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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" Martín 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" Martín 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
juustjooking's review against another edition
- Terrible writing
- Poor plotline
- Cringe
auction for humans?? In a book with that cover??? In a non-fantasy romance book???
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol
stormeno's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Cursing, Misogyny, Sexism, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
witcheep's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying and Alcohol
Minor: Terminal illness, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
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
blackveilbeccy's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was an enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, fake dating romance between two engineers. Lina is vivacious and a little flighty, Aaron is serious. He offers to play fake boyfriend to Lina and accompany her to her sister’s wedding, but it turns real along the way. Lina’s family are big and loud, and they add colour to the story. I wasn’t convinced about either the FMC or the MMC as Lina annoyed me a bit and Aaron was two dimensional. He was also super possessive and it came out of nowhere? The book was just okay.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Eating disorder, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Medical content, and Pregnancy
pau_line's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
ein sehr süßes, leichtes büchleiiiin :))
jat mir auf jrden fall echt gute Laune gemacht, zu lesen und ich bin sehr schnell vorangekommen.
Super gut auch für zwischendurch!
Ich mochte die Charaktere sehr gerneee. Das Knistern war auf alle fälle da, die chemiee hat gestimmt und der ennemies-to-lovers-trope hat mich gut unterhalten.
Beide Charaktere michte ich sehr sehr gerne, Catalina hat mich nur ab und zu bisschen genervt, aber jetzt nicht soo immens.
Kleine Kritikpunktee hab ich allerdings schoon:
- zunächst mal: DER ANFANG war irgendwie übelst lost, wenn man von diesem ennmies trope ausgeht...WARUM SOLLTE aaron so unbedingt mit nach spanien wollen?! Alsooo er akzeptiert einfach dieses nein so gar nicht und will lina so dringend davon überzeugen, dass sie sonst niemanden findet...das fand ich schon etwas cringe
-- sobald sie aber nach spanien fliegeeen mochte ichs voll gerne und fand die beiden so so süüüß udn auch die family situation sehr unterhaltsam
- gleiches problem, das sophia schon angemerkt hat in ihrer review: diese random plotline, dass lina für die hochzeit hungert und dann sofort aufhört, als aaron ihr sagt, sie soll nicht(?!) ...hätte man einfach weglassen sollen, meines erachtens
- es war irgendwann etwas anstrengend, dass lina zum 100. Mal erwähnt hat, dass sie und Aaron nicht zusammen sein sollten, weil er ihr Boss sein wird....so entweder du lässt es oder du kommst damit klar!?!?
- beim Ende hat mir auch eine Sache so nen üblen Beigeschmack gegeben, was man hätte, in meinen Augen, anders lösen können....und zwar :die Auflösung des Dramas/Streits oder was auch immer, baut darauf auf, dass Lina erfährt, dass Aarons Dad im Sterben liegt...i dont get, warum die Krebserkrankung dazu genutzt wird, dass die beiden wieder zueinander finden...irgendwie hat mich das schon echt gestört
Find aber so als Sommer-/Strandlektüre ist es sehr gut geeignet. Wenn man auf der Suche nach eienr leichten, cutsie Lektüre zum Kichern und für gute Unterhaltung, dann ist dieser ennemies to lovers Roman supidupi geeignet!!
jat mir auf jrden fall echt gute Laune gemacht, zu lesen und ich bin sehr schnell vorangekommen.
Super gut auch für zwischendurch!
Ich mochte die Charaktere sehr gerneee. Das Knistern war auf alle fälle da, die chemiee hat gestimmt und der ennemies-to-lovers-trope hat mich gut unterhalten.
Beide Charaktere michte ich sehr sehr gerne, Catalina hat mich nur ab und zu bisschen genervt, aber jetzt nicht soo immens.
Kleine Kritikpunktee hab ich allerdings schoon:
- zunächst mal: DER ANFANG war irgendwie übelst lost, wenn man von diesem ennmies trope ausgeht...WARUM SOLLTE aaron so unbedingt mit nach spanien wollen?! Alsooo er akzeptiert einfach dieses nein so gar nicht und will lina so dringend davon überzeugen, dass sie sonst niemanden findet...das fand ich schon etwas cringe
-- sobald sie aber nach spanien fliegeeen mochte ichs voll gerne und fand die beiden so so süüüß udn auch die family situation sehr unterhaltsam
- gleiches problem, das sophia schon angemerkt hat in ihrer review: diese random plotline, dass lina für die hochzeit hungert und dann sofort aufhört, als aaron ihr sagt, sie soll nicht(?!) ...hätte man einfach weglassen sollen, meines erachtens
- es war irgendwann etwas anstrengend, dass lina zum 100. Mal erwähnt hat, dass sie und Aaron nicht zusammen sein sollten, weil er ihr Boss sein wird....so entweder du lässt es oder du kommst damit klar!?!?
- beim Ende hat mir auch eine Sache so nen üblen Beigeschmack gegeben, was man hätte, in meinen Augen, anders lösen können....und zwar :
Find aber so als Sommer-/Strandlektüre ist es sehr gut geeignet. Wenn man auf der Suche nach eienr leichten, cutsie Lektüre zum Kichern und für gute Unterhaltung, dann ist dieser ennemies to lovers Roman supidupi geeignet!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Cancer, Terminal illness, Death of parent, and Alcohol
fromjuliereads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
While I had quite a few issues with this book, it was ultimately fine and I did enjoy reading it to an extent. I'm confused by all of the hype praising this book though.
The writing was... not great. Clunky sentences, things were worded strange for characters, and there were whole paragraphs and pages of "filler" that felt repetitive - all of the things going on in Lina's head that seemed to just loop. I admit to skimming a lot of those sections. Also the part in Spain was a shockingly small part of the book?
I did like Aaron's character. Sure he could be stand offish and cold, definitely didn't deal with things in the right way and said "baby" way too much - but I felt like his character had more depth in some ways than Lina.
Anyways. The banter was fun, I liked the fake dating aspect. This is NOT enemies to lovers though. It was a fine read.
The writing was... not great. Clunky sentences, things were worded strange for characters, and there were whole paragraphs and pages of "filler" that felt repetitive - all of the things going on in Lina's head that seemed to just loop. I admit to skimming a lot of those sections. Also the part in Spain was a shockingly small part of the book?
I did like Aaron's character. Sure he could be stand offish and cold, definitely didn't deal with things in the right way and said "baby" way too much - but I felt like his character had more depth in some ways than Lina.
Anyways. The banter was fun, I liked the fake dating aspect. This is NOT enemies to lovers though. It was a fine read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, Misogyny, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Toxic relationship and Pregnancy
Dieting/ starving and fainting - she stops eating and passes out; toxic ex; rumours being spreadth3misna's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I needed to have this little breather after reading heavy fantasy for a while and this novel was just what I needed. Fast paced, funny, witty and with top tier tension, is everything a novel like this should be. I always aim for books like this because they make me feel good and airy before I embark on the journey to do some heavy fantasy reads so for anyone looking for a nice book to read and break away from the heavy stuff, this is it. Please be advise that it has a few themes of sickness, power abuse in the work/study area.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death of parent, and Alcohol