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Red Light: Star #1

Through My Window

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“Through my window, a sea of strangers swirl and retreat like waves in an ocean of humanity. I brush my hair, fix my makeup and flip on the glaring red light in my booth before turning to face my audience on the other side of the glass.”For Star, this is another night on the job, though no two are ever alike. Adaptable and perceptive, she becomes many things in the course of one evening—whore, lover, nurse, psychologist and friend. But above all, she’s still a woman. Join her, through her window.

49 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2010

29 people are currently reading
375 people want to read

About the author

Jayne Rylon

200 books1,548 followers
Jayne Rylon is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She received the 2011 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Indie Erotic Romance. Her stories used to begin as daydreams in seemingly endless business meetings, but now she is a full time author, who employs the skills she learned from her straight-laced corporate existence in the business of writing. She lives in Ohio with two cats and her husband, the infamous Mr. Rylon. When she can escape her purple office, she loves to travel the world, avoid speeding tickets in her beloved Sky, and–of course–read.

Jayne is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), the Central Ohio Fiction Writers (COFW) and Passionate Ink.

You can keep up with what's new in Jayne's world by subscribing to the Naughty News. 25 subscribers win prizes in each edition www.jaynerylon.com/newsletter

Chat with her on Facebook (facebook.com/jaynerylon) or Twitter (@jaynerylon)

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5 stars
65 (24%)
4 stars
84 (31%)
3 stars
72 (26%)
2 stars
38 (14%)
1 star
9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Quinn.
1,219 reviews69 followers
March 2, 2012
Although I hadn't realised this before picking it up, Through My Window had a fascinating premise that I hadn't read before.

'Star' works in one of the booths on de Wallen, one of Amsterdam's largest and most famous red light districts.





This is a concept that's foreign to me, literally and figuratively, so I found it strangely intriguing. While I was pleased that Star's character was perfectly happy in her lot, unfortunately, there was not much (if any) depth to the story and little in the way of insight.

Through My Window was also written in the first person, and I didn't particularly like the character's 'voice'.

Unfortunately, there was far more promise in the premise than was delivered in this book, and I was left disappointed.
Profile Image for Itsy Bitsy Book Bits.
699 reviews50 followers
March 2, 2016
Through My Window starts the four-book Red Light Series by Jayne Rylon off with a red hot bang. Taking place inside the world of Amsterdam's infamous Red Light District, the audience follows along a night's work for the sex worker known only as 'Star.' Star says it best when her first client of the night -a first-timer whose excitement fuels her own- asks:

"How can I have sex with a woman if I don't know her real name?"

It's a fascinating question to come from the mouth of a man buying the services of a prostitute. Clearly Jonah stands out from the crowd of usual suspects for Star. Her answer to him is as succinct as it is accurate as she replies:

"It's not my name you're f--king."

Star cares deeply for every encounter of the night starting with Jonah the First Timer, moving on to Rick the Regular, and then, finally, to a couple whose names are not important since their story is about their journey rather than their names the same as Star's own. It is ironic to me Star thinks:

"---I realize they never asked my name. And that, had they wondered, I would have told them."

Sex workers are often depicted as women or men who come from desperate situations; it was a delight to read a piece where the protagonist loves her job, craves her clients, and luxuriates in her power as a woman of the night. Star focuses on drawing as much pleasure out of every encounter as she can for herself as well as her clients. Her vantage point from her window in the Red Light District is expressed beautifully through the lush descriptions offered by Jayne Rylon; one can almost feel a part of the street crowd in Amsterdam through the eyes of Star alone.

Reading 'Through My Window' was a step into another world alongside the author and it's easy to give it five stars for packing a big bang into several short stories. This makes me desperate to learn more about Star's life, spend another night with her, see how she fares. I would highly recommend anyone to take a chance on this first installment yet caution them to be prepared to buy the rest of the series as I know I will be.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
2,893 reviews91 followers
May 25, 2015
Amsterdam. Where there is everything you wish for, and then some. Star works the "red light district". She has her window. And the shoppers find her. Knock gently for her attention though, for she will make your dreams come true.
Profile Image for Bree Lauren.
672 reviews2,142 followers
May 17, 2021
3 Stars
eBook - Free Download

♡ erotica
♡ sex worker heroine

This is not a romance. This is erotica. Just need to get that out of the way.

With that being said, this book was fine. It was an interesting story, it was super steamy, and also nice and short. The romance lover in me would've loved this book if the first of the heroine's customers was the love interest and something developed between them, but I enjoyed this book anyway. It was nice to see a sex worker who actually enjoyed her job, cared about her customers, and wasn't shamed for it.
779 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2018
Erotica at it's finest

Star isn't your everyday prostitute. She has a booth in the red light district of Amsterdam, sure. She has sex for money, yeah. But she also cares about people. She hadn't chosen this life out of desperation, but out of the desire to help people. Join her for a night in her world. You will be amazed!
375 reviews
June 17, 2017
Really didn't like it

Very boring short story about a legal prostitute in Amsterdam. She describes her night of work and how much she enjoys her job and is sensitive to the needs of her clients and was better at her job bc of this fact. That's the whole story aside from the sexual details.
2 reviews
January 6, 2021
Good Book

The story was put togeher well. The characters we're easy to keep up with. Great story live. No violence. Good job
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
5,996 reviews112 followers
March 23, 2025
Through My Window (Red Light #1) by Jayne Rylon – I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did, and that is a compliment to the author! Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Goth Gone Grey.
1,154 reviews47 followers
July 7, 2019
Red Light, Red Tube...

This is a short read of a working girl in Amsterdam, perhaps a tease for more in the series:

"Cynics might say my killer curves, mile-high stilettos or long mane of platinum hair are responsible for their focused attention. I don’t buy that. I’m not the most attractive working girl on the block. But I’m one of the busiest."

She enjoys sex with her customers, perhaps as much as they do. Highlights from one evening's work - M/F and M/F/F - are described in sensual, loving erotic detail. Reading as pure smut, it's well done as is typical of this author. I prefer her longer books with more character development.

I picked it up for free, if the other books in the series are this short I hope the price reflects that.
Profile Image for LynnMarie.
856 reviews79 followers
October 20, 2010
Lorien’s Review

Through My Window brings a whole new meaning to strip tease. Star is a sex worker behind a glass window where she does more than dance. Set in Amsterdam, the story tells her point of view and experience coming from the other side of the window.

While the book is unlike any I have read before, Jayne Rylon created a unique story with a happy ending twist. You get a blend of steamy romance and great character development wrapped into a sexy plot. The story deserves a longer book in my opinion.

I really enjoyed the concept behind this quick read. I finished it in one sitting and I’m hoping for more from this wonderful author. If you’re looking for a short, spicy story with playful characters and incredible relationships, don’t miss out on this book.

Warnings: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, multiple partners, and f/f interaction.


4 1/2 Tea Cups!

Profile Image for Becky Condit.
2,377 reviews66 followers
March 3, 2012
The story is short but contains all of the elements of a good book of any length. You understand the characters, their motivation, and realize they are good people that you care about. The plot is brief but sincere and has a happy ending. The sex is naughty and hot which makes it an exciting read. Very much worth the 30 minutes or less it takes to pick it up and read it. Ms Rylon’s ability to write a story that pulls the reader in never disappoints and this is another example of her talent.

See my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... (March 4, 2012)
Profile Image for tina barrington.
56 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2016
One of the few novels which reached deeply into my body, soul and spirit.

There are a few books which reach deep down inside of me and makes me want to fly.

This is one of those rare ones. For a woman to love giving pleasure to another human being feels like a soothing balm which comforts all the hurting parts most books such as these leaves. Ms Rylon, thank you for this treasure of a book.
Profile Image for Treena Beavers.
623 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2016
Interesting Read.
Through the window is the first book in a series set in Amsterdam's Red light district.

Star a working girl, watching the world walk by her red lit window. We get an intriguing glimpse into a secretive world. Star works her magic almost like a therapist, each client bringing a new challenge. Some know exactly what they want, most seek a boost of self confidence.

I'd definitely read the others in the series.

I received this book via instafreebie in exchange for an honest.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,270 reviews
November 16, 2012
for a short story this one really ramped up my juices. She has a way of getting to the point with the 3 encounters and how she enjoyed each of them in their own individual ways. The scene with the married couple was hot.
Profile Image for Jennifer .
407 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2012
Alluring look into the life of an Amsterdam prostitute through first person encounters. I found these to be erotic and poignant at the same time: the unsure lover, the experienced regular, the married couple needing spark. Felt very authentic. I'll definitely read the others on the series.
Profile Image for Casey (KcLu).
140 reviews7 followers
June 11, 2012
Another great story from the mind of Jayne!! If you haven't read this you should run not walk to get it!! Within minutes of finishing this one I downloaded the rest of this series! Can't wait to start book two!! :)
Profile Image for Andi.
878 reviews
October 18, 2014
Happy working...

girl who loves her job. I'm not sure if it's realistic but I enjoyed her wild ride with the men she encountered this night. I'm sure Jayne can keep up with the story in an interesting way. I'm looking forward to more of the series.
Profile Image for Emily Lindsey.
Author 4 books21 followers
January 30, 2015
This was a grouping of highly sexual short stories. It was a quick read and i enjoyed the prostitute perspective. The bit with the old people was different. I'll definitely look for the continuations of some of these stories.
Profile Image for Natasha  A..
490 reviews
February 1, 2012
Wonderful.
Full of passion and steamy sex...
but more.
There is this wonder and amazement that comes from Star.
She truly does love her job.
Profile Image for SassySami.
303 reviews36 followers
September 26, 2014
This is not a romance novel, so don't expect that. It's a night in the bedroom of an Amsterdam sex worker. Lots of sex, as you'd expect from Jayne Rylon. Pretty decent read.
Profile Image for Sunshiny Me.
195 reviews
August 29, 2012
definitely erotica & not even a little erotic romance. not a huge fan.
Author 21 books196 followers
July 25, 2013
a most extraordinary tale ... as Star as our guide, Rylon gives great erotica via snippets into the lives and loves of Star's clients. Unique. Clever. Perfection. I cant wait to read more.
Profile Image for Dar.
4,511 reviews93 followers
July 23, 2014
I loved the story, so different and completely had me spellbound
Profile Image for Ally.Always.Reads.
761 reviews135 followers
Read
April 12, 2016
I guess I didn't understand what I was going to read because I thought it would have gone a little differently...
Short. Dirty. Sexy. Quick read.
Profile Image for Polly.
796 reviews
February 27, 2015
Interesting - a different view of the world and its inhabitants.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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