The Lust Garden

With her perfectly tousled blonde hair and pink, pouty lips, Gianna Salvani is the girl everyone loves to hate. She has it all – fame, fortuneand unrivaled beauty. But behind the seductive smile is an insecure girl who still grieves for the father she lost years ago. With a controversial new film in the can, and the release of her debut album looming, Gianna ispoised to take center stage. But when a shocking secret leaves her exposed, her fame will bring her face-to-face with a nightmare she never saw coming. Because lurking in the shadow of her spotlight is an obsessed killer with plans of his own for Gianna. Ignited by his first conquest, Gianna’s greatest admirer begins a brutal hunt to claim her as the ultimate trophy in a string of look-alike murders. Motivated by envy, he forces himself into her seemingly untainted world and threatens to ruin everything she’s built by revealing a hidden tie that binds them. And if you knew his secret, you’d want to kill her too

Kindle / Paperback

the lust garden {excerpt}

Gianna and Zak continue their courtship amidst the drama of an early release party thrown by her boyfriend, Vance, on her behalf…

Gianna escaped to an open-air balcony covered in a million white lights on the second floor of the Aloki East Hampton estate. It was dark now and the stars were starting to color the sky. She was still breathing heavy. Out here, alone, she let herself breakdown.

So far, this night was anything but fun, like Blair had predicated. And the worst part wasn’t even over yet. She was wiping away her tears of frustration, readying herself to rejoin the party when Zak found her.

“What’s wrong, love? Why are you out here being a sad sack?” she heard from behind her. This time her ears were filled with the intoxicating sound of a British gentleman calling on his lady.

Gianna turned around and said with a shrug, “Welcome to my beautiful nightmare. I hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am.”

“Well… I am now, of course.”

“Any chance you could James Bond me outta here?”

Zak laughed and took her into his arms, kissing her forehead.

“Ugh! This is insane.” She held onto him tighter. “Thanks for coming. I know it must be awkward.”

“Yes… It’s quite unfortunate to be the lad in my position. I’m feeling a bit jealous.”

“Jealousy can be a good,” she responded, meeting his eyes in a stare.

Zak used his index finger to wipe a bit of moisture from Gianna’s eyes and hummed mockingly, “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.”

Gianna couldn’t help but laugh.

Zak was serious again, his eyes never leaving hers, and asked, “Do these tears mean you’re free to leave with me then?”

Gianna looked away quickly, giving him her answer in silence.

“I’ve got to be going,” he said, pulling away. “Please enjoy the remainder of your night. You deserve it.”

“Don’t leave,” she demanded, grabbing him by the sleeve of his pinstriped sport coat.

“Give me a reason to stay.”

She kissed him immediately, feeling the softness of his lips against her own. The fire was still there. The same chemistry she’d felt since the beginning. Stronger now. She needed to continue, needed to stand with him for as long as it took to be with him forever. She was making the right choice. And it was easy to do. She was meant to be with him. The boy from London and his American girl.