Book Review : The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata

“Home is where you are. I would go anywhere for you if you wanted me there.”

4.3/5 stars

- slow slow burn
- sports romance
- touch her/say something against him & I'll commit a crime trope

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata is a slow burn romance novel that follows the story of Vanessa Mazur, a personal assistant to Aiden Graves, a former professional football player who needs her help to keep his career running. However, despite their professional relationship, Aiden and Vanessa are far from friends, let alone lovers. But when Aiden asks Vanessa to marry him, things start to change, and the two find themselves in a situation where they must rely on each other to succeed.

The slow burn aspect of this book is one of the things that makes it stand out from other romance novels. It's a testament to the author's writing style, which allows readers to truly get to know the characters and their relationships. The story is a slow, steady buildup of tension, which makes it all the more satisfying when the two finally get together. It's not just about the physical attraction between them, but also about the emotional connection that they develop over time.

Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was the sports romance theme. The fact that Aiden is a former football player adds an interesting element to the story. We get a glimpse into the world of professional sports and the pressure that comes with it. We also get to see how Aiden's career has affected his personal life and relationships.

One of the tropes that the book employs is the "touch her/say something against him & I'll commit a crime" trope. While this is a familiar trope in romance novels, Zapata handles it well. Aiden's protectiveness over Vanessa is not just about possessiveness; it's also about his deepening feelings for her. Vanessa, on the other hand, is not just a damsel in distress. She's a strong, independent woman who can hold her own in any situation.

The characters in the book are well-written and complex. Aiden, in particular, is a fascinating character. He's not your typical romance novel hero. He's brooding, distant, and not particularly warm or friendly. But as the story progresses, we learn more about him, and we see a softer, more vulnerable side to him. Vanessa, on the other hand, is relatable and likable. She's smart, hardworking, and determined to make a life for herself. The chemistry between the two characters is undeniable, and the slow burn only adds to the tension.

Overall, The Wall of Winnipeg and Me is a beautifully written romance novel that will appeal to fans of slow-burn romances and sports romance novels. The characters are well-drawn and the story is engaging. The author's writing style is engaging and flows well, making it easy to get lost in the story. While it's not a perfect book, it's a solid read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good romance novel. If you're a fan of Mariana Zapata's other books, you'll definitely enjoy this one.