Tech Wives

by Kirstin Chen

A stylish, smartly observed story about friendship, marriage, and modern life, this timely novel follows two women married to tech billionaires whose values and relationships are put to the test when public scandal threatens to destroy everything—from the New York Times bestselling author of Counterfeit.

It began in a college dorm room, a promise between two ambitious, young women, Sam and Cecily, to build meaningful lives. Despite their different backgrounds: Sam from an affluent family, Cecily with her working-class roots, the two quickly became inseparable. Decades later, they seem to have it all. Cecily is the polished, influential wife of a tech titan. Sam is a dedicated doctor who has just married the charismatic, idealistic founder of a social media empire.

But from the moment Sam steps onto her new husband’s private jet for their honeymoon, she is plunged into a world of unimaginable wealth that clashes with her deeply held values. Meanwhile, Cecily’s seemingly perfect marriage is a fortress built on unspoken truths and devastating compromises. As their husbands’ ambitions escalate and public scrutiny intensifies, the pair is pushed to a breaking point as they attempt to hold on to all they’ve built together: their friendship, their marriages. But what happens if you can only save one?

Set in the glittering, treacherous world of Silicon Valley, against a dizzying backdrop of wealth, power, and reputation-destroying scandal, Tech Wives is a page-turning exploration of intimacy caught in the crosshairs of our increasingly connected lives. Told from alternating perspectives, it’s a deeply resonant portrait of love and female friendship—and the staggering cost of getting everything you thought you wanted.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Friendship

288 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 13, 2027

About the author

Kirstin Chen is the New York Times best-selling author of four novels. Her latest, Tech Wives, is forthcoming in April '27. Her third novel, Counterfeit, is a Reese Witherspoon book club pick, a Roxane Gay book club pick, and a New York Times Editors’ Choice. Counterfeit has been translated into eight languages and is being adapted for the screen. Her previous novels are Bury What We Cannot Take and Soy Sauce for Beginners.

Reviews

[Qian Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

could not put this book down. i was pulled entirely into this world from page one. the writing is excellent, the characters well-rounded, and the plot propulsive. i marveled several times while reading that it’s so rare to have a plot this well devised with such expert writing - this novel is one of its kind, and it’s destined to be the it book of the season.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple easy breezy book about two “tech wives”, who are tasked onto handle the job of being billionaires. While I would hate anyone to be labeled as just a wife, I can only imagine that if you are married to Jeff Bezos or Mark Zuckerberg, how the world really sees you. The story revolves around two women who are married to copycats of those two robots.

A very surface level description, should be best read in a day, preferably on vacation like I am now. 🌈

[Mai T.]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Vanessa Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book asks the age-old question - what if the wives of rich men had rich inner lives, problems, and values, even as they live in beautiful, gilded cages? And are those cages really cages, or are they self-made protective armor? Sam and Cecily are the wives of tech billionaires that may seem familiar to us, whom we've wondered about but perhaps not as deeply as we should have. This beautiful novel asks us to consider them as people - with the pleasures and rages and wonders and foibles of regular women, just ones with husbands with lots and lots of money. I loved this book - it made me get mad, it made me cringe, it made me chuckle. Kirstin Chen has a way of gently but forcibly skewering the rich, while simultaneously, and perhaps miraculously, making me feel *something* for them akin to empathy?? Weird?? Anyway, loved it. You should read it.

[BHK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tech Wives by Kirstin Chen kept me turning the pages from beginning to end! I really enjoyed the mix of friendship, family, marriage, and the high pressure world of Silicon Valley. I liked the alternating points of view, and the writing was smooth and easy to read. This book gave me a lot to think about, especially about ambition, loyalty, and what people are willing to sacrifice for the lives they build. It was emotional in a believable way, and I found myself thinking about the characters after I finished. If you enjoy character driven stories with strong female friendships and plenty of tension, I definitely recommend picking this one up!

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really good Litfic, well written, had characters with depth, and I tore through it. I just couldn’t get over it seeming to attempt to normalize tech billionaires and their wives, though. It seemed to land on “aren’t we all the same, they have problems and flaws, too!” No, these people are literal monsters that would crush us all to death on a whim if the impulse struck. And I don’t really have any sympathy for the women that enable them. I think the moral indictments could have been stronger. The actual men are not written as sympathetic characters, but they’re written as flawed men who happen to be tech billionaires: no attempt is made to connect those facts. Maybe it’s just too present since we’re currently dealing with these techno-fascists. Maybe people thought the same thing about the Great Gatsby when it was first published. But I think of HBO’s Succession, which portrays these people as ridiculous and deeply unserious, which I think contributes a lot more to the conversation than whatever this was doing.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC of 'Tech Wives' by Kirstin Chen - expected release date of 04/13/2027

ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book gives what would probably be an inside view of being married to Bezos and Zuckerberg and boy was it gross. The writing was good, the characters were strong and well developed. The wives seem to get what they want to better their lives after having to deal with their tech husbands BS so I guess it all worked out in the end. I would read another book by Chen.

[Devan · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for this Advanced Reader Copy to read and review.

What a complicated look at “doing good” and all the different ways people view their lives and wealth and actions—and how they justify their decisions on all of the above. I was fascinated from the jump and finished the story in 3 days because I couldn’t put it down.

[Hannah Giorgio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much, William Morrow and NetGalley, for this ARC!

I was initially compelled by Chen's writing and the characters in this book! I was excited to see what would happen, and this feeling did persist throughout the entirety. However, I feel like it was very anticlimactic- which, granted, maybe it's supposed to be because maybe it's supposed to resemble real life? It also didn't help that I wanted to shake some sense into every single character in this book (except you, Athena!)

It's clear that Chen is a great writer, but I don't think the plot was there for me this go around.

[Brittany Criswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was this the best book I've ever read no, but not the worst either. Could I relate to the characters?? No, not at all , rich people having rich people problems. However, there was just enough female friendship and the writing was excellent, so it did entertain me and I actually liked the female characters. So, it does get 3 stars because Kristen Chen is no doubt a great writer!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one in one night, it's the story of women who meet in college that couldn't be more different aocially and economically- we have Sam, who is Asian from a very affluent family and Cicily who is a who is white from a working class suburb of chicago, they meet at college in Boston, what begins when Cecily is counting? Her pennies and declines to go to a movie. Is her friendship with Sam. - Cicily is ashamed of her working class roots and her working class, mom and dad - she has grand plans to become a lawyer and never look back and Sam. She wants to be a doctor and make a change. One thing that the book does a good job of pointing out is when you have money, you don't think about money, but when you don't have money, you think about it alot - case in point on a winter break, sam invites sicily to Hong Kong - after some back and forth sicily accepts, and it's there she meets. Sam's brother Winston- she feels something right away, but she can tell sam is not happy about it. So she backs off, a few years later, when they have their own apartment, after her you're studying abroad. Winston enters the picture again- this time there is no way back from that moment on.,they are a couple winston has big plans after has failed startup. He has a better idea selling books out of the garage ( i think you know where this is going) and thus Everest is born, - Winston and Cicily get married and move to the Bay area. While, Sam makes good on her promise to become a doctor and work set a nonprofit helping homeless people- while in her forties, she meets a man named Lucas who owns a social media app called the Hub ( I think you can see where this is going)- Winston and Lucas, are great friends, and after a few months of dating, Sam finds herself pregnant, they decide to get married and await the birth of their child.- sam is worried about Lucas. Not being able to detach from work and winston, and sicily are dealing with their own issues in their marriage, while on their honeymoon, it starts and Sam sees that she doesn't believe Lucas can detach from work. And she's seeing a side of him, she didn't want to see when the app team members are upset about what's going on, when it comes to fact-checking.... Meanwhile, sicily, who just received an almost hundred thousand dollar necklace from Winston knows something is coming.,and it is a big storm, a scandal like no other- both of these women have to decide what they're going to do. Can they put up with their partners issues? Do they move on without them-- i think the book is very well written. I enjoyed reading it. I am very anti spoiler and I don't really like knowing anything more than the synapses I get from the back of the book or the book jacket. So that's all I'm gonna say, but it's a super engaging book. I think, and again, it's very telling of not growing up with money and growing up with money. And what you're willing to do and put up with, and how far you're willing to go. Definitely recommend this one

Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

[RiedlerReads · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

First – Who should read this? If you are interested in…
Looking “behind the scenes” at the tech world of Silicon Valley
The emergence and omnipresence of Twitter and Amazon
Fun realistic fiction reads by Jodi Picoult, Elin Hilderbrand, Emma Straub, and others

Facts –
Sam and Cecily meet as freshmen at an elite college, becoming best friends even with their very different backgrounds. Sam comes from an extremely wealthy upbringing, whereas Cecily’s status as a scholarship student means her work-study job takes up a lot of her free time. The two develop a strong bond that lasts far past college and on through adulthood, marriages, and children.
Things get a little more complex when Sam’s brother ends up marrying Cecily, but Sam and Cecily happily embrace being sisters-in-law as well as best friends in the tech world. Cecily’s husband pursues start up after start up, finally creating Everest (i.e. Amazon!) with Cecily’s help. Sam follows her altruistic dreams of becoming a doctor at an inner city clinic, then falls for a social media titan - the creator of Hub (i.e. Twitter!). Sam and Cecily rely on each other for love and support as Silicon Valley takes its toll. Both make sacrifices for their tech husbands - morally, physically, and mentally.

Feels –
Great book, great premise, and well executed! The characters are fleshed out well and I can confidently say that the author leaves no stone unturned. Not only are the characters complete, but their relationships with each other and their careers make you want to keep reading because you truly don’t know how the story will end! For a book that seemed pretty straightforward in its description, that was quite a feat. Sam and Cecily live extraordinary lives built in the midst of a successful Silicon Valley, but they both also admit that their ideal lives exist on a spectrum - and that wealth doesn’t guarantee either side of it. Luckily, they have each other to navigate a new world where they both feel like outsiders dealing with drama, secrets, and scandals they are ill-prepared for. Staying vague on purpose!

Final Thoughts –
I definitely recommend this book and am really impressed with how the author made Silicon Valley and its inhabitants come to life. It truly was hard to put down and stayed away from easy/expected storylines in favor of creativity and surprise. I really do hope there’s a sequel and, if there’s not, I’ll happily be picking up other books by Kristin Chen!

For Friends/Followers/Fanatics – You know who you are…
I REALLY appreciated the author “wrapping up” the plot at the end. If she had left us just wondering about Sam and Cecily, it would have made the book seem a little half-assed, but instead it felt like it came full circle.

[Olivia Lanier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for this ARC!
I struggled to enjoy this one. It was clear to me from the first few pages how different Sam and Luke were, and that this was going to be a major plot point throughout the book. I was not at all surprised how their relationship changed throughout the book. What WAS interesting to me was that Sam, someone raised incredibly wealthy, seemed so surprised by Luke’s obsession with his job, showing off his wealth (3 microwaves???), and just the general disconnect between their lives, priorities, and overall personalities. I would have expected someone use to such wealth to not be as phased by this.

I did think Cecily’s character was interesting. How she so easily threw aside her upbringing to full-send into Winston’s world and wealth was shocking but not surprising. How could any person turn down the opportunity to live that kind of life when they were used to having so little, especially when they genuinely believed they were in love? What was especially interesting to me is how Cecily actually seemed to be the one in control of Everest. I feel like wealthy wives often forgive their husband’s indiscretions because they have the money to lounge around and do Pilates, but Cecily showed how she could do all that, and be the motivating force behind the company.

What really bothered me though, was that so many “bad” things were just ignored simply due to money. Besides some reputation bashing, I never felt like anyone paid any actual consequences for the bad things that had done!!! They just used their enormous wealth and power to make things disappear, or get better enough to continue on with their lives. It was infuriating. I never developed any real affinity for any of the characters because by the time I felt invested in the story, they were into the thick of their bad deeds and no one was suffering any consequences. I think I would have enjoyed the story more if there had been some actual fallout to occur.

[Cindy Bokma · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

I loved Kirstin Chen's novel Counterfeit, so I was so excited to crack open Tech Wives and lose myself in another great story, but this one didn't do it for me. As always, when I don't love a book, I blame my mood and not the author, so take this with a grain of salt.

Two best friends, Sam and Cecily, are very wealthy. Like private jets and Cartier necklaces, level wealth. Cecily is married to Sam's brother, and Sam is married to a tech mogul. They have rich people problems, and the book is about their struggles.
The novel goes between past and present, showing the trajectory of the women's lives and choices. Sam was born into wealth, but Cecily wasn't. So, we see the contrast between her life before and what she is willing to put up with now in order to maintain that wealth.

I failed to connect to either character and didnt particularly feel invested in their stories. Maybe if I read this on another day, Id feel differently. I can confidently recommend Counterfeit, though, so if you haven't read that one, get it!

[KiKi · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

This was a really well written book that was super aware of social issues in the current social climate of capitalism, consumerism, privilege and ethics. Both characters meshed well but it was a struggle to truly connect to Sam as opposed to Cecily. Sam's inability to truly hold Luke accountable and challenge him was frustrating. The fact that she also came from a wealthy family kind of made her commentary performative-but perhaps that was the point. I wanted more depth from the character of Cecliy, especially when we've seen her real life counterpart take control and actually leave her husband. The ending felt a little incomplete, but it mirrors the reality of women who stay, women who stifle themselves to accommodate everyone else.

[Renu S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked on Tech Wives from the beginning! The author has such a strong writing style that kept me highly engaged throughout the story, and I finished the novel quickly. Even when I wasn’t reading, I found myself thinking about the characters and their choices. I really hope there’s a sequel because I’m not ready to leave this world behind!

Beyond the drama, scandals, and complicated relationships, I appreciated how the author explored serious questions about women’s roles in society, ambition, marriage, and the expectations placed on women. It reminded me of the recent tradwife movement and the broader debate around traditional gender roles versus female independence. This book offers plenty to think about long after you turn the final page!

[Nicole A · Rating 1.75 out of 5]

Thanks for the ARC edition of this novel. *Tech Wives* follows two friends since college as they navigate the ultra-rich lifestyle. Sam's marriage to her "Mark Zuckerberg" husband felt forced, and the company he works for is basically Meta. The whole book felt like ten other books with the same plot and the same characters — the one thing setting it apart was the Asian representation. The plot was generic, the characters weren't relatable, and I didn't care who was cheating with whom, who made bad company decisions, who the corrupt corporate boss was, or who had so much money and felt guilty about it. Blah is how I felt at the end.
1.75 stars — the .75 is for the pretty cover.

[Kristine Binder · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I love a story that takes us behind the scenes of a world that looks so glamorous from the outside but is far more complicated once you get past the shiny surface. Tech Wives explores the relationships, expectations, and power dynamics that come with living in the shadow of success. I especially appreciated the focus on women and the roles they're expected to play while everyone else gets the recognition. There is something fascinating about the difference between the lives people present to the world and what is actually happening behind closed doors.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Keely · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for an early copy in exchange of a honest review.

Tech Wives follows the lives of two best friends who have married tech billionaires. The writing flowed, the book was character driven for sure and you follow the two marriages’ issues, values, loyalty, drama and ultimately what you are willing to sacrifice your integrity and morals for. It really was an interesting read and definitely makes me want to read more of Chen’s work. Plus I’m a big fan of reading about the 1%, something so entertaining about it.

Also this cover is beautiful and the reason I gravitated towards this book to begin with!

[Allison Zlotnick · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed Counterfeit, so I was looking forward to reading Tech Wives. However, this was a little bit of a letdown. I got to the end and was just like... this is it? I wanted a stronger conclusion.

I don't think Chen's writing has improved a whole lot since Counterfeit- and maybe that's just her writing style, but it can feel very literal/simple at times. However, it was a quick and entertaining read-- good for a plane or vacation.

If you liked Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson, this could be a good fit for you, though I think I liked Pineapple Street better.

[Rangel Family · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book. This was my first read by Kirstin Chen. The energy of this book was moderate. I was expecting it to be…jucier? A lot of detail could have still been added to the story, from Sam at Cecily’s friendship development to the backstories of how each fell for their spouses and even the start of the businesses/marriages. It was as if readers were only allowed a summary for each character and the readers had to put the details together themselves. There were sparking moments for sure, but for a book that was aiming at the “inside look” into the wives of tech giants, it fell short of my expectations.

[Beachie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in a world similar to that of Sam's, and can confidentially say that this is a pretty apt description of that life. Wealthy people who pretend to be poor while wearing diamond necklaces and how money may not be able to solve all problems, but sure can solve a lot of them.

This book looks at how far principals and morals will stretch when confronted with an uncomfortable truth. I will admit that I found the story dragging at times, but also found it to be a poignant reflection on the world I grew up in.

[Michelle Androstic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.

The premise of this sounded great, but honestly I just couldn’t get in to the story. The characters never stood out to me- enough that I had to constantly remind myself who was who and who was married to which husband and which company that husband worked for. I don’t often have trouble remembering such details, but I think it was because I honestly didn’t care about any of these characters. I feel like details were often glossed over or just not given, which left me with questions. Truly, I was disappointed with this one.

[Allyn Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tech Wives offers a thought provoking look at friendship, marriage, ambition, and complicity within Silicon Valley. While the story held my attention, I struggled to keep the two main characters and their husbands straight in my head. One character’s sudden disillusionment with her very new marriage also felt a little frustrating. I liked the premise of the book and thought it was an interesting read and peek into this world.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

Release date: April 2027

[Meraki Komorebi · Rating 0.25 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I want to thank NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an ARC.
I was excited for this book, while it wasn't going to be an original with its premise of 'Rich People's Problems' or 'What are the lives of wealthy women like' and of course this book was a splat.
Its basically the story of the wives of of the owners of Amazon and Meta.
Nobody should read this book unless they want to waste their time

[Christie · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Tech Wives is the story of 2 friends that end up being married to tech titans. Cecily grew up poor and married her best friend’s brother, Winston, an unlikeable character. Sam is Cecily’s best friend and Winston’s sister. Sam marries Luke, also an unlikeable character. Both women give up themselves and end up in unpleasant situations that impact their futures. This book shows how the rich live and how the rich can manipulate. I enjoyed the story but the ending was a letdown.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!

[Mary Gair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this advance copy from NetGally!

Tech Wives is an excellent book. The story is well written, an easy read and sure to be a best seller. Following Sam and her best friend Cecily easily reminded me of times with my best friend. Their lives are fascinating and easy to relate to. Tech Wives is a page turner and one I couldn’t put down, I read it in 2 days and will read it again. If you want a good read don’t miss this one when it hits the book shelves.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. It was soapy and fast-paced, while still giving me plenty to mull over. I enjoyed Sam and Cecily’s friendship, and also liked the commentary about tech billionaires and their morals…such as they are. If you enjoy books with strong friendship dynamics and questions about ambition, greed, and the price of fame and fortune, you’ll like this one! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Mehek · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks NetGalley! a super quick, breezy, gossipy read. it felt like bad summer people meets Min Jin Lee and scratched a few extra spots for me as an original Bay Area native – there’s a little Cecily and a little Sam in me (even when both are deeply annoying because girl, real). I do wish it leaned a little closer to the Min Jin Lee route of deep character study because I would’ve been very intrigued by it but nonetheless, fun and fast and worth it!

[Katie Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren't enough superlatives to truly capture just how incredible Tech Wives is! I could not put this novel down, devouring it from the first to the last page in mere hours because I could not imagine walking away from this completely immersive story. I can't wait until this book publishes next year--I'm sure it will be on the top of everyone's lists!!! 100/10