Title: Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar: A Sexy Stylish Blockbuster
Author: Margaret Gardiner
Publisher: Moon
ISBN: 979-8991751704
Hardcover ISBN: 979-8991751711
ASIN: B0DCGLBLKV
Genre: Slice of Life, Drama, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary American fiction
Availability: Paperback, Hardcover or eBook
Language: English
Paperback: 212 Pages
Item Weight: 11 ounces
Dimensions: 6 x 0.53 x 9 inches
Explore Authors Mini Review:
“A young supermodel seeks redemption of her tragic past to better her future while navigating the perfect storm of 80s Hollywood excess in this great read.”
★★★★★ – Explore Authors Magazine
Where to buy: eBook edition
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About the Book:
Welcome to the world of model Joey Superstar – a whirlwind of cocaine, sex, and money.
Josaphina Brinkley seems to have it all: she’s a superstar model in 1980s America, a cover girl plastered naked on fashion billboards above Sunset Blvd. Women want to be her. Men simply want her.
But underneath the glossy veneer she hides a traumatic past. The end of her marriage to Italian Aristocracy led to a stint in rehab. As she returns to parties, premiers and modeling, she’s hoping a life of designer clothes and beautiful people won’t take her back to blow. If only she could be truly seen, heard and understood, perhaps she wouldn’t self-destruct again?
Joey sets out to confront the roots of her wildness – but must admit to a youthful act that haunts her. As Joey fights from addiction to redemption, can she change the course of her life, deal with her dark past and become the superstar she was always destined to be? Former Miss Universe Margaret Gardiner gives readers the key to a secret world of supermodels, sex, style and scandal in her deliciously intoxicating debut, Joey Superstar, the first in an exciting Damaged Beauty series.
Margaret Gardiner became an international cover girl at 16, Miss Universe at 18, and ultimately, the fashion editor at GoldenGlobes.com. She’s worked with A-list stars from Angelina Jolie to Zendaya. She knows what it is like to be on the red carpet, in the spotlight – and what goes on behind the scenes. With a degree in psychology, and a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, her debut novel is for every woman who has ever been made to feel less.
Book Reviews:
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favorite – ★★★★★
Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar by Margaret Gardiner is a captivating story that explores the darkness behind the glitz and glamour of fame. It follows Josaphina Joey Brinkley, a former supermodel navigating the complexities of love, loss, and self-identity. Beautiful, intelligent, and manipulative, Joey has lived a life that has hurt many, yet she has experienced significant pain herself. The person she has harmed the most is Fran, a friend whom she thought she was helping through dubious means. Joey seeks forgiveness but must confront her childhood trauma, insecurities, and lies. She battles her demons and hopes to find someone who can understand her in a world filled with shallow relationships and superficial connections. With the help of Christian, a new friend, Joey gradually begins to unravel the layers of her troubled past and mistakes, leading her to discover the true meaning of redemption and self-love.
Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar is a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the often-overlooked struggles behind a seemingly perfect facade. Joey’s childhood is marred by dark, traumatic moments that have shaped her character. Readers will come to understand Joey in a way that evokes both hate and sympathy. The book explores themes of sexuality, guilt, and the struggle for sobriety while also highlighting Joey’s eventual journey toward self-acceptance and respect. Joey often acts like a dumb model, a key element that illustrates how she conceals her deep struggles. Subtle details like this make the book engaging. The story is not written in chronological order; it jumps back and forth between her past and present. This approach does not disrupt the narrative flow; instead, it enhances readers’ understanding of Joey’s internal conflicts and reasoning. Margaret Gardiner skillfully balances moments of heartbreak with glimmers of hope, making Joey’s journey of self-discovery both relatable and profound. This is the first book in the series, and I eagerly anticipate future installments that will focus on other characters mentioned in this story.