All That Glitters

Cruel Empire #1

by Brooke Harper

The spotlights are blinding.
The dresses sparkle.
The cameras roll, but nothing is real.
Nothing, that is, but him.

I grew up in the Hollywood spotlight, the daughter of movie royalty. Since a young age, I was deemed a natural talent. A rising starlet. I had dreams and a path set ahead of me.

Until a plane crash ruined everything.

In my darkest hour, I had no choice but to rely on the one man who’s always been by my family’s Marcus Ortega—my parents’ closest friend turned agent and protector, and who is now, reluctantly, my new caretaker.

With a dangerous past steeped in crime, he’s ruthless, cutthroat, and incredibly sexy, despite being almost twice my age.

It’s well known that Marcus never wanted to watch over a “spoiled brat” like me, but I’m starting to think there’s another reason for his distance. A secret that could shatter us both.

He’s in control of my money, my career, and my life until my trust fund says I can be free. It may be what I wanted once upon a time, but in a world where the things that glitter aren’t always gold, I’m desperate for something real.

Real and destructive like him.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2024

Reviews

[Kaija · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will probably be a shortish review because I want to avoid spoilers…but OH MY GOD….OH MY GOD!!

I love Marcus!!! Everything about him really, just cannot get enough of him!

This book gripped me from the very first page!
Empire and Marcus and the way they just clash in the beginning and how they dance around each other, each trying to run from something was absolutely amazing!
There’s an age-gap between the two of them but despite everything that happens, how Marcus treats her and how Empire responds, the chemistry is just so 🥵

The ending though? OH MY GOD! I need book 2 stat! This was insane, a wild ride a must read for anyone who wants a dark suspenseful slightly mafia romance!

Brooke Harper is amazing and gives us a story that does not let us go well after we’ve finished the book (the cliffhanger may have something to do with it) I’ve loved every book she’s given us and this one is NO different!

So happy I was able to ARC read this book!

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Brooke Harper’s books. Her writing is always amazing. This one took me a bit to get through. My main issue was with Empire. To me she was really harder to connect with. She is spoiled and over dramatic. Yes, she was grieving and yes, everyone grieves in their own way. But, she took everything anyone said her as a negative thing. By being this way she really made it harder to connect with her. Marcus was a tough and gruff man. He was easier to relate with and I absolutely adored how strong he is. Even with him grieving in his own way he never lets that stop him. The story is extremely interesting and very well written. I definitely enjoyed the story and the drama that flows between Empire and Marcus. It is definitely a fantastic read!

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! Gasp! Marcus Marcus Marcus… smh
This was such a great beginning to Empire’s story. The tension between the two MCs is fantastic! My heart hurts for Empire and everything she’s gone through in this book and I’m in a little love-hate situation with Marcus…BUT I cannot wait for book 2, that cliffy has given me so much anxiety and I can’t wait to see how that drama shakes out.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empire parents are dead and he is her protector but he is very unhappy about it. There is a secret which may ruin it all. Things are going to get very interesting between them. What is going to happen? How will they get on? What are the secrets? See what is going on and going to happen for them all

[Mona Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

All that Glitters

Is Empire a spoiled brat? Um, yes. Has life dealt her a bad hand right now? Um, yes. Marcus....is he hiding things that you just want to know? Um, yes.
This book will suck you right in, and before you know it...it's done. I can't wait for the next one

[Ethereal Amorist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Empire Stone is a Hollywood sweetheart, with actors for parents and riches in her life. Everything turns bleak after her parents die in a plane crash, leaving her in the care of their manager - Marcus.

Marcus only ever wanted to escape his past and make his own life through his clients' success. But when they die, he is left with their inexperienced in acting, spoiled brat of daughter - with sole custody of her.

But the once bubbly, extroverted and arrogant Empire is now gone, replaced by a shadow of her old self, grappling with nightmares and panic attacks. Everything becomes even more complex when neither of them is unable to ignore the attraction between them. Especially when Marcus' past catches up to both of them.

Trigger Warning~ explicit content, death of parents (off page, historical), panic attacks, PTSD, mention of sexual abuse, 20+ years age gap between the main characters, blood and violence.

Just when I thought the story was taking a dark turn, it deep dived into muddy waters. Though it is mentioned it involved mafia, I was taken by surprise with the twists of the story.

Both of the characters have been through a lot throughout the book and their lives, hence lack proper communication and emotional development - which added to the dark turns in the story.

The story was very well written, keeping me hooked throughout. The narration followed both Marcus and Empire's points of view, following their thought processes behind their actions which helped me understand them better. Though I don't exactly love the characters, I enjoyed the story and how it kept me on my toes, surprised and wanting more.

The story ends in a cliffhanger, which made me want to read the next book right away. I'm awaiting the continuation of the series!

It was a well-written book. If you like dark, age gap, billionaire romance involving dark themes and mafia, this series is a good one.

[Beba Andric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empire's entire life fell apart in a tragic accident, leaving her alone, leaving her vulnerable, with only Marcus to pick up the slack. See, she's a Hollywood princess, a young 18 year old who was pampered, entitled, a celebrity's brat. But since her parents died, she unravels, wanting to hide from the world. A princess who's been hounded by the media, pulled apart by the media. So she withdraws into herself, becoming reclusive, her grief overwhelming her, her anxiety at a peak. And her guardian, Marcus, a friend of her late parents is pushing all her buttons! The conflict of emotions they both have, the all encompassing need they feel for each other and how they try to deny them, gets really hot and spicy! Yummy!

She terribly naïve, she been very pampered and now that she has the leading role in a movie, her insecurities come to the fore...does she want this? Will she ever be able to face the paparazzi? What does Marcus want? Wellll.... Marcus is the cream she wants to lap up! The silver fox who's been a part of her life for so long. Except he's so much older, he's her guardian, he's off bounds and he REALLY is otherwise! At least she thinks so... And Marcus, hmmm, he too is uncertain how to approach this entire situation, he's trying very hard not to give in to the intense emotions he feels for Empire and I enjoyed seeing them both fail dismally! I loved how Marcus tried to put his shady past behind him but, as the saying goes, once in, there's no out! Which led to a very dramatic conclusion, one that leaves me wanting to find out more, wanting a HEA for both of them....

I enjoyed how the author portrayed them both and from 2 POV'S, I got the exact reason and feelings of why they thought as they did, why they DID as they did! A quick read, a read of awakening, of personal growth and forbidden love that takes a major turn with secrets untold, with revelations that threaten to override logic and common sense. A burning need in Marcus to protect Empire leads him right back into the lions den and Empire running from it all. So yes, I NEED to get book 2!!!!

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rant/Opinion:

I'm all for age -gap when there is 10-12 year age difference but when the FMC recently turned 18 and is a couple of months away from graduating high school and pining over a man 40+ years old I have t draw the line. What does a 18 year old, inexperienced girl have in common with a 40+ year old an? Absolutely NOTHING!!! The FMC kept complaining about the MMC calling her a spoiled brat but in my opinion not only was she a brat, she was immature (but that could be attributed to the recent death of her parents).

Anyways, what I did enjoy was all of the secrets, drama, deception and emotional damage that occurred in this story. The FMC was dealing with the loss of her Hollywood parents and being in the spotlight as Hollywood's lil angel as well as trying to make a name for herself. Being left as a ward to Marcus who was once her parent's manager; he is also trying to help Empire establish her acting career and cope with her devastating loss.

Marcus and Empire had a lot of ups and downs. Mostly because she was young and inexperienced, and he was trying to fight his desire for an 18-year-old high school senior. When Marcus' past began to resurface; Empire comes face to face with a man who she thought she knew but these new revelations prove that she doesn't know him at all.

This story ends on a cliffhanger and sh*t is about to hit the fan. Some damaging accusations are being thrown around placing Marcus sand Empire in the middle of a Hollywood scandal. The one girl he vowed to stay away from is the very person he needs to find in order to save both of their lives because if the media scandal doesn't kill them; his ghosts from the past will.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start? Ok, I was warmed up at the beginning to Marcus, since we see his caring side. However, soon as we start to like him we are thrust into an awkward chemisrty between Empire (young 18 wanna be actress... grieving her parents death) and her guardian/manager Marcus (40+ selfish grump)

A mix of steaminess and awkward arguements where he calls her emotions her being a Brat and is forced to live a life she currently doesn't really want. He makes it clear in the story he is using her for his own gain, but says he also cares for her... he was giving me a hell of a lot of mix signals that was making a big chunk of the story cringy if I am honest. As well as the fact we also know their atraction to eachother was even there well before she turned 18, did not help to dampen the cringe of the relationship they have between eachother. Despite that the steamy scenes were still quite hot if you look past all the awkward and pervy stuff in it.

However, with the plot twists added into it helped make it more thrilling and dangerous and we finally got to see a more bad boy saviour role for him. This earned him some brownie points to not make me lose too much interest in the book.

I was a little unsure at first but it warmed me up enough to get me intrigued to find out what happens and with a scandal cliff hanger... I am even more curious to see what happens in book two.

[Nickie Sale · Rating 4 out of 5]

All that glitters wasn't anything I expected. My thoughts were focused on Empire being a spoilt rich orphan, who had lost her famous actress and actor parents in a tragic plane accident and that the world owed her a living. Add in the manager/guardian Marcus, who's sole purpose is to push Empire out into the acting world and earn money as her manager.

I couldn't have more wrong, so yes Empire was acting like a spoilt brat, grieving over the loss of her parents. But she was not going round feeling in the least bit entitled. Yes Marcus needed Empire to take on the role in a film she was offered, but he was also trying to protect her and give the acting career she deserved.

Empire and Marcus's have what could be better described as push and pull relationship in the start with Marcus doing the pushing, whilst Empire does her best to pull away. So we get some valuable insight into their feelings. It's pretty clear they have for hot chemistry between them, but with exception of a couple heavy petting sessions that's as far as they go.

Then those final chapters, well I can honestly say that I did not expect and just when it appeared that Empire was starting to grow up and face up to her feelings for Marcus so a huge curve ball is thrown into the ring, which means we face a huge cliffhanger, but now we have to wait for the next book in the series argggg

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

All That Glitters by Brooke Harper is book one in the Cruel Empire Series. When I read the blurb for this book it immediately caught my interest. It being a dark bodyguard romance definitely fell into the I must read this book category. I read this book so fast; I was hooked pretty much from the beginning. The story itself just drew me in and added in all the what goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood… Sleaziness. But I really loved reading the characters of Empire and Marcus. Both have so much going on and each has stuff going on from their past. What I enjoyed the most was reading these two circles one another. The push and pull of them. Gosh, their chemistry is really on another level of great. Marcus so far is a favorite character. Also there’s the age gap trope that just works so well. This was such a crazy ride of a book with elements that definitely gave me a surprise factor. I thought it was written great with an addictive storyline that will keep you turning the page. That ending though! I’m going to be impatiently waiting for the next book. This is a suspenseful and darkish book so if that's in your wheelhouse then this is the book for you. What an amazing read!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked right from the very first page! And let me tell you, the ending? Oh my goodness! I'm already counting down the days until book 2 comes out because this story left me absolutely reeling. It's a wild ride that's a must-read for anyone craving a dark, suspenseful, slightly mafia-infused romance!

Brooke Harper has once again proven herself to be an incredible storyteller, delivering a gripping narrative that refuses to let go long after the final page is turned (and yes, that cliffhanger definitely played a part in it!). I've been a fan of her work for quite some time, and this book is no exception. It's a fantastic beginning to what promises to be an unforgettable series.

But let me warn you about the ending – be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions! With all the twists and revelations that come to light, it had me feeling like I was all over the place. But trust me, every moment of it is worth it!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of a man trying to leave his past behind, trying to keep what he has earned. As a guardian to Empire, who has lost her parents and he owes so much to her parents. However, his needs and Empires needs cause a clash of wills, lust, and a need for a connection neither of them are able to understand or express. The path of their interactions take them down the provable rabbit hole. Neither of them expecting the fall out that occurred. Empire has packed her bags and is running when she finds out about the dissolution of guardianship, can Marcus get her back, she must honor the contract she has signed for the movie. Empire has no idea who and want has funded the movie and there will be no place she will be able hide. Money laundering, organized crime and the sleazy people that exist in Hollywood in the picture industry is very well portrayed! You will be surprised and shocked many times over in this story.

[Elisabeth Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of the Cruel Empire series and is the story of Empire and Marcus. Empire is an actress that is now in the guardianship of Marcus, her agent and family friend. While I do enjoy the age gap trope, I was a little disappointed that the FMC just turns 18 and the MMC is twice her age. When the FMC is this age, it can be hard to suspend belief that they are a grown woman and can fully embrace the darker the side of love.

However, my personal preferences did not interfere with my enjoyment of this story. There are twists and turns throughout with Marcus keeping plenty of secrets. I believe the author was able to convey the sleaziness of underbelly of Hollywood and combine it with the world of organized crime. There were several times my heart broke for Empire.

This story does end on a cliffhanger and that ending caught me totally by surprise. I will be reading Book 2 to see what happens next.

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

All That Glitters: A Dark Hollywood Bodyguard Romance and the first in the Cruel Empire series by Brooke Harper was quite the steamy intense ride and I need more, more, more!!! This story is full of steamy tension, angsty, heat galore you never want to out it down.

Our FMC Empire has recently suffered a devastating loss that leaves here in the care and control of her guardian Marcus—a friend and prior agent to her parents. Parents she tragically lost and is now on her own. Though she does have Marcus in all his grumpy, broody gloriousness that is lol when reading for a role, things suddenly heat up and they both see how attracted they are to each other—but their hands are pretty much tied. Then when tragedy strikes again in the form of a handy producer things REALY get heated up then!

Overall, if you’re a fan of days paced, bodyguard, age gap romances with mafia ties then this is the one for you!!! And that ending?!? Oh man I can’t wait for book 2!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed "ALL THAT GLITTERS" I was pulled right into this intense, intriguing, riviting, dark twisted romance, with suspense, secrets, angst, danger, violence, steam, death, twists that makes this an addicting page turner.
Empire Stone grew up in Hollywood spotlight being the daughter of two actor royalties a natural talent, a starlet, she had dreams until that fateful night ruined everything for her a plane crash takes her parents from her leaving her with their manager Marcus Ortega closet friend & agent, Protector & now her guardian.
Marcus has a past that's extremely dangerous full of crime, he's known to be ruthless, a cut-throat, sexy as sin & twice Empires age she's only 18yrs old, he keep's his distance from her because he has secrets that could ruin them both.
Marcus controls her life, money, her career until her trust fund will become hers, its getting harder to fight their attraction to one another both have been through alot, miss communication with each other at times.
I definitely recommend to read this journey Marcus & Empire takes you on he trys to run but she has a contact with the movie she's in she has no idea who's funding the movie, organized crime, money laundering, creepy people in Hollywood picture industry that's scary, what goes on will shock you. I SO can't wait for the next book "FOOLS GOLD" to see where this all goes.
AWESOME DARK TWISTED ROMANCE 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

All The Glitters had my hooked from pretty much the beginning. You have Empire who suffers an enormous tragedy on top of that fact being a rising starlet herself coming from Hollywood movie royalty, but said tragedy leaves her in the care of Marcus her parent's closet friend and manager. They are both trying to leave their past behind but sometimes especially in Marcus case that can be tricky but unfortunately the past can have tendency to catch up with you while also both of them having an an incredible attraction to one another that leaves you wanting more. This book has plenty of twist and turns and ups and downs that will have you needing more. I can't wait for the second book to come out and see if Empire and Marcus get there happy ever after ending.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Losing both of her parents in plane crash was very hard for Empire. Now she is in the guardianship of their former agent, Marcus Ortega, a man with many dark secrets and grumpy behavior. A man that pushes her to pull her weight and actually start her career even though she is still grieving. None of the plans go as desired though, and strong feelings have potential to change the course even more.
Dark and alluring, the story set into the flashlights of Hollywood and the danger of mafia definitely has a lot of promise to offer. I very much enjoyed the dynamic relationship between the main characters, the tension and misunderstandings, and loyalty. Empire is forced to mature fast, even though she is still a teenager and definitely has that spoiled air around her sometimes. I can feel Marcus' pull from the pages. And the cliffhanger.. oh how I wish to grab the next one asap.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The direction the story takes was not what I expected. I loved it though!
Filled with secrets, drama, so many emotions, tension and some spicy moments.
Empire and Marcus were total opposites, but they also fit so well. The way they fight their feelings...so hot! 🥵
At first I wasn't sure about either of them. As the story unfolds, my feelings totally changed. I'm so glad we got dual POV. I think it played a vital role and helped us to really understand them. I also think it helped me to love them too.

I think this was a great beginning!
Do be prepared for the ending though. With everything that happens and is revealed towards the end, it had me all over the place.
I cannot wait for book 2!! I need answers so bad!!

[Katelyn Livezey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda, our FMC, is a 18 year old heiress. Marcus is an older “Alphahole”. They are complete opposites, but as the saying goes… opposites attract and in this case it’s definitely true. They fight their feelings for each other, but are unable to keep it up for long. The story is dual POV, and boy does it suck you in!

This book is filled with secrets, drama, all the emotions, tension and spicy times. You can’t put it down!!

The direction the story took was not what I expected, but it really does suck you in. Theres so much that happens and is revealed towards the end, it will have you sitting at the end of your seat!! So be prepared!
I cannot wait for book two! I need answers the answers like yesterday!!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, so good!! We are just right into the story after Empires parents die in a plane crash. I would have liked a little bit more of a back story. But i think we are gonna get through out the series. It seems we are gonna learn a little along the way. This was a smooth, quick read that i just couldn't put down. Empire has always had a perfect life until it was turned upside down. She is now facing things she doesn't know how to deal with. Marcus was her parents' manager. He is now in charge of Empire since their death. He is twice her age and hot. There is so much steam between them its off the charts. Things in their life start to escalate quickly. I can not wait to see where their story goes from here.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 in Harper's new series Cruel Empire. It is incredibly well written and captivating from the very beginning. Our main characters are Empire and Marcus who have a large age gap (too much in my opinion), but that's not all. Empire's Hollywood parents died in a plane crash and their manager Marcus is now her guardian. Marcus just wanted to escape his past and live his own life. So many difficulties for our main characters and then there's the undeniable chemistry between them and some twists that will shock. And then...then a cliffhanger ending. I can't wait for the next book in this series to find out what's going to happen next!

This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.

[Taylor Loewe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am needing book 2 as badly as I need my coffee!

I am loving this dynamic and how messed up these characters are. Marcus is desperate not to go back to being a nobody so he forces Empire to be part of things she has no desire to do. This ends up only pushing the 2 of them together even though that’s what he wanted to avoid. Talk about Karma Marcus! Empire is struggling with the loss of her parents and PTSD but she’s in the spotlight so she’s trying to hide it.

The whole Dom aura Marcus gives is my kryptonite. Cant hate him for the cruddy things he does because I’m too busy cleaning my drool up.

The age gap/forbidden romance between the two of them is what makes this story irresistible. You’ll be begging on your knees for book 2.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empire's parents died in an accident and Marcus is left to be her guardian. He was friends with her parents as well as their manager. Now he is trying to get Empire to agree to an acting job, but she doesn't know that she wants to do that. Things get very complicated between them and with his job. There are a lot of secrets and shady people around them. Will Empire decide what she wants? Can they be together?

WARNING!!! This ends with a cliff hanger that will have you screaming for more.

This is a great story that will draw you in and leave you wanting more. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris06 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a whirlwind. 18 year old Empire is learning to survive after her parents die.

Marcus is her older guardian that she has always had a crush on.

This isn’t a romance …
This isn’t a love story ..

This is a girl being pushed … being forced into a role she doesn’t want.

This is a man thinking he knows best … a man not being able to resist…

A girl trying to push for what she wants … a man better at the game …

Lies and truths and pain … hurt and maybe even some love …

It ends with a disaster.. not really sure how they are going to fix ….

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joy Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke gives us a wonderful beginning to the Cruel Empire series! The story of Empire and Marcus starts with the plane crash that kills her parents and leaves her as Marcus's ward. There's undeniable chemistry between them that he's fighting. She gets a role in a movie and everything hits the fan! This story is very well written with complex characters and plot twists that blindsides you, leaving you unable to put it down as they head to an unexpected cliffhanger. Dive into this story and find out what happens next! I loved reading this story and highly recommend it. Don't miss out on this book!!

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia books are my sinful delights to read. All That Glitters did not disappoint. It has all the dark, dirty details of a forbidden age gap romance and then add in the Mafia element.
Empire is the golden child of Hollywood sweethearts that perished in a plane crash.
Marcus is an old family friend, manager and now her guardian. He also has a lust for Empire he’s been trying to control for years. Lines get blurred and they can’t stay away from each other. Marcus’s past comes roaring back and in order to save her, he must go back to the old ways he thought he left behind.
We end on a cliffhanger that makes me eager for the next book in this series. 4 ⭐️’s!
~Kim💜

[Kerri Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empire Stone grew up on the Hollywood spotlight determined to make a name for herself, until her parents die in a tragic plane crash. Overcome with grief, she's just not sure she wants to do it anymore. Marcus Ortega grew up on the streets and worked hard to leave his past behind him, he is now tasked with being the guardian for Empire. Of course his past catches up to him as he is forced to do things he never thought he would in order to protect the girl he can't admit he has feelings for. A wonderful dark mafia romance with a lot of angst and several twists I did not see coming. Can't wait to find out what happens in the next book.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This book had me absolutely captivating, reading the story of Empire and Marcus, and the trials and tribulations, secrets, twist, Mafia, sad, angry, murder, trauma, betrayal, lies, and many more emotions throughout. Empire is an up and coming star until the death of her parents which left her devastated. Marcus was named in the will as her guardian even though he didn't want the responsibility, moving in together was hard considering they had feelings for each other, it started getting steamy between them.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leigh The Spoonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series by Brooke Harper called ‘The cruel Empire’ series. It tells the story of Empire a daughter of a famous Hollywood actress whose parents tragically die in a plane crash just a week before she turns 18. She finds herself alone apart from her mum’s manager Marcus who is now her guardian. Marcus, or as her friend calls him “hot daddy Marcus” has been a desire of Empire’s for a long time, how long can he resist his feelings when she turns the pressure up?
Add in sleazy producers, a mafia don, a lot of secrets and underhanded behaviours and you’ve got a good book.