From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata review
From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata is a slow-burn romance novel that delves into the world of figure skating, offering a substantive relationship with characters that have depth and interest. The story follows Jasmine Santos, a struggling figure skater dealing with the pressures of her sport, financial difficulties, and trying to reconnect with her family. When she is offered a chance to partner with Ivan Lukov, a successful skater she has a history of clashes with, their evolving relationship goes beyond the ice rink.
Pros:
- Realistic and relatable characters
- Substantive and evolving relationship between the main characters
- Authentic portrayal of family dynamics
- Engaging slow-burn romance
- Insight into the world of figure skating
Cons:
- Some readers found the story to be overly long
- Desire for more insight into the competitions and success of the characters
From Lukov with Love is a standalone novel set in present-day Houston, Texas. It features a slow-burn, open-door romance with a single point of view from Jasmine. The book is recommended for fans of ice skating and those who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope. The author, Mariana Zapata, does a great job of featuring diverse, working-class main characters without overly focusing on their diversity. The class struggles of competing at a high level in figure skating are upfront in the story.
The relationship between Jasmine and Ivan builds slowly and feels authentic, with a focus on trust, friendship, and then romantic love. The book also explores Jasmine’s family dynamics, providing a great insight into her role within her family. The characters are well-developed, and the story is engaging, making it a compelling read for romance enthusiasts.
Overall, From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata is a captivating and realistic romance novel that offers an in-depth look into the world of figure skating while delivering a substantive and evolving relationship between the main characters.