Last week, my husband Matthew joked that he "loved my company but hated my organizational skills" after I accidentally scheduled two coffee dates at the same time. Marcus, overhearing this, asked why I'd create fake plans on purpose. I explained that sometimes in life, little white lies spiral faster than expected, kind of like how - in one of my favorite fake date romances - Catalina's simple fib about an American boyfriend explodes into a full-blown need for a fake date to Spain. The chaos that follows is absolutely delicious.
Plot Summary
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas is a contemporary enemies-to-lovers romance with a fake-dating premise. Catalina Martín, a project manager in Manhattan, desperately needs a date for her sister's wedding in Spain—her little white lie about an American boyfriend has spiraled out of control. When Aaron Blackford, her tall, infuriating colleague, unexpectedly volunteers to help, she reluctantly accepts. As they pretend to be a couple and navigate her chaotic Spanish family, the tension between them shifts from workplace antagonism to undeniable chemistry, and both begin questioning whether their fake relationship might become something real.
Why I Love This Book
I love how The Spanish Love Deception balances humor with emotional depth. Catalina feels real—stubborn, relatable, and wonderfully flawed. Aaron is the kind of love interest who seems infuriating on the surface but reveals himself to be thoughtful and genuinely romantic. The banter is sharp and witty, the slow burn is satisfying, and the cultural elements (Spanish family dynamics, sprinkles of the Spanish language) add authenticity. What really got me was watching Catalina's growth and how Aaron respects her boundaries while also pushing her to be brave. The romance feels earned, not rushed.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers romance, fake-dating tropes, slow-burn contemporary fiction, or witty workplace chemistry, you'll love this story. It's perfect for readers who appreciate character-driven narratives with steamy moments and emotional resonance. The book leans contemporary rather than dark, with humor and heart. Fair warning: Aaron's past includes a complicated situation involving power dynamics in a previous relationship, which adds emotional weight to the story.
⚠️ Trigger warning: past relationship with power imbalance, past sexual assault (referenced, not detailed), family dysfunction, grief/loss themes, explicit sexual content (open door).
Tagged As
contemporary romance, enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, workplace romance, slow burn, steamy, Spanish setting, family dynamics, first book, HEA, open door, emotional depth, character-driven, banter-heavy, humorous, indie.
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Moderate to Steamy
The Spanish Love Deception features explicit, open-door scenes that feel integral to the characters' connection and emotional journey. The spice builds gradually as the relationship deepens, making the intimate moments feel earned and meaningful rather than gratuitous.
