Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan ( Novels of 2024)

In a riveting journey that sweeps from the volcanic beaches of Hawaii to the bustling bazaars of Marrakech, from the sleek bachelor pads of Los Angeles to the grand halls of England’s storied estates, Kevin Kwan spins a tantalizing tale filled with humor, opulence, suspense, and intrigue. This sprawling saga weaves together love, wealth, murder, sex, and the deceptions entwined within them all.

In his thrilling sequel to the blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, Kevin Kwan once again envelops his readers in a world of fairy-tale romances set amidst the sparkle of high fashion, fine art, and sharp humor. While the culinary delights are subtly toned down this time (perhaps the author is on a diet), the narrative loses none of its flavor. The focus of this enchanting tale is Rufus Gresham, Viscount St. Ives, a heartthrob since his teenage years when he was famously photographed ironing a shirt in his boxers, and Eden Tong, a dedicated young doctor who resides with her widowed father at their ancestral home, Greshamsbury Hall. Despite Rufus’s lifelong love for Eden and plans for marriage, he faces a formidable obstacle in the form of his mother, Lady Arabella. With the family fortune dwindling, Lady Arabella is hellbent on securing wealthy spouses for her children to restore their finances. However, her plans quickly unravel starting with an erupting volcano that dramatically disrupts the wedding of her daughter Augusta to a Scandinavian royal.

The narrative is peppered with delightful epigraphs and witty footnotes that break the fourth wall, such as one about Tessitura Luigi Bevilacqua, a historic fabric supplier to the Vatican, humorously noted for its budget cuts by Pope Paul VI: "This would explain the Target pillows I noticed in the waiting room during my last audience with the Pope.” The story is further enriched with juicy gossip articles, elaborate invitations, and detailed menus. Adorable icons indicating scene changes—from Hawaii's hibiscus to London's Big Ben and Greshamsbury's tea set to Houston's oil derrick—add a charming touch to each locale shift, enhancing the visual and thematic flow of the tale.