Book Review: Kulti by Mariana Zapata

Kulti is the second book I read by Mariana Zapata after The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, and this book completely took my heart. Nobody does slow burn like Mariana Zapata. She takes her time building the characters, their connection, and the emotions, and by the time the romance finally happens, it feels earned and incredibly satisfying.

Our FMC, Sal Casillas, is just great. She’s hardworking, passionate about soccer, and incredibly relatable. I loved how grounded she felt as a character. She’s not perfect, but she’s determined, loyal, and someone you can easily root for. Watching her navigate her career, her admiration for a childhood idol, and her growing feelings throughout the story was honestly one of the best parts of the book.

Our MMC is Reiner Kulti, and do I even need to say anything? Even without speaking much, he somehow says everything. His quiet presence, his seriousness, and the little moments where his softer side shows make him such a compelling character. The way his relationship with Sal slowly evolves from awkward and distant to something deeper was beautifully written.

The slow burn is exactly what you would expect from Mariana Zapata. Long, steady, and full of tension. But that’s what makes it so good. Every interaction, every small change in their dynamic builds up the story in the best way possible. When things finally start to shift between them, it feels completely worth the wait.

And of course, the sports aspect adds another layer to the story. The soccer setting feels authentic and keeps the plot interesting without overshadowing the romance. It’s definitely sports romance done right.

Overall, Kulti is a beautifully written slow burn with memorable characters and a romance that develops in the most satisfying way.

A four star out of five!

Get your copy from here.

With love and lots of stories,
The Reading Lane

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