Grey

by Aundrea Ascencio

There was something "freakish" about Eric Chandler. If black clothing, heavy metal music, and a general apathy toward humanity didn't turn Chantel off, then stalking was definitely a deal-breaker. Chantel's life was perfect before Eric shoved himself into it, and she is desperate to keep it that way.

Eric couldn't agree more. Chantel is a risk he's never had the courage to take, and he's built a philosophy on staying away from "her kind". But staying away from her is harder than he counted on, and that is starting to become a problem. Or rather a beautiful disaster waiting to happen, when loving someone is a choice between who you really are and the person she makes you want to be.

Genres: Interracial Romance

187 pages, ebook

First published January 21, 2017

Reviews

[Pearline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say that these new authors are putting out excellent work. I'm not even seeing the usual first time author typos and editing issues anymore. Let me just say this book is probably one of the most realistic portrayals of a racist and how white supremacy plays out in society. There is no doubt that Eric is a hardcore racist and he makes no apologies about his superiority over everyone even poor Whites. His superiority is challenged when his Black classmate Chantal gets a higher grade in his physics class. Chantal becomes an obsession and believe this obsession is not a romance, he even thinks about ways he could hurt her or enact revenge against her. Eric's obsession with her eventually turns into admiration then love but Chantal is definitely not feeling him. This is truly a character study of how does a young white kid become such a hardcore racist/skinhead. The author goes into his back story where you can see how his isolation and bullying made him into who he became. She doesn't even make him drop dead gorgeous or your typical love interest he's described like the average goth kid you went to school with but paid no attention too. While it would be considered a romance it's so much more than just a romance. There is so many discussions you could have with others on so many topics the author brings up to justice system bias, black guilt in a white world. This author honestly takes you on a journey. Now this book ends with a happily for now ending but it definitely needs a part 2. I need to know what happens when both sets of parents find out about their decision, how does Chantal deal with Eric's racism and bias towards others cause he was still freely okay with the N word, how does Chantal adjust to being apart of his lily white world. I have so many lingering questions.....I highly recommend this book. I'm glad I gave this author a chance.

[R Nedrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

Annoying. I don't know what I was thinking paying for it frankly. I should have expected the usual girl of color being the catalyst for a racist's watered down redemption.
The usual he's rich can do what he wants . The usual girl getting physically violated. The dopey responses to horrible behavior. It was moderately grating to the end. I think this was written for people with a fetish for racism.
The ending dis not improve my view. I kinda want my money back. But it's unfair to do that to someone who worked hard on something. C'est la vie


PS. This phrase:
"You know, black people can be racist too sometimes," Mia pointed out. "You should get to know him a little better before you judge.”

Usually made by bigot sympathizers

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out really strong. I loved the fact that the story dug into the white supremacy topic. It was a great coming of age story. I really wanted to give this book 5 stars and I would have if not for the last few chapters and the ending. The author introduced a major conflict into the storyline towards the end and then left it unresolved. I believe this is a new author and I look forward to reading more of their work in the future.

[Ivory · Rating 2 out of 5]

**review to come**

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don't know what to think about this book. I really didn't like either main character, the entire relationship was confusing to me. The ending left me scratching my head, you had this major drama with her mother that is never explained and the final decision Chantel makes to move forward with him. I kept looking at the page count, thinking there should be more chapters coming and nothing..lol.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I expected

This book had a lot going on. I appreciated the realism and this was no love at first sight book. However i am not sure i buy the characters being in love at all. It just didnt sit well with me. Some scenes could have been cut from the book and then there are those that we needed. Like one minute the hero and heroine are cursing each other out and the next they love each other. It just seemed illogical. It wouldn't be a book i would recommend.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hated the male lead he was racist and only stalked the female lead because she beat him in a class. He then became obsessed with her. It's a really good read.

[Marviette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure about this one. I'll admit the premise was interesting but there were just too many "huh?" moments for me. Your a racist one moment and now you are not, oh yeah and now you want me-- the black chick. My friend just drops me off at a crazy party where I'm drugged and almost raped?
Oh yeah and my love interest just screwed not one but two women but yet I do not call an Uber and get the hell out of there??? And did they just hang a black women during his "I want out of the racist club" meeting???? Can somebody follow up on that? And I did not like the heroine. Not sure I'm reading the 2nd book---Its obvious that's when all the shit will hit the fan but I'm not sure I care.

[Chandra Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I missed it

Didn't know when they fell in love I didn't understand the relationship in the beginning of the book she she was smart with a take no crap attitude when it came to him and his mess then she got soft the drinking with people she didn't know at this weird party he is a skin head tht you did really catch until just near the end it's a just mishmash of unfinished stories I mean please and I spent money on this save your money and oh yeah they fall in love REALLy

[Crystal Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

I liked this book. We got to see the characters grow. I would have liked more time with the characters, together. We didn't get to enjoy them together until almost half through. They know each other and see each other but I wanted to grow to love them as a couple. By the time that was starting to happen, I was literally finished with the book. Overall, I liked it.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

I liked this book. Lately I've found myself intrigued by interracial books that have a supremacist theme and they actually get to know their counterpart. This book had raw language on how one of the main characters actually viewed the main character and the relationship that endued between the two.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not ready...

For how good this book would be! What a good surprise. Awesome descriptive, heartfelt, real writing. Refreshing as well as riveting... Now where is the next book?

[Jane'a M. Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how

I was so scared to finish this book. I am anxious about the next one, but this book is so good. I am hoping for a happily ever after.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly Good

It wasn't what I expected. It was surprisingly good. in my opinion its very well written. I enjoyed it. Thanks

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you’d prefer to skip the back story, glide to Okay, tell me about the book . This starts the official review. It’s a long one, so grab your popcorn and settle in.

A little Back Story

I do not know where to begin with this. The first place to start is with a back story on how I found one of the most infuriating reads of my recent book binge. And let me tell you, that says a lot, considering the genre it’s in (more on that later). When I stumbled upon the synopsis for Grey on Goodreads, I was dismayed to find that the book was no longer available for sale on Amazon. I have a Kindle, so majority of my books are purchased for that device. Still, considering the IR Romance genre is becoming redundant with recycled plot lines, and cut-out characters, the premise of this book was different enough for me to search it out elsewhere. Imagine my shock to find it on Wattpad.

Yes, Wattpad.

I’ve had an account there for a short while, but never read anything – not even the many E.L. James’ 50 shades knock-offs that overrun the joint. I kid, I kid – but seriously, just no. Don’t misunderstand, I’m grateful Ascencio decided to share it there (for free). In hindsight, I’m very grateful.

Okay, tell me about the book

 A brief synopsis in 100 words (give or take a few):

Eric feels like a fish out of water at his California university. He pretty much loathes everyone. Especially, minorities. Stomping around in his black boots, he believes most of his classmates have no business taking up higher education spots from the more enlightened and elevated race. And he should know of course, he’s White – therefore he earned his spot. Right? Enter Chantel, a biracial classmate, who challenges everything Eric ever believed about himself and the world. After a tense encounter between the two, he goes on an obsessive mission to find out everything he can about her and what makes her tick.

So, I wrote the above synopsis hoping to avoid spoiling pivotal details of the story. Moving forward, I think that’s going to be near-to impossible. This story has so much going on; it would be dishonest to send readers into it unprepared. I’m talking triggers galore both literary and otherwise. Beware, Ascencio guides us down a dark, confusing and downright ludicrous road. Hold on to your knickers and sanity, here we go…

In the Beginning

The following quotes summarize our main character, Eric:

“Most people would admit he was smart, but he preferred the term genius, and used nothing less of the word to describe himself,” (Ascencio, 2017).

And to give further insight into where this is going, I offer another quote:

“But if you think you’re going to get through this class, you’re in over your head. You don’t belong here n****r.”

In short, Eric’s not only an narcissistic asshole, he’s a racist. Now that we’ve established that, let’s move on.

But in the first several chapters, the author won’t let us forget he’s a racist. She establishes Eric's ideas and beliefs like an ax handle to the head. Zero nuance. He’s not conflicted in his beliefs. He doesn’t sugarcoat. He’s brutal and blunt. Think Milo Yiannopoulus on steroids. And in the opening chapters Ascencio makes sure we do not forget. You know, just in case we do. Impossible! When Chantel, his biracial classmate, enters the story, I get the initial conflict. It makes sense. I could see myself in that place at that time (I have been there) and I would read this fool the riot act too. What I do not get is how this conflict develops into Eric and Chantel’s 180 turnabout and sprint to the finish line love story? How do we get from there to here with established characters that lose all sense of who they are and what they believe in such a short time span? A day later, after letting the story settle in my mind, I still have no definitive answers to that question. I can only offer a subjective conclusion, that this is a construct of the author's mind, not based in logic. Something that only makes sense to her or maybe it's simple lazy writing. But this is not the story’s singular unforgivable sin. It’s damn close, but only one of many. It is, among other things, the propaganda peppered throughout that makes the most implausible aspects difficult to palate. This seals the story’s fate and not in a redeeming way.

Somewhere in the Middle

Somewhere in the middle (or if I’m being honest, well before that), I began to wonder if this story was a misguided attempt at angst-ridden romance or the manifestations of the author’s personal beliefs projected onto the story. I know that’s a very touchy charge to make. But the chapter Subtle Things attempts to justify Eric’s racist behavior and then look at this abbreviated dialogue exchange from the prior chapter (The Elephant in the Room). It’s between Chantel and her best friend, Mia (who, by the way, is described as Mexican-American):

Chantel: “Well it doesn’t mean he’s a good person.”

Mia: “Well aside from all the KKK shit, he was actually pretty smart. We had a decent conversation. And despite the depressing way he dresses, he does have a cute smile. I heard his family is pretty well off in Colorado.”

Yeah because physical appearance and economic privilege somehow trumps racism? Shakes head in confusion. But wait it gets better…

Chantel: “I really don’t care what his family owns. He’s Tara’s ex, he calls me the N word, and he’s a freak."

And he did, in chapter three (refer to the beginning of this review) now, wait for it…

Mia “Dude, chill. Maybe it isn’t really about all that. “Maybe Eric just really likes you.”

Chantal: “He isn’t capable of that. How many times did he make me feel like shit? How many times did he make everyone feel like shit?” “People like that are not capable of liking anything. They’re angry, hateful, ignorant racist bastards…”

Mia: “Who told you he was a racist?” Mia asked in interest.

Throws hands up! Um, the first seven chapters prior to this one. Its well established he is a racist. Is the author reading her own work? Do people really say these things in real life? Educated people? Hmm, something doesn't pass the sniff test. I won’t continue with the rest of this exchange, it was exhausting to read the first time, and I do not want to exhaust myself further transcribing it all. But I will leave this section with the following quote for added measure:

Mia: “You know black people can be racist too sometimes.”

And there you have it folks. The tell. Form your own conclusions from this. On to the end.

The End

At this point in the review, I’ve talked about story and characterization. What I haven’t discussed are the technical merits. Ascencio has potential as a writer. But if I’m being honest, whether it’s a byproduct of youth and inexperience or something else, her writing is missing a level of maturity that’s needed to tackle this kind of subject matter. This book also repeatedly breaks one of the cardinal rules of writing (and yes, I know that writing rules are not set in stone, and have been successfully broken time and again, but…); There’s a lot of telling instead of showing. There are chapters of exposition. Explaining situations and motivations rather than showing us. As for dialogue, although some of it seems fitting for the age of some characters (like the college students), other instances are completely off the grid. See chapter 36, Trigger for an example. Educated, middle-upper class adults do not talk like that. The other stumbling block is pacing. Ascencio spends several opening chapters creating the foundation of these character’s personalities, actions and motivations, only to speed through the rest of the story with implausible romance and crime arcs that defy reason. Also there are continuity issues that need to be addressed. Ultimately, the only thing she accomplishes in this rush to a conclusion is to insult our intelligence. Bigly.

Again, I can go on but my word document is at three pages too long now, and I really, really need to end this and get on with my day.

There are so many things wrong with this story, and that’s disappointing to write. I had high hopes for this. It seemed different and dare I say courageous. Not that the subject matter hasn’t been tackled in romance before (to equal disaster), but the synopsis offered a glimpse at something that would be truer to the reality of this kind of potential situation. I guess I’ll have to wait another day for this story to come to its true fruition. In a way that will leave me pondering, and debating the merits of it for days. I give Ascencio credit for the attempt and that’s where my rating will fall – in the attempt. But this story is not the one, if you get my meaning.

The Final Rundown

We have an educated, wealthy white racist, an educated biracial college student with a seemingly good head on her shoulders with a racist apologist friend who encourages her to date…*drum roll please* A racist. In case we aren't clear on that point, Eric is a racist. Not an internet troll or keyboard warrior. A card carrying, Heil HItler! Racist. The author even adds insult to injury by making him German. Don't believe me, read the first several chapters and the twenty that came after his blatant use of the N word against the female protagonist in the story. You cannot make this sh!t up! Moving on...We have stalking, vandalism, drug abuse, attempted rape, neo-nazis, lynching, random sex and…whoo, chile! At one point a Wattpad reader commented whether this was a horror story. I think that may be a better category for this than romance.

One last aside: If you read this on Wattpad (at present this is the only place where it is available) please be warned that the author peppers the story with a lot of gifs, and she has a cast of celebrities that act as a visual focus for the characters and readers have comments aligned with the story text _ think SoundCloud. If you’re under the age of 30 and the above wasn’t a deal break, this may not be one either. However, if you’re 30 and can deal with that kind of millennial overkill, check it out for yourself and decide if my review is fitting or off the mark.

I’ll leave it up to you. I cannot believe I made it through this review without losing my damn mind – Rock on!

Rating

Story: 2.0
Technique: 2.8
Bonus point for boldness: 1.0
= 2.0

[Laverne Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. This was a welcome relief from the pervasive on slaughter of "GQ Billionaire Romances". Sick of them in IR or same race romances; but I digress. This is a well written and believable story about college seniors in their last semester before graduation. The protagonists are of different races, different socio-economic life styles with different moral codes and ways of carrying themselves; but they have similarities too, each is an only child, each is smart and a good student, each is witty and competitive and each has the need to prove their self worth. I love how the author introduces the couple having them hurling insults at each other as a result of a letter grade in physics. We learn that Eric Brandt-Chandler is an unapologetic white nationalist who has made a "til death do us part" commitment to a white supremacy group, that he lives on the edge , drinking, drugging, womanizing, and ricking havoc in general; but he's loyal and protective of those he loves, and that he starts to see Chantel as a person due to that grade. Chantel Pari is a Black American female who was adopted by a middle-class white couple and she has spent her life trying to be a perfect daughter to them and prove to them that she was worthy of their adopting her. When Eric insulted her by charging that she did something unethical to receive that "A" in physic and hurled the "N" word and other derogatory statements at her, she declared war on him. It was delightful reading as the author guided them through their minutia of issues to a place of mutual respect, trust, love and marriage. Great read. Look forward to sequel .

[Sybil Pun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!

It was good, slow and confusing at times specially when he went back home to fix everything before he fully returns....
I thought the author was good for a first time author. But I think that by touching a very complex and an important issue such as race, discrimination and all the others, they needed to either delv into it in its totality or do not focus on it as your base for the book.

[Tee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not get through this book hated the main characters. The guy Eric was a psycho and chantel was clueless. Seriously it felt like i was reading a YA novel. I just really didn't enjoy reading it and refuse to put myself through the torture.

[Thona · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this book has amazing writing and dialogue, it did kinda feel a bit rushed and scattered in some places but the chemistry and writing really covered those bases and exceeded those issues. God I want more from this author and this story I want more from Chantel and Eric !

[Vee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring and Slow

It was slow and boring. And had no conclusion. I'll never read another book by this arthur ever again. Enough said.

[Karacyhia]

Coming with a review soon.....🙌🏻
I'm excited about this read but lately I've been disappointed in a lot of novels so hopefully this isn't the one to do that!!
🤞🏻

[Lynda Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conflicted

I was conflicted throughout this whole book...in a good way..how do you reconcile a racist belief...a racist thought process that makes you think you are superior in every way..that you have the right to consider human beings less than you...because you simply believe that being white is a privilege...and to live with any other race is abominable...imagine having all that in your heart and mind and body...and then imagine all of that belief challenged in a way that defies your logic....by the way of a beautiful brown skin girl call Chantel....not only did she get the highest grade in Physics...she also was summa cum laude..it simply defied all of his preconceived logic...and Eric find out for himself what was so special about her...he thought by stalking her through intimidation was going to work...by hating her was a way for his mind to cope with all the newness that was forced on him...but ..there's a thin line between love and hate...hate is a contrived emotion....love comes naturally...when you least expect it....

[Denise Vidal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written!

I could not out it down. And yet I tried to savour it so it wouldn't end quickly. I loved thee fact that it wasn't an "overnight, love-at-first-sight kind of story. It drew you in and kept you hooked. At times it did seem long winded, but I just kept going. It left you with questions and a hope for a part two. Congratulations to the writer. Great book!

[Nancy L Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1\2 Stars

This was a pretty good story for 1st time author. Very few typo's considering. But as an older reader I find the ages of th characters a little unbelievable for the ending. Most people read for escape and happily ever after 's. Well this ending will let anyone with half a brain know what the outcome to this will be

[evette w · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good Story


This was food reading from the first chapter to the very end.You are getting to people discovering love and how to make it transfer over to real life.The writer does a good job of keeping the story simple and easy to follow. This will definitely keep you entertained and wishing for the next installment.

[Sharon Keyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

I'm not sure it was where it was in parts. But nevertheless it was a good story. Hopefully the other parts are just as good.

[Mary Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love unfolded

I loved the story line. People can change. For better or for worse. This is for better. This is reality.

[Natalie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but???

This was a good book, but too many things were left out and not resolved. I feel that there should be as follow up. Some gaps need to be filled in.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting one. The ever prim and proper Chantel crosses paths with the mean spirited and racist Eric. And it is a show down to remember. Chantel can't bare to even think about him and how half the student body isn't fond of his white supremacist rhetoric. And in fact it had been a whole year since she'd given him any thought. That is until her best friend tells her that he's been not so subtly stalking her. And through a series of interesting turning events, she finds that there is a bit more to Eric than his infinite ability to annoy her. She wonders if a leopard can in fact change his spots. It is a perfectly realistic portrayal of the subtle and overt nuances of racism. And as these two interact more frequently, it becomes less about the judgemental aspects of racial differences, but more focused on what they require as individual personalities in order for the friendship and relationship to thrive. Eric's views change and Chantel's heart opens. But how much longer will they last with Eric's secrets between them?

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been meaning to write a proper review of Grey, but I've yet to get around to it.

Chantel and Eric are two flawed that drive the story. They both have a lot of issues that the book addresses, and there are moments when a character does something that might be seen as unforgivable, but it's honest. *if that makes sense* They don't apologize for who they are; the just work on becoming better.

The plot make a little pressure on the story's development; however, it's not a constant.

I will address the timeline later because I have some serious issues with it.