The Wall of Winnipeg and Me

By: Mariana Zapata

Narrated by: Callie Dalton

Length: 16 hrs

Publisher's 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?

©2016 Mariana Zapata (P)2016 Tantor

Good slow burn

I've listened to 4 of Zapata's books. The slow development of the attraction between the characters is what I appreciate most. Usually other authors will throw a couple together with immediate attraction, and they fall into bed shortly thereafter. Not Zapata. The protagonists initially don't care for each other, and the changes in emotion is accompanied by the development and increased depth in the characters. I'm falling in love with them as they fall for each other. The story was long, but at the end I wished it wasn't over, which is the sign of a truly good book.

THIS IS HOW WRITING IS DONE!!! 5 STARS!!!

Mariana Zapta has a devoted fan in me. Her stories are relevant, interesting and more importantly very well written! The story of Vanessa and Aiden is not a love at first sight story. It is what she referred to once as a "slow burn". Non-the-less you will love this story if you are a die hard reader and love a good story based upon a solid relationship that was not easily built and not based on sexual attraction alone.

I couldn't help myself

I buy audio books for my in-between reads. I like to listen to audiobooks when I’m catching the train to work, baking or exercising (which I should do more of). Well, there was a slight problem with The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, it was too good. I couldn’t bring myself to stop listening. What normally would have lasted me a couple of weeks lasted me a couple of days. I was sucked into the story from the very first minute. The narrator had a voice that was easy to listen to, the characters were engaging and the storyline was interesting. A lot of readers refer to Ms Zapatta as the Queen of the Slow Burn, which honestly I’d have to agree with. What I think makes her the Queen is her ability to distract you from missing it. I think this was the first audio where I haven’t had to hide my face while listening on the train. I wasn’t squirming, blushing or turning the volume down hoping someone wasn’t overhearing the sexy times. Oh, there were a few sniffles when harsh words were spoken or we look back into painful past experiences but more times than not it was the big grin I wore that showed what I was feeling.

Now, in regards to the story…Vanessa is a woman who has had a very hard life. Her family ABSOLUTELY SUCKS!! What makes her such a great character though is that she’s moved on from her horrible family and made a success of her life. She was the PA/Housekeeper/Servant to The Big Guy, Aiden. He plays football and is one of the defence players…I think (I'm not really in the know about football). Her role and job aren't great but it pays well and it gives her the opportunity to be around Aiden who she has a little crush on while also saving to start her own business.

Aiden is the most focused football player I’ve ever read about. His whole life revolves around the sport. Considering his size, surprisingly he lives a vegan lifestyle which means he has to eat a lot, a lot and a wee bit more. Aiden is definitely serious about his job and his single-minded focus means that people don’t really matter to him. He is abrupt, rude and very unemotional. Having Vanessa as his assistant makes his life easier but unfortunately, for him, he doesn’t realise her value until she’s had enough and resigns.

What follows for Vanessa and Aiden is a parting of ways for a very short time. Aiden wants her back but Vanessa is starting her own business and isn’t interested in taking on the old role. Aiden needs her for a more important role this time. A role where they will have to make vows of commitment, live together and share their lives…on paper only.

I really enjoyed the story and loved the way the characters developed. I did think that Aiden acted like a douchewaffle in the beginning but enjoyed seeing him realise that there is more to life than solely focusing on football. I really struggled with Vanessa at times. She acted like a doormat and put up with Aiden for way longer than I thought was healthy. There is this underlying feeling from the very beginning that she puts up with it all because she doesn’t know any better. My struggle was that I knew that her history made her that way, but at other times you can see her strength and courage. I just wanted her to speak her mind more often and not have to have people beg her for information, demand the truth or trick her into sharing her feelings.

Well, the slow burn was REALLY slow and I thought that maybe it might end up being non-existent. Funny thing is when we did get it (eventually) it was intense and definitely blush-worthy. I loved Aiden and Vanessa together and I'm so glad that they were able to finally let down their walls and share their feelings. The epilogue was sweet and very cute.

I’m slowly getting through the backlog of Ms Zapatta’s collection and what I’ve read or listened to so far has been great. I will definitely be reading more of her stories in the future.

Too long for the content

I feel like this story could have been told in half the time. There was too much time spent inside the narrator's head. The story is good, and the main character is engaging and humorous, but at times it just seems like she is spending too much time thinking and you just want the story to get on with it.

Not just another jock story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If my friend enjoyed a slow build up with a hot football player and a take no crap girl...yes. I loved it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Wall of Winnipeg and Me?

I don't want to say too much and give it away but I'll say Leo the dog.

What about Callie Dalton’s performance did you like?

Everything.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Of course but I can't give it away and spoil it.

Any additional comments?

I wish there was more time spent with them as a couple but the slow burn of them falling for each other made up for it. This was a wonderful story.

Team Graves!!!

Sweet Jesus. This book. This book was absolutely everything I’ve ever wanted in a romance and more. I devoured this story quicker than I’ve ever listen to a 16 hour book because wow. I truly feel like I connected with this story about NFL star Aiden ‘The Wall of Winnipeg’ Graves and his personal assistant, Vanessa ‘Van’ Mazur, who quits her job to then find him begging her to come back and do one last massive favor for him. The entire book slowly builds you up and keeps you hanging and just makes you feel! I felt everything. The words. OH the words. Mariana Zapata is QUEEN of all the words. I could just curl up and read her books until the end of time.

This is the second Mariana Zapata book I’ve read in the space of a week. And I’m about to jump right into my third and it will not be my last. I love everything about this author’s stories. They’re real. They’re relatable. There’s no OTT drama, nothing to make me cringe. Just well-written, totally addictive love stories that hit you right in the feels (with the most gorgeous epilogues!). So excuse me while I finish up this review, share it with you and then lock myself up for another week while I live in another Mariana Zapata fairy tale.

My Favorite Quote from the Book:
“I don't know," I stuttered, "Do you love me?"
His gaze was so intent the entire world seemed to stop. "You tell me. I never stop thinking about you. I worry about you all the time. Every beautiful thing I see reminds me of you. I can't finish my practices in Colorado with out wishing you were around," he said in a steady tone. "You tell me what I feel.”

Just read them. You won’t regret it.

Plot. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐stars
Story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars
Narrator.: Callie Dalton ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book was included in the escape package!

Am I missing something ?

I am definitely in the minority on this one. For me this book was looooong & slooooow, now I am one who LOATHES insta-love and really gets into a slow burn love story. I like to feel that connection between the MC's, but IMO I felt noting - not even a simmer. I liked the whole premise of this story but the writing was not for me it was so repetitive, really bad. I could not count how many times I heard about how big Aiden was, how much he ate, how hard he worked. I didn't like the long pity party style inner monologue style that the book was told from - just not for me. Lastly I really didn't like either of the MC's, Vanessa was kinda annoying and I have no idea really who Aiden was since he barely said a word through the book. So that's that but I must be crazy because everyone else loved this one.

Slow and steady with a plot twist, good to the end

What did you like best about The Wall of Winnipeg and Me? What did you like least?

This is a story of the evolution of a relationship from ground zero to something more. It is complicated by the personal history of the two main characters. Further, larger issues drive this relationship and make up the plot of this book.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

This was a long book and at times it felt redundant. In the authors' attempt to show the gradual growth of the characters, I felt the story slowed. Certainly, she does let the reader/listener see the evolution in the characters, but it might have been condensed a bit.

What does Callie Dalton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ms. Dalton is a good narrator who knows the material and performs it well. She has some variation from women to men, uses accents well and paces the material very well. I will enjoy listening to her again.

Romance?

Many hours into this and I had to check to see that yes, I did buy it from the romance section. The relationship doesn't change to romantic until the very end, which for me, made the story drag. I did like it, but certainly didn't love it.

I love Mariana Zapata!!

All of her books are so well written with engaging stories and loveable, developed characters. Such a delight. Perfectly narrated. She's becoming one of my favorites...up there with Kristen Ashley and Rachel Gibson. High praise.

Boring??? Hell NO!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Wall of Winnipeg and Me to be better than the print version?

After seeing a review saying 'Boring', I did consider not buying this book, I am so glad I didn't listen to THAT review! OK, different strokes for different folks, but, there's no way this book could be described as 'Boring'!

Who was your favorite character and why?

The characters are well developed, you fall in love with them and care about them. You are invested in their story, I found myself actually laughing out loud or shouting, Nooooo!!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to this in one sitting.. Yep one! I had to finish! Great narration.

Any additional comments?

If you love romance, then yes! yes! Yes! but do not pick it up expecting a Guy de Maupassant Novel, then call it 'Boring'!

Buy it now !!

Loved this book so much!! I need a love like that in my life, a second book is needed

soooo boring

save your money. choose something else. nothing happens. Chapter 7 sees protagonist being bullied into green card marriage after weeks of harassment by emotionally inept x-boss. Urgh.

Great Slow Burn Romance

I first read this book years ago and once I started I read all night until 4 in the morning until I finished it. The audiobook is just as good.

Awesome

Absolutely love this story and the narrator was amazing. The story is unlike anything I’ve ever read before then Ms Zapata is definitely in a class all her own.

Omg !!!

I LOVED!!!!! this book. a slow burner that didn't leave me bored. It was very realistic and didn't have me rolling my eyes. It made me smile so many times and my god Aiden and Vanny belong together!!! i freaking love this book!!! worth a credit and worth my money! so stinking good!!! i love love love it!!!! and will be listening again. don't hesitate get the book!! 😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩 5 stars all around.
It was my first time listening to this narrator. She was a perfect pick for the job!!!!! love all around!!!!

It was entertaining (spoilers down below!!)

Characters: they were great, I think she added side characters that would help distract the readers from it going too fast paced between Vanessa and Aiden, which I appreciated. It’s kinda annoying when the main characters are around each other all the time and poof in third chapter they’re already in love, yeah it’s a no for me. So good job with the characters and the development of them.
Plot: it didn’t wow me as I’ve read/listened to similar books with these kinds of plots. But I wished she had focused more on that as well just for the sake of added drama and excitement, but that more of a personal preference.
Over all: It was worth the listen if you’re into pretty realistic stuff and like slow burn because even though she was attracted to him almost from the beginning it didn’t show until later on in the book, which was also appreciated. And she didn’t over exaggerate when he was looking at her, like “he looked at me so and so, licking his lips as I entered the room in a skirt” that kind of stuff (that wasn’t from the book btw just an example of what I meant) so it was great but nothing too major, it focused a lot on the characters which was great but as I said, I wished ****spoiler alert*** that there were more things that could’ve made the story more exciting about his visa and that people could question their marriage putting more pressure on them and what not, they had a few of those moments where they had to make it look real in front of other people I just wished there were more. Anyways thanks for coming to my TED talk bye

Amazing

I have LOVED that book. Well developed, level-headed characters, a slow, believable storyline, this book was every level of great. It made me smile, it made me squeal, and it made my heart clench. No great drama, no tragedy, just a steady unfolding of the best reality possible.

I highly recommend it, and will definitely add Mariana Zapata to my list of authors to listen to.

A firm favourite

I must have listened to this book several times now, it’s my “go to” when I just need a general pick me up. I literally crack up laughing in parts of this which is great!

Got to love Callie Daulton narrating it too, it just brings it all to life!

Superb

I adored this book and the narrator was fantastic. I would highly recommend to anyone.