S&S pre-empts 'Netflix-worthy romcom' by Armas in a two-book deal

S&S has pre-empted a "Netflix-worthy romcom" by Elena Armas in a two-book deal.

Molly Crawford, commissioning editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, to The Spanish Love Deception and another book from Anna Carmichael at Abner Stein. The book was previously self-published and is already a TikTok hit, the publisher said. The S&S paperback edition was published on 28th October, with e-book and audio editions to follow in November.

North American rights have since sold to Atria Books and the book is being translated into 16 languages and counting.

The Spanish Love Deception follows Catalina Martín as she struggles to find a date to her sister’s wedding. With only four weeks to find someone to accompany her across the Atlantic, she becomes desperate. So when her arch nemesis Aaron Blackford offers to step in, Catalina is suddenly tempted. 

Crawford said: "I’m thrilled to work with Elena in bringing The Spanish Love Deception to a wider market. I first saw the book on TikTok and from the very first page I knew this was a novel I would love—an unashamed romance with a cast of memorable characters and heart-pumping one-liners. I reached out to Elena and, when it landed in my inbox, I knew it was an opportunity we just couldn’t miss. It’s a Netflix-worthy romcom and it’s no surprise to me that TikTok has taken the book to heart. S&S are so excited to be Elena’s UK and Commonwealth publisher and ensure that her irresistible romances find the audience they deserve.” 

Armas added: "When I self-published The Spanish Love Deception, I could have never anticipated how hitting that ’publish’ button would shake my world the way it did. Working with Molly and S&S in bringing it to a wider audience is a dream come true, and one that will certainly have me pinching myself for what’s left of the year."