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A review by allthatissim
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata is a wonderful slow-burn romance novel that has captured the hearts of many readers over the years. I'll be honest; the first 30% of the book was a bit of a struggle, thanks to extensive inner monologues and Aiden's initially off-putting behavior.
Aiden Graves, a top football player, was introduced as a self-absorbed and oblivious athlete who took his personal assistant, Vanessa Mazur, for granted. Vanessa finally decides to quit her job after years of being overlooked and undervalued, and that's when things got interesting.
As the narrative unfolded, I found myself immersed in a nicely crafted slow-burn romance. Aiden's character growth throughout the story was a standout element for me. His gradual realization of Vanessa's importance in his life and his efforts to become a better person were portrayed with subtlety and authenticity. It's rare to encounter such a well-developed character transformation in a romance novel.
Vanessa, too, was a character I could relate to. She was strong and assertive but also empathetic and understanding. Her character added depth and balance to the story. Witnessing her personal journey left me feeling immensely proud.
Now I understand why people hail Mariana Zapata as the queen of slow burn; that title is truly well-deserved. The journey through 460 pages was occasionally overwhelming, with moments that could have been trimmed due to repetitive inner monologues. However, the last 100 pages were pure delight and had me screaming with joy. The development of Aiden and Vanessa's relationship was executed flawlessly, and I found myself absolutely enamored with their dynamic - Aiden's grumpy exterior, coupled with his evident care for Vanessa. Their moments of vulnerability and open communication and the smallest gestures between them warmed my heart, and their witty banter had me smiling from ear to ear. It felt like I could physically witness them falling in love without the need for explicit declarations.
If you're a fan of slow-burn romances that feature well-developed characters and a realistic portrayal of love, then definitely check this book out. It's a journey that may have a slow start but ultimately leads to a deeply satisfying destination. And now, I'm eagerly anticipating exploring more of her books in the future.
Aiden Graves, a top football player, was introduced as a self-absorbed and oblivious athlete who took his personal assistant, Vanessa Mazur, for granted. Vanessa finally decides to quit her job after years of being overlooked and undervalued, and that's when things got interesting.
As the narrative unfolded, I found myself immersed in a nicely crafted slow-burn romance. Aiden's character growth throughout the story was a standout element for me. His gradual realization of Vanessa's importance in his life and his efforts to become a better person were portrayed with subtlety and authenticity. It's rare to encounter such a well-developed character transformation in a romance novel.
Vanessa, too, was a character I could relate to. She was strong and assertive but also empathetic and understanding. Her character added depth and balance to the story. Witnessing her personal journey left me feeling immensely proud.
Now I understand why people hail Mariana Zapata as the queen of slow burn; that title is truly well-deserved. The journey through 460 pages was occasionally overwhelming, with moments that could have been trimmed due to repetitive inner monologues. However, the last 100 pages were pure delight and had me screaming with joy. The development of Aiden and Vanessa's relationship was executed flawlessly, and I found myself absolutely enamored with their dynamic - Aiden's grumpy exterior, coupled with his evident care for Vanessa. Their moments of vulnerability and open communication and the smallest gestures between them warmed my heart, and their witty banter had me smiling from ear to ear. It felt like I could physically witness them falling in love without the need for explicit declarations.
If you're a fan of slow-burn romances that feature well-developed characters and a realistic portrayal of love, then definitely check this book out. It's a journey that may have a slow start but ultimately leads to a deeply satisfying destination. And now, I'm eagerly anticipating exploring more of her books in the future.