Kimmie is a quiet woman living in Oklahoma and runs an Etsy story My Crafty Bao but when her boss takes things too far Kimmie quits on the spot and twerks her way out the door and ends up in a viral video. FDNY fire fighter Matt ends up in her DM’s not knowing she’s the infamous woman miscommunication takes over there’s possible drama afoot for this insta love story.

This book is very sweet, full of easy fixes and major Insta love. All things that just did not work for me. Super sugary sweet, no bite and too much easy perfection for my taste this time around. But if you’re seeking a sweet and easy read - this is perfect for you!

2.5 stars

With thanks to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to review this book.

Crazy Bao You (great word play) was a DNF book for me. I just couldn't make myself to finish this book. I didn't care much for the characters who for me acted like children and I found them mostly annoying.

This was a quick to read, cute romance about a crafty young woman in Oklahoma who goes viral when she is filmed (unknown to her) while quitting her horrible retail job and telling off her boss. Kimmie tries to stay off the radar, working on the specialty pieces she makes for her Etsy shop. A fabric tote catches the eye of a New York firefighter, which he purchases for his grandmother. They strike up an online conversation and since Matt doesn't know what Kimmie looks like, he doesn't know it's the viral twerker the guys at the firehouse have been watching. It was fun to read how the two manage the big secrets in their life and eventually meet, with stuffed bao toys being the catalyst.

I didnt loooove Kimmie - she was a bit boring and I am really not sure why she deceived Matt for so long. I also felt that that storyline was wrapped up a bit too quickly.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. All views are my own.

Can an Etsy shop owner in Oklahoma and a FDNY firefighter make things work when he doesn’t know what she really looks like?

I thought the general story plot and the characters were enjoyable. It’s two kids trying to understand their role in their families. The female main love interest was adopted and she gets the opportunity to reconnect with her birth mom. And I reckon with the death of her adopted parents. And the male love interest has lost his mom, and his dad still has some unresolved feelings about the loss. So we get to see them explore that together. The friends are good friends. The characters are passionate, empathetic, understanding. They’re both a little awkward at times, which I always find endearing.

I felt like the miscommunication, aspect was dragged on a little too long, considering the male love interest got over it in about two pages. Kind of made you wonder why I needed to be dragged on for so long if it was going to have so little pay off. Then there was a second miscommunication/slip up that also got resolved in about five pages. So by the time we got to the final tension point, it just kind of lacked punch. Because you were confident it was going to be resolved quickly. That third one also showed up about 89% of the way through the book. So you know it had to wrap up quickly because it’s almost the end of the book. There were also a couple little plug-in comments about how seedy parts of the neighborhoods in New York could be, like casually walking by a known drug dealer on the street. Those couple of comments felt unnecessary. And they didn’t end up coming back around in the story. So I’m unclear what their role was other than to make me feel weird.

But all in all a cute romcom.

The title of this book was fun, and it really reflected the book as well. The book was light and easy to read, and very cute. I love dual POV and think that this was well written. I would recommend this book!

I knew I would love this book from literally the first chapter.

Unfortunately due to society Kimmie went viral on social media for something she knew nothing about. She also owns an etsy shop of custom accessorie designs. Now that she quit her job and has gone viral she decides to be a true introvert and avoid people at all costs.

Matt comes from a a rich family and was fine working for his father at their company until the unfortunate death of his mother. After her passing her realized he wanted a change in careers and became a fireman....excuse me HOT fireman.

A true friends to lovers trope. It's so adorable watching Kimmie just be herself and Matt just sit back and adore her. They got along so well and was able to be their true selves with one another. I can't wait to see what the next book has in store.

Don't get me wrong, I love cliches, clumsy characters, funny characters, and even the most ridiculous scenarios. But this book only left me with one feeling: cringe. I cringed so much throughout the entire book and couldn't believe that this book was about adults. Like how does someone quit their job while complaining about their boss while twerking with their tongue out??? This was nearly a DNF but I wanted to finish it because it was an ARC and I felt obligated to complete it. To each their own and I encourage everyone to provide their own opinion. Full review on goodreads.

Can I say I am Completely biased when it comes to this book? Being a firefighter wife makes me have a weaknesses for all firemen. This story was cute and funny! I love Me a good rom-com. The character building was phenomenal. It’s hard to find a book nowadays that has good character development but this was nothing short of that! Would love to read something else from this author to get more of a grasp of her writing.

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!

"Crazy Bao You" by Lyn Liao it was a bit of a mixed bag for me.The premise is quirky and fun, no doubt about that. An Etsy shop owner from Oklahoma and a hunky FDNY firefighter from New York trying to make a long-distance thing work? Sounds like a rom-com waiting to happen. Kimmie Park and Matt West have some serious chemistry, and their online interactions had me chuckling more than once.

But here's the thing – the whole "he doesn't know what she really looks like" angle felt a bit stretched. I mean, in the age of video calls and social media, it's hard to believe they wouldn't have exchanged real pictures by now. Plus, Kimmie's whole debacle with quitting her job and becoming an accidental viral sensation – it's funny, sure, but it's also a tad overplayed.
Kimmie's Etsy shop and her crafting escapades add a nice touch to the story, and her inner struggles about her past are relatable. The trip to New York had me excited to see how things would finally pan out between them, and there are some heartwarming moments for sure.

The pacing felt a bit off. It's like the story was rushing to tie up loose ends towards the end, leaving me wanting a bit more depth and development. The emotional resolution seemed a bit rushed, and I was left wanting more of those heart-to-heart conversations that really make you root for a couple.

"Crazy Bao You" is a light read that brings some smiles and laughs, but it didn't fully hit the mark for me. If you're looking for a quick and breezy romance with a dash of online quirkiness, give it a shot. But if you're hoping for a deeper dive into the characters and their journey, you might be left craving more.

I was first attracted to the cover because it’s 100 per cent adorable, then the description really sold it. Crazy Bao You by Lynn Liao is a romcom filled with heart that had me laughing-out-loud on many occasions.

Meet Kimmie Park. She has her own Etsy shop and is laying low after a video of her goes viral. Meet Matt West. He’s a firefighter trying to break away from the family business and be his own person. When they meet online, it seems like nothing can go wrong. Oh, did I mention that Jimmie is using her best friend’s photo as her profile pic?

Liao dealt with some heavier topics in the story, like those of grief, fear, and birth moms beautifully within a comedic story. The themes of making peace with your identity, past, and family are ones that I heavily related to and found solace in. I highly recommend this read before the summer is out, and all-year long really! I cannot wait for it to have a permanent spot in my home library, and for the physical reread.

Thank you NetGalley and the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Kimmy is focusing on her esty site and while she is selling her friend poses for a picture of one of the items she is selling. In New York firefighter Matt West buys from Kimmy’s shop online and when he sees a photo that he believes is her he begins to talk to her more than he was already. Kimmy lets him think that it is her in the photo, that is until she has to go to New York because her story is taking off. The two shall meet but Matt is going to be looking for the wrong Kimmy unless she tells him before. What will happen, this is a good story with good characters.

"Crazy Bao You" by Lyn Liao Butler is a delightful and heartwarming novel that blends cultural exploration with a dash of romance. The story follows Clara, a young woman who embarks on a culinary adventure in Taiwan, discovering her roots and her passion for food. Liao Butler's vivid descriptions and engaging narrative make this book a delectable treat for readers, celebrating the joys of self-discovery and embracing one's heritage.

Crazy Bao You is such a fun, rom-com and would be great as a beach read. I read it in two days because Kimmie and Matt drew me in and I needed to find out how Kimmie was going to get out of mess she created. Their chemistry was so great together and I rooted for them. I loved Nana too! What a great side character. If you want to start craving Asian food, especially baos, or need a good feel-good book that will have you laughing, you need to pick up this book.

Kim was a lovable character but WOW she had a lot happening at once. The secondary characters (something that for some reason I ALWAYS fixate on when reading a romance) were amazing. I especially loved Matt's grandmother. It was an enjoyable, lighthearted read about found family and a hunky fireman (with some random side thoughts of Kim that were a bit jarring.)

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I love thie title - so cute.

Kimmie is a better safe than sorry kind a gal. When she loses it at work and goes viral for twerking as she tells off her boss and quits her job she takes the opportunity to grow her Etsy shop. Through her shop she meets Matt, a FDNY firefighter, and they start friendship that leads to so much more. The book has some really funny parts. As Kimmie's business grows and she posts pictures of her model best friend Alicia with her products, her customers think Alicia is “Kim.” Matt is one of them. The whole mistaken idnetity storyline went on a bit too long but was resolved eventually.

Kimmie grows alot throughout the book and learns to come out of her shell and go with the flow. I loved the food descriptions in the book and Matt's grandma was very entertaining.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK ! As an Etsy seller myself, I have to say, the romance made me giggle and kick my feet. This is such a cute book, a cute love story, and a cute play on words as well for the title. This was such a quick read as well and the characters are all so likeable, especially Matt. Such a sweetheart, the perfect book boyfriend. I loved loved it.

What a breath of fresh air! This book was so fun! Kimmie runs an Etsy shop where she sells fun purses and accessories. One day, an FDNY firefighter buys one of her bags for his grandma's birthday, but when he sees Kimmie's profile picture, they quickly start to fall for each other. The only catch is that the picture Kimmie posted wasn't of her.

Kimmie uses photos of her best friend to advertise her products as a way of distancing her Etsy brand from a viral video, but when Matt could help make all of her dreams a reality, she needs to figure out how to come clean before it is too late.

If you ever want a warm hug in book form that will make you laugh, this book is for you. Crazy Bao You is the perfect example of what I like to call a "low-risk" read; there is plenty of communication between the two MCs and not a whole lot of angst or unnecessary drama. Kimmie and Matt are just people trying to live their joy and navigate long-distance flirtation.

Super entertaining and fun to read. Thank you, @netgalley, for giving me a free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so cute. A quick cosy romance to get you out of any reading slump! It was funny and heart warming, definitely recommended.