After hearing that his college sweetheart’s karaoke bar is in trouble, Rex Araneta steps in as his drag queen alter ego to save the day. But can he find the courage to connect with Aaron (or his cute new friend Paolo) without the fabulous persona?

I read and loved Dominic Lim's debut novel and have been eagerly awaiting his next release. It makes my heart so happy to have a story like this exist in the world that explores family connection, culture, the art form of drag, and what it means to fully live your life authentically. As a romance reader, I found myself wishing the romance arc was stronger (I'd personally call this more of a contemporary coming-of-age story). It took me a while to feel confident that Aaron was not going to be Rex's true love interest, and Paolo isn't even mentioned in the book's summary. I also felt like there was some unintentional fatphobia around Rex's uncle, whose body type is constantly described in a way no other characters' is.

I'm a huge fan of Manila Luzon as a drag artist and I really love Hachette Audio intentionally working with a Filipino-American drag queen who can imbue the story with an additional layer of authenticity and heart. I did find myself wishing Luzon's narration was stronger and more emotionally connected to the text from an audio listener pov since it took me a bit out of the story at points. If Luzon ever narrators again, I'd love to listen to see how the style has improved and I think there are so many incredible drag queen performers who do great character and voice work that I'd love to see more of them given the option to explore audio narrator.

Overall, while this didn't entirely work for me as a romance audiobook, I still really enjoy seeing the growth of Lim's career as an author and look forward to what he brings us next and I think a lot of readers would find much to connect with in Rex's journey of self-acceptance and growth, and I'd recommend it especially to readers who enjoy reading about how messy and complicated that growth can be.

Dominic Lim has a specific voice that exudes self-reflection and struggle with identify. Allowing his characters the chance to struggle through rather than avoid. This novel offers a beautiful look at family, communication, love, and identity. Trying to be someone you are not for someone you like never ends positively. Lim's exploration of that identity formation is beautifully written.

I initially didn’t think this book would really be my jam, but oh my god did it turn out to be absolutely DELIGHTFUL!! I thoroughly enjoyed myself while listening to the audiobook. Not only was the narrator FANTASTIC at giving each character their own voice, but he also added so much to the heart of the story.

While this book did have a romantic plot, I honestly don’t think that romance was the main focus of the book. I think the far more important romance was the romance you find with yourself. Reading about Rex falling back in love with every aspect of himself made me so emotional. Not only that, but also the love and support shown between the whole family. It was enough to make me incredibly weepy.

How Dominic Lim managed to balance heart and humor so expertly, I will never know, but I will thank him for it.

Thank you to Forever for sending me a finished copy of Karaoke Queen. Thank you to Netgalley for the ALC.

Karaoke Queen is an absolute joy! This charming queer rom-com had me hooked from the very first page. Rex Araneta’s journey as a legal assistant by day and a karaoke queen by night is both heartwarming and hilarious. His alter ego, Regina Moon Dee, brings a delightful flair to the story, and I found myself eagerly anticipating every performance.

The dynamic between Rex and his college sweetheart, Aaron, is beautifully crafted. Their chemistry is palpable, and it was so satisfying to see Rex get a second chance at love even if it is not with Aaron. The backdrop of the karaoke bar adds a vibrant energy, making it the perfect setting for their rekindled romance.

What truly stood out to me was the sense of family. Rex’s big Filipino family plays a pivotal role, and their support, mixed with the hilarious antics of trying to keep Rex's secret identity under wraps, adds a layer of warmth and authenticity. It reminded me of the importance of being true to oneself, and how love can flourish when we embrace all parts of who we are.

Lim's writing is both witty and heartfelt, and his characters are wonderfully relatable. If you’re looking for a sweet, uplifting read that celebrates love, identity, and family, Karaoke Queen is your book.

Thanks you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book, The narration was well done.

This is a sweet M-M romance with a beautiful cast of supporting characters. I loved the MC's Filipino family! This explores the arc of accepting yourself and choosing the people who accept you for who you really are. The narrator was fantastic. His voice encompassed the characters fully.
I would definitely recommend this audiobook to romance readers.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the audio ARC!

DNF at 50%

I just really did not like this book. I tried, but it felt off. Like, I can’t quite put my finger on what didn’t feel right, but there was something.

I continued with it as far I did in hopes that maybe the further into the story I got that it might get better, but it didn’t.

Maybe I’m the wrong audience for this book. I don’t know… I really disliked the MC, he seemed incredibly self-centred and selfish. I also didn’t like the way he was immediately falling all over his ex, when they had said basically nothing to each other, as well as the objectifying language used. It felt like there was some sort of reckoning coming, but I just couldn’t be arsed to keep with it to find out.

And lastly, I really disliked the amount of lying that was going on throughout the story. And obviously I understand that sometimes you have to do what you have to do to be yourself and live your life, but this just really felt… wrong?

Overall, this just was not the book for me.

Years ago Rex packed up Regina's things and never performed drag again. Now, as he tries to help an ex revitalize an iconic gay bar- he may need Regina's help one last time. But as he gets back into performing and feels that familiar rush, he wonders if he can give it up again. Faced with the choice of disappointing his father, his ex, or himself, Rex must choose who's acceptance is most important to him- theirs or his own? Brimming with heart, queer joy, and family, Lim has created a story that beautifully captures the queer community. This story feels like that moment when you look around the table and realize you've found family that loves and accepts you.

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.