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A review by omgvalkyrie
All The Right Notes by Dominic Lim
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
All the Right Notes hit all the right notes for me. This debut novel from Dominic Lim was such a delight to read. I found myself laughing and crying and smiling the whole way through.
All the Right Notes is from Quito’s Single POV and it alternates from the present and back in his high school/early college days. Quito’s adult NYC life is shaken up after his aging father asks him to come home for his retirement and to bring his teen best friend home with him, despite him being one of Hollywood’s now biggest stars! Emmett Aoki is a mainstay in each timeframe and Quito is forced to confront what their relationship is in each also.
One of my favorite parts of reading is getting to experience a world that isn’t my own. I am by no means the child of immigrants or of Filipino descent, but having the opportunity to peek into the lives and culture of Filipino folks was something I will cherish. The food may as well have jumped up off the page at me. Had my mouth watering the whole book! The inclusion of Tagalog was also really cool! I’m not a speaker by any means, but the context that was provided helped a lot! The dynamic between Quito & his father was absolutely heart-warming. Who doesn’t want a supportive and loving dad? He never gave up on his son! Excuse me while I sob again.
The representation in the cast of characters was fabulous, not only did we have two Asian-American leads, but queer too! The supporting cast also included the most fabulous character that I wish I could be BFFs with! Jee is the non-binary deity of my dreams. They were a scene-stealer wherever they appeared!
The chemistry between Quito & Emmett was so palpable (Despite how much Quito wants to deny that it isn’t there). I loved being able to go on their journey with them. Also really enjoyed the non-linear sharing of their past. The pacing of information revealed really added to the emotional build-up.
One of the things that truly blew me away was the sheer amount of music and references to musicals this novel had! But then learning about Lim’s musical past, I don’t know why I expected anything less! The choir experience his characters went through resonated with me so much. Also, the lasting impact that a great teacher can have on not just the years we are instructed by them, but also the rest of our lives was showcased brilliantly!
-Single POV with Alternating Timelines
-New York City/San Francisco
-Second Chance
-Slow Burn
-Opposites Attract
-Bit of Found Family
-Low Spice, but such a beautiful romance.
CW/TW: Homophobia, Death of Parent (On-Screen), Infidelity (Not MCs)
All the Right Notes releases just in time for Pride this year! June 6th you can pick up your own copy! ARC provided by Forever Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own
All the Right Notes is from Quito’s Single POV and it alternates from the present and back in his high school/early college days. Quito’s adult NYC life is shaken up after his aging father asks him to come home for his retirement and to bring his teen best friend home with him, despite him being one of Hollywood’s now biggest stars! Emmett Aoki is a mainstay in each timeframe and Quito is forced to confront what their relationship is in each also.
One of my favorite parts of reading is getting to experience a world that isn’t my own. I am by no means the child of immigrants or of Filipino descent, but having the opportunity to peek into the lives and culture of Filipino folks was something I will cherish. The food may as well have jumped up off the page at me. Had my mouth watering the whole book! The inclusion of Tagalog was also really cool! I’m not a speaker by any means, but the context that was provided helped a lot! The dynamic between Quito & his father was absolutely heart-warming. Who doesn’t want a supportive and loving dad? He never gave up on his son! Excuse me while I sob again.
The representation in the cast of characters was fabulous, not only did we have two Asian-American leads, but queer too! The supporting cast also included the most fabulous character that I wish I could be BFFs with! Jee is the non-binary deity of my dreams. They were a scene-stealer wherever they appeared!
The chemistry between Quito & Emmett was so palpable (Despite how much Quito wants to deny that it isn’t there). I loved being able to go on their journey with them. Also really enjoyed the non-linear sharing of their past. The pacing of information revealed really added to the emotional build-up.
One of the things that truly blew me away was the sheer amount of music and references to musicals this novel had! But then learning about Lim’s musical past, I don’t know why I expected anything less! The choir experience his characters went through resonated with me so much. Also, the lasting impact that a great teacher can have on not just the years we are instructed by them, but also the rest of our lives was showcased brilliantly!
-Single POV with Alternating Timelines
-New York City/San Francisco
-Second Chance
-Slow Burn
-Opposites Attract
-Bit of Found Family
-Low Spice, but such a beautiful romance.
CW/TW: Homophobia, Death of Parent (On-Screen), Infidelity (Not MCs)
All the Right Notes releases just in time for Pride this year! June 6th you can pick up your own copy! ARC provided by Forever Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Homophobia
The Infidelity is not committed by either of the main characters.