Their Perfect Melody

Starred review from October 8, 2018
Oliveras’s marvelous third Matched to Perfection contemporary (after Her Perfect Affair) tackles domestic violence and policing in Chicago’s Puerto Rican community with superb nuance. Sparks fly when social services advocate Lilí Fernandez confronts police officer Diego Reyes at the scene of her client’s domestic assault. Diego’s dedication to his neighborhood and Lilí’s desire to make a difference in Humboldt Park showcase how different approaches to good deeds can clash. Their attraction is strong and only grows as they continue to encounter each other, but incidents in their pasts inspire them to caution. Diego gradually shares his turbulent family history with Lilí, but he must overcome guilt about his sister’s longtime addiction and sort things out with her before he can truly commit to a romantic relationship. Familial assistance from both sides is needed to help the protagonists identify what’s truly important to them. Oliveras’s tangled, topical conflicts between multidimensional characters blend with lovingly portrayed family life and an intricate, realistic plot, enmeshing the reader in her created world. Agent: Rebecca Strauss, DeFiore & Co.

Carmen Vine narrates a romance between an idealistic young woman and an earnest cop. Lil� Fernandez is a victim's advocate who also volunteers at a community center. Diego Reyes is a cop motivated by a past failure to make a difference in his neighborhood. Lil� is the youngest sister of three, and Vine perfectly captures her struggle to come into her own as an adult, rather than remaining the baby of the family. While Diego is passionate about his job, he is also a musician, and Vine balances his machismo with his artistic side. While the portrayal of domestic violence may be upsetting for some listeners, this is overall a satisfying romance. Vine's fluency means the Spanglish flows seamlessly, making for a vibrant narration. K.M.P. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine