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The Girl from Ipanema
Not yet published
Expected 19 Jan 27A little white lie. A dream in the making. One last chance to get it right.
All Bianca Thompson wants is to make documentaries. Real life, caught on film. But photocopying movie scripts is the closest she’s ever come to the director’s seat. When she learns she’s a finalist for a prestigious filmmaking grant, she has one chance to impress the judges.
Her pitch? A behind-the-scenes documentary about Brazil’s first all-female samba school, the president and founder of which is Bianca’s aunt, Sonia Almeida Gonçalves. The catch? Bianca doesn’t speak a lick of Portuguese. She’s never set foot in Brazil. And she’s never even met her aunt.
When Bianca finds a revealing letter from her aunt to her late mother,
she’s caught between uncovering the truth and finally making a name for herself. Her choice could cost Bianca her integrity . . . or open up her whole world.
All Bianca Thompson wants is to make documentaries. Real life, caught on film. But photocopying movie scripts is the closest she’s ever come to the director’s seat. When she learns she’s a finalist for a prestigious filmmaking grant, she has one chance to impress the judges.
Her pitch? A behind-the-scenes documentary about Brazil’s first all-female samba school, the president and founder of which is Bianca’s aunt, Sonia Almeida Gonçalves. The catch? Bianca doesn’t speak a lick of Portuguese. She’s never set foot in Brazil. And she’s never even met her aunt.
When Bianca finds a revealing letter from her aunt to her late mother,
she’s caught between uncovering the truth and finally making a name for herself. Her choice could cost Bianca her integrity . . . or open up her whole world.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 19, 2027
About the author
Mia Sosa
27 books3,428 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Latine Heritage Month 2026 #3
I won't even pretend to deny it. This cover drew me in. And I'm so glad it did, because Mia has truly grown as a writer. While this book is less romance-y than her others (I'm not hating on romance, I love romance), it does have some heated moments.
Bianca is a biracial Afro Brazilian American whose Brazilian mother died years ago. She isn't super connected to that side of her family and has never been to Brazil.
Originally from New York, she is working in LA as a PA for a horrible white man who constantly abuses his power. She has some beef with Miles, another coworker, from their time studying. She thinks he threw her under the bus. Obviously, there's more there.
Her OTL is documentaries, and she is constantly applying for grants. When one calls her in as a finalist, she originally pitches one idea that the panelists are meh about. Then she pitches another on the fly. Her aunt Sonia founded the first all female samba school. She can weave her own backstory into this. Problem? She has never been to Brazil. She has never met her maternal family. She doesn't speak Portuguese.
Not to worry. Miles is coming with as a cinematographer. Because books and tropes just work like that. Their Airbnb is comically tiny, but overlooks Copacabana. Her family shockingly welcomes them with open arms. Sonia is happy enough to talk about samba, but by the time Bianca brings back her feud with her mother, she clams up. Things eventually work out. We find out why there is tension. We find out why her mother left Brazil, never to look back.
We learn some other things as well. And obviously there's a little Miles/Bianca action, because if you put two Hot Black People together in a comically small apartment, and let a third hot Brazilian man flirt with Bianca, whatever is to happen???
Latine Heritage Month 2026 #3
I won't even pretend to deny it. This cover drew me in. And I'm so glad it did, because Mia has truly grown as a writer. While this book is less romance-y than her others (I'm not hating on romance, I love romance), it does have some heated moments.
Bianca is a biracial Afro Brazilian American whose Brazilian mother died years ago. She isn't super connected to that side of her family and has never been to Brazil.
Originally from New York, she is working in LA as a PA for a horrible white man who constantly abuses his power. She has some beef with Miles, another coworker, from their time studying. She thinks he threw her under the bus. Obviously, there's more there.
Her OTL is documentaries, and she is constantly applying for grants. When one calls her in as a finalist, she originally pitches one idea that the panelists are meh about. Then she pitches another on the fly. Her aunt Sonia founded the first all female samba school. She can weave her own backstory into this. Problem? She has never been to Brazil. She has never met her maternal family. She doesn't speak Portuguese.
Not to worry. Miles is coming with as a cinematographer. Because books and tropes just work like that. Their Airbnb is comically tiny, but overlooks Copacabana. Her family shockingly welcomes them with open arms. Sonia is happy enough to talk about samba, but by the time Bianca brings back her feud with her mother, she clams up. Things eventually work out. We find out why there is tension. We find out why her mother left Brazil, never to look back.
We learn some other things as well. And obviously there's a little Miles/Bianca action, because if you put two Hot Black People together in a comically small apartment, and let a third hot Brazilian man flirt with Bianca, whatever is to happen???
September 24, 2026
This was my 1st book by this author and it was great. I loved all of the Brazilian culture and history depicted. I was expecting more of your typical love story, enemies to lovers. But this love story was truly between a girl and the culture/family she never knew.
This story tackled the hot topic of women pushing to find their place in male dominated industries. I appreciated the realistic aspect of this without being sugar coated.
Thank you Netgalley and Putnam for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review.
This story tackled the hot topic of women pushing to find their place in male dominated industries. I appreciated the realistic aspect of this without being sugar coated.
Thank you Netgalley and Putnam for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So, I really loved this. But I am a Mia Sosa fan and I am nothing if not a HUGE fan of hers, so I expected this book to be good and special. But it really, really was in a way that even I couldn't have predicted.
I absolutely adore that Mia always writes books that are so close to her heart, especially when it comes to her Brazilian heritage. I think it is SO important for authors to write about the things they love and know, and as a reader, I love learning and discovering things I don't know, especially when it comes to other cultures. While I am white and not a POC, I really love Mia's books and how much they show me, teach me, and immerse me into another culture. I love learning about cultures that are different from my own and learning about histories that we desperately need to seek out, understand, and recognize the impact of.
I really loved Miles and Bianca, but especially Miles and how much of an absolute angel he was toward Bianca. You could tell he was interested in so much more than just her body or her looks or trying to hook up with her. He truly valued her, encouraged her, believed in her, and made sure she knew, time and time again, that he was on her side... even when she couldn't see it. I also really love the way Mia writes her MMCs and the way she depicts men and their dynamics with women. They aren't playboys, they aren't dumb, and they aren't horrible men, and I imagine a lot of that is modeled after her own husband. I just really love the way she writes men.
I also loved learning about Miles and Bianca's storied and tumultuous history and finally understanding the real reason behind their rift. Their relationship starting out when they were younger at school, then as strictly work years later and not really liking each other (at least on one side) was SO good, and this was such a slow burn, but it was done incredibly well. I really didn't miss the fast burn at all because I was so invested in everything else happening with Bianca, her mother, her family in Brazil, and the growing, changing, and evolving nature of her friendship/relationship with Miles.
This was also such an important story because it highlights SO many polarizing but incredibly important topics: family, heritage, women empowerment, equality, the failings of men, betrayal, family secrets, women in male-dominated industries, imposter syndrome, forgiveness, grief, connection to culture, and even slavery and colonialism at times. Mia always writes heavy topics with so much care, nuance, love, and raw realness, and I really appreciate that. I think it's hard to do these topics real justice without sounding fake or too preachy or even just thrown in there for effect, but she actually believes it and I can tell; she is always a master in my book of balancing it all.
I especially loved the samba school and what it meant to the women and girls of the neighborhood, the nation, and even their own culture. I know one of Bianca's main motivations for going to Brazil was to connect with her long lost family, but the samba school and its meaning was such an important part of her journey. I loved that this small but growing and incredibly important part of the community came to life and understanding what it meant to the women who were a part of it.
Bianca's journey with her family was really SO beautiful. I know it started on very shaky ground, but I love that it blossoms into healing, forgiveness, and just abiding love because it was gorgeous. Family can be difficult and HARD, and there is no shortage of that here, but Bianca's journey with her family was really special. I loved that it helped her grow and figure out what she actually wanted out of her life instead of letting her imposter syndrome (which is touched on in a very important passage I highlighted and was a great depiction), her desire to please her late mother, or the fear that her mom would be disappointed in her making the "wrong" decision dictate her life.
I also really loved Bianca's relationship with her father because I think so many of us women can relate to being daughters to fathers that we struggle to connect with. I loved that the two of them made such an effort to truly be there for each other and repair what wasn't spoken about between them because there was always so much love there, even if there was some misunderstanding along the way.
The family miscommunication normally would have bothered me so much because I generally am not a fan of the miscommunication trope in any form, but my goodness, was it REAL! How many of us have experienced a huge misunderstanding and wished we could get that lost time back because of a twisting of the truth and years of grudges? But we are only human and we are all just doing the best we can, and we can alwas start new and fresh and it can still be amazing.
Bianca finding her way back to her family, or maybe more accurately, discovering who she was always meant to be with the help of her family, was just so beautiful.
There is a lot I could say about this book and I could wax poetic about how much I loved it, but just know that this is my favorite book of hers by far, and I highly recommend it to all! Truly a masterpiece in my eyes.
Quotes I loved from this book:
“Well, anyway, Vince used to say something that I think applies here.”
“What did he used to say?” I ask, rubbing my temples. “He used to say, ‘You can’t document a fantasy.’”
Because that’s what impostor syndrome does: It makes you so preoccupied with not doing something wrong that you don’t spend enough time focusing on how to do it right. It causes you to be reactive rather than proactive. But this project is too important to let someone else dictate what the result will be. That has to be my decision.
There are more quotes I loved and wanted to share, but alas, they contain spoilers, so... 😅
I absolutely adore that Mia always writes books that are so close to her heart, especially when it comes to her Brazilian heritage. I think it is SO important for authors to write about the things they love and know, and as a reader, I love learning and discovering things I don't know, especially when it comes to other cultures. While I am white and not a POC, I really love Mia's books and how much they show me, teach me, and immerse me into another culture. I love learning about cultures that are different from my own and learning about histories that we desperately need to seek out, understand, and recognize the impact of.
I really loved Miles and Bianca, but especially Miles and how much of an absolute angel he was toward Bianca. You could tell he was interested in so much more than just her body or her looks or trying to hook up with her. He truly valued her, encouraged her, believed in her, and made sure she knew, time and time again, that he was on her side... even when she couldn't see it. I also really love the way Mia writes her MMCs and the way she depicts men and their dynamics with women. They aren't playboys, they aren't dumb, and they aren't horrible men, and I imagine a lot of that is modeled after her own husband. I just really love the way she writes men.
I also loved learning about Miles and Bianca's storied and tumultuous history and finally understanding the real reason behind their rift. Their relationship starting out when they were younger at school, then as strictly work years later and not really liking each other (at least on one side) was SO good, and this was such a slow burn, but it was done incredibly well. I really didn't miss the fast burn at all because I was so invested in everything else happening with Bianca, her mother, her family in Brazil, and the growing, changing, and evolving nature of her friendship/relationship with Miles.
This was also such an important story because it highlights SO many polarizing but incredibly important topics: family, heritage, women empowerment, equality, the failings of men, betrayal, family secrets, women in male-dominated industries, imposter syndrome, forgiveness, grief, connection to culture, and even slavery and colonialism at times. Mia always writes heavy topics with so much care, nuance, love, and raw realness, and I really appreciate that. I think it's hard to do these topics real justice without sounding fake or too preachy or even just thrown in there for effect, but she actually believes it and I can tell; she is always a master in my book of balancing it all.
I especially loved the samba school and what it meant to the women and girls of the neighborhood, the nation, and even their own culture. I know one of Bianca's main motivations for going to Brazil was to connect with her long lost family, but the samba school and its meaning was such an important part of her journey. I loved that this small but growing and incredibly important part of the community came to life and understanding what it meant to the women who were a part of it.
Bianca's journey with her family was really SO beautiful. I know it started on very shaky ground, but I love that it blossoms into healing, forgiveness, and just abiding love because it was gorgeous. Family can be difficult and HARD, and there is no shortage of that here, but Bianca's journey with her family was really special. I loved that it helped her grow and figure out what she actually wanted out of her life instead of letting her imposter syndrome (which is touched on in a very important passage I highlighted and was a great depiction), her desire to please her late mother, or the fear that her mom would be disappointed in her making the "wrong" decision dictate her life.
I also really loved Bianca's relationship with her father because I think so many of us women can relate to being daughters to fathers that we struggle to connect with. I loved that the two of them made such an effort to truly be there for each other and repair what wasn't spoken about between them because there was always so much love there, even if there was some misunderstanding along the way.
The family miscommunication normally would have bothered me so much because I generally am not a fan of the miscommunication trope in any form, but my goodness, was it REAL! How many of us have experienced a huge misunderstanding and wished we could get that lost time back because of a twisting of the truth and years of grudges? But we are only human and we are all just doing the best we can, and we can alwas start new and fresh and it can still be amazing.
Bianca finding her way back to her family, or maybe more accurately, discovering who she was always meant to be with the help of her family, was just so beautiful.
There is a lot I could say about this book and I could wax poetic about how much I loved it, but just know that this is my favorite book of hers by far, and I highly recommend it to all! Truly a masterpiece in my eyes.
Quotes I loved from this book:
“Well, anyway, Vince used to say something that I think applies here.”
“What did he used to say?” I ask, rubbing my temples. “He used to say, ‘You can’t document a fantasy.’”
Because that’s what impostor syndrome does: It makes you so preoccupied with not doing something wrong that you don’t spend enough time focusing on how to do it right. It causes you to be reactive rather than proactive. But this project is too important to let someone else dictate what the result will be. That has to be my decision.
There are more quotes I loved and wanted to share, but alas, they contain spoilers, so... 😅
Want to Read
August 7, 2026Thank you so much Putnam for the early copy! I'm VERY excited about this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley & Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC! Mia Sosa has a particular place in my reading history, she's the author who made me discover contemporary romance (and fell in love with it). So I might be biased but I enjoyed thoroughly this story. What I love the most about Mia Sosa is that she is playing with a genre that we (as romance readers) all love and get but adding her own signature. I love that the Brazilian culture was at the heart of this story, I loved following Bianca as she discovered her own culture. Amazing touch: the Portuguese in the book!
I hope this book will find its readers when it's released next year, lots of people should read it!
I hope this book will find its readers when it's released next year, lots of people should read it!
September 28, 2026
Advanced reader copy from NetGalley.
This is a great story about finding and embracing your culture.
Bianca is a young woman reconciling the mother she knew with the woman she was. She does this by traveling to Brazil to meet her family and learning about the world of samba.
While this was a slow burn, the “romance” element almost felt like it was cobbled together for the sake of being in the romance genre. The “romance” did not much to move the plot forward and felt rushed at the end.
The story has so much going for it with Bianca finding her way personally (finding her roots) and professionally (finding her voice). This book will resonate with anyone navigating loss.
This is a great story about finding and embracing your culture.
Bianca is a young woman reconciling the mother she knew with the woman she was. She does this by traveling to Brazil to meet her family and learning about the world of samba.
While this was a slow burn, the “romance” element almost felt like it was cobbled together for the sake of being in the romance genre. The “romance” did not much to move the plot forward and felt rushed at the end.
The story has so much going for it with Bianca finding her way personally (finding her roots) and professionally (finding her voice). This book will resonate with anyone navigating loss.
September 1, 2026
I was actually quite surprised with this one.
Mia Sosa is such a beloved author for me. I know when I pick up one of her stories, I’m going to be engulfed in rich culture and Latine JOY.
I think this will be a pleasant surprise for a lot of people, but definitely don’t expect your typical contemporary romance. The plot takes a front seat in this one.
Bianca is a documentarian, and she has decided to share the story of the first all female samba school in Brazil. This journey to share the beautiful story of these women also helps her understand the history behind her late mother’s relationship with her family in Brazil, and why they never saw each other again after she left her country.
I found the story itself to be beautiful. I loved witnessing Bianca’s first experience in Brazil, and how she was able to feel closer to her mom in this experience. I would have loved to see a little more balance between the samba school, learning the history, and finding a closeness with Bianca’s late mom. I would have felt a bigger emotional pull if we had more moments where she was able to learn about her mom’s experience growing up in Brazil, and her relationship to all of the colorful family members we meet in this story.
To be completely honest, as much as I loved Miles, I don’t know if the romance was 100% necessary in this one. I would have loved it more, had it been given more time to develop and exist outside of the college-friendship stage. But having it all unravel at the 90% mark made it feel rushed. The real star of the show here was Brazil, the family lore, and the samba dancers.
Mia Sosa is such a beloved author for me. I know when I pick up one of her stories, I’m going to be engulfed in rich culture and Latine JOY.
I think this will be a pleasant surprise for a lot of people, but definitely don’t expect your typical contemporary romance. The plot takes a front seat in this one.
Bianca is a documentarian, and she has decided to share the story of the first all female samba school in Brazil. This journey to share the beautiful story of these women also helps her understand the history behind her late mother’s relationship with her family in Brazil, and why they never saw each other again after she left her country.
I found the story itself to be beautiful. I loved witnessing Bianca’s first experience in Brazil, and how she was able to feel closer to her mom in this experience. I would have loved to see a little more balance between the samba school, learning the history, and finding a closeness with Bianca’s late mom. I would have felt a bigger emotional pull if we had more moments where she was able to learn about her mom’s experience growing up in Brazil, and her relationship to all of the colorful family members we meet in this story.
To be completely honest, as much as I loved Miles, I don’t know if the romance was 100% necessary in this one. I would have loved it more, had it been given more time to develop and exist outside of the college-friendship stage. But having it all unravel at the 90% mark made it feel rushed. The real star of the show here was Brazil, the family lore, and the samba dancers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this ARC from Netgalley.
My favorite Mia Sosa book so far! A heartwarming story about finding oneself while exploring family drama and connection to culture/heritage. I was expecting a typical rom com but story had so much depth! A very enjoyable read.
My favorite Mia Sosa book so far! A heartwarming story about finding oneself while exploring family drama and connection to culture/heritage. I was expecting a typical rom com but story had so much depth! A very enjoyable read.
October 3, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the early copy in exchange for this review.
Mia Sosa does it again with another banger of a book. “The Girl from Ipanema” is definitely a step away from the capital R romance we know and love from Mia Sosa, but it’s still absolutely perfect in every way. Mia still gives us that perfect banter and humor she’s known for. It’s witty, quick, and moments of pure humor. There are also moments full of emotion, self discovery, a a love letter to Brazil and the Afro-Latine culture. This history provided when it comes to Carnival and Samba interwoven through this beautiful story of reconnection really ties everything together.
When Bianca (FMC) gets the opportunity of a lifetime to direct a documentary of the only samba school on Brazil that’s made up entirely of Women, run by her aunt, with a large production company, a little white lie to push this dream through can’t hurt right? Especially with bringing on her workplace rival but brilliant Cinematographer Miles (MMC). Except neither Niles nor the production company are aware that Bianca hasn’t spoke to her aunt and family in Brazil, ever. She’s never been to Brazil…she can’t even speak Portuguese. So what happens when she arrives o note doorstep of her aunts home to introduce herself for the first time? You’ll have to read t find out.
“The Girl From Ipanema” is Mia Sosa still at her best. She will forever and always be an autobuy author for me and this book is no exception. Pre-order now! “The Girl From Ipanema” publishes on 1/19/2027.
Mia Sosa does it again with another banger of a book. “The Girl from Ipanema” is definitely a step away from the capital R romance we know and love from Mia Sosa, but it’s still absolutely perfect in every way. Mia still gives us that perfect banter and humor she’s known for. It’s witty, quick, and moments of pure humor. There are also moments full of emotion, self discovery, a a love letter to Brazil and the Afro-Latine culture. This history provided when it comes to Carnival and Samba interwoven through this beautiful story of reconnection really ties everything together.
When Bianca (FMC) gets the opportunity of a lifetime to direct a documentary of the only samba school on Brazil that’s made up entirely of Women, run by her aunt, with a large production company, a little white lie to push this dream through can’t hurt right? Especially with bringing on her workplace rival but brilliant Cinematographer Miles (MMC). Except neither Niles nor the production company are aware that Bianca hasn’t spoke to her aunt and family in Brazil, ever. She’s never been to Brazil…she can’t even speak Portuguese. So what happens when she arrives o note doorstep of her aunts home to introduce herself for the first time? You’ll have to read t find out.
“The Girl From Ipanema” is Mia Sosa still at her best. She will forever and always be an autobuy author for me and this book is no exception. Pre-order now! “The Girl From Ipanema” publishes on 1/19/2027.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Girl from Ipanema ended up being so much more about identity, family, and belonging than I was expecting, and honestly, those were the parts that worked best for me.
I really loved following Bianca as she traveled to Brazil and found herself confronting this entire piece of her family and culture that she had been disconnected from. What begins as an opportunity to finally move her filmmaking career forward becomes something much more personal, especially as she learns more about her mother, her aunt Sonia, and the things that were left unsaid between them. There’s so much here about complicated family relationships, grief, cultural disconnect, and what it means to reconnect with a part of yourself you never really had the opportunity to know.
The samba school and documentary aspects were easily some of my favorite parts. I loved how much of the story centered the women, their community, and Bianca actually experiencing Brazil rather than simply using it as the backdrop for her career ambitions.
The romance, though, took a while to really become part of the story for me. And weirdly enough, I’m not even sure I needed it? 😂 I liked it once it developed, but Bianca’s personal and familial journey was compelling enough that I could have happily read this as a story without a central romance at all. Her relationships with her family, her heritage, and even herself felt like the real heart of the book.
There are also some messy decisions made along the way, particularly because Bianca arrives with that little white lie hanging over everything, and I appreciated that the story allowed her choices to have consequences rather than making everything easy.
Overall, this was a thoughtful, vibrant read about chasing your dreams while discovering that sometimes the thing you went looking for isn’t necessarily the thing you actually needed. The romance may not have been what kept me turning the pages, but Bianca’s journey absolutely did. 🇧🇷❤️
I really loved following Bianca as she traveled to Brazil and found herself confronting this entire piece of her family and culture that she had been disconnected from. What begins as an opportunity to finally move her filmmaking career forward becomes something much more personal, especially as she learns more about her mother, her aunt Sonia, and the things that were left unsaid between them. There’s so much here about complicated family relationships, grief, cultural disconnect, and what it means to reconnect with a part of yourself you never really had the opportunity to know.
The samba school and documentary aspects were easily some of my favorite parts. I loved how much of the story centered the women, their community, and Bianca actually experiencing Brazil rather than simply using it as the backdrop for her career ambitions.
The romance, though, took a while to really become part of the story for me. And weirdly enough, I’m not even sure I needed it? 😂 I liked it once it developed, but Bianca’s personal and familial journey was compelling enough that I could have happily read this as a story without a central romance at all. Her relationships with her family, her heritage, and even herself felt like the real heart of the book.
There are also some messy decisions made along the way, particularly because Bianca arrives with that little white lie hanging over everything, and I appreciated that the story allowed her choices to have consequences rather than making everything easy.
Overall, this was a thoughtful, vibrant read about chasing your dreams while discovering that sometimes the thing you went looking for isn’t necessarily the thing you actually needed. The romance may not have been what kept me turning the pages, but Bianca’s journey absolutely did. 🇧🇷❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Her vibrant and visually lush cover invites you in. Her story invites you to stay.
Bianca, or as her father affectionally calls her "Binky" possesses a voice that leaps from the pages. She possesses a wry sense of humor with a bit of a bite. You'll hear it when she trades verbal barbs with love interest, Miles, and when she turns the lens on herself. (see: clothing mishap). She's sensitive to her immediate environment and aptly pivots. When called out, she is brave. She's a character Readers will appreciate.
The novel is also a testament to the important topics romances can launch. The HEA is achieved but the journey is rich in musical and cultural history. You'll hear how grief can both motivate and stagnate and discover the intricate parts of the samba. Alongside these points, the Author speaks to women's role in film from behind the director/producer's chair and how women's contributions can be misappropriated. But there is a scene that shows how it can be snatched right back again. (see: teen with drumstick)
Thank you Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#TheGirlfromIpanema #NetGalley
Bianca, or as her father affectionally calls her "Binky" possesses a voice that leaps from the pages. She possesses a wry sense of humor with a bit of a bite. You'll hear it when she trades verbal barbs with love interest, Miles, and when she turns the lens on herself. (see: clothing mishap). She's sensitive to her immediate environment and aptly pivots. When called out, she is brave. She's a character Readers will appreciate.
The novel is also a testament to the important topics romances can launch. The HEA is achieved but the journey is rich in musical and cultural history. You'll hear how grief can both motivate and stagnate and discover the intricate parts of the samba. Alongside these points, the Author speaks to women's role in film from behind the director/producer's chair and how women's contributions can be misappropriated. But there is a scene that shows how it can be snatched right back again. (see: teen with drumstick)
Thank you Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#TheGirlfromIpanema #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’ve never been to Brazil, but I could picture everything the people, the culture, the streets. It really made me want to visit Brazil; I felt completely immersed in the story. It kept me engaged, and I absolutely fell in love with Miles. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
We love a good enemies to lovers story and one that takes place mostly in Brazil is going to be a sure winner! Bianca gets the opportunity to film a documentary about the first all female samba school and connect with her mother's side of the family. But due to her big mouth, she has to bring her nemesis Miles on to help...and she may have to trick him to get him there. But will they be able to set their disagreements aside while she makes a documentary and discovers some family secrets?
This was nice. The romance was mostly non-existent until the last several chapters, but I loved following along as Bianca discovered Samba and the beauty of Brazil.
This was nice. The romance was mostly non-existent until the last several chapters, but I loved following along as Bianca discovered Samba and the beauty of Brazil.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read The Girl from Ipanema by Mia Sosa in ONE day. Could. Not. Put. It. Down.
As a kid, my family lived in Brazil, and this book brought back so many fond memories— the sights, the warmth, the culture. Mia wrote this as a true love letter to Brazil, its people, and its magic, and you can feel it on every page.
And as a woman of Dominican descent, let me tell you — I know how a little miscommunication can turn into years of family drama. This book gets it & shares it in such a beautiful way.
Confession: I usually live for a fast burn (wink wink), but this slow burn had me completely wrapped up in these characters. Every page of the wait was worth it.
There is SO much to love here. Add it to your January 2027 list now, mark your calendars, do not sleep on this release.
As a kid, my family lived in Brazil, and this book brought back so many fond memories— the sights, the warmth, the culture. Mia wrote this as a true love letter to Brazil, its people, and its magic, and you can feel it on every page.
And as a woman of Dominican descent, let me tell you — I know how a little miscommunication can turn into years of family drama. This book gets it & shares it in such a beautiful way.
Confession: I usually live for a fast burn (wink wink), but this slow burn had me completely wrapped up in these characters. Every page of the wait was worth it.
There is SO much to love here. Add it to your January 2027 list now, mark your calendars, do not sleep on this release.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mia Sosa continues to cement her place in my heart as one of my favorite authors. Ever present is her use of witty banter and well-rounded character development and while I am used to her capital R, romances (The Starter Ex is still one of my favorite audios) The Girl from Ipanema is a foray into women’s fiction and an amazing one at that
Brazilian-American, Bianca Thompson is at a career crossroads when an opportunity of a lifetime presents itself. When her pitch starts to go sideways, Bianca acts quickly to place the panel in her favor, using what little knowledge she has of her Brazilian heritage and memories of her late Brazilian mother to create a new idea for a documentary. Soon she is on a plane heading toward Brazil to meet the family she has never known and explore the world of escola de samba.
You can feel every bit of Mia Sosa in this book and anyone who is a part of a diaspora will appreciate the journey Bianca endures. She is a person finding out where she belongs in between two completely different worlds and holding on to a dream for her mother and not necessarily for herself.
The Girl from Ipanema is an intricately woven story, rich and respectful in its depiction of the very culture that serves as its inspiration. Stories that are this lush and rooted in culture are the very reason why marginalized stories should always be written by OwnVoices representation.
Thank you to the author and Putnam for the eARC of this book! I am looking forward to doing a reread through audio in the future!
Brazilian-American, Bianca Thompson is at a career crossroads when an opportunity of a lifetime presents itself. When her pitch starts to go sideways, Bianca acts quickly to place the panel in her favor, using what little knowledge she has of her Brazilian heritage and memories of her late Brazilian mother to create a new idea for a documentary. Soon she is on a plane heading toward Brazil to meet the family she has never known and explore the world of escola de samba.
You can feel every bit of Mia Sosa in this book and anyone who is a part of a diaspora will appreciate the journey Bianca endures. She is a person finding out where she belongs in between two completely different worlds and holding on to a dream for her mother and not necessarily for herself.
The Girl from Ipanema is an intricately woven story, rich and respectful in its depiction of the very culture that serves as its inspiration. Stories that are this lush and rooted in culture are the very reason why marginalized stories should always be written by OwnVoices representation.
Thank you to the author and Putnam for the eARC of this book! I am looking forward to doing a reread through audio in the future!
October 18, 2026
Another funny and heartfelt read from romcom queen Mia Sosa.
However, fellow romance-lovers may want to know that this book focuses much more on Bianca’s journey to find her roots and connect to her mother’s side of the family, and the romance with Miles feels like more of a side plot. It’s still a big part of the story, but it’s not the main focus by any means.
That being said, THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA has all the characteristics we’ve come to expect from Sosa: witty banter, emotional family dynamics, a celebration of community and culture (in this case Brazilian culture), and compelling, multi-dimensional characters.
It’s a lovely story that pulls you in with intriguing family secrets and Bianca’s desperate desire to connect to her heritage, and makes you fall in love with the people she meets on her journey.
Sosa also has this tendency to almost write how someone talks, which is highly appealing to me as a dialogue fan. It feels like your funniest friend is telling you a story over coffee. There are even fourth wall breaks that really make it seem like Bianca is talking directly to/at you, which is fun.
The early ARC I received did not include any content/trigger warnings, and I believe this story should come with some, including grief, past parental death, and workplace s*xual harassment. And those are just the ones I remember right now, there are almost certainly more I’m forgetting about.
While not my favorite of Mia Sosa’s works, this is still a beautifully-told story that I would highly recommend. I consider her to be a titan in the romance genre, and will always praise her work loudly and enthusiastically.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for this eARC*
However, fellow romance-lovers may want to know that this book focuses much more on Bianca’s journey to find her roots and connect to her mother’s side of the family, and the romance with Miles feels like more of a side plot. It’s still a big part of the story, but it’s not the main focus by any means.
That being said, THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA has all the characteristics we’ve come to expect from Sosa: witty banter, emotional family dynamics, a celebration of community and culture (in this case Brazilian culture), and compelling, multi-dimensional characters.
It’s a lovely story that pulls you in with intriguing family secrets and Bianca’s desperate desire to connect to her heritage, and makes you fall in love with the people she meets on her journey.
Sosa also has this tendency to almost write how someone talks, which is highly appealing to me as a dialogue fan. It feels like your funniest friend is telling you a story over coffee. There are even fourth wall breaks that really make it seem like Bianca is talking directly to/at you, which is fun.
The early ARC I received did not include any content/trigger warnings, and I believe this story should come with some, including grief, past parental death, and workplace s*xual harassment. And those are just the ones I remember right now, there are almost certainly more I’m forgetting about.
While not my favorite of Mia Sosa’s works, this is still a beautifully-told story that I would highly recommend. I consider her to be a titan in the romance genre, and will always praise her work loudly and enthusiastically.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for this eARC*
October 7, 2026
Wow, The Girl from Ipanema was absolutely AMAZING! First of all, I loved Bianca, she was hilarious, had the best banter, and was such a strong and fierce woman. I love how she handled her horrible boss, her banter with Miles, and how she went to Brazil to meet her moms family and follow her dreams in creating a documentary! It was such a beautiful story, yes there was romance, but I loved seeing her travel to Brazil, meet her moms family, and search for answers about her moms history with her family. It was so brave and beautiful, having lost someone I can understand not having a way to get answers from them and I loved how she still did her best to get answers and how she brought her mom and family into the documentary. It was just absolutely beautiful!
Now for the romance, I loved Miles! I knew he was a sweetheart and I love the banter they had and how they genuinely respected each other. It was a slllooowww burn but so worth it because you could feel their love for eachother before anything really happened. I loved seeing their time in Brazil and their adventures and how they eventually made their way back to each other.
The entire book was spectacular and beautiful and I loved every single moment!
Now for the romance, I loved Miles! I knew he was a sweetheart and I love the banter they had and how they genuinely respected each other. It was a slllooowww burn but so worth it because you could feel their love for eachother before anything really happened. I loved seeing their time in Brazil and their adventures and how they eventually made their way back to each other.
The entire book was spectacular and beautiful and I loved every single moment!
October 3, 2026
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion: The cover is stunning and the story is beautiful. It’s multi-layered. There is romance but it’s more about family ties and dynamics.
Bianca is working for a dreadful boss and then a little fabrication during a pitch meeting starts her on a wild journey to explore for the first time her mother’s homeland of Brazil. Mysteriously, her mother never returned and cut all ties with her family. Bianca will discover her maternal culture, family and country - and uncover some secrets.
This is my second Mia Sosa novel (The Stater Ex 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟) and what I like about her books: you’re going to learn something new, and she’s going to have a twist. Something you didn’t expect.
Trigger warnings: themes of sexism, misogyny, sexual assault (unfortunately still very relevant).
There is romance but it’s a slow burn and honestly not the center of this story. I would say there is some open door sex but would rate it 🌶️: 1/5.
I felt I could feel the love in the words. She loves her family, her cultural, samba, and Brazil. I also loved the Portuguese sprinkled throughout. Funnily enough, my boyfriend is studying Portuguese and now I want to go to Brazil.
Slow burn romance
He falls first
AfroLatina FMC
Mother daughter relationship
Family reconnection
I loved it and I’m so thankful I received this ARC from Putnam.
Bianca is working for a dreadful boss and then a little fabrication during a pitch meeting starts her on a wild journey to explore for the first time her mother’s homeland of Brazil. Mysteriously, her mother never returned and cut all ties with her family. Bianca will discover her maternal culture, family and country - and uncover some secrets.
This is my second Mia Sosa novel (The Stater Ex 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟) and what I like about her books: you’re going to learn something new, and she’s going to have a twist. Something you didn’t expect.
Trigger warnings: themes of sexism, misogyny, sexual assault (unfortunately still very relevant).
There is romance but it’s a slow burn and honestly not the center of this story. I would say there is some open door sex but would rate it 🌶️: 1/5.
I felt I could feel the love in the words. She loves her family, her cultural, samba, and Brazil. I also loved the Portuguese sprinkled throughout. Funnily enough, my boyfriend is studying Portuguese and now I want to go to Brazil.
Slow burn romance
He falls first
AfroLatina FMC
Mother daughter relationship
Family reconnection
I loved it and I’m so thankful I received this ARC from Putnam.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Muito bom! I loved this examination of what you know, what you think you know, and what you don't, as the FMC travels back to her mother's homeland and discovers so much about herself, her colleagues, and family and cultural history. The author did a great job of including Brazilian Portuguese in the conversations and paraphrasing after so that it was clear what was being said, without it seeming like a blatant translation. I definitely felt like the story flowed well and look forward to reading more from Mia Sosa. She handled important issues in a way that fit with the characters and their experiences, and I wanted to hear more about their future lives, which is a great way to leave the reader wanting more. I received this ARC from Putnam via NetGalley.
October 24, 2026
A very interesting fish out of water story that reads as a love letter to Brazil, and to family, specifically the reforging of broken family bonds.
Unfortunately, it takes a very long time for the actual plot to get going (almost 20% of the story is her crappy job and how much she hates her boss and her coworkers).
The celebration of samba culture was a joy to read, a glossary would have been helpful.
The romance was super slow burn, and felt a little shoehorned, although I do appreciate us learning early in the story why Bianca and Miles don't get along, and haven't since grad school.
All in all, an enjoyable, entertaining, and informative read (I learned so much about Brazil, Rio, and Samba culture)
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons' for the free DRC.
Unfortunately, it takes a very long time for the actual plot to get going (almost 20% of the story is her crappy job and how much she hates her boss and her coworkers).
The celebration of samba culture was a joy to read, a glossary would have been helpful.
The romance was super slow burn, and felt a little shoehorned, although I do appreciate us learning early in the story why Bianca and Miles don't get along, and haven't since grad school.
All in all, an enjoyable, entertaining, and informative read (I learned so much about Brazil, Rio, and Samba culture)
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons' for the free DRC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is a masterpiece of blending an entertaining, lower-case-r romance genre with teachable moments on feminism, Brazilian culture/history, and healing family bonds. Total "YOU GO GIRL" vibes for this elder millennial.
I felt so immersed in the plot of them making the movie that I forgot it wasn't an actual thing. And now "go experience Carnival" is on my bucket list.
4/5 ★
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for an eARC of this book, this is my honest review and all opinions are my own.
I felt so immersed in the plot of them making the movie that I forgot it wasn't an actual thing. And now "go experience Carnival" is on my bucket list.
4/5 ★
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for an eARC of this book, this is my honest review and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley, for the e-ARC!
I had to start reading this one right away! First, the beautiful cover caught my eye, and then I had to know what the title meant. What a sweet story, it truly had all the feels! This was such a heartfelt, emotional, and beautiful read. ❤️
I had to start reading this one right away! First, the beautiful cover caught my eye, and then I had to know what the title meant. What a sweet story, it truly had all the feels! This was such a heartfelt, emotional, and beautiful read. ❤️
Did Not Finish
October 23, 2026Unfortunately I had to DNF this book. I am a big fan of her other work though!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mia Sosa beautifully portrays the setting and cultural details in such a way that it inspires one to experience the destination firsthand.
Adding it to my bucket list.
I really enjoyed having the Portuguese woven into the story. Even though I couldn’t understand most of it until I read the translations, I was able to pick up on certain words and phrases because of its similarities to Spanish. I loved how that added an extra layer of immersion, making me feel like I was right there in Brazil alongside the characters.
The best part of the story was following Bianca as she discovered the all-women samba school and unraveled the mystery of her mother’s past and her family’s history. The story reflects ongoing struggles for gender equality, showing how women’s fight for independence and equal rights remains relevant today. The fight for women’s rights is reflected in both Bianca’s work in America and the experiences of the women of Samba in Brazil.
Adding it to my bucket list.
I really enjoyed having the Portuguese woven into the story. Even though I couldn’t understand most of it until I read the translations, I was able to pick up on certain words and phrases because of its similarities to Spanish. I loved how that added an extra layer of immersion, making me feel like I was right there in Brazil alongside the characters.
The best part of the story was following Bianca as she discovered the all-women samba school and unraveled the mystery of her mother’s past and her family’s history. The story reflects ongoing struggles for gender equality, showing how women’s fight for independence and equal rights remains relevant today. The fight for women’s rights is reflected in both Bianca’s work in America and the experiences of the women of Samba in Brazil.
September 27, 2026
Thank you, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley, for the e-ARC!
I had to start reading this one right away! First, the beautiful cover caught my eye, and then I had to know what the title meant. What a sweet story, it truly had all the feels! This was such a heartfelt, emotional, and beautiful read. ❤️
I had to start reading this one right away! First, the beautiful cover caught my eye, and then I had to know what the title meant. What a sweet story, it truly had all the feels! This was such a heartfelt, emotional, and beautiful read. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While I adore Mia Sosa’s previous releases, this one resonates with me the least. As a documentarian, Bianca sets out to chronicle the history of Brazil's first all-female samba school. This pursuit to uncover these women's vibrant stories also serves as a way for her to piece together the origins of her late mother's connection to her Brazilian family, and the reasons they lost contact after her departure. The narrative itself felt profound. I cherished observing Bianca’s initial immersion in Brazil and the way the journey fostered a deeper connection to her mother. However, I wished for a more seamless equilibrium between the samba school, the historical exploration, and the personal connection to Bianca's mother. I would have felt a more intense emotional impact if the story had delved deeper into her mother's upbringing in Brazil and her ties to the lively family members featured in the film. Honestly, as much as I liked Miles, the romance felt unnecessary and rushed due to its late development. The real stars were the Brazilian setting, the family lore, and the samba dancers.
August 8, 2026
I went into this one expecting romance so I kept waiting for that storyline to blossom, which took forever. But I’m not mad about the direction Sosa went in instead. A young woman visiting her motherland and telling the stories of her people. The women in Ipanema who made it into what it is today.
It’s a beautiful story with a rich culture and driven female characters. Bianca came to Ipanema to film a documentary but she left with so much more. A family, a piece of her mother’s legacy and a supportive guy who’s crazy about her.
This is women’s fiction at its best in my opinion. If you go in expecting that you’ll have an amazing time reading this one. I highly recommend it!
Read this if you like
🧡Women’s fiction
🔥Slow burn
💃🏽Hidden family secrets
🌺Forced proximity
It’s a beautiful story with a rich culture and driven female characters. Bianca came to Ipanema to film a documentary but she left with so much more. A family, a piece of her mother’s legacy and a supportive guy who’s crazy about her.
This is women’s fiction at its best in my opinion. If you go in expecting that you’ll have an amazing time reading this one. I highly recommend it!
Read this if you like
🧡Women’s fiction
🔥Slow burn
💃🏽Hidden family secrets
🌺Forced proximity
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