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aksmith92's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I will not lie: I read this book with VERY low expectations. I signed up for a subscription service to buy a special edition fantasy trilogy from The Bookish Box. Through that subscription, I received The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas while waiting for the trilogy. I had heard some not-so-glamorous things about this book, and as someone who struggles with rom-com novels, I truly believed that I would DNF this. However, the special edition was pretty, and I thought, "I might as well," and dove in. Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I expected it to be!
The Setup: The Spanish Love Deception is a contemporary rom-com focusing solely on the slow-burn romance around Catalina "Lina" MartÃn and Aaron Blackford. Lina needs a date for her sister's wedding in Spain to avoid facing her ex-boyfriend alone, and to her surprise, Aaron, her aloof and seemingly indifferent coworker, offers to accompany her. Though Lina is skeptical, she agrees, and the two embark on a journey that takes them from the bustling office life of New York to the picturesque family celebrations in Spain.
As Lina and Aaron pretend to be a couple, SHOCKINGLY, their interactions gradually reveal hidden depths to their relationship, transforming their initial antagonism into a potential real thing. Aaron's support during the trip, combined with his own personal struggles, leads Lina to see him in a new light. Their shared moments, from a soccer match to wedding festivities, force them to confront their feelings and question whether their "fake" relationship might be something more real.
What I Liked: Listen, I liked the banter. I'm not usually into the aloof, brooding guys, but that seems to be the norm for any romance (contemporary, fantasy, etc.). Some authors can work it better than others, and I think Armas did it well here. Aaron was snippy and a tad grumpy but also charming and cute. Obviously, you rolled your eyes when Lina couldn't see through the grumpiness, but it was part of the story, and I knew it was coming. Overall, their witty banter and tension were a highlight for me. I felt invested in their potential relationship and themselves as characters, which sometimes is what falls flat for me with rom-coms. I was pleasantly surprised about wanting to read more about them to see where they went. I also liked the plot itself, even if it was far-fetched (of course, but it's a rom-com, I have let it go at times!). I thoroughly enjoyed the fake dating trope here (which is not something I usually say), and I most certainly loved the slow burn. Overall, this book delivered on its intention: a pretty good romance with a decent plot that wasn't completely butchered. I had a good time overall and was smirking in some parts - Armas could be funny, and I appreciated that humor peppered throughout.
What I Didn't Like: Here is a list, which will come as a surprise to literally no one:
The Setup: The Spanish Love Deception is a contemporary rom-com focusing solely on the slow-burn romance around Catalina "Lina" MartÃn and Aaron Blackford. Lina needs a date for her sister's wedding in Spain to avoid facing her ex-boyfriend alone, and to her surprise, Aaron, her aloof and seemingly indifferent coworker, offers to accompany her. Though Lina is skeptical, she agrees, and the two embark on a journey that takes them from the bustling office life of New York to the picturesque family celebrations in Spain.
As Lina and Aaron pretend to be a couple, SHOCKINGLY, their interactions gradually reveal hidden depths to their relationship, transforming their initial antagonism into a potential real thing. Aaron's support during the trip, combined with his own personal struggles, leads Lina to see him in a new light. Their shared moments, from a soccer match to wedding festivities, force them to confront their feelings and question whether their "fake" relationship might be something more real.
What I Liked: Listen, I liked the banter. I'm not usually into the aloof, brooding guys, but that seems to be the norm for any romance (contemporary, fantasy, etc.). Some authors can work it better than others, and I think Armas did it well here. Aaron was snippy and a tad grumpy but also charming and cute. Obviously, you rolled your eyes when Lina couldn't see through the grumpiness, but it was part of the story, and I knew it was coming. Overall, their witty banter and tension were a highlight for me. I felt invested in their potential relationship and themselves as characters, which sometimes is what falls flat for me with rom-coms. I was pleasantly surprised about wanting to read more about them to see where they went. I also liked the plot itself, even if it was far-fetched (of course, but it's a rom-com, I have let it go at times!). I thoroughly enjoyed the fake dating trope here (which is not something I usually say), and I most certainly loved the slow burn. Overall, this book delivered on its intention: a pretty good romance with a decent plot that wasn't completely butchered. I had a good time overall and was smirking in some parts - Armas could be funny, and I appreciated that humor peppered throughout.
What I Didn't Like: Here is a list, which will come as a surprise to literally no one:
- Mr. Blackford was SO HUGE AND TALL, and lil Lina is, in fact, tiny. Enough, Armas, we get it. The gawking was quite prevalent here, and I could only take so much. Additionally, Armas, we also get that Aaron had piercing blue eyes. Thanks.
- I almost thought I would DNF from page 6 simply because the first roughly 10 pages was Aaron talking about how he would go to Spain with Lina and Lina, saying, "Ha ha, good joke, I actually hate you." This long-winded book DID NOT need to be almost 500 pages. There was no need. Things could have been cut and dialogue compressed.
- There were some heavier topics here, like inappropriate and toxic relationships, that I think were glossed over and not taken as seriously. Lina's past relationship was no bueno, and while I believe Armas was getting at the toxicity of it all, the messaging was too lost in the new romance. I suppose I didn't see much growth, and if there was, it was only because of another person, not because Lina tried to grow and evolve with herself. I don't know if that makes much sense, but romances are known for using the other person as their savior, and I think that was noticeable here, and I couldn't say I loved it.
- The sexual tension was palatable, and I enjoyed it, but there were some words during the sexier times that were not my cup of tea. I'm picky with my spicy scenes, and I didn't mind the ones here at all, but some of the words used to describe it made me cringe a little.
- Putting in spoilers just in case:
I didn't mind the third-act breakup. I know that's wild because usually I hate them. However, I felt like this one was a little bit justified. We are talking about a profession and someone's career, something thrown out the door beforehand in Lina's past. That said, I think it was rushed at the end - both the breakup and getting back together. For a long book, I wish there was less fluff in the beginning and middle and more substance at the end when much of this went down. - Honestly, Aaron was a bit too perfect and clingy for me. I loved much of what he did in the earlier chapters, but by the end, it was borderline possessive, which I think many romance authors do. It didn't reach the point of cringy to me, but it started getting into that territory.
Overall, this book did what it set out to do for me: be a palate cleanser and a fluffy book that made me chuckle and gave me a decent romance that made me smile. I can't say it was favorite, but I expected a lot worse. It was a pleasant surprise to finish this book without skimming and be invested in the characters, even if I had some qualms. I loved the cute little Spanish nicknames :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Cursing, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cancer, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Death of parent, and Alcohol
saffotron's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I started this book despising the main character. The book took several chapters to give us any reason whatsoever to sympathise with her disliking the love interest and by the time they had gotten together, I kind of disliked him too just on the basis of how cheesy he was. I found some moments sweet and funny, but having to get past the initial 'i hate him, because I hate him and he's soooo unemotional' of the first third of the book is a chore.
Lina isn't the most enjoyable character to live through, because the way she hates Aaron seems so unearned for so much of the story. I felt like maybe there would be some Eleanor Oliphant twist where I'd understand her through all the meaner aspects of her character, but all of the interesting aspects of the story are clear as day before their 'reveals' and all the character development is kind of rushed or expected too.
Finally, if I had a dollar for every time the name of the book or the word 'deception' was used to refer to the main plot, I'd have enough to ride the bus into town, grab a snack and then ride back again. Not the worst writing, just really not the best.
Lina isn't the most enjoyable character to live through, because the way she hates Aaron seems so unearned for so much of the story. I felt like maybe there would be some Eleanor Oliphant twist where I'd understand her through all the meaner aspects of her character, but all of the interesting aspects of the story are clear as day before their 'reveals' and all the character development is kind of rushed or expected too.
Finally, if I had a dollar for every time the name of the book or the word 'deception' was used to refer to the main plot, I'd have enough to ride the bus into town, grab a snack and then ride back again. Not the worst writing, just really not the best.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Misogyny, and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
roxlazzeri's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Eating disorder, Terminal illness, and Death of parent
cdkm9's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Cancer, Grief, and Death of parent
anni_banani's review against another edition
please read- disordered eating
I think the most important thing to know is that there's a significant plot point with disordered eating - self starvation for quick weight loss and over working. chapter 11 the love interest white knights and swoops in to take care of her and he doesnt brush it off but like getting treatment is never discussed. eating disorders aren't treated with sexy men.
i gave this all the way to chapter 4 cuz i had a stomach ache and was desperate
great if you like a Daddy who will take care of you and then lightly boss you around in the bedroom but only in a service top kind of way. i bounced around a bit after i stopped
I think the most important thing to know is that there's a significant plot point with disordered eating - self starvation for quick weight loss and over working. chapter 11
i gave this all the way to chapter 4 cuz i had a stomach ache and was desperate
great if you like a Daddy who will take care of you and then lightly boss you around in the bedroom but only in a service top kind of way. i bounced around a bit after i stopped
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Racism, and Sexism
please read- disordered eating I think the most important thing to know is that there's a significant plot point with disordered eating - self starvation for quick weight loss and over working. chapter 11harasnicole's review against another edition
I can't with Lina. She is the most annoyingly insufferable character that I have ever had the displeasure of reading. Also, her disordered eating lasting for, like, three days and being "cured" by the love interest being angry at her and essentially telling her that she's "perfect as she is?" That is so misinformed, like bffr.
Also, also: the number of times it's said that Aaron's eyes are all kinds of blue. Thanks, could've sworn they were purple.
Also, also, also: 6'4" Is tall, but it's not gargantuan. But with a FMC who's an itty-bitty tiny little thing, I guess he would look like he's 9'4", according to the author.
Also, also: the number of times it's said that Aaron's eyes are all kinds of blue. Thanks, could've sworn they were purple.
Also, also, also: 6'4" Is tall, but it's not gargantuan. But with a FMC who's an itty-bitty tiny little thing, I guess he would look like he's 9'4", according to the author.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Eating disorder
Around page 162, there's mention of Lina not eating because she "wants to feel and look good" at the wedding that gets solved by the love interest immediately.colorcrystals's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cursing and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
mgyrvirag's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Eating disorder, Sexual content, and Terminal illness
caitlinspearson's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
Better than The Long Game, but still bad bad bad.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder
Minor: Death of parent
aschmitttyy's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I enjoyed this one, but it wasn't my favorite of the genre. Their enemies to lovers storyline was cute enough, but it just didn't seem realistic that Aaron was always into Lina but she never knew? Did wrap up with a cute little bow though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Sexism, and Death of parent
Minor: Grief