Cruel Empire Series 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... moreThe 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. less

In the glittering lights of Hollywood, the brightest smiles hide the darkest secrets.I thought I was done with Marcus Ortega and the ghosts of his past, but it’s become clear that he’s a drug I can’t quit, the epitome of danger wrapped in allure.It’s impossible to focus on my career when he’s dragging me further into the dark side of Hollywood where corruption and scandals thrive, but no matter how high up the ladder of fame I climb, Marcus’s shadow looms over me and I fall down again... moreIn the glittering lights of Hollywood, the brightest smiles hide the darkest secrets.I thought I was done with Marcus Ortega and the ghosts of his past, but it’s become clear that he’s a drug I can’t quit, the epitome of danger wrapped in allure.It’s impossible to focus on my career when he’s dragging me further into the dark side of Hollywood where corruption and scandals thrive, but no matter how high up the ladder of fame I climb, Marcus’s shadow looms over me and I fall down again.I never knew he was entangled in the mafia, and now, because of him, I’m caught in their deadly web, too. The more he tries to free me, the more I’m faced with two harsh realities: I’m in this too deep, and Marcus might be the end of me.Somehow, I’ve got to navigate the treacherous waters of the industry, all while evading the seediest corners of the red carpet. But with every forbidden touch, I know that resisting him may be the ultimate test of my will—and my survival. less