Beautiful story about queer love, music, family, and second chances. Quito is is a first-gen Filipino-American, and grew up accompanying the high school choir his father taught where they live in the SF Bay Area. That's where he first got to know Emmett, cool guy who had to join choir. I enjoyed the back and forth between then and now (they reconnect as adults). I also loved Quito's relationships with his dad, as well as his roommate Ujima, drag queen extraordinaire. I shed a couple of years with this one but overall it was a beautiful second chance queer love story.

Thank you to Forever Pub and NetGalley for the ARC! 4.5 star rating

My review will be saved on my IG account at @chronically_KD in the ARCReviews story highlight

This one brought me such joy, what a lovely romance. A first round purchase for most libraries, especially those looking to add into a queer collection.

This is a charming story about the chance to revisit one of your most important relationships. Quito lives in New York, pursuing his dream of writing music for Broadway shows but finding he mostly lacks inspiration. When his dad, the choir director at Quito’s high school, calls to say he wants to put on a charity concert and that he wants Quito to convince his former best friend, Emmett, to participate, Quito’s not sure what to do — he hasn’t spoken to Emmett in years and Emmett is now a movie star. Somehow he is able to reach Emmett, who agrees to do the concert — forcing Quito to spend time with the individual who used to be his favorite person … and grapple with what happened to them all those years ago.

This is a heartwarming and thoughtful story, full of compelling and multi-dimensional characters exploring interesting themes around first love, family, and pursuing creative careers.

Highly recommended!

I overall enjoyed the writers writing style. There were fun, witty comments. I thought there were important conversations about identity and pronouns. I have three stars because I felt by the end, the story was dragging on. I enjoyed the book but I think some of the story was too detailed and I could see most of the story coming. I’m also not a big fan of storylines that involve miscommunication. However, it was really enjoyable overall.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Received a copy for review.

I loved the concept of this but ok and I really love alternating timelines. However, it was a bit jarring in this book. I liked not main characters but really didn’t feel that they were it fit each other.

I am shocked that I haven't seen this in any other reviews but the conflict of this story is miscommunication/no -communication regarding consent while one character is drunk and that is a big NO for me.

Even before getting to that part in the book, I considered DNF multiple times because the storyline didn't hold my attention at all. The present/past timeline did not work for me and gelt very disjointed. Emmett was extremely one dimensional in both timelines and it wasn't clear why Quito liked him other than he had a six pack, that is literally stated on page as one of the only reasons Quito likes him.

The best part of the book was Jee, I would read Jee's story in a heartbeat and it's really the only thing that made me want to finish the book was to see their journey with gender identity.

I also thought that having Quito's dad die at the end was completely unnecessary and just there for shock value. The author didn't give Quito any on page grief processing after just losing his only remaining parent and everything was going to be just fine because the concert still happened.

I enjoyed the Asian representation, I think this one one of the first queer books with a full Asian cast that I have seen from a mainstream publisher and that is wonderful, please publish more!! But from a story perspective, I just can't recommend this do to the consent issue and disjointed narrative.

All the Right Notes provides a fresh and interesting representation when it comes to Hollywood romance.

The story follows Quito Cruz, a off-Broadway pianist, who is down on his luck musically. His life is turned upside down when his dad pushes him to recruit Emmett Aoki, his ex-bestfriend turned super star, to participate in his retirement choir concert.

I'll start with what I love about the book. The diversity and richness of each character is amazing and you can't help but fall in love with every one of them! Francisco "Quito" Cruz is a loveable, nervous, music geek that becomes more relatable as the story progresses. Emmett Aoki is framed as "God's incarnate" but shows vulnerability and compassion as the reader gets to know him. Ujima is a sassy non-binary drag queen who becomes your bestfriend as much as they become Quito's bestfriend. And Mr. Cruz, Quito's dad, becomes the force of wisdom and the catalyst for the events that are to come.

I loved the banter and dynamics each character exhibits with one another. They're witty with one another one moment, and becomes each other's rocks the next. Every main character interacts with one another in interesting and realistic ways that you can't help but think: they're real.

I also love the musical components of the novel. I was a band nerd and seeing the author's description of the music and the emotion associated with it was breathtaking. The fact that the author created original songs and let us, the readers, read and savor their meaning was special and made the story all the more magical.

I did find the conflicts in the plot to be flimsy. Every conflict that Quito and Emmett faces in the novel, is easily overcome with not much effort coming from either of them. For example, when Quito expresses that he want Emmett, major superstar and kind of mad at Quito, to participate in his dad's concert, Emmett overcomes a scheduling conflict that happened in the span of a day. This also happens in other parts of the book where a conflict appear, only to be overcomes in a few pages or so. Because of this, it leads to having no real tension in the plot. The reader expects things to be okay in a brief moment so they don't take the conflicts seriously.

I also found that we didn't get to see the full progression of Emmett and Quito's second chance romance. At the start of the story, Quito explains that there was big occurrence in college that led Emmett and Quito to stop being friends. However, when they do reunite, there isn't resistance on any of their part. They pick up where they left off and, when the occurrence is mentioned, any conflict that pertains to them is resolved instantaneously. I would've loved to see a progression of their relationship going from "I'm wary of you" to "I can't see a life without you", instead of just getting the latter.

Overall, the book was great and I can't wait to get a copy to put in our local library!

Many thanks to NetGally for this ARC - received in exchange for an honest review!

This book was sweet and refreshing. I enjoyed the spot-on references to the NY music scene, the representation, the grounded romance, and the glorious food descriptions. My only minor critique would be the past/present chapter jumps - while it didn’t sour my reading experience, I occasionally felt it was used in an effort to build suspense in an otherwise gently paced and profoundly “human” story.

Release date 6/6/2023

This was a really brilliant read. A love letter to music, to being your true and authentic self, to family, to friends. I loved every little bit of this story. I like how we switched from now/then for a good portion of the story as it helped me better understand the history behind the now portions. I don't think the story would have read the same if everything had been stated. Writing it this way helps build some of the suspense and tension.

I loved how developed Quito's father's character was. My only qualm is I wish Quito and Emmett's characters were as developed as he was. It felt like the character arc for them was a bit surface level (not complaining terribly much because I still loved their story to pieces, but I think there's more that could have been shared).

Overall, it was a solid 4.5/5 and I can't wait to tell all of my friends about this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for my very first ARC. It was an honor and a privilege to read Emmett and Quito's story 💗💗

Quito has been trying to find his footing in becoming a broadway composer, but hasn’t had the same inspiration since he stopped talking to his high school friend Emmett, where every interaction was filled with romantic tension, after an incident in college. but now Quito’s dad is asking him to come home to put on a benefit concert, and therefore reuniting him with Emmett, who is now a famous movie star, after all these years.

so this book is told in two timelines: Quito in High school, meeting Emmett and slowly building that connection and then in the present day, when they’re adults and rediscovering what they were to each other.

the dual timelines really sucked me in. it added a layer of intrigue and intensity to the story, especially reading how they’re broken in one and how they’re slowly connecting in the other.

the second thing that really stuck with me was Quito’s relationship with his father. the years of trust, dependence, and love between them really showed on the pages.

and, yeah, the second-chance romance was excellent. hits all the beats wonderfully and uses what we expect to tell its own story.

and finally there are some really great threads on found family here.

this was really great and needs to be added to your TBRs!

3.5 stars

This book was a light, sweet, and wholesome read. Overall, the characters were very likable, especially Quito, and I was very much rooting for Aoki and Quito the whole way through. However, both Aoki and Quito were lacking a little depth, especially Aoki because you didn't get to hear his internal dialogue. Personally, when characters don't have depth, it is hard for me to buy into the romance and that definitely happened a little bit for me here. I also thought the story was quite predictable from very early on in the book. It definitely doesn't tread any new ground (and where it does - e.g. the almost synesthesia-like description of Quito's experience of music - it doesn't delve any deeper so little new ground is covered) but not every book needs to be different and unique and full of twists and turns, especially in the romance genre. This book used plot devices and story lines that were tried and true and for the most part did them well if not in a way that blew me away. The last thing I'd comment on is the past to present time skips. They're personally not my favorite because I find them very disruptive, but I think in this book, they were actually done quite intentionally, and objectively did work. It's still not my favorite device, but props to the author for making it work for them.

All the Right Notes is the debut novel from Dominic Lim. Quito is a Filipino American musical prodigy. Growing up with musical parents, he taught himself piano at an early age, going on to accompany his dad's high school choir classes. During those classes, his father asks him to assist Emmett, the popular football player, with singing. Now Quito is in New York, but his attempts to compose original pieces have stalled. Emmett is an A list actor, and the two of them haven't spoken since early college.

As a second chance romance, this story is told in dual timelines with a then (senior year of high school) and now (30 years later in New York). Both times are in first person POV from Quito's perspective. The contemporary timeline focused less on Emmett, so I found myself preferring the then timeline and wishing for more of it to better understand the now.

There were aspects of this story that I greatly loved. First, there were so many references to my favorite Broadway shows and songs (and snarky references to the creation of overdone retellings). Ujima, Quito's best friend and roommate, is such a wonderful character. And I also really appreciated Quito's relationship with his father and the wonderful food both make.

But I was less keen on the many sided love shape (more than just a love triangle) and how much the plot relied on miscommunication. Additionally, my advanced copy didn't include content warnings that I really missed having.

All told, this book definitely made me cry. The mix of the emotions of the story and the beauty of the music described moved me greatly. But I didn't find the romance aspect believable or meaningful.

Thank you to Forever for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

CW: death of a parent, homophobia

Thank you Forever Publishing and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Ok honestly wow, this book is probably the best adult romance I’ve ever read! Definitely in the top for 2023! All The Right Notes spans two time lines, alternating between chapters. In one time line Quito is in high school playing the piano for his dad’s choir class. Things are going well until Emmet, the popular jock, joins the choir. Quito is determined to prove that Emmet isn’t serious about music, that is until he hears Emmet sing. A connection is formed between the two and they grow close, Quito falls hard but Emmet is straight. Timeline two is set 20 years later, Quito’s dad needs his help with a big choir performance, but there’s a catch he has to get Emmett, now a big Hollywood star, to come too. How’s Quito going to do that when they haven’t talked in 20 years? Not since things fell apart between them. Can he convince Emmett to help him? Can they fix things between them? Will Quito be able to help his dads choir with their performance? I loved the two time lines! I love that it was a slow burn both in romance and also in what happened to Quito and Emmett. I had to know and consumed it to find out! The genuine relationship that builds between the two boys when they are young, this undeniable chemistry between two people, who haven’t quite figured out who they are or what they mean to each other! The reconnection of two people who have never quite moved on from one another! I heartbreaking fracture of a friendship/relationship that last for 20 years! Through it all the music that draws them together! I loved Quito and Emmett! They both were compassionate, loving, strong, and full of passion! Mr. Cruz was the father that every queer kid needs! His faith in both boys, his love and warmth given to everyone! Then there’s Ujima, Quito’s best friend, who’s loyal, determined, brave, and brings in the humor! This is a love story but not just between two people but also family, friends, and found family! There’s so much heart and heartbreak that you’ll laugh, cry, and all kinds of other emotions! Dominic Lim writes a beautiful story of queer love centering two Asian men, their love for music, and of course the Filipino food! You have to read this book it’ll have you swooning! I can’t wait to read this one again!

I’m a marketing and publicity intern at Forever Publishing, so I am reading this for work! Aaaaaaand there's a character limit on reviews here are some more words

Pub date: 6/6/23
Genre: romance (m/m, second chance)
Quick summary: Composer and pianist Quito lives in NYC and dreams of Broadway stardom. But his life is turned upside down when he runs into old crush Emmett Aoki - now a famous celebrity.

Second chance romance is having a moment - and I am here for it! I loved seeing Quito and Emmett's stories unfold in the high school and present day timelines. The musical elements in the book were well done - I enjoyed Quito's piano bar side hustle, the choir scenes from high school, and the present-day concert. There's great queer representation in the book, including the MCs and Quito's BFF Ujima. This is a low-steam, high-feels romance that music fans may enjoy! 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to Forever Publishing for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5 (rounded down to 4)

CW: recreational alcohol and drug use, sudden death of family members, homomisia, non-consensual sex, divorce, outing, drunk driving, car accident, heart attack, stroke (recounted), blood

I would like to thank NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Dominic Lim’s debut novel, All the Right Notes, heart-warming novel featuring a romance decades in the making and a powerful relationship between father and son.

When Quito Cruz gets an unexpected request from his dad to help in leading his retirement concert but also get Hollywood superstar Emmett Aoki to perform in the concert, he doesn’t know what to think. After not speaking in over two decades, Quito is surprised that Emmett happily agrees and later comes to find that their connection becomes more intense than it ever has before.

Adopting a then/now alternate POV, Lim really gets at the heart of telling the timeline between Quito’s and Emmett’s relationship from their first choir rehearsal together during high school to college to finally the present day with organizing the concert. I think this adds a really interesting dynamic to the plot and it helps with understanding the nature of their relationship between the present-day narrative. Though, near the end of the “then” chapters, I don't really know what to feel about that plot twist.

Likewise, there’s some solid character development in All the Right Notes. Alongside Quito and Emmett defining their relationship as well as growing within their perspective fields, you also get some insight on how some of the side characters develop in the book. From Ujima’s positive portrayal of discovering the right gender expression to Mr. Cruz’s dedication for wanting the best for Quito, you really get some well-thought out characters that you’ll enjoy reading about.

Overall, All the Right Notes is definitely a novel to check out this summer for a heart-warming read of music, family, and finding love.

4.5 stars. Talented musician Quito and golden boy Emmett became friends in high school, but something pushed them apart in college and they’ve been estranged for nearly 20 years. When Quito’s dad asks him to come back from New York and help arrange his final choir concert, where he wants Emmett to sing, Quito can’t say no. He’ll just have to figure out how to talk to Emmett again. And maybe finally face the past.

Broadway fans and musicians will enjoy all the music in this story. I loved Quito’s close relationships with his father, and with his fabulous NYC roommate Ujima. I liked Emmett but could’ve used more of their burgeoning relationship in the present.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

All the Right Notes hit all the right notes for me. This debut novel from Dominic Lim was such a delight to read. I found myself laughing and crying and smiling the whole way through.

All the Right Notes is from Quito’s Single POV and it alternates from the present and back in his high school/early college days. Quito’s adult NYC life is shaken up after his aging father asks him to come home for his retirement and to bring his teen best friend home with him, despite him being one of Hollywood’s now biggest stars! Emmett Aoki is a mainstay in each timeframe and Quito is forced to confront what their relationship is in each also.

One of my favorite parts of reading is getting to experience a world that isn’t my own. I am by no means the child of immigrants or of Filipino descent, but having the opportunity to peek into the lives and culture of Filipino folks was something I will cherish. The food may as well have jumped up off the page at me. Had my mouth watering the whole book! The inclusion of Tagalog was also really cool! I’m not a speaker by any means, but the context that was provided helped a lot! The dynamic between Quito & his father was absolutely heart-warming. Who doesn’t want a supportive and loving dad? He never gave up on his son! Excuse me while I sob again.

The representation in the cast of characters was fabulous, not only did we have two Asian-American leads, but queer too! The supporting cast also included the most fabulous character that I wish I could be BFFs with! Jee is the non-binary deity of my dreams. They were a scene-stealer wherever they appeared!

The chemistry between Quito & Emmett was so palpable (Despite how much Quito wants to deny that it isn’t there). I loved being able to go on their journey with them. Also really enjoyed the non-linear sharing of their past. The pacing of information revealed really added to the emotional build-up.

One of the things that truly blew me away was the sheer amount of music and references to musicals this novel had! But then learning about Lim’s musical past, I don’t know why I expected anything less! The choir experience his characters went through resonated with me so much. Also, the lasting impact that a great teacher can have on not just the years we are instructed by them, but also the rest of our lives was showcased brilliantly!


-Single POV with Alternating Timelines
-New York City/San Francisco
-Second Chance
-Slow Burn
-Opposites Attract
-Bit of Found Family
-Low Spice, but such a beautiful romance.
CW/TW: Homophobia, Death of Parent (On-Screen), Infidelity (Not MCs)

All the Right Notes releases just in time for Pride this year! June 6th you can pick up your own copy! ARC provided by Forever Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own

Review in progress and to come.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of All the Right Notes by Dominic Lim. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC.

This book was OK. I liked the present story arc but was not a fan of the then-and-now storytelling style. It took me out of the story. I also wished we had a bit more character development than we got. I give this book 3/5 stars. I don't regret reading this book, but it wouldn't be my first book to recommend.