Customer Reviews

When The Lights Go Down

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book felt "very today." Skerritt delivered a true impression of the Boston dating scene. She creates positive, admirable, African-American role models with whom it is easy to connect and relate. I felt like I was in their living rooms and lives and desired to engage in conversation.

I had read Skerritt's previous book, Truth Be Told. I loved how the characters from that book carried over into this one. I was able to find out how their lives unfolded five years later. And, now I want to have a glimpse of where Kahli's life will be in five years.

Rachel Skerritt is very talented. I'll be looking out for her next book!

This was a great book! So often, African-American characters in "popular fiction" are one-dimensional with no social conscious, no sense of humor and no depth, but that was not the case in this book. Ms. Skerritt's characters were thoughtful, complicated and funny and the dialogue sounded like my friends and I talking about our lives and issues. I was pleased that the male characters were as multi-layered as the female ones, and I was curious about the past of these people, which made me immediately go out and buy her previous book "No More Lies" which is turning out to be even better. I like the small twists and turns - Bree's story started out one way and ended another - and I was pleased that this book portrayed people I know and want to know. AFrican-Americans have a wide range of stories, but we usually only get to see one or two sides.

Photo on the cover and title of the book were distracting. For a face as pretty as the one on the cover, why in the hell would the lights ever have to go down... my first hesitation about buying the book.

I just knew I was about to pull up on some real life-size urban drama when I got totally flipped around and immersed in one sizzling hot summer outlined by a list I found capricious but engaging. Following the list, I found myself nodding and smiling, while whispering, "this one really is unique... and Very Well Written." --Thus Checklist One: Never Judge a Book by its Cover.

Just loved the voice, the smooth flow of dialogue speaking in verses people customarily speak, making the story easy to follow watching Khalila build her men, like as a child I used to build characters out of Play-Doe--except Khalila's sculptures really come to life! Very glad I bought the book. I'm gonna have to sit and visit with this keeper again!

What qualities do you look for in a mate? Most people, when asked this question, have a hard time determining what it is they are really looking for in a potential mate. In WHEN THE LIGHTS GO DOWN, high school teacher Kahlila Bradford has a definite answer. In fact, from years of dating and not getting what she wants, Kahlila has been compiling a list of all the qualities necessary for a partner. The list is now in the hundreds. Every time she meets a man, he is subconsciously compared to her list and usually strikes out before a second date can be made. Those who made it to a second date are a distant memory.

Feeling a sense of urgency to find a mate and settle down, Kahlila makes a commitment to friends, Robyn and Madeline, to take the summer off and leave her list behind. Kahlila feels she has been too picky in comparing potential mates to a preset list. Therefore, she will spend the summer in New York without her list handy. On the night she makes this declaration, she meets Keith Roberts, who has potential, but she automatically dismisses him as she feels he had some baggage left over from a previous relationship. In New York, she makes an unbelievable connection with R&B singer Darius Wilson. He, unfortunately, has a girlfriend, so Kahlila settles for friendship. With a few weeks left of her vacation, Kahlila goes for broke and reveals her true feelings to Darius. The liaison has Kahlila sharing the limelight with Darius, but also causes her to re-evaluate their relationship and what she really wants. At summer's end, will Kahlila become a part of the lifestyles of the rich and famous?

Rachel Skerritt creates a story that causes the reader to root for the two male characters as they vie for the affections of Kahlila. Her characterizations are such that you really understand the motives of each of the main characters. It was good to see the male characters in a positive light as they looked for a woman of substance. This was particularly nice to see in the entertainment industry where men of financial means are often seen with pretty air-heads. Kahlila's final decision will shock some and leave others smiling; however, one of her messages should inspire all in search of that special someone. Don't compromise self in the pursuit of love.

Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Kahlila Bradford is a dedicated Boston school teacher who's sick of playing dating games. To prevent herself from going on another pointless date, Kahlila comes up with a list of requirements that a man must have in order for her to be interested in him. But with the end of the school year and summer approaching, Kahlila decides to ditch the list and have some fun with her best friend in Harlem. The summer in New York heats up when Kahlila meets Darius Wilson. Darius is a hot R&B star who is interested in what Kahlila thinks of his music. But soon Darius wants to get to know her on a more personal level. Kahlila is suddenly swept away into the glitz and glamour of Darius' world. Kahlila's feelings for Darius are growing strong but she's not sure if she's ready to give up her regular life to be with him.

When The Lights Go Down is a fast-paced and delightful novel by Rachel Skerritt. Skerritt expertly takes the reader into the world of Kahlila and her dating issues. Readers will be able to actually feel the emotions of all of these characters. You will feel the passion that Kahlila has for her profession and for her students. You also feel the frustration of Darius as he tries to steer his music career into a new direction. What made this novel stand out was how Kahlila realistically weighed her options about her life with Darius and what she wanted for her own future. When The Lights Go Down is an enjoyable page-turner that is for anyone that's looking for a quick novel with a twist.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban Reviews

I was torn between the two love interests! The writer created a desirable dilemma with appeal for both choices. The main character is extremely relatable. Whether it's because you are a single man/woman, teacher, music lover, Bostonian, celebrity zealot, or just a fan of well written fiction, you'll find something that reaches out to you in this novel!

APOOO Rating: 3.5


When The Lights Go Down by Rachel Skerritt, introduces Kahlila Bradford, a high school teacher living in Boston, Massachusetts. After trying to let go of her "list" of things she wants in a man, she meets Keith Roberts in a club one evening. Kahlila, better known as Kahli, realizes that it may not have been such a great idea to go home with a man on the first night. When she speaks with her best friend, Desiree, she invites her to go to New York and stay with her for the summer. There was no way she could pass that up. Kahli was in desperate need of a change of pace.

She never thought she would meet Darius Wilson, the current hottest R & B singer out. Things go quickly from a friendship to something more serious. Kahli was in heaven. Then the reality that the summer was soon over made Kahli and Darius make some serious considerations in order to maintain their relationship.

Skerritt does an excellent job with playing on words and situations, so that you are not sure what the relationships are between characters. As the story unfolds, you realize that there is potential for another love interest. You root for Kahli to pick what is best for her. And you hope that she sees that the grass is not always greener on the other side. It was a quick read and held my attention throughout the story. When The Lights Go Down was good but it could use more twist and turns or a stronger climax. I recommend this one for a lazy day inside.

Donnica Copeland

APOOO Book Club

I am a young, single, African-American teacher and I could relate to the main character in this book. I really wanted to love this book, but I didn't. It just seemed that the book started out very slow, and I almost lost interest (which I never do). I continued reading anyway, but the last few chapters didn't seem to bring the story to a close like I thought it should have. I am a African-American fiction lover, and I didn't really get the happy ending that I was looking for. Of course, I was rooting for Darius, but more than that I didn't really feel that she was happy with the choice that she made in the end. I was left bewildered. I think I may try to find Skerritt's first book to gain a better perspective. Also, I think I'm going to let one of my friends read it and see what they think. Another perspective never hurts.

Again Rachel Skeritt proves that she is a gifted writer. This story takes us on another read where a strong female character must decide what type of relationship is best for her and of course along the way she learns tons about herself. While Skeritt brings an African American female character to light her description of her characters is so real that all females regardless of background can relate. This story had a powerful message about the relationship choices we make and being true to ourselves. Great read!

I PURCHASED THIS BOOK AND I DECIDED TO LOOK ONLINE AND SEE A REVIEW BEFORE I STARTED READING IT...TO MY SURPRISE THIS IS THE THIRD BOOK IN A SERIES. TRUTH BE TOLD IS THE STORY OF KHALILA, DESIREE AND ANOTHER ROOMATE DURING THEIR COLLEGE YEARS...NO MORE LIES (THE 2ND BOOK) IS FOCUSED ON DESIREE AND HER CAREER PATH....AND THIS BOOK FOCUSES ON KHALILA BRADFORD. I WILL WAIT AND READ THE FIRST 2 BEFORE I READ THIS ONE BUT I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE READERS ARE AWARE OF THIS.