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

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!

This book had me laughing out loud in the first chapter and then completely charmed by the end. Kimmie is such a relatable character and I love how she was portrayed as awkward, but also self-confident in her abilities and talents. Matt is perfect through and through for Kimmie and I loved watching both of their characters develop together.

This book was just super cute. I love that they started messaging online first and got to know each other that way. Matt was just so perfect and he liked Kimmie no matter what. I kind of want a follow up book about Alicia where we get to see their wedding.

I received an arc through netgalley.

Crazy Bao You was a delightful story that kept me on my toes. Just when I thought I could predict how the story was going to go, the author switched gears and I loved it. This was a refreshing take on multiple romance tropes - meet cute, long distance dating, mistaken identity. The relationship between Kimmie and Matt was so real and endearing too. They were uplifting and supportive, funny and emotionally raw. This was a great read!

Thank you to Netgalley, and author Lyn Liao for the ARC!

This book had a lot happening in it but I really enjoyed it and liked the two leads and the family and friends around it too!

Lyn Lian's "Crazy Bao You" is a wonderful and endearing romantic comedy that will make readers grin. Lian's captivating storytelling and endearing characters make this book a joy to read from start to finish.
The narrative centres on Mei, the quirky and likeable protagonist, a young woman who becomes involved in several amusing and surprising escapades. Mei sets off on a voyage of self-discovery after her life takes an unexpected turn. Along the way, she encounters humorous mishaps, chance encounters, and a budding relationship that upends her entire universe.
Character development in "Crazy Bao You" is one of its strongest points because of Lyn Lian's talent. Mei is a delightfully imperfect protagonist who exudes charm and sincerity. Readers will find themselves rooting for her as she navigates the ups and downs of her turbulent trip because of her wit and humour, which instantly endeared her to them. The supporting cast is equally endearing, as each one adds their own special traits and personalities to the narrative.
Lian's lighthearted and captivating writing style is ideal for the romantic comedy genre. A new and enjoyable element is added to the story by the characters' smart banter and sharp conversation. The story's rhythm is well-balanced, with times of heartwarming tenderness interwoven with hilarious parts, making for a delicious blend that keeps readers thoroughly amused.
Additionally, "Crazy Bao You" perfectly reflects contemporary life and the difficulties that young adults confront in achieving their aspirations and finding true love. Themes of self-discovery, personal development, and the value of accepting one's actual self are all incorporated by Lian in accessible ways. Readers are reminded of the importance of following one's passions and taking chances, even in the face of difficulties, through Mei's journey.
The story's rich and vibrant backdrop also gives the narrative an additional dimension of charm. Readers are drawn into the vivid world of Mei's excursions by Lian's descriptions of bustling cityscapes, delectable street cuisine, and cultural customs. The plot is made more interesting and richer by the setting, which combines traditional traditions with modern metropolitan life.
Even though "Crazy Bao You" is a fun and engaging book to read, some readers might find portions of the plot's humour to be predictable or overdone. Any minor flaws are made up for by the endearing characters and Lian's deft execution, which makes for a very pleasurable reading experience.
"Crazy Bao You" is a sweet and endearing romantic comedy that will make readers feel good within. This book is a pleasant escape into the realm of love, laughter, and self-discovery thanks to Lyn Lian's fascinating storytelling, endearing characters, and delightful humour. "Crazy Bao You" is the ideal selection if you're looking for a positive read to make your day.

Crazy Bao You (clever title) is the first book I've read from Lyn Liao Butler, and I was really excited to read this (as an Asian myself). While the story was cute and did a good job of capturing the weird reality of modern online dating and how social media can influence our lives, it didn't hook me as much as I was hoping.

I loved the buildup/dynamic tension between Matt and Kimmie (will she tell him/won't she tell him? how will he react when she does etc.), but unfortunately, it became frustrating to see her continue to catfish him chance after chance. And while her fear behind it was reasonable enough, the protractedness of it dragged the pacing and harmed the believability factor, which wavered after loosely veiled 'failed' attempts to speak her truth. While the tension of her lies built up, one assumed that the reveal would be this dramatic affair, yet Matt accepted her rationale too easily (within paragraphs), thus the payoff didn't land as well as intended. In fact, many plot points that built up tension fizzled at the payoff points.

What I actually enjoyed about this was Matt and Nana's relationship. It felt fresh and lovely. I also enjoyed that this story featured a POC lead, however, it felt like some opportunities were missed to really make Kimmie's issues and inability to leave her home deeper. While one can understand the irrational fear from a teen's perspective, to have that irrational fear cripple a capable woman in her 30s felt unreal and made relating to Kimmie or sympathising difficult. There were times I was also wondering where is the climax?--since all conflicts were getting resolved so easily and within a couple of pages if not paragraphs-- so the final event that pushed these two apart appeared out of nowhere and felt like a forced plot device to break the two up.

I commend the book for representing a different POV in a romcom that's usually dominated by white narratives, however, it missed the mark on some of those goalposts that are staples of romcoms for me at least.

(Honest review provided in exchange for eARC copy received from NetGallery.)

I have mixed feelings about this story, so we’ll break it down into the good and bad bits.

Good;
Having an Asian heroine
The mixup with her identity storyline
Luna
The grandma and Ruby
The first half of the book

Bad:
The ending (it literally just said she hates crowds, so what does Matt do. Not cool)
The book after the identity reveal seems to just unravel a bit and become rather long and boring

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.

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, 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.

My challenges with the 90% area of the book were that it felt forced. While the two main characters had acknowledged and discussed their personal traumas/fears throughout the book and how they had previously impacted them, these traumas/fears were only detriments to the current part of their life in this short section. It was unnecessary to have Hanna's accident and the resulting conflict to the overall story and felt like a quick detour to the flow of the story. I was grateful that the characters didn't dwell too long in this conflict, and the precious bao proposal at the end made up for it.

Some bonus delights were: Dogs, Hot Fireman, Crafting, and FOOD LOVE.

I would recommend readers pick this book up for a happy beginning, middle and ever after.

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 for halfway through the book seemed like an odd choice. The 3rd act breakup was predictable. Overall the resolution happened quickly but I wonder if other aspects of the plot were explored i.e. Kimmie's ethnicity or the impacts of going viral the book would have been better.

Kimmie Park always thought she was Korean, but when her parents died, she found out she was Chinese and adopted. Since she was 16, she's been living in the family flat in Oklahoma, having to drive an hour to find decent East Asian groceries, with a bit of a dead-end job with a horrible boss in a home furnishings shop and an Etsy shop on the side where she sells cute bags and purses to a small but appreciative audience.

Then suddenly two things happen: Kimmie takes down her horrible boss by dancing (really?) and shouting the truth at him, it's filmed and shared and goes viral against her wishes and knowledge, and not wanting this to get associated with her shop, she takes some pictures of her superficially more attractive best friend Alicia with her products, leaving everyone to assume Alicia is her. Including hot trust-fund kid, family-firm-abandoning Matt, who has bought a bag for his grandma (his grandma was an excellent character). If it had been the other way around, would it be catfishing? Because Kimmie and Matt establish a close relationship on the phone and in Instagram DMs but she can't work out a way to tell him she's not who he thinks she is. However, he's somehow worked out from their chats that she might not look like Alicia, so when things are eventually resolved, he doesn't mind at all (there's also a very positive meet-the-adoptive-mother story arc with no conflict apart from some initial nervousness).

Will Kimmie pluck up the courage to leave Oklahoma when she gets an amazing business opportunity? Her worries were made real and she's offered an opportunity to work on her anxiety and grow. I liked the casual multiculturalism of the cast (Alicia has Mexican and Japanese heritage, Matt's best friend is Black, Kimmie reconnects with the only other Asian American girl at her school) and the descriptions of Kimmie finding she doesn't stick out so much in New York and can find wonderful food and cultural experiences as soon as she steps out of her door. The plot is a bit far-fetched but is positive and thoughtful, and toxic masculinity is addressed and unpicked to an extent in the scenes in Matt's fire department workplace.

This would make a fun holiday read and the representation is likely to please global majority people readers and those who like to read about different cultures and especially their food.

REVIEW
*cw: bereavement, adoption, catfishing*
When a video of Kimmie Park losing her job goes viral, she focuses full-time on her Etsy store selling handmade bags. Firefighter Matt West has just bought one of her bags for his grandmother, and they start talking online. Except Matt thinks he's speaking to Kimmie's friend who models her bags. And Kimmie hasn't corrected him. Even though there's an amazing spark between them.
I really wanted to love this book. The cover is adorable, and that title is genius. Unfortunately, Kimmie was a bit too frenetic and immature in her thought processes to enjoy, and I found a lot of the events really unlikely, from the friends who randomly fly from New York and London to live with her because of one video, to the fact she apparently had NO idea she could dance. Her dialogue was incredibly immature. She's supposed to be thirty but sounds like a tween. Then there's the whole catfishing plot. I understood the initial confusion, but it could have been addressed SO many times, and Kimmie made the most ridiculous excuses why she didn't. She also didn't really want to be accountable. I think I get what the author was going for, but Kimmie came across as trying too hard to be quirky. I thought the birth mother storyline was sensitively handled. But her first messages with Matt involved her asking him what he wore to bed and then flirting (all from a professional DM). It was all just a bit... Instalove, but was then dragged out into a full-length romance.
I liked Matt. He had an emotional backstory for why he became a firefighter, and he seemed sweet (and very patient with Kimmie!) I also loved his grandmother. That said, I didn't enjoy the forced conflict in the final third.
Sadly, this story just came across as over-the-top and not well-executed, which is sad because I really felt like there was the possibility of a cute story. Not for me.

Overall Rating: ❤️❤️
Heat Rating: 🔥
Emotional Rating: 🙈💃😒😬💓🤷‍♀️

*Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review. Crazy Bao You is published on 6th June in the UK*

I will upload the review to Amazon UK on publication day

I have read Lyn’s past books and I was looking forward to see how this romance played out. I am not a fan of the miscommunication trope, but I liked how the characters reacted once the truth was shared.

The romance was sweet and the banter engaging. I enjoyed the multiple viewpoints - especially from the male main character.

I appreciated the female main character’s drive to not give up after quitting her job. Also her authentic posts on social media allowed for her brand to shine through.

Overall this book was cute and a quick read.

Crazy Bao You was a really sweet story. Personally I am not a fan of the miscommunication/mistaken identity conflict but this was a better version of that than I have seen in other books. Matt and Kimmie are a cute couple I couldn't stop my self from cheering for them to overcome their issues and live HEA.

This was a cute, wholesome, fast read. Kimmie and Matt were endearing. But Kimmie was kinda frustrating at some points. And there were some non-issue issues. The identity mix up was an easy fix but got dragged. But overall it was a cute rom-com read.

I'm making a conscious effort to read more diversely and was intrigued by this book. I haven't read anything by this author before but I'm so happy I decided to give this book a go.

Kimmie is one mixed up woman. She always thought she was Korean, then found out that she's possibly Chinese after her adoptive parents died. But after that trauma Kimmie vowed never to leave OK and has stuck to her guns.

Her Etsy shop is going from strength to strength and when she becomes a viral sensation at her day job she decides to plough her energy into her side job. But one customer service email from a guy in New York, leads to a friendship she never expected.

Matt is a trust fund kid who decided to do something more meaningful with his life when his mother died. He's got zero respect from his wealthy father and the guys on his crew give him a hard time over his wealth and upbringing - even though he never actually uses it to his advantage. Buying a gift for grandmother leads him into friendship with Kimmie. But that's just the start of their adventure!

This was a highly enjoyable read. Kimmie struggles with her identity, knowing who she is and breaking free from the trauma and her responses to it. I loved the way that she knew her problems and tried to manage them the best she could. I loved her relationship with her auntie and Alicia and later when she finally gets to NY she slowly wins over Matt's crew too.

Kimmie does have a lot of spinning plates and could have down with a bit less going on. I wasn't overly fond of the Kimmie/Alicia deception but kind of understood why that became a useful deception for her after the whole viral video debacle. Matt's complete inability to get anywhere on time was another bugbear. Especially as a probie he should have managed his time better than he did!

Kimmie's thoughts are just as chaotic as her life, so if you don't like rapid fire, quick-change thoughts from your FMC this isn't the book for you. Her love for food interrupting her thoughts at inopportune moments actually made her feel more realistic to me.

A witty, heartfelt, thought provoking look at family, trauma, ethnicity and sense of self. Would gladly read another book from this author.

First, I’m counting this book for the Asian Readathon 2023 because our main lead, Kimmie, sure got herself in a hot mess which is one of the prompts for the readathon. 😅 And it is because a video of her telling off her boss while dancing went viral. After this incident, Kimmie lost her job and she focused her energy to her Etsy shop called My Crafty Bao. And that’s how she met our love interest, Matt, who bought a tote bag from her shop and gifted it to his grandmother.

This is just the beginning of a roller coaster-like series of events for these two characters. If you’re looking for a light romance read, I highly recommend checking this book out. I mean, you have a hot (hotter than the fire he puts out because he’s a fireman) love interest, set in New York City, and adorable dogs. 🐕🐩 

Plus, I know this sounds extra cheesy but their story made me smile. ☺️

Also, this book made me realize that it is never too late to start again. Whether it’s for your career, for love, and for life. Crazy Bao You may give you that little push you need to jumpstart the life you have always wanted. Kimmie was scared to the core when she realized she needs a do-over. But, this also serves as a reminder that you just have to take it one step at a time.

Also, I want to thank (netgalley) for the eARC of the Crazy Bao You in exchange for an honest review. I’ll surely look forward to more of Lyn Liao’s novels.

Kimmie has walked off her job after an infamous dance showdown and is concentrating on her business line now. Inadvertently, she is misrepresented in a social media post and herein lies the plot for the entire novel. Her serendipitous "penpal" Matt has no idea what she truly looks like and when the relationship develops, sight unseen, circumstances prevent the big reveal. I found the evasive maneuvers of Kimmie to be comical and well played .The fact that her identity was made into a big deal was countered by the way it was handled, and that helped to make the story more plausible than juvenile .I appreciate the need to include some cultural info but the rendered listing of food items was a bit off-putting. Overall it was a decent and palatable read.