My new book “Damaged Beauty” is available now!

DAMAGED BEAUTY

JOEY SUPERSTAR

A SEXY STYLISH BLOCKBUSTER

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.

AS FEATURED IN

  • This compelling narrative delves deep into the dark side of fame, exploring addiction, redemption, and the possibility of change. Gardiner's vivid portrayal of 1980s Hollywood captures both the dazzling allure and the gritty underbelly of the modeling world, creating a rich backdrop for Joey's personal struggles and potential transformation. ★★★★★

    K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

  • Margaret Gardiner’s writing is evocative and immersive, alternating between frenetic drama and introspective lulls. This is a thought-provoking exploration of a woman’s fight to reclaim herself in a world that thrives on her destruction. The gritty portrayal of personal struggle makes Damaged Beauty a worthwhile read. ★★★★★

    Mimie Odigwe for Readers’ Favorite

  • JOEY SUPERSTAR takes you on a riveting, passionate journey from self-destruction to self-acceptance. Margaret Gardiner beautifully juxtaposes the events that unfold with characters’ internal monologues - sometimes through flashbacks, illuminating how our inner worlds shape our outer reality.

    Jamie Manelis - Screenwriter

  • While this is an easy-to-read book, it highlights many truths behind the scenes and the battle to transform from victim to survivor...This book is inspirational, reminding us that beauty is not how you look but is in each of us...An excellent book, especially for those older teens who are besotted with influencers. ★★★★★

    Lucinda E Clarke for Readers’ Favorite

  • This is a character focused story of a life outside of the blinding light of the spotlight with a vulnerable main character that you can’t help but feel for even as she’s being self destructive.

    Charlotte Walker for Love Reading UK

  • Joey Superstar by Margaret Gardiner is a captivating story that explores the darkness behind the glitz and glamour of fame. ★★★★★

    Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favorite

  • 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

  • "Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar" will keep you reading with unexpected twists and turns - you won't see coming. Her ability to describe characters and scenes paint a clear visual picture. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see what's next.

    Marian Miller - Custodian of Award Winning Author Sandra D Bricker

About Margaret

Model. Speaker. Panelist. Host. Journalist. Author.

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.