Welcome to Litsy!

I have mixed feelings, but it‘s mostly because I came in to this book looking for something light (my brain is still reeling from the first few weeks of school!), and a society comedy sounded good.

Pros: Definitely has some of the modern Jane Austen/comedy about shallow rich people vibes with a couple of mostly likable characters. Some light similarity to Mansfield Park, but not a retelling
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I‘ve totally enjoyed this novel which has many Asian antiques and chaos. The humour in it made it more enjoyable. I find it a mix of Jackie Collins, Sophie Kinsella and Jesse Q Sutanto. This is actually my first read from this author 😅 I didn‘t join the CRA bandwagon previously 🤣 This Novel garnered ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 from me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kevin Kwan has such a distinctive style - full of panache! This fun romp boasts multiple exotic locations and heaps of juicy drama, exuding luxury and decadence, but it‘s also grounded in social commentary and a moral compass. Indulge in the escape! #Aardvark #AardvarkBookClub

Okay, I really do have a problem now. My disposable income situation recently changed for the better and I unleashed 18 months of pent-up book shopping, ruining all the good progress I had made on reading down the stacks in the house. And I‘ve got BOTM and Aardvark boxes for August on the way! My TBR shelves are totally jammed now so maybe that‘ll rein me back in.

**Classic Retelling Alert**

I‘ll be honest, I only read this one because of my deep love for Doctor Thorne. It certainly keeps to the main plot points, though the narcissistic mother and many of the other supporting characters are so obnoxious it‘s hard to stomach. Easy to listen to while working on projects, but I wouldn‘t have sat down and read it. My hope is that it gets someone to go back and read the original Trollope, which is so good!

A soft soapy pick. The ending dragged a bit for me and I thought Eden had more chemistry with Freddie than Rufus.

This was am interesting story and at times the characters frustrate so much. Its easy to relate better to Eden. I did find the bracketed school, education bits a little distracting but some ofvthe footnotes were handy. The plot itself is a simple one with lots of drama. The ending however was perfect and I really liked how it came together. Its hard to like the characters but Rufus, Eden and ger dad were my fave. #Netgalley 3*

If you were into the Crazy Rich Asians saga like me, you will love this one!!

Chick lit beach read. Kevin Kwan does soapy so well. It‘s a great in between read. It‘s not too deep and you don‘t have to think very hard, but he‘s always entertaining.

I LOVE KEVIN KWAN! I am absolutely obsessed with his Cities books. "Sex and Vanity" and "Lies and Weddings" can be read as stand alones but I suggest reading them as a series as they build upon each other perfectly. The characters are fantastic, and the over the top personalities are so much fun! You get to travel the world with them, wrapping yourself in the soap opera of it all, and fall in love all at the same time.

This was The most fun and entertaining novel I've read in a long time. Loved it!

This cover is just too gorgeous not to use for #SummerSouls #Rainbow

37/62

"If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever."

#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

Wednesday night plans

A good day for #bookmail. Three arrived from Barnes and Noble. And my two from #aardvarkbookclub.📚🥰

From the iconic internationally bestselling author of the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy: A forbidden affair erupts volcanically amid a decadent tropical wedding in this outrageous comedy of manners from the iconic author of Crazy Rich Asians.

#aardvarkbookclub #kevinkwan #liesandweddings

My first order from Bookshop.org through a new local indie bookstore that I haven't been able to get to bc life and all 😣

I don't remember who it was that recently mentioned Bookshop.org but thank you; my second order is due to arrive on June 3rd 😁

#BookMail

ARC- Release expected May 21, 2024

This is my first Kwan and I enjoyed it! I did find the scene transitions a bit jarring and the obsession with money got old, but I understand that was the point of the book, it just isn't for me - which is why I love Eden as our main character she also gets the ick from too much money
I loved the way the characters pasts and secrets are slowly peeled back with just enough hints of what is to come.

"Arabella pronounces her daughter's name in the Italian way, Be-ah-TREE-chey, not because she's Italian but because she's pretentious."

I have never read Kevin Kwan before and now I am cracking up and annoyed at myself for not reading Crazy, Rich Asians. This ARC is so good!

An epic, Asian 90's soap opera dramedy of the filthy rich spanning international waters from Hawaii, the UK and Europe. From a scheming, penniless lord to the revelations of secrets, lies, and even a murder, this would be a wonderful follow-up to Kwan's fun Crazy Rich Asian's trilogy. Instead, the writing staid, the storytelling bland and the characters unlikable which loses momentum in the second half. A meh read.