Kevin Kwan is back! I absolutely devoured Lies and Weddings in one sitting--I just couldn't look away from the drama. I can't wait to reread this title on a beach this summer.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the ARC!

Oh my goodness! Just see what this non-crazy middle-class American is missing! I loved this book. I loved the fact that it was written in different timelines (not much of the book, but some). I loved what a *itch Arabella was-although she wouldn't see it that way. She would see it as being helpful. The father Francis...clueless, but are we really sure about that?

The backdrops, the money spent, and the people all add up to make this a hilarious read—well, not knee-slapping funny, just jaw-dropping funny. I mean, who in heaven's name would build a bazillion-dollar resort on an active volcano?

The twist at the end had me amazed. I saw some of it coming but not all of it, and it was just perfect.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher Doubleday, the author Kevin Kwan, and NetGalley. Many thanks. This is an ARC that I'm going to purchase to add to my collection!

It is the perfect beach read for anyone who is looking for something fluffy but well-written and very entertaining.

Another frothy, fun, fast read by Kevin Kwan to be released just in time for summer. This book is a perfect escape to take on vacation or to your front porch. This title is reminiscent of Crazy Rich Asians but meets the mores of todays social climate while maintaining the wildness that we love. It has just as many exciting twists, turns, and locations as previous books while still giving us the ending that we want, a generally happy one.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this juicy title in advance.

ARABELLA IS A HORRIBLE HUMAN BEING!!!!!! Overall, I found the story to be highly enjoyable, especially because the characters (except for f*****g Arabella) were really enjoyable! I love Rufus and his two sisters who are all kids with titles figuring out life. Eden had a beautiful relationship with her father. This was like a rewrite of “Four Weddings and a Funeral” with a dash of family drama, Kevin Kwan’s scathing social commentary, and a splash of THE Captain Lee! I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Man, what a soap opera of a drama. Unique writing style with the footnotes etc. Was really tough watching the mother absolutely trash every one she supposedly loved but it was an easy read.

Rufus Leung Gresham's journey from privileged dilettante to potential savior of his family's legacy had me on the edge of my seat, or rather, lounging on my beach towel, completely absorbed in the drama.

First off, can we talk about the setting? A luxury eco-resort filled with the crème de la crème of society, set against the backdrop of a volcanic eruption? It's like Kwan handpicked the most lavish, extravagant locations just to make us swoon with envy. And swoon I did!

The characters are like something out of a dream, or maybe a slightly surreal nightmare, depending on your perspective. Rufus, torn between duty and desire, had me rooting for him even when he was making all the wrong decisions. And the women vying for his attention? Solène with her royal bloodline, Martha with her billions, and sweet, unassuming Eden - each one brought their own brand of chaos to the mix.

But what really sets Lies and Weddings apart is Kwan's knack for weaving a tale that's as juicy as it is hilarious. The secrets, the scandals, the betrayals—each twist and turn had me gasping and giggling in equal measure. And let's not forget the steamy romance, because amidst all the chaos, there's still plenty of heat to keep you turning those pages.

For any reader in search of a delightful escape from reality, complete with a sprinkle of romance to sweeten the deal, I couldn't recommend this book more. It's the perfect pick-me-up for those days when you just want to lose yourself in a world of glamour, drama, and intrigue.

Kevin Kwan’s best book after his first, Crazy Rich Asians. In Bridgertonesque fashion, the European aristocracy is turned multi-cultural and I love it! A summer must-read!

When Sir Walter Scott penned his famous line, "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive," he must have been reading a novel by Kevin Kwan. This newest book by Kwan, author of the Crazy Rich Asians series, involves Hong Kong Chinese, British royalty, and various rajas, princesses, moguls and playboys who play hard and are used to the best.
Rufus Leung Gresham, hunky photographer son of Sir Francis, will come into the title of Earl of Gresham when his father dies. His mother, Arabella, a Hong Kong Chinese ex-supermodel, has taken to her role as the Countess Gresham with zeal, and has tasked her son and daughters to marry rich. But Eden Tong, the girl who lives with her dad in a cottage on the Gresham estate, won Rufus's heart years ago when they were kids and best buddies.
Arabella's contribution to the Gresham mystique is the designing and opening of several ultra-luxurious resorts under the "Bella" brand. Her newest resort on the Big Island of Hawaii named Bellaloha, is the perfect place to stage daughter Augusta's wedding to a Norwegian prince-oh, the publicity, oh-the spectacle. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had different plans for the wedding and Pele had her revenge, covering the wedding spot (and the whole resort) in molten lava. But the worst was to come-Lord Gresham gave his family carte blanche to spend money as they wished, but had secretly drained the inheritance, and they were broke. And it turns out that Augusta's wedding wasn't as lucrative as everyone thought it would be. Will Rufus find a rich bride to save the family fortune or will true love prevail?
Kwan throws in his signature tropes-designer clothes, exclusive clubs and restaurants, exotic locales such as Morocco, Beverly Hills, Kona, and Vienna, mega-money, and the exclusive pedigrees of all his characters. If you are looking for a fun read and pure escapism with a little romance thrown into the mix, pick up this novel...but first put out your Do Not Disturb sign.

The joy of Kevin Kwan’s books, besides the humor, is the opportunity to gawk at the excesses of rich people. One could argue that it is also their weakness— consumption so outrageous it inspires a thirst for a return to guillotining. He threads that needle adroitly in this book. Readers get to eat their cake and have it to because there are plenty of the .0001% spending ludicrously on their own whims, but there are characters we care about recoiling from the display. Getting to gawk and feel morally superior at the same time? That’s my kind of party.

Dr. Eden Tong has lived in the cottage on the Greshambury estate since childhood. She is best friends with their children especially their son Rufus the future Duke of Greshmanbury. When we meet Eden and the Greshams they are preparing for the wedding of their oldest daughter, Augie. While at the wedding secrets are revealed and relationships are altered.

We follow the Tongs and Greshams to locations all over the globe while they try to figure out how to handle these life-changing revelations.

This novel reads like a juicy Asian soap opera much like Crazy Rich Asians. It was definitely entertaining although some parts were predictable it was overall an enjoyable read. I feel like the door was left open for a sequel and I would love to follow up with Eden and her family in the future.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Receiving an advanced copy was a delightful surprise. I believe both existing fans and newcomers will find it equally enjoyable.

I enjoyed this escapist romance which fans of Kevin Kwan will love. The same humor and family drama he is known for carries through in this latest book, and its a lot of fun.

As flashy and fabulous as ever. Just when one thinks this social set couldn't get more outrageously over-the-top, Kwan puts the pedal to the metal. It's a enjoyably bumpy ride!

All the high drama and over-the-top displays of wealth and status we've come to love and expect from Kevin Kwan. The footnotes get longer and conspiratorial as the story goes on. A comfort reads that Kwan fans will enjoy and would also work for Bridgerton fans and readers who enjoy modern day Jane Austen adaptations or retellings.

Kevin Kwan does it again! His books are such escapist romantic fun and Lies and Weddings is no exception. We follow the Gresham and Tong families as they attend various lavish weddings around the globe. I had a blast following the hijinks and high fashion. I also genuinely cared about the central romance! Loved the references to Sex and Vanity.

If you like Crazy Rich Asians, you will like Lies and Weddings. This book was fast paced, entertaining and outlandishly opulent. Despite massive wealth Rufus is pretty relatable and it's hard not to cheer on the underdog, Dr. Eden. Arabella plays the part of the overbearing Tiger mom perfectly, right up to the very end. This is a great 'fun' read!

Interesting characters and good description of locations. Kevin Kwan has written another great novel.

A countess's matchmaking schemes for her children are derailed by bankruptcy and her son's feelings for his childhood friend.

Kevin Kwan's latest entree into the world of the ultra rich is full of glamor and humor, with his trademark parenthetical character CVs, diverting footnotes, and a touch of social commentary. No one is wholly irredeemable, as the countess and even the bad boy billionaire's son get sympathetic backstories. Pure escapist entertainment.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.

Thank you for the ARC!
Love all his books especially the crazy Rich Asians series so I was definitely excited for this one!
This book was super good and fun! Love all the characters and definitely kept me reading until the end! 5 stars !

Kevin Kwan always manages to create a fun story, and I'm always impressed that he is able to take such privileged characters who live in an unimaginable world of wealth, and still make them likeable and relatable. Of course there will be a villainous mom thrown in there, and some stuck-up socialites to cause some havoc and comic relief, but it always come across as a fun romp rather than a malicious statement against the excesses of the elite. To remain spoiler-free, I'll say the plot is formulaic and the format is as expected. I love Kwan's use of footnotes as both a comedic device and a way to clue in less fashion-savvy readers on settings, designers and trends. He helps make you feel like an insider, viewing the action from within the exclusive social bubble of the story. I think that's part of the charm of this author's books- you know what you are getting (over the top romance in posh and pricey style), and you know how you are getting it (full of scathing, witty dialogue and humorous description of the upper crust lifestyle). Dependable, highly-digestible escapist entertainment.

I can see book clubs having a blast with this one, and I spent half the book fan casting the movie in my head. I know I'll be highly recommending this to patrons looking for romantic comedy and escapism.