An entertaining yet thoughtful book that highlights racism in the workplace. You root for the main characters to find their way back to each other and for the Fates to stumble in this story of the only black woman in a news organization that is marginalized until she has her day

Genevieve Francis loves Jude Landon but the timing for them to be a couple or move forward in the relationship always seems a little off. In addition, Gen is a victim of a toxic workplace culture riddled with blatant racism. She thought life would be different.
While I greatly enjoyed this story, I felt there was a lot of repetition through her thoughts, words and actions. Round and round in circles she goes and I feel that made the novel longer than it needed to be. For instance, she says she didn't want his help or a job through that connection (many times), much repetition to emphasize the kind of work she is assigned rather than her own story to write, she needs another job (but doesn't look for one). Her whole I love him, is it enough, can we do it together, he's changed, has he changed enough got a bit repetitive also. I think a tighter edit might have helped this.
The ending related to Gen's workplace dilemma was satisfying but not her personal relationship with Jude and his family, "his orbit".
The writing, for the most part, is good and very relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed it and finished in just 4 days of reading at lunch and in the evenings. I wanted to keep reading! I do recommend. I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars but decided on 4 as more people should read this novel!

THE ONLY BLACK GIRL IN THE ROOM is a novel that has the best of intentions in exploring the daily microagressions that Black people (especially women) face, both in the workplace and without. It wants to highlight both overt and undercover instances of discrimination and the trials of being in a biracial relationship and shed light on the consequences of systemic racism and all of this is commendable and utterly necessary. Unfortunately, it just doesn't do any of that very well. The plot is slow-moving and predictable, the narration is repetitive (the novel seems to rely on a loop of "someone says or does something racist to main character, main character ponders her career prospects, main character has discussion with one of two best friends about the same subject, main character interacts with ex-boyfriend and questions their past, present and future, rinse, repeat), and it can sometimes feel that the author is referencing a checklist of every racial justice term and making sure her characters mention them all at least once. There is a lack of subtlety and finesse that we see in other novels exploring similar themes (Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid) or tongue-in-cheek satire (Yellowface by RF Kuong) that would truly make this work. I also just didn't buy the second chance romance at all! Why would this woman choose to return to a past toxic relationship and forever have to be involved with his racist family members? Make it make sense! I'm sad this just didn't work for me, but I know there are so many readers for whom it will be a good read.

“The Only Black Girl in the Room" by Alex Travis is a timely and thought-provoking debut novel that delves into the challenges faced by a young Black reporter in a predominantly white workplace. Through the eyes of Genevieve Francis, the protagonist, the book explores themes of racial inequality, personal growth, and the pursuit of one's dreams.

Genevieve, a talented and ambitious 25-year-old reporter, finds herself stuck in a role that does not reflect her abilities and aspirations. Instead of being given the opportunity to cover significant stories, she is assigned menial tasks such as copy edits and sensitivity reads for her white colleagues. However, when she is offered the chance to write a profile on her ex-boyfriend and prominent CEO, Jude, she sees it as an opportunity to prove herself and elevate her career.

Travis skillfully captures the complexities of Gen's situation, highlighting the racial biases and microaggressions she faces in her workplace. The author explores the challenges of being the only Black person in a predominantly white environment, shedding light on the daily struggles and pressures that come with it. Gen's internal conflict between wanting to succeed and the fear of exposing her past with Jude adds an extra layer of tension to the story.

The character development in "The Only Black Girl in the Room" is exceptional. Gen's journey of self-discovery and empowerment is inspiring, as she learns to navigate the obstacles in her path and find her voice. Travis portrays her with authenticity and vulnerability, allowing readers to connect with her on a deep level. The supporting characters, particularly Gen's white colleagues and Jude, are well-developed and contribute to the exploration of racial dynamics and personal growth.

The pacing of the novel is consistent, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. Travis's writing style is energetic and compelling, effectively conveying Gen's emotions and the challenges she faces. The author's attention to detail and ability to tackle sensitive topics with sensitivity and nuance is commendable.

Overall, "The Only Black Girl in the Room" is a powerful and thought-provoking debut that addresses important issues of race, identity, and ambition. Alex Travis's storytelling is captivating, and the book serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength required to overcome systemic barriers. This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling story that explores the complexities of racial inequality in contemporary society. I really enjoyed it and I would love a paperback copy 😉

Jude and Gen come from different backgrounds and try to have a dating life. Her partner comes fro a wealthy background, and of course they don't agree with him dating her. This resonates with me growing up with parents that were in an inter racial marriage.
She suffers from micro agressions in the workplace, as well, which happens all too often.
This was a great debut read and I wish it didn't have to hit home with me as an African American woman that's been in similar work scenarios.

Thank you to #netgalley for this #arc

The Only black Girl in the Room is a very nice debut. 
I relate to the main character all too well. From the microaggressions and racism in the workplace, as well as interracial dating. I did enjoy the romance and I also felt that this was extremely realistic. The writing flowed so well which made me eat this up!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Only Black Girl in the Room by Alex Travis is an outstanding and thought-provoking debut.
I was totally invested in this book right from the beginning.
This was well written and relevant in every sense of the word.
I loved that the writing is so charming, accessible and appealing.

Thank You NetGalley and Alcove Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Well written, well told, a delightful coming of age story with a sweet second chance romance subplot. Loved the witty writing style , the close first person, and the relatable MC.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It started out with a bang and touched on a lot of different subjects. Interracial dating, micro aggressions , racism and what it’s like being a black woman in the workplace. This story revolves are Gen and Jude young lovers with a complicated dating life. I don’t want to ruin the storyline but Gen and Jude come from two different background, Jude is a white male apart of the Landon’s history a very wealthy family and Gen is just a normal black girl. Their storyline is far from perfect but this book was such a good read.

Gave insightful commentary about what black women got through in the work force. How they have to do twice as much work without have the recognition. I love the MFC and can’t wait to read more from this author.

The Only Black Girl in the Room is an interesting mix of a book. On one hand, it's a second-chance romance. Gen and Jude broke up dramatically after Jude's father died and didn't have any contact with each other until Jude requested Gen to write his first big profile piece about replacing his father as CEO of an environmental firm.

But that is just one small part of this great debut. The majority of the book is about Gen - black, twenty-five years old and working in her dream job on her home city's newspaper. It is nothing like she'd thought it be because she faces racism - small microagressions to blatant bigotry - every single day. She's constantly left out and never gets stories. She spends her time copy editing and sensitivity reading her colleague's articles. This profile would really help her career but she's worried about working Jude both personally and professionally. What if people think that's the only reason she got the article?

I inhaled this book. I was totally invested in Gen's struggle to become the confident black woman and journalist she wants to be.

Thanks so much to @netgalley and @Alcove Press for the chance to read this ARC before it's pub date on May 24.

"The Only Black Girl in the Room" by Alex Travis is a thought-provoking debut novel that offers readers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by a Black reporter, Genevieve Francis. As a cis white woman, I appreciated the opportunity to gain insight into her experiences, which shed light on issues of racial bias and workplace dynamics.

However, I found that the story's pacing was somewhat slow, particularly in Genevieve's reluctance to leave her job and her reconciliation with Jude. It sometimes felt like she allowed herself to be mistreated, which was frustrating.

Overall, "The Only Black Girl in the Room" deserves a commendable 3.5-star rating. It's an impactful book that tackles important themes and provides a window into a different world. While I had some reservations, I believe it offers valuable perspectives for readers interested in exploring issues of race, identity, and career aspirations.

Thank you to negalley and Alcove Press for allowing me access to The Only Black Girl in the Room by Alex Travis. This book was very eye opening and spoke so many facts. I thoroughly enjoyed this book overall.

Such a powerful read I loved this book. As a woman of color (but not a Black woman) it was such an eye opening read and I would definitely recommend this book and author to other non-Black people because it really helped broaden my reading diversity.

It's hard for me to articulate how much I loved this book or how it impacted me, but I am going to try because this author deserves ALLLL the positive feedback.

This story was beautifully woven together and addressed important issues in a way that was still enjoyable for the reader. I didn't read the description before starting it, which NEVER happens, but I sure lucked out because this was an intersectional work of art. The plot, character development, and writing were all fantastic. Not only did I laugh and want to cry and scream along with the characters, but it also made me think deeper about my own privilege.

Solid 5 stars and I am looking forward to the next one from Alex Travis!

Thank you NetGalley, author Alex Travis, and publisher Alcove Press for providing this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This was a solid 3.5 stars for me. The cast was enjoyable, the writing was well done, the second-chance romance hit me square in my feelings, and I feel like this is an important story to be told. I was not comfortable; I wasn't supposed to be. Race takes a front and center seat in this book: the author is a Black woman, the main character is a Black woman, and this book focuses heavily on what it's like to be a Black woman. Particularly a Black woman in a white-dominated industry where microaggressions happen as casually as pre-coffee "Good morning"'s. The plot was a little thin, but I don't think Travis was seeking to write a real gripper of a novel. Instead, I think she wanted to write a story that resonated with her, so she wrote what she knew. Kudos, snaps, and applause for Travis.

What didn't work for me was the predictability of it all. I felt like I knew what was going to happen before it happened, and at times that made it hard to stay engaged. It took about two weeks for me to finish this, when usually a book of this length takes about half the time. It's entirely possible though that because I'm living my very own second-chance romance, I was working with preexisting knowledge with how these things go. Although it's worth mentioning I feel like the romance in this book is also mostly just a b-plot; main character Genevieve is mostly focused on her workplace drama and for most of the book she's very much not interested in rekindling her romantic relationship with MMC Jude, although she thinks she might be able to rekindle a friendship.

I would, however, still recommend it to anyone looking for a second-chance clean romance. I also think its an important story to be told, given the FMC wants to tackle racism in the workplace but is wrestling with internal feelings of being stereotyped as the Angry Black Woman. I liked that that made me uncomfortable; I'm a white woman, it *should* make me uncomfortable, and I should reflect to see how I can be an ally, so thank you for that.

Note: This book contains mentions of alcohol abuse and a car accident as a result of that abuse, and should probably carry a trigger warning.

Jolie couverture. Titre qui me parle (évidemment). Et… Je demande ce livre sur NetGalley. Après quelques pages/chapitres, je vais quand même voir ce qui se dit sur goodreads. Et là, je vois que ce livre est classé dans la catégorie Romance. Le genre de livre que je ne lis jamais, parce que ça m’ennuie terriblement. J’en ai très peu lu en fait. Que ce soit pour adultes ou jeunes adultes, j’ai l’impression de lire les mêmes histoires. C’est peut-être pire quand cela parle de lycéens, parce que je les trouve un peu jeunes pour dire que leur vie est finie si machin les quitte, préfère quelqu’un d’autre… Mais bon, chacun son truc.

Ici, Genevieve est cette seule noire dans la pièce. Elle est reporter pour le journal local, « mais on l’avait cantonnée dans des travaux bien peu passionnants » : elle relit ses collègues blanches, vérifie les faits pour les articles de celles-ci et surtout, elle doit s’occuper de la lecture sensible de la rédaction. Depuis quatre ans, elle n’a rédigé qu’un article sur un nouveau parfum de glace. Toutes ses idées de reportage sont automatiquement rejetées, ou acceptées quand c’est un·e collègue blanc·he qui les reprend. Ses collègues blanc·he·s sont bien caricaturaux·ales, mais il y a de l’idée. Et puis, Jude, le PDG de l’employeur de la ville, fils d’une grande famille (et accessoirement, son ex), demande que ce soit elle qui l’interviewe pour une biographie exclusive. Évidemment, ses collègues sont jalouses et vont tout faire pour lui mettre des bâtons dans les roues.

Je dois dire que finalement, j’ai plutôt aimé ce livre. Je lui ai trouvé quelques longueurs. Les passages relatifs à l’éthique journalistique ne m’ont pas convaincue. Quant à Genevieve, elle est tellement indécise et pour des raisons bien ridicules parfois. Oui, Jude a dit ça, mais est-ce qu’il le pense vraiment ? Pourquoi Jude ne m’a-t-il jamais recontactée ? Tu as l’impression que tout va bien, mais Genevieve se fait des films et imagine les scénarios les plus compliqués, comme si elle n’avait pas assez de problèmes. Et puis ces grandes scènes : Je n’ai pas besoin de tes explications. Mais ce n’est pas ce que tu crois. J’en ai assez de tes mensonges… Le genre de truc qui m’agace tellement. Ce gros fil blanc plus qu’usé que l’on retrouve partout. Un peu d’originalité please ! Mais ça se laisse lire.

Media has been a hit-and-miss as a source of news for the masses, shrouded by racism and misogyny both on and off the record, which hits the code of ethics that journalism should've stood for in modern times. And this topic marks the strong debut by Alex Travis in her book The Only Black Girl in Town, which chronicles the second chance romance between talented and ambitious yet down-of-luck staff writer Genevieve Francis and her ethical billionaire ex-boyfriend Jude Landon, who happens to be the subject of the CEO profile she's writing for her career breakthrough.

Travis meticulously breaks down the irony of journalism with the reality behind the scenes, such as the issues of sensitivity reading in news related to people of color, or the casual aggression happening in a workplace without a consequence. The fiery Genevieve plus the quiet dominant Jude serve as an excellent duo to contest the issues, in which Travis is careful enough not to drag Jude, as the white privileged man, to be the ultimate white savior without holding himself accountable. It is why it's easy to see that the main characters are perfect to be with each other, especially noting how they have grown and reflected on their past.

Subsequently, the novel is a great addition for readers who want to tackle contemporary romance books. It's intense and passionate with a pace that won't make readers feel bored.

For a debut author, this is amazing. I loved the realness, the characters and how well written the reality of a black women in the workplace and in all life things. I do wish this had more romance but I also really enjoyed that this book wasn't solely about that. I can't wait to read more from Alex!

This book pissed me off. Genevieve is a highly educated black woman living in a white-dominant world, the way she rolls over and takes everything really made me angry. This book would have worked if she was the kind of girl who believed that if she played by the rules, she would succeed.

But no, the author wrote Genevieve to be aware of the power structure of her workplace, she's aware of why all the other black employees left said workplace, including her mentor, yet she stayed, claiming that if she left she would have to start all over from the bottom. But she's already at the bottom of her job, so it just frustrated me how she kept coming up with excuses.

I also dislike how Jude (her ex) came back into the picture and practically became her white saviour. She kept complaining about him, but as soon as he showed up she was ready to roll over for him and it was also so weird how all her friends were already "Team Get Back Together With Him" from the beginning, especially with how the relationship ended.

It should also be criminal that my favourite character in this entire book was Jude. JUDE. It was so adorable and fun and got shit done when all Gen did was complain but did not take action. It's like she used up all her courage to reject Jude's proposal at the beginning of the book.

All in all, the characters in this book felt like stereotypes instead of real people, especially the Fates.