Books, Boots and Bakeries

The slowest burn, the biggest payoff.

If you’ve read a Mariana Zapata book before, you already know the vibe. Painfully slow burn romance, characters with grit, banter that makes you smirk into your tea, and that delicious moment when it finally happens. Kulti delivers on all fronts.

Let’s talk about the setup. Sal Casillas is a professional soccer player who’s been holding her own for years. She’s tough, funny, and incredibly relatable. I adored her from page one. Then in walks Reiner Kulti, former international football superstar and Sal’s literal teenage poster boy crush, who also just so happens to be her new coach.

Now, if you think it’s going to be instant fireworks, you clearly haven’t read Zapata. This one simmers. It simmers so slowly you might check your Kindle for smoke. But that is exactly what makes it work. The age gap is done respectfully. The power dynamics are handled with care. The payoff is worth every agonising, wonderful minute.

Kulti himself is the definition of grumpy cinnamon roll. Stoic, closed off, and downright rude at first. But layer by layer, you get to see the man underneath. Loyal, supportive, and surprisingly sweet when he’s not being a stubborn mule. Once Sal breaks through those walls, it is swoon city.

Sal’s dad also became my absolute favourite character. His unwavering support, his hilarious texts, and the way he loves his daughter just shine through. He is a scene stealer and adds so much heart to the story.

And as someone with a half German husband, let me just say the German insults hit. At some point I am 100 percent calling my husband a bratwurst when I’m frustrated with him and he won’t even know what hit him. If he’s nice, though, maybe I’ll call him a pretzel. Seems fair.

There is something so satisfying about watching two people become friends first. Real friends. Before anything romantic happens. You root for them every step of the way.

Honestly, I loved this book. It’s fun, it’s smart, it’s empowering. And while it’s slow, it never drags. Sal’s voice carries it with charm and heart, and Kulti might not say much, but when he does, it hits.

If you’re in the mood for a story that builds trust, friendship, and love with the kind of care only Mariana Zapata can deliver, Kulti is the one.