Author: Mariana Zapata
Published: 2018
Story: ๐๐๐๐ – 4 Stars
Content: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ – 4 Stars
Spice: ๐ฅ๐ฅ – 2 Flames
Overall: โจโจโจโจ – 4 Stars
Synopsis
Jasmine has been figure skating since she was a kid. From the moment she hit the ice she knew it’s where she belonged. Now, at 26 she’s stuck with no partner after her ex dropped her with no warning & she’s just trying to keep her head above water so she can keep doing what she loves. Cue Ivan Lukov. Ivan Lukov is Jasmine’s best friends older brother & the most annoying person in her world. She already has a hard enough time keeping her temper in check & Ivan knows how to push all her buttons. But here she is in the office with him & his coach being offered a chance to join him as his partner for a season, just one. A chance to finally show her dad & everyone else that she has dedicated everything to her craft & finally win gold. As expected Ivan pushes all her buttons, her family is crazy & she’s exhausted. What she didn’t expect was was for Ivan to drop everything & care for her when she’s sick, drag her out when she’s hurt & she definitely didn’t expect him to become her best friend. …and yet? Maybe he’s even more.
Break It Down
Story: ๐๐๐๐ – 4 Stars
This was so sweet! I absolutely adored Ivan & Jasmine. Truthfully, I’m usually a hockey romance girl if I go for a sports romance – but this figure skating story was fun. Totally nerded out & googled videos for all the moves. I enjoyed Jamine’s story arc & the redemption she earned. Her growth was truly joyful to experience. The author did an amazing job with her internal monologue helping show her growth. & freaking Ivan Lukov *swoon* perfection. He was so good for Jasmine. Reading their coming together made my heart pitter patter. If you’re looking for a sweet, low-angst love story this one is top notch.
Content: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ – 4 Stars
Single POV – y’all know this isn’t my favorite. I think the book would have been total perfection if we had Ivan’s POV, but it was still excellent. I will admit to skimming a little at the beginning – I’d heard so many good things about this book & really wanted to get to the goods. Mariana did however give me the goods & made a very well written story. No spelling errors or annoying edits. It does have some time jumps but they really helped move our story forward fluidly. Overall very well written but maybe someone could find me some fanfic of Ivan? haha.
Spice: ๐ฅ๐ฅ – 2 Stars
There is no spice in this book until the end. Truly none – so when it happens you are so dang invested it makes it SO GOOD. Nothing crazy, just sweet & perfect & very long awaited lol.
Overall: โจโจโจโจ – 4 Stars
I really loved this book. I know I keep saying it but, it was so sweet. It reminded me a lot of my husband & I – always teasing & having unflattering nicknames. I wish it had been in dual POV but it was a great story & I’m glad I read it.
I have heard A LOT of hype for Mariana Zapata. Most of my favorite bookstagram accounts have only sang her praises. So I figured I’d give it a shot. Definitely worth it. This book was just what I needed. Sweet, no pregnancy trope, light hearted sports romance – just perfect for my September reads. I’m trying to read all the feel good lovey books this month before I start my spooky/dark TBR for October. Leave a comment with your suggestions for more feel good romances && any good spooky themed/dark romance books you recommend! Check out my review index to see other books I’ve read.
