“When one door closes, another one opens. I might just have to do a little breaking and entering to get the right one for me.”
Wow. Okay.
I sit here right now after a week long binge of not one, but two of Mariana Zapata’s books. I just finished one and went straight into the next. Neither one connected, I just really needed to feed the addiction.
First of all, I just need to point out that I’ve picked up quite a few books in 2017, and none have held me the entire way through.
Until Kulti.
This book was on the verge of epic. Hot, slow burn, sexy, addictive and oh so amazing. This was my very first book by this author and now I cannot even believe it took me so long to read one! And I never usually go straight into another book by the same author unless there’s a cliffhanger. But there is just something so brilliant about Mariana Zapata’s books that just had me wanting so much more.
In short, Reiner Kulti is a German International Footballer (soccer) and one that Salome (Sal) Casillas has admired since she was a kid. He is also the new assistant coach of her soccer team.
Kulti is moody, broody and almost unlikeable before we even meet him. But his attitude aside, I started to like him quite early on. You know he’s battling demons and he’s really just dealing with them the only way he knows how. But one of my favourite parts of this book was how Sal took it upon herself to be the one to step up and help him even when she didn’t want to. She had to be really cautious about how their unlikely friendship was being perceived by others too, so they went about their ‘getting-to-know-each-other’ without anyone really knowing. They tried their best to hide Kulti’s identity as best as they could where ever they went.
I do need to point out that this story is incredibly slow burning, but I promise you, Mariana’s words are magic. Without wanting to stop, I read this book over three days (listening mostly to the audio, which was amazing btw). Although their ‘relationship’ was a long-time coming, the chemistry is off the charts, yet I wasn’t in any rush for it to happen (for the most part).
“You are the most honest, good thing I’ve ever had. I won’t deny it to anyone.”
As I read this book, I kept thinking to myself how wonderfully refreshing Sal was. She had passion and drive, and I loved how she didn’t take any crap from Kulti. She stood her ground and spoke her mind, no matter what the situation, yet keeping honest to herself, to her family and her friends. It was just so nice to see a strong heroine who was following her passion, not letting anything or anyone stand in her way. And it was even more amazing to see Kulti supporting her the way he did. He’d already made it as a professional footballer and to see him take a step out of the spotlight to let Sal shine, was another one of my favourite things about this book. He kind of had this protective alpha thing going on too, and it was totally hot.
“This is what matters. You are my gift, my second chance, and I will cherish you and your dream. I will protect both of you.”
This book is a full, complete standalone. All 570 epic pages worth, with a perfect epilogue that had me clutching my kindle to my chest, almost sobbing from the amazingness of it all. I honestly grew to love these characters like my own friends. They felt like family. They felt real. Once you give this book a try, I know some of you will love it, you will be hooked!. It might not be for others, but I know in my heart that I will cherish these characters for a long time to come. And Mariana, you have a new fangirl for life <3
5 ‘Taco’ stars!!
It was amazing xx
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
$18.89
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
In Stock
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Popular Highlights in this book
“You know your reputation is just what everyone else thinks of you, your character is what you really are.”Highlighted by 3,603 Kindle readers- It was the worst non-break-up ever in the history of imaginary relationships with a man who didn’t even know I existed.Highlighted by 3,393 Kindle readers
- To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.Highlighted by 2,974 Kindle readers
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Not really worth the hype
-I loved the nicknames Sal and Kulti gave to each other. They weren’t overdone and felt adorable.-Sal’s dad was the best side character and I adored him.-The protective moments from Kulti for Sal were some of the best. Definitely swoon worthy.-The sweet moments with Sal and Kulti in the end were romantic.-When the romance hit, it was incredibly satisfying.-The things Kulti does for Sal, completely warmed my heart. I’m an “actions speak louder than words” girl and he fit that to perfection.**If you loved this one, you may want to ignore my thoughts below. It’s up to you**THOUGHTS:A chunk of this book is as follows… field play, someone get’s angry, (usually Sal) we resolve it… and repeat. I lost track of how many times Sal tells herself “Patience, patience.” Or this instance, "focus. Don't make a big deal out of this." On the very next paragraph… "I need to keep I together. Focus." As this is in first person, being in her head for over 500 pages, got old.We are told over and over how grumpy and also amazing Kulti is. His eyes are especially perfect, and how almost everyone she knows is either a slut or and ass. (Her words not mine)So. Much. Repetition.There were a couple characters who played no purpose in my opinion.The romance had no tension until the last 50 pages or so. I never loved Sal and only liked Kulti, so when they got together It was more of a relief than excitement. It was like reading a fantasy book but no magic happens until the end."Nothing happened between Kulti and I. He'd never been anything but platonic toward me. Fatherly, brother Lee, friendly, Culty had been all of those things throughout the course of our friendship." (500 pages)The sister was a useless character for me.The poop was funny for about 100 pages and then it just wasn’t.THIS stupefied me and I actually reached out to an author I trust, to tell me if this next part made sense and she completely agreed with me. It makes no sense."...My hand out in greeting. What I didn't see were the hazel colored yes...""Neither one of us was looking at the weasel, so we both missed his scoff..."HOW can she give a perspective of something she DIDN'T see??? This is an editor's mistake, so I won't hold it against the book but still. for a book that so many people love, I expected a higher level of writing.OVERALL:This was a good read that had some fun banter and heart tugging moments. However, it was too repetitive, which made it too long and didn’t give me any romance until I was too uninterested to care. I needed more variety in the scenes, dialogue, better writing and for the anticipation and romance to actually slowly burn instead of just explode in the last 50 pages.
Top reviews from other countries
Marisol Barrera
Mariana Zapata is the Slow Burn queen
Reviewed in Mexico on November 8, 2021
Marisol Barrera
Reviewed in Mexico on November 8, 2021
Jesus Louise-us Mariana Zapata does it again! I’m mentally kicking myself for not picking this up sooner. This book made me feel so many things. Freaking giddy being one of them. Kulti was an absolute gem. I’m not really a sports kinda gal but it made zero difference, thats how good it was. The father daughter relationship was absolutely beautiful. The friendships between teammates, I want that. The nicknames between Kulti and Sal were hilarious, not everybody can call a person Taco and get away with it. And yes, in case you were wondering, it is once again, the slowest of slow burns, but what did you expect? The fact that they become best friends first is just, swoon. I don’t want to move on, so I gotta put my big girl socks on and do it.
Synopsis:
I’m just gonna leave you with this quote:
“He was my coach and I was his friend. Or something like that.”
“What was I saying? when life gives you lemons, go to a taco stand.”
Read if you like : Sports romance •enemies to best friends to lovers •Forbidden romance •Age gap •boxed wine and bucket lists •languages and accents •Grumpy cinnamon roll
Images in this review
natayslibrary
5 ⭐ porque no le puedo poner más
Reviewed in Spain on October 6, 2023