A review by kerosenelit
Takes One to Know One by Lissette Decos

3.0

This was cute! Set partially in Puerto Rico, it follows Daniela, a marketing coordinator for a record label who gets paired with René, a reggaeton artist working on his next album. Daniela is desperate to prove herself, but the two immediately clash when René quickly realizes she knows nothing about him or his music.

René was so effortlessly suave and confident, yet beneath that was a deeply passionate guy simply wanting to create something authentic rather than just a marketable persona. And I really felt for Daniela, too. Since her father’s passing, she's been under immense pressure to maintain their family home while also being a good role model for her sister. With so many responsibilities, she’s had very little room to take risks of her own.

The setting was absolutely beautiful, and I loved how it, along with the incorporation of music, tied into Daniela’s grief. René’s final collaboration really hit me in the feels, and I loved how he inspired Daniela to want something for herself. But I don’t know… for a slow-burn romance, I just didn’t feel their chemistry. It lacked that palpable tension, buildup, and excitement for me. It’s a minor complaint, but an important one when it comes to my overall enjoyment of romance.

(heat level: closed door)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.