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All That Glitters
The debut novel from the winner of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here 2015
Three years ago Issy Jones walked away from her dream because her family needed her. Today, she spends her days working in her mum's salon and her nights going out with her best friend, Molly. Life is good yet Issy can't help wishing for something more .
When Issy's dad puts her forward for a sensational new reality TV show, no one expects her to actually be selected. With her family urging her to grab the opportunity with both hands, Issy suddenly finds herself surrounded by glamour, fame and celebrities. Full of excitement, Issy embraces it all - it's what she needs to do to achieve her goals. But when the reality of what she's signed up for doesn't match the dream Issy is chasing, things begin to fall apart. Issy is so close to getting everything she ever wanted - but just how much of herself will she have to sacrifice to get it?
Bold, thrilling and romantic, Vicky Pattison's first ever novel is a rollercoaster ride full of glitz, warmth and drama. It's a must-read for fans everywhere!
Three years ago Issy Jones walked away from her dream because her family needed her. Today, she spends her days working in her mum's salon and her nights going out with her best friend, Molly. Life is good yet Issy can't help wishing for something more .
When Issy's dad puts her forward for a sensational new reality TV show, no one expects her to actually be selected. With her family urging her to grab the opportunity with both hands, Issy suddenly finds herself surrounded by glamour, fame and celebrities. Full of excitement, Issy embraces it all - it's what she needs to do to achieve her goals. But when the reality of what she's signed up for doesn't match the dream Issy is chasing, things begin to fall apart. Issy is so close to getting everything she ever wanted - but just how much of herself will she have to sacrifice to get it?
Bold, thrilling and romantic, Vicky Pattison's first ever novel is a rollercoaster ride full of glitz, warmth and drama. It's a must-read for fans everywhere!
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2015
14 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Vicky Pattison
12 books93 followersVicky Pattison is an English television personality, fashion designer, reality television participant, columnist, writer, media personality and model. She is best known for appearing on the MTV show Geordie Shore from 2011 to 2014, Ex on the Beach from 2014 and her own show Judge Geordie since 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 22, 2016
5 Words:Fame, reality, family, betrayal, hairdressing.
When I picked this up I was honestly expecting something pants like Angel, poorly written and with an overused plot. But what I actually read? Well, my expectations were blown away.
This book smashed it.
All That Glitters has an original plot line, certainly nothing like I've ever read before. It's dry and witty and will tug on your heartstrings. You'll probably rage a little at Jason, sympathise with Molly, and want to knock Issy's head into a brick wall and tell her to be less self obsessed and open her eyes. Because I did.
I loved how this book explored family dynamics, the relationships between the people who make up a family and that sometimes they're not all related to you.
The ending was a definite high point, so much had been sacrificed and it all just sat perfectly with the rest of the story.
Overall this was a great read. Definitely one I'd say to give a chance. I was reminded a little of those romantic sagas by people like Annie Groves and Katie Flynn but dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century.
When I picked this up I was honestly expecting something pants like Angel, poorly written and with an overused plot. But what I actually read? Well, my expectations were blown away.
This book smashed it.
All That Glitters has an original plot line, certainly nothing like I've ever read before. It's dry and witty and will tug on your heartstrings. You'll probably rage a little at Jason, sympathise with Molly, and want to knock Issy's head into a brick wall and tell her to be less self obsessed and open her eyes. Because I did.
I loved how this book explored family dynamics, the relationships between the people who make up a family and that sometimes they're not all related to you.
The ending was a definite high point, so much had been sacrificed and it all just sat perfectly with the rest of the story.
Overall this was a great read. Definitely one I'd say to give a chance. I was reminded a little of those romantic sagas by people like Annie Groves and Katie Flynn but dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century.
August 25, 2015
This isn’t my normal type of read and when I received this my heart did sink just a little, as I am clearly not the intended targeted age group for this story. I’m not a fan of reality TV shows; despite living in Essex, I have no time at all for TOWIE – I also had no idea who Vicky Pattison was (thank heaven for Google) but I have to be completely honest and say that despite my initial misgivings All That Glitters really was a very funny and entertaining read and had me snorting with laughter throughout. There was a real mixture of characters and personalities, both inside and outside the ‘apartment/studio,’ and although some had more likeability factor than others (in fact there were some that were downright obnoxious), they were all written very well. Her best friend Molly was adorable and I was disappointed with Issy for taking her support for granted at times.
Issy Jones is clearly a very likeable but ambitious young girl. Having given up her place at a London Hair Academy to be with her family after a family illness, she is just plodding along in her mum’s Manchester hair salon doing blue rinses. However her family think she now deserves more and without her knowledge put her forward for a new reality TV show – ‘Can You Cut It?’ – (think ‘Big Brother’ in a hairdressing environment) with the ‘Confession Cam’ substituted for the Big Brother Diary Room. The rest of the story is about Issy’s time on that show and how the seduction of fame can change even the most grounded person into someone that family and friends do not recognise. It also shows that you shouldn't believe everything you read in the papers!
I’m assuming the author has based the story around her experience on the reality TV show, Geordie Shore, and if that is the case it is a real eye opener as to the manipulation by the TV production team that goes on behind the scenes. I had always believed that parts of these shows were set up anyway but these contestants were even provided with a list of topics to ‘spontaneously’ chat about. Almost their every move was recorded and monitored and every aspect of their life whilst in the studio environment was strictly controlled by the producers, with any developing romances quickly being encouraged for TV ratings and public consumption.
Although I enjoyed this, it was a little out of my usual comfort zone but If you are a fan of Vicky Pattison and/or reality TV shows and are looking for a fun and easy read then you can’t really go wrong with this one.
Issy Jones is clearly a very likeable but ambitious young girl. Having given up her place at a London Hair Academy to be with her family after a family illness, she is just plodding along in her mum’s Manchester hair salon doing blue rinses. However her family think she now deserves more and without her knowledge put her forward for a new reality TV show – ‘Can You Cut It?’ – (think ‘Big Brother’ in a hairdressing environment) with the ‘Confession Cam’ substituted for the Big Brother Diary Room. The rest of the story is about Issy’s time on that show and how the seduction of fame can change even the most grounded person into someone that family and friends do not recognise. It also shows that you shouldn't believe everything you read in the papers!
I’m assuming the author has based the story around her experience on the reality TV show, Geordie Shore, and if that is the case it is a real eye opener as to the manipulation by the TV production team that goes on behind the scenes. I had always believed that parts of these shows were set up anyway but these contestants were even provided with a list of topics to ‘spontaneously’ chat about. Almost their every move was recorded and monitored and every aspect of their life whilst in the studio environment was strictly controlled by the producers, with any developing romances quickly being encouraged for TV ratings and public consumption.
Although I enjoyed this, it was a little out of my usual comfort zone but If you are a fan of Vicky Pattison and/or reality TV shows and are looking for a fun and easy read then you can’t really go wrong with this one.
December 24, 2015
Just what I wanted!!
I loved All That Glitters so much! Sometimes you just wanna read a book that doesn't have a massive over elaborate plot and doesn't require any thought, and that's exactly what this book was - just a simple book about a regular girl made famous by a reality TV show. Sound familiar? Well this is written by Geordie Shore star and recent I'm A Celebrity winner Vicky Pattison, however the reality show in this book is actually a hairdressing competition!
Besides the easy, relaxed vibe I got whilst reading this, I loved this book for many other reasons too. Mainly the amazing cast of characters! Issy Jones was the protagonist and I thought she was brilliantly written - she seemed very normal and down to earth, which is what she was supposed to be. I loved that she was flawed and had potholes in her personality - nobody wants to read about a perfect princess. Other stand out characters for me were Issy's fellow contestant and friends Lexi and Aaron, as well as her brother Zach! Mia was also a very interesting character, however whenever I would read about her I would instantly picture Gina Rio in my head (if you've ever watched the Channel 5 series of Big Brother UK you may recognise that name!) and that's not a bad thing as I loved her; Mia not so much.
The story was very basic but was very interesting and entertaining to read. The premise is that Issy becomes part of 'Can You Cut It?' and the whole book is her time on the show and in the contestants shared apartment. I loved reading all of this as it reminded me so much of Big Brother, a show I absolutely love!
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed Vicky's first fiction foray, and I cannot wait to read her recent novel 'A Christmas Kiss' - what a perfect time for me to start reading that one as its Christmas Day tomorrow!!!!!
5/5 and a well earned place on my Favourites shelf!
I loved All That Glitters so much! Sometimes you just wanna read a book that doesn't have a massive over elaborate plot and doesn't require any thought, and that's exactly what this book was - just a simple book about a regular girl made famous by a reality TV show. Sound familiar? Well this is written by Geordie Shore star and recent I'm A Celebrity winner Vicky Pattison, however the reality show in this book is actually a hairdressing competition!
Besides the easy, relaxed vibe I got whilst reading this, I loved this book for many other reasons too. Mainly the amazing cast of characters! Issy Jones was the protagonist and I thought she was brilliantly written - she seemed very normal and down to earth, which is what she was supposed to be. I loved that she was flawed and had potholes in her personality - nobody wants to read about a perfect princess. Other stand out characters for me were Issy's fellow contestant and friends Lexi and Aaron, as well as her brother Zach! Mia was also a very interesting character, however whenever I would read about her I would instantly picture Gina Rio in my head (if you've ever watched the Channel 5 series of Big Brother UK you may recognise that name!) and that's not a bad thing as I loved her; Mia not so much.
The story was very basic but was very interesting and entertaining to read. The premise is that Issy becomes part of 'Can You Cut It?' and the whole book is her time on the show and in the contestants shared apartment. I loved reading all of this as it reminded me so much of Big Brother, a show I absolutely love!
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed Vicky's first fiction foray, and I cannot wait to read her recent novel 'A Christmas Kiss' - what a perfect time for me to start reading that one as its Christmas Day tomorrow!!!!!
5/5 and a well earned place on my Favourites shelf!
July 20, 2023
Better than expected. An easy read. Funny lines at times
December 31, 2015
Enjoyed All That Glitters with its hilarious by realistic look at reality TV. I found it to be very easy to read with some great characterization.
February 6, 2020
To be very honest, the plot was decent, but to me, what determines a “good book” or something “worth a read” really boils down to the style of writing. The language used was very simple, there were a few typo errors here and there (there was once the author wrote “Vicky thought” when it should’ve been “Issy thought”....there was no character called “Vicky” in the story so I was a bit confused when I read that). Towards the later part of the book, I felt that it was quite painful to read because I really didn’t like Issy at all (she was being a total bitch and too damn whiny and self-absorbed; seriously annoyed me to no end). But well the story ended on a good note, which I guess was the book’s saving grace. Honestly pretty average, but if you like reality tv and dramatic stories, I guess you could give this book a go.
September 6, 2025
all that glitters by Vicky Patterson is a romantic comedy that feels like watching a reality tv show in a book form and it had all the fun, thrill, rush and so on. The romance, the guys, the drama, the entire nine yards and so on. it features the FMC where she gets into reality tv when she just threw her life away for her family and finally experiences FAME, THE FAME and obviously the negative and dark side of fame, and experiences many downfalls and faces many problems with her family and guys and life in general. did the FMC finally retrieve herself and find herself?
May 20, 2024
Second time reading this, read it years ago when it came out so I couldn’t remember the whole story. Really liked the characters and glad Issy ended up with Ryan. Good twist. Easy to read on a train journey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed it! Thought the writing style may be a problem but it didn't bother me at all! Good for something that's easy to follow
September 17, 2019
Easy holiday read
January 7, 2024
While the language is very Geordie and otherwise quite simple and the story a bit predictable, this was an easy read and made me smile quite a few times. Worth a read.
July 3, 2015
I love Vicky Pattison and after reading her autobiography last year I couldn't wait to read her first fiction novel. Issy Jones is our main character and despite having a somewhat settled life, she has always wished for more and so when her dad puts her forward for a sensational new reality TV show, she soon finds that her dreams could be about to come true. I assumed from the blurb that the book would be Geordie Shore in book form, but the reality TV show is actually a hairdressing competition, where the contestants live together and are filmed 24/7, with one of them being voted out each week after completing various hairdressing tasks. The format actually works really well, allowing the story to move along at just the right pace.
Issy is an instantly likeable character (I was annoyed that an error in the book called her Vicky! How do these mistakes not get picked up?!) and I think that was because in the beginning she was just so normal and easy to imagine as a real person. She wanted the life that fame could give her, but not at the expense of whoring herself out or going against her beliefs. In fact, once she's in the house and meets the other contestants she's actually quite naive which again just highlighted what a normal person she was. She's a girl that female readers will really be able to relate to and root for as they read this book.
There's a great mix of characters in All That Glitters and I won't list them all but often it's the ones that you detest that stand out the most and one character in particular was Mia. I love those characters that get your blood boiling and this time around that came in the form of this snooty posh girl, who looked down her nose at everybody else when really she was the trashiest one in there. She very quickly rubs the housemates up the wrong way and you just know she would be a nightmare to live with. Issy for the most part handles things quite well, but there's more than a few intense and drama filled scenes between the two.
Issy soon struggles with her new-found fame, and her inability to keep in touch with her family and friends and her fans across social media but she forges some friendships in the house (and some of the males soon catch her eye). I think Vicky probably put a lot of her own experiences into the story, especially those behind the scenes moments where we find out just how much of what we see on screen, or read in the press, is faked and untrue. In terms of where Issy's story goes it's difficult to discuss in detail but I got completely consumed by everything that was going on, and in terms of the romance in the story it's an addictive read with lots of twists and turns. I did work out a couple of things, but that in no way lessened my enjoyment. I found myself picturing this TV series actually being on TV and I think because of how amazing some of the drama is, it would be a huge hit. There are some brilliant scenes throughout.
All That Glitters is a hugely enjoyable read with a truly satisfying ending and it is a book that I have no hesitation in recommending as one of the summer's must reads. I can't wait to read more from Vicky Pattison.
Issy is an instantly likeable character (I was annoyed that an error in the book called her Vicky! How do these mistakes not get picked up?!) and I think that was because in the beginning she was just so normal and easy to imagine as a real person. She wanted the life that fame could give her, but not at the expense of whoring herself out or going against her beliefs. In fact, once she's in the house and meets the other contestants she's actually quite naive which again just highlighted what a normal person she was. She's a girl that female readers will really be able to relate to and root for as they read this book.
There's a great mix of characters in All That Glitters and I won't list them all but often it's the ones that you detest that stand out the most and one character in particular was Mia. I love those characters that get your blood boiling and this time around that came in the form of this snooty posh girl, who looked down her nose at everybody else when really she was the trashiest one in there. She very quickly rubs the housemates up the wrong way and you just know she would be a nightmare to live with. Issy for the most part handles things quite well, but there's more than a few intense and drama filled scenes between the two.
Issy soon struggles with her new-found fame, and her inability to keep in touch with her family and friends and her fans across social media but she forges some friendships in the house (and some of the males soon catch her eye). I think Vicky probably put a lot of her own experiences into the story, especially those behind the scenes moments where we find out just how much of what we see on screen, or read in the press, is faked and untrue. In terms of where Issy's story goes it's difficult to discuss in detail but I got completely consumed by everything that was going on, and in terms of the romance in the story it's an addictive read with lots of twists and turns. I did work out a couple of things, but that in no way lessened my enjoyment. I found myself picturing this TV series actually being on TV and I think because of how amazing some of the drama is, it would be a huge hit. There are some brilliant scenes throughout.
All That Glitters is a hugely enjoyable read with a truly satisfying ending and it is a book that I have no hesitation in recommending as one of the summer's must reads. I can't wait to read more from Vicky Pattison.
October 9, 2015
Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2015/10...
When I first received this book to review, I have to confess that I had no idea who Vicky Pattison was, I guess her fame hasn't arrived at my country. I discovered though that she was on a reality TV show herself so I was very intrigued to find out how she handled this topic on the novel. All That Glitters tells the story of Issy Jones, a very down to earth girl who enters a reality show encouraged by her family. The show is called Can You Can It? and the contestants, apart from living together, have to compete for the title of the best hairdresser.
I found the idea for the show really interesting, adding this competitive bit really gave the story a bonus spark as you were never sure which contestants were acting for the sake of the public and which ones were being genuinely themselves. Also, as the show gained popularity, you could see all the changes in them. Especially on Issy, you could say that the fame went to her head and she started forgetting about her family and friends and focusing a bit too much on the show and her fans. For a moment there, I wasn't sure I like her anymore. But I guess that it must be difficult to stay true to yourself when everyone starts adoring you and you cannot even go to the loo without it making to the news.
It was also very interesting to read about how the behind the scenes of the show worked and how everything was thought and planned beforehand by the crew. I guess that in every reality TV show there are a lot more staged situations than they want us to believe.
In general, I found the story in All That Glitters very entertaining. I really enjoyed reading it and I found myself really caring for Issy and some of the contestants, as well as for Issy's best friend. I think Vicky Pattison managed to create believable characters that were well developed and interesting to read. There were some I loved hating, like a certain princess who was absolutely nuts. Plus, there were enough twists (some quite unexpected) to keep me intrigued and on my toes during the whole story.
I am sure that fans of the author and of Reality TV shows in general will absolutely love this book. But even readers that might be quite indifferent to the topic will find themselves enjoying this lively and fun story.
When I first received this book to review, I have to confess that I had no idea who Vicky Pattison was, I guess her fame hasn't arrived at my country. I discovered though that she was on a reality TV show herself so I was very intrigued to find out how she handled this topic on the novel. All That Glitters tells the story of Issy Jones, a very down to earth girl who enters a reality show encouraged by her family. The show is called Can You Can It? and the contestants, apart from living together, have to compete for the title of the best hairdresser.
I found the idea for the show really interesting, adding this competitive bit really gave the story a bonus spark as you were never sure which contestants were acting for the sake of the public and which ones were being genuinely themselves. Also, as the show gained popularity, you could see all the changes in them. Especially on Issy, you could say that the fame went to her head and she started forgetting about her family and friends and focusing a bit too much on the show and her fans. For a moment there, I wasn't sure I like her anymore. But I guess that it must be difficult to stay true to yourself when everyone starts adoring you and you cannot even go to the loo without it making to the news.
It was also very interesting to read about how the behind the scenes of the show worked and how everything was thought and planned beforehand by the crew. I guess that in every reality TV show there are a lot more staged situations than they want us to believe.
In general, I found the story in All That Glitters very entertaining. I really enjoyed reading it and I found myself really caring for Issy and some of the contestants, as well as for Issy's best friend. I think Vicky Pattison managed to create believable characters that were well developed and interesting to read. There were some I loved hating, like a certain princess who was absolutely nuts. Plus, there were enough twists (some quite unexpected) to keep me intrigued and on my toes during the whole story.
I am sure that fans of the author and of Reality TV shows in general will absolutely love this book. But even readers that might be quite indifferent to the topic will find themselves enjoying this lively and fun story.
August 20, 2025
it was a very good read! loved that 1D was mentioned in it several times!
the story line was well written, just that some of the characters I couldn't see how they looked in my head, such as Ryan lol
I enjoyed it though despite some hiccups through the book that did annoy me haha
I do suggest reading to an older group (15+) because of language and jokes.
the story line was well written, just that some of the characters I couldn't see how they looked in my head, such as Ryan lol
I enjoyed it though despite some hiccups through the book that did annoy me haha
I do suggest reading to an older group (15+) because of language and jokes.
September 18, 2016
A surprising read
Im a geordie through and though and thought geordie shore gave us a bad name but I have to admit this book has really surprised me Vicky pattison you have done good and looking forward to reading your next 1
Im a geordie through and though and thought geordie shore gave us a bad name but I have to admit this book has really surprised me Vicky pattison you have done good and looking forward to reading your next 1
July 11, 2015
I enjoyed this book, it's a really easy read but still had a few twists to it!
July 26, 2015
loved this book
April 13, 2016
I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this but I really did! It was the sort of book I couldn't put down because I was desperate to find out what would happen next! So much drama! :-)
September 8, 2016
Such an amazing, light hearted book. Great for a holiday read.
January 13, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! I was hooked from beginning to end. It was just so relatable and just write in such a fantastic way that I just couldn't put it down! Absolutely fantastic!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews