sports romance, but they’re BOTH star athletes
Kulti ⚽️ by Mariana Zapata
This is my third read by Mariana Zapata and I do love the slow burn queen’s work. This one didn’t quite live up to the Wall of Winnipeg & Me or All Rhodes Lead Here, but I still absolutely enjoyed myself.
The biggest pros of this novel include how TALENTED and achieved Sal is. She is absolutely killing it, and the subplots create tension that kept me turning pages (while this slow burn very slowly burned in the background). Kulti is harsh, arrogant, and a bit tough at first, but that is something that made the burn feel much more honest. After Sal catches on that her childhood icon isn’t perfect, these two do not jive for a while.
My reservations come mainly from me not being a huge fan of age gap romance or for romances where the MMC is quite this much of a bully. The book’s namesake was a little tough to love at first, but it works here with the slow burn nature of their romance. I don’t think all his actions were justified but I do love the way he loved our FMC (eventually..).
There were also some “quirky” thoughts the FMC had over and over. They just didn’t land for me. I’m not really a potty humor kind of girl.
Overall this one was still 3/5 🌟 for me.
Reading 'Kulti' truly highlights the unique appeal of sports romance novels where both protagonists are star athletes, which adds an extra layer of complexity to their relationship. What made this book stand out for me was the portrayal of Sal – a high-achieving female lead who is not just talented, but also realistic in her ambitions and struggles. Her journey of navigating career success while managing personal feelings towards her coach brings authentic emotional depth. One aspect I appreciated was the slow burn nature of the romance. Unlike instant chemistry stories, the gradual development realistically shows how past perceptions and misunderstandings impact relationships in sports environments. Kulti’s harsh and arrogant demeanor initially may come off as off-putting, but it makes his eventual vulnerability and care for Sal more meaningful. This nuanced character development moved the romance beyond superficial attraction. The age gap and locker-room tension add to the storyline’s authenticity but can be polarizing for some readers, especially when the male lead exhibits moments bordering on bullying behavior. I found the slow, patient reveal of his true feelings balanced out the rough edges. The subplots also enriched the narrative by introducing external pressures and personal dilemmas common in athlete lifestyles. Another note is the subtle humor that occasionally appears, though it didn’t resonate with me personally, it might appeal to readers who enjoy quirky internal monologues. Overall, 'Kulti' is a worthwhile read for fans of slow-burning romances with complex characters set against the backdrop of competitive sports. It’s great to see a sports romance where both leads are professionally accomplished athletes — this dynamic intensifies the emotional stakes and makes their evolving relationship feel genuine and heartfelt.
