Inside Out

by Grayson Cole

Tracey never fit in anywhere as a child, so she works hard to make college different. Out in the world, she doesn't talk about her parents, or her travels, or the languages she speaks. She doesn't talk much at all because it frequently leads to black people asking why she talks "white" and white people asking where she's from. No one believes she is a native Southerner.

            But the people she meets in grad school aren't satisfied with knowing her only on the surface and Garrett Atkins--well, he isn't satisfied at all because, even though she can't help falling in love with his Southern charm and overall gorgeousness, Tracey isn't about to be "that girl" who ends up with a white husband.

Entering his last year in law school, Garrett Atkins can't complain about his life. At graduation, he's guaranteed a job in a prestigious firm... and a wife. But one mix-up on campus introduces him to stubborn, snide and sexy Tracey McAlpine. She may not be what's best for him, but God help him, she's what he wants, and Rett has never been a man who has accepted being told he can't have what he wants, no matter the consequences.

Genres: Interracial Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

376 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2011

Reviews

[TinaNoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am giving this book 4-stars despite myself. I had some major issues with one of the main characters, but in the end it was a strong, interesting story with some rather fearless character moments.

Tracey and Garrett are grad students in Atlanta. He is in law school she is getting her MBA. He is from low-to-middle income good-ole-boy Southern white family, she is from a very wealthy and powerful black family. He is outgoing and friendly, everyone knows him. She is closed off and insular.

When they first meet she is wearing ratty overalls and has just taken a moment to lean against a janitor's closet. He thinks she works there and asks about a cleaning situation. Tracey takes umbrage at his "racist" assumption and give it to him with both barrels and leaves.

After that they manage to notice each other around campus quite frequently and Garrett tracks her down at her house and apologizes. This is when they start a friendship that turns into a rather clandestine relationship.

The conflict at the crux of this relationship is race. Or rather more accurately Tracey's conflict with race. Flipping the script a bit, it isn't the white guy who is trying to keep his relationship with a black girl on the down-low from friends and family, it is the other way around.

And this is my biggest frustration with the book. Ironically, it is also the most provocative part of the story as well.

Tracey is a very problematic character from a romance novel heroine standpoint. She is really rather unsympathetic. She is prickly, she is difficult, she is immature, she has a huge chip on her shoulder, and there was one instance when I flat out hated her. But I get the impression that these character flaws are very deliberate on the part of the writer. Unlike some romance novels where the author is writing what s/he believes is a great heroine but instead the heroine is an annoying twerp, I think Tracey is supposed to be all these things. We are supposed to notice her prickliness and her issues. As I said above, from a romance novel standpoint this is somewhat problematic, but from a pure character standpoint it works to create a dynamic picture of who she is.

Garrett goes along with her 'let's not acknowledge each other in public but retreat to my cozy house and indulge in private' at first. It suits him as well. For all that he isn't as conflicted about the race thing as Tracey, he is aware that he has family and friends who would have issues. But the strictures begin to weigh on him as they get more and more serious and he starts to force the issue, trying to 'out' the relationship.

You can't help but root for Garrett, the writing makes him completely sympathetic. Although as a character he doesn't get off scot-free either. There is this awesome conversation he has with his sister that I thought was really rather well done of the author. After Garrett tells his parents about his relationship with Tracey, his mother goes off on a 'welfare nigger' rant. This is of course completely ludicrous as Tracey's family could buy and sell Garrett entire extended family ten times over.

Afterward, Garrett's sister Angie and Garrett talk about the usage of the N-word. The two of them have a frank, uncomfortable and incisive conversation about it. I really liked where the author took the discussion. It felt in character for both of them.

Angie is a great character. I loved her. She felt like the black-sheep, straight shooter younger sister that she was. She and Tracey become friends early on. True to character, Tracey wants nothing to do with Garrett's sister but Angie steamrolls her way into her life. And in the process, she also gets to give Tracey a few come-to-jesus talks as well.

This is another reason why I think Tracey is supposed to be so problematic at first. In addition to Angie there are other characters who tell Tracey she is being a stupid, immature whiner. She gets called on her crap and each time she is you can see how she is being forced to examine her assumptions.

In the end Tracey does mature and change. Sure a lot of it is forced, but she does manage to come to some major self awareness which make for some really good character development for her.

There are a few other things about this book I really liked. I liked how a Grand Mis (one that Tracey allows to happen) in the middle of the book comes back to bite her on the ass in a big way (I cheered). People talk and communicate so stuff isn't allowed to fester. Garrett and Tracey's mother forge an alliance -- which I loved. Garrett's father Big, was a really good character and I liked his first meeting with Tracey -- it was awkward and sweet and felt realistic. Garrett's mother is a super minor, minor presence but her attitude really affects her kids. And i like how not all the problems get tied up in a pretty, neat bow.

But the ending was really good. I came to... not exactly like Tracey, but by the time I closed the book I liked where she had evolved to. And of course I frickin' loved Garrett.

So this book deserves it stars. It made me think and feel, which is what I like most of my books to do.

[Beeg Panda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!
The H, Garret reminds me sooo of Kellan from Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens. He is just as sweet and adoring and falls head over heels for Tracey, who initially doesnt give him the time of day. She is attracted to him but fights him ALL THE WAY.

*****POSSIBLE SPOILERS********

She has heavy racial issues - she's black and he is white. Its a long arduous, torturous journey before he manages to get her to commit. He is obsessed with her, can't stay away from her though he is in a relationship. I felt for him, I really did. I don't like the cover and nearly didn't read it cos of that. For me it just doesn't do the intensity of their relationship justice. But then again, what kind of cover am I asking for lol? I felt as sorry for him as I did Kellan. Rett lived and breathed Tracey and hth he didn't give up on her was beyond me. Grrr! She is as frustrating as Kiera if not more so, except in her defence, I must say she doesn't so much as look at another man after she meets Rett. I liked the whole college theme. I liked that it was a bit more in depth than the usual YA-ish books Ive been reading lately. In fact, I read this one looking for some angst-relief - boy was I mistaken. Riddled with intensity, love and stupidity on her part. Yes, I see why her issues rule her life but the choices she makes and how she hurts Rett, made me wanna smack her upside her head. The author sure knows her stuff!

[Kacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read! The point of view and perspective were different than expected & i appreciated how the struggles of both leads were portrayed.
Read this book in a day because I couldn't put it down :0)
I would definitely refer this book to any avid contemporary romance reader

[L.M. David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but just couldn't. The first part showed potential but after a while I began skipping sections. First, the complication of a interracial relationship is hard enough but when dealing with an immature, selfish young woman like Tracey, the idea of them sharing anything boggled the mind. It literally drove me up a wall the way she openly showed her embarrassment regarding getting involved with this guy to the point where I questioned Garrett's sanity. He never had a problem dealing with ethnicity while Tracey tossed every road block she could throw at him to stop from getting closer to this good ole southern gentleman. And then she settles into a sexual relationship with Garrett aka Rett while continuing to keep him a secret from friends and family. Usually it is the man who doesn't want the commitment yet in this book it's all Tracey, although she secretly longs to be with him as long as it's behind closed doors. They argued about this, he would leave her only to come back for more disappointment. So why would he torture himself, and her, by being so persistent? And in reality, no man of any race would have kept coming back after being subjected to her obvious 'let's keep this to ourselves' attitude more than twice, especially when they want to shout it out to the world. At one point, the only time she saw him was at her place where they would either study or play house. There seemed to be no end to the strange relationship between the main characters and all I wanted was for the book to conclude. I kept reading hoping it would get better but it only got worse after her parents got involved in the pregnancy stage and towards the end, I found myself rooting for Garrett grow a pair and break up with Tracey just to be done with it. The thought of these two getting together when the only good thing between them is her having his baby and them having "mind-blowing" sex, well it's a good thing her father was a lawyer because he could handle their divorce, thus saving both time and money, especially where Tracey is concerned.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightfully surprising look at an interracial couple and their relationship from both perspectives.

[Jen]

Reading through the sample when I came across a Cherokee grandmother (it's why the heroine's mama has good hair of course). Oh BROTHERRRRR

[Nooniemom · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I LOVED this book!

I so connected with the characters in this book. Whether we want to admit it to ourselves,we all have a little bit of each of them in us. Whether in an interracial relationship or not,the road to love is bumpy,with roadblocks(some that we erect ourselves),caution lights that seem to never stop blinking(in our minds),red lights that not only stop the journey,but also our hearts. Yet when that light is green,we speed down that road oblivious to warning signs and whistles. Just reveling in the ride and how good it makes us feel.

Tracey and Garrett are two such individuals.Their first meeting is politically incorrect to say the least,but even throughout this social faux paus,neither can deny to themselves that there is SOMETHING there. Garrett, or "Rett" as he is called by family and friends is as Tracey surmises,"is the whitest white boy" she has ever seen! From his polo shirt to his kahkis,he is the epitome of "frat boy". Both are in grad school,he law school. and will be graduating in the Spring.Through a series of meetings and brief conversations a relationship developes. Not that either of them is comfortable with this.

Rett has a long-time girlfriend who is pressuring him to impregnate her, so that she can drop out of schhool and he can do the "honorable thing" and marry her. This is the South, and along with his "honey sweet,sexy drawl" Rett is a southern gentleman.He comes from upper- middle-class parents.His younger sister is the family rebel.

Tracey has never really fit in anywhere.Very intelligent and introspective, she doesn't fit in with black students at her school who accuse her of "acting white",her parents switch her to another school. She does acquire a few friends,white,but none that last past high school graduation.She is the only child of a well-known judge and his interior decorator wife.She has had a priviledge upbringing.

The switch of upbringings was refreshing for me. Usually it's the white,male character who has the wealth.There are also other reversals that make this a "can't put down" read.

I won't give anymore of the story away,but will just add that INSIDE OUT has become one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOKS.I highly recommend this book!

[D.lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree with some of the other reviews, this was a great and realistic story of the struggles of inter-racial relationship. You have to take in consideration they are in the South and although things have changed many views are the same.

They both struggled with the issues of how family and society would accept them, but most importantly their own issue. I simply loved Garrett, because he wasn't perfect but he was determined. Their issues were not only racial but social as well.
Their struggles and heartache were so real. The first chapter kind of had me worried whether or not I was going to like it, because I was a little confused about how it started. After first chapter I was hooked and couldn't put the book down until the end. A book this size normally take me two days to read, but this story was so good I read it in one day.

Great Job Ms. Cole! I definitely look forward to reading more of your books.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story, it's a story about a boy and girl in grad school who fall in love with each other though they keep their affair secret because they don't know how society will react to them. Tracey is from a rich family and cares a lot about what her parents think and also her other relatives who she seems to think she is already bougie while Garrett the golden boy of his family comes from a middle-class family some of who are racist including his mother. As the relationship progresses Garett is willing to get over his hang-ups and date Tracey openly but Tracey is literally paralyzed by the very thought which takes a toll on the relationship ad they break up. Tracey finds out she is pregnant later and tells Garrett and by her reaction, Garett assumes she will get rid of the kid he begs her not to but she gives every indication she doesn't intend to have the baby. Months later Garett finds out she kept the pregnancy only she didn't tell him and all hell breaks loose.

[Laverne Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5 star read, the author did a wonderful job of presenting Tracey and Garrett's story. Garrett "Rett" Atkins is in his final year of law school where upon graduation, he is guaranteed a partnership in his family's law firm and where he is expected to marry his white childhood sweetheart. Tracey McAlpine, is a Black woman who is brilliant and who is a graduate student at the school where Rett attends. They become acquainted after he mistakes her for a janitor before a known professor corrects his error; they become friends, study partners, then lovers.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved this story. Even tho there were a few times I became frustrated with both main characters. The journey they took to love was not pretty. I saw the female character as immature, the male as tortured,mainly because she shut him out,and his own problems with his family.
The characters were well developed,and the supporting characters were equally supportive, and kick butt honest in their view of the relationships of the main characters.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice read. It took a bit for me to begin to enjoy it, but by the middle of the story, I was really enjoying the story. The heroine is neurotic and the the hero is amazingly grounded and stable...that's not a new theme. But, it's the story of how the two of them resolve their issues in a mature, but heart-wrenching, way.

[Synithia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I like that the female had more of a problem with the relationship than the guy. That was a different angle. I did think Rett was a bit too soft at times. I appreciate a man that can cry, but his crying was too much for me. He was still a lovable hero.

[Demi(ʘᴗʘ✿) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially enjoyed this book, especially in the first half. The chemistry between the two main characters felt believable, and I appreciated their dynamic. However, there were some early moments that felt unrealistic—like how easily the Black female protagonist allowed the white male lead into her home and played therapist for him. It was odd, but I was willing to overlook it because their interactions were engaging.

As their relationship progressed, I found the conflicts that arose to be understandable at first, but then they started to unravel in a way that felt frustrating. The so-called third-act conflict was especially disappointing. The protagonist’s decisions became increasingly irrational, and it felt as though drama was being forced into the story rather than unfolding naturally.

One of the biggest issues I had was how the book handled the pregnancy subplot. The protagonist becomes pregnant by a man she refuses to acknowledge in public, then decides to have an abortion. When she tells him, he expresses his desire for her not to go through with it, but she remains firm in her choice. They break up, but after confiding in her mother, she suddenly decides to keep the baby. Then, for no apparent reason, she lies to her family and friends, claiming that he abandoned her and pressured her to get an abortion—something that was completely untrue. When he finds out the truth, he is understandably upset, but she acts as if she can’t comprehend why. This entire sequence of events felt frustratingly forced and unnecessary.

Another missed opportunity was the racial and class tensions between the two leads. Garrett’s sister repeatedly warns that their family, described as “Midwest white trash,” would never accept a Black woman like Tracy. Meanwhile, Tracy comes from a wealthier background. This setup had the potential to create meaningful tension, but the book never really explores it in depth, which was disappointing.

Additionally, Garrett’s supposed behavioral issues were vaguely alluded to but never truly fleshed out. His sister often insists that Tracy doesn’t really know him, hinting at a darker side that the book never fully explores. It would have been compelling to see this aspect developed more, forcing Tracy—and the reader—to decide whether she should still be with him after seeing his worst side.

Despite these flaws, I have to acknowledge that the book’s strongest point was the chemistry between the leads. Their interactions felt natural and engaging, and that alone was enough to keep me invested for most of the story. While the latter half faltered, I still found the novel enjoyable overall.

[Miggyrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to give this two stars because it was "ok" most times and really "meh, what am i reading ? " some other times. But it would be a bit unfair because the book has some real qualities. Only I'm really not sure "i liked this" since I forced myself at times to finish it. First, I was bored to death by the first pages. The repetitions, the whiny immature voice of the main character, the uninteresting start of the relationship between the two leads are partly to blame. The writing style is probably another thing I had to get used to. There's more descriptive actions than there were dialogues in the beginning and it tends to entirely dull out the content. So, I just skimmed through a bunch of uninteresting facts like "Tracy does that, Tracy feels that etc."

It only started to get better when more characters got involved in the story. As story goes, the premise is fairly unoriginal. Tracey and Garrett are grad students in Atlanta. He is in law school she is getting her MBA. He is from lower birth, she comes from a privileged background. Boy does their differences show! He is down-to-earth and outgoing. She is spoiled and whiny and an introvert. You will have trouble understanding what they could have in common. But they love each other and before they're ready for their happy ending, they faced a tons of shit together to the point where you wonder "don't they have a breaking point? Because I kinda do."

Oh and he is white and she is black! It matters a lot in this! A whole lot!
I know this novel is about an interracial relationship between those two. So, it's kinda normal. But really it makes such a show of the interracial situation to the point where it's almost all it talks about. And you kinda forgets the love story in the middle and what it is that actually make this girl love this guy and vice-versa...



Before someone rails on me telling me this story feels close to home to her and she doesn't know the heck I'm talking about. Let me try to explain. My point is that the story feels dated because it doesn't add anything new to the debate, yes, both Tracey and Garett's parents reacts very badly to the pairing and at some point nobody wants to see them together for mostly the same reason. But it doesn't add anything to the debate nowadays, about white privilege and black lives matters movements etc. You will argue with me that it was probably published before the movements really soared. Still, I feel like by showing blatant acts of racism, the author lost the opportunity to show the invisible sickness that is invisible racism. Although a show is made about painting some of Garrett's family members as racists ( with borderline white supremacist speeches) Nothing is really said of Tracey's father and her family as if black people can't be racist.

That is something that bothered me, this sort of one-sided perspective with race. I acknowledge that the race conflict is prosaically described in depth but it's done mostly through Tracey's pov. It is also my biggest frustration with the book. Tracey is an unsympathetic, spoiled, difficult, selfish, immature and a coward. I was tempted to think it was a deliberate move from the author. But after reading the synopsis again, I have a feeling he still expects us to root for her in the end, to find a struggle admirable, to identify with her. But the problem is, for me, she doesn't do nearly enough to redeem herself throughout the book. She does two or three pretty unforgiving things in the book. I will not spoil but it's pretty bad and disgusting. But what bothered Mig is that she doesn't get the kind of "hand of god" " karma is a bitch" retribution for it. I kept expecting for the guy to leave her for good. He kept coming back to her like he was a glutton for punishment. I kept expecting her to rise and stand up for herself and for her man. But everybody did the job but her. I kept expecting her to confront Garrett's mother frankly and try to repair the damage caused in his family too. But none of that happened.

Garrett was always the one in action. He was the one who tried to make it work the hardest. They made it through because of his perseverance and fearlessness at times. This character, although unnecessarily tortured or maybe underdeveloped, is the one you root for. His family was pretty much torn apart because of his love for Tracey. Still, I never felt that Tracey really understood the severity of the situation on his part. And she was all melodramatic and all about her family not accepting Garett, when in fact they did without too much struggle. But she never faced his family and friends. She never stood up for Garrett or her daughter. She kept saying she was an independant woman. She kept whining and her entourage kept giving in, attending to her every needs. It never sit well with me since even acknowledging I can be introvert, and just as neurotic as Tracey. I will stood up for what I feel right. I will woman up when needs be. I will at least try to do the right thing.

The only other awesome character in this novel is a white girl and it's kind of weird. Angie, as Garrett's sister stole the show . She Amelia Shepherd's her way into Tracey's life as the black-sheep of a family and the no-nonsense sister/voice of reason in this novel. Her scenes were among my favorite. The scene where Angie and Garrett talk about the use of the N-word feels authentic and deep. She also feels 100% Madea approved when she gives Tracey some straight-to-the-point, let's-stop-messing-around speeches.
I like the secondary characters a lot more than I do Tracey. Although Tracy's mom's intelligence only starts to shine at the end. Her dad never gets this deep conversation with his daughter I wanted to see. I love Garett's dad. He was a man of few words but just like his daughter he packed a punch of wisdom in each of them. His scenes were all adorable especially when he came to see his granddaughter for the first time.

The ending was sweet. It felt like we just witnessed a treasured slice of these people's lives and they were off to the sunset, with future obstacles, trials and successes. The book was at least satisfying in that way.

[Nycreader21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book for the imperfect characters. It made the story relatable. I don't understand the low rating, this book is a diamond in the rough...

To potential readers, if you want a HEA WITH IMPERFECT characters, this book is for you. Sometimes you are not going to like the main characters because of their flaws. The book is written well. The message I got from the book is if you allow fear to consume you, then there won't be room for joy and love in our life.

I hope the author shares more of her stories with us because she has a talent for telling her stories well.

[Gkpotufe · Rating 2 out of 5]

so for me it landed somewhere between a 2.5 to 3 stars. I liked him but she more often than not, either irritated me or confused me. I never really understood her motives like the omission lies she told...yea... to be honest I liked the ending but umm.. see for yourself

[evergreencrime · Rating 1 out of 5]

started well enough, i got bored. it was tedious. I didn't care to know what happened. lots of telling me and not showing me things. meh. I didn't feel that connected to the characters tbh. didn't feel the chemistry either.

[nnedinma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderfully written, I don’t like how they were practically cheating together, whilst he was in a relationship

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was interesting and l could read the book again and again. I loved the character Garrett. He really is so sweet and into Tracey. I know Tracey has insecurities. However it got a bit annoying. She eventually grows out of it . I like Monica put Tracey right.Glad the ending was lovely.

[Alexis-Morgan Roark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. So, I am 18% through the book...is it just me or does this guy basically have two girlfriends? I'm sorry, but he is cheating on his "real" girlfriend being with Tracey EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. Maybe it's just me.

Love that I can borrow books from the LAPL for my Kindle!!

A pretty good read despite the fact that I thought the heroine was a total nitwit and the hero vacillated between wimp, man, and jerk a little too much for my tastes. All in all, I could have done without Karen and the others he dated because it just didn't ring true for me that he given the obvious depth of emotion he had for the heroine that he would date other women. Perhaps, I am being a bit naive in that regard.

Also, I did NOT like that he continued to sleep with his girlfriend while visiting the heroine DAILY (nightly anyway) even if they only kissed the one time. Just calls into question his character for me, hers too for that matter...then I realize that his relationship with the g-f was probably a shield for them both. Not enough psych classes in school to analyze that one.

Finally, at the end, the hero's father obviously took the baby to do the grandad thing...I worry that he's taking her around the still racist grandma...or did I miss a "come to Jesus moment" on her part?

A goodread that covers the mans ins and outs (pun intended) of this relationship.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book. Tracey was ttoo introverted for me. I would assume going into an interracial relationship you have to have thick skin. Here parents had too much influence in her life. Glad she finally got it togetherr.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tracy had issues of her own creation;really needed to get over herself. Both characters had this misguided sense that the world was out to get them, regarding their relationship. Good book but they hit on my last nerve.

[Kimberly Strickland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed how Tracey and Garrett relationship blossomed. I liked reading this story although I didn’t like how Tracey dealt with her situation. She had some hang ups she needed to get over. I wanted to shake her. The author did a good job with connecting us to the characters.

[Elaine Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the first time

I dug this book out of my archives and read it as though I was reading it for the first time. I loved it then and I loved it even more the second time around

[Flip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read. I did want to hit Angie a couple of times but Garrett and Tracey I loved. Though they had there moments when I wanted to hit them both in the head.

[Tracie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a better than average romance.