I have had Karaoke Queen on my shelf and recently picked it up for a color challenge. And this tender story made my day! I loved every second of Karaoke Queen. Keep reading this book review of Karaoke Queen for my full thoughts.
Summary
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.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Scarred by the past, Karaoke Queen is a beautiful testament to the joy of being unapologetically ourselves. It is so easy to give into the fear, the past and cruelty, to suppress ourselves. But so often it’s because the world is scared by someone who is so truly themselves. There’s this judgement and envy in seeing someone be themselves when you feel like you can’t. Each moment of Karaoke Queen is tender and heartfelt. About knowing it’s never too late to return back to what brings us joy. To take up space in the world and not let others force us to hide.
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Everything from the friendships, to the love interest, to the family. It was all so great! Karaoke Queen is one of those books which I kept coming back to before bed. A joyful story about re-connecting and having others see us in all of ourselves. Find Karaoke Queen on Goodreads, Storygraph, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.