Glittering Fortunes

by Victoria Fox

‘Jackie Collins for the modern gal’ – Grazia

’A fabulously fun and tasty slice of chick-lit pie’ Heat

‘Made in Chelsea combined with Jackie Collins and we absolutely love it!’ UKMums.TV

‘Deliciously tawdry and amazing… I loved every second’The London Diaries

‘A red hot, super steamy read with heaps of sensuality’ Contemporary Romance Reviews

‘An amazing novel…I’d definitely recommend’ chicklitreviewsandnews.com

TWO BROTHERS

TWO RIVALS

One desvastating family secret

Charlie Lomax hasn’t seen his brother in years. Cato’s been too busy living the A-list Hollywood dream to bother with the likes of a small Cornish town. But now he’s back. Hollywood and British aristocracy are about to clash as Cato sets out to claim the Lomax legacy he believes is his birthright.

Unsuspecting Olivia needs a job after spectacularly failing to make a life for herself in London. Forced back to Cornwall, she has no idea what she’s letting herself in for by becoming a gardener at the crumbling but beautiful Usherwood estate. She certainly didn’t bargain on becoming embroiled in the biggest scandal of the year, and not least because the brooding Charlie is a man she can’t seem to stay away from…

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Amazon

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2013

About the author

Victoria Fox lives in Bristol with her husband and young daughter. She used to work in publishing and is now the author of seven novels. Visit her at victoriafox.net and on Twitter @VFoxWrites.

Victoria's favourite things are blustery walks, golden retrievers and Argentinean red wine.

Reviews

[Nas Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

GLITTERING FORTUNES by author Victoria Fox is Harlequin release for September 2013.

Olivia Lark had been in love with Addy Gold since forever, but he never showed any interest in her. Then she starts working for Luke Lomax, the local royalty. Luke’s superstar brother arrives from Hollywood with his super star girlfriend.

Now all of a sudden Addy starts pursuing Olivia. Was it just for her connection to the superstars she was working for?

Luke had his own set of problems. And his brother Cato Lomax was a big part of it. Would Cato never come to his senses? Everyone apart from Luke is after the glittering fortunes but no one realizes that all that glitter is not real!

Olivia was draw toward the reclusive Luke, could this end happily ever?

GLITTERING FORTUNES is a red hot, super steamy read with heaps of sensuality. Author Victoria Fox did a great job of showing how people lie to themselves to save their feelings and soothe their egos.

Highly recommended for all lovers of romance and drama.

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shamelessly good. Not read anything this girly and drama filled before amd I loved it like cheese cake so sickly but so good.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Hunt Writer First Steps

If you like Jilly Cooper and Fiona Walker 'Glittering Fortunes' is for you. Set in a Cornish coastal town it is packed with interesting characters whose separate stories are cleverly interwoven by the author.

Olivia an artist returns to her hometown after an unsuccessful stay in London trying to establish herself in her chosen career. Charlie Lomax is the eccentric landowner the last remaining Lomax in the town after the tragic disappearance of his parents. His brother Cato a Hollywood A' lister fled the manor after a drunken car crash which devastated Charlie. Now the scene is set for a reunion of the brothers,in which Olivia becomes entangled.

The plot's simplicity complements the complex characters making Glittering Fortunes an interesting read. I particularly liked Susanna and Addy; their characters are riddled with flaws which makes them instantly recognisable.

A racy read but less so than Temptation Island another of this author's books I loved. If you enjoy multi character books you will find this an easy read great to escape the day to day grind with.

I received and ARC from Harlequin (UK) Limited via NetGalley in return for an honest review.


Victoria Fox

[Angigames · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carino. Un libro che si legge velocemente, senza troppe pretese.
Questa è la storia di due fratelli completamente diversi uno dall’altro e di Usherwood l’antica dimora di famiglia, è la storia di una famiglia e dei suoi segreti. È anche la storia di Olivia una ragazza semplice, che suo malgrado si ritrova invischiata in una “guerra” tra Lomax e ne rimarrà completamente coinvolta.
Storia breve e veloce. Personaggi semplici che sanno conquistare, battute simpatiche che strappano un sorriso ogni tanto. Mi ha colpito l’ironia della Fox, i personaggi di Cato e Susanna sono le caricature esasperate delle star hollywoodiane dei nostri giorni…
Mi sono divertita.
La parte romance è gestita benissimo, molto delicata e assolutamente non pompata. Forse ho trovato alcuni capitoli un po’ scollegati tra loro, l’autrice in alcuni punti salta da un punto ad un altro, ma la lettura non è stata affatto male!

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an ok, somewhat entertaining read, but unfortunately full of stereotypical characters with no depth, and no romance until the very, very end, which was disappointing. I wouldn't really recommend as there's much better out there in this particular genre so I doubt I'll read anything else by this author.

[Kelly Woolfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win this book from goodreads, being a mills & boom book-which I've not read for a very long time and used to think they were all so similar (I have def had my mind changed with this book) it's a truelly great read & am happy to of found a new author who's book I have a feeling I'm going to really enjoy!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by Victoria Fox and it won't be my last! Funny, glitzy with lots of drama - the perfect summer read (or winter or anytime really).

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dopo un anno passato a tentare di sfondare come pittrice, a Londra, Olivia torna a casa. Torna alle fantastiche onde di Lustell Cove, dove fa surf da quando era piccina, alla scomoda e malridotta roulotte dove vive con la mamma dopo la morte del padre, alla sua migliore amica, Beth, alle angherie delle sciocche gemelle Feeny, torna al suo amore di sempre, Addy, amore purtroppo per lei corrisposto solo da una grande amicizia, torna alla vita da cui ha tentato di fuggire. Ed ha bisogno di un lavoro. Anche Cato Lomax, grande stella del cinema hollywoodiano, torna a casa. Ad Usherwood. Grande e imponente proprietà di cui lui è il Lord. Proprietà da cui è fuggito dopo la morte dei genitori. Torna per rivalerne il possesso, torna per dare il colpo di grazia al fratello minore, Charlie tanto odiato, con cui ha dovuto competere tutta la vita per l’amore del padre. Con lui c’è Suzanna, bellissima attrice, sua fidanzata, prossima sposa, o così spera lei! Charlie, invece, non si è mai mosso da Usherwood, luogo che lui ama profondamente e che cerca di mantenere a galla, nonostante le difficoltà economiche. Ed è qui, ad Usherwood, che Olivia trova lavoro come giardiniera, qui, dove le loro vite si intrecciano! In questo libro ci sono tutti gli ingredienti per una bella storia, amore, odio, vanità, speranza, invidia e …segreti! Quello che all’inizio mi sembrava un romance ben scritto e appassionante, si è rivelato un bel libro pieno di suspance e colpi di scena. E non poteva mancare un fantasma, che vaga, lamentandosi, per i corridoi del maniero! Leggendolo, mi sembrava di vivere le vicende dei protagonisti, camminando per l’immensa proprietà dei Lomax e facendo lunghe passeggiate in riva ad una mare in tempesta, sotto la pioggia e il vento della Cornovaglia. A mio parere, un libro scritto bene e, cosa da non sottovalutare, autoconclusivo!!

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia Lark needs a job, when she returns from London to Lustell Cove in Cornwall she spots an opening for a gardener at the Lomax family home, Usherwood estate.
But she lands in a war zone, two feuding brothers, one who stayed on to take care of the estate and one an actor from the USA come back to,wrest his inheritance.
Falling for one brother it's a balancing act to keep the peace until deep, dark, family secrets shatter their lives forever.
This would have been a good, steamy romance but I marked it down for the quite graphic animal cruelty scenes within the story.
Not my scene and my reviews will always reflect it.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

fab book could not put it down

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hated half the characters.

[Jennifer Bibby · Rating 4 out of 5]

perfect escapism for covid-19 lockdown!

[Francy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Da http://leggerefantastico.blogspot.it
Hollywood Party è la storia di una famiglia spezzata in due, divisa tra la fama e l' arroganza di una stella cinematografica e la burbera esistenza di un uomo troppo chiuso in se stesso, introverso, abituato a lottare strenuamente per sostenere la sua vita e quella di altri contro l' uragano di pregiudizi, falsi miti e responsabilità. Hollywood Party è la storia di due fratelli, diametralmente opposti, e della loro resa dei conti. I Lomax sono una delle famiglie più conosciute e chiacchierate della Cornovaglia, ma l' antica residenza di Usherwood sta perdendo i suoi tradizionali fasti, sgretolandosi a poco a poco come una pietra erosa dalle intemperie. Charlie Lomax sta facendo di tutto per non lasciarla soccombere dai debiti, provando a salvare il proprio nome e quello dei suoi genitori, morti anni prima in un incidente aereo, dalla rovina completa. Cato Lomax sta tornando in Cornovaglia per soffiare la proprietà ad un fratello che non sa prendersene cura, convinto di poter rubare, come ha sempre fatto, tutto ciò di più caro a Charlie. Hollywood Party e la sua sorprendente autrice, Victoria Fox, ci conducono per mano attraverso gelosie, rancore, diversità, delusioni e anni di incomprensioni. Ci svelano i segreti di una famiglia facoltosa, apparentemente foderata di lustrini e celata da sorrisi ingannevoli, invece avvolta da odio e dolore sedimentato per anni.
Hollywood Party è lo scontro inevitabile tra due esistenze opposte, tra due categorie di persone completamente differenti. E' imprescindibile come, nel corso del libro, si faccia il tifo per Charlie Lomax, un uomo taciturno e altrettanto schietto quando occorre. Un uomo che sa dire la parola giusta nel momento giusto, a cui non importa dilungarsi in discorsi inutili, preferendo centrare il bersaglio con poche parole, studiate e precise. Charlie Lomax è il tipo di protagonista a cui non puoi non voler bene, sia per il passato difficile, sia per il cammino di una vita altrettanto complessa. Come non si può non voler bene ad Olivia, una giovane donna ancora nel pieno delle proprie scelte esistenziali, ma pronta a compiere il grande passo verso il vero amore. E poi ci sono Cato Lomax e Susanna, due vite intrecciate a cui il destino ha riservato fama, notorietà, soldi e fascino, ma a cui, in realtà, non ha donato nè felicità, nè tantomeno appagamento o un briciolo di altruismo. E' anche vero che la storia di Hollywood Party sembra voler intraprendere la strada della redenzione per alcuni e della disfatta per altri. Grazie ad una narrazione sempre impeccabile e ad una storia intrigante, il romanzo diventa una lettura molto interessante e coinvolgente per tutta la sua durata. All' inizio non mi aspettavo un romanzo del genere. Credevo propendesse per una storia d' amore, ed invece, pur avendone una prevedibile nel mezzo, racconta ben altro. I segreti, le perfide macchinazioni di qualcuno e la dolcezza di qualche altro, le storie parallele di molti personaggi, i vari punti di vista narrati e lo sbocciare, faticoso ma vero, di una storia d' amore, hanno fatto si che il romanzo diventasse coinvolgente, bello e inatteso. Non sono certo una lettrice facile ed Hollywood Party non è ovviamente un capolavoro indimenticabile, eppure non mi è dispiaciuto per niente. Anzi, a chiusura immediata, avevo un grosso sorriso dipinto sul volto. Però vi avviso: se cercate una storia d' amore o un romance, girate al largo, cambiate canale, pensate a qualcos' altro. Hollywood Party non è una storia d' amore romantica, fatta di cuoricini e ciglia sbattute. Hollywood Party principalmente è la storia di una famiglia, di due fratelli vissuti nel rancore e nella rabbia. E' anche la storia della resa dei conti, delle accuse, delle recriminazioni, delle liti e delle vendette. E poi, solo alla fine, è anche la ricerca della felicità. Anzi no. Della verità. Perchè senza la verità non ci potrà mai essere la semplice e agognata felicità. Non so se questa recensione riuscirà ad esprimere completamente il mio pensiero su questo libro. Quindi, vi dico solo che è stata una lettura diversa, al contempo inattesa ma interessante. Spiare le vicende dei Lomax mi ha divertita, emozionata, fatta infuriare. E quando tutte queste emozioni si riversano, credo ci sia la certezza che il libro sia stato gradito.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glittering Fortunes Victoria Fox

ARC supplied by Netgalley.
I was in the mood for a simple romance, no spooks, no vamps, no hot steamy sex, just a romance that concentrated on the characters. So I decided this would fit – it took me a while to get into as there as several characters to mentally fix into my mind, where they go and how they fit in but they were all needed to make the story work. As it happened it wasn't the simple romance I expected, but one where I needed to focus and concentrate, and I got engrossed in the story and lost in the world of Underwood and its inhabitants. Olivia, her dad died when she was a young child, and she's been brought up by mum, a strong feminist and they've always lived in a caravan in the village. Olivia won a scholarship to the local “posh” school, where she was always a bit of an outcast for not being wealthy. She'd tag along with the boys, having a crush on Adrian Gold (Addy) which still continues. Then there's Cato and Charlie Lomaz, one a recluse almost in the ancestral estate, the other a Hollywood “A” lister...
Olivia snags a job helping with the gardening on the estate, working with Charlie but he's very short on words and long on rudeness....still its a job. Cato and his actress girlfriend stop at the estate for a while. He's a real piece of work, consummate flirt, typical “don't you know who I am?” actor, and though he has the money he keeps Usherwood short, Charlie struggles to keep the crumbling estate going, though he's slowly losing the battle. With a wave of his pen in the chequebook, Cato could sort it, but as the older son and heir to the title Lord he likes to keep Charlie in his place. There's no love lost between the brothers though we don't know what happened, it seems to pre-date their parents mysterious disappearance when they were children.
Anyway, working at the estate, still trying to get Addy to see her as a woman not jut good old Oli, Olivia slowly becomes enmeshed into the problems of Usherwood and its inhabitants. The plot is superb, slowly drawn out and revealing snippets bit by bit to whet our appetites. Just when I thought I’d worked out what was gong to happen next Victoria threw in a curve ball to put me right off track.
The characters are a wonderful mix, Olivia, strong in determination from her upbringing and confidence her mum instilled in her, but blinkered when it comes to Addy. Addy, drifting from career option to option, but too lazy to make a real effort, he's always looking for a short cut to fame and fortune. He's so vainglorious he thinks that’s his right, and opportunity will fall into his lap at the right moment so long as he ensures he's placed correctly, thus he cultivates people for what possibilities they provide. Despite good friend Beth trying to tell her again and again Olivia simply can't see that Addy is a user, only currently wants her as he thinks she's a way in to Underwood and Cato, and the acting career that’s his current obsession. Cato, surface charm but inner sneer, we see the man he is behind the scenes, and his actress girlfriend Susanna, wow – she plays the part of snobby bitch so well!! To me good romances need that contrast of bad, selfish, egotistical people in them, and Victoria has done that superbly with Cato and Susanna. Charlie, took some time before we could work him out as he's so reclusive, even on the pages of a kindle!! but slowly we and Olivia come to know and respect him for the man he is, not just the stories told about him. It made for a riveting read where there were mysteries, betrayals, seductions and an ultimate huge shock that affected everyone. It's a story I loved.
Its not a simple boy meets girl, and they lived happy ever after romance, but one that takes the reader on a journey of twists and turns, guesses and false trails and ultimately into a direction unexpected. Its in a way clear what will happen, and yet the way its done and the leads given make it very difficult to be sure you've guessed right. There is a HEA :) I need those, feel cheated when they don't happen....A book I loved.
Stars: five, cracking book, not a light read but one to concentrate on and one to read over and see what clues you missed first time round.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Fox burst onto the Chick Lit scene a couple of years ago with her fabulous novel Hollywood Sinners and since then she’s become a massive hit with beachgoers, with her glitzy door-stop books. It was announced earlier this year that as well as writing her glitzy beach books, she’d also be writing for Mills and Boon. When I asked her what that meant, she said the books were pretty much like her beach books but were set mostly in England. I was really looking forward to reading her first ever Mills and Boon Glittering Fortunes, and I actually think it’s better than her beach books.

Let me explain – I really, really like Victoria Fox novels. Hollywood Sinners was an amazing read, but I wasn’t so taken with Temptation Island. I have her third novel on my Kindle to read and I am now looking forward to it having loved Glittering Fortunes. It does seem that perhaps her beach reads are perhaps a bit too over the top – with the glamour, the secrets, the characters, the villians etc, but who knows? I could actually love Wicked Ambition and it may have just been that Temptation Island wasn’t for me. We’ll see. What I do know is Glittering Fortunes was an amazing novel. It did indeed have the Hollywood glamour we come to expect from a Victoria Fox novel, but it was a bit more pared down than, say, Hollywood Sinners.

I really loved the tale of Glittering Fortunes, I loved seeing the rivalry between the Lomax brothers, Charlie and Cato. I loved reading about their ancestral home, Usherwood. I loved Olivia most of all, I always feel these types of novels need a level-headed heroine to root for, and Olivia was that, along with Charlie actually because it was his brother that was the arrogant, awful man. I actually despised Cato. I wanted to maim him, in fact. I absolutely guessed the big secret, but that wasn’t the worst thing in the world. I enjoyed the back-and-forth between Cato and Charlie, and I loved rooting for Charlie and feeling evil feelings for Cato. When I first started reading the novel, it felt as though it would be a battle of good vs evil; Charlie and Olivia vs Cato and his Hollywood girlfriend Susanna, but I actually liked Cato’s girlfriend. She wasn’t as awful as I expected her to be, and she had some redeeming qualities, though she hides them quite well.

I really enjoyed Glittering Fortunes, I liked the tale of the Usherwood estate, and I really liked Olivia, she was a fabulous main character and I loved Charlie, too. I’d definitely recommend Glittering Fortunes. No, it’s not as big or blockbustery as Fox’s beach books, but I personally think it’s so much better. I am SO glad I decided to read the novel; it’s so easy to judge a Mills and Boon books by its publisher as soppy love stories, but this was a fabulous story. I look forward to her second Mills and Boon novel and I hope Victoria manages to keep up writing two books a year, to provide one massive OTT book and one with a fabulously wonderful story, set in the heart of England. It just goes to show, a book doesn’t have to be set on a tropical island to be brilliant, because I wanted to go and live in Lustell Cove. Do pick up Glittering Fortunes, it was an amazing read!

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given a copy by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After running out of money and failing to get a life started in London, Olivia moves back to her home town in Cornwall. Her obsession with her childhood crush Addy still going strong, she's surprised when she feels an inexplicable pull to Charlie Lomax, after he hires her to be the gardener at the dilapidated Lomax mansion. Considering his rude attitude to her, she's surprised at her feelings.

Charlie Lomax has nothing left after his parents plane disappears in the Bermuda Triangle, and his older brother (who's never been close to him) disappears straight after their parents to create a life in LA. Charlie's crush on Olivia comes back full force when she comes to him for a job, but his brothers return signals the end of Charlie's life at the manor.

Cato Lomax and his girlfriend Susanna come back from LA to stay at Usherwood, the family home. But their visit isn't a quick trip home to show off like Charlie believes. Cato, continuing to be spiteful, has come to take back the manor and his rightful inheritance as older brother and Lord. But when their estranged Uncle writes the brothers a letter, there's a shocking revelation that's going to change everything. Will Cato succeed in taking Usherwood? Will Olivia get over Addy? and will Olivia and Charlie admit their feelings for each other?

I was expecting a cute little rom-com type book but I was pleasantly shocked. The book does have it's funny moments, quite a few provided by Susanna and her ghost theory, as well as Olivia. But it also has some dark parts that come to the surface as well as some mystery. The book is told from each of the main characters perspectives which gives different angles on the story and different thoughts.

The book is extremely well written, and has more depth than your average romance. At first glance the characters are all shallow and fairly one dimensional, but as the book goes on, Victoria expands on each characters background to an amazing degree of depth, revealing a wealth of information about each character, and entirely new dimensions to the characters. With Susanna's child, Cato's murdering ways, the dog incident and the ways of Addy, the characters aren't what they seem at first, and I was pleasantly surprised at the depths of the characters.

The book is fast paced, layering darkness, mystery and romance to create an exciting blend and a story you just can't put down.

[Rosy · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://inside-a-book.blogspot.it/2014...

Come vi dicevo, si tratta di una piacevole lettura da ombrellone. La storia di una magione dimenticata dal tempo che si incastra tra le vite dei protagonisti: due fratelli che più diversi non i può e una ragazza che pensava di far fortuna in una grande città come Londra ma che scopre che è casa sua dove vuole stare.
Una lettura semplicissima, che si snoda nei bellissimi paesaggi della Cornovaglia e che fanno tanto film di canale cinque in un pomeriggio d'estate. La Fox è stata brava, lo ammetto, con le descrizioni di luoghi e paesaggi.
La storia è un pochino ridicola, ma carina. Abbiamo due fratelli: Cato, ricco e bellissimo nonché altrettanto famoso, e Charlie, burbero, scontroso e povero. Fortunatamente i due non si contendono la donna dei loro sogni, ma la magione di famiglia. Il primo la vuole più per capriccio che altro il secondo perché e legato a quella casa da ricordi e sentimenti che non si possono cancellare. E poi c'è Olivia, figlia dei fiori, che vive in una roulotte con la madre, che ha utilizzato la loro macchina come serra. Olivia entra piano, piano nella vita di Charlie scombussolandola e...indovinate? "Portando il sole dove prima c'era oscurità".
Allora, a scapito di questa cover da film porno, la storia è passabile e la parte romance tra Olivia e Charlie è ben fatta: leggera, mai pesante o stucchevole, non imbottita di sesso e dettagli che farebbero arrossire la pornostar più navigata. Non altrettanto si può dire per Cato e la sua fidanzata. In questo caso è tutto esagerato, tutto pompato e le scene di intimità sfiorano il ridicolo, proprio a voler sottolineare la differenza tra le due coppie: la genuinità da un lato e l'artificio dall'altro.
In definitiva si è rivelata essere una buona lettura, una discreta compagnia in un pomeriggio di pioggia, con personaggi molto semplici e senza troppe sfumature e un plot altrettanto easy senza troppe macchinazioni e sotterfugi. Certo, non è il capolavoro dell'anno, ma si fa leggere.

[Georgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed some of Victoria Fox's previous bonkbusters I was excited to read her first novel published by Mills and Boon which was said to take a different direction to her usual novels. I couldn't wait to dive in and find out whether I would enjoy Glittering Fortunes just as much.

At the beginning some of the characters appear a little shallow and one sided, with them being the typical stereotypes that you would expect. As the novel, progressed, however so did the characters and I was pleasantly surprised to find that Victoria Fox added more depth especially to Cato and Susannah. I found that at times I was conflicted as to whether to hate them or to feel sorry for them. I enjoy reading about characters that you hate but see are not entirely bad underneath it all. I loved the rivalry between the two brothers Charlie and Cato, while routing for Charlie throughout. Olivia was a good heroine, even though I found her annoying at times, especially with her obsession with Addy, which drove me a little crazy. In the end I was hoping for a little romance between her and Charlie.

Glittering Fortunes is not just your typical romance story, it has humour, especially from Susannah and I found myself laughing out loud at some of her theories throughout. There is also a twist in the story, which I could see coming before it happened, however I still enjoyed it and think it played out well. I have a fascination for stately homes and country estates and so loved reading about Usherwood House and the upkeep of such a home as well as Charlie's complete and utter love for it.

Glittering Fortunes is a beautifully written story that had romance, secrets, humour and wonderful characters. I would highly recommend this book especially if you have enjoyed Victoria Fox's previous novels, you are always guaranteed a fun and entertaining read.

[Jen Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can see the full review at Chocolate Chunky Munkie

Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for my review copy, this is in exchange for an honest review.

Been a while since I've picked up a chick lit book. Turned out to be a nice easy read, a little predictable in places, but enjoyable none the less. It might be time to check out more by this author as I did enjoy her style.

Where do I start, some characters really annoyed me but then again this was the point, others really endeared me. Cato seemed like a big idiot who you just wanted to strangle, arrogant and totally in love with himself and his equally whiny girlfriend grated on my nerves. Two people who really suited each other! Then there was Charles and Olivia who couldn't have been totally opposite to the dastardly two. I liked the twist in the plot, very clever and I didn't see it coming, but the rest was as I said before just a tad bit predictable.

There are some heavy scenes and there are some really fun light moments that will make you chuckle. So all in all a good mixed balance of dark and humour. It was nice to see some sort of comeuppance for some of the character, I had great pleasure in reading those parts.

If you are looking for an easy and enjoyable read then give this book a shot, you will not be disappointed.

Overview:
I did enjoy the easy pace to this book, it was like honey and lemon, something to soothe my head.

[Natalie TBGWP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a keen reader as a teenager I stumbled across the mills and boon books that as far as I had seen everyone's mum read. What a load of crap they were. When approached by Harlequin to try out their new and improved mills and boon books I was intrigued, but had my mind already made up that I wouldn't like them. Victoria Fox's, Glittering Fortunes was to be the book of choice that started me on my mills and boon journey.

This book didn't take me very long to read if I'm being honest, it was fast paced, thorough and only slightly cringe worthy. The plot thick and interesting and an overall seal of approval was given half way through by my wary mind. Victoria Fox writes elegantly and raw which I really liked, as stated above there were a few minor cringe worthy typical m&b moments, but I allowed them to bypass because of how strong the story was. The characters are a magical assortment of good and bad that have you eating out of the palm of their hands. A very pleasant surprise I must say. If this is the starting standard of my m&b journey, then I'm hoping it will stay as strong as this. Is this just the luck of a fabulous writer and a wonderful story? I'm sure I will find out.

Take a chance on Victoria Fox and Glittering Fortunes it is a jam packed punch of deceit, love and honour.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

ABBAGLIANTE

Ho divorato "Hollywood party" in una giornata, non riuscivo a fermarmi: personaggi altolocati e non, tutti ugualmente affascinanti, coinvolti in una storia di menzogne e segreti inconfessabili che, una volta scoperti, daranno inizio ad un rapido susseguirsi di eventi che metterà in discussione il destino di ognuno di loro.
La love story, inoltre, si assapora pian piano perché non è affatto banale, ed è un piacere leggere delle schermaglie amorose tra Olivia e Charlie, che mi hanno fatto venire gli occhi a cuoricino, che idiota!
Tutto sommato, se ci si riflette bene, la vicenda è alquanto scontata. Ma il potere di questo romanzo è stato proprio quello di essere riuscito a mandare a gambe all'aria la mia obiettività, abbagliandomi con la sua atmosfera festaiola... Che nasconde però molto di più di quanto sembra.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get this book from a giveaway and couldn't wait to get stuck in. Victoria Fox is one of my favourite authors and I put her up there with the likes of Jackie Collins but I have to say I was really disappointed with this book. I can't help comparing it to her novels which had me at the first chapters and I couldn't put them down but this book I have to say it was easy to put down and harder to pick up !! The story was ok, wouldn't say it was dreadful but it just didn't grip me that's not to say I wouldn't pick up another Victoria Fox book if she wrote another for Mills & Boon.

[☠tsukino☠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Glittering Fortunes
Questo è forse il titolo più insensato e osceno tra tutti i titoli assurdi che ci sono in giro. Proprio non c’entra niente.
È libro abbastanza strano, nel senso che faccio fatica a classificarlo semplicemente come romanzo rosa; è riduttivo. I problemi di cuore ci sono, ma sono piuttosto marginali alla storia (pertanto se cercate la classica storia d’amore da occhi ♥♥, non leggetelo perché non fa per voi) e, comunque, l’uomo cupo e tormentato batte gli str@#@ arroganti e vuoti
È scritto bene, ci sono delle descrizioni particolarmente vivide, però la narrazione è anche un po’ dispersiva e ridondante. La storia sicuramente non è banale.

[Mills & Boon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brand new from Victoria Fox, her debut Mills & Boon novel! Sizzling drama on every page, this story of sex and scandal is the perfect poolside companion for those late summer holidays. We're so excited for people to read this book, we're dying to hear what you think! Hope you enjoy! Happy reading :) xx

[Emma Ludlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, although the plot is a tad predictable, mainly because of the characters in it. I wanted Cato to get his comeuppance, Charlie to get the girl, and Olivia to sort out her feelings for addy. It's a good read for by the pool or copying up on the sofa. Nothing too deep but entertaining nonetheless. For those of you who want the happy ending, you won't be disappointed.

[Danielle Dent · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Victoria Fox but this novel fell a bit flat for me. It felt almost like a parody of a bonk buster and I'm not sure if that was her intention or not. It was entirely cheesey and wholly predictable. However it was still well written in terms of moving what little storyline there was along and setting the scene.

[Christina Rochester · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good light read. I don't expect much more than that from chick lit, but neither do I was transparency. And unfortunately this was just a little bit predictable. Hello totally obvious which brother Barnaby's confession was about. If you aren't looking for anything too challenging then this is the book for you.

[Caroline Montague · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting a typical bonk buster type book but I was pleasantly surprised. This book had love, deceit, secrets and an unexpected twist. I really enjoyed this book, it has a fast moving story line that's keeps you interesting and you won't be able to put it down!

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a free copy from a Good Reads giveaway. Really enjoyed it and was pleasantly surprised. My feelings toward Charlie and Cato changed a million times throughout the book, a fair few good twists and turn to keep me reading

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow