Ten years have passed since Shane was kidnapped by the man who would also capture her heart. Now married, Shane and Roberto Castanedas live a life of luxury and fear in the Dominican Republic because of his position as Chief of the Armed Forces. Shane must now live amongst the battles, bodyguards, and violence, feeling it is her duty as Roberto's wife. Jodi is uncomfortable about visiting her old friend, Shane. She doesn't entirely trust Roberto because of Shane's kidnapping a decade ago. But as the days stretch by and she spends more time with Ramon, her personal bodyguard, Jodi's feelings about her visit to the Villa begin to soften. Love is blooming like the breathtaking gardenias Roberto always sends to Shane. But can they all survive the trouble lurking on the horizon? Roberto must learn to balance his love, leadership, and responsibilities while keeping his family together. Shane must find her inner strength once again. And together, they face the greatest challenges of their lives. "The Golden Gardenia" is a sweeping love story set against the backdrop of the conflicted, war-torn Dominican Republic, where the treasures of a tropical paradise mask a forbidden, secret love.