Definitely worth the wait! I've had this one on my tbr for ages since the author is such a fan favorite for romance readers.

This grumpy/sunshine, marriage of convenience, slooooow burn sports romance definitely gave me all the feels! Both MCs have a lot of emotional baggage from their past and I loved getting to know them better as they slowly became friends then more.

My only complaint was that for how long the book was the author waited almost to the very end to give us any steamy stuff (but it was DEFINITELY spicy once they finally got together!). Good on audio and rereleased with a new cover with bonus epilogue.

Recommended for fans of authors like Meghan Quinn and Ilsa Madden-Mills. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this edition in exchange for my honest review!

I received this as an arc from NetGalley

This was my first ever Mariana Zapata book and let me tell you why it HAS ME HOOKED!! First off the slow burn in this book made turning to the next page quicker because you are just anticipating something happening! Plus add in the romance, the suspense, and a hot Canadian football player who needs a marriage of convenience and this book gave me all that AND MORE! If you love sports romance specifically football, marriage of convenience, and forced proximity this book is for you! This new edition with bonus content comes out July 4 2023!!

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me was such a captivating slow burn romance! It felt so natural and real life like, that you were hooked from the beginning.

Vanessa worked for pro football player Aiden “The Wall of Winnipeg” Graves for two years. After saving enough money, she decides to quit to pursue her own dreams. Aiden feels lost without Vanessa and begs her to come back. While Vanessa has been quiet and curt, she pushes back and puts Aiden in his place. In an attempt to keep her close, Aiden proposes a fake marriage for him to get his Visa and in return he will pay off Vanessa’s student loans.

The best part about this slow burn romance was watching the relationship develop from ex boss and to friend to lover. The progression of the relationship was natural and didn’t feel forced.

Mrs. Zapata had me smiling and kicking my feet throughout this book. Everyone loves a man who gives the vibe of “I hate everyone but you” and Aiden Graves is EXACTLY that.

Thank you for the ARC for the new release with the new cover and the bonus scene.. it was the perfect wrap up to their story and was so freaking sweet!

Included in this post https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct4JzzML719/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Aiden Graves, also known as “The Wall of Winnipeg”, and his assistant, Vanessa Mazur, have a complicated relationship which definitely gets worse when she leaves and he needs one more BIG favor (add in some mixed feelings and stuff hits the fan). Other than his nasty attitude in the beginning, the only other problem I have with Aiden is the fact that he likes toothpaste flavored chocolate (they can’t all be perfect and I'm definitely kidding).

When Aiden came to Van, I thought about a movie starring Betty White, Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. I was wondering why I couldn’t place the name. To my surprise, the very next line I read brought up “The Proposal” and I went, “Yes, I am going to love this” and that was the moment I knew I would not be able to put the book down.

Van is super funny, especially when she has multiple options on how to plan out a murder. She’s an MC who sets her boundaries (her moments with Trevor after she puts him in his place was a great girlboss moment honestly) - and her interactions with Zac were all perfect. I wholeheartedly believe that Zac is my soulmate and I will die on that hill. He can do no wrong.

There are only a few things I’ve really thought I’d see more of. For a guy involved in football, and then for them to go to a basketball game, I thought I’d see frequent sports terms in the book or even a description of a play. Maybe even a “Touchdown!” when the team won, but it felt like there could be more. The lack of it gave more space for other scenes (“Your family lost their mind. I know what I’m doing”) so can I overlook it? Um, one smile from Aiden has me running laps so that should say something. I liked the fact this was in Van’s POV and, even without hearing what was going on inside his head, I know for a fact that Aiden folded every time he heard “big guy” come out from Van’s mouth.

I’ve read two other books by this author before - “From Lukov with Love” and “Dear Aaron” - which I will recommend to anyone who will give me the time of day. Adding this one to the list.

4.5 stars! The slow burn legit almost killed me, but it was SO worth it. This was a witty, entertaining read with great tension and some amazing characters. I really admired Vanessa and how she managed to remain positive even with her past. Vanessa and Aiden are so good together; this was a really fun read! *I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Setting the bar for marriage of convenience!

After spending too long as assistant to NFL star Aidan Graves, Vanessa is finished. But when Aidan shows up begging for her to come back and with an unexpected proposal–marriage to avoid deportation, Vanessa doesn’t realize what she’s in for.

This book is the ULTIMATE slow burn. SO MUCH INTERNAL SCREAMING!!

I love how strong Aiden and Vanessa’s friendship/working relationship is built and you can really tell how much the two care about each other, which makes the romance so much more rewarding.

📚ARC Review📚

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me🏈
Out 07.04.23✨

5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I know understand why they call Mariana Zapata the Queen of slow burn... 🔥
It was like watching the rotisserie chicken slowly spin into perfection and then the pay off! 💗 ( Okay maybe the chicken reference was too much but you get the picture )

This was my first Zapata book and I can't wait to read her backlist now! 📚

This story was fun and such a page turner. With it's quirky humor and likable characters. I found myself so invested in the story. 🙃

Vanessa was a great lead and I really like being in her head so much so that I didn't mind not having the dual POV like I'm used to. 💗

Aiden, what can I say about Aiden he was frustrating and endearing and I just love him so much. 💙

Overall this was such a fun read and I can't wait to read more!

Thank-you @avonbooks for the chance to review this ARC!

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me comes out tomorrow published by Avon books. This is a new edition with an extra chapter at the end.

If you're into football and slow-burn romance you'll enjoy this book! This romance features a spunky personal assistant and her football star of a boss and with a marriage of convenience. This book is a football themed The Proposal and i really enjoyed it!

It was the slowest of slow burns but I loved seeing the chemistry and friendship grow between Aiden and Vanessa. It felt a little long but I loved the cast of characters and finally seeing these two realize how much they loved each other.

Mariana Zapata is the absolute queen of slow burn romance books and the wall of Winnipeg is her most loved by me book.

Aiden and Vanessa forever have a special place in my heart. The way that Mariana is able to create such a fully fleshed out love story between her boss and assistant in a marriage of convenience story that moves fluidly isn’t the easiest thing to do. I loved how natural the romance flows in the book. You see them go from this animosity to becoming friends and spending time with each other. You see how despite being married they’re getting to learn and fall for each other, do things for each other and become their own family.

One thing I loved was the found family trope and how they become each others rock, home, their support. He shows up for her so many times that even Vanessa was surprised. Aiden is such a gentle giant with a big heart. He comes off with a hard exterior but he’s so sweet and caring and soft. Vanessa and Aiden are such a perfect couple and I cannot say enough words on how much I love them and their story and with Mariana Zapata adding the bonus content we are able to see the couple where they are years later and it’s so wonderfully emotional, much loved and made me smile so hard knowing where they are years later. It’s so much more than just a sport romance book. It’s the romance book for me. I highly recommend anyone to read it!

I’m not usually a fan of slow burn but Mariana Zapata just does it differently. She keeps you engaged in the story and on the edge of your seat the entire time just waiting for that moment. Aiden and Vanessa both have a lot of trauma in their pasts that I think are covered perfectly. They are able to find comfort in each other because they both understand what it’s like to be raised in a setting that isn’t healthy. I love a good grumpy/sunshine and Aiden and Vanessa embody that trope. I also really enjoyed the exclusive bonus chapter at the end showing where they were 10 years later.

Thank you NatGalley for the ARC of the rerelease in exchange for an honest review.

Van & Aiden are hands down one of my favorite fictional couples ever and this re-release just reminds me why. The small and quiet moments between these two build so much tension and you can just SEE their love growing page by page.

Mariana Zapata made a liar out of me when I first read this book last year. I went into this book (which was a book club choice) a firm believer that I do not like sports romances and I do not like slow burns. I clearly just had not read any books by the slow burn queen yet!

I haven’t read a single book by this author that I haven’t absolutely loved, but The Wall of Winnipeg and Me will probably always be my favorite. For a chunky book, it has so much momentum, so many tender moments, and so many big laughs. The relationship feels so real and swoony and I love Zac’s role as resident bestie throughout so much.

If you haven’t read this book yet, please pick up a copy when this wonderful new cover & bonus content releases on 7/4/23. It’s a perfect grumpy x sunshine summer read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Omggg the way I fell in love with Aiden Graves!!! I’m swooning just thinking about it again 🥰 This was my very first Mariana Zapata book and wooow I absolutely loved it. I love the way it was written, the detailed writing, everything.

The slow burn, I never thought I’d be so grateful at a slow burn as much as I was with “The Wall of Winnipeg and Me” this is a slow burn written perfectly, seriously chef’s kiss 😘

The dynamic between Vanessa and Aiden, the groveling , the love, the laughs!! I laughed out loud so much throughout this book. I was starting to become a bit annoyed at Aiden in the beginning but man did he completely made up for it and more. Also Zac, Zac was a breath of fresh air. The story was so much richer with him in it.

The ending, omggg ahhh! I have no words, just absolute perfection, that epilogue!! This had a workplace romance, slow burn romance, enemies to friends to lovers, grumpy and sunshine, all my favorite tropes ❤️

Plus the new paperback edition has a whols bonus chapter that had be bawling tears of happiness 🥹 I absolutely loved it and recommend it 🩷

Am I about to go into a deep dive of football romances?!

I don't think that fiction athlete will ever beat Aiden Graves in my heart now. Good luck to all the other sports romance authors out there. Mariana Zapata has written the "S" tier book boyfriend.

I do have to admit in the beginning I was not a fan of the "Grinchy" man but by the end I was PUTTY in his hulk sized hands. *swoony sigh*

I truly never thought that I would be obsessed with a football romance as much as I am with "The Wall of Winnipeg and Me."

I have to admit that reading about a drop dead gorgeous professional football player is an absolute delight. You don't have to twist my arm to jump into a sports romance at any moment in my life but Mariana Zapata's stories hit different.

The slow burn. The lovable characters. The moments that hit you straight in the feels. The realistic storyline.

I know what you're thinking..."Danielle, we aren't all married to a professional athlete? Hello, get out of your fantasy world" I KNOW! But, reading it truly felt like a realistic love. Aiden and Vanessa lived a normal life. They dealt with authentic issues. They had family issues. They struggle with money. They deal with injuries. They deal with everyday drama and headaches. It was refreshing to read a romance that was normal.

It felt real. I loved that the most. The characters romance felt authentic. It wasn't extravagantly goofy. I never felt any piece of the plot was "over-the-top." It was a graphic designer and a football player naturally falling deeply in love with each other in the most beautiful way.

Speaking of graphic designer, I have to scream to the world how much I adore Vanessa. I loved that she is a character that exists. She is a bookish figure that I can relate to so deeply. I understood her longing to become her own boss. Dictate her own design career. I felt it deeply when she expressed her stresses about drowning in her student loan debt. I got emotional when she talked about having three jobs and working deep into the night just to make ends meet. I get it. Extremely hard work and long hours is the life of a graphic designer. I have so much appreciation in my heart for Vanessa. She is officially one of my favorite literary characters.

She has this beautiful and creative world living in her head but that's not even the BEST part about her.

We learn a lot about Vanessa's past. The pain and hurt that she experiences doesn't deter her from being openhearted and kind. I am lucky to have a loving family who would do anything for me so reading about Vanessa's world truly hurt. I can't imagine not having a support system to fall back on when times get tough. I love that she is independent and strong but understands how to give love and kindness when its needed. Vanessa is a woman that has qualities that I would love to have. Determined, bold, strong, kind, creative, independent and beautiful. She is truly the best.

My absolute favorite scene in "The Wall of Winnipeg and Me" was when Vanessa expressed her obsession with Halloween literally showing up in the Aiden's kitchen dressed as a minion. I think this is the moment that we see Aiden truly adores Vanessa with his giant-sized heart. You know a man is head over heels for you when he sits outside all night to pass out candy to non-existent children and on top of that willingly watches the entirety of your favorite anime show with you. That's love if I have ever seen it.

Slow burn? I get the hype. I hands down get it.

Truly, *fans face* I need a cool down from the ending of that book. SHEESH! That tension. My goodness. I wasn't ready for that SPICE! I am here for it!

If you haven't read a Mariana Zapata and want to check out "The Wall of Winnipeg and Me," expect:

- Slow burn
- Workplace Romance
- Fake dating
- Spice...SHEESH
- Swoon-worth professional athletes
- Strong female MC's
- Unlikely friendships
- Romantic moments that will make you melt
- Family drama
- Hilarious dialogue
- Realistic love

Is this my Mariana Zapata era?

I will be the happiest bookish soul in the world when this woman writes a hockey romance. I need that story like I need air. While I patiently wait, I will be moving on to "Kulti".

Get your copy of "The Wall of Winnipeg and Me" tomorrow, July 4th, at your favorite bookstore. I personally give you permission to have a treat yourself moment to get this book. You need it. Thank you Libro.fm, Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy of this book!

Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley for this gifted copy!
This book was incredible! I was kicking and screaming at their romance! I cannot wait to read more Mariana Zapata books!

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me is a long book that reads like a much shorter one, so don’t let the length scare you off!

Vanessa Mazur is the personal assistant to Aiden Graves, arguably one of the best football players in the nation (and Vanessa is also a graphic designer on the side.) Aiden is focused on the game and grunts instead of talks. After she saves up enough funds to quit and start her own business, Vanessa is shocked when Aiden comes to find her to ask her to come back.

I adored this wonderful romance, featuring carefully fleshed out characters who lived full lives outside of their interactions with each other. Vanessa’s overall life redemption arc made me want to cheer for her! And Aiden’s grumpiness only got on my nerves a little, but much less so as the book went on, and the last 25% or so just had me melting. This is the slowest of slow burns but well worth it! I will definitely be reading many many more of Mariana Zapata’s books in the future.

Aiden and Van are so cute. Upon rereading I did forget how much of an ass he is at the beginning but he makes up for it so it's fine. I just love seeing them grow closer and really learn about the other person. Marriage of convenience just gets me. I really loved the bonus content at the end but I wish it included Diana and Dallas. We should get a book about their kid getting with Louie so we can get cameos from everyone.

Want a slow burn? Like a SLOOOOOW BURN?

THIS ONES FOR YOU!

I loved this story and the characters. The wall of Winnipeg himself was this grumpy mother trucker who showed no one a hint of emotion. But his PA has always been someone he could count on.

Van is a true inspiration and I absolutely loved her. She has such a shit childhood and makes something of her own life, trying to leave her past behind. I love how strong willed she is and everything she does has reason.

I LOVED the development between the two main characters. The side characters, MAINLY ZAC, were amazing additions to the story.

I will say it again....this is probably the slowest slow burn I've read but I did enjoy it.

Van also made me realize I never want to run a marathon. So thank you, Van!

If you know me, you know I ADORE Mariana Zapata. This was one of the first books I ever read by her and I loved it.

Mariana is the queen of slow-burn (my fave) so buckle up for a slow burn satisfying romance.

Vanessa and Aiden are couple goals and so is their marriage of convenience. This trope can go 50/50 for me, but this is definitely one of the good ones.

Aiden is a grump who hates everyone but Vanessa, and I was swooning over how cute these two were the whole book.

If you haven't read this one yet, check it out and grab this gorgeous new cover on July 4th. Thank you to Netgalley for the sneak peek!

5 Easy ⭐
🌶️

Oh my god.

I'm absolutely a lover of a marriage of convenience trope and this was one of the best I've ever read. The slow burn and tension was to die for. Aiden Graves is a top tier book boyfriend and I will die on this hill.