Kulti

Let's start with “I'm an idiot”. Why do I wait to do reviews? Ugh. I'm going to try and patch together some thoughts but the sum total is that I loved it. Loved the story and it's development. Some may call this a slow burn, and in truth it is. [a:Mariana Zapata 5760202 Mariana Zapata https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1330380214p2/5760202.jpg] is a master of slow burn, but in this instance, with this couple, it's absolutely warranted, the perfect choice. It makes sense for where both characters are in their lives when the story starts.Salome Casillas (Sal) is a 27 year old rising star in the American women's soccer (fútbol) league. Reiner Kulti is a 40 year old soccer God, from the world stage, on a decidedly downward spiral. Becoming a coach in Houston, for Sal's team is, perhaps a last ditch effort, to right his life or at least be a ballast. What he never expected to find was salvation in the person of Sal.I won't belabor explaining the plot. I think that part of the beauty of MZs stories is experiencing how the couples come together, usually starting as antagonists that grow into friends who fall in love in such a natural and organic way that they hardly realize it or have need for grand declarations. And in this case it would never happen because Kulti doesn't roll that way. He's a hard-ass, blunt, doesn't suffer fools, he's tough, and demands excellence, in part because that's what he's always given. At least to the game. And then Sal comes into his life. Sal and her can-do spirit, unwavering ethic, joy for life, fantastic family, and great friends. Sal who is immensely patient of Kulti's abrasiveness and terseness. Her patience pays handsomely as Kulti slowly shares parts of himself and unknowingly lets Sal glimpse others. I like how MZ really got into what it takes to be an elite athlete. She doesn't whitewash it. The all consuming hours of training despite aches & pains, missing time with family and friends, and forget about a love life. I freakin' loved Sal's family, especially her dad. Sal's parents deserve their very own book. You know who also deserve their own book(s)? Harlow & Jenny. Grade A + friends. Ultimately this is a love story. A real one. One to aspire to. A union of equals who mutually support and admire each other. It turns out that abrasive, seemingly cold, and very German Kulti is the partner we all wish for:“Remember that idiotic question you asked me in the car? About what would happen when you can't play soccer any longer?” He didn't wait for any acknowledgement. “Nothing would happen. We would have a different adventure to go on. You are my best friend, my love, my playmate and my teammate. You'll have a team with me wherever we are, with whatever we are playing.”swoonThis book reminded me of [b:The Wall of Winnipeg and Me 29597144 The Wall of Winnipeg and Me Mariana Zapata https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462162064s/29597144.jpg 48358625], with a love of sports, girls/women you can root for and a hero worthy of her. What else do they have in common? An amazeballs audio [a:Callie Dalton 7438028 Callie Dalton https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]. Seriously. If you can only get one version of the book go with the audio. It's that good. I expect to enjoy revisiting this more than once. ps. Can I say how much I like/love how MZ portrays Latino characters? Accurate & not a cliche in sight. Thank you.