Reviews

Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan

book_nut's review against another edition

4.0

Sure it’s silly, but it’s highly entertaining 

itslorei's review

4.0

This is my very first Kevin Kwan novel, and I would say I was a bit challenged through its writing as a whole. It is something that I'm not sure if I like or dislike, but as for the content in this novel, I think it fits well.

Lies and weddings are probably more of drama and something elite, classism and sociopolitical in content rather than a romance novel. If you're more drawn to romance, I think this might throw you off.

That being said, this is really something chaotic, in my opinion, specifically the characters. As someone who's Asian, I can really attest that some of the rep here are also present in Filipino households.

As for the characters, same with my opinion on the writing, I'm not sure if I love them? I would say I was more inclined and focused on the drama revolving around the characters. Although, I'm sure I hate Arabella.

I also would like to add that part towards the ending? I was hoping for more drama there, actually.

Overall, I would say I was entertained with the whole events.

Things to note in this novel:

○ drama focused
○ sociopolitical
○ elite, classism
○ aggressions
○ toxicity
○ financial problems
○ fashion
○ minimal romance


Thanks for the free book PRH International
#sponsored #prhinternational

ryinwonderland's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I love Kevin Kwan’s books. It’s so much to live vicariously through these über rich Asian families and their drama. It’s the same reason I used to love watching soap operas and Laguna Beach. These people are fascinating and insane and I love getting swept up in their ridiculous lives. If you enjoyed Crazy, Rich Asians, you will love this one too. 

khu91012's review

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

helena_g_reads's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

⭐️: 4.25 / 5

Publication Date: May 21, 2024

I want to thank Doubleday and Net Galley for allowing me to get an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! 

The prelude does such a fantastic job at hooking you into where this story may go from here. The end of the chapter made me audibly gasp. 

Some of the coolest aspects of this story, were the vivid descriptions of all the exotic locations that we get to visit during this book. The author does a masterful job transporting you from the lush beauty of Hawaii to the markets of Marrakech and beyond. I loved Eden and her relationship with her father. I also thought the way he wove the mystery into the drama kept me turning the pages waiting to find the final reveal. 

As for my reservations, I wish some of the side characters had more of a chance to be developed. As a fair warning, if you’re going into this hoping for a plot line that’ll knock your socks off this might not be for you. Some reveals were predictable but others still left me surprised in the end. The plot is mostly light and fluffy with more serious tops sprinkled in as well. 

Overall I absolutely enjoyed this book! I loved the crazy Rich Asians series and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this ARC. This is a perfect beach read with delicious drama that left me gasping in shock and laughing at the crazy antics. 

Would recommend for those who are fans of

• Nonlinear timelines 
• Multiple settings
• Lives of the rich and famous 
• Soap opera style drama

⚠️ violence, drug abuse, mentions of eating disorders, overdose 

shays's review

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

 Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy of this title from the publisher.

“You’ve been so focused on marrying off your children to the debilitated descendants of Victoria and Albert that you’ve forgotten where all the real action is nowadays: Asia.”

Lies and Weddings is a modern retelling of Anthony Trollope’s Doctor Thorne, complete with snarky footnotes, catty asides, and a third person omniscient narrator who provides flashes of insight into all the characters. This is a social milieu so status conscious that everyone’s titles and education are listed out when the character is introduced, and Kevin Kwan is constantly name dropping everything from prestigious schools to fancy hotels to designer brands and luxury goods. The Greshams move in a world that is obsessed with keeping up appearances; everyone thinks they’re marrying rich, but nobody seems to know who really has any money. This exaggerated form of storytelling draws attention to the ridiculous nature of the Greshams’ hyper-wealthy social sphere, but also can’t quite escape romanticizing it. more 

kpetersonmcnamara's review

4.0

Fans of Kevin Kwan’s previous novels will not be disappointed by his new novel, Lies and Weddings. As he has in the past, Kwan has again created a sparkling world of rich people traveling to exotic locations. And while this is a page-turner that I couldn’t put down, it’s also filled with strong characters, themes of family and loyalty and Kwans characteristic satire. Although he pokes fun at his characters and their luxurious lives, he also makes them three dimensional and provides the motivation behind their actions. Thank you to Thoughts from a Page and Doubleday for this advanced copy!

caldreads's review

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was another win for Kevin Kwan - his writing style was wonderful and created a story that I couldn’t put down!

QUICK THOUGHTS 💭 
💰This book was so funny! I was cracking up in every chapter. The endnotes provided in each chapter were enlightening and hilarious.
💰I love seeing a “normal” person thrust into uber-wealthy situations. Brand names, jewels, over-the-top wealth… Watching Eden experience this was relatable.
💰 This story is about the whole family, so we get multiple POVs (which I loved!).

You don’t want to miss this book!

Thanks so much to Kevin Kwan, Double Day Books, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

vlaniganfoffimreading's review

5.0

Huge thank you to @prhaudio for an advanced gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

.

This has been one of my most anticipated books of the summer and it didn’t disappoint. Crazy Rich Asians will forever be one of my fave, fun reads. Kwan delivers another wildly, fun book detailing the lives of the rich and famous and what they will do to stay on top. This globetrotting romp travels all over the world all in the quest of money, marriage and perhaps love. 

.

Pack this one for vacation or if you are not going anywhere you can read this and pretend you’re there, especially with the gorgeous description of the multiple locations. This one comes out on Tuesday!

sophieinbookworld's review

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A crazy-drama filled ride. Definitely feels like it was written to become a tv show.