My Thoughts

This review is completely overdue for one big reason — I have absolutely no idea how I’m going to do it justice. You may remember that I discovered my love for Mariana’s books back in January. I read three of her books in a matter of a few days and I’ve read each of them at least one more time since then. And these are not short books, y’all. But my gods, her characters, her writing, the humor and the delicious slow burn… I can’t get enough of any of it. Also? There’s a damn good chance that just writing this review will make me want/need to re-read Kulti ASAP.

I loved this book. Sal and Rey were amazing. Now, it did take a little while for the real Rey to stand up and start charming me, but when he did it was full speed ahead. Sal, however, I loved from the very beginning. She was such a wonderful, strong heroine. The first time she stood up to Rey? I might have *literally* clapped. As these two became something like friends, then friends, then more… I was totally enamored. Characters like these are why I read. I desperately wish they were real so we could be friends.

Mariana’s books deliver some great laughs… and feels. SO MANY FEELS. When I started the book, I never thought I’d be describing Rey as swoony, but Oh. My. Gods. Was he ever. There’s one scene in particular — near the end of the book so I’m not going to spoil for you — that had me swooning so hard that I actually had to text a friend who had already read the book just so I could share my swoons with someone. And boy, did I ever swoon. It was so unexpected that I pretty much melted all over my couch. Rey. All the heart eyes.

I loved it. I LOVED it. I LOVED IT. (Both times.) If you’re not reading Mariana Zapata’s books, you’re missing out. You should do something about that.

Favorite Quotes

It was the worst non-break-up ever in the history of imaginary relationships with a man who didn’t even know I existed.

“A dream is just a wish without a plan.” After you hear it enough times, it grows on you and the older you get, the more you realize how true the words are. 

“You know your reputation is just what everyone else thinks of you, your character is what you really are.”

“You are my best friend.”

Dear God. A man like that making kissing sounds at what I could only guess was his baby. My vagina, my vagina didn’t know what to do with itself. 

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. 

“Trust me, I’ve wanted to punch you in the face a time or five.”

When the man you worshipped as a kid becomes your coach, it’s supposed to be the greatest thing in the world. Keywords: supposed to.

It didn’t take a week for twenty-seven-year-old Sal Casillas to wonder what she’d seen in the international soccer icon—why she’d ever had his posters on her wall, or ever envisioned marrying him and having super-playing soccer babies.

Sal had long ago gotten over the worst non-break-up in the history of imaginary relationships with a man that hadn’t known she’d existed. So she isn’t prepared for this version of Reiner Kulti who shows up to her team’s season: a quiet, reclusive, shadow of the explosive, passionate man he’d once been.

Nothing could have prepared her for the man she got to know.

Or the murderous urges he brought out in her.

“Sal, please don’t make me visit you in jail. Orange isn’t your color.”

This was going to be the longest season of her life.

Let’s Chat

Have you read any of Mariana’s books?
Can you pick a favorite?