“Trust me, I’ve wanted to punch you in the face a time or five.”
When the man you worshipped as a kid becomes your coach, it’s supposed to be the greatest thing in the world. Keywords: supposed to.
It didn’t take a week for twenty-seven-year-old Sal Casillas to wonder what she’d seen in the international soccer icon—why she’d ever had his posters on her wall, or ever envisioned marrying him and … envisioned marrying him and having super-playing soccer babies.
Sal had long ago gotten over the worst non-break-up in the history of imaginary relationships with a man that hadn’t known she’d existed. So she isn’t prepared for this version of Reiner Kulti who shows up to her team’s season: a quiet, reclusive shadow of the explosive, passionate man he’d once been.
Nothing could have prepared her for the man she got to know.
Or the murderous urges he brought out in her.
This was going to be the longest season of her life.
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I have read Kulti numerous times now and I think I loved him more each time around. I don’t find him as cold or brutal as I first did and I got a better sense as to what he was about. As for Sal, she still had me in stitches. Her wit is the best. Of course being a Mariana Zapata book, it is a slow burn, and it was one of her best. I have no doubt I will be revisiting the Bratwurst and Taco again very soon.
Kulti is one of my favorite books of all time. I own both the ebook and the audiobook and have read/listened multiple times. I love Sal Casillas and her journey as a female soccer player. I love Kulti and his gruff approach. When he falls for her, GAH! So awesome!
10 stars!!
Warning: Not for the easily offended types of people.
Hilarious, stubborn characters that name call with the most craziest names. The names they come up with are just way too funny. Immature maybe but funny non the less.
If you can’t handle this type of fun then this is not for you.
I have so many favorites in this book I can’t list them without spoiling. Just a great happy, Dunn, extremely enjoyable story.
There was not a single thing in this book that I did not like. Every page, every line I completely loved! By far my absolute favorite by this author followed by The Wall of Winnepeg and Me then Under Locke.
No regrets, definitely one I will read over and over again!
Oh how I loved this novel. Mariana Zapata is especially adept at crafting an incremental narrative so you feel like you’re experiencing the story alongside the characters. The relationship between the heroine and the hero is the epitome of a slow burn, and it truly is a relationship of equals, which is what I find highly satisfying in a read.
If you haven’t already, add this to your TBR pile, stat.
Slow Burn
5+ Stars!
This book, without a doubt, was one of my best reads this year. MZ knows how to grab my attention and force me to immerse myself into the story. I may have failed to mention this in my Wall of Winnipeg and Me review, but I am not a sports fan; therefore, I don’t necessarily like sport romances. However, leave it to MZ to prove me wrong. AGAIN! The first, and only thing, that ever came to my mind when I thought of soccer was David Beckham. Now I will be thinking of Kulti…
Sal Casillas can’t believe her ears. Her childhood idol and crush, Reiner Kulti, is going to be her new coach. Until she was seventeen, her life revolved around Kulti’s soccer career. He inspired her to be player she is today, but she will not let him know that. She will not allow herself to act like a fangirl around him.
Not acting like a fool around Kulti was easier than what Sal thought. Kulti is a jerk that treats people terribly. She came to his rescue one drunken night, and he didn’t even have to decency to thank her. He doesn’t participate in practices, and she wonders what happened to the man she once looked up to. She stops trying to figure him out when Kulti is rude to her beloved father. Actually, she confronts him about his sour attitude.
She thought for sure she was jeopardizing her position on the team when she stood up to Kulti. However, that only strengthened their weird friendship. And now that she is getting to know the man off the field, she can’t seem to give him up. But not everyone is fond of their growing relationship…
READ THIS GUYS!! I can’t wait to pick this up again!
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My first book to read by Mariana Zapata and it was amazing! I’ve seen this book mentioned several times in book groups but not until recently I took a chance and downloaded it. Someone mentioned the leading male character (Reiner Kulti) has some similarities as (Kova) in the Off Balance series. Because I love the a-hole so much I had to find out for myself and it did not disappoint.
Since she was a little girl, Sal loved to play soccer and her number one idol was the international soccer icon Reiner Kulti. Her walls were covered in posters of him. Often kissing them and in hopes to marry and have his babies. At 27 years old, her dreams come true. She finally meets the man she’s been in love with for so long when he becomes her coach then everything changes.
I completely fell in love with Sal and Reiner and this book! I can’t wait to read more from this author.
“Every single thing that has happened in my life has led me here, Sal. Destiny is a ladder, a series of steps that takes you where you’re supposed to go. I am the man that I am, and I have done the things that I’ve done, to get me to you.”
I have become an amazing fan of this author! I have binged listened and read all this authors works in the recent past.
I have always attempted to give ‘star’ ratings on my completed reads, just as a tracking method for my titles that I have completed. I have unlimited packages for audio, kindle, and utilize the local/state library.
However, I do not check the ‘I recommend this book’ unless I am willing to reread a book and or a series.
[I read about 5-15 books a month through kindle, and I listen to about 15-30 books monthly]
I have a full life as a nurse, professor, wife, daughter [daughter in law], sister, and mother. I love to read and love a thousand other lives by turning the pages in countless books.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide a review. Happy reading 🙂
“Put your Big Girl Socks on” and read this book!!
This was my first book by Mariana Zapata and I am now in love!!! I loved the smart and snarky humor that kept me interested and invested in this story of life and sports and love.
Salomé “Sal” Casillas grows up idolizing Reiner “The King” Kulti. When her professional Woman’s Soccer team hires him on as assistant coach, the media sits up and takes notice.
“Destiny is a ladder, a series of steps that takes you where you’re supposed to go. I am the man that I am, and I have done the things that I’ve done, to get me to you.”
The best insults…Bratwurst … German Chocolate Cake … Frankfurter… sauerkraut, the funniest press release, and the slowest of “slow-burns”.
I listened to much of this book on audiobook and the narrator, Callie Dalton really brought Sal to life and gave the story another dimension to love.
“I’ve been waiting every day of my life for you. Your honesty, your loyalty,” he punctuated each of my traits with a kiss to a different part of my face that had me grinning like a freaking fool. “Your competitiveness, your fierceness, your kindness and this body… I would do anything for you. Lie, cheat and steal. There is nothing I wouldn’t do. Understand?”
(Read Jun/2015)
Ebook – 5+ STARS!!!
Audiobook – 5+ STARS!!
Gah!! I love a good slow-burn romance. As much as I wanted Rey (Reiner, Reindeer, Kulti, Bratwurst) and Sal to get together, I wanted the sweet anticipation to last forever. When stone-face Kulti falls in love, he melts my heart. This being a sports rom-com, I appreciated women’s soccer being the focus. What a nice change. Perfect book, a perfect read. Definitely going on my keeper shelf.
UPDATE: For the first quarter of this book I listened on audio, intending to read and only listen when it wasn’t possible to be physically reading. After the first quarter, I started reading and then didn’t stop until I was finished. Well, a week later I decided to listen to the book in its entirety because I loved it so much and enjoyed Callie Dalton as narrator. Wow, she did an amazing job. Normally, I prefer to read a book, because I rarely prefer the narrator’s voice to the one in my head. Callie Dalton did a wonderful job with Sal and a Masculine German-accented Kulti. I got all the feels with Kulti’s love for Sal as expressed in the narrator’s voice. I haven’t listened to many audiobooks (approx 10-15,) but this was one of the best.
5++ stars
This was a slow burn romance that I just could not put down. Loved the writing, pacing, and characters that weren’t perfect. Absolutely a top read!
Wow. So, I enjoyed the author’s previous work (Under Locke) but I didn’t expect to love this book so much! It was amazing!
I knew from the blurb that the hero was going to be a total asshole. And I’m in such a mood for that type of hero that I couldn’t resist starting it asap. I’m completely addicted to jerk heroes at the moment and this book just screamed at me.
Like I said, I enjoyed Under Locke and saw no reason that I wouldn’t enjoy this one. But from the moment I started it, I couldn’t put it down. I was hooked. I was reading in the car, while eating meals, walking up the stairs, when I should have been sleeping…it just captivated me.
Not only was this just perfection in asshole hero form, but it had me both laughing and wanting to cry. I cracked up at so many points in the book that my sides hurt. And that also contributed to me not wanting to put the book down.
I honestly can’t find the words to tell how much I love this book and how much perfection it was. Reiner Kulti aka Rey aka Kulti aka Frankfurter aka German Chocolate Cake aka Sauerkraut aka Berlin…he was imperfectly perfect. He has his issues and a past and he was the biggest asshole going but…he was perfect for me at the moment in time when I read the book and I loved every minute of him. I loved the fights that would happen between Kulti and Sal. They had me cracking up and I loved the tension and how she was willing to call him on his attitude. The book is completely from Sal’s POV so you really had to pay attention to the nuisances of Kulti to see his change toward her.
Speaking of Sal aka Salomé Casillas aka Taco she was freaking awesome! There were so many times where she reminded me of me (except for the sports thing…I can’t play a sport to save my life…not sure I’d want to either. *shudders* sweat and I don’t mix)…and I totally got her feelings about her childhood celebrity crush. She was completely relatable and I loved how she handled Kulti. She wasn’t afraid to call him out on his actions and attitude, especially when it came to her dad. That part, where her dad first met Kulti…my heart just about broke! But, even after calling him on his asshole-ness, it didn’t stop her from befriending him. Her friends were also awesome. They were always there for her ready to do damage to anyone that needed it. Plus, they were characters themselves and had me laughing.
They definitely had a lot of ups and down but it was such an enjoyable ride. This book isn’t your basic romance of they fight, they hook up, they fight, they break up, they get back together, they live HEA. This was a slow build. The author took the time to develop a friendship between the character with them falling in love after they became friends. The literally don’t get together until the very end and you only see them as an “official couple” for a short time. But I never felt cheated. There was so much togetherness and friendship/relationship between them throughout the book that it all worked.
Kulti and Sal didn’t let anything come between their friendship/relationship. Yes, there were issues they had to deal with, but they dealt with them and kept on going. They had a united front and trust between them that things would work out. And I loved that they were there for each other. That’s not to say there weren’t times when they weren’t speaking…Kulti was a jerk, he gave her the cold shoulder and she did the same to him once or twice. But there was never the feeling of “this is the end of them.”
While working on this review, I went back through my kindle to look at the highlights for parts I wanted to mention in my review and I practically have the whole book highlighted. THAT’S how good this book was! The drama in the book surrounded Kulti and Sal at work. And while I hated the stupid people they had to deal with, I also loved those moments because those were the moments that Kulti would bare another piece of his soul and drop more info for Sal to be shocked at. And every time it happened I was all “awwwwwwww!!!!!!” I loved seeing those little pieces come out and how Sal reacted.
One of my favorite parts was Sal’s relationship with her dad. He was hilarious and I loved how he would fangirl over Kulti. I definitely loved those moments!
There was one scene in the book that was incredibly awesome. It was like an easter egg/nod to the author’s book Under Locke. Kulti goes to get a tattoo and ends up getting Tattooed by Dex from Under Locke. You get to see Dex and Iris and their baby. It’s an incredibly sweet (in a totally Dex sort of way) scene.
I honestly didn’t want this book to end yet I couldn’t want to get through it to see how the story played out. I can’t wait to go back and read this all over again!
I love this author, and this was the first novel of hers I picked up. I’m a sucker for a brooding man in a position of authority, and the forbidden fruit in this book is a hunky soccer legend with a chip on his shoulder! Great read.
I’m in mourning so I wanted something light to cheer me up and Kulti achieved that. It’s funny and sexy and sweet and everything I love in a romance novel. The characters are well-developed and lovable. It’s multicultural, multilingual, slow-burn, and a happy, happy read.
I’ve had the ebook of this for over two years already but I’ve been putting off reading it because I know it’s going to be long and slow. When I subscribed to Audible, I realized that I could finally listen to the audiobook and that it’s the best way to experience Kulti.
Sal’s profane narration is really entertaining and Kulti’s alphahole-ness is actually endearing. That’s how awesome Mariana’s writing is that she made me feel that way about her characters.
Forst off let me start by saying I’M ECSTATIC for having found this prolific writer I’m gonna STALK !!! She has BLOWN MY MIND!!
What a book!! What deep writing and what clarity of emotions…I’m speechless
Mariana writes very neatly. Her characters aren’t confused or split up AT ALL. They know EXACTLY what they want and behave EXACTLY how they should. No false martyrs who wanna sacrifice for Naughts at all. She didn’t keep me guessing and her story flowed exactly on the path it did. So no hidden agendas or mindboggling twist.
I wasn’t going to let my fears get the best of me. I had this one life, and if I didn’t make the best of it, then what was the point? I’d been given plenty of good things to be appreciative of, and I wasn’t going to let this newest gift go to waste. I had never considered myself to be unappreciative.
But I LOVED the fact that her heroine- Salomé Casillas!” isn’t neither a shrinking violet nor a sexy siren in Daisy Dukes.
She. Is . A. Football. Player.
Like legit, bona fide, hard hitting, least vain, athlete. Period.
What a refreshing take on strong women. I’ve never read a story where the heroine was so focused, driven and ambitious to the point that she didn’t need a man to guide her or mentor her, but only to hone her skills.
And who else to do that but her childhood hero/crush. A man whose bent kicks she worshipped- Reiner ‘The King’ Kulti!!!
I dedicated my life, my time and my body to the sport all because of the player I would grow to follow and support and love with all my little heart, my patron saint of soccer—Reiner Kulti.
She’s kissed his posters, imagined to be a player on the field with him and dreamt of seeing him in person
And Lo and Behold!! He lands up as his Assistant Coach in Houston Pipers team!! *gasp* pinch me I’m dreaming!!!!
From here on, the game is ON!
Both on and off the field.
The writing is so subtle and elegant, I was instantly in love. There’s not a SINGLE CLICHÉ that crossed my eyes, not a SINGLE COOKIE CUTTER character I laid my eyes on and not a SINGLE GENERIC term of endearment( you’re mine you’re so wet) that I had to endure.
It was like a breath of fresh air!. I gulped lungfull and heartfull of the superb writing and could not put the book down
She made Kulti as a mega soccer superstar of the world, kind of a legend. He’s introspective, quiet and deeply distrusting of strangers and that doesn’t change throughout!!!. He stays in that mould till the VERY end.
And this fucking frankfurter… I swallowed the fucking bratwurst bitch, sauerkraut shit, German pieceofshit Chocolate Cake insults, which were all throwing a party in my mouth.
Sal is abrasive, aggressive, temperamental and dedicated and she doesn’t change an iota either.
But she’s very aware of her own aptitude and attitude, no self worth doubts or inferiority complex. She’s confident in her self and her abilities and very clear about her stature in relation to the King Kulti.
I wasn’t a superstar. I was just me, a little-known soccer player. The equivalent of a bobsledder in Houston, as my sister had called me one day.
Both have an intrinsic love for the game and it’s values. Both are fiercely loyal, methodical and constantly working on their technique, which puts them in the same time frame a lot. Adoration leads to liking and then to love.
The progression of their relationship is very slow and effortful, like chipping at the Everest with an icepick. Salomé manages to thaw the glacier and how!!
Again, I’m over the moon to have met another good author by picking up this book. You should too!!
5 stars for Sauerkraut Bratwurst and his Schneke
I’m in love with Mariana Zapata. I didn’t think anything would top The Wall of Winnipeg but Kulti is right up there. Sal and Kulti’s love is sweet, funny and swoon worthy. I have read some of her other books but this is a definite favorite that will be read over and over again. I have already read the Wall twice.
Swoon…
I loved this book. It was even more wonderful for me because it was about futbol and finally I got to read about an Argentinian character. The love story was great and the interactions between the two characters were the best. I definitely recommend this book, and this author.
I’ve been binge reading Mariana Zapata’s novels and each one keeps getting better and better. Kulti is no exception. This story was exceptional. I was hooked in no time and did not want it to end.
Mariana Zapata knows how to write slow burn novels while making you feel every single emotion in the story. I finished this book a few days ago and i can’t get it out of my mind. This story was so much more than just about sports. It was a heart-warming tale about friendship and respect leading up to a romance and I loved loved loved every moment of it. These characters were real and oh so likable. I loved the banter and the growing bond between Kulti and Sal and when things started heating up in the end, it was so intense. I loved the secondary characters who brought levity and balance to the book.
I listened to the audible version of this story which was narrated by Callie Dalton.
This narrator is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I loved her portrayal of the characters. Her voice was clear and understandable and I enjoyed listening to her.
Kulti was a phenomenal page-turner. Worthy of more than 5-stars, I loved it and would highly recommend it.
I love Mariana Zapata’s writing!! This story warmed my heart.
Kulti is Sal’s soccer icon and she is in shock when he becomes her team’s new assistant coach. What ensues is a fun, witty, captivating story that I could not put down.
Kulti is moody and seems to have such an attitude. He’s working through some personal things and I loved seeing all sides of him. Sal! What a wonderful character. She’s driven, witty, honest, and loyal. She is a breath of fresh air for Kulti. I so enjoyed the way she slowly crept into Kulti’s life. Their friendship was an incredibly slow build and they are so much fun together. I loved their banter. They had me laughing so hard with their German bratwurst and taco fun.
“Have I told you, that you remind me of a splinter I can’t remove?”
I really enjoyed the audio too. The narration is fantastic!
This story is full of heart and passion. Another fantastic story by Mariana Zapata!
“Destiny is a ladder. A series of steps that take you where you’re supposed to go. I am the man that I am, and have done the things that I’ve done, to get me to you.”
Update Dec. 2018: 5 stars
I’m kicking myself for not giving Kulti 5 stars when I read it for the first time, because it definitely deserves it. I have loved it from start to finish.
Original review March 2017: 4 stars
Another great read by Mariana Zapata. I couldn’t put it down.
At first I didn’t know if I liked it. Football (Soccer) isn’t my favourite sport, but it’s a sport that is big here in Europe. Most of the time when I read sports romances it is about sports that aren’t big here (American Football, Ice Hockey, …). It’s nice to read about a sport I actually know something about.
The relationship between Sal and Rey evolved really slowly. I couldn’t imagine how these two people could fall in love with each other. I knew it was going to happen so I was really curious how they would get there.
It took a while for me to warm up to Rey. He is a first class asshole. There wasn’t anything that I liked about him. He is really closed up and private so I knew there had to be more to him.
Sal and Rey progressed from being enemies to friends to best friends and eventually to lovers. It was quite a long journey to get to that stage, but it never got boring.
I was quite anxious for something to happen between them. I had to wait to almost the end of the book for their first kiss, but it was worth the wait. I was rooting for the both of them.
The fact that this is a thick book and we had to wait for a long time before anything to happen gave it the space to build there relationship from scratch. It felt real. Love doesn’t have to be instant, it can grow.
I also wanted to add that I loved Sal’s relationship with her father. He really is a great character.