Takes One to Know One follows Dani, a marketing coordinator at a record label who was about to be laid off. Desperate to keep her job , she lies about being a reggaeton fan , which works since her boss assumed she was (read: she is presumably the only Puerto Rican on staff) It’s actually kinda micro aggressive now that I think about it.

She is then assigned to promote popular features artist El Rico’s debut solo record, which he plans to produce in Puerto Rico. Problem is: she hates reggaeton. I hypothesize that it’s because she lacks the ability to shake some ass so she resorts to being a hater of those who can (more on that later)

I always try to give FMCs the benefit of the doubt and even defend their “unlikability” from other reviewers because that critique—more often than not—is thinly veiled misogyny, but I fear that I might pull that card for one aspect of Dani’s character.

She’s very uptight about reggaeton in a way that was more disrespectful than charming in a dry humor way, especially in a professional setting. She was condescending, often implying that it’s nothing but surface level ass shaking music to René’s face. As she got more involved in the production of the album and documentary, she did grow to appreciate the genre but whatever . She didn’t hold herself accountable or apologize .

Rene was no angel either, with his own set of flaws, but his fatal one was being boring. His project was reminiscent of Bad Bunny’s newest album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, which paid homage to Puerto Rican history and culture. But for a rebrand about self-discovery, we know little about Rene. In fact, we know little about him and Dani together as a couple.

I would’ve been more invested if they had more on-page scenes together or the book was dual POV. Their romance was a subplot and I wish I knew beforehand because marketing suggested otherwise.

In actuality, the book focuses on Dani’s grief journey, since her father had ties to Culebra, the island where the album is being produced. The descriptions of the landscape and fauna were vivid and I loved how that was incorporated into Rene’s music. It was easily my favourite part of the book and if it were a real documentary, I would watch it.

At a certain point, I was just bored after the third-act conflict . it was about flat side characters who had fabricated drama , which did not interest me. The resolution was so cute and showed that there could’ve been a great romance in there somewhere. I swooned!

I also enjoyed Ramona Masters’ narration.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Lissette Decos for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Forced proximity, opposite attraction and a connection to our FMC's heritage brought these two together so well. I enjoyed being along for the journey of the recording of the MMC's album and all the emotion that came with it. This book shares pieces of the Puerto Rican culture that I've never learned of before- and now I want to listen to the music, eat the food and visit!

As I often say when I'm reading a book with a culture and language that are outside of my own- I LOOOOVE narration with pronunciation. It's like listening to a song. The narration was so well done.

Takes One to Know One is a delightful, witty rom-com that expertly balances humor, heart, and a vibrant exploration of music and self discovery. Set against the lively backdrop of Puerto Rico, the book follows Daniela, a risk-averse music industry professional who unexpectedly finds herself working with the very genre she despises! reggaeton.

Dani’s journey is both hilarious and heartfelt as she struggles to navigate a world that is far outside her comfort zone. Her forced proximity to the charming yet scandal-ridden Rene ‘El Rico’ Rodriguez makes for plenty of tension, banter, and undeniable chemistry.

Takes One to Know One is a fun and fresh romance that blends humor, music, and self-discovery into an irresistible story. Fans of contemporary rom-coms, particularly those with a strong cultural backdrop, will find this novel a highly entertaining and satisfying read.

I want to visit Puerto Rico so badly after reading this book!! Good enemies to lovers romance. There is a bit miscommunication but it works for the story. Love watching the growth of the FMC. Narrator did a wonderful job.

I received an arc from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This was a heartfelt opposites attract, forced proximity, workplace romance that sees type A music exec Daniela being roped into traveling to her father's homeland of Puerto Rico to help develop a popular reggaeton star's new album.

Sparks fly as singer Rene 'El Rico' Rodriguez tries to thwart Dani's attempts to interfere while also challenging her to confront the assumptions she's made about the genre of music he loves and the country she's never been to before.

I really enjoyed the contrast between the two main characters and the Puerto Rican setting. There was a lot of emotional depth involving Dani's sister and her memories about her dead father. Rene was a bit of mysterious figure throughout much of the book but you could tell he was intrigued by all of Dani's contradictions and truly wanted to help her reconnect with her roots.

The narration by Ramona Master was excellent and while I always prefer dual POV love stories, this single pov from Dani's perspective worked for how much of it was about her own personal growth and journey. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Takes One to Know One, is about a record producer, Dani, who while trying to save her job, ends up getting herself into a sticky situation with Rene. While this book is labeled as a romance book, I didn’t really feel like there was enough romance for it to qualify as such. I felt that the book focused more on Dani and her self discovery journey. Even though there was a lack of chemistry, the story of self discovery and following family roots was worth the read.

This is a super cute enemies to lovers rom com.
What made this book special for me was the audio book version.
The narrator perfectly captured the atmosphere of it. I found myself transported to a different place. It was almost like I could hear the music, smell the food, take a walk by the sea. I didn't mind the long inner monologue (I am usually not a fan of while reading), or longer descriptions. It fits. It's perfect book to listen to- the accents were amazing! And the quality of the recording, too.
I wish I could see more chemistry between the main characters, longer scenes of them discovering together, instead of the descriptions. I wish there were few more chapters after the ending.
Overall, I am so happy I could be transported to an amazing place and be surrounded with the beautiful scenery.
I highly reccomend the audio book version of it!


Thank you to the net gallery shelf for arc of audio book.

DNF @40% - audio arc review

1. Didn't love seeing so much slut shaming and women hating in 2025 coming from the heroine.

2. This reaaaaaally feels like it's RPF for Bad Bunny. Can't confirm or deny, I just couldn't stop connecting the dots of the MMC being a spitting image of Bad Bunny.

3. This was blurbed as an enemies to lovers situation but is really just the 'not like other girls' FMC having one sided beef with having to do her job with this Bad Bunny lookalike and him just existing and wanting to be in Puerto Rico to work. Has she mentioned how much she hates reggaeton?

I do love the narrator for this, but they can't save this writing for me. Off to sob.

Sweet tropical summer read.

3.5⭐'s

This book was a joy to read/listen to. We meet Daniella, a record executive who lies about loving Reggaeton in fear of losing her job. Dani is half Dominican half Puerto Rican, and her boss assumes she enjoys all latino music and puts her in charge of Rene "El Rico" Rodriguez's debut album. Rene is a Reggaeton artist who is getting his big break later in his life than he would like and no executive will stand in his way.

Dani and Rene start off as enemies in this opposites attracts, semi-workplace romance, but they have to work together to sky rocket their careers.

Lissette transports us into the tropical paradise that is Puerto Rico. I liked how she incorporated so many aspects of the culture: the food, the music, traditions and practices. For one, the scene with the spiritual cleansing and the egg had me dying! We do "limpias" in my house too! If you know you know;).

While I enjoyed the this book I didn't necessarily feel a strong connection between Dani and Rene. At times the attraction felt one sided and had me guessing if Rene was just a big flirt with all women. The chemistry between the two main characters was lacking a bit. Rene seemed to show no interest in Dani unless they were alone. There is the fact that he went out of his way to make sure she visited all the locations her dad listed in the song he made for his family. The acts of service were very sweet, I wish we could have seem more of that side of Rene.

The big argument between the two groups of friends towards the end of the book through me for a loop, keep in mind I listened to the audiobook, I had to keep rewinding to keep up. Camilla and Santiago?! Camilla made it sound like she was hung up on Rene, with the getting drunk, the rambling and the crying. That came out of left field.

I really liked getting to see Dani's relationships grow, especially with her mother and her sister.
Seeing Dani realize that she doesn't have to be everything to everyone and following her dreams shows great character growth. I wish we could have seen a little growth on Rene's part, or even his POV, would of made his character easier to connect with.

Although the book is categorized as a rom-com I feel it would be best labeled under contemporary as the romance is just sprinkled in and not the focal point.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape media for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is such a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture, music, and family—it completely transports you. While I initially expected more of a romance, this is really a journey of self-discovery with a love story woven in, and once I adjusted my expectations, I really enjoyed it.

Dani is risk-averse, blazer-obsessed, and determined to be taken seriously in the music industry. So when her job is on the line, she does the unthinkable—lies about loving reggaeton, a genre she actually despises. That little fib lands her in Puerto Rico, tasked with revamping the image of Rene ‘El Rico’ Rodriguez, an international reggaeton superstar with a reputation that needs some serious damage control. From the moment they meet, Dani and Rene clash. She finds his music insufferable; he finds her stiff and buttoned-up. But as they spend more time together under the heat of the island sun, Dani starts to see Rene for who he really is—a passionate artist who deeply cares about his music, his community, and his roots. And before she knows it, he’s teaching her to let go, to move to the rhythm, and maybe, just maybe, to open her heart.

I loved that so much of the story took place in Puerto Rico, where both Dani and Rene reconnect with their culture in different ways. It’s through each other that they truly find themselves, and that emotional depth made their connection even more special. If you’re looking for a book that immerses you in a rich, lively setting with a love story that unfolds organically, this one is worth picking up!

I received this book as an ARC and it was so fun! This enemies to lovers book had excellent banter. Also, both of the main characters grew and evolved throughout the story. Another fun part of the book was that it was a love letter to Puerto Rican culture. I highly recommend this book!

I know I've been struggling with long book reviews but this one felt important to me to do it now before it's release next week.

I had a couple of issues with this book, from the narrator to be my least favorite narrator to the way Culebra was used as the setting for the guy to record his album to it being promoted as a reguetonero romance and it's barely a romance.

This book very much felt like women's fiction than romance, the romance is not the main point of this book. It very much is all about the female main character with her grief, learning to love the land of her deceased father and her place at her job. I did not feel there was a lot of chemistry with Rene and she is so fucking annoying. I don't know if my hate for the narrator affected my hate for the character. She was so annoying and so pick me. "I don't like regueton"

Can I also talk about how they used the FMC like a token latine persona and it's not addressed. Like so many little things just made me want more of this book.

I really try to not criticize the way second language speakers speak the second language, but this narrator really made me role my eyes so much!!!!! When she tried to make the coqui sound had me laughing so hard.

The way Culebra was used in this really made me uncomfortable because if you know about the issues with the power grid in Puerto Rico, you should know that Viequez and Culebra (the smaller island) suffer the brunt of it because its not the metro area. They get lots of power outages and they do treat tourist better than the people that live there. There is no hospital in Culebra. There are small restaurants and small supermarkets there, it's not like you can walk up to a small DONUT shop on the corner.

These are some of my issues with this book, and I'm not saying don't read it. Overall it was an okay book.

I liked this, but I wanted to LOVE this. The concept was great, as a Puerto Ricans I love reading books in and about PR, and some of the execution was heartfelt, but the relationship itself fell flat. Rene (our mmc) runs hot and cold with Dani, almost the entire book. She is a music label employee trying hard to work with him and he is condescending and antagonistic from the very first meeting because she doesn't know him and is not a fan of his genre (reggaeton). He was unprofessional and is just a massive d*ck despite her going out of her way to be respectful of his space & risking her job to help him record the album in Puerto Rico.

Later after hearing her father's music, he does all these grand gestures to help her connect with him. Yet he judges her so harshly, questions her Puerto Rican authenticity because she doesn't like reggaeton or enjoy dancing, and eventually writes a diss track mocking her wearing a blazer and being uptight, despite knowing that she takes her job seriously, is trying her hardest to be a professional and has a lot of family responsibilities on her shoulders. When she confronts him about it, he's like well sucks it hurt your feelings but I didn't mean it in a bad way. I'm sorry but how the fuck else is she supposed to take a lyric like "never met a Latina I didn't like, until I met you?"

At one point, we find that he's had a sexual relationship with his female best friend/personal assistant, who he basically dumped the next morning, and that is never resolved. Also, not to be that person who sounds like a smut addict BUT the author builds longing (at least on Dani's side) and tension, a will-they-won't-they back and forth, then we get a quick kiss, clothes being shed, mention of condoms and cut to the next morning. With all the other problems, honestly, it needed at least some sort of spice to understand why she even bothers with this guy.

“Takes One to Know One” by Lissette Decos is a rom-com that partially takes place in Puerto Rico.

Thank you Forever for providing this ARC. I also received an ALC from Dreamscape Media. Opinions from this review are completely my own.

Dani is a publisher for a record label and needs to work with the reggaeton singer “El Rico” while he records a new album. The issue is that she lied about liking reggaeton.

This was a quick read for me and I enjoyed the story. The fact that they go to Puerto Rico to record the album helps Dani connect with her father, even after he is gone. I liked her character development during the book.

The audiobook is narrated by Ramona Master. Her narration improved the experience of reading the book. She did a good job with the characters and had a great accent.

The relationship with Rene is a slow burn as they cannot stand each other in the beginning. But after spending more time together they develop a friendship and in the end a relationship. We only have Dani’s POV, so I feel like Rene’s character was underdeveloped.

Even of the romance is not the main plot, there are some sweet moments and there is a happy ending.

Thanks to Forever and Netgallery for the ALC of Takes One to Know One in exchange for an honest review.

I think that this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year for many reasons. For starters, there are not enough books by Latinx authors, with Latinx main characters, specially puertoricans. So it pains me to say that this book didn't hit the mark for me. For starters, the chemistry between our main characters was NON-EXISTENT. 60% of the book and they barely have conversations or anything that could make me believe they liked each other or could have everlasting love. To me, saying this was a romance, is just not real.

While I appreciate the setting, it felt off. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and while some descriptions were beautiful, it just didn't feel authentic. It lacked heart IMO and it felt like it was just a plot device. I understand the apprehension of the FMC on going to the island, and I appreciated the exploration of grief, but it just felt flat. Everything on the story felt all over the place.

The narration was good, the voice actor did a good job with the Spanish and evoking some emotions, the problem was the story.

Again, I am sorry I didn't enjoy the book and I really hope that if you give the book the chance you end up loving it. But is a no for me.

Great narration!

This is a great example of the women's lit type of books I adore. Where the romance is the central idea and point, but the development of the maun character is most important. This close look at a woman who has had to hold it together and provide for her family for years, this is a tue breakdown taking its time.
I love the double Latinx leads and I love that it takes place on the island too.
I just want to gently request fact checking. Beaches in PR are not private no matter what rich people say. There were other PR slang discrepencies as well.
Diversity editor and or sensitivity readers are pivitol when writing outside of your experience.
It is still such a great book that i will be recommending to many!