I am unsure of the best way to review this novel without spoiling anything. I will say there's growth in the characters is fantastic and I enjoyed myself. I think Cali and Irish are handling life the best way they can. The switch in timelines was well done and necessary and I can't wait for the final book.
Wow!! Rio is a hypocrite and I hope Cali gives it to him Book 3!
I know this book is yellow, but nothing slowed down in it! I think only a few proceeded with caution, and others said to hell with this, I'm doing me. To start, I believe Irish showed the most growth and is truly taking her power back. I do believe we are at a sweet spot for her and Noble, which concerns me that a third-act test is coming for my faves. Noble has a lot to handle outside of his situation with Irish. Between his mom, sister, Shay, Danira, and Tuck, I don't think Noble is entirely in the clear yet. Jovanis is a ticking time bomb; I don't think he can coexist with Noble, and I predict his time is running out. Cali is finally fighting for her life, and that cliffhanger makes me so mad for her. Rio is a hypocrite, and his chest needs to re-cave in when he sees my girl moving on! The nerve!! The pace of this story never slowed, and we moved scene to scene, uncovering new truths and resolving a few past traumas. I'm looking forward to getting closure on all these storylines and even getting some understanding with Ivory, because she has an underlying reason for not wanting to stay in Miami, and I want to know what's up with that. Overall, this book was so good!!! I need book 3 tomorrow!!
Wooooowweee wtf that ending! I have so many thoughts
Jovani’s- he is a selfish 🧚. I understand the love for a best friend but Jovani took it to manipulation. I hated how he did Irish. For someone you claim to love that not how you treat them. He also had a lot of childhood trauma. And how he can’t when he’s upset. Yup real fairy 🥴
Cali- I honestly don’t feel bad for her at all. Baby you reap what you sow. But I could see them rekindling. They still have love for each other it just a lot of pain, emotions and anger
Rozalin- I wouldn’t say she and Cali are friends but what she did was foal. I wish we had see that scene with her and Cali.
Irish: I’m so glad my girl is finally putting herself first. I can’t wait to see how things unfold with her and Noble.
4.5⭐️The way I ran through these pages in one day is crazy work! But I couldn’t stop, I needed to see how things would happen in book two! Noble is really that man and this book further solidified how selfish and entitled Jovanis is - I just cannot with him. Irish bent over backwards for Jovanis, the least he could do was let her be happy! I lowkey feel bad for Cali; I think she’s remorseful about her actions and I truly think Rio will give her another chance. This series is everything! I can’t wait to see what green light is hitting for, lol!😝
Spotlight 1 (Red), Was the pain of it all, the warning signs, and everything coming to a halt.
Spotlight 2 (Yellow), The in between chaos. The caution light. The moment where the characters aren’t stuck in their circumstances anymore but they are not free either. This is the space where you slow down, think, and prepare for what’s next.
I love how this story is developing.
I want to see Irish and Noble with their happy ending and I want to see Rio have a change of heart. 😩
This series has me hooked. What a great follow-up to book 1. Aside from the drama, there are also some revelations that definitely give the backstory to how deep Irish and Van's relationship is. Although their bond will forever be there, they have to live their lives separately and I love that Irish is finally allowing herself to experience being independent. I love the friendship between Cali and Irish. I'm definitely rooting for them to get the happiness they deserve. And after that cliffhanger, things will forever be changed for these characters.
I had to sit with this before i wrote a review. it was THAT GOOD.
Charae’s pen!!! The way she weaves these intricate stories is unmatched. From book 1, i had so many theories, and while some were proven right, the players involved were all wrong! from chapter 1, she hit the ground running, entrenching us in these characters’ lives, making us take sides and form alliances and forge enemies right along with them. I was riveted the ENTIRE time, and left gasping for me from the very last page. that last scene??? yeah, i reread four times to make sure i wasn’t tripping.
I love how every side character is used. no stone is left unturned by the end of the series, while also pulling in the significance of the title itself. ugh, part 3 can’t come soon enough (yes, this is a trilogy but they’re dropping like hotcakes so don’t be deterred). Charae is easily top 3 favorite authors out rn for me. I haven’t met a book i didn’t life. No notes!
The book is good. After a while you just get burned out having to constantly wait on book after book to come out. Hopefully book 3 will be last one. Plus I don’t blame Cali wanting to knock the hell out of Roz!!
Okayyyy so book two picks up right where book one left off, and we are immediately thrown into Jovanis having a full-on fit.
Now listen… I understand that he and Irish have this very intense, codependent, Bonnie-and-Clyde type of relationship. They’ve been through a lot together and that history has created a bond that’s hard to break. But the way Jovanis acts sometimes is like he owns Irish — and we all know that’s not the case.
He’s definitely selfish, but I can also understand where that selfishness comes from. Irish is the one person who has always loved all of him, and having someone accept you that fully is rare. So he’s holding on to her as tightly as he can. The problem is if he keeps behaving the way he does, he’s only going to push her further away. I just want him to heal, live his life openly and honestly, and stop worrying about anybody who can’t accept him for who he is. If they don’t like it, he needs to chuck them deuces and keep it moving.
And that reveal about who his lover actually is?? Baby… my mouth was on the FLOOR. 😳😮
Now Irish… my girl is truly between a rock and a hard place. How do you choose between your best friend and the man you love — two men who have both shown up for you, protected you, and loved you in their own ways?
A lot of readers might say she put too much weight on her friendship with Van, but I honestly don’t think so. Their bond is built on years of history and shared experiences that shaped both of them, so I understood her struggle. I was proud of her though when she finally decided to put herself first.
And let’s talk about Ivory real quick — because she was not playing when it came to her sister. She stood ten toes down behind Irish and I loved seeing that kind of support.
Now Noble… I love this man BAD. But I’m not going to lie — he irritated me a little in this book.
This situation with his ex is really getting under my skin because my first question is: WHY IS SHE EVEN HERE??? That woman should’ve been left in the past where she belongs. She clearly still wants that old thing back, and I feel like trouble is brewing. Especially since Noble seems to be struggling with telling her that Irish is still very much in the picture. Sir… what are we doing here??
I still love him, but he better not get on my nerves in book three.
Now let’s get into Cali and Rio because whewww this storyline had me 85 degrees HOT.
Look — Rio technically doesn’t owe Cali anything. She made a huge mistake and she has to live with the consequences of her actions. I completely understand that.
BUT.
Rio is dead wrong for messing with someone Cali considered a friend. That crosses all kinds of lines. And then you have Roz pretending to be a girls’ girl and acting like she’s comforting Cali when the whole time she’s been plotting behind her back. A woman who can betray her own friend like that could never earn my respect.
And Rio talking about Roz being loyal?? Please. A woman who can’t even be loyal to her friend is not loyal to anybody.
I need Cali to beat her ass at least once.
Now this book actually made me feel for Cali. Yes, she messed up and destroyed her marriage, but she’s human and she did take accountability. At some point people need to start giving her some grace — and more importantly, she needs to give herself some grace too. I want her to heal and eventually find happiness again. I do feel like she and Rio are probably going to find their way back to each other, but before that happens I need him to suffer a little bit more. Let that man’s chest cave in a little longer first.
And that ending?? All those cliffhangers??? 😮💨😮💨
Whew chile… I NEED the Green Book immediately.
Charae did it again with the twists and storytelling. This book had me locked in from beginning to end.
My only tiny little gripe is the stoplight phone booth situation. I honestly forget about it until it pops back up in the story. At this point I feel like the girls could just go talk to a therapist instead 😂. But it’s definitely not a big enough issue to knock off a star.
Book: Stoplight Book Two Author: Charae Lewis Genre: Urban Fiction Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Lord almighty, this series is turning up the heat faster than a jalapeño in a sauna! Spotlight 2 bursts onto the scene with an explosion courtesy of Van and Irish that'll make your head spin. Poor Van's got more emotional baggage than a lost airline, clinging to Irish like a desperate koala with abandonment issues. Thank goodness they finally had that heart-to-heart before things went south faster than a snowbird in winter.
Noble and Irish are serving relationship goals that would make rom-com writers weep with joy. Our girl Irish is finally spreading her wings, thanks to Noble's support. Speaking of Noble, he needs to wrangle his baby mama drama before Shay turns into a full-blown soap opera villain. Seriously, Shay, time to drop the bitter act before Irish serves up some real talk.
And can we discuss Rio and Cali? Talk about secrets dropping like hot potatoes! Rio's patience has left the building, and Cali's world is crumbling faster than a cookie in milk. Their drama is so juicy, you'll need a napkin to mop up the tea.
This book is a rollercoaster of flawed characters that somehow manage to be totally lovable. Charae's done it again - grab this green book and thank me later!
I really enjoyed reading Stop Light 2. Call me what you want, but I didn’t frown on Irish and Noble’s relationship. Maybe it’s because I knew the real, but she deserved love and honestly, it was selfish of Van to hold on as long as he did. Don’t get me wrong, I loved their friendship, but he definitely had some manipulative ways.
Noble’s ex-wife needs to get a life… like seriously, she’s real-life delusional. Cali was wrong in every sense of the word, but at the same time, it makes you wonder does life really have to be this hard?
Rio is super childish for how he’s acting, especially knowing he still loves her. Oh and Rozalin…completely dead wrong all across the board. A hairstylist becomes more than that after years that’s someone you vent to, confide in, and trust. So yeah, I’m disappointed in her for being that thirsty.
And whew… Don’t even get me started on Irish’s mother 🤦🏾♀️ weak and pathetic. But I will say, Van’s mom really threw him to the wolves, so I can understand how that bond between them formed.
Overall, this was a really good read. So much drama, emotion, and messiness in the best way. I can’t wait for book 3!
I hope Jovanis is ok. He was wrong to out that man but I understand his hurt. I hope he gets to live his life out and find a someone to truly love him. He better than me for all he's done for Irish AND her sister especially since all he's known is pain.
Rio and Cali 🙄 I hate a weak fmc and/or mmc. Seems like they're going to get back together. Even without her trying to set him up, the cheating and for YEARS should be enough for them to move on from eachother. Call me what you want, I understand him having dealings in the beginning because it was a marriage of convenience but he stopped and treated her top tier. She could've communicated her feelings and wanting him to cut back from work and stuff b4 cheating. Now he and Rozalin are dead ass wrong! And she was still playing in Cali's face and hair! Oh hell no!
Also, I love how her sister holds her accountable at every turn 👏🏽 Cali is a selfish brat.
Irish and Noble: I'm glad pumpkin head came to her senses when it comes to their relationship. She's definitely grown. Noble does have a track record or leaving but he genuinely wants her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
WTFFFFF 🤬🤬!!! Now Charae, why do you do that?! I’m heated and emotionally invested all over again. I’m gonna need part three ASAP.
Cali pissed me off in book one, I’m not even gonna lie, but now I want her to boss tf up and get her nigga back. I know if she puts in the work, she got him. Period.
Rio has every right to be upset, but damnnnn… he couldn’t have chosen somebody different?!
Jovanis pissed me off too, but this book really showed why he’s so attached to the people he loves. It added layers to him, and I’m hoping he finds peace and real happiness. Ireland really is his safe place, and despite their differences, I genuinely love their bond.
I need to know why Noble is so angry with his mom and stepfather because that tension is loud and I know it’s about to crack wide open.
I’m hoping to get part three in March because I do not wanna wait any longer 😭😭.
When I say this book had me in a chokehold all day. There was so much emotion throughout this story. Some I could relate to. Jovanis really is manipulative but he can’t help it, he has so many deep rooted issues as does Irish. They bonded through trauma and it was way past time for a change. I wanna feel bad for Cali but I can’t, yes we all make mistakes but chileeee she brought it on herself. The grass definitely wasn’t green. I’m glad Irish dog walked Shay, that chick is delulu. And please don’t get me started on Roz no good self. Sis been plottin’. Whew, I can’t wait for the finale, cause it’s gonna be GO time.
This was a great read. We definitely have to re-pipe three please hurry up and write by three so we won’t forget this book.. So many twists and turns so many betrayals and surprises I knew tuck was living a double life. Had Jovanni killed at the park ..for spreading truth on him.I’m happy Iris and noble back together..Cali still in love with her ex husband Rio , now he knows the truth his pride won’t allow him to accept her truth . He’s about to feel her pain.for sleeping with her hairstylist who were so thirsty to be his rebound girl.. I think Rio would take cali back ..we shall see in part 3 ..
Charae never disappoints! I hate the fact that I read so fast because I need more asap! I understand Rio reason for being so mad and he has every right to be! Cali was beyond wrong and she knew that, I wish that she would have valued her marriage more. Vannnnnnn why did you do that! I knew it was going to cost you, damn smh. I love Noble and Irish they are literally soulmates and I love that fact that she didn’t let Van manipulate her out of being happy. I still believe in Rio and Cali getting back together, please I need them too lol 😆.
When I say , I couldn’t wait till this dropped? I was in the middle of something important and downloaded the book. To have characters that you dislike because of their actions but To have empathy for them and feel bad because no matter how much wrong they’ve done. Some things they just don’t deserve to go through . To have me dislike people but feel sorry for them? You know how good of an author you have to be! I know book 3 will be the conclusion and I can’t wait to see how Charae wraps it all together, her pen in unmatched
First, this was such a greater read. Had me hooked from beginning to end! I enjoyed the building relationship between Noble and “Pumpkin” Irish. Being groomed and then trying to be a great big sister really hits home for so many. There was some foul acts that took place, I appreciated the journey that took place. It shows that not all women are victims. We all mess up and the harsh reality of it all is that Karma be spinning the block. I can’t wait for the Green light. Poor Irish may blame herself for what happened and I don’t want her to but we shall see.
The way both mothers took accountability for their actions, one for greed and the other for pride. Love isn’t codependency or I protected or helped you when you were down. Now you’re left to deal with the consequences of how I choose to love or treat you. Grief during a divorce is real the guilt, sadness or anger. Communication is key in all relationships speaking your feelings while being honest will prevent heartache.
I can’t believe I started an incomplete series! I ate this one up in a day and need the next part expeditiously! Page turner for sure. The likability of the characters change as the layers have been pulled back, so it increases and others it shifts. I too now am Cali and Rio, and may be the only one who feels for Van? Each character tug at your heart and frustrates you at the same time. New to this author so I’ll be checking out her catalog.
Part 2 takes you on another emotional journey. All of them are going through something Noble, Irish, Cali, Rio, and Van. I don’t think any of them are intentionally trying to hurt the other just trying to navigate life and love. All of their situations are complicated. Can’t wait for part 3 curious to see what happens next. Great read 🙌🏾
You can count on this author to take you for a ride. Imagine the ability to make someone love and hate a character at the same time. I appreciate the pacing of this story. The relationships don't feel rushed but it's also not prolonged. The author gave us enough to be full but left some room for dessert. I can't wait for part 3.
Loving this series so far! The unfolding of each character, the healing that has been put in motion and the drama oh the drama! Top tier of you ask me! This cliff though…Jesus be a fence! I can only imagine the directions these characters will descend upon in the next book!! I will wait patiently for The Green Book! ❤️
Man these two kept me in my toes throughout these first 2 books. They got a lot of baggage but I'm glad that they were working thru it. This cliff hanger dang sure has thrown a monkey wrench in everything.... did Irish get hit? Is she going to think Noble had something to do with it? Then Rio and Cali... very well written series in my way to part 3!!