Ultra Meital Reviews: Hands Down by Mariana Zapata

I ADORE Mariana's writing. I didn't even KNOW I love slow burn so much until I started reading her books. But I do! and in this one you have to WAIT and wait and wait and it's SO worth it because besides LOVING the slow burn it's also my favorite trope of (best) friends to lovers. It took me long enough but I DID finally realized why Zac was familiar.. He has already appeared in a previous novel by Mariana - "The Wall of Winnipeg and Me" - being firstly Aiden's roommate and second a close friend to Vanessa. These two actually make an appearance in this one which was much appreciated and also made me want to read it all over again.

Like all of Mariana's books this one is also solely told from our heroine - Bianca Maria Brannen. While she didn't have the easiest life she has managed to make it her own and even make a successful business as a cook on social media. She is still working at the front desk of "Maio House" (the business Elena's family from "The Best Thing" has founded) but until her close friend Deepa who also works there finds another job she is staying to be there for her and secure herself a bit more before counting on her rather new found business to support her.

She has a big extended family, but her close one is rather small with parents working far away they entrusted both her and her her big sister Connie to the loving hands of her Mama Lupe who cared for both girls as well as 2 certain boys until her last days. The two boys are Boogie - Bianca's cousin who is like a real brother to her, and Zachary "Zac" Travis his best friend who also lives close by. All of Bianca's childhood and teens are filled with endless memories of them spending time together and though Boogie and Zac are 7 years older than her, it never truly affected their friendship spending time together, playing and laughing. But things changed when Zac left their small town to college and became a known quarterback. They might call him "Big Texas" now, but he used to be her much smaller "Snack Pack" best friend. Back when he remembered who she was..

When Boogie calls Bianca asking for a favor the answer is obvious even if she wishes he hasn't but it's Boogie, and it's also important so she takes a big breath and accepts. All she has to do is drive to a very big and expensive looking house not that far from her own home and deliver a message to the guy she has fallen in love with so many years ago. A guy she hasn't seen (outside of on TV) for the past 10 years (even if he did stay close to Boogie). When she finally stands before him trying to relate Boogie's message that his grandfather "Paw Paw" was in the hospital, he legit doesn't recognize her. This couldn't be more humiliating. But when he finally realizes who she - his long lost Peewee - he hugs her closely and asks she takes him to the hospital. She accepts, as he used to be her best friend and though it was a LONG time ago, her heart wouldn't allow her any other option.

From there on, Zac does his absolute best to turn back the clock and keep Bianca at his side, the best friend he has lost so many years ago. It's obvious he regrets not having her close by, though it's not obvious WHY and maybe how it actually happened. I had a sort of suspicion about what could have happened and though I was close it wasn't exactly what I thought. Bianca is mostly confused about Zac's behavior. Though she LOVES having him around, so much like they used to be, her heart isn't sure what to do with her love for him (and his obvious love for her in return). It's what she wanted and yet it's not really because in her heart of hearts she wishes for more. With every hug, every innocent kiss, and mostly with every sweet and considerate action she falls for him and it gets harder to be on his side as his friend when she knows it's only an illusion until a "real" woman attracts his interest.

There are ups and downs, mostly Bianca being unsure about her new found yet old friendship but also a lot of questions about her future, her business, what to do with her current job which isn't as it used to be. Things are looking up, she can FEEL it. It's also looking up for Zac with all her encouragement and her belief in him. She is finding new friends with two of his team mates CJ Daniel and Amary and even a connection with his - not so easy to get along with - agent Trevor. I guess it was hard not to warm up to Bianca when he saw the effect she had on Zac..

This book is a journey and though we only get Bianca's POV it's a journey both of them go through, to reconnect with one another, but also to remember in a way who they are and what they are capable of, even if life hasn't been easy lately. It was also a discovery of love, of the kind of love I think we all wish for, the kind you know what each "face" means and can see right through them to what they are feeling. It's the kind of love that lasts forever and it sure helps when it "starts" with a 15 years of true friendship.

This book was simply a JOY to read. I read is basically in two days and though it's long, and though there is no "real romance" until the very end, the progression of this book, of their friendship and love, was EVERYTHING. I think there is no other option for me but to start getting all of Mariana's books on Audible. I don't have the time for a re-read but I miss her Bianca and Zac already..

One last note I feel like I HAVE to make.. Before even starting this book I chocked up on the dedication. I can totally understand Mariana's love as well as the inconsolable grief for losing her Dorian. There is very little to none I can do but I hope it warms Mariana's heart a little knowing that I, as so many of her readers, carry his memory with us.