Karaoke Queen

By: Dominic Lim

Narrated by: Manila Luzon

Booklist: Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Romances of 2024

A legal assistant by day becomes a karaoke queen by night to grab a second chance at love in this joyfully queer rom-com, perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall.

For Rex Araneta, his college sweetheart Aaron Berry was always the one who got away. So when he finds out that Aaron is now living in the same town and needs help saving his karaoke bar, it’s Rex to the rescue. Or more like Regina Moon Dee, Rex’s internet-famous drag queen alter ego. Even if no one can know the identity of the man behind the makeup.

As Regina’s popularity grows, Rex’s ruse becomes more difficult to keep under wraps. It even becomes a family affair with his mom and sister helping to keep his secret. It’s dawning on Rex that he’s hidden this side of himself away for far too long . . . and perhaps his real shot at love is to reveal his true self. And be loved for all that he is.

Critic reviews

"A joyous celebration of drag, karaoke, and Filipino culture. A hilarious yet fervent tribute to the places and people that make being one’s authentic self possible."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Written with heart and a sparkling voice. A pure delight!”
—Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling authors

“A beautiful love letter to the importance of being unapologetically ourselves.”

—Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of Not in Love

“Lim’s books are full of love, music, community, food, and fashion. Don’t miss them.”
—Abby Jimenez, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer

“I’m singing the praises of Karaoke Queen! Dominic Lim always delivers a hilarious and moving story about friendship, family, and love that brings all the feels.”
—Byron Lane, author of Big Gay Wedding

"I laughed, I cried, I loved. Karaoke Queen will give you all the feels!”

—Julie Soto, USA Today bestselling author of Not Another Love Song

“Dominic Lim's love of music shines through in his latest novel that's sparkly, fun, and layered with real emotion. You'll find yourself charmed by these unique, loveable characters who are full of hope."
—Sidney Karger, author of The Bump

“A romance with the irresistible melody of a Broadway hit. Lim offers up a swoony, joyful rom-com to take readers into a love story worthy of a Broadway stage.” —Entertainment Weekly, on All the Right Notes

"With its incisively etched, marvelously inclusive cast of characters, perfectly polished writing lightly dusted with sly wit, and swoon-worthy sexual chemistry, Lim’s soul-nourishing debut not only perfectly captures the hope and heartbreak of two people falling in love, but also music’s power to transform lives."—John Charles, Booklist (starred review), on All the Right Notes

"A lyrical, romantic debut with tender, moving notes about Filipino American families and queer love stories. Perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall, this is a must-have for library shelves. With a relatable queer protagonist, this uplifting book portrays the power of owning one’s truth. Heartfelt, poignant writing and iconic supporting characters boost Quito’s story. The friends-to-lovers trope is wonderfully accomplished, full of sweet yearning and perfect harmony."—Library Journal (starred review), on All the Right Notes

"Fun and effervescent.. There’s a lot of promise in Lim’s debut...with its dual-timeline storytelling, charming cast, and love of show tunes."

—Kirkus, on All the Right Notes

"Light and charming, with a hint of snark, this is a promising start for Lim."—Publishers Weekly, on All the Right Notes

Amazing Story of Being Your Authentic Self

This is such a sweet story, but yet there are some very sad events that take place. Luckily those sad events don't take away from the story.

Rex aka Regina Moon Dee, corporate nerd by day fabulous Drag Queen by night. Rex runs into his lost love in the Pink Unicorn and what happens is a wild ride into the person he left behind and the love that he thought he wanted but it was just with the wrong person.

In this book you have the strong Filipino community. Family, food and Karaoke. Rex's mom is hilarious. I work with Filipina ladies and it made me laugh even more at how mom was because I see it in my co-workers. I love it!

This story is very low spice but full of family, friends, community and self discovery.

Manila Luzon did an outstanding job at narrating and is an actual Drag Queen!

Sweet and funny and perfectly lovely

I loved it so much! The cultural immersion was to die for. Drag, Philippino, San Francisco... Ugh. I have book hangover and it's all this book's wonderful fault. %he romance was so freaking sweet and supportive and perfectly lovely, and three narrator did an amazing job and made a wonderful Rex. I can't wait to listen to it again!

Pink Unicorn for the win!

This was a new to me author and narrator. I am not usually into contemporary romance, but I loved this one. I enjoyed learning a little bit about the Philippine culture and food. I loved all the characters. Minimal angst. No on page smexy times, but that just gives the story more of a spotlight.
I will definitely try this author again.

Another winner

Great story well written love the different characters also perfectly read, Manila did a great job. I hope that Dominic has another book in the works.