Series: Standalone
Release Date: February 1st, 2018
After seventeen years—and countless broken bones and broken promises—she knows her window to compete in figure skating is coming to a close.
But when the offer of a lifetime comes in from an arrogant idiot she’s spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in the way of a moving bus, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything.
Including Ivan Lukov.
• LGBTQIA+ supporting characters
• Main character with learning disability (dyslexia)
• Addresses ageism
• No abuse
• The Heroine has a really bad relationship with her father. He undermines her whole career and doesn’t acknowledge her dyslexia.
• No OW
– It’s never clarified if the Hero dated/slept with his last partner.
• Does have OM
– The Heroine’s ex-BF was also her ex-skating partner. He tries to make things right at the end, but the Heroine isn’t having it.
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Rating: 4/5 stars
The first book I read by Mariana Zapata was Kulti, and I have to say that From Lukov With Love reminded me so much of it, primarily because the main character was a female athlete with a (kinda) asshole as a love interest. Most of the reviews of From Lukov With Love were positive, but some complained about the slow burn romance (but hello, that’s Zapata’s MO) and that the relationship didn’t seem believable. I disagree entirely with the unbelievable part–especially after the heroine, Jasmine, and the hero, Ivan, become friends. I think one of the significant differences between Kulti and this book was that Jasmine’s family was way more involved, so it meant that Jasmine and Ivan weren’t hanging out all the time (which is what happen in Kulti and The Wall of Winnipeg and Me).
Enemies to Friends to More?
I really enjoyed the antagonistic element of Jasmine and Ivan’s relationship. Especially since it is rare the main character can acknowledge how good looking the hero is without being rendered into a puddle. Jasmine doesn’t let Ivan’s good looks get in the way of her recognizing he’s a dick. And even though I enjoyed their banter, I kind of got the impression from Jasmine (at least in the beginning) that Ivan was a bully to her just because. Jasmine was, therefore, the one person that saw past his looks to his “evil” center.
It, therefore, really confused me when Jasmine’s family said they were actually flirting or when Ivan said that being mean to each other was “their thing.” Honestly, before Jasmine had her “come to Jesus” moment, it really felt like Ivan hated Jasmine and was, therefore, mean to her. Jasmine, as a result, was simply reacting to Ivan’s disdain by standing up for herself in a very antagonistic way (she swears a lot, which I found really amusing). However, I can see how Ivan thought being mean was just a thing they did, there were multiple times where–even Jasmine admits–she could’ve been more tactful in her “helpful” comments.
Also, I found it annoying that Ivan was so accomplished, and Jasmine was so unaccomplished. Jasmine never won anything in the decade since she started figure skating (although you do learn that this was more of a product of bad luck than it was an indication of her skill)!
That being said, I really enjoyed witnessing the evolution of Jasmine and Ivan’s relationship. Them just becoming friends was super cute. Although there were times when Ivan was so clueless, where he didn’t seem to understand the ramifications of his actions. Also, Jasmine’s attitude was the best–that is, if you like heroines with a fiery temper, who curses a lot and likes to stand up for the underdog.
My Thoughts
Even though the romance aspect of From Lukov With Love didn’t really happen until 80%, I wasn’t worried because this is par for the course in a Zapata romance novel. Also, Zapata did the transition from BFFs to lovers in a way very similar to Kulti, which I found kind of amusing and nostalgic. I have to say that Jasmine was one of my favourite of Zapata’s heroines; she’s super kickass, fights for herself and others and never gives up. Definitely, a book to read and then read again.
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From Lukov with Love is one of my top comfort reads and a favorite by Mariana Zapata. I loved the book. And I agree with the point that Ivan was more accomplished than Jasmine, which was annoying, and IDK, like I wanted her to be as accomplished too, I guess. Ivan is GOLD. I love him and how affectionate he is with her.