Just finished Only When It's Us? Next up read From Lukov with Love…
If you fell for the charged chemistry and emotional vulnerability in Chloe Liese's Only When It's Us, then Mariana Zapata's From Lukov with Love delivers that same irresistible blend of enemies-to-lovers tension and heartfelt character growth. Like Willa navigating grief while pursuing her soccer dreams, Jasmine Santos is a determined figure skater who's faced devastating setbacks but refuses to give up on her Olympic aspirations.
"This book has solidified my Mariana Zapata & slow burn romance love. Ivan & Jasmine have my whole heart🫶🏼"— Ali Goodwin, Goodreads
What makes this recommendation perfect is how both authors master the art of slow-burn romance that feels authentic rather than rushed. The initial friction between Jasmine and her arrogant skating partner Ivan Lukov mirrors the antagonistic spark between Willa and Ryder, but Zapata takes her time building their connection through shared vulnerability and gradually revealed depths beneath their defensive exteriors.
Both novels excel at weaving sharp, banter-filled interactions with deeper explorations of family dynamics and personal healing. Zapata's figure skating world provides the same high-stakes athletic backdrop that made Liese's college soccer setting so compelling, but with the added drama of partnerships that demand absolute trust and synchronization.
"This was so much fun! I listened to the audiobook and it was a great experience. Amazing to get you out of a reading slump, loveable characters, go pick it up, have a fun time!❤️🩹"— Antje ❦, Goodreads
What Sets This Apart
The beauty of From Lukov with Love lies in its authentic portrayal of resilience without preaching. Like Only When It's Us, it acknowledges that healing isn't linear and that sometimes the person who challenges you most becomes exactly who you need. Zapata's diverse family representations and unflinching look at pride, communication barriers, and past traumas create a narrative that's both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
For readers who appreciated how Liese subverted expectations while delivering satisfying emotional depth, this book offers that same perfect balance of humor, heart, and gradual romance that builds to an incredibly rewarding payoff.
