How the Mariana Zapata books relate to each other

[Miriam]

** Note: At the moment of writing this piece, I haven’t read “Luna and the Lie”, “Lingus” or “Dear Aaron”

It was pure luck that I ran into “The Wall of Winnipeg and Me”. I think I found a few references on goodreads describing it as one of the best ‘enemies to lovers’ books. They were right. And I’m extremely thankful, not only because I loved it so much, but because it led me to Mariana Zapata, deemed as the ‘Queen of Slow Burn’ and, let me tell you, she does not disappoint. So I kept reading all her books because they are fun, they are entertaining, they are very well written and they are worth my time. One of the things I enjoy the most is finding references to her other stories. Sometimes they are very slight. Other times, we have characters returning and making a full cameo.

Because I love these cameos so much, I tried to make a small article on how Zapata’s books relate to each other. This is my first go at it and I’ll thank anyone who wants to contribute! Comments are very welcome.

• The Wall of Winnipeg and Me and Wait for It are practically sequels. Vanessa from Wall of Winnipeg and Diana from Wait for It are besties. Vanessa and Aiden make a full appearance in Wait for it. Also, it’s lovely to see what happens with Diana after all she goes through in The Wall of Winnipeg.
• Wait for It, Kulti and Under Locke. Time-wise, Under Locke is the first one of the three. Dex Locke owns Pins and Needles, the tattoo parlor of the Mariana Zapata world. Dex and Iris make a full cameo in Kulti when Reiner goes get a tattoo and Pins and Needles and Sal Casillas tags along. I won’t go into spoilers here, but both Iris and Dex’s cameo is amazing. Then, Kulti and Sal are back in Wait for It as Sal Casillas and Diana Casillas are cousins. It’s fun to see them interacting, especially now that Kulti and Sal are married. Pins and Needles is also referenced in Wait for It, although blink and you might miss it. Here’s how it goes: Luther (the leader of the motorcycle band in Under Locke and owner of the bar) is Ginny’s uncle. Who is Ginny? Diana’s friend and colleague from the beauty parlor they both work in. Ginny is sister to Trip who did have a more important role in Under Locke. In Wait for It he has a kid who is friends with Joshua, Diana’s older nephew (who would have though, eh?). So Dallas, though not a member of the Widows, is still quite related to that world (I mean, Diana assumes he’s not a member but we never really know and he doesn’t own a bike, so it’s unlikely – but we have to assume he got his tattoos from Dex’s place). Oh. Also, Dex Locke DOES make an appearance in Wait For It, but you won’t get a name, just an unmissable description. You know, he’s the guy cursing with a toddler strapped to his back and a baby in his arms and the most beautiful face ever. I love Dex. So much. Iris is, of course, also around, because they’re inseparable and amazing. Did I mention how great they are?
• From Lukov with Love and Dear Aaron. Again, I haven’t read Dear Aaron, but I have read what it’s about and if you add two and two you’ll get four… right. Anyways, Jasmine, the main heroine from Lukov, is Ruby’s sister. Ruby and Aaron make several appearances in Lukov, so if that’s a couple you liked, you’ll get plenty more of them in From Lukov with Love.
• Rhythm, Chord and Malykhin and Lingus. There’s just a mention of Lingus in RCM but I think it was fun to highlight.

As you can see, it’s pretty fun to find some recurring characters in Mariana Zapata’s books. Feel free to pinpoint more as I’m a big fan of this. I still have a few more to read and I’m really looking forward to it! Ta!

[Lou Lou]

I couldn't be more jealous that you get to read Dear Aaron for the first time. I've listened to it on Audible 3 times and am sure I'll read it again sometime soon. :) Enjoy!

[Mihaela]

thank you for taking the time to make a chronological thread connecting Mariana Zapata's books. you make my life a million times easier,as there will be no need for me to personally make connections. I already know which will be the next book in my hands :)