Mariana Zapata Books in Order
Here are Mariana Zapata’s books in publication order.
Known by her fans as the queen of slow burn romance, Mariana Zapata has been reading romance novels since she was old enough to sneak them off her aunt’s bookshelves.
Her writing career began in her teens, when she penned fan fiction about her favourite boy bands. She eventually started to write her own original stories when she was in her twenties, after much encouragement from her husband.
Mariana currently lives in Pagosa Springs, Colorado with her husband and their two Great Danes (also referred to as her children).
Are Mariana Zapata’s books connected?
Yes, all of Mariana’s books are set in the same universe, and many of them feature cameos from other stories.
For example, Lenny from The Best Thing is friends with Luna from Luna & The Lie. This helpful Pinterest graphic explains who pops up in which book and how they are all connected.
Mariana Zapata Reading Order
All of Mariana Zapata’s books are self contained, and are considered to be stand alone stories. This means that you can read them in any order.
While some people do recommend reading them in order of release (detailed below), you can also start with whichever book captures your interest the most. It’s up to you.
Mariana Zapata Books in Order
Here are all of Mariana Zapata’s books in publication order, starting with her first.
Lingus
Synopsis:
“Most people would describe Katherine Berger as a responsible girl with a big heart, a loyal friend who takes care of those close to her, and the possessor of a wicked sense of humour. There was something about her that most people didn't know.
'My name is Kat Berger, and I love porn.'
When twenty-five-year-old Kat is dragged to a porn convention by her best friend, she's both embarrassed and nervous. The last thing she ever expected was to meet someone who makes her laugh like no other. This is a story about acceptance and friendship, and a love born out of the most unexpected of places.”
Under Locke
Synopsis:
“‘Babe, I've handpicked everythin' and everyone in here. I know what I want and I get what I want,’ he breathed. ‘And I keep what's mine.’
He was my boss, my brother's friend, a Widow, an ex-felon, and a man I'd seen casually with a handful of women. But he was everything that gripped me, both the good and the bad. Worst case scenario if things turned awkward between us, I could go somewhere else. I'd gotten over epic heartbreak before, one more wouldn't kill me.
After moving to Austin following six months of unemployment back home, Iris Taylor knows she should be glad to have landed a job so quickly... even if the business is owned by a member of the same motorcycle club her estranged father used to belong to. Except Dex Locke might just be the biggest jerk she's ever met. He's rude, impatient and doesn't know how to tell time.
And the last thing they ever expected was each other. But it was either the strip club or the tattoo shop… she should have chosen the strip club.”
Kulti
Synopsis:
“When the man you worshipped as a kid becomes your coach, it's supposed to be the greatest thing in the world. Keywords: supposed to.
It took less than a week for twenty-seven-year-old Sal Casillas to wonder what she'd seen in the international soccer icon-why she'd ever had his posters on her wall, or ever envisioned marrying him and having super-playing soccer babies.
Sal had long ago gotten over the worst non-break-up in the history of imaginary relationships with a man that hadn't known she'd existed. So she isn't expecting this version of Reiner Kulti who shows up to her team's season: a quiet, reclusive shadow of the explosive, passionate man he'd once been.
Nothing could have prepared her for the man she got to know. Or the murderous urges he brought out in her. This was going to be the longest season of her life.”
Rhythm, Chord & Malykhin
Synopsis:
“Twenty-six-year-old Gaby Barreto might be a lot of things (loyal, sarcastic, one of the guys and a pain in the butt depending on which family member you ask), but dumb isn't one of them. When her twin brother invites her to go on tour as his band's merch girl, she isn't exactly screaming at the top of her lungs with joy.
With no job opportunities pounding on her door, an ex-boyfriend she would still like to castrate, and no end in sight to moving out of her parents' house in Dallas… It would be dumb to say no to the chance of a lifetime. Two bands, three continents, one tour. Spending the next ninety-plus days with three beloved idiots and eight complete strangers shouldn't be a big deal, right?
If only the singer of the headlining band didn't have tattoos… a great personality… a fantastic body… and if he wasn't so funny… Let's be real: Gaby never had a chance against Sacha Malykhin.”
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me
Synopsis:
“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?”
Wait for It
Synopsis:
“If anyone ever said being an adult was easy, they hadn't been one long enough.
Diana Casillas can admit it: she doesn't know what the hell she's doing half the time. How she's made it through the last two years of her life without killing anyone is nothing short of a miracle. Being a grown-up wasn’t supposed to be so hard.
With a new house, two little boys she inherited the most painful possible way, a giant dog, a job she usually loves, more than enough family, and friends, she has almost everything she could ever ask for.
Except for a boyfriend. Or a husband. But who needs either one of those?”
Dear Aaron
Synopsis:
“Some days, all you need is a message from a stranger…
Ruby Santos knew exactly what she was getting herself into when she signed up to write to a soldier overseas. The guidelines were simple: one letter or email a week for the length of his or her deployment. Care packages were optional.
Been there, done that. She thought she knew what to expect. What she didn't count on was falling in love with the guy.”
From Lukov with Love
Synopsis:
“They're the coldest of enemies off the ice… But could their shared passion on the ice turn to unexpected heat?
If someone were to ask Jasmine Santos to describe the last few years of her life with a single word, it would definitely be a four-letter one. After seventeen years of figure skating - and countless broken bones and broken promises - she knows her window to compete is coming to a close.
But when the offer of a lifetime comes from the arrogant idiot she's spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in front of a moving bus, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything. Including Ivan Lukov.”
Luna and the Lie
Synopsis:
“The problem with secrets is that they're too easy to keep collecting. Luna Allen has done some things she would rather no one ever know about. She also knows that, if she could go back in time, she wouldn't change a single thing.
With three sisters she loves, a job she (mostly) adores, and a family built up of friends she's made over the years, Luna figures everything has worked out the way it was supposed to.
But when one of those secrets involves the man who signs her paycheck, she can't find it in her to regret it. Despite the fact that he's not the friendliest man in the world. Or the most patient. Sometimes there are things you're better off keeping to yourself.”
The Best Thing
Synopsis:
“Some things are easily forgiven. Other things… not so much.
Lenny DeMaio made herself a promise: she was done.
Done thinking about him.
Done worrying about him.
Done reaching out to a man who clearly didn't want to be found.
Too bad no one gave Jonah Collins the memo.”
Hands Down
Synopsis:
“Before he was ‘Big Texas,’ he was ‘Zac the Snack Pack.’ Bianca Brannen knows time—mostly—heals all wounds. Including those your once loved ones might have unintentionally given you. (Those just take longer.)
She thinks she’s ready when a call has her walking back into her old friend’s life. Or at least as prepared as possible to see the starting quarterback in the National Football Organization. Before the lights, the fans, and the millions, he’d been a skinny kid with a heart of gold.
Waltzing out of Zac Travis’s life should be easy. Just as easy as he walked out of hers.”
Synopsis:
“Losing people you love is hard.
Aurora De La Torre knows moving back to a place that was once home isn't going to be easy.
Starting your whole life over probably isn't supposed to be.
But a small town in the mountains might be the perfect remedy for a broken heart.
Checking out her landlord across the driveway just might cure it too.”
When Gracie Met the Grump
Synopsis:
“For most people, finding a half-naked superbeing in their yard might be a dream come true.
Unfortunately for Gracie Castro, it's the exact opposite.
Especially when he's grouchy, rude, and shows no signs of leaving anytime soon.
But when a hero of mankind needs you, you do what you have to.
Even if it compromises everything you know. And totally changes your life.”
The Things We Water
Synopsis:
“Nina Popoca needs help.
So, so much of it.
The only place she can find that help is on a sprawling ranch in Colorado. A place hiding more than a community filled with magical creatures trying to live their lives in safety and in peace. A village that might hold the answers to questions she's had her entire life.
And if that ranch is owned by her best friend's hunky cousin?
… there are worse things in the world than having to live right by Henri Blackrock.”