Pink Frontier

by Britain Lauren Botsford

It’s 1986 in the unforgiving Wyoming desert when Marigold ‘Lace’ Thompson breaks free from her mother’s trailer park, determined to carve out her version of the American Dream. A journey that lands her in an unexpected destination, a brothel tucked deep in the heart of the West. Invited by two sex workers she meets at a gas station, Lace quickly becomes immersed in a world where desire and power are tools of survival, and sexual exploration is a path to independence.

As she embraces her new life, Lace meets Bo, a mysterious cowboy twice her age with a silver tongue who promises her a different kind of freedom—one awaiting her in Las Vegas. But as she navigates the blurred lines between passion and manipulation, Lace starts questioning whether Bo’s promises are more liberating than the life she’s building for herself.

Does true freedom lie in embracing her sexuality or is she simply falling into another trap? In this provocative reckoning of female sexual empowerment and exploitation, Lace’s journey forces her to confront a soul-crushing doubt. Will men ever see her as more than a body to conquer, or is she destined to disappear beneath their gaze forever?

Genres: Literary Fiction, Fiction

307 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2025

About the author

Britain Lauren Botsford is an award-winning filmmaker and writer from South Florida, known for her bold, female-centered narratives that explore heightened realities.
You can find her on Instagram @bbritainnn.
Pink Frontier is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Emily Strande · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pink Frontier is an absolute masterpiece — I eagerly tore through it in one night and will be rereading it immediately. Every single sentence carries profound meaning, painting a tragically beautiful picture of the hopes and dreams us women share in the deepest part of our souls. This book simultaneously left me in shambles and instilled in me an unwavering sense of empowerment.

The author weaves vital lessons into the storyline that will resonate with any reader, as we are all trying to make sense of the lives we’ve been given. Further, this story is packed full of stunning imagery and unforgettable characters. I found myself lost in a world that felt all too real. I hope there is more to come in the future because I am not ready to say goodbye to the Pink Frontier.

[Sydnie Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like someone handed you a shot of whiskey, slapped you, and then hugged you. Every line is iconic, and the humor?? Unreal for a story this heavy.

[Laura White · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Quentin Tarantino and Taylor Sheridan co-wrote a novel set in the 80s, it would look something like Pink Frontier. The dialogue snaps, the imagery stings, and the story cuts straight to the bone. A stunning work of art.

[Haileigh Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this book. The way the author weaves the title Pink Frontier into the story is nothing short of genius. At first glance, the name feels playful, almost delicate—but as the narrative unfolds, it becomes a powerful metaphor for the world Lace inhabits. "Pink" is more than a color; it’s a symbol of innocence, femininity, and the masks women wear to navigate a harsh world. And "Frontier"? It speaks to uncharted territory, the wild, unforgiving spaces Lace ventures into, both physically and emotionally.

Completely original and brilliant.

[Catherine Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a debut novel, Pink Frontier is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling. Britain writes about regret and hypersexuality with an authenticity that is both gut-wrenching and deeply respectful. This book is a bold and unforgettable first effort, setting a high standard for what debut fiction can achieve.

[Ashleynn Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

What truly sets Pink Frontier apart is the fierce and unexpected bond between the brothel women. Their camaraderie is raw, funny, and deeply moving, shining brightest in quiet, intimate moments like their banter at the rodeo. These women aren’t just background characters—they’re fully realized, challenging and supporting each other through humor, pain, and unspoken solidarity.

Even in the darkest moments, like the aftermath of Gemma’s assault, their strength and connection left me in awe. The brothel might be the setting, but their sisterhood is the heart of the story—a powerful reminder of resilience and the beauty of unlikely friendships.

Pink Frontier is a love letter to these women and the bonds that sustain us, even in life’s harshest corners. Unforgettable and absolutely worth the read.

—A Devoted ARC Reader Who Can’t Get Enough of These Women

[mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think all men should die :)

this was a beautifully written story I loved how relatable her emotions were. The eternal dread of being a woman and feeling guilt, shame, and embarrassment for wanting things for yourself and having the audacity to give people the benefit of doubt! I will always love you Lace you’re a star in my eyes!

[Kenzie Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pink Frontier took me completely by surprise. I went in expecting a heavy, gritty narrative—and while the book delivers on that front with its raw, unflinching exploration of survival and identity—it also turned out to be unexpectedly hilarious. The humor is sharp and perfectly timed, offering moments of levity that feel completely natural in a story set against the harsh backdrop of a Nevada brothel. Not one line felt inauthentic; every joke, every quip, every quiet moment of solidarity between the characters felt lived-in and true to life.

What makes this book shine is the balance it strikes. The story doesn’t shy away from its bold, sexual premise, but it never becomes gratuitous or indulgent. The sexual elements are there because they have to be—they’re essential to Lace’s journey—but the focus is always on the emotional and psychological depth of her experiences. This restraint is remarkable, and the fact that the author is only 24 makes it all the more impressive. There’s a level of maturity in this storytelling that feels like it belongs to someone far more seasoned.

The relationships between the brothel women are easily one of the best parts of the book. They’re messy, complicated, and fiercely real. Their banter is laugh-out-loud funny, but it’s also deeply revealing, peeling back layers of their personalities and their shared struggles. You can feel their love for each other in the way they argue, tease, and support one another, and it’s this dynamic that gives the book its emotional anchor.

The historical context of 1986 adds another layer of depth. The inclusion of real-life political events, like the Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson case, makes the story feel grounded in reality, reminding us that Lace’s fight isn’t just hers—it’s emblematic of a much larger struggle for women at that time. It’s a smart, subtle way of connecting the personal to the political without ever feeling preachy or forced.

And the ending—wow. It’s haunting, unresolved, and devastatingly real. The author could have taken the easy route, wrapping things up with a happy, redemptive conclusion. But that’s not what Pink Frontier is about. It’s about survival, about navigating a world that demands so much and gives so little, and about finding slivers of humanity in even the darkest corners.

This book isn’t just bold and beautiful—it’s also funny, authentic, and brimming with life. Not one line feels out of place, and every scene feels intentional and deeply rooted in truth. The fact that this came from a 24-year-old is astonishing. Pink Frontier is a story I won’t forget, and I can’t wait to see what this author does next.

[Amber Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an early reader for Pink Frontier, and let me tell you—this book is something else. It’s dusty, daring, and unrelentingly honest—like if an old Western got tangled up with an 80s neon fever dream and decided to tell the truth about what it means to want something more.

Lace is one of the most hauntingly real protagonists I’ve read in years. She’s tough and fragile all at once, and her journey feels like stumbling barefoot across a highway at night—sharp, uncertain, and strangely beautiful. The tension between her and Bo practically sizzles off the page, a mix of attraction, danger, and everything in between.

The writing? It’s sharp as a rattlesnake’s bite, with lines that stop you in your tracks and demand to be read again. Botsford creates an atmosphere so vivid I could taste the dust and feel the cracked vinyl of diner booths. And don’t even get me started on that ending. My jaw was on the floor, and I’m still thinking about it days later.

This is not just a book—it’s a landscape you get lost in, a place that feels real and wild and cruel in all the best ways. Pink Frontier isn’t afraid to be raw, to hurt, or to ask the hard questions about freedom and desire.

If you’re looking for something unforgettable, this is it.

[Nora Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually a fan of books with large age-gap relationships, but Pink Frontier completely won me over. Botsford writes Lace and Bo’s dynamic with such depth and nuance that it feels organic. Their connection is complex, layered with power struggles, vulnerability, and moments of unexpected tenderness. While their relationship isn’t romantic in a traditional sense, it’s a vital thread in a story that’s as much about gender and identity as it is about love. This is one of the few books where the age gap serves to enhance the story rather than distract from it.

[Alyssa Phelps]

DNF at 62%
This was initially intriguing - it had the elements of a good novel: found family, and a protagonist carving out a new life for herself while reclaiming her power. The writing has a lot of potential, but it could’ve benefited from another round of editing. A lot of the dialogue also felt stilted and unnatural. This ultimately didn’t work for me, but I still think the author has a lot of potential to write a well-executed novel in the future.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was PHENOMENAL. I don't even have the words to describe it. You could feel every single raw emotion. It has been a minute since I've read a book this well written and this is apparently a debut novel. Please pick this book up and read it. You will not regret it.

[bella rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you to britain for sending me a copy of this book! i loved the girlhood moments, and of course woman empowerment! i thought the writing was very descriptive and easy to follow! i would’ve liked more!!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible writing. Storyline is compelling and keeps you wanting more. This is a fresh new play on western fiction that is nothing you’ve read before.

[Tara Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the time you hit the final page, you’ll be as exhausted and exhilarated as Lace stumbling out of a Nevada dive bar. Buckle up.

[Sophia Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY SHAYLA!!!!!

[Jill Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! I’m obsessed with this story. Truly one of my favorite reads in a long time.. absolutely iconic.

[Melissa L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

that fucking ending?! last 3 pages changed my life

[ember · Rating 5 out of 5]

britain is my friend and pink frontier is her work and I love this…

[Julie spnc · Rating 4 out of 5]

mIt should have been me who wrote this book

i wish it was a bit longer tho

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh sweet Lace <3

[John Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this last night and read until my eyes couldn’t stay open any longer….then woke up at 6am this morning just to find out what happens with Lace and Bo. Britain Botsford’s ability to create an INSTANT visualization inside your mind of the dialogue you are reading is one of the most amazing things I have ever encountered by an author (and one so young) ! Lace and Bo and all the other characters in Pink Frontier captivate your imagination and the settings in which they travel through become vibrant and so vividly REAL in every way. Britain Botsford will certainly become quite a force in the world as a Novelist and I look forward to following her young and budding career and CANNOT WAIT for more! Lace and Bo need to make it to the Big Screen!

[Grace Bhatia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ My fucking heart.