The Ruby Queen

by Lori Beasley Bradley

This book contains graphic sex and violence, and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18. Mattie Wallace is rejected by her family and her community, when she refuses to marry one brother - because she loves the other. Labeled a trollop and run out of town, she finds herself on the road with meager possessions and little money. Soon, Mattie meets a woman in the Trade. Mattie is impressed with Roxie's confidence, independence, and her lovely wardrobe, and also with the fact that Roxie has made herself a life that is not dictated by a man. Mattie joins Roxie on her way to a new and profitable life in the West, where women are few and men are willing to pay for their company. Making her way to Abilene, Kansas - a cow town where cowboys spend their money on whiskey and women - Mattie soon learns the ways of the women in the Trade, and the hazards of the west.

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 13, 2015

About the author

Lori Beasley-Bradley was born in 1958 in Benton, Illinois, a small town in the southern part of the state. Her mother was from the same area, but her father came from Alabama. Lori has a great love for the South and has traveled extensively, studying the histories of most of the southern states.

Lori hopes that you too will fall in love with the South and Old West through her writing, and that you will be entertained with each and every one of her books.

Reviews

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was quite a journey for Mattie. She lost her love, faced humiliation, and struck out on her own. She learned how tough life could be and how to find ways to succeed. As she made her way, she made friends and helped them find HEAs. The story had some steamy scenes and some violence.
The narration of Kimber MacAull was good, helping me picture the story as it unfolded.

I received a copy of this audiobook, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Sandra Newton]

Fabulous read

A great adventure to be on so much excitement, heartbreak, violence, betrayal and wonderful friendships. I highly recommend you read this story and I am now I'm on my way to read book 2. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖💖

[Alan Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori Beasley Bradley has written a smokin’ hot historical fiction and it isn’t just the guns that are smokin’ hot. This is half western, half bodice ripper, and half historical lesson on moral landscape of the American west after the Civil War. This fast paced story tells the tale of a loose tail trying to make her way in a man’s world. Sometimes it is a matter of turning to prostitution, giving in to abuse or turning to prostitution.

Mattie Wallace is shunned by her family and community. She doesn’t have anywhere to turn but into the trade, a gentle euphemism for becoming a painted lady. Not wanting to become a whore, she isn’t given a choice as any work available paints her with that same brush. She struggles with her decision, but guided by a newfound friend and mentor, she begins to make her way through the unsavory underbelly of an immoral world.

I really enjoyed this book. While it was graphic in some areas, the telling wasn’t beyond what was required for the story and its realistic setting, moral structure and historical accuracy.