The Wall of Winnipeg and Me
M**A
Fell in love
This was the first novel I’ve read by the author , and it has left a lasting impression. From the very first page, I was drawn in by the author’s effortless writing style and the natural progression of the story. Unlike many contemporary romances, this book isn’t overwhelmed by unnecessary drama, which was a refreshing change.One of the highlights of the novel is the way the relationship between the two main characters evolves. Starting off as a boss and employee, their connection deepens over time, transforming into a solid friendship before slowly blossoming into a romantic relationship. The slow burn aspect of their love story is perfectly paced, allowing readers to truly savor each moment of their growing bond. For someone like me, who isn’t a fan of books with frequent sex scenes, the emphasis on emotional intimacy over physical attraction was particularly appealing.The side characters in the book add an extra layer of enjoyment. Their personalities and humor bring a lightness to the story, balancing the deeper emotional moments. They feel like real people, contributing to the overall sense of community and support surrounding the main characters.One aspect I found myself wanting more of was Aiden’s sports career. The glimpses provided were intriguing, and I would have loved to delve deeper into this part of his life. It would have added another dimension to his character and possibly enriched the story even further.Overall, this was a charming and heartwarming read. The author has crafted a story that is both engaging and emotionally satisfying, without relying on melodrama or overly explicit content. If you enjoy slow-burn romances with well-developed characters and a touch of humor, this book is definitely worth picking up.
A**A
So good, so fun and emotional.
I was going to murder him.One day.One day long after I quit, so no one would suspect me.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5We have a story about Aiden (professional American football player) and Vanessa (his PA), and how one decision can change life of two people.So good, so fun and emotional.First part of the book was painful and devastating, all this thoughts and worlds wounded me.And after this i expected Aiden to grovel and beg for forgiveness, and I definitely got everything.I liked how from being colleagues our Vanessa and Aiden moved to being friends and something more. Their jokes, sassiness and flirting were so sweet and entertaining. And the moment Vanessa realized that Aiden is so hot and handsome was amazing (cause when she worked with him, she hadn’t seen him as a man, but the moment their positions changed…). Let me tell you something, he is big,strong, determined and so hot.Will definitely read ‘Hands down’ - book about Zac. Who is such a flirty man.
E**M
Obsessed with Aidan and Vanessa ✨
— 4 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📖 | 475 pages👤 | author Mariana Zapata🏢 | publisher Headline Eternal📅 | release date 28 Feburary 2016What you can expect:— Adult Contemporary Sport Romance— First-Person POV— Single POV— Marriage Of Convenience— Slow-Burn Romance— Ex-Boss X Employee— Hate-To-Friends-Love— Close Proximity— Grumpy/Sunshine— Found FamilyTrigger & Content Warnings include: child abuse & neglect (past, recounted), scars, bullying, fatphobia, sexual harassment, domestic abuse by a partner (supporting character, off-page).The Wall of Winnipeg and Me is an Adult Contemporary Sports Romance by author Mariana Zapata. Vanessa Mazur knows she's doing the right thing. She shouldn't feel bad for quitting. Being an assistant/housekeeper/fairy godmother to the top defensive end in the National Football Organisation was always supposed to be temporary. She has plans and none of them include washing extra-large underwear longer than necessary. But when Aiden Graves shows up at her door wanting her to come back, she's beyond shocked. For two years, the man known as The Wall of Winnipeg couldn't find it in him to tell her good morning or congratulate her on her birthday. Now? He's asking for the unthinkable. What do you say to the man who is used to getting everything he wants?Having now been so many books deep into the worlds and mind of Mariana Zapata... I have to say that my absolute favourite thing about her books is the journey and development that we go on from beginning to end. Every inch of character development on-page is well-thought out and is gruellingly earned. Queen MZ is known as the Queen of Slow Burn and I've never been so happy to not see any action until the 80%+ mark. The heroes and heroines that this author writes are introduced with their own baggage and issues, and watching their characters soar through their difficulties and learn from them is one of my favourite things. There is an ever present plot on the pages, however the character driven storylines are what make Mariana Zapata's books what they are, and I think deep down my love stems from the sheer humanity and the flaws that each fictional character displays. No singular character is ever perceived to be perfect, and every step of their journey is purposeful towards that inevitably sweet happily ever after. Mariana Zapata can do no wrong for me as a reader, and The Wall of Winnipeg further cements that belief in me.I've yet to come across a heroine by Mariana Zapata that I do not like. I knew I'd love Vanessa Mazur from the very first line when she was plotting her boss's murder and flipping him off behind her back. I absolutely adore Van's fierce and 'do not mess with me' nature. After giving absolutely everything to her career for two years with very little to show for it, Vanessa finally takes a stand and tells The Wall of Winnipeg and his horrible manager to take a hike. Her stubborn and determined nature served her well as she often found herself going toe-to-toe with Aiden, and honestly she just had me consistently laughing and cackling. Her love and loyalty for the loved ones in her life who deserve it, namely Zac and Diana, showcased a softer side to Vanessa's dominant personality that was a breath fresh air. Her willingness to jump in defence of the people she cares for and her adamant lack of tolerance towards 'zero b/s' made it impossible to not fall in love with Van. I felt for Vanessa throughout her emotional turmoil in this book as she often battled with bouts of self-doubt and her feelings regarding her self-worth, and I was overall very proud of the character she was by the end of the story. Vanessa's issue was never about strength or perseverance... it was her struggles surrounding letting people in emotionally and taking a chance on the unknown that would scare her. Vanessa and Diana are the best girl friend's across all of MZ's books, and I was thrilled to see their cameos in Diana's story in Wait for It.Aiden Graves was honestly a terrible human being at the beginning of the story, and how he behaved made me so mad. I was frustrated at his complete lack of regard and care towards Vanessa, but ultimately I don't hold it against him because Mariana Zapata writes raw and real characters who make mistakes and put in the work to do better. Whilst it's annoying that it took losing Vanessa for Aiden to see what and who he truly had in his corner, I was glad this secret gentle giant admitted his wrongs and put in the work across the span of the story to make it right. Aiden is stoic and strict in his way of life and his daily routine, and I really enjoyed watching Vanessa drag out a more relaxed and easy-going version of The Wall of Winnipeg. At the end of the day, Aiden is a character who faced his own great-deal of trauma at too young an age that ultimately moulded him into the adult we see at the beginning. His passion and drive are admirable, and I enjoyed watching him gain more genuine admiration and respect for Vanessa and her work ethic. Their hate-to-friends-to-lovers dynamic is written to absolute perfection... and I'm a sucker for a 'who did this to you' moment. Van's family are the worst, plain and simple. Seeing Aidan maintain his cool whilst staring down her sister's grabby husband was the highlight of my day, and I had the absolute best time watching this initial feel-less man fall head-over-heels in love for his feisty ex-assistant.Aidan and Vanessa are one of Mariana Zapata best written book couples. Despite their previous status as employer and employee, there is at no given time a power imbalance. Aidan and Vanessa developed to address one-another as equals before lovers, and they're become an ultimate comfort-couple that I look forward to re-reading time and time again.
A**Z
Aiden e Vanessa são um casal mara
The media could not be loaded. Foi meu primeiro livro da Mariana e simplesmente amei a leitura e recomendo, com relação a entrega foi super rápida e o produto chegou pleno , muito bem embalado
E**A
Exceptional
Mariana will never go wrong
R**Z
Muy bueno
Lo compré para mi sobrina devoradora de libros y le gustó mucho.
L**X
Tocca il cuore
Letto prima edizione italiana due volte e acquistato poi anche edizione in inglese una bella storia che fa stare bene il cuore
T**A
PERFECT!
This book might not be the best for you if you don't like slow pace books. Anyways, moving forward..I LOVE THIS BOOK. ❤ . Everything about this is perfect. PERFECT! Words do wonder honestly. This is my first book by Mariana and now she's on my fav authors list. And this book, this book is on top of top of top all. I have a lot of fictional characters crushes and that was it though. I know where to separate reality and fiction. And I know what I want in a guy in 'reality' and Aiden was so it!! He is Everything and more and then a little more. He is the most realistic a fictional character can get. Although all of the fictional characters in book are relatable and realistic and Aiden, man he aced it. He isn't that grumpy ass because he thinks he's better or because he is rich. He's just like that. He has been like that his entire life. He's always been a loner. He's not grumpy grumpy. And Vanessa, omg she's chef's kiss. I don't habe words because I'm so overwhelmed and yet i can't stop typing. Lol.Please read this book if you come across it. It's slow paced, slow burn, perfectly written book. With only Vanessa's POV. But omg I'm not disappointed at all. I could feel what aiden was feeling without even reading his POV bevause Vanessa's POV was so well written. I love this. I just ... it's perfect.
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