3.5 stars. A perfect friends to lovers romance novel; you know they will end up together in the end but the author really strings you along until the bitter end!

When Javi and Mari first meet in college, they're quick to realize they're destined to be in each others' lives for forever... as friends or lovers is yet to be seen. Mari is a perpetual heartbreaker, not looking to settle down until after she's finished her education, and Javi doesn't want to get tangled into a relationship either so he lies about having a girlfriend, cementing their status as friends. They're a constant in each others' lives for years. And sometimes it seems like they could be more, but Javi, as a struggling artist thinks he's not good enough for the hot shot lawyer, Mari. When he's finally finished his musical and ready to step up and be the man for Mari, she introduces him to her new fiancé... a seemingly perfect man and her father's protege. But Javi is determined to help Mari make the best choice--hopefully him.

A spin on When Harry Met Sally and the old adage of whether men and women can ever be just friends, this books is a true, classic friends-to-lovers romance. It's a fun ride, with dual POV and dual timelines wrapped up in a single, colorful package. I loved Javi and Mari and it was so clear they were destined for each other. I did wonder if (minor spoiler) Mari's fiancé hadn't done X thing, if Mari would have left him for Javi, though. I kind of wish her fiancé had just been a great guy, just not the guy for her, and she had reached that realization totally on her own (or with the help of Javi) and no inciting incident. It's so funny to me that all of Mia Sosa's books center around weddings! But I'll keep reading them.

Thanks to Putnam for my ARC and finished copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars - 8/10

I love friends to lovers and I love Mia Sosa so it was practically a sure thing that I would love When Javi Dumped Mari...and I did! Javi and Mari had so much chemistry right from the start when they were bickering collegiates! Of course, Alex seemed perfect at first and I wondered how Mia would pull it together. Of course, she did. And I didn't see it coming. With banter that bantered and steam that steamed, Sosa's latest delivered all the romantic vibes I expected her to.

When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa is a standalone rom-com and was a bit deeper than I expected, but in a great way! Really interesting perspective.

I always enjoy Mia’s books! She brings new perspectives, fun anecdotes, and diverse cultures in every story. I’m all for it! Keep ‘em coming!

I liked how relatable this story was. Taking things that we say as children or even young adults, then completely going back on it later in life or completely forgetting it. IT brings up the idea of how important or strong are the things said. Is it just an in the moment situation or is it more?

I enjoyed the unexpected, but should’ve been expected, breaking of the pact. Mari already knew Javi’s feelings and waited but got tired. Thus creating the dynamic of a guy taking too long to confess his feelings and a woman tired of waiting for him to finally tell her how he feels. This is such a common thing that occurs and people miss out on their potential person because they take too long. At some point a girl’s gotta stop waiting and do what’s best for herself. Ironically, that is usually the moment the guy decides to take action and it’s usually too late. Funny how they will only do stuff when they have fear of losing it. While that’s more of a downer perspective, it is rooted in this story and I liked that it was portrayed in a more humorous way.

This book has such a fun premise, interesting characters, and a wild ride to enjoy. I’m sure there’s something in there for everyone to connect with. If you are ready to dive into a fun new rom-com, wait no longer or you’ll miss your chance! 😉

Other books by Mia: The Wedding Crasher, The Worst Best Man, Son of a Beach, The Starter Ex (Audible Original)

*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of When Javi Dumped Mari from Mia Sosa via NetGalley

For the most part, I had a lot of fun with this. The yearning was amazing, especially from Javi's side, and I had a hard time putting this down. The downside for me came in the second half, when I felt like things were being dragged out for too long and the story started to feel repetitive. I still had a really good time, but the book could have been a little shorter.

This was an entertaining friends-to-lovers romance. It was filled with angst and missed opportunities but was a well earned HEA!

Javi and Mari met in college and quickly friend-zoned each other. After heading in different directions after college, they reconnect but can never get their timing right, until Mari gets engaged and Javi panics. Can he win her for real before he loses her forever?

This was a cute tale of two lovable dummies who just needed to be honest with each other. Javi had self-esteem issues after being betrayed by his family and not finding immediate success after college. Mari knows her feelings more, but has her own growing to do about standing up for her future goals. I loved the friends who offered a lot of comedic relief, both in the past and present timelines. I had a great time with this book and continue to be a fan of Mia Sosa!

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the e-book in exchange for my honest review.

4.5

I absolutely adored what Mia Sosa did with the storytelling of this book!

Sometimes dual timeline stories can be hit or miss for me but I think Sosa did it so well, especially in the friends to lovers relationship transition that was happening. I think there was likely more time spent in the past but I think it was really well done in portraying Javi & Mari's friendship and relationship throughout their various years of knowing each other. I also think the dual POV was really well done. We get to see how and why Javi & Mari hadn't made the switch to romance earlier and understand the motivations and delays to their romantic relationship.

The only thing that I didn't love, was the ending was a little bit *not for me*. I didn't hate it but it was definitely not the way I would have handled the situation and it wasn't how I had expected the characters to act but I was able to get past it and still ultimately enjoyed the book!

I do think that the dual timeline & dual POV storytelling that Mia Sosa does here will not be for everyone but I absolutely loved the execution!

Mia Sosa’s When Javi Dumped Mari delivers a friends-to-lovers romance that will have you seated. I enjoyed the DPOV and dual timeline - I was rooting for Javi and Mari throughout.

3.5
ARC via NetGalley

Goodreads review

I don't love dual timeline stories, but I have loved Mia Sosa's books, so I gave this a whirl. And this one worked better for me than others I've read.

Javi and Mari have been in love with each other forever, obviously, but they won't admit that. Even if it has, occasionally, boiled over into the best sex of their lives. Whoops.

Where the dual timeline really works is starting in the right place, and then bringing the back story into focus while developing the characters. The romance really starts in the first timeline, and the second is all about Mari getting married and Javi trying desperately to be supportive/get the fiance to show his colors.

It's a very nice story with lots of friends and family in support and a truly great couple at its center trying to find their truth.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It’s a classic tale of boy meets girl, they are attracted to each other, but don’t want to ruin the friendship…until one moves on, and the other wants to see where the friendship could go.

“When Javi Dumped Mari” was a fun read. The dialogue gets an A+ from me. A great summer read.

Thank you, NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons! #NetGalley #WhenJaviDumpedMari

Stunning, unputdownable brilliance.

Dual POV and dual timeline = greatness. We open on Javi ready to declare his love for his long time friend Mari. Unfortunately she brings a fiancé to the dinner - news to Javi because the two friends have always had a pact to vet each other’s partners. While the quick wedding creeps closer we slowly get peaks into the formation of their friendship and insane chemistry - as well as the roadblocks that cause them distance. I couldn’t put it down - desperate for these two to find their way to each other before Mari said I do! If you’re usually weary of a love triangle..I trust you will be satisfied with this one!

Heat Factor: I would call this a low-heat book, even given the scene where they don’t make it to the bed because they’re so hot for each other.

Character Chemistry: They like to set each other up for public embarrassment which I would hate but they seem to like.

Plot: Your best friend and one true love is getting married to someone else. Cue the flashbacks and the sabotage.

Overall: I liked the second half better than the first half.

I’ll be upfront with you: I don’t love split timeline storytelling, especially in romance. I am much more interested in where the characters are now and where they’re going than in getting the entire backstory on where they’ve been. Romance is about hope for the future, not wallowing in the past. I’m ok with a long timeline, even! Just structurally, going back and forth doesn’t really work for me. So that’s a point against this book right from the outset.

I especially didn’t need several chapters about their friendship in college. I don’t think it told me anything that I couldn’t have learned by seeing more of their interactions now—and now is when I need to believe they are in love, not when they first met. Given that the first chunk of the book was primarily flashback to their time in college, the beginning was a bit of a slog.

The midpoint of the relationship between Javi and Mari is right after college, when Javi ghosts Mari (for reasons that aren’t revealed until the end of the book, so I won’t talk about them here). After a couple of years, they randomly reconnect, hook up, and become best friends again. Given the tons of flashbacks about their friendship throughout college, I was surprised at how sparse this part of the story was; if we’re doing flashbacks this seems like a much meatier time to focus on.

I felt that the book itself really picked up once the flashbacks (mostly) stopped and the primary focus was on Javi and Mari as Mari prepares to marry someone else. Javi, with the help of Mari’s other close friends, is trying to convince Mari that her fiancé is not right for her, that she should slow down instead of jumping into a marriage after dating for only a few months. This does create some tension—but unfortunately, most of the sexual tension has been relegated to the past through the flashbacks. A little rivalry between Javi and the fiancé develops (this fiancé might not be right for Mari, but he’s no dummy), which does lend itself to some fun set pieces, but there’s not really space to develop it into anything more than juvenile pranks. But at least this part of the book felt like it was cohesively building to something, and the few flashbacks provided crucial information instead of meandering through a ton of backstory.

However, at the end of the day, there was too long a timeline—too many one-off events included—for the relationship to feel fully developed. This was a fun-enough read, but not one for the keeper shelf.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

📣 friends to lovers with lots of flashbacks

📖 are you a fan of When Harry Met Sally? Do you identify more with Harry or Sally? Or, is your current read feeling too long, too short, or just right?

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

Whew, what a journey! Mari & Javi are turtles on the path to a romantic relationship but thankfully, they get there! 😂 🐢

Mari & Javi have been besties since college, & their compatibility & zing is easy to recognize. But the timing isn’t right, & for Javi, who’s insecure about how his life compares to Mari’s, it never is. Then she announces she’s engaged & Javi is THROWN for a LOOP.

These people 😂. They take their slow time but their foundation is built on mutual respect, encouragement, & teasing, & I love that no one will get them like anyone else, including Mari’s fiance.

I wish there had been less flashbacks—they take up so much of the book—but that focus does show that it has always been him for her & vice versa—which forms a compelling motivation for their later actions.

4 ⭐️, out now!

CWs: divorced parents, parental manipulation, sibling estrangement

[ID: Jess holds the ebook in front of a pink flower arrangement & brick wall.]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This is friends to lovers done right. I loved the dual timelines and getting to see how their relationship grew over time. This is my second read from this author and will be looking forward to more.

Friends to lovers is a top tier trope. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it forever! This hit me right in the feels. Mari is engaged and asks her best friend Javi to be her Man of Honor—not knowing he’s been in love with her forever. Javi, tired of staying silent, decides it’s now or never to stop the wedding and win her back!!

The tension, the longing, the slow-burn payoff—it’s all delicious! Javi’s journey from self-doubt to love confession is beautifully done, and Mari’s emotional growth makes the ending all the more satisfying. Especially with her controlling ass face dad. Blech. Who needs that guy?; A few pacing hiccups and flat side characters kept it from being a full 5 stars for me, but the main love story more than delivered.

A must-read for fans of second chances, unspoken feelings, and best-friends-to-lovers angst done right. 💍💔🔥

Rating: 3.5/5 stars. I didn't love it but didn't hate it. There were a lot of flashbacks to the past and then back to the present and there was just too much back and forth for my taste. The ending was not what I expected but it did wrap the story up in a bow.

Thank you to Netgalley and Putnam publishing for the gifted eARC.

Javi and Mari met in college and didn’t like each other at first, but once they got to know each other better they became the best of friends.

The were attracted to each other but both pushed those feelings to the back and focused on just being friends. They make a pact that they need to approve of who the other is dating before they get serious. At the beginning of the story we find out that Mari breaks that pact when she introduces Javi to her fiancé. It was the same time he was going to tell her that he wants to be more than friends.

The rest of the books bounces between the past and the present as you learn about how complicated Javi and Mari’s friendship was. Then it all comes to a head at the wedding.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a very good friends to lovers story. The characters were wonderful. It has plenty of laughs. Very well done.

Best friends Javier Báez and Marisol Campos swore never to date someone the other doesn’t approve of. Javi had a crush on Mari for years, but never admitted it before. Now Mari is engaged to a Pedro Pascal knockoff, no longer willing to wait for Javi to admit his love for her. She plans to marry, so Javi has six weeks to convince her to change her mind.

The novel has two timelines. The current one begins six weeks before Mari's wedding when she introduces her fiancé to Javi for the first time. Not cool, Mari, especially when she says Javi is her best friend and knows everything about her. This was a huge break in trust for me to read. The bulk of the first half of the book is actually the past timeline, showing us the past relationship before moving to the current day, and Javi trying to capture Mari's attention and feelings, like a second-chance romance without the original romance.

The second timeline begins nearly twelve years before this, when both are in college. We're introduced to them and see how they met and developed that friendship, which means so much to them. Javi describes Mari as a chaos demon, and I agree with that assessment. I actually don't like her, so it was a struggle to read the college years. She gets better in time, and I understand it when we meet her father, but she's still not my favorite character to read about. The premise at first seemed like it would be a romcom, but it feels more serious than that, given the lifelong friendship and the real-world difficulties in the entertainment industry and family issues that came up.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam & Mia Sosa for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

This trope: Idiots/Knuckleheads to lovers. I swear. These doofuses... it's beyond being the miscommunication trope- it's just total obliviousness to what is in front of them. And let me tell you- I ATE THIS UP!

The alternating timelines were done so well. The chemistry?! SPICY! ELECTRIC! The resolution?!? Yes, yes, yes.

This was the book I didn't know I need it! Mari and Javi were the perfect couple and this is big coming from a girl that reads very few romances. I found myself laughing at the witty humor of Javi dialogue and the sarcasm Mari always brought. I never read Mia Sosa work before but this is a great start and Im very much looking forward to more of her work. Its all about the banter and the cuteness for me!