As a long time Kevin Kwan fan I was highly anticipating this latest release, and it did not disappoint. As ever I adored his detailed writing, particularly the inclusion of explanatory footnotes that make you feel as if you are having a playful conversation with the narrator – any fans of the Crazy Rich Asian trilogy will be familiar with these. Characterisation is immaculate and as always his droll commentary on contemporary high society sparkles with wit. This is the perfect escapist summer read, add to the top of your list of beach reads.

FAO publisher – point of inaccuracy. Eden completes her two year foundation programme in London (pg. 23), later Bea refers to her as a first year doctor (pg. 30). As she is now doing her ‘core medical training at a hospital in Plymouth’ (pg. 23) she is at minimum in her third year of practicing as a doctor.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

I always devour books by Kevin Kwan- the Asian version of Jilly Cooper (Moorfield/Godolphin!) and both authors weaving stories of unashamedly raunchy and outrageous excess. His characters in Lies and Weddings are as horrifically unbearable or adorably sweet as ever and the global locations and trivia about naked greed as titillating as in his previous outings. Fun and witty and silly and colourful - this didn’t disappoint and I’m only waiting for the movie now.

Taking us from the sand beaches of Hawaii to the skies of Marrakech, from the glitzy bachelor pads of Beverly Hills to the inner sanctums of England’s oldest family estates, Kevin Kwan has written a juicy, hilarious and sophisticated tale of love, money, murder, sex, and the lies we tell about them all.
This author’s books have the ability to simultaneously make you unable to stop reading while wishing you could bury the book somewhere deep underground where it can't be found. Compelling and didn’t want it to end!

Lies and Weddings is another sure fire hit for Kevin Kwan. What this man doesn't know about fashion and luxury brands is not worth knowing.
Set in England and foreign climes such as Hawaii, Marrakech and Beverley Hills the novel centres around the Gresham family and their next door neighbours the Tongs (both Drs). The Gresham's are up to their eyes in debt and even a huge loan which is soon called in hasn't helped their financial situation. How to make themselves appear solvent?- Marry off the 3 Gresham siblings to wealthy partners,
Except Rufus Gresham is in love with Eden and the other two daughters - well, their love lives aren't smooth sailing much to the dismay of the matriarch of the family.

Lots of fantastic twists and turns and a lovely ending. An excellent escapist read.

‘Lies and Weddings’ by Kevin Kwan is a glamorous and outlandish tale of money, matrimony and the lengths people will go to in order to be accepted. The novel, by the author of the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ trilogy, is written in a moreish, gossipy style complete with the writer’s signature footnotes. I enjoyed the book - perhaps not quite as much as CRA, but certainly enough to recommend it.

The story follows the Gresham family, including Francis Earl of Greshambury, his Asian wife Lady Arabella, and their three children Augie, Bea and Rufus. Arabella is an interesting character - she is the villain of the tale with her outrageous matchmaking attempts and explosive grudges, but flashbacks and article extracts throughout the book humanise her and explain why she is so determined to secure her position. Other main characters include Dr. Thomas Tang, Francis’s best friend and physician, his smart and beautiful daughter Eden, Persian hottie Freddie, and billionaire investor Martha.

The titular weddings are all luxurious and fun to read about, and there are numerous hilarious side characters who are perfect satires of the old- and new-money crowds. The forbidden (at least by his mother) romance in the novel between Rufus and Eden is exciting and they are both immensely likeable. There is a mysterious but ultimately predictable side plot about a tragic death many years ago and a volcanic eruption to pique the reader’s interest.

All in all, this is a riotously fun read which is perfect for fans of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ who are keen to read an updated, British version (though rest assured, we are taken again across the globe in private jets!) I am giving this four stars only because some scenes were too long for me and the ending was very predictable from about 30% of the way through… it was still a joy to get there though.

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Random House, Cornerstone via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Rich people, exotic locations, irritating mothers and plenty of lies, makes this a blockbuster for the summer! I could not put it down. It’s sexy, fun, full of karma and plenty of drama. Definitely a book to throw in your shopping basket. Loved it.

I loved this book. Why this author can write such a beautiful tales of rich people. No idea but was easy to read, fun, the characters are fun, the drama, the scandal, all the lies and the plot. I loved the villains in this book. This is the kinda book that gonna bring cheeky smiles in your day.

Kevin Kwan can write no wrong, in my book! Yet another glamorous tale of the rich and famous, now trying to set up a wedding when the odds seem stacked against the couple!