Empire of Capital

by Calla Pierce

Edward Fosbrooke controls his business, his image, his future. At least, that’s what he tells himself.

But pressure has a cost, and Edward is starting to realise he’s paid more than he ever intended. The empire he built may look perfect from the outside, but beneath the polished control is a man quietly beginning to question whether success is worth what it has taken from him.

Then Bea reappears in his life.

Bea knew him before the empire, before the expectations, before he became the kind of man who confuses control with happiness. And the more time Edward spends with the woman who still calls to something older and more honest in him, the harder it becomes to ignore what he really wants.

Empire of Capital is a steamy London-set contemporary romance about ambition, pressure, old friendship, and choosing the life—and love—that actually matters.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2026

Reviews

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Edward and Bea's story. They grew up together and loved each other since they were kids, but they drifted apart in the beginning of their adult life beacause of misunderstandings. It was wonderful seeing them finding each other again, and understanding their mistakes, being there for each other because of love, being together but also giving each other space to make their decisions. Edward had to deal with the shame he felt for not supporting Bea in her difficult years. He's been in love with her but stayed away because of his father. Bea, who is cautious about him, must rebuild her trust in Edward. Their story is emotional and complicated. I also enjoyed the appearances of Max, Lauren and Ver and some new characters. I am looking forward to reading Ver and Jessie's story next.

[Thyra Allestria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I start, I would just like to thank Calla Pierce for the opportunity to read her book in exchange for an honest review, so here it is

Okay, I actually really enjoyed Empire of Capital. So we have Edward and Bea who have known each other since they were kids, but after years apart, they end up back in each other’s lives when Edward returns to Foxmere. Bea is running Gardening for Grief there, so things get complicated pretty quickly since you know, forced proximity (my love, my life <3).
I really liked the history between them and all the unresolved feelings that came with it. Their relationship felt like it had a lot to work through before they could actually move forward, and I liked watching them slowly get closer again. I also liked that Bea’s work with Gardening for Grief was such an important part of the story and wasn’t just pushed aside for the romance, and I feel like it was just meant to be, since most of the time, it’s mostly male jobs that take the spotlight, so in my opinion, this was a really great way of incorporating her job into the story.
The romance was definitely a highlight for me, especially once all that tension finally started going somewhere. Edward and Bea had some really good chemistry, and I liked seeing them figure out what they actually wanted from each other. I give it a 5/5 <3

[Elena Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empire of Capital by Calla Pierce offers a steamy contemporary romance set in London, exploring the complicated relationship between ambition, success, and personal happiness.

Edward Fosbrooke appears to have everything under control: his business, his image, and his future. Yet beneath his carefully maintained empire, he begins to question the sacrifices he has made. Bea’s return brings a meaningful connection to his past and challenges him to reconsider what he truly wants from life.

One of the story’s appealing elements is its exploration of the difference between achieving success and finding fulfillment. The history between Edward and Bea adds emotional significance to their relationship, while the themes of pressure, old friendship, and rediscovered love give the romance depth beyond attraction alone.

With its London setting and focus on ambition, vulnerability, and choosing love over expectations, Empire of Capital may appeal to readers who enjoy steamy contemporary romance featuring emotionally conflicted characters and the possibility of a second chance at happiness.

[Jea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite simply, Empire of Capital is a second chance love story, years in the making. Edward and Bea have known each other since they were children, but a misunderstanding years ago led to the end of a friendship. Now Bea is running a foundation, Gardening for Grief, on Edward's family's property. He is forced to visit her there to discuss the lease and the future of the foundation. They have some difficult conversations, and there is a lot to work through, but they begin the process of repairing the relationship. Gardening for Grief is very important to Bea, and why that is will touch the reader's heart. Edward has been striving for success in the form of complete control for years, and is now feeling overwhelmed by it, and wondering if he may have pushed himself too far. When he reunites with Bea, she reminds him of the man he used to be, before the drive and ambition took over. Sweet story wtih a HEA.

[Janel (fantasyrealms.and.tales) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Calla Pierce for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. My experience and feedback are my own.

This was a love story that started as friends years ago. Bea and Edward knew each other since childhood. One miscommunication cost them that friendship and possibly more. Bea runs Gardening for Grief at his family's estate. Essentially and literally he is her landlord. When he comes back to discuss the lease all kinds of things come to light. Including the mutual feelings they both have and the miscommunication that cost them time. What becomes of the G4G and this second chance romance will warm your heart, even if you are frustrated seeing them get to where they are meant to be, it is understandable and felt very real. It was humanly raw and beautiful.

Very well written and was thought provoking. I will remember this one for quite awhile.

[Shylou Totaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Calla Pierce and Iris Influencer Society for allowing me to get my hand on an ARC.

This was such a beautiful heartfelt romance. The history between Bea and Edward already added so much depth into the story but the years apart and the guilt that came with it really tied everything together.

Seeing how important Gardening for Grief was to Bea and why absolutely tugged at my heart. Bea had lost her parents, and one small mistake years ago cost her to loose Edward too.

Edward's return to Foxmere may not have held the greatest intensions at first but we wouldn't have gotten a beautiful love story without it.

[Tisha Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward and Bea had so much history between them and I loved getting to watch all of those old feelings slowly start coming back.

The tension between them was probably my favorite part. You could tell there was so much left unsaid and so much they still had to work through before they could really move forward. I also really liked Bea and how much her work with Gardening for Grief was actually part of the story instead of just something mentioned in the background.

Their chemistry was SO good once things finally started moving and I was completely invested in seeing where they would end up.

Such a good second-chance romance with old feelings, forced proximity, and plenty of tension.

[ReviewsByNic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empire of Capital by Calla Pierce
4 out of 5 stars

Thank you, Calla, for this copy. All parts of this review are of my honest opinion 💚

If you want a book where the MC needs to be smacked with a pan, this is it 😂 The whole time I was on the edge of the seat waiting to see what was going to happen next, how Bea would react, and what it meant for them as friends and as a couple. And I think this really made the story because if Edward told Bea about what he was going to do with the property, then they probably would have never reconnected.

So if you’re looking for a contemporary romance with steam, reconnection, and a moment that could change everything, pick this one up! 💕

[Collette Scruggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Calla Pierce and the Iris Influencer Society for letting me get my hands on an ARC.

Edward and Bea have known each other since childhood but drifted apart over the years. Bea lives on Edward’s family’s property and runs an organization on it. Edward must go back to the property and talk with Bea regarding something that may change the organization and where it operates. Seeing the dynamics of their relationship and what went wrong over the years, and then reconnecting, was great and tied the whole story together. I was happy with the ending of this book.

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. Thank you to the IRS influencer society for giving me the opportunity to advance read this book.
I really enjoyed this book. This is book two in the Lords of London series. I do recommend you read book one first just my personal preference.
Overall this book is absolutely amazing Edward is an amazing character as well as Bea.
I felt this book was everything that it promises to be.
Is a new author to me and I genuinely enjoy the book.

[Tasha_loves_to_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh Bea and Edward were simply amazing. As usual Edward messed up but being the adults they are now they sorted their issues out. He was trying to do the right thing......
I loved how strong Bea was and her own life together. What another great read in this series! I can't wait for more @callapierceauthor

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Written with AI

I downloaded this with high hopes but when I started to read it found that it had a real AI flow - the more AI writing I see the easier it is to spot. I ran some pages through Pangram which picked up either that they were AI written in many cases or heavy AI assistance on the rest.

[Gill Charlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh I really love this series, great plot interesting storyline, great protagonists...

The families are classic in their beliefs that money is everything... this story displays that it really isn't.

Thank you Calla

[sumeyye · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the book!! the characters was very sweet and i love the multiple point of views!! good job!!

[Drie Corley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!