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The Barreras #2
Knowing Her
Teresa Barrera has finally moved back home after running away when she was fifteen. Things are better for her than they were then. She's out as a trans lesbian, has a good job, and is in the promising start of a new relationship. To top it all off, she's back in contact with her sister, who has completely accepted her. She's not ready to tell the rest of her family, but that's okay. Lian Hui, a private investigator who had searched for Teresa for years, is surprised when they become friends. Not much of a people person and prone to bouts of anxiety, she finds herself drawn to Teresa's kindness and patience. When Teresa's relationship turns sour, Lian steps up as the friend Teresa needs most. As Teresa and Lian become closer, they find the line between friendship and romance can be a blurry, confusing thing.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2019
70 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 2, 2021
4 Stars for Knowing Her (audiobook) by Raquel De Leon read by Carmen Vine.
I enjoyed this slow burn romance. The characters were really interesting. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I enjoyed this slow burn romance. The characters were really interesting. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.
September 7, 2021
Not my favorite. It was a REALLY slow burn. Also, it read like an afternoon special. As someone who is part of queer community and familiar with the diversity and various intricacies that entails, it was just overly simplistic and felt like I was being educated. Maybe it was written for a different audience than myself.
June 19, 2020
I definitely enjoyed "Wanting Her" more and truthfully only read this to see if the author continued with the characters from the first book. While I was interested in the character development of Lian, I found myself most enjoying the supporting characters - Makayla, Ana, Carla, and of course Vivian and April.
There were issues I had with the backstory from a believability standpoint. This is my hangup as sometimes I have trouble going along with the sweet storyline and abandoning logic.
Overall, it was nice to read about how the family came together and took something that was seemingly so awful and saw the positive changes that it brought in their lives.
It's on KU - read Wanting Her first and then enjoy this if you have the time.
There were issues I had with the backstory from a believability standpoint. This is my hangup as sometimes I have trouble going along with the sweet storyline and abandoning logic.
Overall, it was nice to read about how the family came together and took something that was seemingly so awful and saw the positive changes that it brought in their lives.
It's on KU - read Wanting Her first and then enjoy this if you have the time.
May 6, 2020
I would've given this three stars but that moment between Ana and Teresa deserved a star all on it's own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2021
Great follow-up!
I enjoyed the first book much better than this sequel but I wasn't at all disappointed. I can honestly say, this was the first transgender romance I've read and Lian and Teresa were just too cute and they tip-toed around their feelings for each other. I can't imagine how difficult it was for Teresa to go 15 years apart from her family and then, another year she a half living right under their noses. Reconnecting with her sister Vivian and then, falling for Lian was likely just what Teresa needed to give her the courage to try and face her family as her true self.
I enjoyed the first book much better than this sequel but I wasn't at all disappointed. I can honestly say, this was the first transgender romance I've read and Lian and Teresa were just too cute and they tip-toed around their feelings for each other. I can't imagine how difficult it was for Teresa to go 15 years apart from her family and then, another year she a half living right under their noses. Reconnecting with her sister Vivian and then, falling for Lian was likely just what Teresa needed to give her the courage to try and face her family as her true self.
February 22, 2021
Although I did really enjoy this book and getting to know more about Lian and Teresa, I did enjoy the first book 'Wanting Her' more. It was also great to catch up with Vivian and April (from book 1) in this book.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
July 10, 2023
It wasn’t time to second-guess everything or pretend like that wasn’t real. It was time to just let herself fall.
This was extremely cute, but somehow missing a little something that I don't know how to describe. It's a friends to lovers romance that picks up after the first book in the series, although this can be read as a stand-alone. I really adore friends to lovers, it's my favourite trope to read in romance, but the tone of this just didn't feel as romantic as I would have wanted. Even in the early stages, when both women don't realise that they're developing feelings for each other, or that the feelings that they are developing are romantic in nature, that's usually the kind of vibe that I adore reading, but it just didn't do anything special for me. I didn't feel the pull and attraction between them. I really like both Teresa and Lian, and they both have family plotlines that are really heartfelt. I liked Lian's relationship with her sister, how sweet and dependable and introverted she was, behind all of her competence. Teresa is dealing with the implosion of an old relationship, struggling with whether or not to come out to the rest of her family, and there's a scene in the latter part of the book that really made me tear up. But the actual romance between the characters just felt okay. There were definitely a lot of sweet moments, and I loved the stuff they did to bond. It's the kind of slow burn that I usually adore, and I don't mind that it was fade-to-black, but it just didn't feel very romantic to me. Even though I really liked the characters and thought that they were really cute.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Carmen Vine and it was pretty good. I will say, I do wish that the production allowed for longer pauses between chapter breaks and breaks within the chapters. Sometimes there would be a switch in scene or a switch in point of view, but it just felt like it was a different paragraph, and that got a little confusing, because I wasn't always reading along with the e-book. But it was a sweet romance all in all and I'm always glad to read more sapphic books with trans women. I'll definitely read more if the author returns to this series.
June 12, 2025
Actual Rating 3.5 ⭐️
Knowing Her was a sweet friends to lovers romance. I really enjoyed both Teresa and Lian as characters, and found their friendship blossoming into something more really endearing.
My biggest gripe with this book was that for part two of an erotica series, it was SUCH a slow burn. Don’t get me wrong, I do love a good slow burn, but when the premise of the book is the romance and it moves at a snails pace, it kinda just feels like nothing is happening. There’s not much else for plot besides the relationship so it made me as the reader pretty impatient for them to move forward in that.
Overall I did enjoy the book and did love the characters of both books 1 and 2. If you liked Wanting Her and are considering reading this one, I would say do it but be prepared for a very different romance level.
Knowing Her was a sweet friends to lovers romance. I really enjoyed both Teresa and Lian as characters, and found their friendship blossoming into something more really endearing.
My biggest gripe with this book was that for part two of an erotica series, it was SUCH a slow burn. Don’t get me wrong, I do love a good slow burn, but when the premise of the book is the romance and it moves at a snails pace, it kinda just feels like nothing is happening. There’s not much else for plot besides the relationship so it made me as the reader pretty impatient for them to move forward in that.
Overall I did enjoy the book and did love the characters of both books 1 and 2. If you liked Wanting Her and are considering reading this one, I would say do it but be prepared for a very different romance level.
November 25, 2021
This is my favourite among the author's books. I loved both Therese and Lian and was happy with how little things that affect a trans woman's life were touched up on while making the central story about the romance between Therese and Lian. It is an everyday story, which I assume Americans live through (though am not actually sure since am not American) and not an epic melodramatic romance and it is fun because of that. Also, great sister and family relationships. I also like the diversity.
I loved Ana.
And I agree with the author. Transwomen need more love, more love stories, and more support from the rest of us. And more stories from all of us including of course trans women.
I loved Ana.
And I agree with the author. Transwomen need more love, more love stories, and more support from the rest of us. And more stories from all of us including of course trans women.
May 25, 2021
I forgot about this one somehow when I started building my list! A very, very strong example of transfem-led romance from the non-Own Voices sector. A sequel, and unlike many romance sequels deeply integrated with the previous book.
An investigator for the heroine of the previous novel, Lian discovered that her boss's long-lost brother she's been hunting like a white whale ran away to transition. Now she and Teresa are, weirdly, friends. And maybe more, but Teresa has a lot to sort out in her life with the family she fled, and Lian has her own baggage. Good autistic/neurodivergent rep in addition to the trans rep.
An investigator for the heroine of the previous novel, Lian discovered that her boss's long-lost brother she's been hunting like a white whale ran away to transition. Now she and Teresa are, weirdly, friends. And maybe more, but Teresa has a lot to sort out in her life with the family she fled, and Lian has her own baggage. Good autistic/neurodivergent rep in addition to the trans rep.
November 13, 2021
This is the first book I read by this author, and also the first book featuring a lesbian trans woman. I wasn't entirely sure it would be my cup of tea, but I was very pleasantly surprised. It's very sensitive, the characters are nice, and I really enjoyed the narration by Carmen Vine. It's not the typical topical romance, I found myself thinking I must find other similar books to this one.
May 20, 2023
A slow burn with not a lot of burning happening. Teresa and Lian honestly could've stayed friends all throughout the book and I honestly don't think it would've made a difference overall. The book was playing it safe a bit too much.
April 19, 2021
I "read" this book via Audible. I liked this book even better than the first. Once I found out is was a transgendered lesbian love story I had to read it. I read the first book so I would know all the characters in this one. I am trans and a lesbian and there is a lack of book out there with this kind of subject. It was nice that the transition part was was only briefly touched on as in real life, it is only a small part of a person's life in the long run. The relationship that builds between the main characters as the definition of a slow burn but is so cute and sweet. The big reveal during the last chapter almost had me in tears. I will be revisiting this book again for sure!
January 5, 2021
A great comfort read, if you will. Many contemporary romances have high stakes constructed in a variety of ways to provide the tension in a story. This book however just feels so wonderfully representative of many queer peoples lives. The stakes around family, labels, relationship worries, and coming out are just so relatable for your average queer reader.
To me it lead to a comfortable, grounded, and very realistic feeling story of a couple finding each other. The trans elements deserve a shout out for well they are handled, and how they show solidarity and similarity across different queer women's experiences.
It's in my re-read pile for when I need a feel good book.
To me it lead to a comfortable, grounded, and very realistic feeling story of a couple finding each other. The trans elements deserve a shout out for well they are handled, and how they show solidarity and similarity across different queer women's experiences.
It's in my re-read pile for when I need a feel good book.
February 1, 2024
3.5 stars. This book is important to me as only the second sapphic romance book i’ve read with a trans woman main character, and great representation all around <3 I really liked parts of the story including the final act and Theresa’s eventual coming out, but I feel like a lot of the other plot points and the pacing were rather lacking. While I appreciate the idea of the cozy, slow romance, I really felt like the book lacked stakes and urgency. Idk I just really felt like the main relationship and conflict was lacking, especially on my second read-through. I definitely enjoyed the book though, and I can see a lot of potential for the concept and the author :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2024
I feel confused. Like I just listened to a book when there was no story. BUT there is a main character that is a transwoman and the need for that visibility is huge!!!! Unfortunately, I can’t tell if it is the author or narrator that fails me. Hope you have better luck. I guess I felt that Becomjng Her was not about relationships and this was supposed to be. But I couldn’t finish the first and I struggled to finish this one. Because pro 🏳️⚧️💕🏳️🌈. But I need something that can hold my attention too. A book shouldn’t be a struggle. And it seemed the 🏳️⚧️ woman had it all together in comparison to the love interest. Maybe too together. But I am all for positive images of 🏳️⚧️ people with 🏳️⚧️ self images so …
January 15, 2020
Wow! Great Story!
I love how this story left off where “Wanting Her” ended. The characters April,Makayla and Vivian weave in and out of this story about Teresa. Also the return of Lian who you fall in love with from the beginning. Teresa and Lian’s story was so honest and real. You can feel them falling for each other. You can’t help rooting for them. The story works its way through many dimensions with an emotional ending. And of course an epilogue which sets us up for the next story. Definitely loved it!
I love how this story left off where “Wanting Her” ended. The characters April,Makayla and Vivian weave in and out of this story about Teresa. Also the return of Lian who you fall in love with from the beginning. Teresa and Lian’s story was so honest and real. You can feel them falling for each other. You can’t help rooting for them. The story works its way through many dimensions with an emotional ending. And of course an epilogue which sets us up for the next story. Definitely loved it!
August 26, 2024
4.25⭐
I really enjoyed this!
I did like the first book in the series but I definitely preferred this one.
I love slow burn and this one was really sweet.
They were really cute together and I especially loved Teresa.
The second half was definitely better than the first.
Nothing much happens and if you don't like slow burn you most likely won't enjoy this.
There isn't really any spice (except for one small scene towards the beginning of the book) which I also really liked, since I'm not the biggest fan of spice most times.
I really enjoyed this!
I did like the first book in the series but I definitely preferred this one.
I love slow burn and this one was really sweet.
They were really cute together and I especially loved Teresa.
The second half was definitely better than the first.
Nothing much happens and if you don't like slow burn you most likely won't enjoy this.
There isn't really any spice (except for one small scene towards the beginning of the book) which I also really liked, since I'm not the biggest fan of spice most times.
July 22, 2021
It might be surprising, but I liked this book as much as the first. Whereas the first book had a certain intensity to it, this one was softer, had a deeper message.
I loved that we could retrace Teresa's story slowly but surely as well. I think this is the first book I read with a trans character, so it was...refreshing. Also, it wasn't all over the place, her transformation. It was really the growth that did also did it for me.
Lovely book.
I loved that we could retrace Teresa's story slowly but surely as well. I think this is the first book I read with a trans character, so it was...refreshing. Also, it wasn't all over the place, her transformation. It was really the growth that did also did it for me.
Lovely book.
January 13, 2020
Genuine love story
This is my first transgender story and I found it quite fascinating. Theresa was a wonderful main character as was Lien. The story didn’t truly center around the transgender, did described the traumatic experience that Theresa had to deal with however not in depth. The attraction between the two main characters added spice to the story. Overall a great read
This is my first transgender story and I found it quite fascinating. Theresa was a wonderful main character as was Lien. The story didn’t truly center around the transgender, did described the traumatic experience that Theresa had to deal with however not in depth. The attraction between the two main characters added spice to the story. Overall a great read
March 26, 2020
I enjoyed this book but not as much as the first one. It is well written and detailed characters. I had a harder time getting into this book. With that being said, it is still a great book and worth reading. I was glad to see a reappearance from characters from book one. I look forward to book three and I have a feeling who the main character will be.
January 14, 2020
Lian and Teresa are interesting characters and they have a terrific supporting cast. It is fun to watch their relationship develop over the course of the story. It is also nice to have an update on Vivian, April and Makayla.
January 16, 2020
😀
I wasn’t sure at first how I would take this book (I know, I’m sorry) but to be honest I really, seriously enjoyed it. And I love that the characters from the first book were still intertwined within this one. Can’t wait for the next as well.
I wasn’t sure at first how I would take this book (I know, I’m sorry) but to be honest I really, seriously enjoyed it. And I love that the characters from the first book were still intertwined within this one. Can’t wait for the next as well.
January 26, 2020
Wonderful story
I have enjoyed the Barreras stories. I think that Raquel writes some very incredibly characters from Teresa to her sister Vivian.
I have enjoyed the Barreras stories. I think that Raquel writes some very incredibly characters from Teresa to her sister Vivian.
January 29, 2020
A bit of a slow-burn romance more than the first one the series which had a lot more intimate scenes. It was nice to see the interactions between siblings Teresa and Vivian.
June 6, 2020
Excellent
Great follow up to book one, really liked the family interactions and nice to see old characters from the previous book.
Highly recommended
Great follow up to book one, really liked the family interactions and nice to see old characters from the previous book.
Highly recommended
April 14, 2021
Actually good trans lesfic
A kindhearted, wholesome story featuring a trans lesbian - I can't express just how rare these books are and how great it feels to read them!
A kindhearted, wholesome story featuring a trans lesbian - I can't express just how rare these books are and how great it feels to read them!
June 4, 2021
4.5 Slow burn romance.
July 16, 2023
courageous
A beautiful story of coming into your authentic self. Sometimes it takes time away to gather the strength to come back and become the truest form of you to claim a HEA.
A beautiful story of coming into your authentic self. Sometimes it takes time away to gather the strength to come back and become the truest form of you to claim a HEA.
January 29, 2025
Better than the first one, but definitely not the sexy book you're looking for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews