This book took me by surprise. I am the first to say that the romance genre is underappreciated, and that many books within the genre deal with heavy topics in a refreshing and interesting way. This book absolutely does that.

How to Fail at Flirting is cute, funny, and an all around pleasure to read. The chemistry between Jake and Naya was believable and I was rooting for them the whole time. They were written as flawed humans who actively work to be better, like real humans do.

What made this book a 4 star read to me, was the way that Williams deals with trauma, abuse, gaslighting, and workplace dynamics for women. It is important to note that there should be a content warning for domestic violence, and near sexual assault. Williams weaves Naya's trauma into her story in a way that is authentic. Naya acts in ways (as a result of her trauma) that make sense. Often in romance we see heroines who have dealt with assault, but it is briefly mentioned and they bear no baggage. Naya's struggles with self-worth and her inability to let Jake in at the beginning of their relationship is well established.

I highly recommend this book to any romance lover who is looking for *more* in the story than just the romance piece. This book is fleshed out and I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy.

Thank you to Denise Williams, Berkley Publishing Group, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Still reeling from the effects of an abusive relationship, Naya Turner, a college professor, reluctantly lets her hair down and unbutton her cardigan for a night out on the town. When a blip in her plans leaves her to her own devices, she bumps into Jake, a geeky yet charming businessman. The almost one-night stand turns into a bit of a romantic adventure where she is forced to face her past in order to move on.

I really enjoyed this book because it's not your typical love story. Full review is available in the link.

sweet and steamy. Humorous and cathartic. Authentic and raw. Denise Williams hit me right in the feels and the funnybone with this evocative story. Naya is a survivor of an emotionally abusive relationship learning to flirt and trust again. Armed with a list full of things to do to reclaim herself Naya meats Jake at a local bar. she flirts, she lets him buy her a drink, she gets kissed and she’s determined to have a one night fling. However, the fates seem to have other plans for Naya and Jake. There is a lot of chemistry between these two and they are both thinking this could be something more. But, there is a big unexpected roadblock that could change everything. Is Naya willing to risk her career that she has worked so hard at, the one thing she feels confident about for love?

This was the perfect blend of humor and heavy subject matter. Naya was a likable relatable character I felt a connection to. Jake was a genuinely good guy, nice but not clingy. The corny puns between these two were hilarious and cringy. i’m not often a fan of Instalove, but it worked with these two. Jake really new how to reassure Naya, intuitively. as a survivor of an emotionally abusive marriage myself I thought the subject matter was handled extremely well. The gaslighting, the manipulation, the undermining, hard things to get over. Naya is an intelligent, confident, strong woman who found herself in a bad situation. It always is very cathartic for me to read about characters like this in books takes away the stigma of being a victim of abuse. Jake was such a safe place for Naya. I kept thinking please please do not let our girl down. Now I will say Jake was not perfect and there are some hiccups, but I think those hiccups helped Naya grow even stronger. A beautiful love story that tugged at my heart.

this book in emojis 👩‍🏫 🍷 🍦 🎂 🥋 🏀 🧀

*** Big thank you to Berkley for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

When Naya's friends convince her to forget about her stress with work and to get out of her slump, she ends up at a bar alone with a different kind of to-do list. That's where she meets Jake. He's nothing like her abusive ex-boyfriend. He makes her laugh and helps build up her confidence. The problem? Her dating Jake could destroy her career. She has two options. Does she stay with Jake who makes her feel more like herself than ever? Or protect her professional relationship and return to her old life?

How to Fail at Flirting was not what I expected, in a good way! It was fun, sweet, and charming. While also being touching and emotional. I really loved the dialogue and the endless jokes between Naya and Jake. The story was really well told and unfolded wonderfully. Naya could definitely be frustrating at times but it never got so frustrating that it pulled me out of the story. The way you learn about her abusive ex-boyfriend was drawn out and not a rushed story which I loved.
Did I mention steamy? Yea. It's steamy and I loved it!

First, let me say wow! Just wow. I was expecting this cute rom-com girl meets boy type of story. How to Fail at Flirting introduced us to Dr. Naya Turner a professor who specialized in mathematics. Naya was just like me in certain respects. What woman has not had a terrible relationship in their lives and carried the scars and baggage?

Naya is encouraged to step out of her comfort zone by her two best friends. She goes to a bar and meets Jake and sparks fly pretty much immediately. Their first date was so cute! Naya is having fun and enjoying this newfound attraction to the handsome Jake. Ms. Williams decides to throw us a curveball when Naya's horrible ex Davis resurfaces. Without any spoilers, Davis is the scum of the earth. I could literally feel Naya's fear and anxiety through the pages when Davis started texting her. I was scared for Naya. The last half of the book had me on high alert. Heart beating fast and staying up well past midnight on a work night so I could finish.

Denise Williams crafted a beautiful story with relatable characters and she did not shy away from certain topics like toxic relationships, the struggles women of color face in the workplace, and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Please keep writing. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

After an abusive relationship, Naya has started withdrawing from life and avoids social gatherings as she is not quite ready to jump back into dating. After a particularly stressful day at her demanding job as a professor, Naya decides to enjoy a night out with her best friends. When her friends are unable to join her, Naya braves the bar alone and ends up meeting the charming and handsome Jake. As the night progresses, Naya is reminded of the good side of love, the laughter and fun that comes with falling in love. Slowly Naya starts to come out of her shell and starts to feel comfortable again however things quickly become complicated and Naya's safety net starts to crumble, When her relationship has the potential to put her job in jeopardy, Naya must face a difficult choice. Does she choose the safe, lonely life she has grown to accept or does she take a leap and trust in her newfound confidence to face the unknown.
How to Fail at Flirting is a funny, heartwarming debut novel that is sure to be a hit with romance readers. Naya is a strong hard working woman who is dealing with issues stemming from an abusive relationship that many readers will be able to relate to. Jake makes for a swoon worthy romantic interest with plenty or calm patience and witty dad jokes that help Naya feel safe and comfortable trusting again. The romance between Jake and Naya is full of heat and lust that develops quickly into something deeper. While the romance takes center stage, Williams expertly delves into more serious topics involving domestic abuse and gas lighting. I highly recommend How to Fail at Flirting for romance readers looking for a new author to add to their must read list.

This story featured Naya, a woman who was learning to trust herself and feel safe again after being in an abusive relationship. If you’ve ever had a friend or known someone who is shedding that past and rising like a Phoenix, then you will connect with this story.

The Hero was everything you would want in a man. Jake was patient, sexy, funny and consistent. He was a hard worker but he really listened to Naya and affirmed her. I was cheering, smiling and just feeling so hopeful as I read this one. Denise Williams, whom I’ve never read before, did a great job telling this story. I enjoyed this book so much. I definitely recommend this book to all contemporary romance readers who believe there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you @berkleyromance for a copy of How to Fail at Flirting and exchange for an honest review. #partner

I went into this book expecting firework romance but ended receiving a lot more. I love the way Denise Williams have taking me to this wonderful, sweet, cheesy and serious ride. I couldn’t put this book down once I started.

What I liked:
-Naya like a papaya is smart, a survivor, and stronger than she gives herself credit for. I liked her from the beginning. I was jealous that she had an amazing BFF like Felicia.
-Jake is McSteamy and couldn’t get enough of that boy. 😆🤫 I love his nerdy and sweet nature.
-Even though, Naya and Jake had their packages but I love them together.
-I wasn’t expecting this book to take a serious turn but I thought it was executed perfectly. I liked that Williams did not rush the important topic which made it felt more believable.
-I knew this book would have a happy ending but I was still nervous as hell in a good way of course.


What I did not like:
-The cheesy or dad jokes at times were too much.

I would strong recommend this book if you are looking for adorable couple, entertaining and will most definitely have at edge of your sit.

⚠️ Domestic Violence

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Pub for the complimentary arc of this title.

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams was a really great fun and yet very substantive romance. Naya is a Professor whose department is being threatened with funding cuts. As she fears for her future she and some friends make a To Do Bucket list for Naya to get out in the world and live a little. Enter Jake who she meets at a bar and proceeds to work on her list with.

This story at its heart is about a woman who is a victim of domestic abuse and how she slowly rebuilds herself. The book has some fantastic banter between the hero and heroine. But beyond that the mental process that the heroine goes through just feels so authentic and genuine. And if steam is your thing this book delivers 100%.

Another aspect of the book I enjoyed is Naya's discussions of her mixed heritage. She is Black, Irish and Mexican and often feels as though she really doesn't fit in anywhere. As someone who is also of mixed heritage, this line of thought really spoke to me.

I will caution that this is not a cutesy fun rom com. This book tackles some serious issues and does an excellent job with it.

TW: Domestic abuse

How to Fail at Flirting by is a sexy story with a serious subplot that gives it more depth than your typical rom-com.

Dr. Naya Turner has been in a rut since her breakup with her abusive ex, so her best friend Felicia challenges her to create a to-do list with things like let a guy buy her a drink, have a no-strings attached hook up, and try something new on it to help break her out of it. On her first night out, Naya meets Jake who's in town on business and there's an instant connection and she finds herself coming alive again. Soon, what they both swore would just be casual starts to veer toward a real relationship but when Naya's ex re-enters her life, his menacing presence threatens to ruin everything.

Nothing is sexier to me than some smart banter and Naya and Jake's repartee is beyond! Their conversations and text exchanges are smart and flirty and I couldn't get enough. I also loved Naya's relationship with Felicia and her husband Aaron (who also happens to be Naya's ex) - the friends pull no punches with one another - and how Williams handles race. The story of Naya's abuse was heartbreaking and it was gratifying to see her come into her own again and find love with a man who truly appreciates her.

If you're looking for a love story that's steamy with heart, How To Fail At Flirting is it.

Thanks to Berkley Publishing and the author for an advanced copy to review.

This book had me unexpectedly emotional. I related to Naya more than I care to admit, and it had me crying. We are even afraid of the same thing - butterflies!
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I absolutely loved the ease of Naya and Jake's relationship/situationship. Leaving a bar with a hot stranger to get ice cream? Best idea ever. And cheese puns and dad jokes are practically my love language. Combine all that with my love of list making and you have pretty much written my perfect Rom-Com.
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Check.
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Naya's ex abuser Davis was perfectly written, his nastiness was very real and believable, as was her resulting trauma.
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I would love to see this as a movie, even though it would probably destroy me a little.

Thoughts 💭

This one is so good!!! But please be warned that it’s a little heavier than your run-of-the-mill romance, as Naya navigates her life post abusive relationship. My favorite parts of this were the portrayal of that time. Healing isn’t linear. It wasn’t for me, I’m not still not perfectly healed and that’s ok 🤗 we all move at our own pace and I think the author took a lot of care in writing that portion of the story.

I would’ve liked to see a bit more of Naya’s job as well as the secondary characters, who seemed fabulous but we didn’t get much development there.

Lastly, if ya like steam you’ll be pleased with this one 🔥

Bottom line: definitely recommend!!!!

Overall: The abusive ex situation was not for me, but the nerdiness was.

Pros:
The pairing as a a pair. Jake and Naya have excellent chemistry together.
The tropes and how they’re played in this one.
The absolute nerdiness of the characters.

Cons:
Naya’s abusive ex. I know, this is an odd con; however, it was very difficult to read about and takes up more of the story than the synopsis leads you to believe.

An uplifting, hopeful, romance for grown-ups.

Naya Turner, an academic who has passion for her work and career, is loveable and memorable as a character. Throughout the book, I was rooting for her to land on solid career ground, and find love and fulfillment, and preferably with Jake!

We are all damaged at some level and Naya (like Papaya) has been through some challenging times. Despite her inner strength, she dated a narcissist and abuser who enjoyed breaking her down emotionally and still haunts her thoughts. So when she meets Jake in a bar, he lights up her every nerve ending, and they start what is initially a fling and rapidly so much more, it’s her own thought process and fear she’ll have to overcome in order to find fulfillment.

Naya is a strong, smart, savvy and so relateable as a character. She’s been through the wringer and made some mistakes, but she’s trying to move on, despite the challenges. In fact, she is anything but a victim.

Also congrats to Denise Williams for a romance novel that I believe passes the Bechdel test (not every conversation out loud or in Naya’s head is about the dude – even if he’s cute and the sex is steaming hot!).

A big juicy five star romantic, uplifting, inspiring and touching read.

I connected with Naya so much! This was such a great mix of rom-com (which I'm not really a fan of) and a deep contemporary romance.

Cannot recommend it enough!

How to Fail at Flirting was the contemporary romance book that I didn’t know I needed. Naya, like a papaya, doesn’t leave her comfort zone as a professor who is working on getting tenure. That is, until her friends challenge her with a “to-do” list to get her life back on track. While at a bar waiting for her friends who end up canceling on her due to a family emergency, she meets sweet and nerdy Jake, who is in town for a friend’s wedding. Together, they start to check things off of her list while making a lasting connection with each other. Like any good rom-com, complications arise and Naya has choices to make – return to her old life or flirt with the unknown and stay with the person who makes her feel like she’s finally living again. I loved reading about Naya and Jake’s relationship – especially watching them grow as a couple. I think Jake earns a spot on the #bookcrushestobringhometomama list as he’s so patient, kind, and challenges Naya to be her best self. When problems inevitably arose in their relationship, they were able to push past them together for what was most important – each other. I’m not sure what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but it certainly delivered and has the depth that I need to enjoy a romance. Highly recommend!

This was very cute - the characters had top notch, adorable, witty banter back and forth the entire book. Don’t be deceived by the cute title and cover - this book addresses some tough issues such as racism, sexism and physical/emotional abuse from a past relationship. Overall I really enjoyed this - Jake is a fantastic book boyfriend and Naya is the strong, female lead we need.

CW: physical and emotional abuse from a previous relationship.

I work at a university, and it was refreshing to read a romance novel framed by this setting. The anxiety over budget cuts, wanting to teach students who can’t be bothered to pay attention in class, and excitement about research were all things that I can relate to on a deeper level, and were well represented in this book. Naya is a relatable character, and even if you don’t work in higher education, I think that she has aspects of her personality that everyone can relate to. She’s recovering from an abusive relationship that ended three years earlier, and it’s clear right off the bat that she still doesn’t trust herself to make good decisions in love.  

Jake was quite the sweet romantic interest. He’s hilarious with his puns (the word “adorkable” comes to mind), and he’s the perfect match for Naya. He’s the polar opposite of her abusive ex. Jake and Naya’s back and forth and cheesy jokes (that are so Gouda) is the epitome of witty banter.

This isn’t the first time I’ve thought that a romance book hasn’t been given the right title. “How to Fail at Flirting” makes the book seem like a rom com, and while there are funny parts, this is more about Naya learning to trust again three years after breaking up with an abusive ex-boyfriend. An ex-boyfriend who’s back in her life, introducing quite a bit of suspense to the plotline. Also, I wouldn’t say that she’s “failed at flirting” when the second time she flirts in the book she meets her love interest, a love interest who’s very into her style of flirting. Just saying. I was expecting many more awkward flirting moments (like open-mouthed gaping bystanders and wishing-a-hole-would-swallow-you-up level of awkward). If anything, this book should be called “How to fail at dating” because she self-sabotaged quite a bit, particularly early on in their relationship.

The side characters were also engaging, though there weren’t many of them. Aside from the abusive ex, Naya’s best friend and her husband were solid supporting characters, providing just enough push for Naya to get out of the rut she’s been in since ending it with her ex.

Returning to the dating pool is a scary prospect for Naya who's avoided it for years. Upon her two best friends' urging, she promises to shake things up and do things that she wouldn't ordinarily do. They make a plan for her first night out and wouldn't you believe it, her friends have to bail on her. But not everything goes bust because she meets Jake and he is that guy who's too good to be true. They hit it off and Naya finds herself experiencing lots of firsts with this unbelievably cool and hot looking guy by her side.

This story features a lovely romance between two people who have been burned by past relationships so they're entering into this with a some hesitancy. Nay and Jake are very relatable, normal people you'd recognize in your own friend group. Naya's painful secret, though came as a bit of a surprise to me because its revelation kind of sneaks up on you. Her last relationship was unhealthy - her ex was abusive and would gaslight her at every turn. Williams remarkably shows Naya's fragility as she wrestles with her doubts and tries not cast Jake in the same light. But since her ex screwed with her confidence it's understandably tough to get that voice out of her head. And now that very man who hurt her is back working on the same campus as she is and is up to all his old tricks. She refuses to let Jake know what's going on, maintaining in her mind that she can handle herself. I totally empathized with Naya wanting to be self-reliant and stronger, which is why she doesn't let anyone know the full depth of her fear. Then there's also an element of shame. She's this brilliant woman and a exemplary professor. She's supposed to be smart enough to not be a victim. Once again, I hand it to Williams for allowing her character to be all these conflicted and vulnerable emotions. The latter portion of the books follows Naya's struggle to maintain composure as she fights for the survival of her department and her new relationship, all while she also has to ward off the man who threatens her happiness and safety. All she has to do is trust Jake with the truth but trust is a commodity that's so precious and since it was broken before, she can't quite get there just yet. Trust is a strong running theme in this story.

How to Fail at Flirting was a quick and satisfying read for me. I was amazed by Denise Williams' ability to strike an impressive yet delicate balance between the jovial and steamy moments, and the serious undertone of partner violence. I do recommend this book but it might be tough for some readers due to some of the triggering content (listed below). Rest assured that Naya does end up stronger in the end and has her moment of triumph which frees her from her terror. That alone is the ultimate happily ever after!

Thank you to Berkley, Netgalley and Denise Williams for the [gifted] ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Professor Naya Turner is so focused on killing it at her job, that well… the rest of her life has been neglected. After her friends create a to do list to help her reclaim her life, Naya ditches her cardigan for a night out on the town. She meets a handsome stranger who is in town on business, he seems like the perfect guy for her to practice flirting with. But Jake and Naya have undeniable chemistry and they can’t seem to stop texting each other…

I adored this book! I tore through it in a day because I just couldn’t get enough of Jake and Naya. They have the best cheese puns and dad jokes that left me smiling as I read. Their chemistry was great and the issues that their relationship faced were realistic and not unreasonable.

Naya’s personal growth throughout the book had me rooting for her. The reactions and trauma from her past abusive relationship had me wanting to just give her a massive hug and find her a therapist. I loved how supportive Naya’s friends and Jake were once they learned about the abuse she’d suffered.

If you’re a fan of romances with real life issues, then definitely pick up this one!

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