Book Review of "Lies and Weddings" by Kevin Kwan

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

“Lies and Weddings” by Kevin Kwan is a globetrotting tale of love, money, and scandal. Readers are taken on a whirlwind journey across continents, with a juicy, hilarious, and sophisticated story that will keep you turning pages until the very end.

Meet Rufus Leung Gresham. He is the future Earl of Greshambury who faces a daunting challenge. The legendary Gresham Trust, once flush with wealth, now lies buried under a mountain of debt. Behind the glossy magazine covers and Instagram stories, the Gresham family's grandeur conceals a financial disaster. Rufus's scheming mother devises a desperate plan: he must attend his sister's wedding at a luxury eco-resort, where the world's wealthiest sultans, barons, and oligarchs gather. His mission? To seduce a woman with money.

As the volcanic eruption of forbidden affairs, secret trysts, and family secrets unfolds, the Gresham family's reputation goes up in flames. Can the once-great dukedom rise from the ashes? Or will a shocking twist, like one hidden for two decades, forever alter their fate?

From the black sand beaches of Hawaii to the skies of Marrakech, Kwan paints vivid landscapes that transport readers. Glitzy bachelor pads in Los Angeles and England's oldest family estates serve as backdrops for scandalous encounters and clandestine affairs.

Kwan's characters leap off the page. Rufus grapples with duty versus desire, torn between love and legacy. Solène de Courcy, the French hotel heiress, exudes elegance and mystery. Martha Dung, the tattooed venture capital genius, is a force to be reckoned with. And then there's Eden Tong, the humble doctor's daughter—the girl next door who captures Rufus's heart.

Kwan masterfully explores themes of love, money, and deception. The lies we tell ourselves and others intertwine with the pursuit of wealth and passion. As readers, we're left questioning our own choices and the secrets we harbour.

Kwan's prose sparkles with wit and charm. His humour infuses every page, making even the most scandalous moments delightful. The pacing keeps you engaged, and the plot twists are as unexpected as they are satisfying.

“Lies and Weddings” is a sumptuous feast for the senses. It’s a literary cocktail of romance, intrigue, and scandal. Kwan's storytelling prowess shines once again, proving that he's a master of the genre. This book is a must-read, so prepare to be swept away!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Genre: Multicultural Interest, Romance, Women's Fiction

Published: 21 May 2024