
Who Would Like This Book:
If you’re a fan of slow burn romance with a heavy dose of sports, Kulti is pure catnip. The gradual, realistic evolution of the relationship between Sal, a hardworking pro soccer player, and her new coach (and childhood idol!) Reiner Kulti, is full of banter, emotional growth, and that sweet, agonizing anticipation Zapata is known for. The book does a great job of making you care about Sal’s family dynamics, her drive on the pitch, and the bond that forms between the leads. If you enjoy character-driven stories where the romance is truly earned and you’re in no rush for instant payoff, this book was made for you. Bonus points if you love a grumpy hero with a heart of gold and a heroine who knows her worth.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Not everyone gels with Zapata’s style, and Kulti is a prime example. If you crave fast-paced plots, immediate chemistry, or lots of steamy scenes, the ultra-slow burn (like glacial!) pace can be frustrating - romantic development happens almost at the last minute. The story is also packed with internal monologues, quirky humor (hello, repeated poop jokes), and lengthy soccer-detail scenes that may leave you cold - especially if you know your soccer lingo, as there are inaccuracies. The book’s length and lack of dual POV can also test your patience.
About:
'Kulti' by Mariana Zapata is a slow burn romance novel that follows the development of a relationship between Rey and Sal, two main characters with a love-hate dynamic that gradually evolves into a deep friendship and eventually romance. The story is praised for its realistic unfolding of the relationship, showcasing trust-building and character development along the way. The book is noted for its emphasis on friendship and the slow burn of the romance, with a backdrop of soccer that adds depth to the plot.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include scenes with mild torture, bodily humor, and some references that may be off-putting to certain readers.
Has Romance?
The romance is central to the plot, developing gradually and significantly throughout the book.
From The Publisher:
"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.This was going to be the longest season of her life.
Ratings (228)
Incredible (67) | |
Loved It (87) | |
Liked It (40) | |
It Was OK (21) | |
Did Not Like (10) | |
Hated It (3) |
Reader Stats (425):
Read It (239) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (91) | |
Did Not Finish (7) | |
Not Interested (87) |
9 comment(s)
This is the first book I've read of Mariana Zapata's and I loved it. It's definitely slow burn, but not slow in pace. She's masterful at weaving these 2 main characters. Taking them from strangers to coach and player that don't like each other to friends and eventually lovers.
Iwas 179 pages in and realized (while in the shower) that I was feelinh a little nervous anticipation like butterflies when you first get to know somebody and you feel like you really like them. I didn't realize that's what the author was doing but it was so well done.
As a soccer player, the soccer parts were cringe at times. 4.3
I count the months until I can reread it so I can get bedazzled all over again.
It’s simple, I loved them. I love their story. (Though I’m a complete slut for sport romance so..)
You don’t even have to tell me what the book is about, if it’s written by Mariana Zapata I already love it.
Ah ah! Neler çektim neler! Çıldırmama az kalmıştı cidden. Siz siz olun kitabın konusuna, yorumlara bakmadan benim gibi bodoslama okumayın. Aslında ikisinde de sorun yoktu
One star is because he’s a soccer player
Sal grew up having a massive teen hood crush on the footballer Kulti. Many years later when she is 27, he becomes her new coach. Bit of a banter that's ends with love. I had big hopes for this, the premise really sounded like a winner for me. But for me it was alright, but nothing more. Didn't particularly like any of the characters and I did cringe in some parts of their banter. But I didn't hate it or even disliked it heavily.
Oh man. This was so good that I couldn't put it down ... seriously, I've been sneaking time to read at work today. It was just a beautiful story that unfolded in such a compelling way. I'll read this again and again, no question.
My only quibble is that I wanted a longer epilogue.
I wanted to see her stomp stupid Amber. I wanted her dickbag GM to regret losing her when his team spent a few years in the toilet and his players had shitty morale from all the back-biting. I wanted the U.S. national team to realize they'd lost the best striker in the world because of their own stupidity. I wanted a reporter to ask about it, and for her to tell the truth. And I wanted to see their lives together. Their connection was so moving, so beautiful, that I wanted to see it continue past this first flowering and into something they both knew was permanent. I like that the epilogue told us it was, but I wanted to bask in seeing it a bit.
That's two books from this new-to-me author, and I have a feeling I'll be rapidly powering through everything else of hers.
I never thought I would like sport romance. But this is so amazing. Compelling love story
Kulti is the fifth book I've read by Mariana Zapata, and while it wasn't my favorite by any means, it was just as addictive and compelling as all the previous ones I've read. My current rankings go; From Lukov With Love; All Rhodes Lead Home; The Wall of Winnipeg and Me; Kulti; Wait for It. The top two switch depending on the day, but that's pretty much how things stand.
I can agree with many of the negative things said about this book. In particular, Zapata's lack of finesse when it comes to side plots and the overuse of Sal's coping mechanism (thinking of Kulti being human and pooping just like everyone else to talk to him like a peer instead of a fangirl). Despite the negatives, I had an overall delightful experience reading this book! I enjoyed following Sal and Kulti’s relationship change and develop, and by the end of the book, they were a lovely couple, evenly balanced in almost every aspect.
Slow-burn romance remains my absolute favorite category of the genre, and Zapata is the undisputed queen above all others I’ve read. I don’t find myself particularly interested in any of the other books she has released at the moment, so I am highly anticipating the announcement and release of her next work!
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