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When Javi Dumped Mari
AN INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER
A Most Anticipated Book of 2025
NPR People Bustle Paste Magazine Latinx in Publishing BookBub
One engagement. Two best friends. Three's a crowd.
On the eve of their college graduation, best friends Javier Báez and Marisol Campos swore never to date someone the other doesn’t approve of. Now, almost a decade later, Javi has a problem. Mari, the woman he’s secretly pined for since sophomore year, is engaged—and Javi didn’t even get the chance to vet the Pedro Pascal knockoff she plans to marry.
A successful entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles, Mari is no longer seeking Javi’s dating advice or waiting for him to declare his love. Instead, she’s made a different pact—with herself. And to succeed, Mari’s vowing to build a future with someone who wants to commit to her.
With his life and career finally on track, Javi’s ready to confess his feelings. Except Mari’s changed the script and moved on without him. Javi has just six weeks to convince Mari this marriage is a flop. If that means he needs to ruffle some feathers to help her avert disaster, well, he’s up for the challenge. After all, isn’t that what best friends are for?
A Most Anticipated Book of 2025
NPR People Bustle Paste Magazine Latinx in Publishing BookBub
One engagement. Two best friends. Three's a crowd.
On the eve of their college graduation, best friends Javier Báez and Marisol Campos swore never to date someone the other doesn’t approve of. Now, almost a decade later, Javi has a problem. Mari, the woman he’s secretly pined for since sophomore year, is engaged—and Javi didn’t even get the chance to vet the Pedro Pascal knockoff she plans to marry.
A successful entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles, Mari is no longer seeking Javi’s dating advice or waiting for him to declare his love. Instead, she’s made a different pact—with herself. And to succeed, Mari’s vowing to build a future with someone who wants to commit to her.
With his life and career finally on track, Javi’s ready to confess his feelings. Except Mari’s changed the script and moved on without him. Javi has just six weeks to convince Mari this marriage is a flop. If that means he needs to ruffle some feathers to help her avert disaster, well, he’s up for the challenge. After all, isn’t that what best friends are for?
Audible Audio
First published June 24, 2025
206 people are currently reading
18358 people want to read
About the author
Mia Sosa
13 books3,192 followersMia Sosa is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her books have received praise from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Library Journal, The Washington Post, Buzzfeed, NPR, and more.
Booklist called her the “go-to author for fans of sassy and sexy contemporary romances,” and Entertainment Weekly described her trade paperback debut, The Worst Best Man, as "rom-com perfection."
A former First Amendment and media lawyer, Mia practiced for more than a decade before trading her suits for loungewear (read: sweatpants). Now she writes fun, flirty, and moderately dirty stories about imperfect characters finding their perfect match.
Mia lives in Maryland with her husband, their two daughters, a gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and one rescue cat that rules them all.
For more information about Mia and her books, visit www.miasosa.com.
Booklist called her the “go-to author for fans of sassy and sexy contemporary romances,” and Entertainment Weekly described her trade paperback debut, The Worst Best Man, as "rom-com perfection."
A former First Amendment and media lawyer, Mia practiced for more than a decade before trading her suits for loungewear (read: sweatpants). Now she writes fun, flirty, and moderately dirty stories about imperfect characters finding their perfect match.
Mia lives in Maryland with her husband, their two daughters, a gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and one rescue cat that rules them all.
For more information about Mia and her books, visit www.miasosa.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 608 reviews
November 22, 2025
You know how sometimes you pick up a book and it just makes you smile? That's exactly what happened when I dove into Mia Sosa's "When Javi Dumped Mari." Picture this: two best friends who made this adorable pact in college to be each other's relationship gatekeepers, and now, years later, it's completely backfiring in the most delicious way possible.
The story centers on Javi, who's finally getting his life together, when BAM! – Mari drops the bombshell that she's engaged to some guy he barely knows. Talk about a wake-up call! Now he's in this frantic race against time (six weeks to be exact) to stop the wedding, all while probably realizing he's been in love with her this whole time. Classic, right?
But here's what really got me – these characters feel like people you actually know. Javi's this theater-loving softie who's trying to play it cool while clearly freaking out inside, and Mari's this total boss entertainment lawyer who's done waiting around for something that might never happen. When they're together on the page, their back-and-forth is pure gold. It's like watching your two friends who are obviously perfect for each other but just won't get their act together!
Sosa really knows how to balance the laugh-out-loud moments with the heart-squeezing ones. Sure, the beginning takes its sweet time with college flashbacks, but once the wedding chaos kicks in? Pure entertainment. And don't even get me started on the side characters – they're like that group of friends and family who can't help but meddle because they care too much.
At its heart, this book is about that messy, beautiful journey of figuring out what (and who) you really want in life. If you're the kind of person who yells "Just kiss already!" at fictional characters or lives for those slow-burn romances where best friends finally realize they're in love, you're going to eat this up. It's got the same vibes as "The Worst Best Man" but with its own special charm that'll leave you grinning like a fool.
Trust me, this is the kind of book that'll make you believe in second chances – and probably make you want to text your best friend just to check in. You know, just in case?
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this delightful romance's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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The story centers on Javi, who's finally getting his life together, when BAM! – Mari drops the bombshell that she's engaged to some guy he barely knows. Talk about a wake-up call! Now he's in this frantic race against time (six weeks to be exact) to stop the wedding, all while probably realizing he's been in love with her this whole time. Classic, right?
But here's what really got me – these characters feel like people you actually know. Javi's this theater-loving softie who's trying to play it cool while clearly freaking out inside, and Mari's this total boss entertainment lawyer who's done waiting around for something that might never happen. When they're together on the page, their back-and-forth is pure gold. It's like watching your two friends who are obviously perfect for each other but just won't get their act together!
Sosa really knows how to balance the laugh-out-loud moments with the heart-squeezing ones. Sure, the beginning takes its sweet time with college flashbacks, but once the wedding chaos kicks in? Pure entertainment. And don't even get me started on the side characters – they're like that group of friends and family who can't help but meddle because they care too much.
At its heart, this book is about that messy, beautiful journey of figuring out what (and who) you really want in life. If you're the kind of person who yells "Just kiss already!" at fictional characters or lives for those slow-burn romances where best friends finally realize they're in love, you're going to eat this up. It's got the same vibes as "The Worst Best Man" but with its own special charm that'll leave you grinning like a fool.
Trust me, this is the kind of book that'll make you believe in second chances – and probably make you want to text your best friend just to check in. You know, just in case?
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this delightful romance's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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June 10, 2025
Unfortunately this one didn’t really work for me. I loved the college flashbacks and watching them catch feelings for each other, but they were both so resistant at literally every instance at communicating and trying to build something together. I also could not get down with the fact she’s engaged to be married until literally 99% of the book. SHE LITERALLY GOES TO THE ALTAR WITH THE OTHER GUY. I’m sorry if you suppress your feelings and can’t commit to each other for like 10 years and don’t show me any happy, committed, and romantic moments until the epilogue how can I buy into the HEA?
Javi was down bad and he really made the book for me, but the way he ghosted her kinda rubbed me the wrong way.
This felt like a pretty middle of the road romance and I’m sad I didn’t like it more.
Thank you penguin group Putnam for an arc.
Javi was down bad and he really made the book for me, but the way he ghosted her kinda rubbed me the wrong way.
This felt like a pretty middle of the road romance and I’m sad I didn’t like it more.
Thank you penguin group Putnam for an arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2025
I received a free copy of, When Javi Dumped Mari, by Mia Sosa, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Marisol and Javi are best friends, strictly platonic, though Javi is in love with Mari, but Mari is engaged to someone else. I thought this book was ok, it was a bit to much of past, and present.
January 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐
*+:｡.｡𝓦𝓮 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓯𝓲𝓽. 𝓦𝓮’𝓻𝓮 𝓾𝓷𝓲𝓺𝓾𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓸𝓬𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓹𝓲𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓼, 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓬𝓾𝓻𝓿𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓭𝓰𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓾𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓯𝓲𝓽 𝓽𝓸𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓮𝓵𝓼𝓮.”｡.｡:+*
This was my first Mia Sosa book, and I loved the Latina rep and culture so much. Admittedly, I don't like the dual timeline; it gets me distracted. I really wanted to slap Mari so many times throughout the book but it ended up great
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
𝕊𝕜𝕚𝕡 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤: 𝟚𝟚, 𝟛𝟘, 𝔼𝕡𝕚𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕦𝕖
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕿𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
🌸 𝙵𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙽𝙳𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂
🌸 𝙻𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚊 𝚁𝚎𝚙
🌸 𝙳𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝙿𝙾𝚅
🌸 𝙳𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚃𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
I received the eARC 💕 THANK YOU Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam
*+:｡.｡𝓦𝓮 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓯𝓲𝓽. 𝓦𝓮’𝓻𝓮 𝓾𝓷𝓲𝓺𝓾𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓸𝓬𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓹𝓲𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓼, 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓬𝓾𝓻𝓿𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓭𝓰𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓾𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓯𝓲𝓽 𝓽𝓸𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓮𝓵𝓼𝓮.”｡.｡:+*
This was my first Mia Sosa book, and I loved the Latina rep and culture so much. Admittedly, I don't like the dual timeline; it gets me distracted. I really wanted to slap Mari so many times throughout the book but it ended up great
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
𝕊𝕜𝕚𝕡 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤: 𝟚𝟚, 𝟛𝟘, 𝔼𝕡𝕚𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕦𝕖
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕿𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
🌸 𝙵𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙽𝙳𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂
🌸 𝙻𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚊 𝚁𝚎𝚙
🌸 𝙳𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝙿𝙾𝚅
🌸 𝙳𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚃𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
I received the eARC 💕 THANK YOU Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam
May 28, 2025
3.5⭐️, although was 3⭐️ until the ending. I’m not sure why this story didn’t connect with me, but I didn’t feel pulled in to keep reading and felt like I needed to force myself a bit to stay on track for the deadline. It did have some super charming moments, and while I loved Mari I struggled to like Javi. I think it would have benefited from significantly less flashbacks (I love a dual timeline, but this seemed to be excessive) and more present-time interaction between the characters. I think there are readers who will absolutely love the more coming-of-age aspects to the earlier timeline. I do think I would read this writer again, and maybe I will connect more with a differently framed narrative. Thank you to Putnam for the ARC!
Read
June 4, 2025
Book Riot's Best New Romance Books Out in June:
Mia Sosa is back in our hearts and eyeballs/ears after what seems like a really long time, but is actually only a few years (since her last print book, anyway—she released an Audible Original last year)! In what I’m assuming is a (hopefully less frustrating) take on My Best Friend’s Wedding, Javi and Mari have been best friends since college. They make a pact that they’ll never date someone the other doesn’t approve of, but fast forward to the future and Mari is about to marry a man Javi hardly knows. Not to mention, he’s in love with her. So he sets a course to convince her to not marry this “Pedro Pascal knockoff” (which sounds like a rough job, if he’s anything like the original), and maybe be with him instead. —Jessica Pryde
Mia Sosa is back in our hearts and eyeballs/ears after what seems like a really long time, but is actually only a few years (since her last print book, anyway—she released an Audible Original last year)! In what I’m assuming is a (hopefully less frustrating) take on My Best Friend’s Wedding, Javi and Mari have been best friends since college. They make a pact that they’ll never date someone the other doesn’t approve of, but fast forward to the future and Mari is about to marry a man Javi hardly knows. Not to mention, he’s in love with her. So he sets a course to convince her to not marry this “Pedro Pascal knockoff” (which sounds like a rough job, if he’s anything like the original), and maybe be with him instead. —Jessica Pryde
May 25, 2025
This was a lovely read!!
This book has history and a past relationship. The story is well written and mainly with likable characters. A story that will bring a smile to your face.
I would recommend! Thank you for the ARC team ☺️
This book has history and a past relationship. The story is well written and mainly with likable characters. A story that will bring a smile to your face.
I would recommend! Thank you for the ARC team ☺️
July 5, 2025
First…. I won a kindle copy of this through GoodReads giveaways. Whoop, whoop 🙌 freebie alert.
I’m having a hard time rating ‘When Javi Dumped Mari’ because as much as there were things I loved about the story, there were equal parts I didn’t. But giving a 3 seems too little and a 4 too much, so split the difference.
The story is told in alternating points of view, which I’m always a fan of. These two as different as they were, were very much the same at the core. They wanted the other’s happiness above their own, even up until the last page. That makes my heart melt at their selflessness. But it was the flashbacks throughout I did not care for. Felt clunky and I was constantly trying to remember what year I was in. Mari’s friendships were fun and brought about humorous dialogue, and I loved the antics they got up to in college in the name of womanhood.
As much as Ive read YA and NA, I’ve never felt like things went over my grey haired head. Until reading this. Sure, new music I don’t follow, but there were slang terms I wasn’t knowledgeable on, more than a few, and even Wikipedia on my Kindle didn’t know. With as universal as most YA/NA is, I was just caught for a loop. My 20 year old rolled his eyes the first time I asked, so I just made up my own definitions going forward. “Oh, mother,” I got.
I’m going to try another by this author because I really enjoyed the romance part!
I’m having a hard time rating ‘When Javi Dumped Mari’ because as much as there were things I loved about the story, there were equal parts I didn’t. But giving a 3 seems too little and a 4 too much, so split the difference.
The story is told in alternating points of view, which I’m always a fan of. These two as different as they were, were very much the same at the core. They wanted the other’s happiness above their own, even up until the last page. That makes my heart melt at their selflessness. But it was the flashbacks throughout I did not care for. Felt clunky and I was constantly trying to remember what year I was in. Mari’s friendships were fun and brought about humorous dialogue, and I loved the antics they got up to in college in the name of womanhood.
As much as Ive read YA and NA, I’ve never felt like things went over my grey haired head. Until reading this. Sure, new music I don’t follow, but there were slang terms I wasn’t knowledgeable on, more than a few, and even Wikipedia on my Kindle didn’t know. With as universal as most YA/NA is, I was just caught for a loop. My 20 year old rolled his eyes the first time I asked, so I just made up my own definitions going forward. “Oh, mother,” I got.
I’m going to try another by this author because I really enjoyed the romance part!
June 12, 2025
Ugh sorry, I’m going to be a hater. I was so excited to receive an advanced copy of this, but unfortunately, I found the story dull, and reading it became a chore. The characters never truly felt like true “best friends” to me. There was a lack of emotional chemistry that made it hard to buy into their connection beyond physical attraction. The dual timeline structure also felt SO excessive. While a few chapters set in the past helped explain certain present-day moments, most didn’t add meaningful depth and ultimately disrupted the pacing for me. So sad this didn’t work out for me, but thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for the eARC!
July 14, 2025
4 stars.
Mia Sosa is one of my favorite authors, so I was looking forward to "When Javi Dumped Mari." Luckily, it did not disappoint! It is a slow-burning friends-to-lovers dual timeline romance featuring two interesting main characters. It tells the story of Javi and Mari, how they met, how they dated other people, how he fell for her, how she got engaged to another guy, and how he tried to figure out how to tell her his truth. I love the foundation of the story between Javi and Mari, how they met in college and became close friends. From there, the story builds over time and is full of humor and (eventually) heat. These are two characters that are imperfect and don't apologize for it. They are both relatable and engaging to read about. Javi does everything he can, all the time, for Mari. It is so painfully obvious that he just wants to see her smile and be happy, but he hopes that, one day, she will realize that she's truly happy *with him* by her side. Mari and Javi's banter with one another is top tier! My complaint is the pacing. I am all for a well executed, slow burning romance, but I think this book is a little too slow. I do think that the romantic connection between the two of them could have been hurried up a little bit more. It feels like it takes a looOoOong time for the ultimate romance to unfold, but the end few chapters feel rushed at the same time. Still, I found this book to be relatable and amusing and sweet. The pacing didn't detract for my overall enjoyment of the book. Mia Sosa remains undefeated in my book!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Mia Sosa, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Mia Sosa is one of my favorite authors, so I was looking forward to "When Javi Dumped Mari." Luckily, it did not disappoint! It is a slow-burning friends-to-lovers dual timeline romance featuring two interesting main characters. It tells the story of Javi and Mari, how they met, how they dated other people, how he fell for her, how she got engaged to another guy, and how he tried to figure out how to tell her his truth. I love the foundation of the story between Javi and Mari, how they met in college and became close friends. From there, the story builds over time and is full of humor and (eventually) heat. These are two characters that are imperfect and don't apologize for it. They are both relatable and engaging to read about. Javi does everything he can, all the time, for Mari. It is so painfully obvious that he just wants to see her smile and be happy, but he hopes that, one day, she will realize that she's truly happy *with him* by her side. Mari and Javi's banter with one another is top tier! My complaint is the pacing. I am all for a well executed, slow burning romance, but I think this book is a little too slow. I do think that the romantic connection between the two of them could have been hurried up a little bit more. It feels like it takes a looOoOong time for the ultimate romance to unfold, but the end few chapters feel rushed at the same time. Still, I found this book to be relatable and amusing and sweet. The pacing didn't detract for my overall enjoyment of the book. Mia Sosa remains undefeated in my book!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Mia Sosa, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
June 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this read, and of course, I'll need to read more from the author. This is told in both past and present timeline, in the present day we see the fmc Mari planning to get married and her best friend Javi not liking the guy, and in the past we see how Javi and Mari met and how they formed their dating pact. I liked the main characters a lot, and I was shouting at them to get together because of how perfect they are for each other, and the fact that they didn't confess their feelings to each other. I liked the wedding drama and seeing them come together, even if it did take most of the book. Overall, a good romcom, thanks to Putnam Books for this arc for an honest review.
January 18, 2025
ARC REVIEW (thanks NETGALLEY)
Ugh sorry I hated this.
I thought this was going to be an angsty right place wrong time kinda story and it totally wasn’t. I really never felt any connection between the 2 of them. . He fucking ghosts her for 6 years and he never would have had the balls to contact her again if they didn’t randomly bump into eachother. It started getting really goofy/stupid during the wedding weekend. Mari didn’t seem like the type of person to jump into marriage with a man after 6 months, it made no sense for her character. If it wasn’t for the literal last minute over heard conversation Mari would’ve gone through with her wedding and pussy ass Javi was keeping his mouth shut. Is this part of or the beginning of a series? Why was I reading about her friend having aFib and not being able to drink alcohol?
Ugh sorry I hated this.
I thought this was going to be an angsty right place wrong time kinda story and it totally wasn’t. I really never felt any connection between the 2 of them. . He fucking ghosts her for 6 years and he never would have had the balls to contact her again if they didn’t randomly bump into eachother. It started getting really goofy/stupid during the wedding weekend. Mari didn’t seem like the type of person to jump into marriage with a man after 6 months, it made no sense for her character. If it wasn’t for the literal last minute over heard conversation Mari would’ve gone through with her wedding and pussy ass Javi was keeping his mouth shut. Is this part of or the beginning of a series? Why was I reading about her friend having aFib and not being able to drink alcohol?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2025
Thank you Putnam, Mia Sosa and Netgalley for providing me an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book felt like watching a Brazillian soap opera. The humor, the drama and the yearning were top notch and really brought me back to the times I used to watch lighthearted telenovelas after school. This book was entertaining, but also touched on subjects such as difficult family dynamics that sobered it up whenever things got too unbelievable.
I really appreciated both Javi and Mari. They start out very different from each other, but as they mature, they sort of grow into the same direction despite their career paths looking so different. So, by the end, they're a lot more similar to each other. Mari becomes more levelheaded and Javi learns to not be so uptighted. Both of their arcs were fun to accompany and made sense with what we knew of them and their world. Their relationship spans many years and miles in between, and they're the bestest of friends until one kiss changed it all.
While I appreciated the ebb and flow of the book, I felt there were moments in the book that were too plot convenient, which took me out of the narrative at times. I didn't fully get behind what kept these two separated for so many years, and I don't love how Mari's fiancee is introduced with barely any personality despite being a crucial obstacle in the plot. I never believed that Mari would have even gone out on a date with that man, let alone consider marrying him.
Overall, this felt like a middle of the road type of romance. I liked the writing and the author did a good job keeping me engaged, but I was not completely sold on the romance side of things even though I rooted for those two the whole time.
This book felt like watching a Brazillian soap opera. The humor, the drama and the yearning were top notch and really brought me back to the times I used to watch lighthearted telenovelas after school. This book was entertaining, but also touched on subjects such as difficult family dynamics that sobered it up whenever things got too unbelievable.
I really appreciated both Javi and Mari. They start out very different from each other, but as they mature, they sort of grow into the same direction despite their career paths looking so different. So, by the end, they're a lot more similar to each other. Mari becomes more levelheaded and Javi learns to not be so uptighted. Both of their arcs were fun to accompany and made sense with what we knew of them and their world. Their relationship spans many years and miles in between, and they're the bestest of friends until one kiss changed it all.
While I appreciated the ebb and flow of the book, I felt there were moments in the book that were too plot convenient, which took me out of the narrative at times. I didn't fully get behind what kept these two separated for so many years, and I don't love how Mari's fiancee is introduced with barely any personality despite being a crucial obstacle in the plot. I never believed that Mari would have even gone out on a date with that man, let alone consider marrying him.
Overall, this felt like a middle of the road type of romance. I liked the writing and the author did a good job keeping me engaged, but I was not completely sold on the romance side of things even though I rooted for those two the whole time.
October 19, 2025
Yall! This was so cute and HILARIOUS! I was so here for it. It had several of my favorite tropes as well. I read this so fast, then was shocked to see how many pages it had, because I must've been burning through those pages trying to see what would happen next lol This does jump timelines a bit, but it was easy for me not to be confused by it though I can see how it might be confusing for others. Overall, wonderful read, and I'm now obsessed with Javi and Mari!
June 9, 2025
This book gave me the ick and I am so sad. 1.5 star rounded
Mia Sosa is an auto buy author for me and I have always loved her humor and writing style. I saw this available to request on NetGalley and was so dang excited when I got approved for the advanced reader copy.
So much of this book and storyline just didn't make sense and made me feel icky so let's talk about
1. Javi and Mari are supposed to be best friends who trust each other's opinions on their respective partners, but Mari doesn't even tell Javi she is dating anyone until she is already engaged and the wedding is 8 weeks away???? That makes zero sense.
2. Javi is supposed to be Mari's 'Best Man' but again, he doesn't even know she is dating anyone until 8 weeks before the wedding????? WTF
3. Javi never saw Mari as a friend. He wants her. He wants to date her. He keeps his friendship with her for the sole purpose of hopefully getting into her pants one day and I hate that so much.
4. What do you mean Javi agrees to help Mari with the wedding because he wants to destroy the wedding to make Mari fall in love with him????? This man needs a therapist because that is toxic af. Why can't you just be honest for once?
5. The flash backs of their 'friendship' just highlighted the fact that these two were never friends. Also Javi never dumper Mari cause they never dated so the title makes no sense
I am so sad right now
I was so looking forward to a new book from Mia Sosa and this book just missed the mark for me so much. It highlights everything I don't like about friends to lovers and show just how toxic these stories can be.
I ended up finishing this book purely hate reading it. I wish I could go back in time and not request this book, but I will always be honest and give my honest opinions on books...
Mia Sosa is an auto buy author for me and I have always loved her humor and writing style. I saw this available to request on NetGalley and was so dang excited when I got approved for the advanced reader copy.
So much of this book and storyline just didn't make sense and made me feel icky so let's talk about
1. Javi and Mari are supposed to be best friends who trust each other's opinions on their respective partners, but Mari doesn't even tell Javi she is dating anyone until she is already engaged and the wedding is 8 weeks away???? That makes zero sense.
2. Javi is supposed to be Mari's 'Best Man' but again, he doesn't even know she is dating anyone until 8 weeks before the wedding????? WTF
3. Javi never saw Mari as a friend. He wants her. He wants to date her. He keeps his friendship with her for the sole purpose of hopefully getting into her pants one day and I hate that so much.
4. What do you mean Javi agrees to help Mari with the wedding because he wants to destroy the wedding to make Mari fall in love with him????? This man needs a therapist because that is toxic af. Why can't you just be honest for once?
5. The flash backs of their 'friendship' just highlighted the fact that these two were never friends. Also Javi never dumper Mari cause they never dated so the title makes no sense
I am so sad right now
I was so looking forward to a new book from Mia Sosa and this book just missed the mark for me so much. It highlights everything I don't like about friends to lovers and show just how toxic these stories can be.
I ended up finishing this book purely hate reading it. I wish I could go back in time and not request this book, but I will always be honest and give my honest opinions on books...
June 20, 2025
A slow burn friends to lovers told through dual POVs and dual timelines, the story of Javi and Mari vaguely echoes the same beats as When Harry Met Sally, a movie I don't particularly like but I did enjoy this book.
Javi and Mari meet in college and though they seem polar opposites in a lot of ways, a friendship blossoms. Sure, there's and underlying layer of simmering sexual attraction but both value their friendship too much to ever let themselves ruin it by trying and failing for something more.
Years pass and after college, Javi is struggling to find gainful employment while Mari is living across the country and going to law school. He ends up ghosting her and they run into each other years later, when Mari is a successful lawyer working at her father's firm and Javi is a struggling bartender/actor who is still working on the musical he's been writing for years.
Renewing their friendship while also occasionally hooking up, Mari wants more but Javi doesn't think he's good enough for her. So they decide to stay friends until Mari shows up to dinner with a fiancé in tow.
I liked a lot about this book, even the flashbacks that show the evolution of their friendship and the highs and lows. I liked their extended friend group. Both Mari and Javi have some family issues, Marie with her parents, especially her father, and Javi with his two older brothers. They both spend the bulk of the book pretending that they are fine with the way their respective family members screwed them over which is frustrating but also somewhat realistic.
The end of the book is really good and sweet and lovely and I love that Mari has learned how to draw boundaries for herself with her father.
All in all, this was a super enjoyable read.
ARC from publisher, review is all mine.
Content Notes: toxic parental relationship, problematic fiancé, MMC has issues with betrayal regarding his older brothers.
Javi and Mari meet in college and though they seem polar opposites in a lot of ways, a friendship blossoms. Sure, there's and underlying layer of simmering sexual attraction but both value their friendship too much to ever let themselves ruin it by trying and failing for something more.
Years pass and after college, Javi is struggling to find gainful employment while Mari is living across the country and going to law school. He ends up ghosting her and they run into each other years later, when Mari is a successful lawyer working at her father's firm and Javi is a struggling bartender/actor who is still working on the musical he's been writing for years.
Renewing their friendship while also occasionally hooking up, Mari wants more but Javi doesn't think he's good enough for her. So they decide to stay friends until Mari shows up to dinner with a fiancé in tow.
I liked a lot about this book, even the flashbacks that show the evolution of their friendship and the highs and lows. I liked their extended friend group. Both Mari and Javi have some family issues, Marie with her parents, especially her father, and Javi with his two older brothers. They both spend the bulk of the book pretending that they are fine with the way their respective family members screwed them over which is frustrating but also somewhat realistic.
The end of the book is really good and sweet and lovely and I love that Mari has learned how to draw boundaries for herself with her father.
All in all, this was a super enjoyable read.
ARC from publisher, review is all mine.
Content Notes: toxic parental relationship, problematic fiancé, MMC has issues with betrayal regarding his older brothers.
February 13, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Mia Sosa for allowing me to read this book in advance. Full disclaimer I am a hardcore Mia Sosa fan!
When Javi Dumped Mari is a contemporary romance to be released on June 24 (perfect for the summer, wink wink!)
Two best friends. One wedding to derail. Six weeks to rewrite their story.
Javier Báez has secretly loved Marisol Campos for years, but now she’s engaged to someone else—and he’s determined to stop the wedding. With time running out, Javi must convince Mari that the love she’s been looking for has been right in front of her all along.
I’m absolutely head over heels for this book! It’s hilarious (yes, I cackled and kicked my feet in the air), brilliantly written, and so swoon-worthy. I adored Javi (his "I’m no short king!" line had me howling), Mari, and every single one of the unforgettable secondary characters. Honestly, I recommend this book to everyone—do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR, Amazon wishlist, or preorder list right now. It’s an absolute delight from start to finish!
When Javi Dumped Mari is a contemporary romance to be released on June 24 (perfect for the summer, wink wink!)
Two best friends. One wedding to derail. Six weeks to rewrite their story.
Javier Báez has secretly loved Marisol Campos for years, but now she’s engaged to someone else—and he’s determined to stop the wedding. With time running out, Javi must convince Mari that the love she’s been looking for has been right in front of her all along.
I’m absolutely head over heels for this book! It’s hilarious (yes, I cackled and kicked my feet in the air), brilliantly written, and so swoon-worthy. I adored Javi (his "I’m no short king!" line had me howling), Mari, and every single one of the unforgettable secondary characters. Honestly, I recommend this book to everyone—do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR, Amazon wishlist, or preorder list right now. It’s an absolute delight from start to finish!
July 9, 2025
Stop Playing
This was everything that I expect from a rom-com. There was plenty of witty banter and a predictable happily ever after. Javi and Mari had a funny meet cute that blossomed into an amazing friendship. I loved the way they wanted the best for each other. I was annoyed at both of them for fighting their attraction to each other. It took them forever to stop resisting the inevitable. The story was presented through multiple timelines. A few times, I forgot whether a chapter was in the present or the past. Other than that, it was a fun read with a satisfying ending.
This was everything that I expect from a rom-com. There was plenty of witty banter and a predictable happily ever after. Javi and Mari had a funny meet cute that blossomed into an amazing friendship. I loved the way they wanted the best for each other. I was annoyed at both of them for fighting their attraction to each other. It took them forever to stop resisting the inevitable. The story was presented through multiple timelines. A few times, I forgot whether a chapter was in the present or the past. Other than that, it was a fun read with a satisfying ending.
February 28, 2025
Thank you Putnam for the arc!
I’m not sure if this title matches the book at all. Like I’m trying to see how it makes sense and it really doesn’t.
Javi and Mari meet in college and hit if off as friends then he gets insecure and ghosts her (is this the dumping? They weren’t dating) and then they run into each other 6 years later and sleep together. I wanted to love this but I didn’t really like the premise and I didn’t like javi or Mari and I didn’t care if they got together. I am so sad this was just ok for me.
I’m not sure if this title matches the book at all. Like I’m trying to see how it makes sense and it really doesn’t.
Javi and Mari meet in college and hit if off as friends then he gets insecure and ghosts her (is this the dumping? They weren’t dating) and then they run into each other 6 years later and sleep together. I wanted to love this but I didn’t really like the premise and I didn’t like javi or Mari and I didn’t care if they got together. I am so sad this was just ok for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2025
Another stellar book by Mia Sosa! This book is everything you want in a romance. The friends to lovers, you’ve always been the one, it’s never the right time ill never be enough plot will keep you flipping pages until m&j get their shit together. So good!
June 20, 2025
This was a fun friends to lovers dual POV romance with a twist that has two college besties forced back together when once shocks the other by announcing their impending wedding. I loved the unconventional timeline of this story that starts in the present and then flashes back throughout Javi and Mari's initial meeting and rocky friendship. Full of laughs, lots of heart and even some heat, these two were easy to root for even though I wasn't sure the whole time if they would ever make it past Mari's wedding to another guy. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and gifted physical copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
September 2, 2025
Super cute friends to lovers/second chance 🤭💕 I wish I read this more towards the beginning of summer bc this would be the perfect beach read.
I loved the whole male best friend/maid of honor + my best friend’s wedding setup, and the way the story jumps between past and present made everything more emotional and layered. Watching Javi and Mari realize what was really going on between them over the years was so heartwarming 🥰 I didn’t expect to love it this much, but tbh the back and forth timeline made it even better. Easily my favorite Mia Sosa book so far
I loved the whole male best friend/maid of honor + my best friend’s wedding setup, and the way the story jumps between past and present made everything more emotional and layered. Watching Javi and Mari realize what was really going on between them over the years was so heartwarming 🥰 I didn’t expect to love it this much, but tbh the back and forth timeline made it even better. Easily my favorite Mia Sosa book so far
June 24, 2025
3.5 stars
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Javi Dumped Mari is a chaotic and messy best friends to lovers romance. Javi and Mari met in college, became best friends, and made a pact to vet each other's prospective partner. Their friendship has its ups and downs during the years since college, but nothing stuns Javi more than Mari's sudden announcement that she's getting married...to someone else, someone Javi has never even met before! 90s romcom vibes all the way!
Note: This review will contain spoilers. I'm sorry, but it's unavoidable because I need to talk about what went wrong for me.
Javi and Mari's story is told in dual timelines, with flashbacks that are well-placed at the right timing. It was all going well for me...until the ghosting! For 6 years! What!!!!!! I was floored. The worst thing about the ghosting is that if it weren't for a chance encounter, Javi may never made his way back to Mari. And this just kills me because WHY?? This is one of my major pet peeves. I need the characters to work for it and not just leave their (potential) relationship to chance. 6 years is just way too long a time for ghosting your best friend. I might have forgiven the ghosting if he had made an effort to reconnect with her. But nope. Coincidence is what brought them back together. Javi deserved to suffer for that and I think he got off easy lol.
Despite the push and pull and the mutual love between Mari and Javi, the former actually goes all the way to the altar with her fiance. Surprisingly, this did not annoy me because I really liked the climax and the revelation of who the source of conflict was. Plus, I trust Mari to know what she's doing. On that note, expect some telenovela vibes for the climax LOL. Although, it certainly could have been more dramatic. What can I say? I love drama. The juicier, the better.
Honestly, I really enjoyed this book; it's just the 6-year ghosting that really irked me and continues to irk me as I write this review. Take the ghosting out of the equation, and this book pretty much checks all of my boxes. I want to give it a higher rating because I really liked the romance overall, but the ghosting and the reunion-by-chance annoyed me way too much.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Javi Dumped Mari is a chaotic and messy best friends to lovers romance. Javi and Mari met in college, became best friends, and made a pact to vet each other's prospective partner. Their friendship has its ups and downs during the years since college, but nothing stuns Javi more than Mari's sudden announcement that she's getting married...to someone else, someone Javi has never even met before! 90s romcom vibes all the way!
Note: This review will contain spoilers. I'm sorry, but it's unavoidable because I need to talk about what went wrong for me.
Javi and Mari's story is told in dual timelines, with flashbacks that are well-placed at the right timing. It was all going well for me...until the ghosting! For 6 years! What!!!!!! I was floored. The worst thing about the ghosting is that if it weren't for a chance encounter, Javi may never made his way back to Mari. And this just kills me because WHY?? This is one of my major pet peeves. I need the characters to work for it and not just leave their (potential) relationship to chance. 6 years is just way too long a time for ghosting your best friend. I might have forgiven the ghosting if he had made an effort to reconnect with her. But nope. Coincidence is what brought them back together. Javi deserved to suffer for that and I think he got off easy lol.
Despite the push and pull and the mutual love between Mari and Javi, the former actually goes all the way to the altar with her fiance. Surprisingly, this did not annoy me because I really liked the climax and the revelation of who the source of conflict was. Plus, I trust Mari to know what she's doing. On that note, expect some telenovela vibes for the climax LOL. Although, it certainly could have been more dramatic. What can I say? I love drama. The juicier, the better.
Honestly, I really enjoyed this book; it's just the 6-year ghosting that really irked me and continues to irk me as I write this review. Take the ghosting out of the equation, and this book pretty much checks all of my boxes. I want to give it a higher rating because I really liked the romance overall, but the ghosting and the reunion-by-chance annoyed me way too much.
October 10, 2025
This was really cute and really fun! A good palette cleanser. A great friends to lovers story that’s also kind of a second chance too. My two favorite tropes. This book may have been made for me lowkey. It was cheesy but in a fun kind of way and I really loved seeing the progression friend and through the ups and downs (not those kind of ups and downs though skdjdhejdhe). My only complaint is that this book is kind of long lol but at the same time I flew through it so clearly not even a big deal.
September 28, 2025
Read This Book If…you love the movie My Best Friend’s Wedding!
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa
Genre: romance
Setting: California
POV: dual, 1st person, present tense
Spice Level: 3/5🌶, 1-2 explicit scenes
Tropes: friends to lovers, dual timeline, friendship pact, longtime crush, second chance romance
My Thoughts:
This was not a bad read, by any means. However, it had my least favorite combo of friends-to-lovers, mutual longtime crushes, and one person has another partner. Yes, having her best friend/ex-lover be her best man in her wedding IS ACTUALLY INSANE.
I would have loved to see more of their friendship develop and the years where they lost touch. We are told over and over how they’re each other’s best friends and screen their dates, but we only see it in action a few times. I feel like that friendship pact could have been such a great plot device that the wedding/other partner wasn’t necessary.
Okay, but for the rest of the book… I really enjoyed the conversation about identifying as Latino vs. Hispanic and how each of their cultures see it. The rest of the friend group was laugh-out-loud funny and I loved their scenes. And the spicy scenes were electric!
Overall, a cute and easy read, but just not for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa
Genre: romance
Setting: California
POV: dual, 1st person, present tense
Spice Level: 3/5🌶, 1-2 explicit scenes
Tropes: friends to lovers, dual timeline, friendship pact, longtime crush, second chance romance
My Thoughts:
This was not a bad read, by any means. However, it had my least favorite combo of friends-to-lovers, mutual longtime crushes, and one person has another partner. Yes, having her best friend/ex-lover be her best man in her wedding IS ACTUALLY INSANE.
I would have loved to see more of their friendship develop and the years where they lost touch. We are told over and over how they’re each other’s best friends and screen their dates, but we only see it in action a few times. I feel like that friendship pact could have been such a great plot device that the wedding/other partner wasn’t necessary.
Okay, but for the rest of the book… I really enjoyed the conversation about identifying as Latino vs. Hispanic and how each of their cultures see it. The rest of the friend group was laugh-out-loud funny and I loved their scenes. And the spicy scenes were electric!
Overall, a cute and easy read, but just not for me.
June 20, 2025
*3.5
So happy that I was able to get the e-arc for this book!
This was the first Mia Sosa book that I got the chance to finish and I see the hype! Mia's writing is so fun and her characters are such a great time to spend with.
A hot Brazilian FMC & Puerto Rican MMC best friend duo who have complex feelings on the sideline? Yeah I ate this up in a day!
Javi and Mari are best friends with a complex history. I simply eat up a good best friends to lovers because the chemistry of them knowing each other to the fullest and yearning is to die for!
This book is written in a dual timeline. We get to see the start of how their relationship begins and the unfolding events of the present timeline which has them on a different trajectory.
The dual timeline was interesting to read about, you get to see how close Javi and Mari are but you also see where things took a turn for them. For this book, the dual timeline wasn't necessarily balanced out. The past timeline felt more priority than the ongoing one and that left me feeling conflicted.
While I was experiencing yearning and all these complex feelings from the past timeline, the present one was lacking in that relationship building between them to get me in full support of their relationship.
Although Javi and Mari make a good couple in theory, the ending was fast forward X2. I wish we would've gotten a slower paced conflict resolution.
For those who love a good friends to lovers, this is for you! The Latine rep is absolutely delightful and I promise you that you'll have a great time.
So happy that I was able to get the e-arc for this book!
This was the first Mia Sosa book that I got the chance to finish and I see the hype! Mia's writing is so fun and her characters are such a great time to spend with.
A hot Brazilian FMC & Puerto Rican MMC best friend duo who have complex feelings on the sideline? Yeah I ate this up in a day!
Javi and Mari are best friends with a complex history. I simply eat up a good best friends to lovers because the chemistry of them knowing each other to the fullest and yearning is to die for!
This book is written in a dual timeline. We get to see the start of how their relationship begins and the unfolding events of the present timeline which has them on a different trajectory.
The dual timeline was interesting to read about, you get to see how close Javi and Mari are but you also see where things took a turn for them. For this book, the dual timeline wasn't necessarily balanced out. The past timeline felt more priority than the ongoing one and that left me feeling conflicted.
While I was experiencing yearning and all these complex feelings from the past timeline, the present one was lacking in that relationship building between them to get me in full support of their relationship.
Although Javi and Mari make a good couple in theory, the ending was fast forward X2. I wish we would've gotten a slower paced conflict resolution.
For those who love a good friends to lovers, this is for you! The Latine rep is absolutely delightful and I promise you that you'll have a great time.
June 29, 2025
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.
August 26, 2025
3.5 stars rounded down. I really wanted to love this one and there were definitely some smiles, banter and sweet parts as well as great steam. However, the book just didn’t quite work - I was expecting a second chance romance with some groveling based on the cover and title, and what I got was a friends to lovers, sort of? With a long break in the friendship that didn’t make sense, flashbacks that didn’t connect to the present, and a quickie wedding that was never explained. I did appreciate Mari’s boldness and her career as an attorney, and her girlfriends were great side characters.
October 3, 2025
"Para siempre. Para sempre. That's been our promise for so long..."
Funny friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance.
Funny friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance.
December 18, 2025
I had read two Mia Sosa books prior to this and they were both Fine but THIS WAS A DELIGHT AND I HAD A GREAT TIME!!
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