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The Ex-Perimento
A woman enlists the help of her favorite musician to win her ex-boyfriend back in this sparkling romantic comedy set in Venezuela by debut author Maria J. Morillo.
Maria “Marianto” Camacho is a planner. At twenty-seven, she has her life perfectly mapped out. Her long-term boyfriend, Alejandro, is perfect on paper, and she’s expecting a proposal any day now. She has a stable job as a lifestyle columnist at Ellas, one of Latin America’s biggest digital magazines. Her future is set; she’s sure of it.
Until everything falls apart overnight: Marianto loses her boyfriend and her job. But she’s determined to get them both back with an idea that is either delusional or ingenious—a juicy new article for Ellas that documents a series of romantic experiments to get her ex back. Thus begins The Ex-Perimento. With her bank account dwindling, however, Marianto lands a temporary gig on Venezuela’s hottest new singing competition show. Her job? Personal assistant to Simón Arreaza, the lead singer of her favorite indie band.
It’s only her second day on the job when Simón discovers Marianto’s list of romantic experiments, striking her ideas and replacing them with his own better ones. Out of desperation, she offers a proposition: Help her win back Alejandro, and she’ll give Simón’s band a profile in the magazine once she returns to Ellas. But between the close quarters on set and the blurred lines of a budding friendship, Marianto and Simón find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other, caught in a whirlwind of unexpected romance.
Maria “Marianto” Camacho is a planner. At twenty-seven, she has her life perfectly mapped out. Her long-term boyfriend, Alejandro, is perfect on paper, and she’s expecting a proposal any day now. She has a stable job as a lifestyle columnist at Ellas, one of Latin America’s biggest digital magazines. Her future is set; she’s sure of it.
Until everything falls apart overnight: Marianto loses her boyfriend and her job. But she’s determined to get them both back with an idea that is either delusional or ingenious—a juicy new article for Ellas that documents a series of romantic experiments to get her ex back. Thus begins The Ex-Perimento. With her bank account dwindling, however, Marianto lands a temporary gig on Venezuela’s hottest new singing competition show. Her job? Personal assistant to Simón Arreaza, the lead singer of her favorite indie band.
It’s only her second day on the job when Simón discovers Marianto’s list of romantic experiments, striking her ideas and replacing them with his own better ones. Out of desperation, she offers a proposition: Help her win back Alejandro, and she’ll give Simón’s band a profile in the magazine once she returns to Ellas. But between the close quarters on set and the blurred lines of a budding friendship, Marianto and Simón find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other, caught in a whirlwind of unexpected romance.
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2026
42 people are currently reading
12033 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
December 31, 2025
This was such a great representation of Latin culture I felt SEEEEEENNNNNN!!! 🥹✨ Not only that, but I related so deeply to how relationship expectations can sometimes dim your light from within. DON'T EVER LET A MAN DO THAT TO YOUUU
We meet Maria Antonieta, who has a plan with her boyfriend of over four years. She’s ready for the next step… until that same boyfriend suddenly decides he needs space.. LOL So what do you do? Well, you create an experiment to get him back duhhh 😌 I don’t want to spoil the whole book, so I’ll leave it at that.
I loved not only the plot but once again the Latin representation 🫶. The culture, the food, the phrases, and the Spanish dialogue agh!!! 💖 I especially loved how fearless Maria Antonieta was throughout the book and how, little by little, she starts to realize that what she truly wants might not be what she had… but something new ✨
I do want to mention that this is a closed-door romance. That’s not a dealbreaker for me at all, and I really enjoyed the tension, banter, and romance between Maria and her love interest 😍 I also think it’s the perfect length for what the author was trying to achieve.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but I do think is a bit of a slow burn and the FMC I sometimes wanted to kick her lmaooooo but no one is perfect so definitely it depends on the reader.
tropes
💙 closed door romance
💙 strangers to lovers
💙 slow burn
💙 latino rom-com
We meet Maria Antonieta, who has a plan with her boyfriend of over four years. She’s ready for the next step… until that same boyfriend suddenly decides he needs space.. LOL So what do you do? Well, you create an experiment to get him back duhhh 😌 I don’t want to spoil the whole book, so I’ll leave it at that.
I loved not only the plot but once again the Latin representation 🫶. The culture, the food, the phrases, and the Spanish dialogue agh!!! 💖 I especially loved how fearless Maria Antonieta was throughout the book and how, little by little, she starts to realize that what she truly wants might not be what she had… but something new ✨
I do want to mention that this is a closed-door romance. That’s not a dealbreaker for me at all, and I really enjoyed the tension, banter, and romance between Maria and her love interest 😍 I also think it’s the perfect length for what the author was trying to achieve.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but I do think is a bit of a slow burn and the FMC I sometimes wanted to kick her lmaooooo but no one is perfect so definitely it depends on the reader.
tropes
💙 closed door romance
💙 strangers to lovers
💙 slow burn
💙 latino rom-com
January 31, 2026
Hand flex but it’s just being so annoyed people are messing with your girl
How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, but it’s trying to win back the man who left you after four years together, all with the help of your favorite indie singer. A breakup gone viral, a firing, and a list to fix it all begins this gorgeous contemporary romance debut from author Maria J. Morillo. Bringing readers to Caracas, Venezuela—the people, cityscapes and serene nature— all while exploring the downfall of living our lives solely for other people, The Ex-Perimento is a romance meant to be lived in. Just like our protagonist Marianto, stuck for so long living life for others, this novel forces the reader to experience the journey of finding oneself when we aren’t trying to be what others expect of us. The Ex-Perimento is a story for the people pleasers who twist themselves into whatever everyone else wants them to be, and the reality of untangling ourselves to uncover exactly who we are. Wrapped up in a quest for discovering how to win back an ex while falling for your wingman, The Ex-Perimento feels classic rom com with a deeper pulse of community and want. Morillo understands the atmosphere of the romance, where the city is almost its own character and the characters struggle against suffocating expectations, finding freedom in the attempt to live their lives differently and the romance which evolves parallel to that. Marianto casting off the desires of others to forge a new path of her own making is an altogether freeing journey, as is her romance with Simón who provides her the space to grow and decide what it is she wants. Tied with a sparkling romance that leans into the slow burn and strong Venezuelan roots, The Ex-Perimento is one debut to live vicariously in and savor endlessly.
Read my review
thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for providing the advance review copy
Bookstagram | Blog
How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, but it’s trying to win back the man who left you after four years together, all with the help of your favorite indie singer. A breakup gone viral, a firing, and a list to fix it all begins this gorgeous contemporary romance debut from author Maria J. Morillo. Bringing readers to Caracas, Venezuela—the people, cityscapes and serene nature— all while exploring the downfall of living our lives solely for other people, The Ex-Perimento is a romance meant to be lived in. Just like our protagonist Marianto, stuck for so long living life for others, this novel forces the reader to experience the journey of finding oneself when we aren’t trying to be what others expect of us. The Ex-Perimento is a story for the people pleasers who twist themselves into whatever everyone else wants them to be, and the reality of untangling ourselves to uncover exactly who we are. Wrapped up in a quest for discovering how to win back an ex while falling for your wingman, The Ex-Perimento feels classic rom com with a deeper pulse of community and want. Morillo understands the atmosphere of the romance, where the city is almost its own character and the characters struggle against suffocating expectations, finding freedom in the attempt to live their lives differently and the romance which evolves parallel to that. Marianto casting off the desires of others to forge a new path of her own making is an altogether freeing journey, as is her romance with Simón who provides her the space to grow and decide what it is she wants. Tied with a sparkling romance that leans into the slow burn and strong Venezuelan roots, The Ex-Perimento is one debut to live vicariously in and savor endlessly.
Read my review
thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for providing the advance review copy
Bookstagram | Blog
October 29, 2025
3.75⭐
Maria thought she was about to get a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, but instead, he unexpectedly broke up with her. Still, she’s determined to win him back—with help from her favorite singer, whose assistant she accidentally becomes.
Maria is so cute and genuine, but she finds herself in such a complicated situation—it was really interesting to follow her journey! I also really liked Simón, and honestly, I wish he had appeared more often. I’d say the focus isn’t so much on the romance as it is on Maria herself and her personal growth.
I had such a great time with this book—I read it in half a day, putting everything else aside. There were so many moments that made me smile and giggle. It’s also such an atmospheric story set in Caracas, Venezuela, that it made me want to visit the city myself!
A lovely debut, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this author’s future work!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group (Berkley) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Maria thought she was about to get a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, but instead, he unexpectedly broke up with her. Still, she’s determined to win him back—with help from her favorite singer, whose assistant she accidentally becomes.
Maria is so cute and genuine, but she finds herself in such a complicated situation—it was really interesting to follow her journey! I also really liked Simón, and honestly, I wish he had appeared more often. I’d say the focus isn’t so much on the romance as it is on Maria herself and her personal growth.
I had such a great time with this book—I read it in half a day, putting everything else aside. There were so many moments that made me smile and giggle. It’s also such an atmospheric story set in Caracas, Venezuela, that it made me want to visit the city myself!
A lovely debut, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this author’s future work!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group (Berkley) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 21, 2026
જ⁀➴ 3.75 stars (rounded up to 4)
Thank you SO much to Berkley Romance, Maria J. Morillo, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Ex-Perimento is out now!
‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪
I think this is going to be one of those romances that fly under a lot of people's radars this year for a variety of reasons, and I honestly hope it doesn't. I absolutely loved this book, and if you're looking for a debut BIPOC author to root for this year, look no further than Maria J. Morillo and The Ex-perimento.
Marianto is very Type A. She loves her schedules, her perfectly tailored life, and has all her plans set for years in the future: watch her boyfriend, Alejandro, graduate medical school, then they get engaged, buy a house in a fancy area of Caracas, have some kids and pets, and get promoted at her job working for Ellas, as an arts and lifestyle editor rather than being their social media curator. When Alejandro breaks up with her, and she gets fired from her job, her perfect life is not so perfect anymore. Her boss gives her one ultimatum: come up with an article on how to get her ex-boyfriend back, and she'll not only get her job back, but she'll be promoted to the Arts and Lifestyle editor position she so desperately wants. She resorts to working as a PA for a guest celebrity on a children's talent TV show to make ends meet, and ends up working for Simón Arreaza, the lead singer of her favorite up-and-coming band, Caballo de Troya. When ideas for her article, "The Ex-perimento," land in Simón's hands by accident, he gives it back to her with feedback...and becomes her wingman. Will Marianto get Alejandro back with his help, or will her life take a different course along the way?
I absolutely loved the vibrant descriptions of Caracas and the setting of the story. While I don't have plans on traveling there any time soon, the descriptions made me feel like I was there myself, witnessing everything that it had to offer! I could feel the culture and the vibrancy of the nightlife, the people, and the music coming right off the page. Even the COVER is absolutely vibrant and gorgeous, and it's even better in person than on a screen- I highly suggest making a stop at your local bookstore and seeing it in person!
I think the one thing that made me love this book so much was Marianto herself, although there is a gray area to this. I saw a lot of myself in Marianto and her relationship with Alejandro, and related to her because I, too, am also Type A and feel like I need to have a long-term plan to work towards with goals and feel like my life has some degree of stability. On a more personal note, I could relate to her heartbreak and wanting to get her life back on track by trying to restore everything to the way it was before. I can understand what it's like to feel like you have everything on track and things seem to be falling into place, but of course, life gets in the way and throws a wrench in your plans because...that's just life.
I think this hits close to home a little bit more for me than for others, especially if you've been in a long-term relationship that ended so abruptly with little to no closure. As someone whose first real heartbreak a few years ago was from a relationship that lasted seven years, it hurts because that's really all you've ever known, and you don't know what's coming next, so finding comfort and safety in the known is what your mind chases because that's what's familiar. While Marianto and Ale's relationship lasted four years, I can still understand her heartbreak and her desperation to get him back and try to mold herself into someone she's not to meet his family's expectations, his own, and get her life back on track.
With that said, while her initial list for The Ex-perimento was cringy, I can sort of relate to how Marianto felt trying to get Alejandro back to restore order and balance to her life, to some extent. I understand the why behind why she has to do what she has to do, because they go hand in hand: if she gets Ale back, she gets her relationship and her job back, WITH a promotion. However, her boss gave off Miranda Priestly vibes in the worst way possible, and she never saw Marianto as more than just a measly employee there to keep the company running. I felt like Marianto was trying way too hard and spiraling out of control at times to get back to the life she wanted, when it's so clear that life is trying to push her towards a different direction.
On the other hand, I can also relate to Alejandro's sentiments on needing breathing room to find himself as a person after graduating med school, and how he felt like Marianto was super controlling and didn't let him have a say in anything. I can relate to him feeling like he needed to find out who he was as a person outside of med school, coming from someone who spent six years getting a pharmacy degree and living, eating, sleeping, and breathing all things pharmacy during that time. Hobbies and things to do for fun fade away when you're so focused on school that once you graduate and have free time again, before you start work or whatever, you're just like, "....now what?"
Simón was probably my favorite character in the story. He was the most realistic despite being a celebrity, and he was just so normal and down-to-earth. Like, he was truly the dictionary definition of "be yourself" when people are like, "Oh, just be yourself when you talk to someone you have a crush on." I would've loved to read more about his past growing up with music and how his band got together. There are some mentions of it here and there, but I feel like a lot about what we know of him in the story is that he's the lead singer of his band, and he's there to coach some kids on a music singing show.
Another thing worth mentioning about this book in particular is that there's no spice in it, so if you're the kind of person who prefers no spice AT ALL—not even closed-door scenes—this may be the book for you! I personally don't care whether or not a book has spice in it, but I figured this would be something to bring up since I know some people tend to prefer one or the other. I read my fair share of romance books, most of which have spice in them in varying degrees, but I think this is the perfect example of how not every adult romance book necessarily needs to have spice to make it good and relatable to the audience.
I think the biggest takeaway from this is that you may have plans and have things all figured out, but life always has a way of turning you down a different path that you may not enjoy at first, but looking back, you'll see how much you've grown and how far you've come. It's such a powerful message that we can't always play God in our story that we call life, and love always has the funniest ways of creeping into your life, even when you think all is lost. If you're looking for a quick read, a palette cleanser, a book to comfort you in your heartbreak, a debut author to support, or your next Latine author to read from, PLEASE read this book and thank me later.
‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪
Thank you SO much to Berkley Romance, Maria J. Morillo, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Ex-Perimento is out now!
"Safety doesn't come from being anchored in a city, having a nine-to-five job, knowing what will happen every minute of every day. It comes from knowing your heart is secure, cared for. It comes from knowing you've found the place where you belong, a ground solid enough to build upon. No matter the distance, no matter the time difference, no matter the circumstances."
‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪
I think this is going to be one of those romances that fly under a lot of people's radars this year for a variety of reasons, and I honestly hope it doesn't. I absolutely loved this book, and if you're looking for a debut BIPOC author to root for this year, look no further than Maria J. Morillo and The Ex-perimento.
Marianto is very Type A. She loves her schedules, her perfectly tailored life, and has all her plans set for years in the future: watch her boyfriend, Alejandro, graduate medical school, then they get engaged, buy a house in a fancy area of Caracas, have some kids and pets, and get promoted at her job working for Ellas, as an arts and lifestyle editor rather than being their social media curator. When Alejandro breaks up with her, and she gets fired from her job, her perfect life is not so perfect anymore. Her boss gives her one ultimatum: come up with an article on how to get her ex-boyfriend back, and she'll not only get her job back, but she'll be promoted to the Arts and Lifestyle editor position she so desperately wants. She resorts to working as a PA for a guest celebrity on a children's talent TV show to make ends meet, and ends up working for Simón Arreaza, the lead singer of her favorite up-and-coming band, Caballo de Troya. When ideas for her article, "The Ex-perimento," land in Simón's hands by accident, he gives it back to her with feedback...and becomes her wingman. Will Marianto get Alejandro back with his help, or will her life take a different course along the way?
I absolutely loved the vibrant descriptions of Caracas and the setting of the story. While I don't have plans on traveling there any time soon, the descriptions made me feel like I was there myself, witnessing everything that it had to offer! I could feel the culture and the vibrancy of the nightlife, the people, and the music coming right off the page. Even the COVER is absolutely vibrant and gorgeous, and it's even better in person than on a screen- I highly suggest making a stop at your local bookstore and seeing it in person!
I think the one thing that made me love this book so much was Marianto herself, although there is a gray area to this. I saw a lot of myself in Marianto and her relationship with Alejandro, and related to her because I, too, am also Type A and feel like I need to have a long-term plan to work towards with goals and feel like my life has some degree of stability. On a more personal note, I could relate to her heartbreak and wanting to get her life back on track by trying to restore everything to the way it was before. I can understand what it's like to feel like you have everything on track and things seem to be falling into place, but of course, life gets in the way and throws a wrench in your plans because...that's just life.
I think this hits close to home a little bit more for me than for others, especially if you've been in a long-term relationship that ended so abruptly with little to no closure. As someone whose first real heartbreak a few years ago was from a relationship that lasted seven years, it hurts because that's really all you've ever known, and you don't know what's coming next, so finding comfort and safety in the known is what your mind chases because that's what's familiar. While Marianto and Ale's relationship lasted four years, I can still understand her heartbreak and her desperation to get him back and try to mold herself into someone she's not to meet his family's expectations, his own, and get her life back on track.
With that said, while her initial list for The Ex-perimento was cringy, I can sort of relate to how Marianto felt trying to get Alejandro back to restore order and balance to her life, to some extent. I understand the why behind why she has to do what she has to do, because they go hand in hand: if she gets Ale back, she gets her relationship and her job back, WITH a promotion. However, her boss gave off Miranda Priestly vibes in the worst way possible, and she never saw Marianto as more than just a measly employee there to keep the company running. I felt like Marianto was trying way too hard and spiraling out of control at times to get back to the life she wanted, when it's so clear that life is trying to push her towards a different direction.
On the other hand, I can also relate to Alejandro's sentiments on needing breathing room to find himself as a person after graduating med school, and how he felt like Marianto was super controlling and didn't let him have a say in anything. I can relate to him feeling like he needed to find out who he was as a person outside of med school, coming from someone who spent six years getting a pharmacy degree and living, eating, sleeping, and breathing all things pharmacy during that time. Hobbies and things to do for fun fade away when you're so focused on school that once you graduate and have free time again, before you start work or whatever, you're just like, "....now what?"
Simón was probably my favorite character in the story. He was the most realistic despite being a celebrity, and he was just so normal and down-to-earth. Like, he was truly the dictionary definition of "be yourself" when people are like, "Oh, just be yourself when you talk to someone you have a crush on." I would've loved to read more about his past growing up with music and how his band got together. There are some mentions of it here and there, but I feel like a lot about what we know of him in the story is that he's the lead singer of his band, and he's there to coach some kids on a music singing show.
Another thing worth mentioning about this book in particular is that there's no spice in it, so if you're the kind of person who prefers no spice AT ALL—not even closed-door scenes—this may be the book for you! I personally don't care whether or not a book has spice in it, but I figured this would be something to bring up since I know some people tend to prefer one or the other. I read my fair share of romance books, most of which have spice in them in varying degrees, but I think this is the perfect example of how not every adult romance book necessarily needs to have spice to make it good and relatable to the audience.
I think the biggest takeaway from this is that you may have plans and have things all figured out, but life always has a way of turning you down a different path that you may not enjoy at first, but looking back, you'll see how much you've grown and how far you've come. It's such a powerful message that we can't always play God in our story that we call life, and love always has the funniest ways of creeping into your life, even when you think all is lost. If you're looking for a quick read, a palette cleanser, a book to comfort you in your heartbreak, a debut author to support, or your next Latine author to read from, PLEASE read this book and thank me later.
‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹‧₊˚♪
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think it’s pretty good.
Want to read
December 2, 2025This looks like such a cute book! And the beautiful cover! Thanks to Goodreads and Berkley for the ARC!
Want to read
October 23, 2025A Venezuelan ROMANCE book set IN Venezuela with Venezuelan protagonists!!!!???? EXACTLY WHAT I NEED. Give it to me NOW.
March 16, 2026
3.75* With all the hallmarks of a 2000's rom-com movie, The Ex-Perimento was an incredibly fun read.
My favourite part about the whole book was undoubtedly the way Maria J. Morillo wrote about Venezuela. The Ex-Perimento read like a love letter to Venezuela and city of Caracas and it was a joy.
My favourite part about the whole book was undoubtedly the way Maria J. Morillo wrote about Venezuela. The Ex-Perimento read like a love letter to Venezuela and city of Caracas and it was a joy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐ 5
🌶️ 0
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 3
📚 Tropes/Themes: slow burn, workplace romance, Rockstar romance, love triangle, slow burn
👀 Single POV 1st person
💬 Dammit, this was amazing 😭 Like...I love this book. It's been a long time since I did the "just one more chapter" thing until 3am.
Honestly this book was so refreshing after having read so many formulaic books lately. Part of me wonders if I need to step back from spicy books because I've been getting more and more bored with the focus being on the sexual aspect of the romance/relationship.
I think really I just found Maria so endearing and idk another word I can't think of that sorta means relatable. She's kind of a hot mess, but the character growth has me rooting so hard for her. And special shout out to Since U Been Gone which was also my karaoke debut over a guy that broke my tender 22 yo heart 🤣
It's a very slow burn but the tension and swoon is ✨so good✨ I really enjoy Morillo's writing style - I got goosebumps at their first kiss 😩And by the end I was super stressed... on tenterhooks even... trying to figure out what was going to happen but it was just perfect.
I'm not well versed in Latin culture, but I especially enjoyed the Venezuelan (Caracas) setting/culture too
I would've enjoyed learning a little more about Simón, but this is more women's fiction so not a huge deal.
I think if you would love a coming into yourself/coming of age rom-com mash up of The Devil Wears Prada + How To Lose A Guy In 10 Dates set in Venezuela then I highly recommend this
🌶️ 0
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 3
📚 Tropes/Themes: slow burn, workplace romance, Rockstar romance, love triangle, slow burn
👀 Single POV 1st person
💬 Dammit, this was amazing 😭 Like...I love this book. It's been a long time since I did the "just one more chapter" thing until 3am.
Honestly this book was so refreshing after having read so many formulaic books lately. Part of me wonders if I need to step back from spicy books because I've been getting more and more bored with the focus being on the sexual aspect of the romance/relationship.
I think really I just found Maria so endearing and idk another word I can't think of that sorta means relatable. She's kind of a hot mess, but the character growth has me rooting so hard for her. And special shout out to Since U Been Gone which was also my karaoke debut over a guy that broke my tender 22 yo heart 🤣
It's a very slow burn but the tension and swoon is ✨so good✨ I really enjoy Morillo's writing style - I got goosebumps at their first kiss 😩And by the end I was super stressed... on tenterhooks even... trying to figure out what was going to happen but it was just perfect.
I'm not well versed in Latin culture, but I especially enjoyed the Venezuelan (Caracas) setting/culture too
I would've enjoyed learning a little more about Simón, but this is more women's fiction so not a huge deal.
I think if you would love a coming into yourself/coming of age rom-com mash up of The Devil Wears Prada + How To Lose A Guy In 10 Dates set in Venezuela then I highly recommend this
January 15, 2026
*4.25
Thank you to Berkley for the gifted physical e-arc! 🌟
WOW, Is it too early to name The Ex-perimento as the Rom-Com of the Year?!
We need more Latine Rom-Coms with two featuring Latine leads set in Latin America in the trad publishing space, Maria J. Morillo saw this and worked MAGIC!
Marianto is your type-A FMC, she's planned her life down to a T. She is someone who perfers stability and predicatability above all else. Working as a lifestyle columnist and having a long-term relationship with her perfect boyfriend who's a doctor, she's ready to settle down. Or so she thought...
Suddenly, she's lost everything. Her boyfriend has called for a break and she has been fired after she accidently records her breakup and uploads the video making it go viral. And the cherry on top is her mom, who has never been a consistent figure in her life is moving in with her. Marianto is starting from SCRATCH. Trying to set her life on track Marianto is faced with two choices; Embrace the future with new opportunities or grasp on to the past.
If you've seen How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and LOVED it! This will be your new favorite read. No only do we see some experiments testing the bounds of love but you also get that tension between the protagonists.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it takes place in Venezuela, Marianto is born and raised in Caracas, this is intregal to understand Marianto's character and her decision making. We all get to see Caracas through a native perspective, which is so incredibly important!
Latine bands are some of my favorite forms of music, I grew up and still love Reik, Rio Roma, Camila, and my personal favorite: Morat. I can confirm that Simón, lead singer of a Colombian boyband is SOOOOO fine. He's charming, kind, considerate, and completely downbad for Marianto!
Now I don't have movie producer connections or any connections to the film industry but if any producer, director, or movie company rep is reading this... "Hey, y'all need to make this into a movie! STAT!!" I'll sell my soul to the devil to make this happen. This is the kind of book that the romance community needs an adaptation for.
I'll humbly wait for my VIP invite to the premier, Berkley (I'm manifesting here.)
I could endlessly yap for hours about this book but for your guys sake i'll end it with saying that this is a romance that you will not want to miss out this year!
Thank you to Berkley for the gifted physical e-arc! 🌟
WOW, Is it too early to name The Ex-perimento as the Rom-Com of the Year?!
We need more Latine Rom-Coms with two featuring Latine leads set in Latin America in the trad publishing space, Maria J. Morillo saw this and worked MAGIC!
Marianto is your type-A FMC, she's planned her life down to a T. She is someone who perfers stability and predicatability above all else. Working as a lifestyle columnist and having a long-term relationship with her perfect boyfriend who's a doctor, she's ready to settle down. Or so she thought...
Suddenly, she's lost everything. Her boyfriend has called for a break and she has been fired after she accidently records her breakup and uploads the video making it go viral. And the cherry on top is her mom, who has never been a consistent figure in her life is moving in with her. Marianto is starting from SCRATCH. Trying to set her life on track Marianto is faced with two choices; Embrace the future with new opportunities or grasp on to the past.
If you've seen How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and LOVED it! This will be your new favorite read. No only do we see some experiments testing the bounds of love but you also get that tension between the protagonists.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it takes place in Venezuela, Marianto is born and raised in Caracas, this is intregal to understand Marianto's character and her decision making. We all get to see Caracas through a native perspective, which is so incredibly important!
Latine bands are some of my favorite forms of music, I grew up and still love Reik, Rio Roma, Camila, and my personal favorite: Morat. I can confirm that Simón, lead singer of a Colombian boyband is SOOOOO fine. He's charming, kind, considerate, and completely downbad for Marianto!
Now I don't have movie producer connections or any connections to the film industry but if any producer, director, or movie company rep is reading this... "Hey, y'all need to make this into a movie! STAT!!" I'll sell my soul to the devil to make this happen. This is the kind of book that the romance community needs an adaptation for.
I'll humbly wait for my VIP invite to the premier, Berkley (I'm manifesting here.)
I could endlessly yap for hours about this book but for your guys sake i'll end it with saying that this is a romance that you will not want to miss out this year!
October 22, 2025
What an absolute delight of a read. It was fun, funny and swoony. This book took every reservation I had at the start about Marianto (because she had a few red flags of her own with her rigid life plans), and then knocked it out of the park. Obliterated it. The plot and character development. The pace. I devoured this book in one sitting. What a fantastic debut.
I really enjoyed Marianto's growth from stubbornly pursuing a disinterested Alejandro to realising she can open herself up to a better life than the one she planned if she lets go. She was kick arse in her job (even the temporary one), and I was so glad she finally stood up for herself to her ex-boss. Simón was an utter sweetheart - I loved his edits to her list! At every turn he was there for Marianto, loving her as she was, and his overture to address her need for certainty and stability? Perfection. I also appreciated that Alejandro, who, while he strung Marianto along, wasn't the complete villain either and that both of them could have a closure that so many people don't get.
I loved the Venezuelan setting (my first) and am so glad that the author wasn't compelled to set it in the US - instead I found myself searching flights to Caracas! I'm looking forward Maria J. Morillo's next books to see how her writing career develops. Loved it.
Thanks to Berkeley and NetGalley for the ARC.
I really enjoyed Marianto's growth from stubbornly pursuing a disinterested Alejandro to realising she can open herself up to a better life than the one she planned if she lets go. She was kick arse in her job (even the temporary one), and I was so glad she finally stood up for herself to her ex-boss. Simón was an utter sweetheart - I loved his edits to her list! At every turn he was there for Marianto, loving her as she was, and his overture to address her need for certainty and stability? Perfection. I also appreciated that Alejandro, who, while he strung Marianto along, wasn't the complete villain either and that both of them could have a closure that so many people don't get.
I loved the Venezuelan setting (my first) and am so glad that the author wasn't compelled to set it in the US - instead I found myself searching flights to Caracas! I'm looking forward Maria J. Morillo's next books to see how her writing career develops. Loved it.
Thanks to Berkeley and NetGalley for the ARC.
June 18, 2025
I will go to war for this book. The Ex-Perimento is fantastic. It's funny, swoony, and made me feel so nostalgic with its incredible sense of place in Caracas. Simón is kind, considerate, capable, and so so hot, and Marianto is relatable, driven, and perfectly flawed. Their chemistry is delicious and the turns of events of how they get together make this book unputdownable. Maria J. Morillo had me rooting for them from the very first meet-cute! I devoured my early copy in a few days.
March 20, 2026
This is such good representation.
Not just for Venezuela and Colombia (although ten tens all across the board for being such beautiful and honest representation for a country so misunderstood like Venezuela), but it's also fantastic representation for girls who fear instability and love to plan everything ahead, and who are also in their flop era, like myself!
The romance was so cute, I would've fallen in love with Simón too PHEWWWWW he was swoony 🙏🙏🙏
One thing I wouldve liked to see more of was Marianto's relationship with her mom, I thought we could've spend more time with that and made the conclusion of that side plot more satisfying. But overall I am very happy!
Me: This girl is so annoying being delusional and paranoid about her future like that, she needs to grow up.
Me: oh my God she's literally me.
Four stars!!⭐⭐⭐⭐
Not just for Venezuela and Colombia (although ten tens all across the board for being such beautiful and honest representation for a country so misunderstood like Venezuela), but it's also fantastic representation for girls who fear instability and love to plan everything ahead, and who are also in their flop era, like myself!
The romance was so cute, I would've fallen in love with Simón too PHEWWWWW he was swoony 🙏🙏🙏
One thing I wouldve liked to see more of was Marianto's relationship with her mom, I thought we could've spend more time with that and made the conclusion of that side plot more satisfying. But overall I am very happy!
Me: This girl is so annoying being delusional and paranoid about her future like that, she needs to grow up.
Me: oh my God she's literally me.
Four stars!!⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 23, 2026
3.5 Stars
I really cannot explain this rating because honestly The Ex-Perimento was not great, and I put it down at 30% because there was no Romance to be found. But the concept was so outlandish - Maria’s gonna get her (POS) ex back with the help of her indie-musician crush who happens to be in town to be on the same reality TV show as Maria’s mother - I had to know what happened. And once I picked it back up, I could not put it down.
This is really a story about Maria’s growth, and she was a character I couldn’t help but root for, no matter the ridiculous situations she consistently found herself in. And despite the lack of depth Simón got, he was a good Hero….or the idea of him was? Because the reader never really got to know him? Or his motivations…? The idea of Simón is very good.
Bottom line: When the book focused on the Romance, I could see what the author was trying to do and that was where her writing had the most depth but there was simply too much stuff going on all around it for the Romance to get the page-time it deserved or for it to be developed believably. I’ll keep an eye out for Morillo’s next book, and I do recommend this for a fun, quick, and addicting read!
I really cannot explain this rating because honestly The Ex-Perimento was not great, and I put it down at 30% because there was no Romance to be found. But the concept was so outlandish - Maria’s gonna get her (POS) ex back with the help of her indie-musician crush who happens to be in town to be on the same reality TV show as Maria’s mother - I had to know what happened. And once I picked it back up, I could not put it down.
This is really a story about Maria’s growth, and she was a character I couldn’t help but root for, no matter the ridiculous situations she consistently found herself in. And despite the lack of depth Simón got, he was a good Hero….or the idea of him was? Because the reader never really got to know him? Or his motivations…? The idea of Simón is very good.
Bottom line: When the book focused on the Romance, I could see what the author was trying to do and that was where her writing had the most depth but there was simply too much stuff going on all around it for the Romance to get the page-time it deserved or for it to be developed believably. I’ll keep an eye out for Morillo’s next book, and I do recommend this for a fun, quick, and addicting read!
February 8, 2026
e-ARC review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✨✨✨✨✨!!!!
I have to say, this book has easily become one of the best I’ve read so far in 2025. First of all, I want to thank NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley, and María J. Morillo who’s not only incredibly kind but also Venezuelan like me! That made me feel even more emotionally connected to this story.
Without giving too many spoilers, this book is a love letter to women and to that saying that we can reach the moon if we truly want to chase our dreams. Our protagonist, María “Marianto” Camacho, is a planner through and through. She believes she’s got everything figured out: the perfect boyfriend, job, stability, a life that’s right on track. But after one (horrible) situation, everything falls apart in the blink of an eye. And that’s when Simón, a famous Colombian singer, walks into her life and brings back the spark they both didn’t know they were missing.
And let’s talk about Simón… because oh my God. He’s that spark we women sometimes crave or simply need ( not in a dependent way), but in an energetic one. Through his playful flirting, his determination, and his drive to win her over, he doesn’t just see her as that woman; he truly connects with her energy. Simón was pure charm. A MAN, in every sense of the word.
But beyond the romance, what truly stole my heart was how deeply Venezuelan this story felt. The setting, the rhythm, the humor everything reminded me of those classic early-2000s telenovelas we used to watch on national television. It felt like being transported back to a time that no longer exists, but still lives inside all of us who grew up with it.
Goddddd, I loved it. I laughed, I cried, I felt nostalgic, I relived childhood memories and now I just want to read more from María J. Morillo. Thank you for reading this far 💛 The book comes out on February 17, 2026, so mark your calendars you’re not going to want to miss it!
I have to say, this book has easily become one of the best I’ve read so far in 2025. First of all, I want to thank NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley, and María J. Morillo who’s not only incredibly kind but also Venezuelan like me! That made me feel even more emotionally connected to this story.
Without giving too many spoilers, this book is a love letter to women and to that saying that we can reach the moon if we truly want to chase our dreams. Our protagonist, María “Marianto” Camacho, is a planner through and through. She believes she’s got everything figured out: the perfect boyfriend, job, stability, a life that’s right on track. But after one (horrible) situation, everything falls apart in the blink of an eye. And that’s when Simón, a famous Colombian singer, walks into her life and brings back the spark they both didn’t know they were missing.
And let’s talk about Simón… because oh my God. He’s that spark we women sometimes crave or simply need ( not in a dependent way), but in an energetic one. Through his playful flirting, his determination, and his drive to win her over, he doesn’t just see her as that woman; he truly connects with her energy. Simón was pure charm. A MAN, in every sense of the word.
But beyond the romance, what truly stole my heart was how deeply Venezuelan this story felt. The setting, the rhythm, the humor everything reminded me of those classic early-2000s telenovelas we used to watch on national television. It felt like being transported back to a time that no longer exists, but still lives inside all of us who grew up with it.
Goddddd, I loved it. I laughed, I cried, I felt nostalgic, I relived childhood memories and now I just want to read more from María J. Morillo. Thank you for reading this far 💛 The book comes out on February 17, 2026, so mark your calendars you’re not going to want to miss it!
March 25, 2026
I loved this!! I was definitely a little skeptical at first because WHY are you that desperate to get your shitty ex back, to the point where you come up with a 10+ step experiment to make him come back. it had that same feeling when you side eye your bestfriend for her horrible taste in men.
but luckily that doesn't work. the plot is about her finding a better man and she definitely does 🤭 this is one of the only "musician" romances I've liked in a whileee and I thought it was overall such a fun read
but luckily that doesn't work. the plot is about her finding a better man and she definitely does 🤭 this is one of the only "musician" romances I've liked in a whileee and I thought it was overall such a fun read
March 8, 2026
3.75 stars
rep: Venezuelan protagonist and cast, Colombian love interest
a bit fast paced but honestly I think that’s what I needed rn. really liked the chemistry between the main couple !
rep: Venezuelan protagonist and cast, Colombian love interest
a bit fast paced but honestly I think that’s what I needed rn. really liked the chemistry between the main couple !
February 24, 2026
This was very cute! Not typically a fan of celebrity romances, but this one was sweet. Love how unapologetically Venezuelan and Latine this book is.
January 22, 2026
Thanks so much to @berkleypub @berkleyromance or @acebookspub for the free book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
This book was a fun, engaging read with a great premise. What starts as a straightforward “get your ex back” plan takes an unexpected and refreshing turn, especially with the addition of her famous wingman. The chemistry was strong, the banter felt natural, and the emotional tension kept me turning pages. I especially liked how the story explored growth and self-realization rather than sticking to a reunion plot.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable romance with a clever twist that stands out from typical ex-back narratives. Definitely worth the read.
Thanks so much for the ARC copy! @BerkleyRomance
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely love to read more from this author. I love adding to my library!
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
This book was a fun, engaging read with a great premise. What starts as a straightforward “get your ex back” plan takes an unexpected and refreshing turn, especially with the addition of her famous wingman. The chemistry was strong, the banter felt natural, and the emotional tension kept me turning pages. I especially liked how the story explored growth and self-realization rather than sticking to a reunion plot.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable romance with a clever twist that stands out from typical ex-back narratives. Definitely worth the read.
Thanks so much for the ARC copy! @BerkleyRomance
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely love to read more from this author. I love adding to my library!
November 16, 2025
3.75*
Thank you @berkleyromance for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼
I quite enjoyed this book, and I know that's true because in the midst of studying for exams and medical school I finished this book in 2.5 days because I quite literally could not put it down. I found the plot of this book to be fun and cheesy but done in a way that I just wanted to continue on Marianto's journey with her. I did see the complexity of her character as far as how she interacted with her mother, friends, how she navigated her career. I wanted to understand why she was the way she was, but I will say there were a number of times it felt like she kept going in circles. I also personally thought she wasn't the greatest of friends to Blanca. I do feel could have been expanded a bit. It was giving, everything is happening in the last act of the book when there's only 50 pages left. What I enjoyed about the book though was the whimsical, romantic imagery of Caracas, Venezuela. I felt like I was transported there through the author's descriptions. And then of course, the main part of the book was the romance! Simon was incredibly swoon-worthy, and I found that him and Marianto had great chemistry and banter. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a short and sweet romance! This was a great debut from this author!
Thank you @berkleyromance for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼
I quite enjoyed this book, and I know that's true because in the midst of studying for exams and medical school I finished this book in 2.5 days because I quite literally could not put it down. I found the plot of this book to be fun and cheesy but done in a way that I just wanted to continue on Marianto's journey with her. I did see the complexity of her character as far as how she interacted with her mother, friends, how she navigated her career. I wanted to understand why she was the way she was, but I will say there were a number of times it felt like she kept going in circles. I also personally thought she wasn't the greatest of friends to Blanca. I do feel could have been expanded a bit. It was giving, everything is happening in the last act of the book when there's only 50 pages left. What I enjoyed about the book though was the whimsical, romantic imagery of Caracas, Venezuela. I felt like I was transported there through the author's descriptions. And then of course, the main part of the book was the romance! Simon was incredibly swoon-worthy, and I found that him and Marianto had great chemistry and banter. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a short and sweet romance! This was a great debut from this author!
March 23, 2026
At first I wasn't sure I was going to love this, but I really truly did. Maria is dumped and loses her job in the span of 24 hours and is reeling. She makes a list of things that she can do to win her boyfriend back, but as she lands a new job as the assistant to her idol, she ropes him in to help her with her plan.
I had so much second hand embarassment for the first 20 or so percent of this book. The things Maria was doing to try to win back her ex made me just feel bad for her. Once she started listening to Simon and had a new plan, I was all in. I've been in her shoes. Heartbroken and things just didn't turn out as you thought they would, but sometimes it happens for the best and life leads you to right where you are meant to be. That is the exact case here. Simon and Maria fit way better than she did with her ex who didn't love ALL of her. People grow and change, sometimes together, sometimes apart and that is the sad truth. Simon was just amazing though, I loved him from the moment I met him.
I had so much second hand embarassment for the first 20 or so percent of this book. The things Maria was doing to try to win back her ex made me just feel bad for her. Once she started listening to Simon and had a new plan, I was all in. I've been in her shoes. Heartbroken and things just didn't turn out as you thought they would, but sometimes it happens for the best and life leads you to right where you are meant to be. That is the exact case here. Simon and Maria fit way better than she did with her ex who didn't love ALL of her. People grow and change, sometimes together, sometimes apart and that is the sad truth. Simon was just amazing though, I loved him from the moment I met him.
March 10, 2026
3.75 ★ Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC of The Ex-Perimento by Maria J. Morillo! I enjoyed this one! It had so much Latin culture representation and if you know anything about me, I’m always here for Latin culture rep. I loved the way the book incorporated the culture, the food, and the language throughout the story. The Spanish dialogue especially stood out to me, I always an appreciate when books include it naturally and don’t water it down. My only real issue was that the romance felt more like a subplot. I wish we had gotten more time with Simon and seen the relationship develop a bit more on page. That said, the story focuses heavily on María’s personal growth, and I really appreciated that aspect. As a people pleaser myself, it was nice to see her navigate those tendencies and grow into herself. Also, this very much gave me How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibes but in reverse which made the premise even more fun.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a great debut rom-com! I loved the setting; it was basically a character all on its own and I could really see the places in Caracas that the author described. The set up for this book is a famous band member helping his temporary assistant win back her ex, but they fall in love with each other. Oops. This had the potential to go wrong for me. I was wary of the FMC being stuck on the ex for too long. Luckily, Maria, the FMC, started to realise pretty quickly that what they had wasn't what she wanted going forward, and maybe it wasn't worth fighting for. Simón, the MMC, helped her make the ex regret letting her go while seriously crushing on her. Very cute and would read more by Maria Morillo.
Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
March 5, 2026
3.5 stars
Legally Blonde meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 days, but make it Latino. This was such a cute romcom, I was having such a good time during the first half of the book but by the second I was tiring of the pace, the build-up of the romantic chemistry was lacking, and I didn't like how Marianto kept pushing off her attraction to Simón because she was still obsessed with her Ex and their "future life together". Marianto unfortunately became very annoying/fustrating. With that being said, I absolutely loved the comedic aspect of this novel, the Latin culture, and Simón!! I look forward to picking up the next novel by this author.
Legally Blonde meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 days, but make it Latino. This was such a cute romcom, I was having such a good time during the first half of the book but by the second I was tiring of the pace, the build-up of the romantic chemistry was lacking, and I didn't like how Marianto kept pushing off her attraction to Simón because she was still obsessed with her Ex and their "future life together". Marianto unfortunately became very annoying/fustrating. With that being said, I absolutely loved the comedic aspect of this novel, the Latin culture, and Simón!! I look forward to picking up the next novel by this author.
September 25, 2025
5☆'s
I LOVE this book. It's going to live rent free in my head, and I am 1000% pre-ordering it. It's a DEBUT and it's absolute perfection in every single way. I will religiously be following her writing career.
This is honestly perfection. It's my first book by a Venezuelan author living in Venezuela. She has created the most just authentically human characters. We are given these messy, cringeworthy moments when Marianto is first single. And man are they so so so relatable. Simon is wonderful 10/10, I love him too now. And he was so right in striking everything from her list, and his approach. We genuinely are given a relationship that grows organically from the circumstances and its so engrossing to get caught up in. I also love Marianto's mom. I loved seeing their relationship and watching it progress through the book. I am trying to be vague, but descriptive beyond just shouting at everyone to just please read this, it's one of my favorite reads this year.
This book also checks some major favorites of mine:
1. Awkward meet cute in the men's restroom. CHECK.
2. Being with your exes favorite star. CHECK.
But, seriously. Please read this. It's an absolute force of a debut and worth every second spent on each page. I cannot wait to see what else this author writes. 100/10 recommend.
This book is out 17 Feb 2026!!
I LOVE this book. It's going to live rent free in my head, and I am 1000% pre-ordering it. It's a DEBUT and it's absolute perfection in every single way. I will religiously be following her writing career.
This is honestly perfection. It's my first book by a Venezuelan author living in Venezuela. She has created the most just authentically human characters. We are given these messy, cringeworthy moments when Marianto is first single. And man are they so so so relatable. Simon is wonderful 10/10, I love him too now. And he was so right in striking everything from her list, and his approach. We genuinely are given a relationship that grows organically from the circumstances and its so engrossing to get caught up in. I also love Marianto's mom. I loved seeing their relationship and watching it progress through the book. I am trying to be vague, but descriptive beyond just shouting at everyone to just please read this, it's one of my favorite reads this year.
This book also checks some major favorites of mine:
1. Awkward meet cute in the men's restroom. CHECK.
2. Being with your exes favorite star. CHECK.
But, seriously. Please read this. It's an absolute force of a debut and worth every second spent on each page. I cannot wait to see what else this author writes. 100/10 recommend.
This book is out 17 Feb 2026!!
October 3, 2025
i love them so much!!! i love this book so much!! i love venezuela so much!!
full review to come
full review to come
February 24, 2026
3.5 stars. Thanks to Berkeley Romance for the ARC.
Loved the vibrant setting and culture of Venezuela depicted in this book. My main issue was the characterization of Marianto - she at times came off as insufferable and unable to stand up for herself or make concrete decisions. I also felt like we spent way too much time in the will they/won’t they get back together for the love between Simon and Maria to actually feel real. Would have loved to see them develop more personally and professionally on page before the book ended.
Loved the vibrant setting and culture of Venezuela depicted in this book. My main issue was the characterization of Marianto - she at times came off as insufferable and unable to stand up for herself or make concrete decisions. I also felt like we spent way too much time in the will they/won’t they get back together for the love between Simon and Maria to actually feel real. Would have loved to see them develop more personally and professionally on page before the book ended.
November 29, 2025
Thank you @berkleyromance for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼
Ah, this book! This is for the girls that loved How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, but instead of losing a guy, The Ex-Perimento flips the script by following a Venezuelan type-A, lifestyle columnist trying to win back her ex-boyfriend. And I loved it!
I loved the Spanish unapologetically sprinkled throughout the exposition and the dialogue. I loved that this felt like a love letter to Caracas, Venezuela. I loved Marianto's story arc and watching her learn what she deserves from love and her romantic partners. I loved Simón and how sweet he was with Marianto. I loved the slooow burn romance (no spice), the mother-daughter relationship, and the fresh and bright writing that had me soaring through the pages.
I had the best time reading this book and I'm so excited for other readers to pick up another wonderful romance with Latine leads and Latine representation!
Ah, this book! This is for the girls that loved How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, but instead of losing a guy, The Ex-Perimento flips the script by following a Venezuelan type-A, lifestyle columnist trying to win back her ex-boyfriend. And I loved it!
I loved the Spanish unapologetically sprinkled throughout the exposition and the dialogue. I loved that this felt like a love letter to Caracas, Venezuela. I loved Marianto's story arc and watching her learn what she deserves from love and her romantic partners. I loved Simón and how sweet he was with Marianto. I loved the slooow burn romance (no spice), the mother-daughter relationship, and the fresh and bright writing that had me soaring through the pages.
I had the best time reading this book and I'm so excited for other readers to pick up another wonderful romance with Latine leads and Latine representation!
February 15, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy! You can pick up The Ex-Perimento on February 17, 2026.
Maria J. Morillo completely immerses readers in the beauty and culture of South America in this fun, reverse Uno take on "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days." Marianto, our FMC, grew up in Venezuela but followed her actress and model mother all over the world as she chased down various gigs in the entertainment industry. Seeing how her mother's numerous relationships rarely lasted, Marianto wants nothing more than to settle down in the capital city, Caracas, and start a stable life with someone.
And just when Marianto is on the verge of achieving her life goal, her long-term boyfriend, Alejandro, breaks up with her. Can she win him and the life she always dreamed of back before it's too late?
From the get-go, we understand how Marianto's anxiety and fear of abandonment have caused her to warp herself into whatever person fits Alejandro's needs, her boss's needs, her mother's needs, etc. She fears never being enough to make the other person stay and love her, when really she just had to be her own authentic self all along and find the right people to fulfill her life.
Enter Simón Arreaza, the lead singer of her favorite indie band. Marianto has to find a new job amidst her love life chaos, and ends up as a personal assistant to Simón. He offers to coach her and give her practical tips for winning Alejandro back, all of which seem to be working as the story progresses.
But the more time Marianto and Simón spend together, the more she realizes how much was truly lacking in her relationship with Alejandro. For four years, she settled for someone who seemed unlikely to leave, but who also never really took steps to support her or bolster their relationship. Simón, on the other hand, encourages Marianto to chase her dreams, and the two share so many beautiful moments together that build great chemistry and intimacy. The karaoke scene, the moments on set at the TV show they're shooting, their romantic moment on the beach, all had me dialed into the relationship and rooting for them. I do wish we had a little bit better feeling of the time passing, because it's technically a few months, but it admittedly felt a bit more like weeks as I was reading.
Though it was tough to read about some of the more desperate moves Marianto pulled to try to win Alejandro back in the beginning of the book, as soon as Simón entered the picture, I was locked in. Marianto's growth was truly wonderful, and it felt so satisfying to see her and Simón talk out the practicalities of their relationship without losing the rom-com spark between them.
Plus, Maria J. Morillo's attention to detail when describing the food, culture, and overall vibe of Venezuela and Colombia (where Simón is from) was truly beautiful. I felt completely immersed in a place I've never been, and all the touches she added enhanced the story without feeling overdone.
All in all, if you want a Latinx romance with a great coach to friends to lovers storyline and journey of self-discovery, this is the book for you!
Maria J. Morillo completely immerses readers in the beauty and culture of South America in this fun, reverse Uno take on "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days." Marianto, our FMC, grew up in Venezuela but followed her actress and model mother all over the world as she chased down various gigs in the entertainment industry. Seeing how her mother's numerous relationships rarely lasted, Marianto wants nothing more than to settle down in the capital city, Caracas, and start a stable life with someone.
And just when Marianto is on the verge of achieving her life goal, her long-term boyfriend, Alejandro, breaks up with her. Can she win him and the life she always dreamed of back before it's too late?
From the get-go, we understand how Marianto's anxiety and fear of abandonment have caused her to warp herself into whatever person fits Alejandro's needs, her boss's needs, her mother's needs, etc. She fears never being enough to make the other person stay and love her, when really she just had to be her own authentic self all along and find the right people to fulfill her life.
Enter Simón Arreaza, the lead singer of her favorite indie band. Marianto has to find a new job amidst her love life chaos, and ends up as a personal assistant to Simón. He offers to coach her and give her practical tips for winning Alejandro back, all of which seem to be working as the story progresses.
But the more time Marianto and Simón spend together, the more she realizes how much was truly lacking in her relationship with Alejandro. For four years, she settled for someone who seemed unlikely to leave, but who also never really took steps to support her or bolster their relationship. Simón, on the other hand, encourages Marianto to chase her dreams, and the two share so many beautiful moments together that build great chemistry and intimacy. The karaoke scene, the moments on set at the TV show they're shooting, their romantic moment on the beach, all had me dialed into the relationship and rooting for them. I do wish we had a little bit better feeling of the time passing, because it's technically a few months, but it admittedly felt a bit more like weeks as I was reading.
Though it was tough to read about some of the more desperate moves Marianto pulled to try to win Alejandro back in the beginning of the book, as soon as Simón entered the picture, I was locked in. Marianto's growth was truly wonderful, and it felt so satisfying to see her and Simón talk out the practicalities of their relationship without losing the rom-com spark between them.
Plus, Maria J. Morillo's attention to detail when describing the food, culture, and overall vibe of Venezuela and Colombia (where Simón is from) was truly beautiful. I felt completely immersed in a place I've never been, and all the touches she added enhanced the story without feeling overdone.
All in all, if you want a Latinx romance with a great coach to friends to lovers storyline and journey of self-discovery, this is the book for you!
February 17, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ms. Morillo for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.
Maria (Marianto) Camacho is your classic uber-Type A individual who has EVERYTHING mapped out because that’s exactly the way she likes it. Every last step of her day is planned and managed and it gives her maximum joy. The problem is… that it does not give her boyfriend Alejandro joy. Like, at all. And bless Maria’s Type A little heart, she is so happy in her perfectly organized little world that she does not pick up on any of the WILDLY OBVIOUS signals that bf Ale is not enjoying being managed. So, when she thinks he will propose, she decides to film it (you know, for the wedding video) only to be asked on camera for “a break.” Which we all know is code for “I’m too chickenshit to actually ask to break up so I’ll ask for ‘a break’ instead.” Pobrecita. And of course, Marianto then gets drunk and accidentally posts said video to her employer’s (Ella, a women’s magazine in the style of Hola, I believe) social media feed. Not good. And Marianto’s job as an advice columnist dispensing (yes, you guessed it) relationship advice? Axed.
So what next for our intrepid FMC? Well, she gets a job as a production assistant on a TV show sort of like The Voice, assisting the lead singer of her favorite band. Marianto is too oblivious to realize that said singer, Simón, is interested in her, but she does manage to persuade him to help “win Ale back.” Cue a not-very-original but still-very-satisfying classic romance setup.
Where this book REALLY shines is the setting. All of this takes place in Caracas, Venezuela. I’ve never been to Venezuela but Ms. Morillo definitely makes her home country shine. Caracas’s hustle and bustle, its scenery, its vibrancy, is all lovingly described, even the macaws that visit Maria’s balcony every morning for their treat of bananas. There’s plenty of Spanish in the book and, although I had no problem understanding (that’s 20 years in South Florida for you) the author does a good job of either providing a natural translation or giving you enough context to figure it out. I laughed out loud at Marianto’s reference to “Miami Venezuelans”, ha ha, true enough. I also laughed at Maria’s attempt to humor Simón and try his “chocolate con queso”, a Colombian “treat” that pretty much everyone else (or at least, pretty much everyone I’ve ever met) finds unappealing at best.
Anyways.
I loved the Venezuela setting and I did love the emphasis on Marianto figuring out what she wanted for herself. I really appreciated that her personal growth was the star of the story, even moreso than her relationships. After all, it’s HER life, she should plan and organize and manage it exactly how she wished. Simón turned out to be a good fit but at the end of the day, Maria’s happiness in her own life was the star.
Very cute story and easy recommendation for a reader looking for a contemporary romance in a new setting.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Maria (Marianto) Camacho is your classic uber-Type A individual who has EVERYTHING mapped out because that’s exactly the way she likes it. Every last step of her day is planned and managed and it gives her maximum joy. The problem is… that it does not give her boyfriend Alejandro joy. Like, at all. And bless Maria’s Type A little heart, she is so happy in her perfectly organized little world that she does not pick up on any of the WILDLY OBVIOUS signals that bf Ale is not enjoying being managed. So, when she thinks he will propose, she decides to film it (you know, for the wedding video) only to be asked on camera for “a break.” Which we all know is code for “I’m too chickenshit to actually ask to break up so I’ll ask for ‘a break’ instead.” Pobrecita. And of course, Marianto then gets drunk and accidentally posts said video to her employer’s (Ella, a women’s magazine in the style of Hola, I believe) social media feed. Not good. And Marianto’s job as an advice columnist dispensing (yes, you guessed it) relationship advice? Axed.
So what next for our intrepid FMC? Well, she gets a job as a production assistant on a TV show sort of like The Voice, assisting the lead singer of her favorite band. Marianto is too oblivious to realize that said singer, Simón, is interested in her, but she does manage to persuade him to help “win Ale back.” Cue a not-very-original but still-very-satisfying classic romance setup.
Where this book REALLY shines is the setting. All of this takes place in Caracas, Venezuela. I’ve never been to Venezuela but Ms. Morillo definitely makes her home country shine. Caracas’s hustle and bustle, its scenery, its vibrancy, is all lovingly described, even the macaws that visit Maria’s balcony every morning for their treat of bananas. There’s plenty of Spanish in the book and, although I had no problem understanding (that’s 20 years in South Florida for you) the author does a good job of either providing a natural translation or giving you enough context to figure it out. I laughed out loud at Marianto’s reference to “Miami Venezuelans”, ha ha, true enough. I also laughed at Maria’s attempt to humor Simón and try his “chocolate con queso”, a Colombian “treat” that pretty much everyone else (or at least, pretty much everyone I’ve ever met) finds unappealing at best.
Anyways.
I loved the Venezuela setting and I did love the emphasis on Marianto figuring out what she wanted for herself. I really appreciated that her personal growth was the star of the story, even moreso than her relationships. After all, it’s HER life, she should plan and organize and manage it exactly how she wished. Simón turned out to be a good fit but at the end of the day, Maria’s happiness in her own life was the star.
Very cute story and easy recommendation for a reader looking for a contemporary romance in a new setting.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
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