Red Light

by J.D. Glass

Sometimes, heroes need a hero of their own. Red is... The blood family that Victoria Scotts, "Tori" to her family and "Scotty" on the job, has, the mother and younger sister she supports emotionally and financially, the famous cousin that seems to have even her mother's favor, the family legend they're all held up against. Light is... Learning her true calling despite her mother's censure as Tori becomes an EMT in the New York City 911 system, discovering true friendships despite and within horrific circumstances, and falling in love-really, truly, passionately, in love, not just "for real," but "forever." Blood is... Shed when a good faith attempt to render aid, comfort, and compassion go horribly wrong, leaving Tori not only injured, but also questioning the validity of her relationships, the ties of flesh and those that transcend it, and her faith in the innate goodness of people. Love, friendship, and loyalty, are all tested and pour out like blood under the Red Light.

Genres: Lesbian, Fiction, LGBT, Lesbian Fiction, Fantasy

318 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

About the author

JD Glass is a well-known author and musician. She's from New York City, and has a strong following for both her writing and her music.

JD Glass is the author of American Library Association (Stonewall) and Lambda Literary Award (Literature) finalist Punk Like Me, Punk And Zen, Lambda Literary Award and Ben Franklin Award finalist Red Light, GCLS finalist American Goth, and the critically acclaimed X; selection editor (and contributor) of GCLS Award winning anthology Outsiders, and listed on the Advocate's Top 100 (2011) for CORE, Vol.1 Iss.1. JD is also contributor to the 50 Gay and Lesbian Books You Must Read, and is a GCLS Finalist for Nocturnes (an erotic anthology). Her latest works include Punk And Zen Pt. 1: The ReMix, Interludes, and First Blood.

Called by some the voice of a generation and the erotic philospher by others, JD works in often familiar-seeming worlds, with people we know, people like ourselves, people we’d like to meet, and provides powerful stories that allow the reader to rejoice and wonder, stumble and fall, then rejoice victoriously again at the amazing experience of being human.

Reviews

[Loek Krancher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, gripping story.

I do not know how I should describe it but it was about manipulation, emotionally and physically abuse, GHB, family, romance, real love and very hot sex. And in addition you are witness to the world of EMT. Difficult topics, sometimes shocking but the story is compelling and kept me involved and anxious to read more. I knew some of the characters from previous books and they all truly spoke to me. It was great to see Nina and her spouses back. Tori and Jean, omg, I love them. I recommend it highly because th story is more than worth it.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Toir and her life and what she goes through in her love life, family life. and her job. Nina and Sam are her family and guess what?!?! They are starting a family of their own!! Its a very good book and Im happy to read it again and again.

[Jane Shambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this author. I like her style and her writing. All of her books that I have read to date with the exception of Drawn Together are linked. Although all are very stand alone novels. But if you want to understand the beginnings I would advise you to read Punk Like Me as you are introduced to Nina at a young age and then journey with her through her life. I feel Nina is the force behind these books with various other characters coming to light to create further stories. The main characters apart from Nina are Samantha and Fran. In this book we are introduced to Nina's cousin Tori.


Glass never runs away from the tough subjects and she always handles them with compassion and sensitivity. This book is mainly about Tori and her journey to become a paramedic. Also about her girlfriend from hell. Some of the scenes are hard to stomach and clearly disturbing. Glass tells it from the victims stand point and with grace.


I said earlier that I love this author and I really do. I find her writing honest and inspiring. She really does tackle subjects that many would avoid.


I would recommend any of her books without hesitation, But also with a slight warning. Subject matter may make you take a deep breathe. If you want something off the beaten track then give this author a go. Enjoy! I did.



*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*

[Daniel Severin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a 3.5. Definitely a problematic book, but it was a lot of fun. Hot sex with true to life characters that felt like real people in very believable and complicated situations. This works well as a stand-alone, but the epilogue links it to other paranormal books by Glass that I haven't read yet.

My local library has X so I'll read that one soon, and from the ending I'm curious about American Goth as well.

[El · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings: abusive relationships (emotional and physical); rape; drugging.

A fascinating look into the world of an EMT, told from the point of view of Victoria, aka Tori or "Scotty". J.D. did an excellent job of combining the real life dramas of the EMTs and medics with the detailed medical procedures, and I never felt like there was too much information given.

There was a lot to like about this novel, although there were also things that I really struggled with.

I loved following Scotty's academic career, and her strength and will to continue her EMT training. She's very bright, very driven, and that pays off for her. Even when everyone around her looks down their nose at her career choice, she stands tall, because she enjoys making a difference.

I also liked the side-story with Scotty's family, especially her cousin Nina. I wanted to see so much more about that! I'm not sure if there's another book, but I think I would definitely read one about Nina and her family.

What I didn't like? Unfortunately, was Scotty herself. Rather, her inability to take care of herself. She goes from one bad relationship to another, and it's so frustrating as a reader to see a brilliant young woman who can't stop dating abusive (emotional or physical) women. I think the sex scenes were (mostly) excellent, and eventually things balance out for Scotty, but I was just so frustrated with her relationship decisions that it honestly made me enjoy the novel a lot less.

And…truth to tell, I still wasn’t entirely comfortable with what we—no, what I—had done the last time we were together. I still couldn’t even begin to find the words to describe it, but I didn’t feel right about it—any of it, really. I was glad she didn’t push it further—I don’t think I could have said no.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a gripping story full of manipulation, emotions, family, romance and love. It is written in a compelling way that got me hooked and gave a great view into the world of EMT’s.

All in all a great read.