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onlyonebookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Homophobia
Minor: Infidelity
mallorypen's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
slow-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
3.75
I liked this book! I found it to be a quiet coming of age story, with a sweet second chance with a childhood love, mixed in with a soft storyline about the importance of family and acceptance.
All of the main characters - Kito, Mr. C, Emmett, Ojima - had strong character voices. I felt like I got a really solid sense of who they were, without leaning too heavily on stereotyping to get the reader there. That’s not to say there weren’t tropes, but I thought they were used with sensitivity. The longing Kito feels throughout his life - for music, for acceptance, for Emmett, for a purpose for his gifts - was a consistent theme throughout the story, and the music of music as a metaphor wasn’t overdone.
There were a few things that brought my overall rating down. The pace of the story was overall rather slow - it allowed for a really beautiful slow burn between Emmett and Kito, but sometimes I just wanted the story to pick up. I also felt that there wasn’t anything surprising about the story, and part of that was in the author’s (sometimes heavy handed) use of foreshadowing. Obviously the relationship with Mark wasn’t going to work and he was set up with the perfect person to cheat with; obviously Emmett was in love with Kito since high school. Obviously Kito was going to find his voice and purpose by following his father’s footsteps into the main thing that tied his family together, and the writing was on the wall that Emmett and Kito would end up together. I wasn’t expecting the assumed assault, but it ended up being something of a non-issue when the story was all told. For all the beauty of the slow burn, there just wasn’t much tension throughout the plot. And lastly, there were a few moments where the sentimentality got a little thick for me.
The reader did a GREAT job - accents, singing, near-tears delivery and all!
All of the main characters - Kito, Mr. C, Emmett, Ojima - had strong character voices. I felt like I got a really solid sense of who they were, without leaning too heavily on stereotyping to get the reader there. That’s not to say there weren’t tropes, but I thought they were used with sensitivity. The longing Kito feels throughout his life - for music, for acceptance, for Emmett, for a purpose for his gifts - was a consistent theme throughout the story, and the music of music as a metaphor wasn’t overdone.
There were a few things that brought my overall rating down. The pace of the story was overall rather slow - it allowed for a really beautiful slow burn between Emmett and Kito, but sometimes I just wanted the story to pick up. I also felt that there wasn’t anything surprising about the story, and part of that was in the author’s (sometimes heavy handed) use of foreshadowing. Obviously the relationship with Mark wasn’t going to work and he was set up with the perfect person to cheat with; obviously Emmett was in love with Kito since high school. Obviously Kito was going to find his voice and purpose by following his father’s footsteps into the main thing that tied his family together, and the writing was on the wall that Emmett and Kito would end up together. I wasn’t expecting the assumed assault, but it ended up being something of a non-issue when the story was all told. For all the beauty of the slow burn, there just wasn’t much tension throughout the plot. And lastly, there were a few moments where the sentimentality got a little thick for me.
The reader did a GREAT job - accents, singing, near-tears delivery and all!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Homophobia
Minor: Drug use and Sexual assault
kshertz's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
It was cute! I don’t know if movie star falling in love with a regular guy is a trope that’s hard for me, even though they are childhood friends but it was! But otherwise, this is an adorable book about falling in love and what it means. They grow up together and navigate together. It’s sweet and a must for musical fans
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Bullying, Death of parent, Homophobia, Infidelity, Alcohol, and Outing
blakeandbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Outing, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Homophobia and Terminal illness
savvyrosereads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
[Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a gifted copy for review!]
Rating: 4/5 stars
Quito Cruz is forced to reconnect with his high school friend (and crush) Emmett Aoki when Quito’s father insists the two perform together in his retirement concert.
I chose to listen to this one on audio and I am SO glad I did because the audio production was one of my favorites of all time. The narration was phenomenal, and because it is narrated by an actual Broadway actor, it also features real music and (incredible) singing, which really helped bring the story to life.
I was not necessarily expecting the emotional gut punch that this book had, but, yes, I definitely cried. Even though I don’t share any of the “main” characteristics of the MCs (I’m straight, I’m white, I’m a woman, etc) I still found so many aspects of the story to be relatable, and I really really loved the characters and the message it delivered. If this one sounds good to you, I wholeheartedly recommend it (especially on audio!)
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: second chance romance; dynamic audiobooks; books about music/theater
CW: Death of parent; grief; mentions of sexual assault
Rating: 4/5 stars
Quito Cruz is forced to reconnect with his high school friend (and crush) Emmett Aoki when Quito’s father insists the two perform together in his retirement concert.
I chose to listen to this one on audio and I am SO glad I did because the audio production was one of my favorites of all time. The narration was phenomenal, and because it is narrated by an actual Broadway actor, it also features real music and (incredible) singing, which really helped bring the story to life.
I was not necessarily expecting the emotional gut punch that this book had, but, yes, I definitely cried. Even though I don’t share any of the “main” characteristics of the MCs (I’m straight, I’m white, I’m a woman, etc) I still found so many aspects of the story to be relatable, and I really really loved the characters and the message it delivered. If this one sounds good to you, I wholeheartedly recommend it (especially on audio!)
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: second chance romance; dynamic audiobooks; books about music/theater
CW: Death of parent; grief; mentions of sexual assault
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Infidelity, and Outing
cassiebartelme's review
3.5
A queer Filipino novel about family and music and love? I hadn’t read that story before but I’m glad I did. This was delightful and adorable. I loved all the relationships in this one- romantic love, familial love and friendship love. My only regret is that I didn’t listen to the audiobook, I hear it was great.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Homophobia
dogoodwithbooks's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I would like to thank NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Dominic Lim’s debut novel, All the Right Notes, heart-warming novel featuring a romance decades in the making and a powerful relationship between father and son.
When Quito Cruz gets an unexpected request from his dad to help in leading his retirement concert but also get Hollywood superstar Emmett Aoki to perform in the concert, he doesn’t know what to think. After not speaking in over two decades, Quito is surprised that Emmett happily agrees and later comes to find that their connection becomes more intense than it ever has before.
Adopting a then/now alternate POV, Lim really gets at the heart of telling the timeline between Quito’s and Emmett’s relationship from their first choir rehearsal together during high school to college to finally the present day with organizing the concert. I think this adds a really interesting dynamic to the plot and it helps with understanding the nature of their relationship between the present-day narrative. Though, near the end of the “then” chapters, I don't really know what to feel about that plot twist.
Likewise, there’s some solid character development in All the Right Notes. Alongside Quito and Emmett defining their relationship as well as growing within their perspective fields, you also get some insight on how some of the side characters develop in the book. From Ujima’s positive portrayal of discovering the right gender expression to Mr. Cruz’s dedication for wanting the best for Quito, you really get some well-thought out characters that you’ll enjoy reading about.
Overall, All the Right Notes is definitely a novel to check out this summer for a heart-warming read of music, family, and finding love.
Dominic Lim’s debut novel, All the Right Notes, heart-warming novel featuring a romance decades in the making and a powerful relationship between father and son.
When Quito Cruz gets an unexpected request from his dad to help in leading his retirement concert but also get Hollywood superstar Emmett Aoki to perform in the concert, he doesn’t know what to think. After not speaking in over two decades, Quito is surprised that Emmett happily agrees and later comes to find that their connection becomes more intense than it ever has before.
Adopting a then/now alternate POV, Lim really gets at the heart of telling the timeline between Quito’s and Emmett’s relationship from their first choir rehearsal together during high school to college to finally the present day with organizing the concert. I think this adds a really interesting dynamic to the plot and it helps with understanding the nature of their relationship between the present-day narrative. Though, near the end of the “then” chapters, I don't really know what to feel about that plot twist.
Likewise, there’s some solid character development in All the Right Notes. Alongside Quito and Emmett defining their relationship as well as growing within their perspective fields, you also get some insight on how some of the side characters develop in the book. From Ujima’s positive portrayal of discovering the right gender expression to Mr. Cruz’s dedication for wanting the best for Quito, you really get some well-thought out characters that you’ll enjoy reading about.
Overall, All the Right Notes is definitely a novel to check out this summer for a heart-warming read of music, family, and finding love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Outing, and Homophobia
Moderate: Drug use, Alcohol, Blood, and Car accident
imstephtacular's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Cursing
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Bullying, Rape, Alcohol, Sexual assault, Drug use, Blood, Medical content, Body shaming, Racism, Outing, Car accident, Vomit, Sexual content, Infidelity, and Death
stephbeaudoin20's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
All the Right Notes by Dominic Lim
This book! Swoon! Sigh! Love!
I got an email about this book from the publisher. It was already published, but they were looking for additional reviewers on NetGalley. The email was something along the lines of Hi, you liked a book in a similar genre, want to try this one? Sure I thought, why not. I'm so glad I did!
Things I am here for:
LGBTQIA2S+ representation
Asian and Pacific Islander representation
Music!
The way that Quito processes music is so beautiful
The bond that Quito and Emmett have, for decades
Emmett finding his authentic self
Ujima, all of Ujima. The genuine lovely reactions they get from people: Security Tariq, Nurse Brian, Milton. Swoon!
Quito's explanation about using they/them pronouns for Ujima and how it's easy. ❤️
Filipino food. So delicious.
I highlighted so many wonderful lines in this book. This one is delightful and shows the fun inside Quito's mind.
"I take a sip of my virgin mojito. It’s smooth, sweet, and latently assertive— the lime tang kicks in at the end. Can a drink be passive-aggressive? If so, I’m in the right place for it."
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book! Swoon! Sigh! Love!
I got an email about this book from the publisher. It was already published, but they were looking for additional reviewers on NetGalley. The email was something along the lines of Hi, you liked a book in a similar genre, want to try this one? Sure I thought, why not. I'm so glad I did!
Things I am here for:
LGBTQIA2S+ representation
Asian and Pacific Islander representation
Music!
The way that Quito processes music is so beautiful
The bond that Quito and Emmett have, for decades
Emmett finding his authentic self
Ujima, all of Ujima. The genuine lovely reactions they get from people: Security Tariq, Nurse Brian, Milton. Swoon!
Quito's explanation about using they/them pronouns for Ujima and how it's easy. ❤️
Filipino food. So delicious.
I highlighted so many wonderful lines in this book. This one is delightful and shows the fun inside Quito's mind.
"I take a sip of my virgin mojito. It’s smooth, sweet, and latently assertive— the lime tang kicks in at the end. Can a drink be passive-aggressive? If so, I’m in the right place for it."
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Grief
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
noellelovesbooks's review
5.0
Content Warnings: Homophobia, transphobia, outing, cheating, sexual assault, death, death of parent, toxic relationships, sexual content [not graphic but not fade to black either...kind of in the middle?], anxiety, and bullying.
***I received access to an E-Arc through the Forever Influencer program, all thoughts are my own***
OMG, how to start talking about this beautiful book. I loved that we got to see Emmett and Quito from their very first meeting to their reunion as adults.
As someone who lived in the East Bay for...almost 10 years? I loved all the bay references, when it started and they mentioned Martinez I was like, "WHAT! I LIVED THERE!" haha
I also loved all the little Filipino references, especially the lip pointing...if you know...you know haha
This was an absolutely beautiful story about love, family, found family, and acceptance. There are some tear-jerking moments, like my vision was obscured until I could get a tissue 😅
Anyways, this book came out the 6th and I highly recommend reading it 💜
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Infidelity, Outing, Death, Bullying, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Homophobia, Transphobia, and Medical content