How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams is a perfect fit for readers who enjoy heartwarming, humorous, and emotionally resonant contemporary romance stories that explore themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships, particularly those who appreciate a strong, Type-A protagonist overcoming past traumas and finding love in the process.

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How to Fail at Flirting
By: Denise Williams 
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Pub Date: 12/1/2020

Have you ever had a character that just makes you want to scream?!? For me that was Naya. I just wanted to be able to step in and stand up for her. 
After an abusive relationship Naya Turner has closed herself off not only to other men but to people in general. She has backed away from everything, friends, colleagues…everyone. Enter Jake, his company has been hired by Naya’s university to assess their financial situation. Their attraction is instant. Naya is being brave, intended for a one night stand only for it to turn into way more. Unfortunately Davis, the abusive ex, has been hired by her university. He begins to harass Naya relentlessly. Which starts to mess with her head. She can’t seem to get a handle on being scared and defeated when it comes to Davis. When things come to a head and Jake steps back.  After their fight Davis tries to slide right in. Can Naya work up the courage to shut him down for good? Can she save this new relationship with Jake that she wants more than anything? 
Thanks to Denise Williams, Berkeley and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is one of my favorite romances of all time and Denise is now an autobuy author. The way Denise is able to write emotionally rich characters, with personal struggles, while simultaneously delivering excellent banter is a true craft.

Denise Williams truly doesn't miss! I loved this book and the fun premise. It has top-notch banter and great chemistry. I highly recommend her books to every romcom lover!

Too good. I had all the emotions. I would recommend this to everyone. One of the few books I read twice. I loved their relationship, the rollercoaster, and the fact I want Jake as my OTP.

Started strong. Ended strong. The middle lost me.

Dad jokes galore and the flirting is fantastic. Their banter is so freaking adorable. And then it’s all kinds of steamy. Maaaybe a little too steamy. That’s part of what lost me in the middle. It was actually too much sex. I wanted them to stop and actually have proper conversations. They have such serious backstories and there was desperate need for deeper connection but it’s always brushed aside and that went on way too long. I’m not a fan of characters just continuously ignoring things while the author also constantly mentions them ignoring the things. It was a drag.

The ending gave some much needed relief and vindication. I was just happy that they finally got everything out and the resolutions everyone deserved.

CW: Domestic abuse, physical and emotional, and attempted rape.

This is a true romcom full of cute banter, but it also has some depth.. Loved this one and will be highly recommending. I will definitely be on the lookout for future books by Denise Williams.

The absolute angst and edging in this book... I hate love the slow burn romance. Honestly I usually hate that as a trope, but it was done so well that I was anticipating the slightest touch, kiss, even conversation...

The discussions about body positivity and healthy nutrition and working out was brilliantly done. I cannot believe this book sat on my shelf for so long!

TW: Drug and alcohol abuse, discussion of disorded eating, fatphobia

The cover suggested a rom-com type read, but it didn't deliver. I couldn't connect to the story and book in general and it was sadly a DNF for me. As I did not finish, I won't be reviewing on our blog. Thank you for the copy.

When Naya and Jake meet, sparks instantly fly. But as they continue to get to know each other, obstacles keep appearing in their way. Denise Williams created a cast of characters that I wanted to keep getting to know and was rooting for the whole time. Readers should be aware that this book does discuss abuse in past relationships.

This one is not as light hearted as the blurb and the cover make it seem. I figured there would be some ex drama but not to the extent that there was in this one.

I also do not enjoy when an MC has friends that push her to do unsafe things that she really doesn’t want to do and has to be basically forced into. Especially casual sex. If you want to then fine, but that’s not something your married best friends should be talking you into. Especially when they say they’ll be at the bar with you and then both bail out? That’s a naw from me

This book isn't your typical romance, and I would warn anyone going into it that it's not a a light rom-com. It tackles some serious issues, but still manages to incorporate the cute, feel-good romance that we associate with other classic rom-coms.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story, and I absolutely LOVED Naya and Jake. Their relationship made me so happy because it was so cute, and their interactions always made me smile.

Without spoiling anything, I will say that one thing I loved was that we saw Naya transform into such a strong character, and seeing her stand up for herself was such a YES moment.

I really enjoyed this one, and can't wait to pick up the author's other books!

P.S. This book gave me similar vibes to The Flatshare, so if you liked that then you'll probably enjoy this!

This one had been on my shelves for far too long, honestly. But what better month to pick up a rom/com written by a Black author than February? Valentines Day AND Black History Month, hellloooo, this was the perfect book to be on my TBR.

It was super duper cute, too, the steamy scenes were perfectly written (although I would have LOVED more steam) and I'm pretty sure I have a new book boyfriend here, because I literally fell in love with Jake's character and how sweet and attentive he was towards Naya. I simply loved him.

This book can definitely be a bit triggering as well, it does feature domestic violence (NOT between Jake and Naya, obv) but I really hated Davis for his constant gaslighting and abuse against Naya. He was literally the worst, and Denise Williams is a master at writing unlikeable characters because homeboy sucked. I was so glad he got his karma in the end, but it honestly wasn't enough, IMO. Naya was in such a tough position at her job because of that asshole, but she was such a wonderfully written character in the sense that she WAS strong, and she DID work hard to get to where she was and she was determined to not let Davis define her. A complete badass.

I loved the secondary characters here, too, Naya's besties were wonderfully written, and I loved the banter back and forth. I'm looking forward to picking up Denise's next book!

How to Fail at Flirting is Denise Williams' debut romance novel. Professor Naya Turner is shaken to learn that Davis, an abusive ex, is back in town the same week she discovers her job may be in jeopardy. Naya’s kept a low profile for years after their breakup, and his reappearance sparks a desire to stop hiding and start living. Her friends help her create a list of ways to change her life, which leads her to Jake.

The first chapters of Denise Williams’ debut hooked me instantly. I really enjoyed her writing style and found it to be the perfect mix of funny, engaging, and emotional. In so many ways this is Naya's book more than Jake's, as she learns to rebuild her confidence in the aftermath of an abusive relationship. I'll also mention here that the abusive ex shows up and there are some triggering moments so I'd encourage readers to look up CWs.

Because of Naya's history, it did feel odd to me the times when she and Jake engaged in mocking other women. I didn't love that their meet cute was making fun of women at a bar and that neither seemed to bat an eye at the power imbalance between his almost 40-year-old friend who was marrying a 21-year-old—instead, they made fun of her for being a bridezilla.

This book wasn't a perfect fit for me, but I know so many readers who love it and I think those who go in with the CWs in mind are in for an emotional hard-won romance featuring a heroine you root for. Williams' writing definitely has me excited for her next book!

Despite the heavy subject matter (abuse) there was a great balance of humor to lighten the mood here. This one got into my heart which rarely happens

How to Fail at Flirting is a debut novel by Denise Williams about taking risks and getting a second chance at love.

I love Jake and Naya's meet-cute moment! He gave her back some her confidence and opened her eyes to new possibilities. He was such a sweet and understanding male lead.

This is a story that deals with domestic violence, so though it was light and flirty, Naya had to face her abuser and heal from the trauma that was caused by him.

Denise wrote an enjoyable book that gets heavy with real topics. I hope to read future books by this author.

Absolutely enjoyed this book! Can't wait to read more from Denise Williams. A fun and flirty romp! I absolutely loved Jake and Naya together! Love a book with a strong, accomplished woman. Thank you for the advance copy.

When her flailing department lands on the university's chopping block, Professor Naya Turner’s friends convince her to shed her frumpy cardigan for an evening on the town. For one night her focus will stray from her demanding job and she’ll tackle a new kind of to-do list. When she meets a charming stranger in town on business, he presents the perfect opportunity to check off the items on her list. Let the guy buy her a drink. Check. Try something new. Check. A no-strings-attached hookup. Check…almost.

Jake makes her laugh and challenges Naya to rebuild her confidence, which was left toppled by her abusive ex-boyfriend. Soon she’s flirting with the chance at a more serious romantic relationship—except nothing can be that easy. The complicated strings around her dating Jake might destroy her career.

Naya has two options. She can protect her professional reputation and return to her old life or she can flirt with the unknown and stay with the person who makes her feel like she's finally living again.

Didn't capture my attention and engagement. Interested in trying it again though and hopefully it will take.

I follow the author on social media and she is so lovely, I feel horrible for not connecting with her book. I have seen tons of praise for How to Fail, so I am sure it is just me and my particular taste. I had a hard time with the writing style at first, but then it was the heavy subject matter that took me out of the story. I would love to read another book by this author, though, as I am positive it is a case of the wrong book at the wrong time.

I was so excited for this book, but sadly I was disappointed. I thought the concept sounded fun, but I ended up being bored. The cover is cute though!

Edit: I have since read her second book, The Fastest Way To Fall and I will be re-reading this one. Maybe I just wasn't in the right headspace because Ms. Williams newest book is AMAZING!