A review by chai_and_books
Kulti by Mariana Zapata

funny hopeful lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Prefacing this by saying Mariana Zapata is one of my best friend's favorite authors and this is one her favorite books by her. It was cute and I read it relatively quickly. I know Mariana's MO and I have enjoyed her slow burns in the past. This one was no different. I really like how Sal was unapologetically herself and she reminded a lot of Jasmine from 'From Lukov With Love'. However, there were a few things that I wish were different:
1. Sal's relationship with her brother. The whole book we're told they're close but we see them talk like twice. And I get that they're busy with their own lives but idk I just feel that could've been shown better. And the whole thing with Kulti injuring Sal's brother had no pay off like it was an issue one second and no issue the other.
2. The sexism was icky. Like I get girls can get mean and catty but that was not a reason for the blatant name calling every other paragraph- by Sal and the other girls. The redeeming factor was Sal having friends in the team and being nice to the younger girls in the team. 
3. 'The/My German' and 'brown-green orbs' was giving Wattpad circa 2015. His nickname for her was, decidedly, better.
4. How the DUI matter was handled- I wish there was more accountability by Kulti and how that was dangerous for him and the people around him
But overall, it was cheesy and endearing and something I might reread on a rainy day.

  • enemies to friends to lovers
  • celebrity romance (she was a fan of his)
  • forbidden romance (he's her coach)
  • sports romance
  • BANTER
  • slow burn
  • age gap