New Author Alert

There’s beauty in a life disrupted. Don’t believe me? Then read The Ex-Perimento by Maria J. Morillo. It’s an absolute five-star romcom set in none other than Caracus, Venezuela. A place the author invites us to get to know as we follow Maria or better known to her friends as Marianto, in the aftermath of a breakup with the man she planned to marry.

Rating: A GAZILLION FREAKIN STARS

The Ex-Perimento is the perfect book to binge read. If the cover isn’t enough to entice you, then the heroine’s laugh out loud list of experiments – later edited by up-and-coming Columbian singer Simón Arreaza from her favorite band- to win back her ex, Alejandro, after he unceremoniously puts a pause in their relationship, certaintly will. But wait, first let’s take a second because like,

Excuse me, Alejandro? Our girl Marianto has waited for you to finish med school, being there with you every step of the way, discussing plans for the future that included a ring and wedding after your graduation, not to mention a move to a fancier zip code, all which you knew about, and you go and break up with her? In the words of Olivia Rodrigo:“Guess you didn’t cheat, but you’re still a traitor.”

But that’s okay since that one decision sets in motion a whole new adventure for our reluctant Marianto as she makes one last attempt to not lose the life she’s dreamed of. And who can blame her? Why easily give up what you’ve invested your best years into? It’s scary, uncomfortable and downright unfair to have to start over. The reason why, as the saying goes, when push comes to shove, a lot of times we decide to fight. Who wouldn’t? Who hasn’t? I certainly have.

Yet in doing so, we risk missing out on the possibility of a whole new life. One that could very well be a thousand times better and more exciting than the existence we’re clinging onto. And in The Ex-perimento, our dear Marianto will have to decide whether to hold on to her initial dreams she’s staked her entire future on or take a chance on a version of it she didn’t plan on that comes with some slight surprises, like a blossoming new romance with none other than Simón, her favorite artist.

Set against the backdrop of Venezuela’s capital, author Maria J. Morillo blends a scenic atmosphere of Caracas’ mountains and neighborhoods that’ll make you feel like you’re there. You won’t be able to put this book down. It has ALL THE FEELS. Not to mention, this book is a love letter to the author’s home country of Venezuela, and she’s also an Army. That’s right, she’s a BTS fan and you cannot imagine my delight in reading a certain scene where the boys are mentioned. But I won’t spoil that, you guys will just have to read it for yourselves when the book comes out.

And as a fellow army and Latina, all I can say is that I’m rooting for you Maria J. Morillo. And I will read anything you write. You’ve won my loyal readership with what I consider is going to be one the best debut novels of 2026.

Thank you for giving us The Ex-Perimento.

Now everyone, go pre-order this book. You will not regret it.