The Spanish Love Deception (Love Deception #1)
The premise is classic but irresistible: Catalina Martín has been stretching a tiny fib about an American boyfriend into an elaborate fiction that's about to collapse spectacularly at her sister's wedding in Spain. When her infuriating colleague Aaron Blackford unexpectedly volunteers to play the part, she reluctantly accepts despite their workplace animosity.
What follows is a delicious slow burn that takes us from New York to Spain, where Aaron reveals layers that Catalina never imagined existed beneath his stern exterior. I found myself highlighting so many moments where Armas expertly crafts tension through simple gestures – a brush of hands, a protective stance, a moment of unexpected vulnerability.
Aaron Blackford embodies that perfect balance of seemingly cold professionalism with hidden depths of thoughtfulness. His transformation from "insufferable" colleague to something much more complex unfolds with such satisfying patience. I particularly loved how Armas reveals his perspective in subtle ways before the bigger revelations hit.
Catalina herself is wonderfully relatable – professionally accomplished but personally insecure, fiercely independent yet vulnerable about her past relationship wounds. Her internal monologue provides both humor and emotional insight as she gradually reassesses everything she thought she knew about Aaron.
If you love tension-filled fake dating, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, destination settings, and heroes who are secretly cinnamon rolls beneath their stern exteriors, you need this book in your life immediately. I've already pre-ordered Armas's next novel and can't wait to see what she delivers next!
Rating: 4/5 Spanish Loves✨
