I expected light entertainment for this book that I found on Netgalley under women fiction and romance categories, but I got a lot more! What a nice surprise this book is. I chose it because I rarely intentionally read books whose main characters are black. It’s actually much more than “just” a romance! For a debut novel this is impressive and I definitely would read another novel by Alex Travis.

Genevieve had a great track record as a university journalist, and when she was hired after graduation, she had a lot of ambition and high hopes. But now she’s the only Black girl in the room and is stuck doing menial jobs for her white colleagues. Her day-to-day activities are limited to checking their articles and confronting micro-aggressions that damage her self-esteem. If she quits now, she won’t have anything to show for 4 years of work and will have to start over at the very bottom of the ladder.

On the sentimental front, Gen is equally stuck. She can’t get over the dramatic break-up with her long-time boyfriend Jude. Jude was the heir of a big business, but when his father died, he awkwardly proposed to her in such a way that she couldn’t accept. Four years later, they meet again at a gala she’s covering for her newspaper, and there’s a chance to get some closure… or to develop a new relationship?

The romance part was definitely on the background compared to the theme of racist prejudices at work. Some might be disappointed by this choice but I really liked it! Gen’s struggles felt real and not just minor hurdles to move the plot along. The backstories of all the characters are well developed, and apart from some slower moments the plot development was satisfying and interesting. I cared for Gen and cheered for her!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. I received a free copy of this book for review consideration.

I thought this book was amazing! A second chance romance, Genevieve is working as a journalist when she's assigned the task to write a profile on her ex. This book also touches on the racism that black women suffer from in journalism. I give this one alllll the heart eyes!! 😍😍😍😍😍

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!!

totally Brilliant Book, showing what many of us women still know but especially if your Skin is of Darker Hues your work is brought under question & you are denied the rightful acknowledgements & successes you should have , just as many women of all nationalities Historically have been forgotten & not taught about , purely because most of our History Books were written by men. #NetGalley, #Goodreads, #Amazon.co.uk, #Fb, #Instagram,#<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/8a5b541512e66ae64954bdaab137035a5b2a89d2" width="80" height="80" alt="200 Book Reviews" title="200 Book Reviews"/>,#<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>.

Firstly, thank you for the opportunity for reading this before publication. For a debut novel this is very good - I loved following the main character's journey and loved being aligned with their perspective, as well as actually being able to relate to certain circumstances and incidents. That is really refreshing and important to me.

The Only Black Girl in the Room is a great mix of a second-chance love story and a workplace drama. I especially liked the take on Black women in journalism, as this was a specific workplace that I don't think I had read a lot of stories about, and the ex-boyfriend's ritzy family was also fun to read about.

Thank you Alcove Press & NetGalley for the ARC!

This was such a great book! This story was about a writer named Genevieve, and author Alex Travis did a brilliant job highlighting racial inequality in her workplace. Genevieve gets assigned a huge story after being given nothing so far in her position. Her assignment? Doing a profile on businessman Jude, her ex-boyfriend and high school sweetheart. This leads to many uncomfortable moments in the office as their past is discovered.

The incidents that Gen experienced ranged from micro-aggressions to all-out racism, and the first person narrative really helped me as the reader understand her perspective. As a white woman working on becoming anti-racist, I really appreciated this book, I won’t soon forget it!

Thank you again for the ARC!

First of all, thank you Net Galley and Alcove Press for the chance to read this eARC in exchange for honest review.

The title instantly captured me. I had to find out what was written in The Only Black Girl in the Room. I must say Alex Travis delivered a wonderful message in this book. I hope this book doesn’t only reach a black audience but also to an audience who isn’t black. It touches matters that I’m sure every black woman in the work force has faced.

With all that being said, I loved our fmc. Gen didn’t want anyone being her “savior” and wanted to write her own articles without the help of her rich white ex boyfriend. The only thing I didn’t like about Gen is that she was just too nice to her nasty co-workers. There’s a reason why she was though. You see, black women are often seen as women with attitudes, or as what they considered Gen to be, “aggressive.” So she definitely didn’t want to come off as aggressive to her co-workers. Regardless, those co-workers were awful and very much so didn’t deserve the kindness Gen gave them.

On the other hand, Gen had two best friends who stuck beside her and I’m glad Gen had the support of them. Some black women that go through racist work places might not have any support. So that leads me also being glad Gen had Regina. An awesome and only other black employee at Gen’s work place.

In the end, I liked the conclusion of this novel. There were times where I was getting bored, but it definitely picked up.

I will definitely pick up another novel by Alex Travis.

4 stars

There were a couple of times I struggled to follow the implications of all the work shenanigans and I thought the storyline was wrapping up too neatly, but Genevieve’s struggle was relatable and the mix of personal and professional helped propel the plot forward. Gen and Jude felt really young for most of the novel, which makes total sense because they *are* mid-20 year olds trying to figure out life and loss. Travis was able to capture the larger-than-life angst many of us experience at that age without trivializing their struggle or making them feel like immature youngsters. I would read something else by Travis - it feels like Mickey’s story is just waiting to be explored.

First off, I would like to thank NetGalley and Alcove Press for the digital arc. I really appreciate the chance to read about black characters whenever I can. This book brought a different perspective to my eyes. Although I am a black woman in America, I try my best to always be in diverse spaces. Sometimes it is not possible but I always look for the other black person in the room. This book showcases the exact reason why. I am blessed to not have experienced this level of racism and micro aggressions. I found myself getting very worked up and upset while reading the things that took place at the tribune. I know that so many can relate to these types of things happening in the workplace, and for that, I am so glad this story was told!

Now when it comes to the romance. It was very bittersweet to me. One of my favorite tropes is second chance romance, and then my least favorite is slow burn romance…this story incorporates both, hence why it was bittersweet. lol Some moments I really enjoyed, while others I wanted to skip past. I will say I enjoyed the fact that this book did not have any spice.

I found myself feeling like some parts dragged on and sometimes I was not excited to pick the book up. It kept my interest but at the same time didn’t. As I said there were some parts that I really enjoyed and some parts were just really slow and hard to get through. Over all I think it was a 3.5 star read and pretty good. I will recommend but it just wasn’t my favorite read.

Pub Date: May 7, 2024
Published by Alcove Press
325 Pages

I received this ARC from Alcove Press (via NetGalley), in exchange for my honest review. This was the first book that I have read by Alex Travis. It was well written. I can relate to this book as I am the only black woman in my office. This book will have you wanting to reach out and touch The Fates. This book opens your eyes to bias, racism, micro aggressions, and privilege in the workplace. Genevieve Francis, the main character endured all of this while working as one of the only black females in her office. Gen is requested to write a profile for a prominent CEO, who tuns out to be her ex Jude Landon.

I loved hoe the author told their story, and how it developed throughout the book. This is a slow burn, but you will find your self rooting for Jude and Gen. I was so glad that Gen finally stood up for herself and took charge of hoe she wanted to be treated. Overall this was a great book, and I am ready to see what Alex Travis have in store for us with the next one.

* Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange of an honest review. *

Meet Genevieve Francis, a 25-year-old black reporter, who’s got her sights set on covering headline-worthy stories; the real deal, none of that sensational fluff. But nope, life throws her a curveball. Instead of chasing paramount scoops, she’s stuck doing copy edits and sensitivity reads for her vanilla-flavoured (not in a good way) white colleagues.

Now, hold on to your hats, because Gen’s big break finally comes when she’s tasked with covering a fancy CEO’s gala. Exciting, right? Well, plot twist! The CEO is none other than her ex, Jude, the swoon-worthy guy she shot down four years ago when he dropped a knee at his dad’s funeral. Awkward much?

Yes, Travis crafts a tale that’s as spicy as a hot salsa dance and as relatable as accidentally sending a text to the wrong person. Get ready for a wild ride through the world of workplace woes, ex-lover encounters, and the not-so-subtle art of saying, “F**** you too.”

The drama unfolds predominantly within the newsroom, Genevieve’s battleground. As one of only two black women in the workplace, she’s no stranger to the daily grind of micro-aggressions and racism. Picture this: a group of Mean Girls, aptly named the Fates, make it their mission to turn Gen’s work life into a real-life episode of high school drama.

So, of course, our FMC faces the uphill battle of being constantly asked for sensitivity readings and being treated as if she’s just an assistant, not the powerhouse journalist she aspires to be. These workplace dynamics aren’t just plot points; they serve as a powerful commentary on resilience and the unapologetic pursuit of dreams amid adversity. The struggle is real, and despite Gen’s ability to crack jokes*, you can feel the weight of the difficulties she navigates.

The newsroom becomes a microcosm of societal issues, encapsulating Gen’s struggles—related to both her identity and the way she’s perceived—and seamlessly weaving them into the narrative. The thoughts that run through Gen’s mind? Real. The scenarios she finds herself in? Real. But Gen’s ambitions extend beyond personal success; they’re rooted in a genuine desire to make the world a better place. It’s not just about making headlines; it's about making a statement, kicking down doors for everyone coming after her.

As a white reader, Gen’s story is like a reality check, asking me to face those uncomfortable truths and rethink my own biases and privileges. There’s no glossing over, no sugarcoating–just an unfiltered look at the everyday struggles many Black individuals deal with. And you know what makes it hit home even harder? That first-person POV magic. It’s not like you’re observing from a distance; oh no, you’re right there with Gen, feeling the weight of those moments. It’s not distant or detached; you're strolling in her shoes, facing the unexpected, and navigating a world that’s not always as warm and welcoming as it should be.

As the newsroom drama unfolds, so does the second-chance romance. Initially conflicted about Jude’s role as a ‘White Knight’, my reservations melted away in the face of the genuine efforts put in by both Jude and Gen. This is not some fairytale with rainbows and butterflies; it’s messy, even heart-breaking, and about as real as it gets. But as the story keeps trucking along, we get a front-row seat to their personal glow-ups, laying the groundwork for a relationship that not only survived the hurdles but turned them into relationship MVPs, thriving against the odds.

Travis eschews the typical romantic clichés and steamy scenes, opting for an authentic portrayal of love that mirrors the complexities of real-life relationships. Although I have to confess, Jude and Gen’s chemistry is a bit of a head-scratcher. Like, are they the perfect duo or not? It’s one of those things you find yourself pondering long after you’ve closed the book. But hey, you can’t deny you were secretly cheering for them, right?
Now, let’s talk personalities. Gen shines, and you get to know her quirks, dreams, and all those real, relatable bits. But Jude? Well, he’s a bit like that mysterious neighbour you see but never really get to know. It’s not a bad thing, just an observation. Gen takes the spotlight, and rightly so – she's the main character, after all. The thing that got under my skin a bit was her having to school Jude. Look, I get it; the author’s trying to drop some knowledge, and I’m here for it. But, it left me with this nagging feeling that, even in fiction, the weight of educating others about race* falls on the shoulders of those who’ve been forced to do it for centuries.

Okay, so, the newsroom shenanigans and dealing with Jude’s white saviour vibes… It’s disheartening to witness her busting her chops, going the extra mile just to snag the basic opportunities and respect that roll in way too easily for her white counterparts. The disparities in treatment based on race are stark, and it’s a reflection of the messed-up systemic hurdles that Black individuals face. But, anyway it was good to see Gen victorious. Sure, maybe Jude played a part (that whole white saviour complex thing), but hey, sometimes you need a helping hand; and Gen did take all the crap and turned it into her own victory dance. You go, Gen!

In a nutshell, The Only Black Girl in the Room is your ticket to a journey that’s eye-opening and surprisingly heartwarming. Get ready for a ton of much-needed social commentary, some romance and enough tension to make your morning coffee seem weak.

I Absolutely ingulfed and loved this book! It's so well-written, insightful and witty! It was the perfect combination of an intellectual and joyous read. The author did an amazing job at writing the best dialogue - it was so fun and I was left obsessing over a lot of Genevieve and Jude's communication.

It was a cute story but I didn’t find myself wanting to pick it up and read. I’m not always a fan of the “white savior” storyline.

This was a really good debut women's fiction/romance read. I thought the writing was good and liked how the main characters relationship and the racism in the workplace plot wove together. As a black woman I related to this book so much because it showed the realities of what bipoc women have to face in the workplace and in life. The characters were complex and flawed and the second chance romance was messy but real. The friendships were portrayed very well and the characters backstories and past was very important to the plot. I would say that this leans more towards women's fiction with a romance in it. I wish the romance had been more, I loved what we got but wanted more of the Genevieve and Jude spending time with each other and their relationship. Overall I liked this and want to read more books by this author. Thank you Alcove Press for this arc for an honest review.

I was interested in this book because it seemed to contain two things I enjoy: romance and walking in someone else's shoes to gain understanding then grow from there. It hit both marks.

Entertaining, infuriating, funny, swoony, relatable and real, I bet this book gets personally recommended from friend to friend once it hits the shelves.

The main character was interesting and imperfect. She had feelings, insecurities and (snort-inducing) thoughts like the rest of us. She was an overthinker, but her overthinking absolutely made sense. She was in a position where there were decisions to be made that would affect her personally and professionally. And in both cases, there could be a public aspect to it (hello, social media click-bait headlines).

The second-chance romance was messy and realistic.

(For those who want to know: there's no steamy scenes.)

The friends who supported her as she navigated it were a gift.

As a white woman reading this, I was able to see the many ways racism, bias, ignorance and privilege could strike the "only Black girl in the room" while she went about her business. Sometimes it came from sources she expected. Other times it came from someone she had thought knew better. All of it was explored, bringing the reader along for the ride.

I'm glad I read this and hope it gets into the hands of both people who can see themselves in Genevieve Francis, and those who never before had to think about what she waded through just to get through her workdays.

Looking forward to what the author comes up with next.

A+ This book is so much more than a romance. It's a love story for young women. Claiming what we deserve in life is not often a goal we are taught to go after. I hope every young woman can learn her worth. Getting the guy is not the goal. If that happens and he is worthy of you is great. Knowing who you are and speaking up for yourself is even better. I love this book. True, I love to read. I seldom find a book that I don't like, but this book was different. I routed for Gen as though I actually knew her. I wanted her to succeed. I felt a sense of kinship, almost like if she was okay, then I was okay. This book will stay with me for some time. It deserves a place on your to-be-read list.

NetGalley and Alcove Press provided an e-arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

I added this book to my Amazon book girl wish list right away! I really wanted to pace myself with this once so that I can fully process this.

I found myself analyzing my workplace with Gens workplace . watching all the tiny micro aggressions just build up. Being just as capable if not better, but not being able to fully express or spread my wings. And then, when opportunity does come your way, you can’t fully express your join happiness.

A compelling second-chance romance about a Black journalist fighting to be taken seriously in her racist workplace, and her millionaire CEO ex. I didn't want this book to end, it was so engaging. Also Gen and Jude's rekindled romance was lovely. Strongly recommend.

4/5 stars,

I liked this book more than I thought I would! It explores racism in the workplace and racism in media. I’d love to know where I can find a millionaire like Jude though.

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the advance reader copy, this is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great look inside what black people, specifically black women, experience in the workplace (and the world at large). This story was heartbreaking as much as it was infuriating. We were brought along with Gen as she tried to deal with an ex coming back into her life as well as trying to make a mark in an organisation that was severely letting her down (at best).

If you’re the type of person that often finds yourself thinking something like “why do they always have to make it about race” then this probably isn’t for you. If you want to read a book that shows strength in the face of adversity or just want to get a bit of perspective on situations that happen everyday around us (probably without you noticing) then it’s definitely worth the read. Maybe it’ll make you pay attention and stand up when you see it happening in your own life.

Thanks to #NetGallery and the publisher. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Genre: Romance/general fiction
Format: Digital
POV: Single
Spice: 0 /5
Age suggestion: 16+