Kulti by Mariana Zapata is one of my absolute favorite novels by her. I can read this book over and over again and still fall in love with the characters every single time.
We follow Sal Casillas, a professional soccer player, as she navigates her relationship with her childhood hero turned coach, Reiner Kulti. What starts as admiration quickly turns into frustration when Sal realizes that the soccer legend she once idolized is not exactly the person she imagined. This sports romance features professional soccer, an age-gap romance, and Mariana Zapata’s signature slow-burn style.
One of my favorite aspects of this novel is not just the romance but the incredible family support throughout the story. Sal’s relationship with her father is one of the highlights of the book. The two are best friends, and he supports her every step of the way. No matter what challenges she faces, he always believes in her and reminds her that she is his number one soccer player. The bond between Sal, her father, and her brother is heartwarming and adds so much depth to the story.
I also loved the development of Sal and Kulti’s relationship. Sal begins the novel completely starstruck, only to discover that Kulti can be distant, awkward, and honestly a bit of a jerk. Rather than continuing to idolize him, she stands up to him and challenges him, which slowly leads to an unexpected friendship. Watching that friendship grow into something deeper is one of the most rewarding parts of the novel. Their relationship feels earned, and every small moment between them matters.
I also love all the little moments that Mariana Zapata includes throughout the novel. Some of my favorite scenes are when Sal and Kulti visit her family for her father’s birthday. Those moments really show how thoughtful Kulti is beneath his gruff exterior. One particularly sweet gesture is when he buys Sal’s father a pair of birthday shoes because he doesn’t want Sal spending her own money. It’s such a small act, but it says so much about how much he cares for Sal and the people she loves.
I also have to mention Kulti’s jealousy. Some of the funniest moments in the book are when Sal is talking to other soccer players and Kulti gets visibly annoyed. His reactions are subtle but hilarious, especially because he tries so hard to hide his feelings. Those scenes add so much charm to their slow-burn romance and show just how much he has fallen for her.
What makes Kulti such a memorable hero is how much he loves and supports Sal. Once he lets people in, his loyalty is unmatched. He wants Sal to succeed and never asks her to sacrifice her dreams for him. In fact, one of the sweetest aspects of the novel is how willing he is to do whatever it takes to support her career. He would follow her anywhere and make whatever changes necessary to ensure she has the opportunities she deserves. His belief in her talent and his desire to see her succeed make their relationship even more special.
I especially loved how fiercely protective he is when it comes to Sal’s career. One of the most memorable moments is when he stands up for her against the general manager and fights to make sure she gets the respect and opportunities she deserves. Time and time again, Kulti proves that he believes in her abilities and wants her to succeed because of her talent and hard work. Watching him become one of her biggest supporters was incredibly rewarding.
And that epilogue? Absolutely adorable. After investing so much time in these characters, it is so rewarding to see Sal and Kulti’s future together. Getting a glimpse of them with their children is the perfect ending and leaves readers with a huge smile on your face. Seeing how far they have come from an awkward coach-player relationship to building a family together makes the ending feel even more special.
If you’re looking for a slow-burn sports romance with incredible character development, family support, laugh-out-loud moments, and a romance that feels completely earned, Kulti is a must-read.
