DNF about 20% in.

For me, this particular title was a trigger. I was previously in an abusive relationship, and Naya's ex was very much like my previous relationship. Any time interaction with him came on page, it would trigger me.

The writing was lovely, and I plan on trying other titles by this author, but this one is not the one for me.

Well, this is another case of the cute cover and synopsis not showing exactly what this book is about. Be warned: it is not just the sweet rom-com it appears to be

I really liked Naya and Jake. They’re both good people with trust issues and the insta-love happens. I liked the support Naya had in between BFF Felicia and Jake with Tyson and Eric. There are a good amount of characters here, but this is definitely a story of Naya, her growth, and how Jake fits in it.

Plot wise, it was mostly good. The relationship progressed organically and the time jumps were well noted. I would have liked a bit more conversation. Of course, it does make sense why Naya keeps things quiet, but sometimes it seemed liked their talks were really superficial.

As I said at the top, the minor mention of an abusive relationship doesn’t even come close to what happens. The abusive boyfriend comes back into Naya’s life and there are many scenes of them interacting, implied threats, and unwanted touching...and that’s before we get to the build up of the story.

Overall, it was a story I liked with characters who were easy to root for. My main downfall with this book is that I expected something a bit different from what I got.

FYI: manipulation, emotional, and psychological abuse, scenes of slapping, scene of intent to rape, revenge porn

**Huge thanks to Berkley for providing the arc free of charge**

4/5 stars

** I was provided an E-Arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I will start by saying this book gets a little dark, so there are triggers for a past abusive relationship in this book. This starts out light and fluffy romance and slowly progressed into something a little more serious. I loved it, the writing was good, I enjoyed the characters and the plot. Overall I would recommend giving this a read, I really have no negative thoughts on his book.

Content warnings: domestic abuse

Naya Turner is a buttoned-up college professor whose friends dare her to get outside her comfort zone. When she meets Jake Shaw at a bar one night, she flexes her flirting muscles and attempts a no strings attached, no personal details, fling. Whew did that backfire!

I enjoyed this book and really liked Naya as a character. Watching her wrestle with her past and open up was delightful. There were details I didn't love - for example, the storyline with Jake's ex felt like it did not add much to the story arc and was never really resolved. The book overall felt a little too long to me, I thought less space could have been devoted to the beginning of their relationship and the long distance but overall I did enjoy the book.

Thanks to Berkley Romance for an early copy of this book which I won in a contest!

I thought this was a cute read. I interviewed Denise for my podcast and thoroughly enjoyed speaking with her,

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC.

First things first, trigger warnings for inter-personal violence (emotional, verbal and physical abuse).

This book was not what I was expecting going in. Granted I didn’t read the synopsis, but I was expecting a more cutesy book about flirting fails. This book was deeper and deals with how a toxic relationship can continue to have an impact on a person.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Naya and Jake. I liked how it bloomed from a short fling into more.

I would definitely recommend this one, but be aware of that content warning.

3.75 stars

This is a romance with some humor but also a serious side dealing with abusive relationships. Naya is a college professor, passionate about teaching kids math, and on the tenure track. Her work is her whole life. We come to find out this is strongly because her last relationship with a physical and emotional bully stripped her of her confidence, her joy, and her self-esteem.

Her friends are concerned and let her know it's time for her to regain her place in the world. They teasingly come up with a list of things to do to get her back in the game, including flirting with a stranger in a bar. Because she still has safety issues, the plan is to go with a friend. But life intrudes and she finds herself alone in a bar with a handsome stranger.

After the world's most awkward beginning, Naya and Jake continue seeing each other. Naya has put up a lot of fences, but Jake is a kind and aware person who is very clued into Naya's comfort. But then they have a big obstacle to overcome: Jake's job is to come into organizations and institutions and evaluate their viability and Naya's university and so quite possibly her department might be on the chopping block. Not only that, but Naya's old abuser makes an appearance which rocks her new hard-won confidence.

Naya and Jake are very likable characters with real life problems that they have to work hard to resolve. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

How to Fail at Flirting was not at all what I expected but it delivers on a whole other level.⁣
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This book was sweet, sexy, funny, heartwarming and emotional. The last several chapters were intense and almost a bit of a thriller. It was wonderfully written and unputdownable.⁣
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Naya, like papaya is a professor working to get tenure who was in an abusive relationship years ago, who lost part of herself and has been living a quiet, introverted life, staying under the radar until her two best friends Felicia and Aaron make a list of things she needs to do to get her life back.⁣
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While waiting at the bar for her friends to start her list, she meets Jake. Living on the edge they decide to try to check things off her list while Jake is in town for a wedding, only to find that these two are insanely compatible but Naya is still dealing with the fear that weighs her down. ⁣
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The sweet and sultry vibes between these two is swoon worthy and filled with funny banter. Until Naya’s abusive ex tries to insert himself back into her life and beat her down “where she belongs,” according to him and that’s where the intense ending begins; but no spoilers here! ⁣
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Just go read this awesome romcom mixed with a little thriller.⁣
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Trigger Warnings for domestic violence. ⁣
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
Thank you @berkleypub and #netgalley for an ARC for my honest review!⁣ pub date 12/1.
#bookstagram #books #bookcommunity #romcom #romance #dogmom #howtofailatflirting #berkleypub

This book surprised me. I've been reading lots of romance this month and I was pleasantly surprised at the depth this one packed while still adding enough lighthearted love to give me a happily ever after! The characters were well matched and charming and I instantly enjoyed them.

Thank you for allowing me to read this and give my honest opinion.

Naya is a smart college professor who needs to get a life…according to her dearest friends. And the thing is, she agrees. But there are issues in her past that make putting herself out there difficult. Jake is the cinnamon roll hero she meets at a bar who makes her light back up inside.

Such smart and funny debut but also emotionally heavy and intense. I went into this one expecting a feel-good romance but this book also deals with very serious issues. For example, domestic violence and abuse via an ex-boyfriend. So heads up there. But all-around a soft and sexy romance that is sure to please!

Thank you Berkley and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 out of 5 stars - I'll tell you to read it without even asking!

I always enjoy reading books that reference my home state of Iowa, even if all it says is that the main character is from "a small town in Iowa".

This was a great way to throw some focus on a really tough subject, women who are abused. Women can be powerful in their professional lives and yet still be abused (mentally and physically) behind closed doors. This book shows the before, during, and after view from the perspective from someone who had lived through it.

I hope the author wasn't writing from a place of personal experience, but it was written in a way that allowed those who haven't gone through it to understand how it can happen to a strong, independent woman.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this Advanced Reader's Copy.

Wow. This book in one word, was EVERYTHING. I didn’t expect to love reading How I Failed At Flirting so much, but boy oh boy, it literally had all the things I want in a romance novel. I laughed, I cried and cheered for Naya and Jake throughout the story. 💙💙💙

My favorite things about the book :

• Fascinating characters to empathize with
• A cute plot but with unexpected emotional depth
• Plenty of twists and turns to keep the story interesting all along the way
• A couple with swoon-worthy chemistry and charming quirks from both sides
• A female lead who stood against physical abuse, even though it took her a long time to find the strength to do so. Loved her character development.
• A compassionate male lead who isn’t afraid to express his flaws, and tries his best to support the female lead emotionally.

How to Fail at Flirting comes out in two weeks, on December 1st, 2020. I can’t recommend this book enough. 💕

A romance with humor and heart!

Naya is driven when it comes to her career, particularly after leaving her abusive ex-boyfriend three years ago. Since then, she’s been focusing on doing everything she can to achieve her teaching and research goals at her university. She’s worried after learning that her department may be getting cut. After years of hard work she may not have the job she loves any more. Naya’s friends are determined to get her to loosen up and have some fun so they help create a list of things she needs to try - including a hook up with no strings attached. Naya is determined to start checking items off of her list when she meets Jake at a local bar. They have an immediate connection and she feels comfortable in spending one with him...but things quickly become complicated and it seems that more than one night might not be enough.

I loved the interactions between Naya and Jake. They were both so fun together with their flirting and fondness for cheesy jokes. Naya shines with her wit, intelligence and fierce loyalty. Jake is driven, funny, and kind. He is a character with his own complicated past that creates another layer of drama but these two tended to bring the best out of each other. Beyond Jake and Naya I also fell in love with Felicia and Aaron, Naya’s best friends. They added a whole other level of humor to this book that I couldn’t get enough of.

As a trigger warning, there are some scenes that may be tough for some readers as this story deals with both physical and emotional abuse. There were portions of the book that were difficult for me to read at times but I felt the author handled this difficult topic in a way that felt genuine and helped to shine a light on the long lasting effects that physical and emotional abuse can have on a person..

I didn't want this book to end. I read it one weekend and yes, my to-do list for the weekend was not complete thanks to this book!

This book was funny, sweet, sexy and these characters were well written and complimented each other so well. I could see this as a Lifetime Movie someday.

They have both been burned in the past and are typically so cautious but once they meet the sparks fly and they just go with it. I loved every second of reading this book! It had everything you want in a contemporary romance.

Literally about a week before the world changed and we all started living in this weird, surreal reality I heard about a book, How to Fail at Flirting. I read the description and added it to my TBR. It sounds like the kind of romance book that was 100% me. Well I am happy to report that it completely blew away my expectations. It was just magical and perfect and one of my favorite reads of 2020.

How to Fail at Flirting is about Naya Turner. Naya is in a rut. She has been living her life by a checklist and it has gotten her no where fast in her personal life. Sure she loves her job and has worked hard to get where she is, but there is more to life. When she finds out the job she loves is in possible jeopardy her friends convince her to work on a different check list, one that will get her out of her romantic rut and leads her right into the arms of Jake, the unexpected stranger she meets at a bar. Soon Naya is not only fighting for her job but for a connection she didn’t expect. Unfortunately they are tied into each other which is a complication Naya and Jake never saw coming.

There is so much I loved about How to Fail at Flirting. First and foremost, Naya and Jake were the perfect match. They had the best banter and their chemistry was off the charts. They were also there for each other. Where they perfect people? Not even close. They both have their flaws and walls up and secrets, but they are also there for each other when they need to be. They open up when they are ready and don’t push one another. I also really liked how Naya’s relationship with her ex was handled. It wasn’t a good one. It wasn’t healthy and could be a trigger warning for some, but the end result felt truthful and honest. All of that together is what made this book a special read .

Seriously, I love reading a debut from an author. I love reading their first published words and getting to go on a journey they have worked extremely hard for. I love getting to know their characters and their writing style and how they use both to tell a story. But all of that is only part of the reason I fell in love with How to Fail at Flirting. In the end I fell in love with the vibe and the whole package and I think you will too. Definitely not fail at reading this one.

Naya Turner loves her job as faculty professor at the university. Besides her best friends (a married couple), she doesn't get out much. Naya had an abusive ex-boyfriend and isn't quite ready to jump back into the dating game quite yet. Her friends convince her to go out with them one evening and even make her a list of all the things that she should be doing. When her friends fail to show up at the club, Naya meets Jake. His dad jokes and funny sense of humor put her at ease. Will she take a chance on him?

I loved the mute cute between Jake and Naya. Their funny one-liners had me cracking up! And although I'm not a big fan of insta-love, I really enjoyed the relationship between Jake and Naya. But beyond what was supposed to be one-time hook up, Jake and Naya's relationship becomes very complicated. Both Jake and Naya have had difficult relationships in the past and to move forward they have to address them. Not only that, but Jake is involved in the future of Naya's job as professor, which raises all sorts of concerns for Naya.

Overall, I really enjoyed How to Fail at Flirting! Naya was abused by her ex and she had a had a lot of trauma because of it, but I love how she became more comfortable and confident as the storyline progressed. She sought that strength out from within her and I was here for it! Looking forward to reading more from Denise Williams.

CW: Domestic abuse - both physical and emotional

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams was a great read. I have to admit, in the beginning I wasn't sure if I was going to like it but by the halfway point I was hooked. Denise Williams so delicately weaved Naya's story until the very end with a expert touch of quick-witted humor throughout. I felt the love, the pain, the tears, and the laughter. All in all, it was a great read. Well done Denise Williams.

This one totally flipped my expectations. Don’t let the cute cover fool you, this is a heavy book. This is a book about a woman who wants to find love, won’t admit that to herself, and has to learn how to be a person in a relationship again.

So what I loved: the plot, the characters, the writing, the fact that we get eased into the relationship at the perfect pace. The beginning of the story was clearly meant to introduce us to the characters and get us comfortable with Naya’s background, while also slowly adding Jake to her life. We don’t really learn anything about him for a long time, but that’s okay. We don’t really need to know anything about him. I really, really liked that, simply because I was glad to see more of Naya and her life.

What I didn’t love: I wanted more of the other characters. There are a few scenes with friends and colleagues, but I wanted more of them! Not really a serious problem, but I felt like I wanted the world to be a little more fleshed out. Some people would prefer the opposite, but I really did want to see more of their lives. It felt like they deserved it.

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams is a romantic stand alone novel. We meet Naya Turner, our heroine at the start, as she is concerned that she may lose her job. Naya is a Professor close to tenure, who leads a math department that educates teachers on student training. Her department could be dropped; she is a workaholic, and dresses more on the frumpy side. When Naya has dinner with her married friends, Felicia and Aaron, they put pressure on her to start living her life again, and to make a list of things she needs to do. Naya had broken up with her ex abusive boyfriend a few years ago and lives an introverted lifestyle.

In order to check things off of her list, she decides to go to a bar, and meets a charming stranger, who offers her a drink (one of things on her list). Jake Shaw, is in Chicago, attending a wedding/meeting and finds himself enjoying the company of a beautiful and shy young lady, and they decide to go out for ice cream and get to know each other. Of course, they do not tell each other their last names. The fun begins as Jake constantly texts her and wants to go out on a date. The bantering between them was sweet and fun, with Naya slowly gaining more confidence as she starts seeing Jake. Right from the start, I loved Jake and Naya together, as they made a perfect couple, and their chemistry was off the wall.

Problems arise when Naya learns that Jake is part of a group that is helping the University calculate what changes need to be made in all the departments. At first Naya worries that It will harm her, if anyone finds out about her relationship with Jake, but he convinces her otherwise. She is also appalled that her ex is friends with the University President, and he threatens her that he can help or harm her.

What follows is a wonderful, fun, emotional and steamy romance, with a fantastic couple we quickly fell in love with. Naya was a fabulous heroine, who fell hard for Jake, but at the same time was concerned for her reputation if people would find out before the decisions would be made. I thought Jake was great, and he was so caring and loyal, not to mention very sexy. To tell too much more would spoil the fun of this engaging romantic story. How to Fail at Flirting was a delightful engaging story, so very well written by Denise Williams. I fully suggest if you enjoy pure romances, that you read this book.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book. I'll be posting my review on Goodreads and Amazon