All the Right Notes

March 6, 2023
Lim debuts with a delightful queer second-chance romance between Quito Cruz, the gay Filipino narrator, and Emmett Aoki, biracial heartthrob of Sunvalley High. Alternating “Then” and “Now” chapters tell a sweet if slightly overstuffed tale that touches myriad romance tropes (enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, only one bed, forced proximity) with affection and sincerity. In high school, Quito is an anxious musical prodigy whose dad is choir director; Emmett is a popular jock who joins choir when allergies force him out of shop class. Mr. Cruz, a kindly puppet master, maneuvers the boys into a tutoring relationship, leading to an unlikely friendship and a secret romance. In the present, Quito works at a New York piano bar, and his only contact with Emmett, now an action hero, is what he sees on TV. When Quito’s dad calls to announce his retirement concert, he orders Quito to bring Emmett along to sing. Unwilling to admit he hasn’t spoken to Emmett in 20 years, Quito enlists his drag queen roommate, Ujima, to help orchestrate a reunion. Along the way there’s tempting Filipino cuisine, show tunes, and deus ex machina interventions by a universe determined to bring these guys together. Light and charming, with a hint of snark, this is a promising start for Lim. Agent: Gina Panettieri, Talcott Notch Literary.

Starred review from April 1, 2023

DEBUT A hometown concert becomes a second chance for two estranged friends to reunite and rediscover their rhythm in this musical romance filled with love and pride. Piano prodigy Quito Cruz hasn't composed original songs in years and focuses on his enduring accompanist career in New York. When his father, a retired music teacher, insists he fly home to the Bay Area and help with a choir charity show, Quito can't say no. Likewise, he has to fulfill his dad's request to invite superstar actor Emmett Aoki, Quito's high school best friend and musical partner, up until they left things on a bad note in college. But when Emmett signs on for the choir show, performing the songs they know by heart might be the key to opening up to each other again. 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. VERDICT 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.--Hazel Ureta

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2023
In this debut queer romance, a musician must convince an old high school friend, now an actual movie star, to perform at his father's retirement concert. Quito Cruz and Emmett Aoki seemed like opposites in high school. Emmett was a popular athlete, already modeling underwear for Macy's ads. Quito was the son of Sunvalley High School's choir teacher, and while he was gifted with music, his sexuality made him a target for bullies. When Emmett joined the choir after dropping out of woodshop, both Quito and his father saw a diamond in the rough. With a less-than-subtle nudge, Mr. Cruz convinced Quito to tutor Emmett in singing, leading to a tentative friendship and a secret relationship between the boys. Now, as adults, they haven't spoken in decades. Quito plays at a Manhattan piano bar and dreams of producing his own Broadway show. Emmett is a famous action star, starring in a spy thriller on Apple TV. When Quito's father decides to retire, he tells Quito he's announced plans to host a retirement fundraising concert and has already promised attendees that Emmett will be performing. It's clear to Quito that his father has vastly overstated the two men's current relationship, but, unwilling to disappoint his dad, he decides to try to reunite with Emmett. With Quito narrating, the book is split between "Then" and "Now" chapters, juxtaposing awkward and sometimes painful high school moments with Quito's current life, in which he's very much stuck both professionally and romantically. He also has trouble saying no to people, which frequently leads him to overpromise things at the expense of his own emotional well-being. While the romance between Quito and Emmett is sizzling and sweet, it takes a back seat to Quito's journey of self-fulfillment, and there's a disjointedness to the book as Lim piles on the romance tropes without pause. The romance and Quito's own personal journey are both compelling, but they could have used more breathing room. There's a lot of promise in Lim's debut, though, with its dual-timeline storytelling, charming cast, and love of show tunes. A fun and effervescent, if uneven, debut.

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