The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
Publication Date: February 28th, 2016
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Sports – American Football
Find: Goodreads | Amazon
Goodreads Summary
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 Organization 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.

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me explores the friendship and developing romance between two individuals who are miles apart on the surface, but together, make a perfectly balanced team. The circumstances that bring these two together is unorthodox. Having packed in her job as Aiden’s assistant, the last thing Vanessa expects is to see him on her doorstep making her a “mutually beneficial” offer that brings about a sense of stability to his life and gives Vanessa the freedom to fully commit herself to building up her business.

The development of their relationship progresses at a snails pace. It requires a great deal of patience and perseverence to really appreciate the development of this relationship. There aren’t any epic, grand gestures of love to be found, but what we do see is Aiden and Vanessa become a unified team. The beauty in their relationship is highlighted in a sequence of subtle moments that demonstrates just how deeply they understand one another. Both Vanessa and Aiden face some tough situations in their life and career, but they find an achor in each other that offers a sense of clarity for the moments that blind them.

Not everyone will enjoy this book. There is no high drama, no high stakes, and for a slow burn romance, this is about as slow as it gets. However, there is an understated connection that blossoms on this journey and it’s in those moments that we really get to see Aiden and Vanessa shine as individuals and as partners.

What’s your favourte romantic trope?