: no tocar, no tontear y definitivamente no enamorarse. Pero nada va según lo planeado. Porque Vanessa no puede dejar a Jason, no importa cuánto intente asustarlo. Y cuanto más tiempo estén cerca el uno del otro, más ninguno de los dos quiere estar separado.



estuvo entretenido y me gustó, pero la manera en cómo empezó no me encantó y siento que es parte de Vanessa ayudando a Lisa fue demasiado.


Gracias NetGalley por el ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for allowing me to read and review the ARC of this book.

I love Mia Sosa and her writing. The Starter Ex was a great read. I loved how reminiscent it is to How To Lose a Guy In 10 Days, which is one of my favorite romcoms. The Latinx culture in this book was so eye opening and I loved the dynamics between Jason and Vanessa’s families. The banter between Jason and Van is ELITE. Altogether a quick, entertaining, and sweet read.

Awww this was a cute story the storyline led me up to the very last pages wishing for more I enjoyed it thank you

Vanessa Cordero creía haber dejado atrás su pasado poco ortodoxo: durante la universidad se ganó dinero extra convirtiéndose en “la exnovia de práctica” para ayudar a que otros consolidaran sus relaciones. Ahora, años después, regresa a Nueva York buscando redención y con la intención de reconstruir los lazos familiares que descuidó.

Pero su hermana Lisa tiene una petición inesperada: que Vanessa vuelva a ser una starter ex, esta vez con Jason Torres, el hermano mayor de su mejor amiga y el hombre de quien Lisa ha estado enamorada en secreto durante años.

Lo que comienza como un plan absurdo para darle un empujoncito a Jason se convierte en un enredo mayor cuando la atracción entre Vanessa y él empieza a crecer. Entre secretos, viejas heridas familiares y situaciones desbordadas de humor, ambos tendrán que decidir si se dejan llevar por lo que sienten, aun a costa de traicionar las expectativas de quienes más quieren.




___


Se supone que la hermana se llama Lisa, pero también Lili, no se si tenia dos nombres o es un error.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Out Match 10th, 2026
The Starter Ex by Mia Sosa, Vanessa Cordero is a sharp-witted cynic with a colorful past—and a very unusual former side hustle. Back in college, she ran a business where, for a fee, she’d date your crush and make his life miserable. Her goal? To drive him into your arms by being clingy, jealous, and downright unbearable. Years later, Vanessa’s retired from the game and trying to mend fences with her estranged family in Spanish Harlem, when her younger sister Lisa ropes her into one last job: sabotage Jason Torres, a commitment-phobe Lisa has her eye on.

Jason, meanwhile, is desperate to dodge his mother’s relentless matchmaking. He needs a girlfriend so wildly inappropriate that his mom will finally give up on her dreams of seeing him married. Vanessa fits the bill perfectly. The rules are simple—no touching, no fooling around, and absolutely no falling in love. But as Vanessa unleashes her outrageous antics to scare Jason off, she finds herself facing unexpected chemistry and emotional vulnerability. Jason, too, begins to see past Vanessa’s act, and the line between fake dating and real feelings starts to blur.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Nuyorican culture, The Starter Ex is a playful, prank-filled rom-com that balances humor, spice, and heart. Mia Sosa delivers a story full of laugh-out-loud moments, sizzling tension, and a tender exploration of family, identity, and second chances. As Vanessa and Jason navigate their tangled emotions, they must decide whether love is worth breaking all the rules.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC!

Thank you to Putnam Books, the author, and NetGalley for this eARC.

Vanessa has just moved home (against her will) and wants to reconnect with her family. Enter a plot concocted by Lisa, her sister, to get Lisa and her crush, Jason, together. But Vanessa's outlandish antics backfire.

This book is predictable but so cute. The banter and spice hit just right. I found myself giggling and getting a little teary at times. Overall, a book I'd recommend if you are looking for a lighter romcom.

This was such a fun read! It gave me major How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibes, and the banter was spot on. The dialogue felt believable and genuinely funny, and I loved that the characters had real depth we got to uncover little by little as the story unfolded. The family dynamics were such a highlight for me, and the touches of Spanish woven in added a richness that really showcased other heritages in such a beautiful way. I also appreciated that the romance stayed low spice, which let the characters and their connection shine. It was an easy, enjoyable read from start to finish.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.
The starter ex by Mia Sosa. The main characters are Vanessa and Jason. Vanessa charges to go out with guys and make them miserable so the women who want a chance with the guy looks normal and they fall in love. What Vanessa doesn’t expect is to fall for Jason and the drama starts. It was a 4.5 out of 5 for me