I am a huge fan of Kevin Kwan’s work - his writing is clever, distinctive, and has a personality. He leans hard into the rich, Asian family stories and this one has such fun scene stealing moments! I love his use of footnotes and this comes through really well on audio.

In true Kevin fashion, the story has such a charismatic, wide ranging cast. There were meddling family members, billionaire bad boys, and some great twists to connect these characters together. The story also brings you around the globe to so many top cities via private jets and yachts.

What kept me from loving this is that the story is just under 450 pages and I just found the middle slowed down for me. I think this would have been a bigger win for me if it were slightly trimmed down. But, I do think this still worked well and loved seeing all the secrets, lies, betrayals, and intricacies of each character tie together.

Recommend if you enjoy:
▫️Crazy Rich Asians
▫️Stories of love and money
▫️Complicated families
▫️Secrets and lies
▫️Extravagant, bougie lifestyle

My only regret with this one is that I wish I had read it sooner! Kwan has a way of bringing you deep into the culture and inside jokes of his characters and gives so much richness to his cast. And not just in a crazy rich Asian way either! This was truly an adventure around the world - from London to Hawaii to Morocco to Paris to LA and many places in between. Crazy mothers and aunties and scheming playboys run amuck - and there are more wedding than one can count in this one. Truly a fun ride that I would choose again!

Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan is an entertaining novel about complicated families, wealth and love.

I’m such a big fan of Kevin Kwan’s books! I loved all the books in the Crazy Rich Asians series and also enjoyed his follow-up Sex and Vanity too. And Lies and Weddings is right up there with Crazy Rich Asians—it’s so good! An engaging tale about the uber wealthy, but told in such a comedic and fun way. And there’s plenty of depth too.

Lies and Weddings is the perfect summer/vacation read. It truly transports you to another world and you’ll have a big smile on your face after you finish it.

You’ll be swept away by stunning locations such as Hawaii, the scenic idyllic countryside of England and more. The story is both funny and heartfelt, which is an absolutely winning combo.

There’s also quite of a bit of substance for a story that revolves around wealth—it does take a look at socioeconomic issues, internalized racism, problematic parenting style and more.

Kevin Kwan does it again!!

I love the way this author always includes a regular person in his wild stories about rich people drama. I feel like it really gives more perspective on how lavish and hilariously ridiculous the happenings truly are. I think that the addition of the seemingly random 'past' storyline and was pleased with how it got wrapped up.

There were many romances and many friendships that we got to watch develop fully. The cast of characters was large, but I do think that each character added to the story and don't feel like it's too much.

I will always recommend this authors works to all types of readers, avid, occasional, rare, everyone can enjoy in my opinion!

3.5, rounded up. Kevin Kwan is doing what he does best: vividly describing the wealth of the most ostentatiously rich folks in the [fictional] world and contrasting them with a level-headed romantic pairing. After a while I skimmed over some of the descriptions of cars, properties, etc., but I had a great time!

How to even summarize this wild ride of a book!? Lots of rich people with outrageous rich people problems. I devoured every second of it, laughing all the way.

This was my first kevin kwan (I know, I’m sorry) but I knew he was from Houston and he sprinkled in so many delicious little H-town details, it made my heart so happy. I cannot wait to read his backlog of books (some of which I already own!) 🤗

Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
Stars: 4.5
52 Book Club Summer Prompt #9 - Fencing: Dialogue with Witty Banter

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I was looking through the 52 Book Club Summer prompts and I saw the one about witty banter and my mind immediately went to Kevin Kwan’s latest book which was sitting in my NetGalley queue. Is there anyone better at combining banter and snarky asides while giving us an inside view of the most rarefied levels of society? The answer is no, it was a rhetorical question really.

In his newest book, Kwan introduces us to the Gresham family, the current Earl, Francis, and his Hong Kong born wife, Arabella. They are getting ready to jet to Hawaii to celebrate the nuptials of their eldest daughter, Augusta, to a European prince (not that one) but things are starting to unravel for the family. Francis needs more money to keep the family afloat and he turns to his best friend and neighbor, Dr. Thomas Tong, to see about securing a loan from Thomas’s friend and super secretive business tycoon, Rene Tan. While the volcanoes are erupting and Arabella is trying to pull off the wedding of the century, Rufus Greshman, the future earl, is trying to find the courage to tell Eden Tong, his best friend and Thomas’s daughter, that he loves her.

Kwan’s books are delicious, twenty-first century versions of the great eighteen- and nineteenth-century novels of manners. These are homages to Austin, Bronte, Wharton, and James. They are stories that show us how the other half lives while exposing all the archaic traditions that they use to keep themselves at the top of the food chain. It’s like a print version of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. And it is all so deliciously readable; Kwan is an excellent writer and he plots and paces a novel with ultimate precision. You can see where he is taking you and what the twist is going to be, but the joy is in the journey and you will love every minute of it.


This is the perfect beach (pool/lake/yacht) read.

If you enjoyed "Crazy Rich Asians," you will definitely enjoy this book. More about the lives of the maybe rich and almost famous. The opulence of the lifestyles in this book is incredible. It is hard to believe that people actually live like this and spend this kind of money. Everyone is on a private jet flitting here and there. While most of the story moves forward logically (from country to country and wedding to wedding), there are a few flashbacks to a storyline that ultimately has a huge impact on how this story turns out. The Chinese "tiger mother" exists in all her glory in this book and while it is so frustrating to see how she behaves, you do get glimpses of the why. There are a group of Asians who have amassed large fortunes and influence, but they are never truly accepted outside of Asia. While this is a light beach read, you do see this discriminatory behavior as it is important to see the driving motivations of some of the characters. This was a fun read, just like "Crazy Rich Asians," and I mean just like "Crazy Rich Asians." I thoroughly enjoyed that story, so it is no surprise I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy. My opinion is my own.

Looking for the perfect beach or poolside read ? This may be it ! It is perfect escapism, in Kevin Kwan's signature style the super rich and status obsessed are again at the center of this newest novel. The book takes the reader from an English castle to beautiful Hawaii, Beverly Hills, Marga, Marrakech and Venice. Moving between summer playgrounds of privilege, peppered with decadent food and extravagant fashion, name dropping and everyone being introduced by naming every school they have attended, Lies And Weddings is another fun comedy with Eden Tong, a doctor's daughter and the three children of the Earl of Gresham at the middle.
Old money, new money and the things that subtly or not never let people forget where they do or don't fit. But in classic Kevin Kwan style it all seems so out of touch and over the top that it is very enjoyable without too much depth but I was still caught up with the drama rooting for Rufus and Eden throughout the book !

By the author of Crazy Rich Asians, this title entertains. I see it as a movie, which will probably be popular.

I love the descriptions in Kevin Kwan's books. The places, the people and the sheer opulence of every scene. The footnotes always manage to entertain me and the characters are always so intriguing. Sex, Lies and Weddings continues the excellence!

DNF @ 20% - this story is all over the place, jumping from timeline to timeline, without really connecting the dots from one to the next… I would have liked to see a more cohesive balance between the multiple timelines and POVs since it’s not explained how they connect at all (right now, it seems like completely different stories just in the same book) 😩😩 and I love his writing so this is just a disappointing mess for me… I got roped in by the prologue and intrigue of the characters, but lost me when we decided to take a deep dive back in time without any true correlation. a big thank you to netgalley and doubleday for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you #Netgalley

So many story lines to keep you interested! I loved the layout of this read, different character point of views all surrounded by the concept of weddings and lies both big and little and in some eyes it is all about appearances. I loved how the characters are all intertwined and how the historical story lines slowly play out and you realize who is connected and related to who.

4.5 stars

Kevin Kwan, known for his sparkling wit and keen observations of high society, once again delivers a captivating read with "Lies and Weddings." This novel combines the opulence and drama Kwan's fans have come to expect with a fresh exploration of personal identity and the complexities of relationships.

Kwan excels at creating multidimensional characters, and "Lies and Weddings" is no exception. Allegra Wang, the protagonist, is a compelling figure torn between her public persona and her private doubts. Her journey of self-discovery is both poignant and relatable, making her a character readers will root for. The supporting cast, including her enigmatic fiancé Charles, her fiercely loyal best friend Lian, and her complicated family, add depth and texture to the narrative.

The novel deftly explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the pressures of societal expectations. Kwan's portrayal of the art world offers a fascinating backdrop, shedding light on the intersection of culture and commerce. The book also delves into the intricacies of familial relationships, particularly the dynamics between parents and children, which will resonate with many readers.

Kwan's signature humor and sharp commentary are ever-present, making "Lies and Weddings" an entertaining read. His ability to blend satire with genuine emotional moments creates a well-rounded narrative that is both thought-provoking and enjoyable. The dialogue is crisp, and the pacing keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

"Lies and Weddings" is a delightful addition to Kevin Kwan's oeuvre, offering a perfect blend of glamour, intrigue, and heartfelt moments. Fans of Kwan's previous works, as well as new readers, will find much to enjoy in this novel. It’s a sparkling tale that reminds us that beneath the surface of even the most dazzling lives, everyone has their own set of truths and lies.

More of the same from Kevin Kwan- but that's not a bad thing! It's always fun to read about the lifestyles of the tick and famous. There just wasn't the same level of character development here as there was in his other books.

Another over-the-top indulgence read by Kevin Kwan! Not my favorite of his, but nonetheless enjoyable as a luxurious and hedonistic (yet warm and endearing?) plot and cast of characters that we've come to know and love from him.

First line: “If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever.”

Summary: Rufus Gresham is one of the most eligible bachelors and the heir to an earldom. However, the Gresham family has a secret they are hoping is remedied by his marriage to a wealthy young woman. But Rufus does not want to marry for money. He has long harbored feelings for the girl next door, a young doctor, Eden Tong. Then at the wedding of Rufus’s sister he accidentally reveals some rather scandalous information leading to whispers surrounding the young doctor. As the rumors and innuendos gain momentum Eden is ostracized by the matriarch of the family she has known her whole life. Can Rufus defy his mother’s plans and marry the woman he loves?

My Thoughts: I wasn’t sure about reading this book since the first one did not hit as highly as the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy but I am glad I gave it a try. It seems Kwan got back into the flow with this one. It felt much more complete. The story was filled with shocking moments, interesting characters and huge misunderstandings.

As with his other books, Kwan writes of the lavish lifestyles of the rich and this one is no different. There are several jaw dropping weddings and events throughout the story. It is a world that many cannot even imagine but he describes it in a way that makes it more accessible. The characters may feel a little cliché but they are interesting and memorable. Lady Arabella is the scheming mother looking for good matches for her children. Then there is Luis, a child of wealth who is determined to live lavishly without any cares for others. But on the opposite end is Eden, a doctor who spent her life on the periphery of wealth but not being tempted to enter its world. I found myself easily caught up in the plot. If you cannot take a real vacation then maybe a dive into this story will help you to escape the hot Kansas summer.

There is much to enjoy in this book! If you read and loved the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy then I would highly recommend Kwan’s newest book.

I really enjoy Kevin Kwan's work, and this book was no different!

I'm over simplifying this assessment, but this book is like Gossip Girl meets Bravoleberties meets Anna Delvey -- all rooted in Asian culture. It's wildly over the top and touches on a level of consumerism that I can't even fathom. It's high drama and fun to read! Definitely would reccomend.

Could not put this down, hilarious and amazing, tender. Rufus, a peer in England is also half Chinese, the son of a Hong Kong supermodel who fell in love with the Earl of Greshambury. His entire life, Rufus and his sister’s grew up, literally, grew up with the girl next door, Eden Tong. And for most of that time, he has been in love with her. But with the family in financial shambles and his mother working her matchmaking machinations, do Eden and Rufus stand a chance? Set amidst high flyers in Hawaii, England, LA, Morocco and Paris, this was a wildly fun romp.

There is so much to write about this novel. It will frustrate or thrill readers because of its emphasis on consumerism, haute couture, and domineering women, but inside all of those themes is a sweet, predictable love story of two childhood friends. Lady Arabella married into English society, raised three children, and built a career as a real estate developer for the wealthy. Along the way she has spent the funds inherited by her husband, the Earl of Greshambury. Now that the family is millions of dollars in debt, Arabella decides it is time for her adult children to marry for money to save face. At 640 pages, Lies and Weddings is a big beach read recommended for people interested in fashion, glamour and Eurasian culture. Each chapter contains hilarious footnotes that translate Cantonese threats and curses for English readers and offer amusing commentary on British society.