“Because it was all you were willing to give me. And I would rather have you hating me than not have you at all.“
SWOON! Yes, this is precisely how I would like to start my review. If you read this book, you’ll get where I am coming from, my friend!
The Spanish Love Deception is one of my MOST favorite reads of 2021. It was super cute and epically hilarious. There was never a dull moment, and there were times when I couldn’t physically control my laughter. I burst out laughing like a wheezing seal at four in the morning.
Oh yeah, did I mention I stayed up all night just so that I could finish this book? Well, those are just some minor technicalities. If I had to sum up this book in one sentence, I would say that:
The Spanish Love Deception is an enemies-to-lovers book, flushed with heated stares, angry rebuttals, one-bed trope (YES, THE ONE BED TROPE), and a perfect specimen of a man.
Not going to lie; this book is the perfect “you wish this were you, huh?” kind of energy. The dude is neck-deep in love with the dudette, and she HAS NO IDEA. She inarguably believes that he hates her. I mean, how can you be so dense. If some guy did half the things Aaron did for Catalina, I would’ve proposed to them then and there. Also, he smuggled donuts for her; in the middle of the night.
*sighs*
*punches the air*
*brake dances a bit*
*sits and cries in the corner*
The storyline was akin to any other office-romance book yet, it was so beautifully penned that it felt as if I was reading a one-of-a-kid book. The pace was perfect and, every single word in this book made me fall in love with it all over again. There is a lot of depth in the story. Mind you, it’s not a light read. The author touches upon the themes of sexism in the workplace, betrayal, family pressures, and how incidences from our teenage years shape us as an adult.
The characters were phenomenal, and out of all the characters, Catalina has most of my respect. Her character development was out of the world. I mean, sure, there were instances where I wanted to shake her by the shoulders and ask her, “Woman, how can you be so dumb and oblivious? The guy is in love with you! Go jump him!” But then again, she was one of my favorite female protagonists of all time.
Aaron Doughnut Smuggler Blackford has my heart. All of it. He is so perfect! I was legit scrutinizing his every move, hoping to find at least one flaw. Newsflash, I didn’t! That guy is as perfect as they come. He is caring, considerate, and looks like Clark Kent. *squeaks*
His dialogues were so articulate and, the chemistry between Lina and Aaron had me fanning myself more often than I care to admit.
“I don’t think I’d be able to deny you a single thing if you asked, Catalina.”
“How is it possible that it feels like you are breaking my heart, and I haven’t even had you yet?”
“You are all that, Catalina. You are light. And passion. Your laughter alone can lift my mood and effortlessly turn my day around in a matter of seconds. Even when it’s not aimed at me. You.. can light up entire rooms, Catalina. You hold that kind of power. And it’s because of all the different things that make you who you are. Each and every one of them, even the ones that drive me crazy in ways you can’t imagine. You should never forget that.”
I think I just died. I cannot stress enough how much I am in love with this book. If I could, I probably would shove this book down everyone’s throat unless they read it. If you are a fan of The Hating Game & Brooklynnaire, this is a book you shouldn’t pass out. The debut has hit its mark!
I am positive that I will keep recommending The Spanish Love Deception to all the Romance fanatics; till the end of time.
𝚁𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙶 = ☆☆☆☆☆
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