Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - The Spanish Love Deception

I wonder how much more I would have enjoyed this book if I handed it to a toddler with a pair of scissors. It was extremely slow and repetitive, particularly pre-Spain, and not in a "slow-burn" way. Just a "I don't need to hear you allude to your past without additional details AGAIN" sort of way. Or a "how many times do I need to read about your refusal to view this man as a human because of a grudge" sort of way. I do think her repetitive thoughts/conflicts about her feelings are realistic, however they are unnecessary for a reader.

I do like the people they become in the epilogue and seeing how letting things go and being honest and earnest in a relationship can bring new life to a person.

All in all, didn't hate the characters or the story, but it was way too long.

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amberleigh123's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Thank God it is over. I literally folded AND put away my laundry, which usually takes a full five business days to accomplish, to avoid finishing this book and not in the "I don't want it to end" way.

I gave it two stars as that's my way of saying "this isn't my cup of tea at all but could be someone's". I really disliked the writing style. I disliked Aaron, frankly.

I did like Catalina's way of phrasing somethings - it sort of reminded me of the way Mia spoke in princess diaries.

To be honest I read a lot more fantasy than I do romance but this doesn't read like a great romance to me. It feels like all the tropes put together and it doesn't work.

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chronicallytck's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I’m just so glad it’s over.

The main character was insufferable. The love interest was cringe.
The plot was so boring.
Why. Why did I read this. Why was it so long. I just have so many questions. If I could put ‘boring’ as a content warning, I would.

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stphcls's review

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

If you like a mostly predictable, easy to read, "enemies to lovers" style romance, you'll probably enjoy this book. It's relatively easy to see where the story will end up, but how you get there is quite endearing and, at points, a bit steamy. I'm not the biggest fan of the flowery language and sweeping metaphors that turn characters to mush when they finally realise "what love is", and the last quater of TSLD has a fair bit of that, and several pages of the protagonists telling eachother how much they need the other is a bit too much for my jaded little heart. But all of that is very much redeemed by the Twilight references, not enough books have them. Overall I'm glad I read The Spanish Love Deception and will probably read some more from Armas, her style is one I tend to favour for quick and easy reads, especially considering this is her first novel.

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