Author: Denise Williams
Publication Date: 1 December 2020
Publisher: Berkley
Page Count: 352
Reading Method: Digital ARC
Synopsis:
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.
Review:
Honestly top-notch. How to Fail at Flirting pulled my in from the start and there was never a dull moment throughout. I went into this one expecting a cute romance and was rewarded with so much more. The complexity and layers create a really well-rounded, steamy, and thought provoking read.
Our main character, Naya, left an abusive relationship some years ago and has (understandably) struggled to venture back into the world of dating. After her friends Aaron and Felicia leave her hanging on a planned night out, Naya finds herself in the company of Jake – who happens to be in town for a wedding. Determined to make her way through the list Aaron and Felicia gave her, Naya sets off on a one-night, no strings attached evening with Jake and his awful (awesome) jokes.
The chemistry between Jake and Naya is intense. Mega intense! From the start of their date, I knew I needed more of their banter. But of course there are obstacles. The whole affair was only supposed to be a one night stand, yet they can’t get enough of each other – until they are put into each other’s lives in a new, and challenging, capacity. I swear I’m not trying to be coy, I just don’t want to give anything away!
This story deals with so much and I think it was done very well. There are several twists and situations that don’t play out how you might expect them to – and for that I am grateful. I think this story deals with tough topics in a very healthy way and issues that tend to be glossed over in other books. Overall, I was thoroughly pleased.
I really really loved this book and would highly recommend! A complicated cast of characters, truly terrible jokes, some very steamy scenes, and immense character growth – what more could you want?
You can purchase a copy of How to Fail at Flirting here (amazon) or here (book depository)
Learn more about the author, Denise Williams, here
