The Spanish Love Deception

Lina is the narrator and protagonist of The Spanish Love Deception, a 28-year-old Spanish national who moved from northern Spain to New York City with a master’s degree-level internship after completing engineering school in Spain. She is a mid-management team director for InTech, an engineering services provider. Lina is bright, driven, and appreciated by her team. She chronically overworks, in part because two of her employees are on maternity leave. She lives in the famous Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn in a small studio apartment.

A major impetus behind Lina’s transition to the U.S. was her disastrous relationship with former college professor, Daniel. Though there was nothing illegal about their relationship—as Lina was no longer Daniel’s student at the time—they became the subject of malicious gossip and rumors. Daniel severed ties with Lina, who thought they were deeply in love. Lina (the maid of honor) is forced to see Daniel (the best man) again as her sister, Isabel, is marrying Daniel’s brother, Gonzalo.

While Lina comes across as a level-headed, high achiever, in reality, she is extremely emotional. She does her best to keep her emotions under control, refusing to express anger at coworker Gerald’s sexist remarks or hint that she finds her aloof colleague, Aaron, attractive.