This novel spells out for (mostly white) audiences what racist microaggressions and discrimination looks like: it's overt, it's institutional and systemic, it's present in everyday life and work. I found the writing to be heavy-handed about this, but then I realized that it had to be for readers who have never thought about it or are oblivious to it. There's also a story of redemption and romance, and this arc is also laid on thick, maybe, again, for readers who wouldn't pick up on more subtle writing. Overall the book is a fine read and one that should provoke a lot of good discussions and thought.

I really enjoyed this book! It felt like a combination of Get Out, The Other Black Girl, and Jude reminded me of a character from Succession. I appreciated the friends, especially Mickey, but Gen was so frustrating sometimes! I felt so bad seeing her continued struggles at work and wished she’d just up and leave already! The ‘mean girls’ felt written in a way that you could see them vividly. I wish there was a bit more on Jude’s family, specifically more on his mom, but I liked the different characters and very much enjoyed when we learned more about Julian. Will definitely be recommending!

I think the novel had the best intentions, but it ended up being a nothing burger. The MC just allows everyone to walk over her until the literal last pages of the book. The microaggressions in the workplace were very well written, but mixed with the second chance romance the story just had zero appeal. Why should a reader root for the MC to engage in all the toxic relationships and people surrounded by her?

Such a propulsive, engaging read--this is a devour in one rainy day kind of book, with pacing that climaxed at exactly the right moment. The author answers all lingering questions in time-jump epilogue that is a satisfying end to this novel.

Absolutely devoured this book! Well-written, witty, and insightful, it was the perfect combination of an informed and fun read. The author does such a good job at creating the best dialogue - it was so engaging and I was genuinely left swooning over some of Genevieve and Jude's interactions. Their chemistry, their growth - as individuals and as a couple - was so heartwarming to witness. The realness of how Jude dealt with grief and substance abuse, and the importance of therapy in the acceptance and ownership of his past behaviour was just the icing on the best-book-crush cake. Genevieve's self-doubt due to her overtly abusive treatment from her coworkers (as one of the only two Black women at her workplace), alongside dealing with several microaggressions every step of the way, and how this is the scenario for a lot of Black women and POC in white-dominated fields, was executed with so much care and precision that I could truly feel her frustrations. And I loved how she could finally get out of the toxic newsroom and the trajectory her career took after! Truly a girlboss.
I was so invested in how things would work out between Jude and Genevieve at the end. Though I would've liked to see a few more conversations between them and know more about how the relationship progressed in the in-between years (and also more about Jude and Oliver's friendship!), I think it was still a realistic and perfect conclusion and had me kicking my feet in the air and gushing with joy (I'm clearly very attached to these characters).
Overall, I just really enjoyed this book, and I can't believe this is a debut! Will definitely look forward to more of the author's future works.

This was actually a fun read! The way I cackled through and through! This book was written for the suburban black girlies imo! It was well written, the dialogue flowed! The optics of being one of or the only black person in the work place! I absolutely could not stand the Fates my goodness! They were insufferable but reminded me of the many white girls i grew up with in my predominately white town! So realistic on that end! Did i think Jude and Gen had perfect chemistry?! Idk im still pondering that but I def was rooting for them! We honestly didnt get to see a lot of personality imo from Jude but got a lot from Gen, which makes sense obvi bc shes the MC. I think for me, my biggest complaint, was Gen having to educate Jude! I know in that regard it is realistic too but my God black ppl are tired! Its been 400 years of us educating white people and begging them to see out humanity! That wasnt the case with Jude but with other aide characters however Gen had to point out his blindspots, which me personally im not about to do lol sorry! Overall, a solid read. Its hysterical and highlights important issues that I believe a lot of black woman would relate to! Looking forward to more works by this author! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've been trying to be more conscious of diversifying my reading choices and this one does not disappoint! While I can never truly understand and relate to what Gen experiences, it made me think twice about my own biases and microaggressions that slip under the radar from my community and, admittedly, myself. As a teacher near a huge refugee city and class lists that become more and more diverse each year, it's helped me to take a step back to think twice about the way I approach my students personally and academically. Gen's character and voice were so well written and her anger and frustration came clear off the pages. I enjoyed the romance and the character arcs of both of them throughout the novel. I was expecting an easy read but enjoyed how much this one made me really stop and think. I'm stunned that this is a debut novel - I can't wait to see what else she writes!

Obsess with this book! I loved the representation and being seen as a black woman. The story was a little slow but I really enjoyed the main character and her viewpoint. This is for every black Roman who has left visible and wanted to be seen.

This book is a guide on how to navigate the workplace as (one of) the only black girls in the room.

If you are a black girl, who knows what she deserves, please read this book.

There are so many times I’ve been the only black girl in the room, this books takes the pain and the anxiety and turns it into anger. Turns it into motivation. to do something about it, to be unapologetically yourself, to not put up with the microaggressions we face daily.

I’ll be honest, this book made me think about my past experiences and what I still go through at my current workplace. At some point I realised it was easier to just shut up, ignore the microaggressions and just get on with my work. That stopped as soon as I finished this book. I will correct people when they mispronounce my name, I will tell people to stop touching my hair (yes I know it’s soft but I'm not a dog gtfo), I will no longer be at people’s beck and call for their diversity and sensitivity reads.

I loved this book, I love a book that makes me think and feels so incredibly personal and relatable.

I also love a second chance romance, and whilst I had conflicting feelings about Jude being a White Knight I did appreciate how hard they both worked to become the people they needed to be for their relationship to work.

Overall, this book was perfect. It was so relatable and the romance was sweet and written incredibly well. It is so important for these stories to be told, and equally important that they are read.

To Alex Travis, thank you for writing this book and giving a voice to black girls everywhere. You wrote this book so beautifully and it truly has a place in my heart. I will be purchasing a physical copy of this book upon its release.

I absolutely loved this book! It’s relatable, yes, but it’s also written so well. Gen is spot on in her depiction of life, love, and heck of existence for Black women and Black women in mixed-race relationships. And Jude is spot on in his own right as well. Together is an amazing, clean love story. I wish all races would pick this up because we can all grow and learn from it. And the romcom flow is sweet as pie! You are rooting for them with every page turn. An excellent read for sure!

Genevieve Francis has been stuck, both professionally and personally, ever since Jude, her ex-boyfriend, proposed to her at his father's funeral. Now she's working for a newspaper staffed mostly by straight white folk, unable to avoid their microaggressions or further her career. But then she gets a chance to make a name for herself: writing a profile on Jude, wealthy and desired CEO. Mixing ethics and an old flame - what could possibly go wrong?

I loved this so much! What an incredible debut. I adored Genevieve right from the start, thanks in no small part to the exceptionally strong narrative voice that Travis gave her. It made me sit up and pay attention. I'm also keen on second-chance stories - and this is one of the most satisfying ones that I have read, because both MCs had to really work for it and we get to see them both grow so much. Gosh, I am going to be thinking about this book for weeks.

Lastly, I should add that it's so important for these stories to be told, but it's equally as important that we read them.

I absolutely lovvvvvved this book! It’s relatable, yes, but it’s also written so well. Gen is spot on in her depiction of life, love, and heck existence for Black women and Black women in mixed race relationships. And Jude is spot on in his own right as well. Together is an amazing, clean love story. I wish all races would pick this up bec we can all grown and learn from it. And the romcom flow is sweet as pie! You are rooting for them with every page turn. Excellent read for sure!