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Crazy Bao You
Can an Etsy shop owner in Oklahoma and a FDNY firefighter make things work when he doesn’t know what she really looks like?
Kimmie Park has finally met a man who gets her and laughs at her jokes. Matt West is kind, compassionate, and he’s a smoking hot FDNY firefighter. There’s just one (or many) problem. They’ve never met in person because he lives in New York and she’s in Oklahoma. He also doesn’t know that her life recently imploded when she very publicly quits her retail job and becomes a meme in a viral video, known as the woman who twerked as she tells off her boss. And he has no idea what she really looks like.
After quitting her job, Kimmie focuses on her Etsy shop designing purses and accessories. She’d posted pictures of her best friend Alicia with her merchandise, not realizing people would assume Alicia was Kim from My Crafty Bao. That’s fine with Kimmie since she’s still hiding out from her recent unwanted internet fame. But as the chemistry between her and Matt sizzles and their every interaction threatens to set them both on fire, she knows she needs to tell him the truth. Especially since Matt’s father, the CEO of a huge retail store, sees Kimmie’s shop and wants to partner with her.
As Kimmie prepares to visit New York City for the first time, she grapples with the sorrows of her past which have kept her in Oklahoma ever since her parents died when she was sixteen. Will she be able to let go of her fears and embrace who she really is, or will it cause her to lose the man of her dreams and the opportunity of a lifetime?
Kimmie Park has finally met a man who gets her and laughs at her jokes. Matt West is kind, compassionate, and he’s a smoking hot FDNY firefighter. There’s just one (or many) problem. They’ve never met in person because he lives in New York and she’s in Oklahoma. He also doesn’t know that her life recently imploded when she very publicly quits her retail job and becomes a meme in a viral video, known as the woman who twerked as she tells off her boss. And he has no idea what she really looks like.
After quitting her job, Kimmie focuses on her Etsy shop designing purses and accessories. She’d posted pictures of her best friend Alicia with her merchandise, not realizing people would assume Alicia was Kim from My Crafty Bao. That’s fine with Kimmie since she’s still hiding out from her recent unwanted internet fame. But as the chemistry between her and Matt sizzles and their every interaction threatens to set them both on fire, she knows she needs to tell him the truth. Especially since Matt’s father, the CEO of a huge retail store, sees Kimmie’s shop and wants to partner with her.
As Kimmie prepares to visit New York City for the first time, she grapples with the sorrows of her past which have kept her in Oklahoma ever since her parents died when she was sixteen. Will she be able to let go of her fears and embrace who she really is, or will it cause her to lose the man of her dreams and the opportunity of a lifetime?
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2023
35 people are currently reading
1736 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Liao Butler
10 books435 followersLyn Liao Butler was born in Taiwan and moved to the States when she was seven. Before becoming an author, she was a professional ballet and modern dancer, and is still a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and yoga instructor. She is an avid animal lover and fosters dogs as well as volunteers with rescues.
When she is not torturing clients or talking to imaginary characters, Lyn enjoys spending time with her FDNY husband, their son (the happiest little boy in the world), their three stubborn dachshunds, sewing for her Etsy shop, and trying crazy yoga poses on a stand-up paddleboard. So far, she has not fallen into the water yet.
When she is not torturing clients or talking to imaginary characters, Lyn enjoys spending time with her FDNY husband, their son (the happiest little boy in the world), their three stubborn dachshunds, sewing for her Etsy shop, and trying crazy yoga poses on a stand-up paddleboard. So far, she has not fallen into the water yet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
April 13, 2023
Thank you lyn liao butler and netgalley for the arc!
This book is about Kimmie Park, an Etsy shop owner from Oklahoma, who meets Matt West, a FDNY firefighter from New York. Despite the distance and the fact that they have never met in person, they connect and have great chemistry. However, Kimmie is hiding her recent internet fame from a viral video where she twerked while quitting her retail job, and Matt has no idea what she looks like. As their relationship develops and Kimmie gets a chance to partner with Matt's father's retail store, she knows she needs to come clean about her past. But in order to do that, she must confront the sorrows of her past and decide whether she's ready to embrace who she really is.
It was such an easy and enjoyable read, with well-portrayed relationships between Kimmie and various characters such as Alicia, Matt, Matt's grandmother, Kimmie's aunt, and her birth mother. I found it refreshing that there wasn't much conflict surrounding them and that the majority of the problems revolved around Kimmie and Matt. Additionally, I admired how Lyn resolved the challenges they encountered (such as with Matt and his father), aside from those that involved Kimmie and Matt, in a seamless manner.
However here are the things that bothered me about this book:
First, the main character, Kim, has too many problems going on at once. While this may be realistic, not all of them are thoroughly addressed. I found myself frustrated with Kim because she could have just told the truth from the beginning, but chose not to. If I were Alicia, I would have been angry with her.
Second was how often Matt was late. He's on probation, so it's frustrating that he couldn't be on time especially since that's on first appearance on the book.
Third, it also didn't sit right with me that the main character didn't know why she twerked while telling off her boss. It's understandable to go on autopilot when angry, but it was odd that she felt very clueless when she saw the vid like “THATS ME??” as if she doesnt know what she looked like. It's annoying, to be honest. And she just went “I don't know why omg I didn't even know I did that” all through out the book so why make it like one of the main details if she's not even aware of that happening.
Another issue I have with the book is that Kim's serious conversations are often interrupted by her thoughts about food or how attractive Matt is. I know the story wasn't in a serious tone and it's supposed to be light but when addressing a serious issue or having a serious talk, it feels out of place and takes away from the overall tone of the scene.
Additionally, the constant delays in Kim's confession were frustrating. It was understandable when it happened once or twice, but the repetition became tiresome.
But then I realized Alicia didn't look Chinese. Even though she was half-Asian, she didn't look it. People often mistook her for Mexican or Italian, possibly Filipino. But definitely not Chinese. Crap.
I also disliked the implication that Alicia didn't look Asian, even though she was half-Asian. It was frustrating its always implied that KIMMIE LOOKS ASIAN and alicia isnt because she looks either mexican or FILIPINO as if Filipinos arent asians on god.
Lastly, the addition of a new problem near the end of the book felt unnecessary and added more frustration.
Despite the issues, the book was a fun and easy read, and Kimmie and Matt's dynamic was cute.
This book is about Kimmie Park, an Etsy shop owner from Oklahoma, who meets Matt West, a FDNY firefighter from New York. Despite the distance and the fact that they have never met in person, they connect and have great chemistry. However, Kimmie is hiding her recent internet fame from a viral video where she twerked while quitting her retail job, and Matt has no idea what she looks like. As their relationship develops and Kimmie gets a chance to partner with Matt's father's retail store, she knows she needs to come clean about her past. But in order to do that, she must confront the sorrows of her past and decide whether she's ready to embrace who she really is.
It was such an easy and enjoyable read, with well-portrayed relationships between Kimmie and various characters such as Alicia, Matt, Matt's grandmother, Kimmie's aunt, and her birth mother. I found it refreshing that there wasn't much conflict surrounding them and that the majority of the problems revolved around Kimmie and Matt. Additionally, I admired how Lyn resolved the challenges they encountered (such as with Matt and his father), aside from those that involved Kimmie and Matt, in a seamless manner.
However here are the things that bothered me about this book:
First, the main character, Kim, has too many problems going on at once. While this may be realistic, not all of them are thoroughly addressed. I found myself frustrated with Kim because she could have just told the truth from the beginning, but chose not to. If I were Alicia, I would have been angry with her.
Second was how often Matt was late. He's on probation, so it's frustrating that he couldn't be on time especially since that's on first appearance on the book.
Third, it also didn't sit right with me that the main character didn't know why she twerked while telling off her boss. It's understandable to go on autopilot when angry, but it was odd that she felt very clueless when she saw the vid like “THATS ME??” as if she doesnt know what she looked like. It's annoying, to be honest. And she just went “I don't know why omg I didn't even know I did that” all through out the book so why make it like one of the main details if she's not even aware of that happening.
Another issue I have with the book is that Kim's serious conversations are often interrupted by her thoughts about food or how attractive Matt is. I know the story wasn't in a serious tone and it's supposed to be light but when addressing a serious issue or having a serious talk, it feels out of place and takes away from the overall tone of the scene.
Additionally, the constant delays in Kim's confession were frustrating. It was understandable when it happened once or twice, but the repetition became tiresome.
But then I realized Alicia didn't look Chinese. Even though she was half-Asian, she didn't look it. People often mistook her for Mexican or Italian, possibly Filipino. But definitely not Chinese. Crap.
I also disliked the implication that Alicia didn't look Asian, even though she was half-Asian. It was frustrating its always implied that KIMMIE LOOKS ASIAN and alicia isnt because she looks either mexican or FILIPINO as if Filipinos arent asians on god.
Lastly, the addition of a new problem near the end of the book felt unnecessary and added more frustration.
Despite the issues, the book was a fun and easy read, and Kimmie and Matt's dynamic was cute.
June 8, 2023
This book was adorable! I give it a 4/5!
It's a very modern love story about a girl who accidentally went viral, and dealing with the repercussions. Its about trauma, from losing your parents, finding out you're adopted, wanting to reconnect with your birth mother. There were so many themes in this book -- online dating, fake identity, and following your dreams!
I love how Kimmie and Matt's love story unfolds, but I almost love the friendship/sisterhood between Kimmie, Alicia, and Hana. I am glad that though Kimmie lost her parents, she still had Alicia and Hana by her side.
Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy of this book!
It's a very modern love story about a girl who accidentally went viral, and dealing with the repercussions. Its about trauma, from losing your parents, finding out you're adopted, wanting to reconnect with your birth mother. There were so many themes in this book -- online dating, fake identity, and following your dreams!
I love how Kimmie and Matt's love story unfolds, but I almost love the friendship/sisterhood between Kimmie, Alicia, and Hana. I am glad that though Kimmie lost her parents, she still had Alicia and Hana by her side.
Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy of this book!
May 15, 2023
The title itself is such a cute play on words. But the actual book is so amazing! It was such a great and quick morning. Grab your coffee and go read! I highly recommend reading this one. You won't regret it! I for sure will be rereading just cause I loved it too much!! This was such a quick read, and I found myself flying through it. I enjoyed all of the side characters, maybe more than I enjoyed Kimmie herself, and I adored Matt. He was such a Cinnabon of a character. And their dynamic are what made this story great.
Thank you to NetGalley, LLB, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and Members' Titles for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, LLB, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and Members' Titles for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2023
The title was the first thing I noticed about the book. The title is so cute and the book lived up to it. I really enjoyed the premise of an Etsy shop owner finding love through Instagram dms. It's a modern love story that I don't find myself reading a lot and I liked how the story played out. I would have liked to see some of the serious conversations flushed out a bit more, but overall I thought this was a fun book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lyn Liao Butler for access to an arc of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lyn Liao Butler for access to an arc of the book.
September 8, 2023
Such a fun romcom of a book. Everything is all smiles and rainbows, but I still loved this light read with its premise of finding love across the distance. And who doesn’t love baos on every chapter heading?
A cute romance between a shy, crafty gal and a hunky fireman.
A cute romance between a shy, crafty gal and a hunky fireman.
April 6, 2023
I loved loved this book!!
I think it’s a good read for everyone, it’s not spicy but touches on the romance and sex just enough to recommend it to a younger audience aswell
I laughed so hard and I cried a little cause I’m a baby
This is such a heartwarming book of love, loss & grief, found family and mistaken identity.
Matt is the perfect book boyfriend *swoon* 🧑🚒😍
It was well written and loved the duel POV
Thank you to NetGalley and Lyn Liao for allowing me to read and review this ARC
I think it’s a good read for everyone, it’s not spicy but touches on the romance and sex just enough to recommend it to a younger audience aswell
I laughed so hard and I cried a little cause I’m a baby
This is such a heartwarming book of love, loss & grief, found family and mistaken identity.
Matt is the perfect book boyfriend *swoon* 🧑🚒😍
It was well written and loved the duel POV
Thank you to NetGalley and Lyn Liao for allowing me to read and review this ARC
June 2, 2023
My bookish thoughts:
You know when you get a good feeling about a book before you even start it?
That was me with this book.
It was goooood.
The book opens with Kimmie going viral in a VERY embarrassing video of her yelling at her boss and being fired. It was VERY cringe-y and at this point I didn't know how I felt.
Kimmie is also the owner of an online Etsy shop and called The Crafty Bao, from which Matt West buys a tote bag for his grandma online and then communicates online with Kimmie.
Kimmie and Matt hit it off but Matt is under the impressions that Kimmie is the woman in her business Instagram photos... which she is not.
Kimmie doesn't want to rectify this is if he saw her face he would recognise her from the viral clip.
It's a case of mistaken identity!
So much else happens and the book is FULL of twists and turns and ups and downs... it's a great read.
Kimmie is so lovable, she's a character and a klutz and she's easy to empathise with.
Matt is a FDNT provide firefighter... need I say more.
Such a sweet and easy read. I'll be buying a physical copy of this for sure!
Thank-you to NetGalley and Lyn Liao for this ARC in exchange for a review!
You know when you get a good feeling about a book before you even start it?
That was me with this book.
It was goooood.
The book opens with Kimmie going viral in a VERY embarrassing video of her yelling at her boss and being fired. It was VERY cringe-y and at this point I didn't know how I felt.
Kimmie is also the owner of an online Etsy shop and called The Crafty Bao, from which Matt West buys a tote bag for his grandma online and then communicates online with Kimmie.
Kimmie and Matt hit it off but Matt is under the impressions that Kimmie is the woman in her business Instagram photos... which she is not.
Kimmie doesn't want to rectify this is if he saw her face he would recognise her from the viral clip.
It's a case of mistaken identity!
So much else happens and the book is FULL of twists and turns and ups and downs... it's a great read.
Kimmie is so lovable, she's a character and a klutz and she's easy to empathise with.
Matt is a FDNT provide firefighter... need I say more.
Such a sweet and easy read. I'll be buying a physical copy of this for sure!
Thank-you to NetGalley and Lyn Liao for this ARC in exchange for a review!
July 2, 2023
The debut romcom from women's fiction and thriller writer Lyn Liao Butler. I really enjoyed this opposites attract, dual POV romance between an Oklahoma fashion designer who goes viral and an NYC firefighter who become friends online.
Full of mistaken identity and family secrets this was a heartwarming friends to lovers closed door romance. Fun and heartfelt and good on audio too narrated by Gabriel Spires and Jennifer Aquino. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Full of mistaken identity and family secrets this was a heartwarming friends to lovers closed door romance. Fun and heartfelt and good on audio too narrated by Gabriel Spires and Jennifer Aquino. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
May 17, 2023
read this as an ARC from Netgalley and I really enjoyed it. Overall it's all super cute, wholesome and heartwarming, those would have to be the best words to describe it.🥹 I get that the vibe intended was to be a soft cuddly romance but still I couldn't help but crave for more tension or drama, actually any kind of tension or drama would have been appreciated 😭 I didn't mind it being a bit corny but I cringed so bad over the fact that the main plot line revolves around a fart joke 😐 anywayz it was a very nice read which didn't fail to make me smile and giggle so I clearly didn't waste my time 🥰
June 3, 2023
This book gets 4 stars cause the firefighter aspect of it is fucking perfect. Like oh my god, it’s like 9-1-1 the tv show. So good, not too dramatic and no misogyny (even though I don’t think I heard of any female firefighter, anyway)
This is a cute quick rom-com, heavy of the comedy aspects of it. If that’s you’re jam then you’ll like it. But to me everything else wasn’t a complete miss (apart from the fire fighter). This book wasn’t enjoyable as I wanted and I’ll explain.
Let’s start with the fact that she unintentionally catfished Matt for 50% of this book. It was annoying cause every time she tried to tell him the truth something happened and she couldn’t or she chickened out. Apart from the catfishing, like some parts felt pick me energy when Kim discusses how Alice is always focused about her makeup and shit, but Kim doesn’t do that. She lets her skin look all natural and her hair all natural. Thar energy threw me off a second time. The whole idea that just because one video went viral people ask for autographs of her on the stress threw me off too.
The las 25% of this book was like how more ridiculous can this story get?
This is a cute quick rom-com, heavy of the comedy aspects of it. If that’s you’re jam then you’ll like it. But to me everything else wasn’t a complete miss (apart from the fire fighter). This book wasn’t enjoyable as I wanted and I’ll explain.
Let’s start with the fact that she unintentionally catfished Matt for 50% of this book. It was annoying cause every time she tried to tell him the truth something happened and she couldn’t or she chickened out. Apart from the catfishing, like some parts felt pick me energy when Kim discusses how Alice is always focused about her makeup and shit, but Kim doesn’t do that. She lets her skin look all natural and her hair all natural. Thar energy threw me off a second time. The whole idea that just because one video went viral people ask for autographs of her on the stress threw me off too.
The las 25% of this book was like how more ridiculous can this story get?
July 8, 2024
"Pit bulls aren't as dangerous as people think."
"I know." He looked back at the man. "But he's a known drug dealer around here."
"The dog?" I turned to stare after the pit bull.
"No, the man."
Truly a sweet and funny book filled with lots of friends, innocent misunderstandings, and finding yourself.
I finished it all in one sitting and I loved it so much!! All characters are written so that you will love them all, even Frank. (If you've read the book you'll know).
Also, the whole firefighter x Etsy owner trope was so refreshing to me, and in a way, it felt like a fanfiction so I ate it up like a teenage girl reading a Wattpad story. It has its cringe moments but overall it's just sweet and heartwarming.
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
💌 April 11, 2023: E-ARC provided via NetGalley. Big thank you to LLB, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA).
"I know." He looked back at the man. "But he's a known drug dealer around here."
"The dog?" I turned to stare after the pit bull.
"No, the man."
Truly a sweet and funny book filled with lots of friends, innocent misunderstandings, and finding yourself.
I finished it all in one sitting and I loved it so much!! All characters are written so that you will love them all, even Frank. (If you've read the book you'll know).
Also, the whole firefighter x Etsy owner trope was so refreshing to me, and in a way, it felt like a fanfiction so I ate it up like a teenage girl reading a Wattpad story. It has its cringe moments but overall it's just sweet and heartwarming.
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
💌 April 11, 2023: E-ARC provided via NetGalley. Big thank you to LLB, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA).
June 1, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher IBPA for a digital ARC - pub date 6/6/2023. As the cover would lead you to expect, this book is pretty adorable with a hint of that cartoon-y rom-com that is so endearing. You know the kind of thing - mistaken identity ala The Truth About Cats and Dogs, awesome family/friend support group, smoking hot hero, quirky heroine. To my delight, it was also a lot more. Both leads had depth to them and stood as believable characters with fears and joys and desires... and some of the most adorable banter. Kimmie Park believes she is safe in her hometown in Oklahoma until she flips out on her boss and the video goes viral but that's okay, right? She can still stay safe and keep her little Etsy shop away from that and cling to her safe life because dreams kill. No, really. However, dreams have a way of finding you whether you like it or not and Kimmie's come in the form of a NYC firefighter, her birth mother, and a potential collaboration with a national retail company. You know things will go sideways as you read along and they do, of course, but not in the way you might be thinking. For one thing, there is actual communication between the leads as if they were actual mature adults.
Which is another nice thing about this book - both leads are 30 or older. The cast also has multi ethnic representation; the heroine is Tawainese, her aunt is Korean (trust me, it makes sense), her best friend is Mexican-Japanese-white. Working out trauma is treated as a good thing. Sexuality is treated as a natural thing. (Though the book is not full-on steamy so don't go in looking for smut) Above all, communication is something that can move mountains.
Oh, and the food in this book. Let me just say that you should have snacks available while reading. Also be delighted that, at no point, is Kimmie shamed for enjoying food. In fact, Matt thinks of it as just another thing to love about her. The book recognizes that joy can be found in food, in crafting, in work... In so many places, really, and that joy is something that can conquer fear.
If I had to complain about anything, I would have to say that maybe the last chapter or so with the "twist" could have been dropped and the book still would have been lovely. I know why the author included it (to drive home the work to get the Happily Ever After) but I could go either way on that being a necessity. Overall, it was a super cute read with lovely characters. Nothing too heavy but not total fluff either!
Which is another nice thing about this book - both leads are 30 or older. The cast also has multi ethnic representation; the heroine is Tawainese, her aunt is Korean (trust me, it makes sense), her best friend is Mexican-Japanese-white. Working out trauma is treated as a good thing. Sexuality is treated as a natural thing. (Though the book is not full-on steamy so don't go in looking for smut) Above all, communication is something that can move mountains.
Oh, and the food in this book. Let me just say that you should have snacks available while reading. Also be delighted that, at no point, is Kimmie shamed for enjoying food. In fact, Matt thinks of it as just another thing to love about her. The book recognizes that joy can be found in food, in crafting, in work... In so many places, really, and that joy is something that can conquer fear.
If I had to complain about anything, I would have to say that maybe the last chapter or so with the "twist" could have been dropped and the book still would have been lovely. I know why the author included it (to drive home the work to get the Happily Ever After) but I could go either way on that being a necessity. Overall, it was a super cute read with lovely characters. Nothing too heavy but not total fluff either!
April 20, 2023
Thank you to LBB, IBPA as well as NetGalley and Lyn Liao Butler for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was a really fun read! The book is about Kimmie Park, an Etsy store owner from Oklahoma who goes viral for quitting her other job. Then she ends up falling for one of her customers who helps get her an incredible opportunity.
I really loved the characters. I could understand why Kimmie felt the way she did about what was going on and what motivated her. I liked how sweet and funny her and Matt were together.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was how many plot points the story had and how many chances Kimmie had to tell Matt the truth but something always came up. A few times it's comical, but too many feels like overkill. The story just felt really busy sometimes. I think the 3rd quarter of this book was the strongest because the storyline flowed really well.
Another thing I didn't understand (without giving away too many spoilers) is
Overall, this book was a fun time and I would read other books from Lyn Liao Butler.
This was a really fun read! The book is about Kimmie Park, an Etsy store owner from Oklahoma who goes viral for quitting her other job. Then she ends up falling for one of her customers who helps get her an incredible opportunity.
I really loved the characters. I could understand why Kimmie felt the way she did about what was going on and what motivated her. I liked how sweet and funny her and Matt were together.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was how many plot points the story had and how many chances Kimmie had to tell Matt the truth but something always came up. A few times it's comical, but too many feels like overkill. The story just felt really busy sometimes. I think the 3rd quarter of this book was the strongest because the storyline flowed really well.
Another thing I didn't understand (without giving away too many spoilers) is
Overall, this book was a fun time and I would read other books from Lyn Liao Butler.
May 29, 2023
I think Kimmie read a little younger than 30 so I was a little confused by some of her choices. Her anonymity was one thing, but not telling Matt, who she was, she seemed like an odd choice. It took to the halfway point to actually say something, and the 3rd act breakup I knew was going to happen. Perhaps if the book was trimmed down a bit, it wouldn't have felt sooooo long to just tell the truth. The other thing about Kimmie that was confusing was one chapter she was witty, then an anxious baby, then easily embarrassed by human parts. It's giving a bit of not fleshed out character (maybe). I thought the added confusion of Kimmie ethnicity she thought she was Korean, then Chinese, but really Taiwanese wasnt really addressed so it felt really like a point that could have been explored as an adoptee but just read as jammed in there. Either way, Alicia and Hana were great, and Matt just willing to risk it all made up for the things that were wonky. In the acknowledgments, this author writes thrillers, so I might try another book.
CN: parental death, grief, classism, going viral (rude comments), strained parental relationship, conversations about yellow fever, classism, stereotyping, transracial adoption
Thank you to the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
CN: parental death, grief, classism, going viral (rude comments), strained parental relationship, conversations about yellow fever, classism, stereotyping, transracial adoption
Thank you to the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2023
Thank you to Net Galley, the publisher & Lyn Liao for an ARC copy of Crazy Bao You in exchange for my honest review.
There were so many things I enjoyed about this own voices rom-com - we need more Asian-American female leads in this space, and various cultures in this space. Seeing Kimmie's growth, both in her personal life/relationships, as well as her business were fun to track, and watching her discover more of her identity when she finds out she was born Taiwanese is just wonderful. (Not to mention any description about food - I LOVE it when authors are very detailed in speaking about specific cultures.)
I'd say this book falls under the miscommunication trope umbrella (mistaken identity), which isn't necessarily my favorite trope, and I felt like Matt was instantly forgiving (then it felt like it pivoted to insta-love).
This book wasn't particularly steamy, though it's not completely closed-door either - I'd say 1.5/5 peppers if you like to grade books on that scale. 3/5 stars over-all for the book.
#CrazyBaoYou #NetGalley
There were so many things I enjoyed about this own voices rom-com - we need more Asian-American female leads in this space, and various cultures in this space. Seeing Kimmie's growth, both in her personal life/relationships, as well as her business were fun to track, and watching her discover more of her identity when she finds out she was born Taiwanese is just wonderful. (Not to mention any description about food - I LOVE it when authors are very detailed in speaking about specific cultures.)
I'd say this book falls under the miscommunication trope umbrella (mistaken identity), which isn't necessarily my favorite trope, and I felt like Matt was instantly forgiving (then it felt like it pivoted to insta-love).
This book wasn't particularly steamy, though it's not completely closed-door either - I'd say 1.5/5 peppers if you like to grade books on that scale. 3/5 stars over-all for the book.
#CrazyBaoYou #NetGalley
June 17, 2023
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
Potential spoilers are below since I critique the plot.
I was in the mood for a foodie romcom so here we are. The explanation of Bao as a “precious treasure” at the start makes the book so much better for me.
Bonus points for the FMC having the same name as me and bonus points for Matt being a firefighter cause that’s hot.
Honestly, I would’ve done the whole secretive persona plot differently. The viral video aspect wasn’t necessary to me. I felt like everything could’ve been associated with Kim not wanting to be public with her store. Kim could’ve just been running her online store without showing her face since her friend was the one modelling her merchandise. This all could’ve been avoided easily by explaining it all. Also, as one of the few people on here who like insta-love as a trope, this was a little too instant for me. It cooked faster than my instant ramen. I still liked them together, though. They had a lot of cute moments.
But like my instant ramen, I still enjoyed it.
Potential spoilers are below since I critique the plot.
I was in the mood for a foodie romcom so here we are. The explanation of Bao as a “precious treasure” at the start makes the book so much better for me.
Bonus points for the FMC having the same name as me and bonus points for Matt being a firefighter cause that’s hot.
Honestly, I would’ve done the whole secretive persona plot differently. The viral video aspect wasn’t necessary to me. I felt like everything could’ve been associated with Kim not wanting to be public with her store. Kim could’ve just been running her online store without showing her face since her friend was the one modelling her merchandise. This all could’ve been avoided easily by explaining it all. Also, as one of the few people on here who like insta-love as a trope, this was a little too instant for me. It cooked faster than my instant ramen. I still liked them together, though. They had a lot of cute moments.
But like my instant ramen, I still enjoyed it.
April 25, 2023
Crazy Bao You was a fun, light-hearted read with cozy characters. I loved the FDNY aspect and fire department scenes. Matt was a cinnamon roll- but for as much as he valued his job he sure was late a lot! Kimmie had too much going on at once. I wanted to cheer for her but she did kind of catfish Matt the first half of the book with essentially zero consequences? I liked reading about all the different types of food (totally ordering Thai for lunch now). Not a fan of the third-act "breakup" as it was just one more drama to add for Kim's plate. My favorite scenes were them getting to know each other and being in NYC, and they handled discussions of death of a parent with grace. Overall it just felt like SOMETHING was missing.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2023
Book Review | This book made me feel: Giddy
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
"Can an Etsy shop owner in Oklahoma and a FDNY firefighter make things work when he doesn’t know what she really looks like?"
Review:
This book had me grinning from ear to ear with its light-hearted humor, close female friendships, and ever-so relatable FMC, Kimmie.
One quote from this book really sums it up best: "Why play games if you know what you want?" . Unlike many of today's romance books, the characters in this book recognized their initial attraction and just went for it. They did not catastrophize little things, or let their own trauma get in the way. Aside from the 90-92% range of the book (which I'm going to pretend didn't happen), it was refreshing to read about two reasonable adults slowly get to know each other and "be daring, be bold, and be [themselves]" while pursuing love.
Some bonuses were: Dogs, Hot Fireman, Crafting, and FOOD LOVE.
Pick this book up for a happy beginning, middle and ever after.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
"Can an Etsy shop owner in Oklahoma and a FDNY firefighter make things work when he doesn’t know what she really looks like?"
Review:
This book had me grinning from ear to ear with its light-hearted humor, close female friendships, and ever-so relatable FMC, Kimmie.
One quote from this book really sums it up best: "Why play games if you know what you want?" . Unlike many of today's romance books, the characters in this book recognized their initial attraction and just went for it. They did not catastrophize little things, or let their own trauma get in the way. Aside from the 90-92% range of the book (which I'm going to pretend didn't happen), it was refreshing to read about two reasonable adults slowly get to know each other and "be daring, be bold, and be [themselves]" while pursuing love.
Some bonuses were: Dogs, Hot Fireman, Crafting, and FOOD LOVE.
Pick this book up for a happy beginning, middle and ever after.
May 31, 2023
Crazy Bao You by Lynn Liao is a great romantic comedy that had me laughing out loud. Kimmie Park has her own Etsy shop and is laying low after a video of her has gone viral. Matt West is a FDNY firefighter who is trying to break away from the family business and be his own person. Kimmie lives in Oklahoma and Matt lives in NYC and their story is filled with laughter, twists, and heart.
Kimmie and Matt are wonderful characters that I enjoyed rooting for. It was a pleasure getting to know everyone in Kimmie’s and Matt’s families and I appreciated that they had supportive friends. The author weaves in the weightier topics of birth moms, fears, and grief in such a beautiful way within the context of a very funny story.
I enjoyed Crazy Bao You with its themes of making peace with your past, family and identity. I enjoyed laughing out loud and meeting a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of the story from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.
Kimmie and Matt are wonderful characters that I enjoyed rooting for. It was a pleasure getting to know everyone in Kimmie’s and Matt’s families and I appreciated that they had supportive friends. The author weaves in the weightier topics of birth moms, fears, and grief in such a beautiful way within the context of a very funny story.
I enjoyed Crazy Bao You with its themes of making peace with your past, family and identity. I enjoyed laughing out loud and meeting a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of the story from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.
Read
May 14, 2023read this as an ARC from Netgalley and I really enjoyed it. Overall it's all super cute, wholesome and heartwarming, those would have to be the best words to describe it.🥹 I get that the vibe intended was to be a soft cuddly romance but still I couldn't help but crave for more tension or drama, actually any kind of tension or drama would have been appreciated 😭 I didn't mind it being a bit corny but I cringed so bad over the fact that the main plot line revolves around a fart joke 😐 anywayz it was a very nice read which didn't fail to make me smile and giggle so I clearly didn't waste my time 🥰
September 9, 2023
DNF at 15%.
Now for the percentage of the book I did read, I was having a lovely time! I didn't know that the majority of the plot revolves around a catfishing of sorts and I had to DNF.
It's my least favorite trope and I didn't want to negatively impact and review a book that I wasn't enjoying. I think that this had so much potential to be great; however, the catfishing truly ruined it for me.
I also felt like the FMC was a bit immature with her dialogue.
Other than that I did enjoy the book and if people like that trope they should definitely give a chance on this one.
Now for the percentage of the book I did read, I was having a lovely time! I didn't know that the majority of the plot revolves around a catfishing of sorts and I had to DNF.
It's my least favorite trope and I didn't want to negatively impact and review a book that I wasn't enjoying. I think that this had so much potential to be great; however, the catfishing truly ruined it for me.
I also felt like the FMC was a bit immature with her dialogue.
Other than that I did enjoy the book and if people like that trope they should definitely give a chance on this one.
May 9, 2023
Cute romance that didn't exceed expectations but did hit the spot for a breezy afternoon read. The Asian American rep was greatly appreciated and welcomed admist the never ending barrage of sad white women romances.
Thank you to NetGalley, LLB, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and Members' Titles for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, LLB, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and Members' Titles for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2025
Loved it!
I wasn't sure what to expect but I absolutely loved the story and the characters. It was really refreshing, to see two different careers (small business owner x firefighter!) and I loved the way the romance built up.
I do feel that things resolved themselves quite easily but it was still great.
I wasn't sure what to expect but I absolutely loved the story and the characters. It was really refreshing, to see two different careers (small business owner x firefighter!) and I loved the way the romance built up.
I do feel that things resolved themselves quite easily but it was still great.
July 14, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for this free copy in exchange for my honest review
This was a really cute and heartwarming story. The pacing felt a bit off at times, but I loved the writing style, which made me fly through the book. I honestly would love seeing some companion novels about Alicia and Hana.
This was a really cute and heartwarming story. The pacing felt a bit off at times, but I loved the writing style, which made me fly through the book. I honestly would love seeing some companion novels about Alicia and Hana.
Read
July 19, 2023Will an unlikely heroine get her happily ever with a sexy firefighter after a series of misadventures? Find out in Lyn Liao Butler's latest romcom, CRAZY BAO YOU.
Read the full review on BookTrib.com!
Read the full review on BookTrib.com!
July 21, 2023
I hate when a book has the potential to be really good, but the author ruins it with some juvenile writing. This book falls into that category. The main characters are nearly thirty but talk and think like they are twelve sometimes. Too bad, the storyline was better than what she did with it.
April 21, 2023
If you're in the mood for a quick and delightful romance, look no further than Crazy Bao You. This multicultural love story is incredibly charming and will leave you wanting more. It's a fast-paced read that you won't be able to put down until you've reached the last page. Don't hesitate to pick up this heartwarming book, you won't regret it!
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for this ARC. ✨
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for this ARC. ✨
April 29, 2023
Romances usually take me 3 hours to finish. This took me 3 days – I desperately wanted to DNF but forced myself to push through. This book was a mess, stuffed full of half-baked tropes and cartoonish characters.
From the start, I really struggled with the FMC, Kimmie, whose behavior is erratic and narrative voice immature and anxious. The situation with the viral video that disrupts her life is nonsensical, and her reaction to it – and, especially once she begins talking to Matt, hiding herself and allowing him and the world to think she was actually her best friend – was gross. She basically catfished him, and he was fine with it? I thought their chemistry was pretty much non-existent and their banter did absolutely nothing for me, and I found it jarring that she was fine making with filthy innuendo (Firemen and hoses? Really?) but then was uncomfortable with the word penis (What actual adult says “pee-pee”?). Her third-act freakout was not only the worst trope – bad random thing happens and of course it’s my fault and I must completely destroy my life in response – and then was resolved in a matter of just a couple pages.
I wanted to enjoy a book that, on paper, had so much to recommend it: Asian lead, adoption, a chance online connection, a hot fire fighter, and a lot of yummy food! Sadly, this was not it.
Crazy Bao You by Lynn Liao Butler
⭐️
🌶️ The food was spicier than anything between the leads.
🤳💃 The perils of going viral
👛🥟 There was a time I probably would have been very into Kimmie’s accessories
👨🚒🐶 Every fireman needs a good dog
Thanks to NetGalley and LLB for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2023
This was an easy, quick read that I found entertaining. There was a lot going on and I felt like no ideas were completely developed, but I enjoyed the read.
April 24, 2023
Thanks to the author and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first story I’ve read by this author and I wanted to like it from the cute cover to the Asian-American heroine, but it fell flat for me.
Part of it is due to the feeling of instalove that reads as very juvenile as Kim and Matt meet cute through Etsy and start DMing and texting. I mean who wouldn’t have a crush on a hot firefighter, but their connection feels rushed.
Also, the fact that she’s misleading and catfishing Matt when she has ample opportunity to reveal that she’s not the woman in her insta feed as she’s too shy to make her face public, which I totally understand but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Kim realizes it several time but she’s too scared and insecure to tell him the truth. The reason why makes total sense but how can someone expect to start something romantic or even in business with a lack of trust.
I ended up finishing the story but skipping huge portions. This story just wasn’t for me.
This is the first story I’ve read by this author and I wanted to like it from the cute cover to the Asian-American heroine, but it fell flat for me.
Part of it is due to the feeling of instalove that reads as very juvenile as Kim and Matt meet cute through Etsy and start DMing and texting. I mean who wouldn’t have a crush on a hot firefighter, but their connection feels rushed.
Also, the fact that she’s misleading and catfishing Matt when she has ample opportunity to reveal that she’s not the woman in her insta feed as she’s too shy to make her face public, which I totally understand but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Kim realizes it several time but she’s too scared and insecure to tell him the truth. The reason why makes total sense but how can someone expect to start something romantic or even in business with a lack of trust.
I ended up finishing the story but skipping huge portions. This story just wasn’t for me.
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