A review by imaginationindex
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata

emotional lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Another sports romance that has been  lingering on my TBR for some time and since romance tends to get me out of a reading slump, I wanted to see if it would be a touch down or a safety 🏈🏟️🏉

“Vanessa Mazur knows she's doing the right thing. She shouldn't feel bad for quitting. Being an assistant/housekeeper/fairy godmother to the top defensive end in the National Football Organization was always supposed to be temporary. She has plans and none of them include washing extra-large underwear longer than necessary.

But when Aiden Graves shows up at her door wanting her to come back, she's beyond shocked.

For two years, the man known as The Wall of Winnipeg couldn't find it in him to tell her good morning or congratulate her on her birthday. Now? He's asking for the unthinkable.

What do you say to the man who is used to getting everything he wants?”

The touchdowns: 
  • I enjoyed Vanessa as a character! I appreciated she had her own tough beginnings, goals she wanted to achieve, and put her foot down; her ✨growth✨was amazing! 
  • Zapata writes physical signals and touch really well (like so well you feel all mushy inside)
  • Fake marriage trope with a side of sunshine/grumpy;  I AM HERE FOR IT! 
  • Bonus for the bonus content that was in my edition: I usually don’t like that kinda stuff but it was super cute and well placed 

The safeties (I don’t know if I’m using this sports metaphor correctly 🫣)
  • There was a lot repetition and filler throughout the story; Vanessa’s inner monologue said the same thing 3 different ways before we moved into the next idea… and then this repeated with another thought. And another one. And another one. Either the book could have been shorter OR more story beats could have been fit in (like learning more about Cain towards the end) OR more 🌶️…
  • Speaking of spice, this book was always made out to be more spicy than it was. Don’t get me wrong, the lingering kisses and looks gave me butterflies, but, I was expecting more than just that last chapter after such a great build up.
  • Finally, a vegan football player? Nothing wrong with veganism but I just found it hard to believe he’s still that large of a man with that diet.

Would I read this again… maybe, if I’m in the mood for a slow burn. I am interested in picking up more of Zapata’s books in the future.

I would recommended this to anyone who appreciates a good slow burn, but if you are looking for spice, I might give you something in a different end zone (okay I’m done 🏈)
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