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Pride in Pine Grove
Red Light
Welcome to Pine Grove, CT, your new Pride headquarters, where the sapphics are ready to be romanced.
English import and Kindergarten teacher, Lucie Walton is doing her best to live a simple life. She's found a place where she can be herself, a job she loves, friends she adores, and a man she... well, he's fine. Harvey is fine. He gives her what she needs when she needs it and he doesn't make too much of a big deal about her... idiosyncrasies. But then, one insomniac night, his phone lights up night and she sees a photo of a naked woman...
Pine Grove's best mechanic and auto-repair shop owner, Marissa "Rizz" Álvarez is the person everyone calls for slipping gears and squeaky breaks. She loves getting to carry on her uncle's legacy as the person everyone in Pine Grove turns to with their car needs, and being the town's born and bred bisexual baddie nobody can tie down, but even she has needs. And local bar owner Harvey is her latest recruit to get the job done. That is until one night when she booty calls him but his shy and bookish girlfriend shows up...
At first sight, Marissa and Lucie have only one thing in common - the man they're both sleeping with - but when they put their heads together to plot revenge on him, they find ways to connect, and some of those connections have nothing to do with Harvey and everything to do with finding in each other what was always missing. And maybe what they don't want to live without in the future.
Red Light is a bi4bi spicy sapphic (FF) contemporary romance with opposites attract, fem x soft masc/'futch', autism, latine and demiromantic rep, exploration of kink dynamics and the very public humiliation of a cheating douchebag. Red Light is part of Pride in Pine Grove, a multi-author small-town sapphic romance series set in the gayest place you’ve ever been.
English import and Kindergarten teacher, Lucie Walton is doing her best to live a simple life. She's found a place where she can be herself, a job she loves, friends she adores, and a man she... well, he's fine. Harvey is fine. He gives her what she needs when she needs it and he doesn't make too much of a big deal about her... idiosyncrasies. But then, one insomniac night, his phone lights up night and she sees a photo of a naked woman...
Pine Grove's best mechanic and auto-repair shop owner, Marissa "Rizz" Álvarez is the person everyone calls for slipping gears and squeaky breaks. She loves getting to carry on her uncle's legacy as the person everyone in Pine Grove turns to with their car needs, and being the town's born and bred bisexual baddie nobody can tie down, but even she has needs. And local bar owner Harvey is her latest recruit to get the job done. That is until one night when she booty calls him but his shy and bookish girlfriend shows up...
At first sight, Marissa and Lucie have only one thing in common - the man they're both sleeping with - but when they put their heads together to plot revenge on him, they find ways to connect, and some of those connections have nothing to do with Harvey and everything to do with finding in each other what was always missing. And maybe what they don't want to live without in the future.
Red Light is a bi4bi spicy sapphic (FF) contemporary romance with opposites attract, fem x soft masc/'futch', autism, latine and demiromantic rep, exploration of kink dynamics and the very public humiliation of a cheating douchebag. Red Light is part of Pride in Pine Grove, a multi-author small-town sapphic romance series set in the gayest place you’ve ever been.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2026
About the author
Frances M. Thompson
34 books237 followersFrances M. Thompson writes stories about bisexual disaster heroes usually getting the HEAs they deserve in her spicy contemporary romance... but sometimes getting into a lot of trouble in her suspense thrillers.
Frances loves chatting with her readers and the best places to do so is in her Facebook Readers' Group or on Instagram.
Originally from London, UK, but now based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Frances is the author of the contemporary (and steamy!) romances, Five Sunsets, The Moon Also Rises, and Let Love Rule, sapphic romances Hummingbird and Butterflies, three short story collections (Shy Feet Short Stories Inspired by Travel, London Eyes Short Stories, and Nine Women: Short Stories), a collection of poetry called Lover Mother Other, and the London Killing series of fast-paced urban thrillers, including The Wait and The Weaker Sex.
To find out about Frances' upcoming books first, sign up to her newsletter.
You can find copies of her books (and more!) in her shop.
Frances also works as a freelance writer and blogger. You can read her (oft-neglected) blog, As the Bird flies. She is also the creator of WriteNOW Cards, positive affirmations cards designed to help writers build and enjoy a writing practice they love.
Follow Frances on href="https://www.instagram.com/FrancesMTho... or on TikTok @francesmthompson.
Frances loves chatting with her readers and the best places to do so is in her Facebook Readers' Group or on Instagram.
Originally from London, UK, but now based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Frances is the author of the contemporary (and steamy!) romances, Five Sunsets, The Moon Also Rises, and Let Love Rule, sapphic romances Hummingbird and Butterflies, three short story collections (Shy Feet Short Stories Inspired by Travel, London Eyes Short Stories, and Nine Women: Short Stories), a collection of poetry called Lover Mother Other, and the London Killing series of fast-paced urban thrillers, including The Wait and The Weaker Sex.
To find out about Frances' upcoming books first, sign up to her newsletter.
You can find copies of her books (and more!) in her shop.
Frances also works as a freelance writer and blogger. You can read her (oft-neglected) blog, As the Bird flies. She is also the creator of WriteNOW Cards, positive affirmations cards designed to help writers build and enjoy a writing practice they love.
Follow Frances on href="https://www.instagram.com/FrancesMTho... or on TikTok @francesmthompson.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 27, 2026
Thank you to the author for this ARC!
Red Light is a fast paced, quick read with lots of spice, revenge, and queerness. I was able to read this pretty fast since it was a novella. The two FMCs fall for each other pretty fast and that is usually not something I’m fond of. However, it worked for this plot.
I liked the care that Marissa gives to Lucie. It’s so sweet. I loved the autism rep and how it was addressed.
With all novellas, I want more. But I also think with the pacing, it being a novella was the best bet and made the pacing work. If you’re wanting a quick, spicy romance story with a side of revenge, Red Light is your novella!
Red Light is a fast paced, quick read with lots of spice, revenge, and queerness. I was able to read this pretty fast since it was a novella. The two FMCs fall for each other pretty fast and that is usually not something I’m fond of. However, it worked for this plot.
I liked the care that Marissa gives to Lucie. It’s so sweet. I loved the autism rep and how it was addressed.
With all novellas, I want more. But I also think with the pacing, it being a novella was the best bet and made the pacing work. If you’re wanting a quick, spicy romance story with a side of revenge, Red Light is your novella!
June 2, 2026
Rating: 4
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
I’m slowly but surely getting back into novellas, and Red Light by Frances M. Thompson is definitely moving things in the right direction. The set up was inherently combustible, the timeline was short and sweet, and the emotional payoff still landed with ease.
✨Huge thank you to Frances M. Thompson for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Grab a copy of Red Light when it comes out on June 2nd✨
Thompson really leans into the brevity here rather than fighting it. The story takes place over a single weekend, and the pacing reflects that without apologizing for it. Lucie and Marissa's connection accelerates quickly, but within the constraints of the novella format, it works. The foundation of their dynamic (finding out that they’ve been hooking up with/in a relationship with the same guy and instead choosing to redirect their energy toward each other) is conceptually sharp and gives the relationship an electric charge from the start.
Something that I really appreciated in this book was the autism representation. Lucie's characterization feels considered and layered rather than incidental, and the care Thompson put into writing her comes through clearly. Equally notable is how Marissa is written in relation to Lucie. Her patience and attentiveness aren't framed as a burden or a plot device, but as a natural extension of who she is. That dynamic is one of the book's real strengths.
The spice is plentiful, and the kink exploration adds texture. That said, I found myself wishing there had been more of an explicit conversation between the Lucie and Marissa before that particular direction picked up speed. The power play escalates very quickly, and a little more groundwork would've made it land with more weight. This does get tough with the constraints of a novella though.
My other minor quibble is with the physical logistics of the ending. Without getting into spoilers, the decisions that the characters made felt more precarious than purposeful. They also acknowledged that their actions were illegal, but continued to knowingly put themselves and others in danger. This ending took me out of the story a bit because of how out of character it was.
All in all, Thompson pulls off a great novella. She builds emotional credibility between two characters in a very short space and allows the spice and tenderness to coexist.
As the opening entry in the Pride in Pine Grove multi-author series, Red Light does its job well. It establishes a setting I'm happy to return to.
TLDR: A sharp, spicy novella with standout autism rep and a premise that delivers on its promise. The timeline moves fast, but so does the chemistry. A strong start to the Pride in Pine Grove series.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
I’m slowly but surely getting back into novellas, and Red Light by Frances M. Thompson is definitely moving things in the right direction. The set up was inherently combustible, the timeline was short and sweet, and the emotional payoff still landed with ease.
✨Huge thank you to Frances M. Thompson for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Grab a copy of Red Light when it comes out on June 2nd✨
Thompson really leans into the brevity here rather than fighting it. The story takes place over a single weekend, and the pacing reflects that without apologizing for it. Lucie and Marissa's connection accelerates quickly, but within the constraints of the novella format, it works. The foundation of their dynamic (finding out that they’ve been hooking up with/in a relationship with the same guy and instead choosing to redirect their energy toward each other) is conceptually sharp and gives the relationship an electric charge from the start.
Something that I really appreciated in this book was the autism representation. Lucie's characterization feels considered and layered rather than incidental, and the care Thompson put into writing her comes through clearly. Equally notable is how Marissa is written in relation to Lucie. Her patience and attentiveness aren't framed as a burden or a plot device, but as a natural extension of who she is. That dynamic is one of the book's real strengths.
The spice is plentiful, and the kink exploration adds texture. That said, I found myself wishing there had been more of an explicit conversation between the Lucie and Marissa before that particular direction picked up speed. The power play escalates very quickly, and a little more groundwork would've made it land with more weight. This does get tough with the constraints of a novella though.
My other minor quibble is with the physical logistics of the ending. Without getting into spoilers, the decisions that the characters made felt more precarious than purposeful. They also acknowledged that their actions were illegal, but continued to knowingly put themselves and others in danger. This ending took me out of the story a bit because of how out of character it was.
All in all, Thompson pulls off a great novella. She builds emotional credibility between two characters in a very short space and allows the spice and tenderness to coexist.
As the opening entry in the Pride in Pine Grove multi-author series, Red Light does its job well. It establishes a setting I'm happy to return to.
TLDR: A sharp, spicy novella with standout autism rep and a premise that delivers on its promise. The timeline moves fast, but so does the chemistry. A strong start to the Pride in Pine Grove series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kink and autism rep can be found in this short and spicy sapphic romance. Red Light is the first book in the Pine Grove series and takes place around the Connecticut town’s Pride event. It has a unique trope of two women being cheated on by the same man who then end up together.
Lucie is autistic and a kindergarten teacher. Marissa is a mechanic with her own business. They’re both unknowingly seeing the same man Harvey. When Lucie sees an incoming nude text on Harvey’s phone she decides to go confront the woman in the middle of the night. The rest of the story just flows from there and was a pretty quick read.
I loved the kink and autistic rep. The characters had good chemistry but with this being a novella I didn’t think there was enough time to fully develop their relationship. Of course sticking with the car theme they went from 0 to 60 really quick. I felt for the level of kink Lucie was into there should have been a lot more getting to know each other before it progressed that far. I had to suspend my disbelief a bit to enjoy the fantasy. I definitely enjoyed it when I was able to do that.
If you’re looking for a quick spicy sapphic read with bi, kinky, and autistic rep then give Red Light a go. I also loved the little Easter egg nod to another of Frances M. Thompson’s books. I’ll definitely check out the other books in this series. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3. Thank you for the ARC.
Lucie is autistic and a kindergarten teacher. Marissa is a mechanic with her own business. They’re both unknowingly seeing the same man Harvey. When Lucie sees an incoming nude text on Harvey’s phone she decides to go confront the woman in the middle of the night. The rest of the story just flows from there and was a pretty quick read.
I loved the kink and autistic rep. The characters had good chemistry but with this being a novella I didn’t think there was enough time to fully develop their relationship. Of course sticking with the car theme they went from 0 to 60 really quick. I felt for the level of kink Lucie was into there should have been a lot more getting to know each other before it progressed that far. I had to suspend my disbelief a bit to enjoy the fantasy. I definitely enjoyed it when I was able to do that.
If you’re looking for a quick spicy sapphic read with bi, kinky, and autistic rep then give Red Light a go. I also loved the little Easter egg nod to another of Frances M. Thompson’s books. I’ll definitely check out the other books in this series. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3. Thank you for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Red Light* is scorching hot and incredibly sweet.
Hot: The chemistry between Marissa and Lucie doesn't ignite from the very first moment—but it certainly does from the second.
And that second moment arrives very quickly and suddenly they are hot and intimate, experiencing something new and exciting... and all as an act of revenge!
Well, it was *intended* as an act of revenge, but it quickly turns into something real.
Incredibly Sweet: The story tackles themes such as infidelity, autism, a kind of abuse, Pride, and more.
Lucie is a petite yet fiery and fascinating character—one who might appear very fragile on the surface... though nothing could be further from the truth. Marissa catches on fast, she is more than just impressed—she is absolutely captivated!
Thanks so much for the ARC to Frances M. Thompson
Hot: The chemistry between Marissa and Lucie doesn't ignite from the very first moment—but it certainly does from the second.
And that second moment arrives very quickly and suddenly they are hot and intimate, experiencing something new and exciting... and all as an act of revenge!
Well, it was *intended* as an act of revenge, but it quickly turns into something real.
Incredibly Sweet: The story tackles themes such as infidelity, autism, a kind of abuse, Pride, and more.
Lucie is a petite yet fiery and fascinating character—one who might appear very fragile on the surface... though nothing could be further from the truth. Marissa catches on fast, she is more than just impressed—she is absolutely captivated!
Thanks so much for the ARC to Frances M. Thompson
Review of advance copy received from Author
FF pairing but both FMCs are Bi so there is an MMC who is present for parts of the story. Autism rep and kink rep are also present.
I would have liked a bit longer as to have some parts drawn out a bit longer but enjoyed this overall.
This is part of the Pride in Pine Grove series by multiple authors with a new book releasing every two weeks starting June 2nd through August 11th. Red Light is the first of six sapphic romance novellas set in Pine Grove Connecticut centering around Pride Month.
I would have liked a bit longer as to have some parts drawn out a bit longer but enjoyed this overall.
This is part of the Pride in Pine Grove series by multiple authors with a new book releasing every two weeks starting June 2nd through August 11th. Red Light is the first of six sapphic romance novellas set in Pine Grove Connecticut centering around Pride Month.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advance copy review from the author
This book was so beautiful and tender.
Lucie is Autistic also a teacher. She dating Harvey who comes home late passes out and his phone keeps pinging she picks up the phone…
Marissa is a baddie who owns a garage and also loves to drag race she’s home expecting someone but what she got was a shocking surprise.
Luci and Marissa truly have this beautiful chemistry the moment they met even if it was to confront each other.
I what I loved about this book Marissa saw lucie for who she was didn’t treat her any different. Lucie always felt like she could not voice her opinions or she will get nervous.
The bravery she showed standing up for herself was so beautiful. While Marissa stood right by her and supported Lucie.
I also loved that Keene played what I want I was squealing if you know you know!!
This book was so beautiful and tender.
Lucie is Autistic also a teacher. She dating Harvey who comes home late passes out and his phone keeps pinging she picks up the phone…
Marissa is a baddie who owns a garage and also loves to drag race she’s home expecting someone but what she got was a shocking surprise.
Luci and Marissa truly have this beautiful chemistry the moment they met even if it was to confront each other.
I what I loved about this book Marissa saw lucie for who she was didn’t treat her any different. Lucie always felt like she could not voice her opinions or she will get nervous.
The bravery she showed standing up for herself was so beautiful. While Marissa stood right by her and supported Lucie.
I also loved that Keene played what I want I was squealing if you know you know!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh wow, this was next level amazing. It follows Marissa and Lucie. Rizz is a mechanic with her own shop, Lucie is an autistic kindergarden teach. Togther they plan revenge on the guy they were seeing but that revenge quickly turned into something more and something absolutely beautiful. The way Lucie bloomed under Rizz's care was stunning to behold. 10/10 would recommend
Review of advance copy received from Author
Short, sweet and spicy like all novellas by Frances M Thompson. If you're familiar with her work, there's some tiny easter eggs.
You can read it in one sitting for a nice mood boost. Lovely characters, nice interactions, fun, a bit of k!nk, a lot of queer rep and 2 bi women.
Thank you Frances M Thompson for the ARC 💜💙
You can read it in one sitting for a nice mood boost. Lovely characters, nice interactions, fun, a bit of k!nk, a lot of queer rep and 2 bi women.
Thank you Frances M Thompson for the ARC 💜💙
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews