Ruby's Revenge

by Christine Gallagher

When Ruby Bixler answers her husband’s phone, she doesn’t just learn about his affair—she uncovers a web of lies that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear. Brad Diamond, the trusted TV news anchor with the perfect smile, has not only betrayed their marriage but is also scheming to take away the home Ruby painstakingly built into a sanctuary.

Determined not to let Brad’s deceit define her, Ruby teams up with her vibrant, no-nonsense best friend, Dottie, to uncover the full truth—and to get even. But revenge isn’t just about plotting. It’s about rediscovering her self-worth and challenging the timid, people-pleasing version of herself she’s always known.

As Ruby navigates the trials of standing up to her husband, facing her overbearing mother, and taking charge at her chaotic workplace, she evolves into a woman stronger and bolder than she ever imagined. Along the way, she learns the most powerful truth of all: taking control of her life is the ultimate act of revenge.

Ruby's Revenge is a darkly humorous and empowering story of betrayal, self-discovery, and triumph. For fans of Liane Moriarty and Taylor Jenkins Reid, Christine Gallagher crafts a tale that’s equal parts cathartic and compelling, reminding us all that the best revenge starts within.

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2025

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby’s Revenge was such a fun experience! In the beginning, she’s like the majority of us; respectful, never saying what’s really on her mind because it could be considered rude and inconsiderate. To love, honor and obey her jerk husband because that’s what is expected of her. Over the course of the book, however, Ruby begins to come into her own and realizes that sometimes, despite how respectful and considerate you are to others, it doesn’t always matter to them.

Once that realization comes into clarity for Ruby, the fun begins! Armed with a new sense of purpose, self-worth, and her best friend Dottie, Ruby sets out to settle the score with not just her husband, but with the others who have taken advantage of her or used her, in an effort to come back to some sense of peace and normalcy for herself. It’s obvious that some of this stems from her upbringing and the strangled relationship she has with her mother, but it also comes from a lack of care she’s had for herself for so long, making her a target for people who use her good nature for their own greater good.

I loved the various ways she dishes it out, because through it all she maintains who she is deep down, making her a very likable character. I might not choose to seek revenge in the same way she has, but I felt like I could live a little vicariously through her, rubbing my hands together in glee when she manages to take someone down who truly deserves it. It was a wholesomely naughty revenge book, a worthy five-star read!

[Jen Mays · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ruby's discovery that her husband is cheating sets her on a path of transformation from meek doormat to someone who realizes she's not willing to get walked on anymore.

This is a pretty quick book with an interesting narration style that reads a bit like the expose-style news/gossip outlet that our main character works for. As a short summer read it was...fine. I found that after my initial amusement with the characters and plot, the writing seemed extremely repetitive and a little too simplified for my personal taste, and about 60% into it, I was reading more to get it finished than I was because I was interested in what happened next. It felt like the ups and downs were a little too extreme for me, and some of the choices made along the way made me impatient with the story rather than wanting to cheer our main lady on.

[Angie Engles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, is this one sick puppy of a book! It goes from being amusing and relatable to being a tale of twisted revenge that reveals more about dreadful Ruby than the unscrupulous people who hurt her. Fast-moving and full of oomph and strong dialogue, this novel nevertheless ended up leaving a bad taste in my mouth. 😳🤦‍♀️ May you never know or cross a Ruby in your own life!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read. Light-hearted retribution and doormat stands up for herself. I liked most of the book, but Ruby's final act of revenge was colder than I thought fitting for the rest of the story.
*I did win a Kindle copy giveaway.

[Jann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge is a dish best served cold. After Ruby learns of her husband's infidelity, her plot for revenge begins. For those who appreciate dark humor, you'll enjoy Ruby's Revenge and the comedic twists and turns her story takes on a journey of self-discovery and coming out the other side of betrayal.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining read for me, hoping there will be a book #2 to follow.

I was a Kindle giveaway winner.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was an easy and captivating read.

[Nicole Cleaveland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a funny quick read. Perfect for women who have gone thru or are going thru a divorce

[Poosy Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh gosh, I hope there's a sequel. Because Ruby is so bad-ass! I read this in one weekend when it was pouring with rain. And I snuggled right up to it and disappeared between its pages. Such good fun.... put it on your reading list.....I loved this book!