Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this read. If you read or like the idea of Crazy Rich Asians, this will be the book for you. Rich Asians being very entertaining. This was a good and easy read.

I just finished reading this novel and wow, it was a wild ride! It's all about the Gresham family and their world of luxury and crazy antics. The book is a riot of drama and comedy, cleverly poking fun at the elite with some really sharp humor. Even though I'm not usually into reality TV, this book pulled me right in with its larger-than-life characters who somehow still feel real.

The story keeps ramping up the drama with every chapter, revealing secrets that keep you hooked. There’s a character, the mother, who starts off pretty intimidating, but as her past is revealed, you really get to see why she is the way she is.

The settings are like a mini vacation; one minute you're in Marrakech, next you're at a swanky spot in Beverly Hills or an old estate in London. It’s pure escapism. And the ending? It totally delivered, just as I hoped. Plus, the footnotes are a great touch—they really add something extra.

Definitely a fun read, and can't wait for the next one!

Thank you to the Doubleday Canada for an ARC of this gorgeous book!!

If you read and loved Crazy Rich Asians then you will love this one. I found it just as hard to follow the huge cast of characters at the beginning… by the end, once I got into it and figured out who they all were (once I’d wrapped my head around basically a cast of something like 20), I finally got into it. I would give the first half of this extremely long book a 3-star rating, but the end of it was most certainly 5-star, hence my overall 4-star average.

The beginning was too long setting everything up with too many characters and would be a good movie, like Crazy, or perhaps even better as a miniseries? It definitely took me some time to find myself getting interested with the plot. It was definitely after they left Hawaii and I’d sorted out who was who! Once we really learn the hierarchy of where everyone fit in, where the opening flashback scene fits in and who those characters were (I really loved that reveal!!), which characters are related, and who was wanting to be in relationships, my head unscrambled and I found that I really liked the overall story.

You can’t tell for a while into it, but it seems that the major characters are Eden and Rufus, so while reading, pay more attention to those storylines and details! I have read the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy but not Sex and Vanity (so, many of Kwan’s books), and can definitely recommend this over the other his other titles!

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada / Doubleday Canada, and this is my honest feedback.

This was fun but for me, didn't do a ton of new stuff that hadn't been done already in his previous books. I did enjoy that there was at least an attempt to update the story for our current social climate, in terms of commenting on wealth inequality, privilege, etc., but it kind of made Eden feel like a flat, one-dimensional character who was only there to serve the purpose of social commentary? If you enjoyed Crazy Rich Asians and the author's other books, I think you will enjoy this one, but I wouldn't expect anything wildly innovative. It would definitely make a great summer beach read though! And don't get me wrong, I do love reading all the soap opera-ish drama and about the opulent lives and homes and fashions of these incredibly rich people.

Having read and enjoyed the Crazy Rich Asians series, I was eagerly anticipating Kevin Kwan’s latest, Lies and Weddings. It didn’t disappoint!

The novel is set primarily in England but there are chapters in other locales (including LA and Hawaii) befitting a story about the jet-setting ultra wealthy. The story unfolds from a few different points of view in the present day with flashbacks to the 1990s.

The novel sets up and playfully mocks the phoniness, materialism and superficiality of a dysfunctional (Asian British) wealthy aristocratic family. Other main characters include the family’s (middle-class) physician and his daughter, Eden. There is an overbearing, scheming mother wanting to successfully marry off her children, especially her son, Rufus, to prominent, powerful families, secrets from the past, scheming, backroom deals, and a forbidden romance.

This was a fun, entertaining, escapist read that made me feel like a fly on the wall, observing the bad behavior and antics of the wealthy and their over-the-top behavior. Through the main characters, Eden and Rufus, two of the most down-to-earth characters, the author shows just how out of touch those with wealth and power can be, touching on issues such as classism, racism, substance use, and the impacts of neglectful parenting. Towards the end of the novel, there is a delightful twist that is very satisfying.

A few minor quibbles for me was that there could have been more focus on the Eden-Rufus relationship and some of the characters could have been better nuanced. There were also some footnotes used and they did not show up properly on my e-reader (showing at the end of the chapter instead of on the page where it should have been). I found this annoying and ended up skipping the footnotes as the few I read didn’t add anything, IMO.

Overall, this was a fun/funny read which would make the perfect beach read for fans of the Crazy Rich Asians series!

I loved Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians series so when I saw he had a new book coming out I knew I had to read it. It was everything I was hoping for - the same hijinks, drama, and opulence that I’ve come to expect from his writing. Basically a contemporary comedy of manners within a family of lesser British nobles. The title sums the book up very well as there are a lot of lies and a lot of weddings!

As per usual with Kwan’s books, the characters were all a lot of fun to spend time with. Rufus, Thomas and Eden are the sensible, more grounded (generally) characters whose POVs we see the most from, then we get some big personalities in the rest of the cast. If you thought Eleanor Young was an unhinged matriarch just wait until you meet Arabella - she brings overbearing mom to a whole new level. I loved the flashbacks to the past at the start of each section, it was fun trying to piece together what was going on and who it affected in the present. I also enjoyed the commentary through the footnotes, this author uses them really well and it compliments the story.

Overall this was a super fun read. I’d definitely recommend it for fans of Kwan’s other books, as well as anyone who enjoys some fun rich people drama and nonsense (fictional that is - I don’t care for it in real life). Thanks so much to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this eARC - I loved it!

Opulence on steroids! Kevin Kwan’s writing style is in a category of its own -descriptive writing, humour, cultural/historical facts and random trivia with some drama mixed in. I liked it more than Crazy Rich Asians …..and I loved that book! Lies and Marriages is another Kevin Kwan must read!
Thank You to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada and Kevin Kwan for the opportunity to read and thoroughly enjoy this ARC.

Delighted to include this title in the May edition of Novel Encounters, my column highlighting the month’s most anticipated fiction for the Books section of Zoomer, Canada’s national lifestyle and culture magazine. (see column and mini-review at link)

I absolutely love Kevin Kwan and the Crazy Rich Asians series....the best! So I was so excited to get the ARC of his new book. This one did not disappoint. It was amazing - I loved the main characters - Eden and Rufus were great - though I would've liked more character development and some of the 'twists' felt forced but otherwise a great read. Cannot wait to read his next book!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Traditional format (digital). Kevin Kwan is back with another book filled with crazy antics and a cast of equally crazy characters. In thinking about how to best describe this book in a synopsis it is difficult because there are so many characters and so many sub plots. But what Kwan does is tie together all these complexities into a fun filled wild ride of a book with the title of Lies and Weddings perfectly summarizing the overall gist of the narrative.

What I liked
- Kwan's use of footnotes throughout the book (though in digital format it doesn't work as well as a paper book)
- How the author brackets to describe the educational backgrounds of his characters
- Pacing of the book was great - even though the book is on the longer side it never dragged
- I'm a sucker for any books with many different locations and this one did not disappoint
- Some laugh out loud moments

If you liked Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asian's books, you will likely enjoy this book. This was a fun and entertaining read for me that I enjoyed overall. I give this one a 4/5

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada | Doubleday Canada and Net Galley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“Lies and Weddings” by Kevin Kwan is a globetrotting tale of love, money, and scandal. Readers are taken on a whirlwind journey across continents, with a juicy, hilarious, and sophisticated story that will keep you turning pages until the very end.

Meet Rufus Leung Gresham. He is the future Earl of Greshambury who faces a daunting challenge. The legendary Gresham Trust, once flush with wealth, now lies buried under a mountain of debt. Behind the glossy magazine covers and Instagram stories, the Gresham family's grandeur conceals a financial disaster. Rufus's scheming mother devises a desperate plan: he must attend his sister's wedding at a luxury eco-resort, where the world's wealthiest sultans, barons, and oligarchs gather. His mission? To seduce a woman with money.

As the volcanic eruption of forbidden affairs, secret trysts, and family secrets unfolds, the Gresham family's reputation goes up in flames. Can the once-great dukedom rise from the ashes? Or will a shocking twist, like one hidden for two decades, forever alter their fate?

From the black sand beaches of Hawaii to the skies of Marrakech, Kwan paints vivid landscapes that transport readers. Glitzy bachelor pads in Los Angeles and England's oldest family estates serve as backdrops for scandalous encounters and clandestine affairs.

Kwan's characters leap off the page. Rufus grapples with duty versus desire, torn between love and legacy. Solène de Courcy, the French hotel heiress, exudes elegance and mystery. Martha Dung, the tattooed venture capital genius, is a force to be reckoned with. And then there's Eden Tong, the humble doctor's daughter—the girl next door who captures Rufus's heart.

Kwan masterfully explores themes of love, money, and deception. The lies we tell ourselves and others intertwine with the pursuit of wealth and passion. As readers, we're left questioning our own choices and the secrets we harbour.

Kwan's prose sparkles with wit and charm. His humour infuses every page, making even the most scandalous moments delightful. The pacing keeps you engaged, and the plot twists are as unexpected as they are satisfying.

“Lies and Weddings” is a sumptuous feast for the senses. It’s a literary cocktail of romance, intrigue, and scandal. Kwan's storytelling prowess shines once again, proving that he's a master of the genre. This book is a must-read, so prepare to be swept away!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I had a really hard time with this one. It is not his best i think. Crazy rich asian was better. There where ALOT of characters to keep in line and alot of titles.

Thanks netgalley for this ARC.

So much fun! Kevin Kwan offers another glimpse at money-hungry and prestige-loving characters, and the reasonable people who surround them and are victim to their conniving ways. If you loved the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, you’ll probably love this new offering, which follows similar narratives and yet, includes a matriarch who surpasses Eleanor Young, from CRA, in her contempt for the middle-class and is intent on choosing the right suitors for her children, constantly plotting and ignoring her son and daughters’ wishes.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the ARC!

Kevin Kwan’s back at it again with a globetrotting novel with luxurious backdrops, a cast of characters, stunning fashion and also hidden secrets. This book had it all!

Lies and Weddings is filled with hilarious dialogue, matchmaking, and the ostentatious displays of wealth. But there is underlining commentary on classism, prejudice, and internalized racism. All woven seamlessly by Kwan, we’re fully invested in a romance but also on a wild ride trying to understand the motives of many characters.

While reading I kept thinking ‘Lies and Weddings’ has great potential for a TV Series. Another stellar inclusion to Kevin Kwan’s literary career. Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for providing an ARC.

This was such a fun read! Perfect for summer.

Full of interesting characters (some very likeable, some despicable). Lots of jet-setting. And, of course, lies and weddings.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Penguin Random House Canada through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada.

What an indulgent book! I’ve read Kevin Kwan before so had expectations and knew what to expect - fantastical locations, ridiculous wealth and dysfunctional family dynamics on steroids. This book provided all that but unfortunately felt a bit formulaic. The twists and turns weren’t well developed IMHO and neither were the characters. Thanks goodness Rufus was basically described as a “god” otherwise I wouldn’t have understood Eden’s attraction to him! If you want a mindless and mildly entertaining read in fabulous decadence - indulge yourself. You’ll probably forget this book as soon as you put it down but you might have enjoyed yourself too.

Ok. I mean. I LOVED Crazy Rich Asians so I JUMPED on this ARC and it absolutely did not disappoint. I loved Eden and Rufus, so cute and the vibes were immaculate and the weddings extravagant and the lies, so many lies and twists and surprises. Loved this book. Will read again.

The Earl of Greshambury is keeping a big secret from his family - after decades of extravagant spending, the legendary Gresham Trust has been depleted he has already taken on a lot of debt.
Meanwhile his wife, the Countess Arabella is using the upcoming wedding of her daughter to manipulate her only son Rufus into falling in love with someone with the right social standing and wealth. And once Arabella finds out about the family’s financial situation, it is more important than ever for Rufus to marry someone with money.
The only problem is Rufus isn’t interested in any of the women his mother tries to set him up with. There has always been only one person that Rufus has any interest in marrying - the girl next door.

Kevin Kwan does it again with another fun read. Lies and Weddings is filled with secrets, lies and betrayals that leads to tons of family drama and some juicy gossip. With a bit of romance and humour thrown into the mix, this is a perfect quick read to make you smile.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for my advanced digital copy

Rufus Leung Gresham's whirlwind journey from a pampered dilettante to the potential savior of his family's legacy had me absolutely hooked, whether I was basking on my beach towel or perched on the edge of my seat, utterly engrossed in the unfolding drama.

Let's start with the setting—it's pure indulgence! Picture a luxury eco-resort bustling with the crème de la crème of society, all set against the thrilling backdrop of a volcanic eruption. It's as if Kwan handpicked the most lavish and extravagant locations to make us green with envy, and trust me, I was swooning!

And oh, the characters! They're like something out of a fantastical dream, or maybe a slightly wacky dream depending on your perspective. Rufus, torn between duty and desire, had me cheering him on even when he stumbled. And the ladies vying for his affection? Solène with her regal lineage, Martha with her bottomless pockets, and sweet, unsuspecting Eden—each brought their own delightful chaos to the mix.

But what really makes "Lies and Weddings" shine is Kwan's knack for spinning a tale that's as juicy as it is hilarious. The secrets, the scandals, the betrayals—every twist and turn had me gasping with excitement and giggling with delight. And let's not forget the sizzling romance, because amidst all the chaos, there's still enough heat to keep those pages turning!

For anyone in need of a sparkling escape from reality, sprinkled with a generous dose of romance to sweeten the deal, this book is an absolute gem. It's the ultimate pick-me-up for those days when you crave nothing but glamour, drama, and a whole lot of fun!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed Crazy Rich Asians, however, now having read a few of his books, I found this plot line very predictable and felt frustrated for a majority of this novel. It bordered on wondering if there really a really was a here on the social commentary of the elite and the discrimination faced by some of our characters. So much time was spent on status, branding, and location that it took away from the story as it was just so beyond belief. The same thing can be said when the characters experience really challenging and difficult situations and they seem to be unfazed. As such I found the characters underdeveloped as they stay pretty much the same from beginning to end. There is not any growth. Annabella was the most developed character, yet we have seen the same versions of her in each of his novels.

In the end, I don’t know if I felt anything for any of the characters asides from outrage at Annabella. There is very little romance between Rufus and Eden, and the relationships with Rufus’s two sisters becomes stagnant.

There are moments when some big ticket items are touched upon and this family goes through a lot. There was so much potential to dig deeper.: found family, lost family, identity,… and it didn’t get there. This one missed the mark for me.