Book Review: The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

I first came across Elena Armas reading the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. She was quoted as a top selling author who had been part of the BookTok movement before being picked up by a publisher. Indeed, Armas was a successful book blogger and BookToker before becoming a writer. She also had a completely different career to writing. It instantly resonated with me.

To add a cherry on top of the cake, I read her debut novel’s dedication… “To those chasing dreams, never give up on them. We are not quitters, you hear me?” And her three published novels went straight to the till and home with me.

BOOK SPECS:

• Number of pages: 468

• Format: Paperback

• Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, Multicultural Romance

• Tropes: Enemy to Lovers, Fake Dating, Office Romance, He Falls First

SHORT REVIEW:

This novel was a little too slow for me in parts, but I really enjoyed it and found myself going back to reread certain scenes (whispers: please don’t tell anyone one of those was the nineteen-page smut scene). So, if you like light-hearted books with a bit of spice, this one is for you.

HEART RATE:

SMUT SCORE:

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FULL REVIEW:

Plot

I can’t lie, The Spanish Love Deception is right up my alley as Lina, the main character, is a Spanish woman living in America and working in Tech - I’m a Brazilian living in the UK and working in Digital. Add a little enemies-to-lovers action, and you have one happy romance reader.

The plot is interesting – Lina’s family thinks she needs a man to be happy and, to get them off her back, she lies and tells them she’s dating an American. Then her sister gets engaged and she gets asked if her boyfriend will come to the wedding as her plus one. Enters Aaron Blackford, the man she works with and can’t stand. But as he plays her boyfriend for the event, feelings start bubbling to the surface.

Characters

I love the family dynamic and the multicultural element of this novel. It reminds me very much of my own Brazilian family - and its madness, intrusiveness and deep caring nature.

As you read through, you also start to uncover the characters' backstories and I adore when that happens. When nothing is given to you, only revealed as you go deeper and deeper into the story. Having said that, this is a cosy romcom, so don't expect life-changing drama.

Romance & Smut Score

There are two major sex scenes in this book. A nineteen pager (yes, one-nine!) and a five pager. And just like that Aaron Blackford has become one of my favourite book boyfriends. I do have a weakness for the moody types, though.

Writing

The story is told through Lina's point of view in first person. You don’t read it and think, “wow, her wordplay is amazing!” But it’s not intended, nor is it sold as a literary novel. It’s romcom, created to make you laugh, cringe and blush a little. And on that, it delivers beautifully.

Pace wise, I found it a little too long-winded in parts. But Armas explained on several interviews that she likes slow burners and when she started writing The Spanish Love Deception it was only natural that it would be one. Still though, it seems to take quite a while for them to get to Spain, where the actual wedding is taking place.

In short, it was a little too slow for me in parts, but I really enjoyed this book. So, if you like light-hearted romcom with a bit of spice, this one is for you.

FUN FACT:

Elena Armas has a degree in Chemical Engineering! She decided to finish writing this novel during lockdown and after being a book blogger for years. It was her love of reading that inspired her to write.

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