From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata Summary

From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata is a contemporary romance novel about Jasmine Santos, a pairs figure skater whose career is floundering, and Ivan Lukov, a talented but arrogant skater who becomes her new partner. The story follows their slow-burn journey from enemies to lovers as they train for Olympic glory while navigating family dynamics, professional setbacks, and unexpected feelings that develop over months of intense partnership.

From Lukov with Love is perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn romances with exceptional character development and sports settings. Fans of enemies-to-lovers storylines, figure skating enthusiasts, and those who appreciate diverse heroines will find this book compelling. Mariana Zapata's signature style appeals to readers willing to invest in a long-form romance that prioritizes emotional growth and friendship-first relationships over instant attraction.

From Lukov with Love is worth reading for fans of character-driven romance who appreciate gradual relationship development. Mariana Zapata delivers her trademark slow-burn style with witty banter, authentic figure skating details, and a satisfying emotional payoff. The 500+ page length requires patience, but readers consistently praise the natural progression of Jasmine and Ivan's relationship, the humor throughout, and the ultimate romance that feels earned rather than rushed.

Mariana Zapata is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author known for slow-burn romances featuring diverse characters and grumpy heroes. Living in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, she began self-publishing in 2012 and has since sold hundreds of thousands of books worldwide. Her writing style emphasizes character development, long-form storytelling, and heroines who grow both within and outside their romantic relationships.

The enemies-to-lovers arc in From Lukov with Love develops gradually over two years of partnership between Jasmine Santos and Ivan Lukov. Their relationship begins with mutual disdain—Ivan's cold demeanor and Jasmine's stubbornness create constant friction. Through daily training sessions, shared meals, and vulnerability during competitions, their hostility transforms into respect, then friendship, and eventually deep romantic love that neither expected to find.

Figure skating serves as both backdrop and catalyst in From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata. The sport's demanding nature—grueling training schedules, injury risks, and competitive pressure—forces Jasmine and Ivan into constant proximity and interdependence. Zapata incorporates authentic skating terminology, competition structures, and the physical toll of pairs skating, making the sport integral to character development and relationship progression rather than just window dressing.

Jasmine Santos experiences significant personal growth in From Lukov with Love beyond her romantic arc. She learns to set boundaries with her demanding family, develops confidence in her skating abilities despite setbacks, and discovers self-worth independent of others' approval. Her journey involves confronting past failures, building healthier relationships with her siblings, and recognizing that partnership requires vulnerability—lessons that transform both her skating career and personal life.

Ivan Lukov embodies Mariana Zapata's signature grumpy hero archetype in From Lukov with Love. Unlike typical romance leads, Ivan doesn't undergo dramatic personality changes—he remains reserved, blunt, and emotionally guarded throughout. His appeal lies in small gestures: making Jasmine breakfast, quietly supporting her ambitions, and showing care through actions rather than words. His slow emotional opening creates authentic relationship development that rewards patient readers.

From Lukov with Love explores themes of perseverance, second chances, and redefining success. The novel examines how past failures shape present choices, the importance of chosen family versus biological family, and finding partnership through mutual respect rather than instant chemistry. Additional themes include professional dedication, emotional vulnerability as strength, and the reality that meaningful relationships develop through consistent small moments rather than dramatic gestures.

Family dynamics significantly impact From Lukov with Love's narrative. Jasmine's large, demanding family often takes advantage of her generosity, forcing her to learn boundary-setting throughout the story. Her relationship with her brother Jojo and sister Ruby evolves as she prioritizes her own needs. Meanwhile, Ivan's complicated family background creates emotional walls that Jasmine gradually helps him lower, showing how past family trauma affects present relationships.

From Lukov with Love features Mariana Zapata's characteristic slow-burn pacing across 500+ pages spanning approximately two years. The romance develops incrementally through daily interactions, shared meals, and training sessions rather than instant attraction. Readers should expect gradual emotional progression, with the first physical intimacy occurring late in the book. This deliberate pacing allows deep character exploration and makes the eventual romance feel organic and well-earned.

From Lukov with Love shares Mariana Zapata's signature elements found in books like The Wall of Winnipeg and Me and Kulti—slow-burn romance, grumpy heroes, and strong heroines. However, it uniquely focuses on figure skating rather than football or soccer, and features particularly strong family dynamics. The humor is more prominent than in some of her darker works, and Jasmine's first-person narration provides especially witty internal commentary that distinguishes this novel.