The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata -- Restarting February 15th 2023

[Beatrice]

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?

[Jennifer]

I think I'll join you!

[Jennifer]

Ch 7 - (view spoiler)[ So far I am a little confused. How could a man like that have so few social skills? That aside, I'm also confused by her about-face regarding the money - "No more money won't entice me" "Oh wait!". Come on girl, stick to your guns! (hide spoiler)]
Ch 11 - (view spoiler)[ This set up with the 3 of them is kind of weird to me, but I am glad she has a friend in Zac. And it is kind of cute how they are slowly getting Aiden to open up a little. So now that everything is in place, when is the romance going to happen?? (hide spoiler)]
Ch 19 - (view spoiler)[ She sure is laying her vulnerabilities out there, isn't she? I must say, I am a bit proud of him for not being an ass about them (like he is capable of being). (hide spoiler)]
Ch 24 - (view spoiler)[ OMG I thought I was going to cry with his expression when he got the puppy! Here I was comfortable with is cold persona and then he gets a little mushy when faced with an adorable puppy face. There is hope for him! (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ Wow that sex scene was a long wait, and I must say I was a little letdown?!? I mean I'm happy that they ended up happy with one another, but I was expecting a lot more steam than we got. (hide spoiler)]

[Linaria]

Yeah - I find the roommate Zac thing kind of weird. Like I like that he's a supportive friend, but.....it's kind of weird?

[Linaria]

Also, RE: Chp 7 - (view spoiler)[Yeah, there definitely is going to be a backstory explaining why he's so cold.
(hide spoiler)]

I do LOVE this book so far though.

[Linaria]

Re: Chp 19 (view spoiler)[ Yeah, but like they are finally getting closer together (hide spoiler)] I just love Mariana Zapata. Like, she may be the best romance writer ever.

[Linaria]

END (view spoiler)[ YES, THAT ENDING. THIS BOOK IS THE BEST (hide spoiler)]

I need more Mariana Zapata.

[✨Skye✨]

Starting today! I liked From Lukov with Love from this author, but it wasn't my absolute favourite. Let's see how this goes!

[✨Skye✨]

20% (view spoiler)[ I'm really not a fan of Aiden. I hate when books justify total assholes with them being attractive! He's unpleasant in every way and disrespectful towards Vanessa, he's spoilt and the rich guy who's awful to the 'help'. This guy would have to do some serious redemption stuff for me to like him by the end of the book. (hide spoiler)]

[✨Skye✨]

51% (view spoiler)[ I am getting into it as Aidan becomes a little better but it doesn't excuse how he treated Vanessa before. It is a little far fetched for me that she'd give up 5 years of her life to live with someone she hates. His persistence in persuading her to do it was very irritating. (hide spoiler)]

[✨Skye✨]

75% (view spoiler)[ He is definitely redeeming himself somewhat. I always hate violent men, but the way he dealt with Ricky and Christian had some sort of control and almost class to it, so that I respected it more than just felt mad. I liked seeing Vanessa's brother. (hide spoiler)]

[✨Skye✨]

Done (view spoiler)[ I am a little conflicted, but in the end I was rooting for them and just cheered when Vanessa finally confessed their feelings! I hope Diana can find happiness. I do think everything that happened with Diana was more of a plot device for Vanessa's development than for a sensitive discussion, which I dislike. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalia]

10% (view spoiler)[ I don't like Aiden so far. He seems to have zero social skills. I get that he is supposed to be quite and closed, but he's acting a bit like a jerk (hide spoiler)]

[Natalia]

20% (view spoiler)[ He was acting as a jerk before and basically ignoring her and now he wants to marry her?? (hide spoiler)]

[Natalia]

45% (view spoiler)[ I mad with him that he didn't go with her. Also her family is horrible (hide spoiler)]

[Natalia]

60% (view spoiler)[ To be honest I think that she's being a bit too trusting. It was a cute scene though. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalia]

80% (view spoiler)[ They are so cute! I can't wait for them to finally get together. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalia]

95% (view spoiler)[ Why did he leave? Just get together finally (hide spoiler)]

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

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Date changed. Restarting March 5th 2020. Happy Reading ☺

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[♛Vanessa♛]

21% (view spoiler)[Well, I am not sure how I feel about the story so far. I think that the story is fine, but I am not really loving the storytelling. It's awful wordy and is more telling than showing.

I am not sure about Aiden, to be honest. I don't think that he is purposefully rude to Vanessa though. I think that he is just a quiet type that isn't used to being around other people. Even though he isn't outright rude to her, except for those few occasions right before she quit, it wouldn't hurt him to respond to a 'good morning' or something like that. It's like he doesn't understand niceties.

I totally agree with Vanessa quitting. When Trevor insulted her and Aiden didn't stick up for her I was kind of disappointed in Aiden. He said he had a lot on his mind, but come on.

I am not sure if the marriage idea is the best one, honestly. It's clear that Aiden has some kind of feelings for Vanessa because he wants her back pretty badly. His "compliments" to her were very irksome. You almost couldn't tell if they were supposed to be compliments or insults. But I don't think that he was being mean. I think that he just has trouble expressing himself properly. (hide spoiler)]

[♛Vanessa♛]

Natalia wrote: "10% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I know, right? I have no idea why a simple pleasantry is so difficult for him. (hide spoiler)]

[♛Vanessa♛]

✨Skye✨ wrote: "20% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I kind of agree. He shouldn't be so cold to Vanessa. She does her job well and goes above and beyond sometimes. I am hoping that there is some reason why he is so closed off. Just something to kind of justify it. (hide spoiler)]

[Lee]

10% (view spoiler)[ I'm really enjoying this so far. I know the story is going to focus on Vanessa and Aiden, but I hope we get to see more of Vanessa and Zack. They seem fun. (hide spoiler)]
17% (view spoiler)[ WAIT. Are we getting a fake relationship here???????? (hide spoiler)]
37% (view spoiler)[ They got married. I'm curious to see how this is all going to play out!! Especially with Aiden being injured already which is def going to bring some stress in. (hide spoiler)]
45% (view spoiler)[ I know it's his fault for not taking it seriously enough, but still, poor Zack. That sucks.

I really can't believe Aiden said that. She's doing him a favor and he just can't get it?????? (hide spoiler)]
56% (view spoiler)[Awww. They are bonding and getting cute! And wow Vanessa's family is horrible like they've messed her up a lot. (hide spoiler)]
Finished (view spoiler)[ I really loved this!!! There were some weird sentences and for as long as it was it did take a lonnnggg time for everything to happened only for it to feel rushed, but it was still an enjoyable read. They had nuggets together!!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Lee]

Vanessa wrote: "21% Well, I am not sure how I feel about the story so far. I think that the story is fine, but I am not really loving the storytelling. It's awful wordy and is more telling than showing.

I am not..."

(view spoiler)[Yeah I definitely think Aiden has trouble expressing himself properly. He's been alone for so long that I feel like he's missed those important social things and that really shows in his interactions with Vanessa. (hide spoiler)]

[♛Vanessa♛]

51% (view spoiler)[Holy cow, her family is horrible. Minus her brother. I can't believe her sister's husband got handsy with her. Aiden's reaction to the bruises was spot on. Made me proud of him.

Though I think that Aiden could have been more sensitive when he told Vanessa he wouldn't be able to go with her to see her mom and he could have tried to tell her before the last minute, I think that Vanessa overreacted a tiny bit. It was right of her to be a little disappointed but she was super pissed. It didn't feel warranted.

Aiden is definitely growing on me. This book is the slowest freaking burn for romance. It makes me almost nervous to get to the end. (hide spoiler)]

[♛Vanessa♛]

Erin wrote: "10% [spoilers removed]
17% [spoilers removed]
37% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I really like Zac too. I really like the friendship that Vanessa has with him.

I didn't realize that this was a fake relationship story before I picked it up, but yeah. Liking it so far. Fake relationship stories are always fun. There is always so much sexual tension.

Aiden seems overly stressed out all the time. I wonder if that will play more into the fake relationship and cause it hardship.

I know, poor Zac! I was glad that he listened to what Vanessa had to say about getting back into training though. (hide spoiler)]

[♛Vanessa♛]

68% (view spoiler)[I like that they are getting closer. It was sweet when Aiden tried to comfort Vanessa in the elevator and when there was the thunderstorm.

It sounds like Aiden didn't have the best childhood either.

I think that Aiden might have been jealous that Vanessa wore Zac's jersey to the football game. I am not surprised that he got her one of his jerseys for her to wear for the next game. (hide spoiler)]

[Lee]

Vanessa wrote: "51% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Ugh right? Her family truly is the worst. I don't like them at all and wish she never went to see them because well... they treat her like garbage and she doesn't deserve that.

Yeah that whole situation is just hard. After seeing her with her family I do get why she was so upset especially when Aiden told her so late, but yeah. It's just messy. (hide spoiler)]

[Lee]

Vanessa wrote: "68% I like that they are getting closer. It was sweet when Aiden tried to comfort Vanessa in the elevator and when there was the thunderstorm.

It sounds like Aiden didn't have the best childhood ..."

(view spoiler)[Right? That part was so sweet and a good chance for them to get to know each other better and bond over their horrible childhoods.

I think he was jealous too! We're slowly starting to see his feelings for her a little more clearly. (hide spoiler)]

[♛Vanessa♛]

Finished (view spoiler)[I really liked this story! I was so happy when Vanessa finally told him that she loves him and then starts rambling on. When he reciprocated her feelings I was so glad. It was a great scene.

I am also glad that Zac got back into football! I was so worried for him. I adored his character and I loved how he was such a good friend to Vanessa.

I liked the ending. Everything really fell into place well. I loved that they had babies! My heart was swelling. (hide spoiler)]

[♛Vanessa♛]

Erin wrote: "10% [spoilers removed]
17% [spoilers removed]
37% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I also found the writing a bit to get used to. To me, it was very wordy with a lot of telling instead of showing in the narrative.

And yes, the babies! Totally adorable! I wonder how old they were. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

ch 8 (view spoiler)[ This book is so funny. Aiden is a total dick and she was right to quit and now he says he can be nice since he needs something from her. But it is a good deal if you need money (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Vanessa wrote: "21% (view spoiler)[Well, I am not sure how I feel about the story so far. I think that the story is fine, but I am not really loving the storytelling. It's awful wordy and is more telling than showing.

I am not..." (hide spoiler)]

I agree it's wordy, no wonder it's so long lol. (view spoiler)[ I was definitely not happy when Aiden let Trevor talk shit about her, that was not okay. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

ch 16 (view spoiler)[ I feel so bad for Vanessa right now. Her family totally sucks and Aiden bailed at the last second and thinks it's not a problem. He needs to realize what a dick move that was and start treating her better. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Vanessa wrote: "51% (view spoiler)[Holy cow, her family is horrible. Minus her brother. I can't believe her sister's husband got handsy with her. Aiden's reaction to the bruises was spot on. Made me proud of him.

Though I thin..." (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ I don't know, she was upset about multiple things and it all just blew up at Aiden. It wasn't totally fair, but I felt for her.
Her family is awful and other than her brother she should cut them off (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

ch 24 (view spoiler)[ I'm glad they're growing closer and opening up. It was nice of him to go to her brother's game with her. I also liked that Aiden stood up to Christian after how he's treated Vanessa :) (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Vanessa wrote: "68%(view spoiler)[ I like that they are getting closer. It was sweet when Aiden tried to comfort Vanessa in the elevator and when there was the thunderstorm.

It sounds like Aiden didn't have the best childhood ..." (hide spoiler)]

That part was cute (view spoiler)[Aiden being jealous that Vanessa wore Zac's jersey so he got her one of his lol. I like seeing him react like that (hide spoiler)]

[♛Vanessa♛]

Aly wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "68% "

(view spoiler)[I know! I loved it. (hide spoiler)]

[♛Vanessa♛]

Aly wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "21% "

(view spoiler)[It really is wordy. This is the longest novel that I have read so far this year. Even longer than some of the fantasy books I've read. I have legit never read a romance novel this long. (hide spoiler)]

[♛Vanessa♛]

Aly wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "51% "

I agree.

[♛Vanessa♛]

Aly wrote: "ch 24 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[OMG, yes! I was so glad that Zac told Aiden about Christian. My heart rejoiced when he got in a fight with him over her. Especially since it showed how much he really cares since he isn't the fighting type. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

finished (view spoiler)[ The ending is sweet. The puppy was an adorable present and I'm glad Aiden was there for Vanessa's marathon and told her how he felt. The ending was so sweet and I love that she had twins and they're a cute family (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Vanessa wrote: (view spoiler)["Finished I really liked this story! I was so happy when Vanessa finally told him that she loves him and then starts rambling on. When he reciprocated her feelings I was so glad. It was a great scen..." (hide spoiler)]

Yes super cute ending! (view spoiler)[ I was really happy for Zac too. I worried he would be out of football. He should have his own book (hide spoiler)]

[♛Vanessa♛]

Aly wrote: "finished [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I loved the ending too. I thought it was perfect. (hide spoiler)]

[♛Vanessa♛]

Aly wrote: "Vanessa wrote: [spoilers removed]

Yes super cute ending! [spoilers removed]"

I also think that Zac should have his own book. =)

[Brittany]

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Date changed. Restarting February 15 2023. Happy Reading ☺

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[Brittany]

Im still planning on starting this soon but for some reason my hold hasn't come in yet