Inside the Wong Mind

Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the ONCE UPON A K-PROM by Kat Cho Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About the Book

Title: Once Upon a K-Prom
Author: Kat Cho
Genre: YA Romance
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: May 17, 2022
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 336
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

What would you do if the world’s biggest K-pop star asked you to prom? Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Sandhya Menon, this hilarious and heartfelt novel brings the glamour and drama of the K-pop world straight to high school.

Elena Soo has always felt overshadowed. Whether by her more successful older sisters, her more popular twin brother, or her more outgoing best friend, everyone except Elena seems to know exactly who they are and what they want. But she is certain about one thing – she has no interest in going to prom. While the rest of the school is giddy over corsages and dresses, Elena would rather spend her time working to save the local community center, the one place that’s always made her feel like she belonged.

So when international K-pop superstar Robbie Choi shows up at her house to ask her to prom, Elena is more confused than ever. Because the one person who always accepted Elena as she is? Her childhood best friend, Robbie Choi. And the one thing she maybe, possibly, secretly wants more than anything? For the two of them to keep the promise they made each other as kids: to go to prom together. But that was seven years ago, and with this new K-pop persona, pink hair, and stylish clothes, Robbie is nothing like the sweet, goofy boy she remembers. The boy she shared all her secrets with. The boy she used to love.

Besides, prom with a guy who comes with hordes of screaming fans, online haters, and relentless paparazzi is the last thing Elena wants – even if she can’t stop thinking about Robbie’s smile…right?

About the Author

Kat Cho used to hide books under the bathroom sink and then sneak in there to read after bedtime. Her parents pretended not to know. This helped when she decided to write a dinosaur time-travel novel at the tender age of nine. Sadly, that book was not published. She currently lives and works in NYC and spends her free time trying to figure out what kind of puppy to adopt. Kat is the internationally bestselling author of the Gumiho duology (Penguin) and Once Upon a K-Prom (Disney).

My Review

Once Upon a K-Prom
by Kat Cho
Rating: 4/5

Wow. Having never read anything from Kat Cho, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. As an Asian-American, I was super impressed with the author’s ability to relate meaningful and multidimensional characters. After recently seeing Everything Everywhere All At Once in theaters, I was even more drawn into the family relationships among Asian immigrants. Although the author speaks from a Korean perspective, I felt it was applicable to many. I’d love to see this book as a movie.

First, the cover is ridiculously cute and dreamy.
Second, the story was so high school but not. LOL. The hierarchy and the insecurities were all present but with an interesting K-Pop background to add some glam (and drama). Who doesn’t love a story about childhood sweethearts reuniting years later? Everyone deserves a second chance, right?
Third, although at times the main character, Elena, made me frustrated with her defense mechanisms, I still was able to relate to her in a sympathetic way – her character did not become annoying which was refreshing. Robbie is a sweetheart and I loved reading about his journey. As an amateur musician and songwriter myself, it was fun to get a glimpse into another talented soul and their passions. The bios for the rest of the Korean boy band were fun too.
Fourth, the story has a great message for young people regarding family and friendships and how the past can affect your future.

Highly recommend if you enjoy YA rom-coms with K-Pop and childhood sweethearts.

PG-13: a handful of swear words

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive a finished copy of ONCE UPON A K-PROM, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

Week One:

5/1/2022	Inside the Wong Mind	Review/IG Post
5/2/2022	My Fictional Oasis	Review/IG Post
5/3/2022	YABooksCentral	Excerpt
5/4/2022	laura’s bookish corner	Review/IG Post
5/5/2022	GivernyReads	Review/IG Post
5/6/2022	A Bookish Dream	Review/IG Post
5/7/2022	Tales Of A Bookbug	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

5/8/2022	Quill Tree Fox	Review/IG Post
5/9/2022	@bujos_n_books	IG Review
5/10/2022	The Book View	Review/IG Post
5/11/2022	A Court of Coffee and Books	Review/IG Post
5/12/2022	wilted pages	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
5/13/2022	Dear Rivarie	Review/IG Post
5/14/2022	Ruei’s Reading Corner	Review

Week Three:

5/15/2022	Nagma \| TakeALookAtMyBookshelf	IG Review
5/16/2022	onemoreexclamation	Review/IG Post
5/17/2022	Lisa Loves Literature	Review/IG Post
5/18/2022	Fire and Ice	Review
5/19/2022	A Backwards Story	Review/IG Post
5/20/2022	The Clever Reader	Review/IG Post
5/21/2022	Nerdophiles	Review

Week Four:

5/22/2022	Library of Alexandria Archives	Review/IG Post
5/23/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
5/24/2022	The Real World According To Sam	Review/IG Post
5/25/2022	two points of interest	Review
5/26/2022	Kait Plus Books	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
5/27/2022	@drewsim12	IG Review/TikTok Post
5/28/2022	@thebookishfoxwitch	IG Review

Week Five:

5/29/2022	onemused	IG Review
5/30/2022	Eli to the nth	Review/IG Post
5/31/2022	@lexijava	Review/IG Post

May 1, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews Giveaway

Arena by Karen Hancock

About the Book

Book: Arena
Author: Karen Hancock
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: April 16, 2022

A Journey She Did Not Choose Will Change Her Life Forever

Transported surreptitiously to a terrifying alien world, with limited resources and only a few cryptic words to guide her, Callie Hayes finds herself engulfed in a perilous battle for freedom – for her very life. After agreeing to participate in a routine psychology research experiment, she must unravel the mysteries shrouding her only route of escape or risk succumbing to the deadly deception of the Arena.

A mesmerizing journey through the treacherous terrain of a strange and terrifying world. A powerful allegory that will capture your imagination with its timelessness and aching familiarity. If you missed this classic, now is the time to enjoy the 20th Anniversary Edition of the Christy Award-winning novel, Arena, now in hardcover for the first time!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Karen Hancock has won Christy Awards for each of her first four novels—Arena and the first three books in the Legends of the Guardian-King series, The Light of Eidon, The Shadow Within, and Shadow over Kiriath. She graduated from the University of Arizona with bachelor’s degrees in biology and wildlife biology. Along with writing, she is a semi-professional watercolorist and has exhibited her work in a number of national juried shows. She and her family reside in Arizona.

My Review

Arena
by Karen Hancock
Rating: 4/5

A modern take of Pilgrim’s Progress meets Hunger Games with aliens makes this book a fun and interesting story. One of my friends had recommended this book to me so when the opportunity came to review the 20th anniversary edition, I was excited to read what she was so excited about.

First, the new book cover is absolutely gorgeous. I had to preorder my own copy.
Second, the story starts off right away and hooks the reader. This sci-fi fantasy is thrilling and the world-building is ridiculously good. The story does stay fast paced and slow-paced at the same time. I don’t know how to explain it but it did take me a few days to finish the book.
Third, the characters are great. I got so frustrated with the main character, Callie, a lot but could definitely relate to her fears.
Fourth, the allegory is clever and super creative. I loved the author’s imagination and faith.

I can see why this book was a big hit and a classic. I found it a good read but maybe not as entertaining as I was hoping. It still gets 4 stars though because it is well written and a beautiful adventure story.

Highly recommend if you enjoy Christian fantasy with sci-fi and romance.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

More from Karen

Arena was not my first novel. The Light of Eidon was. In those days, however, Christian publishers were not interested in the fantasy genre because it had too much magic and wizards and such, despite the publication of the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. They were softening to science fiction, however, and thanks to Kathy Tyers, Randy Ingermanson, John Olson and others the door was opened in 2001 for what is called “speculative fiction.” Arena fit right in, and was published by Bethany House in 2002. It went on to win a Christy Award, which started the ball rolling for the Guardian King series. Three out of the four Guardian King books in that series also won Christy Awards, at which point I was the first speculative fiction author inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame in 2013.

I am thrilled to have Arena appear again in this 20th anniversary edition with a new cover and in limited-edition hardcover. Oasis Audio will also be producing the audiobook, for the first time, so it can be available for every type of reader.

Blog Stops

Inside the Wong Mind, April 30
For the Love of Literature, May 1 (Spotlight)
Rachael’s Inkwell, May 1
Beauty in the Binding, May 2 (Spotlight)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 2
Texas Book-aholic, May 3
Inklings and notions, May 4
For Him and My Family, May 5
deb’s Book Review, May 6
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 7
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 8
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 9
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 10
Blogging With Carol, May 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 12
Through the Fire Blogs, May 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card and signed copy of Arena!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1d3bd/arena-celebraiton-tour-giveaway

April 30, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews Giveaway

Forever on the Bay by Lee Tobin McClain

Forever on the Bay JustRead Blog Tour Welcome to the Blog Tour for Forever on the Bay by Lee Tobin McClain, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Forever on the Bay
Series: The Off Season #6
Author: Lee Tobin McClain
Publisher: HQN
Release Date: April 26, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Clean & Wholesome

Safe harbor and new beginnings await on the Chesapeake Bay…

Pleasant Shores cop Evan Stone has worked hard to become a man of his word, overcoming the alcoholism that sent him down the wrong path in his youth. So when his late best friend’s sister asks for his help, he doesn’t hesitate. He promised he’d watch out for Cassie, and the cottage next to his will be a perfect short-term refuge for her and her dog. The other half of that promise—to stay away from Cassie romantically—is harder to keep.

Sheltered for years because of a childhood illness, Cassie is ready to reach for what she wants. And despite her family’s warnings and her own fears, Cassie’s heart wants Evan. As the return of his estranged son puts his sobriety to the test, Cassie and Evan are drawn together, finding strength through what they’ve each weathered. She knows Evan would risk anything to protect her, but are they willing to risk the price of loving, now and forever?

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lee Tobin McClain

Lee Tobin McClain is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels. A professor-turned-writer, she finds inspiration in her beautiful and brilliant daughter, her goofy goldendoodle, and her aptly named cat, Trouble. Learn more about her books at www.leetobinmcclain.com.

CONNECT WITH LEE: Website | Facebook | Instagram

MY REVIEW

Forever on the Bay
by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 6 in the Off Season series
Rating: 3.5/5

Having never read anything from the author before, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story from Lee Tobin McClain. I have not read the previous books but that did not deter me from reading this one. It can definitely be read as a standalone.

I appreciate how the author is able to deal with real life issues regarding substance abuse and a father’s struggle with his estranged son. I appreciated the two budding romances too. I really enjoyed the relationship between Evan and Cassie despite the age difference. Their chemistry was great. The story was interesting (although a little slow in the beginning) and the ending was very satisfying regarding the mystery and suspense.

Highly recommend if you enjoy clean romance with suspense and family dynamics.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of the first five books in The Off Season series and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 25, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 2, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

April 26, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews Giveaway

Inside the Wong Mind: Reading is my therapy

Hello. This blog is all mine and I will do my best to post what interests me and what books I read with honest reviews. I am a lover of good Christian fiction with a touch of romance, mystery, intrigue, humor, fun, etc. I invite you to join me as I read my way through books and life. I am currently pursuing my residency training as a family medicine physician!!! I have to carefully choose what I want to read for fun. My name is Kim and you are entering the Wong Mind.