The Recommended Reading Order for Dominic Lim
Dominic Lim has established himself as a prominent voice in modern queer romance. Known for his background in classical music and musical theater, Lim infuses his stories with performance art, family bonds, and the vibrant culture of the San Francisco Bay Area. To date, his novels exist in a shared contemporary universe, serving as standalones that can technically be read in any order. However, following the publication order is highly recommended to fully appreciate the character development and the subtle threads that tie these stories together.
Here is the recommended reading path for Dominic Lim's books:
- All the Right Notes (2023)
- Karaoke Queen (2024)
The Companion Connections: The "Ujima" Universe
While each of Dominic Lim's books focuses on a self-contained romantic couple with a complete happily-ever-after (HEA), they are set in the same community and share key recurring characters. The most significant bridge between the novels is a supporting character named Ujima. In Lim's debut, All the Right Notes, Ujima is introduced as a supportive, warm, and loyal friend who uses they/them pronouns. They navigate their own gender identity journey, providing a grounding presence for the protagonist. In Karaoke Queen, Ujima returns as a key member of the community, cementing the books' connection.
Reading the books in order allows you to follow Ujima’s personal timeline and watch their friend group grow. Author Dominic Lim has also indicated that Ujima is planned to be the romantic lead in a future third installment, making their appearances in these first two books essential setup for what is to come.
Deep Dive: All the Right Notes (2023)
Lim’s debut novel is a swoony, second-chance, fake-dating romance that shifts between the late 1990s and the modern day. It follows the relationship of Quito Cruz, a Filipino-American piano prodigy and struggling Broadway composer, and Emmett Aoki, a former high school varsity jock who has grown up to become one of Hollywood's biggest A-list action stars.
The story kicks off when Quito’s father—a beloved retired high school choir director—suffers a health scare, prompting Quito to return to his Bay Area hometown to put together a charity concert. To pull off the event, Quito has to convince his old high school best friend (and unrequited crush) Emmett to participate. What starts as a professional reunion quickly rekindles old feelings, forcing the duo to confront the twenty-year estrangement and college-era misunderstanding that tore them apart. The book is heavily praised for its authentic portrayal of the theater world, complex family expectations, and slow-burn yearning.
Deep Dive: Karaoke Queen (2024)
Lim’s sophomore novel steps away from classical piano and dives headfirst into the glittery, high-energy world of drag and neighborhood karaoke. The story centers on Rex Araneta, a paralegal who has put his former drag persona, the internet-famous "Regina Moon Dee," on the shelf. When Rex discovers that his college ex-boyfriend, Aaron Berry, is back in town and struggling to save a local landmark gay bar called The Pink Unicorn, he feels compelled to help.
Rex decides to secretly resurrect Regina Moon Dee to host a series of high-stakes karaoke nights to bring patrons back to the bar. However, Aaron has a complicated history with drag, and Rex must keep his identity as Regina a secret to protect both the bar and their budding second chance at romance. Things become even more complicated with the introduction of Paolo, the bar's sweet and observant karaoke jockey (KJ), who challenges Rex to think about what true acceptance really looks like. Karaoke Queen is a celebration of self-worth, community activism, and finding the courage to be unapologetically yourself.
What to Know Before You Start
Dominic Lim's romances are celebrated for prioritizing queer joy and community resilience over trauma. While the characters face real-world challenges, such as navigating career struggles, coming out, and family expectations, the core tone of the books is uplifting, funny, and deeply affectionate. Both books feature a strong focus on food, music, and Filipino-American family dynamics, often featuring multi-generational households, aunties (titas), and supportive friends who feel like family.
In terms of spice, Lim's novels lean toward the low-to-medium side. The romance focuses heavily on emotional connection, shared history, and romantic tension, though there are intimate scenes that fit comfortably within the contemporary rom-com genre. If you love stories with a strong sense of place—specifically Oakland and the broader San Francisco Bay Area—and you appreciate musical references ranging from Broadway showtunes to 90s pop, Dominic Lim's books will hit all the right notes for you.