Review: From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata

I don’t even know how to start this without sounding completely unhinged so I’m just going to say it:

I love From Lukov with Love with my entire being.

This is the kind of book that ruins your sleep schedule and you don’t even care. I picked it up thinking “I’ll just read a few chapters” and suddenly it’s the middle of the night and I’m smiling like an absolute idiot, fully emotionally attached to two fictional ice skaters.

Mariana Zapata really does something to me because HOW does she make slow burn feel like this??? It should be illegal.

Let’s talk about Jasmine first — because I adored her.

She felt real. Not perfect, not overly polished, not some bland placeholder FMC. She’s funny, stubborn, a little chaotic, and has this dry, biting humour that made me laugh out loud more than once. The banter alone?? Elite.

And I loved that she had grit. She’s been working for this her whole life, she’s exhausted, she doubts herself sometimes, but she keeps going. There’s something so grounding about that.

But also… she’s hilarious.

Her and Ivan going at each other constantly?? I was living for it. The insults, the little digs, the way they understand each other’s humour… it never felt forced. It felt like two people who have known each other forever and know exactly where to push.

And then there’s Ivan.

Ivan Lukov the man that you are.

I swear the moment he showed up I was like “oh no… I’m done for.”

Because he’s not loud about it. He’s not over the top. But the way he shows up for her??? The way he supports her, believes in her, protects her without ever dimming her light… I’m unwell.

The photoshoot scene?
The “your body is beautiful and I would never make fun of you” moment??
Sir. Immediately yes.

And then slowly — so slowly — you realise he’s been gone for her for a long time.

That’s what gets me about this book. It’s not just enemies to lovers. It’s years of history, layers of understanding, friendship sitting underneath all that tension.

Because honestly? Halfway through I was like… I don’t even care if they kiss. I just love them together. That’s Zapata’s magic. She writes relationships so strong that the romance feels like a natural extension, not the whole point.

But don’t worry — when it does hit, it HITS.

The tension??? The longing??? The “just kiss already” energy??? I was losing my mind.

And Ivan taking care of her when she’s sick???
Ivan finding out about the stalker???
Ivan just quietly being the most reliable, steady, there for her person???

I love him. I truly, deeply love him.

Also can we talk about the side pieces that made this book feel so alive??

– Jasmine’s family: loud, chaotic, overwhelming but full of love (even when they drive her insane)
– The skating world: you can feel the pressure, the discipline, the years of sacrifice
– The DOGS. The dog in timeout?? I was gone. Emotionally gone.

This book just made me feel… happy. Like genuinely, heart-full, kicking my feet, smiling at my phone kind of happy.

And the romance? If I had to describe it in one sentence:

It’s not loud love. It’s steady, chosen, “you’ve always been my person even when I didn’t realise it yet” kind of love.

“I’m okay with you having ten other people be your favourite… but you’re always going to be my favourite person.”

Tell me why that line still has me in a chokehold.

If you love:
– slow burn that actually burns
– enemies to lovers with history
– banter that feels real and effortless
– a hero who shows love through actions
– a heroine who feels like a real person
– “oh… he’s been in love this whole time” energy

…please read this.

I’m not responsible for your sleep schedule afterwards.