In Karaoke Queen, 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, Karaoke Queen 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.  

Dominic Lim weaves the theme of acceptance, self and external, beautifully throughout Karaoke Queen. 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—help him through and push him to embrace his true self and find love in the perfect place.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for giving me an early peek at Karaoke Queen! All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Rating: 4.5
Themes and Tropes: Second Chance, LGBTQ+, drag, acceptance, secrets, found family, personal growth
Steam: None
Pair With: Wines that support LGBTQ+ causes. 

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