Rain's Reviews > Kulti

Kulti by Mariana Zapata
Rate this book
Clear rating

by
2846645
I listened to the new audiobook and it was fabulous! It includes the second epilogue previously found on MZ's webpage. Kyla Garcia and PJ Ochlan did a wonderful job on the duet narrations and multiple different voices!

Forever a favorite.

*****

This is one of the most authentic romances I’ve ever read. It doesn’t rush into anything. It’s preconceived ideas, misconceptions and hurt feelings. Snarky banter, and the slow breakdown of emotional walls that allows two stubborn people to fall genuinely in love.

✔️Sports celebrity crush
✔️Age gap
✔️Forbidden romance
✔️Forced proximity
✔️Hero worship, disgust, friendship, then love
✔️Top shelf character and romance development
✔️The best of the best slow burns
✔️Soulmates
✔️HEA

‘The King’ has been noted for his perfect attendance at her games and has been spotted wearing her jersey without fail.


*****
This is hands down the BEST slow burn I've ever read. There is constant tension, and the banter and snark is on point. Not to mention the steam is quite spicy for an MZ book, granted we don't even get a sample until close to 90% in....but it's worth the wait.

I love Sal's fiery strength. She's not a pushover, she has so much passion about her family and those she loves. I love the nicknames, and the jokes.

I love that Kulti is a complete asshole, but not in a mean way, he's just completely dismissive to her and everyone. I absolutely adore how much he cares for Sal and how he keeps quiet about it.

*****

Whenever I’m in a reading slump, I pick up this paperback. It just makes me happy to read. I first listened to the audiobook, read the ebook, and have now purchased the paperback.

*****
This is the absolute BEST father/daughter relationships I’ve ever read. The friendship they have, the banter, the LOVE is so beautiful.
“I know. You’re too good for him, but I’ve taught you better than to be so conceited.”
I loved Sal’s inner dialogue throughout the book.
It was the worst non-break-up ever in the history of imaginary relationships with a man who didn't even know I existed.
What I loved most about Kulti and Sal's relationship is Sal’s pure depth of character. She is such a good mirror for Kulti, showing how to live life without losing yourself to all the distractions.
“Soccer has given me everything, but it’s also taken away just as many things.” He gave me a sad determined look. “I don’t want it to take you away as well. You are the least shameful thing in my life, Sal.”
Oh my gosh, the laugher, and the nicknames! There were moments I just cracked up!
“Eyes up here, Taco.”
And this gem.
“I’m not crying.”

“You are the worst liar I have ever met.” He moved to rub my shoulder. “Why are you upset?” Every time he asked, I somehow managed to cry harder, my body shaking more; there were actual noises coming out of me.

“It’s stupid.”

“More than likely, but tell me anyway,” he said in a gentle voice.”
I would rush out in a minute to purchase a Kulti POV, that stinking grump.
“I managed to suck in a tiny breath and aim a smirk at him. “Can I give you another hug or is that over your daily allowance?”

The German shook his head. “Have I told you that you remind me of a splinter I can’t remove? You’re incredibly annoying.”
161 likes · flag

Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read Kulti.
Sign In »

Reading Progress

November 6, 2020 – Started Reading
November 6, 2020 – Shelved
November 7, 2020 – Finished Reading
December 30, 2020 – Started Reading
December 31, 2020 – Finished Reading
September 29, 2022 – Started Reading
September 30, 2022 – Finished Reading
December 8, 2023 – Started Reading
December 9, 2023 – Finished Reading
July 26, 2024 – Started Reading
July 29, 2024 – Finished Reading

Comments Showing 1-49 of 49 (49 new)

dateUp arrow    newest »

Kate V Great review!!!


Sandra R I loved Kulti. :)


Rain Kate wrote: "Great review!!!"

Aww thanks Kate, this is one that stands up to a rereading 💜


Rain Sandra wrote: "I loved Kulti. :)"

Me too! I think it's my favorite of the MZ books. Do you have a favorite?


ShaunyGirl I agree with you. Haven't like the last few, like I did for some of her other ones. She did have a few that were soon good.


message 6: by Iman (hiatus) (new)

Iman (hiatus) three times?? happy for you! i understand the feeling 😩💕 and love the quots too ;>


Rain ShaunyGirl wrote: "I agree with you. Haven't like the last few, like I did for some of her other ones. She did have a few that were soon good."

Yes! I'm thinking of doing a few more rereads of her older stories when I can fit them in.


Rae (semi-hiatus) I love MZ slow burns! And I have to say Kulti and From Lukov are my favs. Her books always make me feel the connection between the MCs.
And yesss! I’m so glad you mentioned the father/daughter relationship! It’s so healthy and made me wanna cry because it’s so special! 💛 awesome review Rain


Amber (Amber Reads Romance) I haven't read any Mariana Zapata yet. I am overwhelmed by how hyped her books are. Wasn't sure which book to start with. Maybe I'll try this one.


message 10: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Iman wrote: "three times?? happy for you! i understand the feeling 😩💕 and love the quots too ;>"

It's so comforting to reread an old favorite 💜


message 11: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Rae wrote: "I love MZ slow burns! And I have to say Kulti and From Lukov are my favs. Her books always make me feel the connection between the MCs.
And yesss! I’m so glad you mentioned the father/daughter rel..."


Thanks Rae! Yes, such a good point about the that mc connection, it's so good. I'll have to read Lukov again!! 💕


message 12: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Amber Shepard wrote: "I haven't read any Mariana Zapata yet. I am overwhelmed by how hyped her books are. Wasn't sure which book to start with. Maybe I'll try this one."

I'd definitely recommend either Kulti or Wall of Winnipeg to start with. They are both sports books, but have unique qualities and great fmc! Happy reading 💜


Amber (Amber Reads Romance) @Rain Thanks for the review and the recs. Those were the two I was trying to choose between.


Melanie A. This is my favorite MZ too! 😍


message 15: by Carmen (new)

Carmen Great review.


message 16: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Melanie wrote: "This is my favorite MZ too! 😍"

We have excellent book taste 💕


message 17: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Carmen wrote: "Great review."

Thanks Carmen!


message 18: by Imme (new) - added it

Imme van Gorp Wow, you truly do make it sound so good and enthralling😍


message 19: by Jade (new)

Jade I have to read this one!! Amazing review 😊


message 20: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Imme wrote: "Wow, you truly do make it sound so good and enthralling😍"

Aww thanks Imme! It's such a great character driven story! Those are my favorite, when you're completely invested in the outcome 💜


message 21: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Jade wrote: "I have to read this one!! Amazing review 😊"

Jade! It's so good! I think you'd love Sal. She's such an excellent h, one of those rare fmc that are so relatable.


message 22: by Dab (new) - rated it 3 stars

Dab I like this review way more than the book 😂 Glad you enjoyed it!


message 23: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Dab wrote: "I like this review way more than the book 😂 Glad you enjoyed it!"

Hahah! Not a fan of Kulti huh? He is a bit of an ass 😆


Sarah ugh, I love it so much 😭 glad you did too (and great review)!


message 25: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Thank you Sarah Beth 💜 It really is perfection 💯


luna_inthesouth This review convinced me to read this asap!!!!


Kaity Love these two!! I have reread this book so many times, but this makes me wanna do a reread.. it’s been a few years haha!


Drache.... (Angelika) I agree with everything you said. Have to reread this, soon.


len ❀ oh man i can tell how much you love this one! sadly i didn’t love it as much as everyone else. my favs by this author are the wall of winnipeg and me and wait for it, but this one was enjoyable enough for me to consider it really likable. lovely review, rain! 🖤


message 30: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain luna_inthesouth wrote: "This review convinced me to read this asap!!!!"

Yesss, I hope you love it as much as I do! Happy reading 😊


message 31: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Kaity wrote: "Love these two!! I have reread this book so many times, but this makes me wanna do a reread.. it’s been a few years haha!"

I think it’s time for a reread Kaity!! This one never gets old for me ☺️💜


message 32: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain elena ❀ wrote: "oh man i can tell how much you love this one! sadly i didn’t love it as much as everyone else. my favs by this author are the wall of winnipeg and me and wait for it, but this one was enjoyable eno..."

Thank you for your kind words 💜 I really loved Winnipeg and wait for it as well!! This one gets me in the feels because of the camaraderie between the teammates, and the father/daughter relationship, one of the best ones I have ever read. I can easily see how Kulti would annoy people though…he’s quite a jerk at times! 🤭


Isabella. R There's nothing better when a book just gets better with each reach. Who doesn't love a German Bratwurst???


message 34: by Elshams (new)

Elshams I loved your review 👌


message 35: by Kati *☆・゚ (new)

Kati *☆・゚ I've seen this praise for this book ages ago and it's tempting seeing you coming back to this over and over. 😍


message 36: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Isabella. R wrote: "There's nothing better when a book just gets better with each reach. Who doesn't love a German Bratwurst???"

Lol! You mean that pretzel faced, pumpernickel, reindeer, frankfurter, sauerkraut hunk of a man? 😂 I love her insults.


message 37: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Elshams wrote: "I loved your review 👌"

Aww thank you 🙏😊


message 38: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Kati *☆・゚ wrote: "I've seen this praise for this book ages ago and it's tempting seeing you coming back to this over and over. 😍"

Omg Kati! You haven’t read (or listened to Callie Dalton narrate) this one yet?? She does a great job with this giant story and characters ☺️


message 39: by Rowan (new)

Rowan MacDonald Great review, Rain! Love seeing those five stars from you 😊 I'm glad you enjoyed this so much!


message 40: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Rowan wrote: "Great review, Rain! Love seeing those five stars from you 😊 I'm glad you enjoyed this so much!"

It was a great comfort reread! ☺️


Conny 𐙚₊˚⊹♡ yesssss!!! mariana is just the best!!


message 42: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Agreed Conny!!


Persephone's Pomegranate I've never been able to finish a book by this author. lol I'm glad you enjoyed it. Great review!


message 44: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Persephone's Pomegranate wrote: "I've never been able to finish a book by this author. lol I'm glad you enjoyed it. Great review!"

Completely understand! You really have to be in the right mood for these stories! Tbh, I don’t like all of her books, but this one is a favorite 🥰


message 45: by Amina (new)

Amina Forever a favorite with a winner of an audio listen??! Definitely means I should finally give MZ a go! Wonderful review, Rain! 🤍


message 46: by ~Jennifer~ (new) - added it

~Jennifer~ Awesome review! Reviews like these make me want to do nothing but read,that way I can get to all these fabulous books with great reviews faster.🥰📚


message 47: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Amina wrote: "Forever a favorite with a winner of an audio listen??! Definitely means I should finally give MZ a go! Wonderful review, Rain! 🤍"

Loooooved this one, hope you do too Amina! 💜


message 48: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain Jennifer wrote: "Awesome review! Reviews like these make me want to do nothing but read,that way I can get to all these fabulous books with great reviews faster.🥰📚"

Aww thank you! I hope you like this one if you give it a try 😊💜


T.S(exams-hiatus) beautiful reivew!


back to top