Red Light Wives (PB) (2005)

RED LIGHT WIVES They're about as different as six women can be-haughty and humble, beautiful and plain, young and not-so-young, black, white, Latina, and origins unknown. But aside from their gift for laughing hardship in the face, these high-spirited women have one very important thing in common-Clyde Brooks. You might say that Clyde is their "manager." And you might say that Lula Mae, Ester, Megan, Rosalee, Helen, and Rockelle are colleagues-in the world's oldest profession. Clyde likes to refer to them as his wives. After all, they do what wives are expected to do-take care of him, not to mention his young daughter, Keisha. Clyde will sacrifice anything to provide for Keisha-and he expects the fearless, funny, proud, big-hearted women he employs to do the same. Maybe it's their indomitable love for the high life-and for each other-that makes the bond between Clyde's ladies so unbreakable. Maybe it's their private demons that invite him to act as their savior and tyrant, father, brother, and lover. And maybe it's middle-class Helen's naïve vulnerability, privileged Megan's shocking secret, strong, smart Lula Mae's maternal nature, and wild-child Ester's anger at the rest of the world that keep them so loyal-or so Clyde thinks. For hard as they try to escape their reality with money and parties, nothing can quell the women's longing for a life free from Clyde and the hundreds of other men they must entertain-until one daring act of defiance changes everything... Edgy, honest, and always entertaining, here is a tale of six captivating women willing to face the worst life has to offer-and still hang on to hope for the very best. Sexy and sassy, these Red Light Wives are sure to grab your attention-and become your heroes-from the very first page.