4.5 sparkly stars!

Karaoke Queen by Dominic Lim is a delightfully captivating novel of self-discovery and love.

Rex Arenata has known who he is since he was a young child. His mom and younger sister, Eva, always encouraged his more flamboyant side. But because of fear and other circumstances, Rex has tried to play it straight for a long time. But that changes when he discovers his former boyfriend Aaron Berry now lives in town. When he learns the bar where Aaron works is in danger of closing down, Rex decides it is time to set his drag queen alter ego, Regina Moon Dee, free in order to save the bar.

Rex is an absolutely fantastic character who sometimes does not see what is right in front of him. He is very focused on rekindling his relationship with Aaron but Rex is dismayed when he realizes that Aaron is not exactly a fan of drag queens. But once his decision to help Aaron is made, he comes up with a zany plan to make sure his ex does not know Rex is also Regina. But will Rex come to realize this attention on Aaron might cause him overlook the person who sees him for who he is?

Karaoke Queen is an entertaining novel with a wonderful storyline and characters. Rex grows and evolves as he becomes more self-aware and ready to put his needs before others’ expectations. The rest of the characters are diverse and likeable (his mom and BFF Kat are sooo funny). Rex’s soul searching is low-key as is the romantic aspect of the storyline. Dominic Lim brings this outstanding novel to a very heartfelt and uplifting conclusion.

This was a heartfelt love letter to drag queen culture, a second chance romance, and a messy queer coming out story that has Filipino American Rex Araneta trying to help his college sweetheart, Aaron, save his drag karaoke bar by taking his secret, internet famous drag persona, Regina Moon Dee, into the light of day only to find himself having to hide his alter ego from his father and falling for a new man along the way.

I loved the messy but relatable family drama in this book that was FANTASTIC on audio narrated by RuPaul's Drag race runner up, Manila Luzon, a famous Filipino American drag queen whose voice lends an extra authenticity to this story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and digital copy in exchange for my honest review! This book is perfect for fans of the tv show and anyone who enjoys authors like Alexis Hall or books like Dragged to the wedding by Andrew Grey.

Karaoke Queen by Dominic Lim
Contemporary M-M romance. Diverse, own voices, closed door.
Rex Araneta was a performer from a young age. Singing, dancing, make-up and dressing up. Finding all the colors and variations of women’s clothing was a revelation but male family members convinced Rex it was a passion to be hidden at the back of the closet.
Now, as an adult, Rex finds his college sweetheart working at a karaoke bar close to work. The bars is a bit run down and needs a boost and before he even realizes what he saying, Rex is volunteering to bring in friends, and make a drag Queen event a regular thing at the bar. Or rather, his alter ego, Regina Moon Dee will perform. Rex is a little rusty but he’s got good friends and plenty of support from his mother, sister, and friends. Including Paola who will help Rex in any way possible.
Rex starts off trying to impress the old boyfriend, but it soon turns more introspective as Rex realizes the dressing and performing is for himself and something he needs.

Self analysis and self awareness can be painful and difficult. It’s included in this story and caused a few tears for me but the angst was actually relatively low. The budding romance was low key and the ultimately happy was included for the full cast which made it quite touching.
An entertaining and uplifting coming out (drag queen performing) romance.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

This book was such a joy to read with Rex on a chance meeting reconnects with his college boyfriend, Aaron, and agrees to help save a struggling gay bar to help win him back.

Rex decides to bring back his drag persona, Regina Moon Dee back for karaoke night to bring business. I enjoyed the back story to Rex's journey to wanting to be a drag queen and how supportive his mom was. All of the supporting characters including Rex's sister and friends added so much depth to the story.

I enjoyed Paolo's story as well and his growth in the family business.

After reading this, I just want to eat some Filipino food and go karaoke with my friends.

Thank you @readforeverpub and the author for a copy of the book.

I really wanted to get this ARC read by the end of release day, which is today. I managed it right under the line and I'm so glad I did! I love and respect the art of drag and enjoyed the author's debut novel, so I was so excited to hear about this one and it did not disappoint. Rex is Filipino and though he started exploring his feminine side in secret as a kid (with the support of his mom and sister) and was a baby drag queen later in his teen years hosting karaoke (with his Tito, aka Beaucoup Buko) he didn't feel safe and knew his dad didn't approve. After suppressing that side of himself for years, an encounter with an ex at a gay bar brings forth Regina Moon Dee again, but still keeping it secret from his dad and said ex that he is the queen. Meanwhile, the cute KJ, Paolo, helps him and sparks fly. This was part queer romance, part family drama, part love letter to Filipino food and culture, part self-acceptance journey, and part commentary on what it means to be a drag queen and how that is still sometimes received negatively or even dangerously. It took me a bit to get into it but I think that was more my mood reader brain fighting against the deadline I imposed on myself because once I buckled down I really enjoyed it! Thanks for the arc, Forever Pub!

Karaoke Queen by Dominic Lim is a beautifully written queer romantic comedy that explores why it's important to love all parts of ourselves. This novel is incredibly well written and the character development is multifaceted and quite brilliant. Having been involved with the LGBTQ IA community for over half of my life I resonated with this book in so many ways.

Rex, a gay Filipino man and retired drag queen has gone to college and returned to California for a job and to be close to family. He is out one night at a local drag bar which was clearly not doing well when he is recognized as his former self, drag queen Regina Moon Dee. In fear he hurriedly leaves the bar. When he returns the next day, he runs into his former love interest Aaron who now owns the bar. Aaron asks Rex for help and Rex agrees. The best way to help? Regina! Regina, the beautiful and successful drag queen holds so many memories both good and bad for Rex so this is a big deal for him.

As an avid reader of both queer novels and romantic comedies this novel is a wonderful mixture of both and is done in the most beautiful way! I will be reading everything that Dominic Lim writes! A new favorite author for sure!

Rex Araneta is a gay Filipino man in his late 20s who has buttoned up his once fabulous drag side. As a kid, his conservative father thought Rex was overacting, though his mom and sister loved Rex’s singing and femme aspirations. His uncle/drag mother, Tito Melboy, saw Rex’s raw talent and envisioned a bright future for them in the San Fran drag scene. But a really bad homophobic altercation led to Rex giving up drag, moving to Indiana for college, and then coming back to Oakland to work as an executive assistant. Rex’s dad really wants him to pursue law school, but Rex has zero interest. He hasn’t sung a song or dusted off his drag gear in nearly a decade.

While out with his bestie at a gay bar karaoke night, Rex meets Paolo, a fellow Filipino who’s running the stage — poorly. Rex runs out when Paolo attempts to get him on stage, but he later returns to the bar to retrieve his abandoned debit card. And that’s when he reconnects with Aaron, the ex he most missed when leaving Indiana to return home. Aaron’s now out, bartending and managing a gay bar, and Rex harbors some hope to rekindle that lost flame. In doing so, he promises to help Aaron and the bar owner get more customers into the bar to save it from bankruptcy.

This is a cute story about being true queer people out in the world. Rex hiding his drag side has affected his relationships and self-image. As Regina Moon Dee, he was fearless and funny, while his day-to-day life is very repressed, in manner and dress. Part of the gimmick to entice more bar patrons includes the return of Regina to the stage. Aaron doesn’t actually find drag appealing, however, so Rex decides to keep that side hidden. Rex begs Paolo for some assistance at keeping up the ruse that he and Regina are two different people–which works for a while. That said, Paolo’s only helping Rex out so he can spend more time around him. Their budding friendship (and more) is vital to Rex’s journey to love his whole self.

Don’t expect a lot of steam, but do expect a witty and well-paced story. There’s so much Filipino culture and heart, I wished for a glossary and recipe list. Paolo is a great foil to Rex because he sees a bigger picture, and yet has his own blind spots when it comes to family expectations. There’s a lot of joy, a lot of drag, and a boatload of karaoke on the way to the supremely happy ending. I found myself smiling and giggling as I experienced Rex and Paolo’s misadventures. It was really neat how the flashbacks informed the present, allowing redemption and recognition for Rex.

If you enjoy drag, karaoke, or unapologetically fabulous Filipinos, you’ll want to read this book.

This book was a warm hug of queer joy! I enjoyed Dominic Lim’s first book and had been looking forward to this since it was announced, and I am pleased to say that it did not disappoint. There was clearly a lot research that went into this book, from the detailed description of the trials and tribulations of doing drag (including the infamous tuck) to the references to RuPaul’s Drag Race, the cultural touchstone for many drag fans. Also, the book oozed love for Filipino culture, particularly in the detailed food descriptions, which were mouthwatering! I particularly enjoyed the focus on the importance of familial love, both in the Filipino blood family context and in the queer found family culture.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book for all fans of queer stories, particularly those with an interest in drag, music, or both.

A fun entertaining romantic comedy that showcases why it's important to love all parts of ourselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have not read Lim's debut novel yet, but after this, I will be adding it to my list.

While the plots are different, I really got vibes of Mrs. Doubtfire from this book. In the sense that the main character is hiding his identity while in drag. It works on paper, but if this were a film or tv show, I am not sure it would be as believable. I loved the main character being a person of color, and the Filipino culture is so present throughout the novel that it was very refreshing to see and I wanted more!

This is my first "drag" book and I wasn't sure what to expect, but I loved it. This was also one of those rare books where I was deeply invested in the side characters and several of them are worthy of their own spin-off where they deserve all the focus.

My only issue with this novel was the use of some of the flashbacks and use of "Two Hours Earlier", this is a trope that I loathe. I also had issues with the main character's love interest. They just didn't feel right to me. But the writing style, plot, and character development is absolutely amazing!

I was fortunate to get an e-ARc of Karaoke Queen and absolutely loved it! This book is funny, emotional, and sweet. It also taught me a lot about drag and the community. I loved the focus on family, whether blood or found, and the importance of being true to yourself. I enjoyed all the characters and what they brought to the story, they each had their own unique voice. I will definitely be on the lookout for books by Dominic Lim because this was an absolute delight!

Karaoke Queen by Dominic Lim was a wonderful and well written story.
This was a fun, enjoyable read and I cannot wait to see more from this amazing author.

I really enjoyed this cute, quick, low-steam read. I read it poolside and it was a great beach/vacay read! I loved all the details of drag culture, as well as Filipino heritage. Lim's writing is accessible, easy to read, and very personal. You really get inside the main character's head and understand his thoughts and motivations. Even when he makes choices that maybe *you* wouldn't make, it makes sense why *he* does those things.

We got:
**Great found family, and great bio family too. I feel like often in queer books it's ONLY found family, and I understand and appreciate why that is sometimes the case, but it was nice to see Rex figuring out how to communicate and get to his HEA with bio family too.
**Being your true authentic self and finding someone to love ALL of you, not just parts
**Amazing food rep!
**Lighthearted comedy, laugh out loud moments, impossible impersonations, and general shenanigans
**Lots of love and lots of heart
**Intersectional rep
**Male characters who aren't all burly 8 pack alpha-hole never have I felt a feeling types; I appreciate the diversity in the male characters!

Trigger warnings for {SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER] hate crime & violence. [END SPOILER]

The only thing I wasn't a fan of, and what kept it from being a 5 star read for me, was some time jumps that I felt were a bit jarring and unnecessary. We would get like almost a "this season on...* highlight where a chapter would open with a paragraph or two about some high stakes situation the character was currently in and then there would be like a "three hours earlier" or something and take you back to the main story. I felt this device was distracting and for me personally it didn't really work.

However, I still greatly enjoyed the book, just like I enjoyed Lim's previous book, All The Right Notes. If All The Right Notes was a hit for you, I bet you'll love this one too!

Karaoke Queen was an excellent read. I was a little unsure at the start how I would feel about the whole double identity thing and keeping secrets but it was done really well and I loved the story. The romance was good too. I’m a huge fan of drag so I felt confident I would love this, I’ll be getting a copy for my shelves!

E-ARC generously provided by Forever in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!

4.5 stars. Jubilant in the queer Filipino joy that it celebrates and thoughtful in its exploration of what it means to have an intersectional identity, Karaoke Queen is a soaring high note of a romcom that struck me in a personal place I wasn't quite expecting.

First thanks to forever books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: Rex and his friend go to a karaoke bar that has seen better days. When he realizes it is managed by his college boyfriend Aaron. he decides to help him bring it back with the help of his alter ego Regina moon Dee . However Aaron can’t know about his alter ego so he comes up with another plan involving his karaoke jockey. Will his plan work or change the course?

What I liked: I became a fan of Dominic lim from his first novel and this novel cemented it. I love his positive and sweet messages but also real messages in his stories. In this book Rex was confident but still hid part of himself from the people that loved him. I loved how Rex, his sister and mom were connected and could share so much with each other. Of course I loved Regina moon Dee and how he shared the entire journey good and bad with us. Pablo was fun and enjoyed their relationship. Even though I could see their relationship coming I still was happy for them.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and the positive message it provides.

Thank you so much to @netgalley and THE @jdominiclim for the opportunity to read an ARC of Karaoke Queen! I was so thrilled to get to read another romance in this queer musical world ☺️

Let me tell you what I loved:

👠Dominic Lim continues to wreck me emotionally with every book he writes. I should have KNOWN after All the Right Notes that this one would pack a gut punch but my goodness 😭 Rex / Regina's journey through all of his stages of drag had me tearing up. The way the complexities of being in a home that both encourages you to live your life fully, while forcing you to live your life out of a locked chest was such a push and pull. Its further exploration into the dangers of expressing one's femininity, especially as a Filipino American, while simultaneously delving into how men will both love and hate drag queens depending on the context was devastating.
👠 In the same breath, I was so grateful for all of the strong, fiercely loving characters in Karaoke Queen that brought both Rex and our readers so much joy. Tito Melboy as uncle and drag mother was such a force of light. I was so glad these two and their fabulous ball gowns could be brought back together. Eva was the best hype girl an older brother could ask for in this story. Rex's mother was an absolute trip this entire story. Her taking him shopping at the beginning of his journey had me full on tearing up. The drag queens, including our beautiful Ujima, lifting up their little drag baby throughout made my heart so full!
👠 Speaking of fiercely loving characters, Paolo was a smoke show of a cinnamon roll. I mean come ON, a leather jacket wearing, smooth talking, hottie chef / karaoke DJ?! Swoon. The way he literally sees through Rex to the beauty of both himself and Regina was so perfect for a partner. I loved how willing he was to earnestly try and understand something that was so important to Rex. Paolo's patience with Rex as he comes to terms with his full self, always gently questioning his decisions to hide himself from Aaron and his dad, but never pushing him before he's ready was so sweet.

Don't miss Karaoke Queen, coming out 09/17!

Karaoke Queen is Dominic Lim's second novel and I really enjoyed his first one, so I was looking forward to reading this one!

Rex gave up performing drag several years ago, however he encounters his ex from college, Aaron who now runs a karaoke bar. The problem is the bar is not doing well and Rex knows that if he brings back Regina, his drag persona, that is going to be the best shot to save it.

Rex knows that he is going to have to be under the radar in order to try to help for many reasons, one of them being that Aaron doesn't understand it. He makes sure he's not seen so no one knows it is really him. Rex has a very supportive mother and sister, but he knows his father would not approve. Rex gets help from his friends and his Mom and in resurrecting Regina. Will he be able to keep Regina hidden from Aaron? Will there be a second chance at romance for this duo? Will Rex be able to find his true self and be able to trust it?

Dominic Lim has a way of telling a story where you get pulled in from the beginning. I loved how the focus of this was Rex finding out who he really was and finding someone that loves every part of you. I wish there had been a few less secrets, but overall, I really enjoyed this!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Yes it's a rom com but it's a rom com like I've not read before and it's more- it's a love letter to learning to love yourself. And Filipino culture. Rex has been hiding his draq queen persona from so many people but now he's using it for good. But is it for the right man? You might root for Aaron but what about Paolo? I liked this for the characters - Rex's family is the bomb- as well as the representation and the good spirit. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Made me smile.

Dominic Lim has done it again! With his sophomore novel, Karaoke Queen, Lim introduces us to Rex and Paolo. I absolutely loved my time with these characters specifically in the book and watching them learn, grow, and develop together. I also just loved this entire universe. I loved Rex's family, you can really just feel the love radiate off the pages with this one. I loved learning more about drag as that is a topic where I am somewhat knowledgeable, but I have never personally thought about doing drag myself (much love and respect to those that do). It was incredible to see that strong sense of community and see a story that very much centers queer joy and queer happiness as our struggles are far too often what are centered in representations in the media. I just all around enjoyed the characters and the world we were in. Well done, I can't wait to read more from you. Keep them coming!! Thank you to Dominic Lim, NetGalley, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the E-Arc!

Thank you to Netgalley, Forever, and Dominic Lim for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

As a white, cisgender, heterosexual woman, this book was simply a look into an experience I've never lived and I truly enjoyed it. I cannot speak to the validity of the experience- but as an outsider- I learned, I empathized, I appreciated the passion and art and, I believe, I grew from it.

The story and POV were incredibly well written and explained. I LOVED Rex's family and their support- and how that support evolved. The intermixed romance was as tasty as the food descriptions!

Favorite passage:
DRAG AND KARAOKE.

Most people see drag as playing dress-up. Being something that you're not. Similarly, people think that karaoke is just singing someone else's song. A sad attempt at recreating the original.

But they're wrong.

Karaoke is taking something familiar and making it your own. You don't have to sound like anyone else. You can sing to the music however you want. It doesn't matter how you sound, or even how good you sound. All that matters is how good you feel when you do it.

And drag is more than just wigs and makeup. It's an escape from the restrictions that other people put on you. It's a way of telling the world what you feel inside, of sharing your truth.