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shelbymarie516's review against another edition
4.0
3.75
This was the over-the-top, dripping in diamonds luxury that makes Kevin Kwan great. I wish the characters had, well, more character. I feel like the CRA characters were more rounded out and stronger. Maybe it was because the characters ages, maybe it was because this book was around a third shorter than CRA.
So I really liked this but at points I felt like I didn't love the characters the way I wanted to. They were more shallow and not easy to like. You know how you are supposed to love hating the villain? I never got that, and I never felt like I was cheering for the main characters. Sure I wanted them to fall in love and live happily ever after but I just wanted to slap them at some points.
I also really hope that if this is the beginning of a trilogy, I hope we get an Astrid/Charlie book. We should also look into doing a trilogy on Kitty Pong...
This was the over-the-top, dripping in diamonds luxury that makes Kevin Kwan great. I wish the characters had, well, more character. I feel like the CRA characters were more rounded out and stronger. Maybe it was because the characters ages, maybe it was because this book was around a third shorter than CRA.
So I really liked this but at points I felt like I didn't love the characters the way I wanted to. They were more shallow and not easy to like. You know how you are supposed to love hating the villain? I never got that, and I never felt like I was cheering for the main characters. Sure I wanted them to fall in love and live happily ever after but I just wanted to slap them at some points.
I also really hope that if this is the beginning of a trilogy, I hope we get an Astrid/Charlie book. We should also look into doing a trilogy on Kitty Pong...
louisayd's review against another edition
2.0
Quick easy read with mostly unlikeable characters. This book evoked Crazy Rich Asians but pales in comparison. If you want something intellectually challenging then choose a different author, but if you're just looking for a nice beach read the author's Crazy Rich Asians series is significantly better.
me_alley's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book is great if you like lengthy, luxurious descriptions of very wealthy people on the island of Capri. If you’re into plot, and characterization, maybe not so much.
me_alley's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book is great if you like lengthy, luxurious descriptions of very wealthy people on the island of Capri. If you’re into plot, and characterization, maybe not so much.
letidn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
amanda1793's review against another edition
4.0
I love Kwan. He has this way of making me laugh and feel all of the feelings in one sentence.
I love this story. I found it to be a very interesting exploration of the feelings mixed race persons may feel at any given time, whilst also discussing the family dynamics of both sides of the family (this case being white and Chinese). I am, however, not BIPOC, so I cannot speak to the accuracy of how people genuinely feel in these situations.
I loved seeing characters from Crazy Rich Asians in this story. The atmosphere of both New York and Capri was amazing.
I do hope we get, if not a novel, even a short story, of some continuation for Lucie and George. I loved their Romeo and Juliet-esque story.
Highly recommend any and all of Kwan's work!
I love this story. I found it to be a very interesting exploration of the feelings mixed race persons may feel at any given time, whilst also discussing the family dynamics of both sides of the family (this case being white and Chinese). I am, however, not BIPOC, so I cannot speak to the accuracy of how people genuinely feel in these situations.
I loved seeing characters from Crazy Rich Asians in this story. The atmosphere of both New York and Capri was amazing.
I do hope we get, if not a novel, even a short story, of some continuation for Lucie and George. I loved their Romeo and Juliet-esque story.
Highly recommend any and all of Kwan's work!
fiatlux78's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
yodamom's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars My first Kwan read was a hit for me. I was quickly hooked with all the quirky characters and the location. I didn’t even like any of the characters and still I enjoyed this read very much, it was hard to put down. The visuals were amazing, Mr. Kwan writes images so beautifully. We star is one of the most stunning places, Capri Italy. Lucie and her cousin (chaperon) are there for a wedding. Not a normal wedding, no imagine having an endless budget and a need to wow the world type wedding and you’d still to get close. It was a jaw dropping experience. While there she manages to meet a sexy Chinese man, one her family and friends would not approve of. In this world money and status comes trumps love every time. Too bad they keep getting thrown together and the feelings are real, even if not welcome.
Lucie is half Asian and was raise all her life not to let down her family. Avoiding her Asian heritage trying to blend in with her billionaire friends. She’s nasty, racist, a chameleon, who judges all based on her narrow views. I never grew to like her at all.
Lucie is half Asian and was raise all her life not to let down her family. Avoiding her Asian heritage trying to blend in with her billionaire friends. She’s nasty, racist, a chameleon, who judges all based on her narrow views. I never grew to like her at all.
emoxxecologist's review against another edition
2.5
I kept expecting it to get better, but it didn’t.