Karaoke Queen by Dominic Lim follows Rex Araneta, who rekindles a connection with his college sweetheart, Aaron Berry, by helping to save his karaoke bar through the persona of Regina Moon Dee, Rex's secret drag queen alter ego. As Regina's fame grows, Rex must confront his fears of revealing his true identity, realizing that embracing his authentic self might be the key to finding lasting love.

What a fantastic sophomore novel! Karaoke Queen not only opened my eyes to the vibrant world of drag (which I knew very little about beforehand), but also deepened my appreciation for Filipino culture—I was craving Filipino food by the time I finished reading! The story, set in the Bay Area, made me nostalgic for my time living there. The entire book is narrated from Rex’s perspective, offering intriguing insights into his childhood, his introduction to drag, and the birth of his drag persona, Regina Moon Dee. The flashbacks were crucial in shaping the present-day narrative, making the story even more compelling. I was particularly moved by the significance behind Regina’s name, which added a powerful layer of meaning to the story. The characters were wonderfully drawn—Rex’s mom, Eva, and Kat were standouts, and Paolo was an absolute sweetheart. By the end, I just wanted to hug both Paolo and Rex! Overall, Karaoke Queen is an entertaining read with a serious undertone, and I’ll definitely be picking up anything Dominic Lim writes in the future!

This book was a love letter to karaoke and drag, and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Dominic Lim’s writing is so good, you just slip into the story right away. This story touches on a lot of topics, and does have some content warnings listed at the beginning of the book.

If you love found families, love of music (especially karaoke), Filipino food, love and acceptance, you will enjoy this book. There is a lot of joy in this book, but it also touches on complicated relationships with family members.

Overall, I enjoyed Karaoke Queen. I enjoyed seeing the queer representation of how impactful drag can be for queer individuals of all ages. Karaoke Queen explores Filipino culture, queer culture and how the two can intersect without ignoring the struggles of being a person of color, queer and a drag queen. This book could not have been released at a better time. There is a great need for media that explores these themes and creates space for queer and drag kings and queens to see themselves. The overall pacing was a bit slow for my taste and the format of the flashbacks was not what I'm used to, but overall I enjoyed Karaoke Queen.

Karaoke Queen was a well written book that I really enjoyed.
I really appreciate the LGBT representation.
The characters were well written, and heartbreaking at times.
Well worth the read.

Can Rex bring back his drag persona and help an old friend (and lover) save his karaoke bar, and maybe find love and acceptance along the way?

Rex gave up performing in drag years ago, locking his beloved alter ego, Regina Moon Dee, away for good. Or so he thought. When he runs into an ex, Aaron, and hopes for a second chance, he dives into helping Aaron save his karaoke bar. Bringing back Regina is the bar’s best shot, but Aaron still isn’t comfortable out of the closet and definitely isn’t comfortable with a drag queen partner.

So what’s a drag queen to do? Well, make sure Aaron doesn’t actually see him or find out, for one. Indeed, the story focuses on keeping secrets in a world where danger lurks at every turn, whether it’s loved ones’ rejections or physical harm. Rex has unwavering and enthusiastic support from his mom and sister (any reader would wish for the enthusiastic love and cheerleading Rex gets from his mom), but knows his dad would not approve. He must balance being true to himself with maintaining the good relationship he worked hard to build with his dad.

The author weaves the theme of acceptance, self and external, beautifully throughout the book. Rex has mostly learned to accept himself, but still worries and pines for acceptance from others in his life. He’s asked multiple times why he’d want to be with someone (Aaron) who won’t accept and love him for who he is, when there are people who will. And I found myself asking the same question—is the stress and effort of being someone you’re not worth it? No way.

Another beautiful theme of Karaoke Queen is the complexity of relationships—familial, friend, romantic—and how you can always find your way with someone you love and who loves you. Rex’s blood and found family—and the right guy—hope to help him through and push him to embrace his true self and find love in the perfect place.

This was such a fun and touching story. Rex is brought, against his will, to a karaoke bar with a friend one night. He rushes out in a hurry when someone tries to force him to get on stage to do karaoke. He realizes the next day he left his wallet there and when he goes back to retrieve it, he runs into the one who got away Aaron. Aaron is in town, but maybe not for long since the bar he’s working at is in trouble. Rex can help, but he’ll have to bring back his internet famous drag queen persona to help. Things get very complicated as Rex tries to balance being both Rex and Regina Moon Dee and all the secrets he is keeping from others. This was a great story about finding yourself, and learning how to love yourself. I loved the Pink Unicorn, all the vibrant side characters, and all the healing and support the drag queens received. What a beautiful book of self acceptance and love. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up. I'd like to thank the publisher, Forever, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I really enjoyed this journey of growth for our main character, Rex, in coming to terms with both his family, his own identity, and his relationships. This was a fun dive into the world of drag, and I feel like I learned a lot too!

I would have liked a little more development of the relationships, rather than an immediate love, but other than that this was a quick and easy read.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

This book gave me all the feels. I branched out of my comfort zone reading an lgbtq book, and I’m glad I did!

Overall I really did enjoy Karaoke Queen. It was light, easy, full of queer joy. I read it in pretty much one sitting. I loved the Drag Race references and all of the songs referenced. I also loved all of the food references

I did feel like the writing style was a little choppy, it kept jumping between past and present so sometimes it was hard to follow.

The plot could have used some work, it was pretty predictable. But overall if you love drag race and MLM romances, this book is for you

Rex Araneta's drag queen alter ego, Regina Moon Dee, has been out of the limelight for a while. But when his college ex-boyfriend, Aaron, comes back into the picture, Rex decides that Regina Moon Dee might be just the thing that helps Aaron's failing karaoke bar and also helps his own way back into Aaron's heart. This book was so much fun, from the quick changes to the decoy dress-ups, it kept me thoroughly entertained. There also is an aspect of identity and self-acceptance that plays a huge role in Rex's growth as the novel progresses.

Karaoke Queen provides a full package of fun banter, silly plans, and heart-warming moments. With multiple love interests and self-exploration, this novel has something everyone will enjoy!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rex has always wanted a second chance with his ex Aaron so what are the chances of him being the manager of the bar he left his credit card at by accident?
Aaron needs help to save the bar. Rex thinks his secret retired drag queen persona might be the key but Aaron doesn't seem into drag. How can he save the bar, keep his secret, and get the guy?

This was an amazing book. Expect laughter and tears reading about Rex and his life. His mom is the absolute best - supportive in his drag, helping him learn how to do make-up, buying him dresses, and she's also where he gets his singing talents from. I laughed out loud at her versions of songs (I want to hold your ham). Couldn't put this one down and definitely recommend!

For whatever reason I thought that this book would be more about karaoke, and I was fine with that. I support the right of men to wear women's clothing and go drag, but it is not something I really want to read a novel about.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

A celebration in unity and individuality. A celebration of love and home. A celebration of self. No matter your orientation or where you stand, this book does all it can to celebrate those who deserve it. Bravo

I was excited to read another Dominic Lim book and Karaoke Queen did not disappoint! Lim has a way of crafting characters that are so endearing and heartfelt that the story sucks you in. I love the representation of different communities and how they intersect. At first I was positive who the love interest would be, but I'm delighted with the the pacing and growth of the characters, their goals, and the overall story!

"Karaoke Queen" was a quick, fun, and charming read! Rex, our main character, was a refreshing take on a young 20-something living in Los Angeles, and a much-needed perspective to read more about. Lim's writing made it easy to fall into his world, his relationships, and to learn more about his identity.

I very much appreciated the dives into the side characters, especially Tito Melboy and Paolo. I thought this book was a perfect example of found family, especially when it eventually included Rex's bio family after some touch conversations.

My only drawback was the "tension" between Aaron and Paolo - the "right choice" was too obvious and I though the symbolism of honesty was a bit heavy-handed in this situation. However, this whole book really just made me feel warm and fuzzy.

Huge thanks to Dominic Lim, Forever, and NetGalley for a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank Forever Publishing and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. This story is so cute!! Rex goes out for a night of karaoke at the Pink Unicorn, he meets Paolo the KJ of the bar, there’s a spark but Rex hasn’t done karaoke in years and he’s not about to start now. Then while getting a drink he realizes his ex-boyfriend Aaron is the bartender. Could this be a second chance at romance? And when Aaron needs help keeping the bar open what better way for Rex to get closer to him then help. Could he bring back Regina Moon Dee, his drag self? He promised himself he wouldn’t do it again after what happened but for Aaron? Problem is Aaron doesn’t get drag so Rex can’t let him know he’s Regina Moon Dee. Enter his mom, sister, Tito Melboy, and friends, who all help him bring back Regina Moon Dee. He even gets help from Paolo, the KJ who he sparked with and also makes him feel seen, both as Rex and Regina Moon Dee. Can he rekindle his passion for drag? Will he be able to hide Regina Moon Dee from Aaron? Will he find his whole self again? Dominic Lim has done it again! A beautiful story of finding yourself and loving who you truly are! Also finding someone who loves all of you! How powerful family can be, both blood and found! I also loved learning more about drag, I’ve always wanted to do drag. Sweet, charming, heartwarming, at times heartbreaking, and wonderful! Will have you in the feels! Also you may just see a familiar character! A can’t miss read!!

Just like Dominic Lim’s debut, All the Right Notes, Karaoke Queen is a fluffy story with a serious undertone. Rex stopped doing drag years ago. But when he wants to help his ex, Aaron, his love for drag comes tumbling back, and he finds himself (or herself) back on stage again.

What I loved most is that this story is taking us in a different direction than the blurb implies—a much better direction. I adored Kat, Eva, Rex’s mom, Tito, Bryan, and even Aaron (even though I had to warm up to him), but Paolo was my favorite. Such a sweet, sweet guy!

I could have done with fewer secrets, but overall I enjoyed myself immensely. I don’t want to say too much; just read this book!

The last time Rex performed, it ended badly. He no longer does karaoke—and he no longer does drag. It's safer that way, and when he runs into the One Who Got Away, he knows that now more than ever he needs to keep his more flamboyant side under wraps...because that might be the only way to get the second chance he dreams of. Never mind that drag might be the best way to save the struggling bar where his ex works; never mind that Rex has never been happier than when he's cinched and tucked and wearing a fabulous dress and singing his heart out. He can keep things separate. But keeping things separate starts requiring more and more subterfuge...

I can't resist a drag queen story—or, I suppose I *could*, but why would I want to? In most of his life Rex is pretty confident in who he is: he has a job he likes and a family who support him (some to further degrees than others, but fundamentally they all do support him) and a thriving Filipino community around him. He knows that his drag style leans a bit tacky, with color combinations to put your eyes out (I think this is supposed to be his fatal flaw?), but at the end of the day he's pretty okay with that. But: he's also willing to lock the core of himself away in a box to please someone else, whether or not they've given any indication that they deserve the effort.

What I like about the love sort-of triangle: Aaron not a bad guy. It's clear pretty early on—no spoilers here—that there's someone else who is a better fit for Rex, but Aaron, while as boring as unflavored, unsweetened oatmeal, is perfectly fine; he does not (okay, *slight* spoiler) at any point turn out to be a raging asshole. This is a really, really low bar for a not-the-right-one love interest in a romance novel, but it's rare nonetheless, so credit where it's due. But my gosh, I wish Rex weren't so ready to throw his authentic self under the bus, over and over again, to please someone else. Oh, also, *this* is what Rex describes as 'neither neat nor disorderly'? "A distinct man-smell permeates the rooms, unwashed clothes and meat-heavy meals mixed with about-to-expire air freshener. From here, I can see into his bedroom. A single bargain-basement comforter hangs off the edge of his bed, clothes are heaped on the floor, and empty beer bottles lay strewn across the dresser." (loc. 1860*) This is not a criticism of the book, but Rex! Raise your standards! That is absolutely disorderly! 'Unwashed clothes' is not what you should be able to smell in someone's apartment! At least ask the boy to open a window, my god.

Okay, okay. Rant over. The whole book has something of a campy feel, with some wish fulfillment to it. Later in the book, Rex learns something about his actual love interest that makes him (to Rex and to Rex's family) an even bigger 'catch', and I sort of wish that part of things hadn't made it through the edits—it's clear to the reader that Rex was into the guy before he learned this piece of information, but I have to wonder what the love interest thinks about Rex's 'I'm into you too' coming so close on the heels of learning this info. (And not much later, Rex puts the love interest on the spot in public to ask him to help out, and like...my dude...maybe ask that privately?) Rex's mother, while over the top as all hell, is a great lot of fun, and it's nice to see books with so much family support—reminds me a little of "I'll Have What He's Having", which I also read recently.

One to read for the camp and the rainbows. Too bad this one wasn't out in time for Pride, but there's never a bad time for a new drag-queen novel.

(The cover, though—it's eye-catching, right? But it also feels a little bit like the only reference the artist had for drag was RuPaul. Hmm.)

*Quotes are from an ARC and may not be final.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

I was going through my library and I realized I've never read a single book about a Drag Queen!! I know, but don't judge me. I will say this book was a pleasant surprise. Rex was a breath of fresh air and every side of him seemed authentic and realistic not at all like a caricature I was afraid I'd be reading about. The romance between Rex and Aaron was so sweet and the support system Rex has in his family is such a privilege. If you're looking for a quick, fun read (that still tackles serious subjects), please pick this book up!