Mariana Zapata – My new comfort author
I do love a slow-burn romance.
There are very few authors for whom I can say I’ve read their entire catalog of work. In fact, there are only two:
Ally Carter
Mariana Zapata
Ally Carter was a childhood favorite of mine that has luckily grown up with me to now write cozy romcoms. She was my young adult comfort read. I would re-read her series and my favorite scenes over and over.
Now, in my thirties, I have found a new comfort author. Mariana Zapata.
Mariana writes slow-burn romances. When I say slow burn, I mean on the edge of your seat for the romance until the last two chapters kind of slow. I mean first kiss at 80% of the book kind of slow. I mean shaking the book for them to just admit their feelings already kind of slow. It is WONDERFUL. She is a master at writing a strangers-to-friends-to-lovers romance. Sometimes it’s even enemies/rivals-to-friends-to-lovers. No matter how they start, you get to the end of the book knowing the two will get through whatever comes their way.
Y’all know I fricken love love. Well, I love it even more when you can tell the people genuinely enjoy each other’s company for more than just the “sexy times.” I love reading about couples that choose each other and choose to spend time together. Mariana excels at those types.
Not-So-Definitive Ranking
So, here is my not-so-definitive ranking (like seriously…it changes by the day) of these books and how many times I’ve read them so far…
Wait For It – 3x (maybe more if you count when I just read specific scenes for the ~vibes~ and by that I mean I love the writing and emotions in those particular scenes like the big nerd I am)
When Gracie Met The Grump – 2x
Luna and the Lie – 2x
Under Locke – 2x
All Rhodes Lead Here
Kulti – 2x
From Lukov with Love
The Best Thing
Dear Aaron
Hands Down
The Wall of Winnipeg
Lingus
Rhythm, Chord & Malykhin
Her writing style is very much stream of consciousness, which can sometimes feel a bit like it’s dragging, but I honestly think you get such a good sense of the character’s mindset. These books are HEFTY. They usually clock in around 400 pages but they read fast. I think she’s definitely getting stronger with the more she writes which is such an exciting thing to see as you’re reading through somebody’s catalog.
My Favorite (for now)
Wait For It
Diana Casillas has become the guardian of two little boys in the most painful way possible. Now, she’s juggling grief, her job as a hairstylist, and getting her nephews to school and baseball practice…usually on time. It’s a good thing all of her time is taken up because after her previous relationship turned sour, she’s not looking for anything permanent…or at all.
When she helps out a neighbor’s brother in the middle of the night, she meets Dallas, the grumpy and hard-headed neighbor who also happens to be the baseball coach of the local little league team her nephew is aiming to join. As Diana struggles in her new role as “mom,” Dallas starts showing up with all the understanding the son of a single mother can provide. He’s made it clear that he’s only in it for the friendship, and the ring on his finger says why.
The friendship they build is solid and supportive – from swooping in to care for the boys during migraine attacks to providing a shoulder to cry on while Diana grieves. Dallas provides that extra leg of support the tiny family is looking for, while Diana and her boys bring laughter and fun back into Dallas’ life. The shadows of the past creep in on both of them, threatening their budding friendship.
Why I love it: I always thought I hated books with kids as characters; like they would get annoying or change the dynamic too much. Not these boys. Diana has the absolute sweetest nephews in the world. Add a well-meaning grump into this mix and I’m done for. Dallas is not just good with the boys, he’s downright amazing. There is nothing more attractive than a caring man, I swear. It’s no wonder he couldn’t stay away from this tiny family. These characters are magnetic. The moments are just so sweet. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. It was all fabulous. Mariana’s books are all about the characters, but I appreciated the high tension/high stakes plot moments as well – I’m a sucker for an “I could have lost you” and a “you can always cry around me” moment.
Honestly, the rest of my ranking list shifts almost daily and with my mood. I’ll probably re-read most of these in the years to come. I’m SO excited for whatever she has planned next.
If you haven’t checked Mariana Zapata out before, I highly suggest you try out a book. Like with most books, if it’s not your thing it’s not your thing…just don’t complain about her to me because she’s my favorite. (Kidding, I love hearing book opinions)
Happy Reading!
Rachel