I seem to be in the minority on this one, as I saw a fair number of good reviews, but sadly I didn't really enjoy Counterfeit. On paper, this had all the elements needed for me to love it: estranged friends reconnecting; reflections on motherhood and patriarchy even among seemingly privileged women; a high-stakes international criminal operation; a critique of consumerism and the luxury goods market; and even elements of racial inequality and American exceptionalism. And yet...

My main complaint about this is that, despite everything that was going on, I was ultimately bored. There was very little excitement and I found the characters to not be as developed as they could (and arguably should) have been. There was also an over-reliance on stereotyping which couldn't really be explained away with it being solely the narrator's opinions and which ultimately felt like a lazy way out of delving deeper into the themes that were teased. Speaking of which, none of the themes felt to me like it was being explored in any meaningful way: it was mostly presented as whining and complaining on the part of the main characters and didn't really add anything new to the discourse.

That being said, I did enjoy the fact that the narration was framed as a statement being given to the police by a character who definitely had a significant self-interest in presenting events in a certain light. I also liked the character switch, which breathed some fresh air in an otherwise stale narrative.

A thrilling read and not at all what I expected.
Ava is being interviewed by a detective about how she got involved in returning counterfeit handbags to department stores, and we hear all about an old friend who came back into her life and convinced her to help her out. Ava seems completely innocent and like she has been coerced by this friend and I felt sorry for her most of the way through, until I got to Winnie’s version of the truth. It was interesting to see how both women described the same situations.
It was interesting to get an insight into just how good some of the counterfeit handbags being sold in China really are and how a lot of people wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference.

I really enjoyed this smart, fun, and twist-filled book about two women who start a business counterfeiting designer handbags. Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen will definitely make you think twice before buying that bag! It’s a quick and easy read with an eye-opening, almost satirical take on modern-day consumerism. Perfect for fans of Crazy Rich Asians!

Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen is a thrilling heist ride with a medium-paced plot. The story is all about how a struggling mother's life changes after she meets her college friend. Ava's life is to be pity upon, as she is desperately trying to fulfill her roles as a mother and a wife. Winnie's entry changed the course of the story. The plot gives you an insight into the world of fake designer pieces, just like currency. I am definitely going to recheck my bags and purses after reading this book. Ava's character develops throughout the story, from a pitiful life to a conman.

This is my first time reading this author. The plot has that thrill to excite you from start to finish. The climax was just out of the world. I was not expecting this from Ava. But I felt that at some places the plot was dragged unnecessarily. Overall, the book is worth a one-time read.

I could not get into this book, ultimately it was not form me and I could not finish it. It may be one for other readers

Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I mean, I liked this but yknow, not as good as I thought it would be considering it was a Reese's book club pick.
I know this is a HUGE industry but I'm sort of tired about reading this in almost all Chinese-based novels.

A really fun and twisty read, with hints of Crazy Rich Asians - definitely recommend for fans of that and for readers who like an international thriller!

An engaging caper of deception, consumerism, and friendship, COUNTERFEIT would make you think twice about buying that handbag! Ava is caught up in Winnie's shady business but as the book goes on, it's clear Ava is not just an innocent victim in the situation. Her family life isn't ideal, and while she may have made terrible decisions, the book shows the complicated side of a woman under pressure to have a perfect life because she has money. There is also some observation about the fake goods industry, and how the general public is exploited.

While I enjoyed Ava and Winnie's conversations, I didn't find the other characters quite as interesting. They serve mostly as plot movers so we don't know them or their motivations. There are also stereotypes of Asian and Chinese people that feel like they are meant to be an indictment of white people's prejudice, but it doesn't quite land that way. Instead, the book focuses on Ava's adventures and the tight corners she gets into. The ending clicks together after all we've seen. This is a breezy read fitting for the summer!

An enjoyable caper, a good recommend for fans of Crazy Rich Asians. I would have loved to see Winnie be the main focus rather than Ava, i think it would have been a more interesting perspective.

An entertaining premise which lacked great execution, unfortunately - I was not particularly gripped by the story and waded through to the end. Nice idea, and not a challenging read - but just enough to keep me reading.

This was a fun ride - great pace and enjoyable. The characters were lovable as well. I would have loved to hear more about Winnie and honestly she needs a book of her own! Overall a great holiday read.

This was less funny and more serious than I thought it would be, so by the end I don't know if I really cared very much. Not my favourite

This is a new author to me and I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be a fast paced, gripping page turner. I also liked the way that a lot of it was written in the style of a police interview. There was also a great ‘hang on a moment, what have I just read’ part where everything I thought I knew went out of the window. I liked both of the main characters too. This would make a good TV drama. I will admit that the cover isn’t one that would normally draw me to a book but I’m so glad I read this one. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, The Borough Press for letting me read and review this book.

Ava Wong is straight laced and law abiding until her roommate Winnie from college who dropped out in mysterious circumstances returns from her home in China. Ava agrees to be part of a counterfeit scheme for luxury handbags. As Ava is pulled into the scheme more

This was a really fun and gripping read. I love heist movies and this novel had the same kind of feel. A gripping and fast paced read. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review

A hustling book where you are submerged into the world of fake goods.
I liked how the book was split into two parts and we get to see the story from both Ava and Winnie’s POV.
I was more drawn to Winnie but both relatable characters in their own way. They progress along with the story.
A fun easy read with some much needed escapism.
Thank you for my copy to read and review

I’m sorry to say that I found this book a little boring.
I enjoyed the set up and how it’s told as If someone is giving a police interview & I like switch in character perspective part way through but overall the story wasn’t particularly engaging and it struggled to keep my attention.

This was a fun read, following a woman who is lost in new motherhood, having given up work, with a husband working increasingly long hours she finds herself embroiled in criminal activity almost by accident. However, as she gets increasingly involved we know it can't end well.

I loved our two main characters and the way the story unfolds. The twist we get at the end of part 2 was fantastic and kept me totally gripped to the end of the novel.

There were some stereotypes included as other reviewers have pointed out, however this was clearly deliberate because of who the characters were.

Fast paced and engaging. A great holiday read showing the dark side of glamorous lifestyles.

I loved the way this was set up, with Ava's story being revealed as she is interviewed by the police.

Ava sets out how she fell into a rut of struggling to care for her child and was enticed to use her legal skills to help Winnie with her elaborate designer handbag counterfeiting scheme.

But when Winnie also gives her side, its hard to know who is telling the truth.

After the initial pages, I found myself not connecting with the story or characters, so I decided to pass on this book. Did not finish

Thank you to NetGalley for this copy. This is a really good book, kept me entertained throughout and I would thoroughly recommend to all.