How to Fail at Flirting: the perfect sexy, heart-warming and emotional romcom

Do not let this cute cover make you think this is just a fluffy romance. While there are certainly some very endearing and sweet moments, How to Fail at Flirting brings to life difficult topics around abusive relationships. Denise Williams does a superb job with this debut novel managing to bring a sweep-you-off-your-feet-romance while having very serious discussions in the background.Naya Turner might lose her job. She's been working eight-plus years towards tenure and now her whole department is at serious risk of being shut down. Meanwhile, her dating life has been nonexistent, so her friends convince her to make a list of all the things she should accomplish dating-wise. Meeting a stranger in a bar and having a drink is definitely one of them, but she couldn't imagine that this would lead her to meet the swoony Jake.Jake is visiting town for a friend's wedding and is completely enthralled by the gorgeous brunette he meets at the bar. Their connection is instant and sparks fly between the two. But, as they start getting comfortable with this relationship and the promise of more they learn that there are so many other strings attached.I loved the chemistry between Jake and Naya, and how the pacing of their relationship feels so real. Even though they have instant chemistry, Denise Williams navigates them from giddy strangers to interested acquaintances, to I-can't-stop-thinking-about-you territory, to true love. It's addicting.For the more serious tones of this book, it can certainly be difficult to read about Naya's ex. But, I feel like this whole plot was dealt with a lot of care and sensibility, and I was overall pleased with the resolution.I was definitely hooked and can't wait to read a lot more from Denise Williams in the future.

No spoilers here. I loved this book. I might read it again. I read it when I felt unwell over anything else. I read it on holiday when I was meant to be napping. Lol.The characters are well-developed. The love feels real and the connection, electric.Definitely recommend this to everyone. Not some light reading either.

Such a heart-warming story! I love the way the author describes how the main character (Naya) is feeling. As I was reading it, I could feel it too. This book made me feel so many things actually... It talks about some serious issues (abusive relationships) but it does so in a lighthearted way and the message is one of positivity, strength and bravery. The juxtaposition of an abusive relationship with a healthy one was done masterfully. Furthermore, Jake (main character as well) is simply the perfect man... the man of every woman's dream! I loved escaping to Naya's and Jake's world and I can't wait for the next novel!

This is a very entertaining story. Humorous, sweet, a little bit emotional, just a touch of drama and all wrapped up with a happy ever after.

Its amazing book. I've already read it 2 time its amazing story I loved it that Naya went out of her comfort zone. The perfect book to read when you want a drama and romance book I would differently think that anyone would like it! Just not for kids aha (under like 14 or maybe 15, that's what I would think). You definitely got to read this !!!

Wow! Read this in two days so very unlike me to not be able to put a book down. Was just such an enjoyable and easy read, the characters were great and I could relate to them. The humour and the way the characters bounced off each other just made me want to keep reading. Ready to find my own Jake :)

Headlines:Good guyFinding your voiceAcademiaWork complicationsThis book has left me so up in my feels, warm, fuzzy and satisfied ones. I feel like this book was written for me because it was a great romance and the protagonist was in academia. You can tell the author navigates this life because as a female PhD myself in a male dominated world, on the endless hamster wheel of teaching and publications, there are endless goal posts.Naya was a superb heroine, flawed and strong, striving and trying to disappear at the same time; I just loved her. This book had definite triggers for some (check out other reviews for trigger warnings or DM me) but that sensitive context really had me drawn in to Naya’s past, her present and future.Let’s talk Jake, a nerd, cute and a great guy. It took time to reveal his character and I liked that I felt in Naya’s position, trying to work him out, was he really a good guy? The cheese was perfection, the chemistry was firey and delightful and the on-page romantics were just right. I really dug how this story played out, the banter, the sweetness, the demonstration of caring.The plot lines were wholly realistic but the romance and the relationship never got lost, in fact, it was the navigation of the relationship alongside real life that made this book. Davis…I have no words, what a disgusting creature he was, he totally gave me the chills and not good ones.I crushed How To Fail At Flirting in less than 24 hours which is pretty good for this woman with a family. Life is full of interruptions but this book had to be prised from my hands to go out for a walk, that was my sacrifice for the day.Do yourself a favour and pick this book up. I simply cannot wait for Denise Williams’ next book.Thank you to Piatkus/Little Brown UK for the review copy.