How to Fail at Flirting

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

One daring to-do list and a crash course in flirtation turn a Type A overachiever’s world upside down.

About How to Fail at Flirting

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams is a contemporary romance.

After being emotionally and physically abused by a coworker at her university, Naya, a professor in a failing department, works hard to play down her feminine appearance and keep her personality, thoughts, and feelings on heavy lockdown.

Her BFFs encourage her to make a list – loosen up and take back her independence. After her friends have to bail on meeting her at a bar, Naya dips her toe into that list by flirting with a stranger. She feels so comfortable with Jake that she almost crosses “one night stand” off her list as well.

Naya and Jake feel a real connection and work on making a long-distance relationship work, despite the emotional baggage they’re both carrying.

But, of course, it’s never that easy.

My thoughts about How to Fail at Flirting

This diverse workplace romance thoroughly charmed me. Loved all of the witty banter, especially the bad puns. I know, enjoying puns is a terrible failing of mine. I appreciated the fast-paced writing.

Naya and Jake were so adorkable that I couldn’t help but root for them. I loved that Naya’s friends were supportive, encouraging her to take back her agency after her jerk ex thoroughly demoralized her and ruined her credibility at work.

No slow burn here as Naya and Jake feel an instant attraction which leads to considerable steam.

CW: Deals with the aftereffects of an abusive relationship and the struggles of women in academia.

Your thoughts

Do you have a favorite component in books? Witty banter works like catnip on me every time no matter the genre. Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Other books

I almost suggested three more romances bu then thought, let’s go with the witty banter as the focal point instead.

Kiss My Cupcake by Helena Hunting is an enemies-to-lovers romance between two bar owners. Very opposites attract as his is a sports bar with ax throwing and hers is a cupcake and cocktails boutique lounge. Read my full review.

Network Effect by Martha Wells features a sarcastic cyborg whose job is to protect humans. The cyborg is sarcastic and cranky but secretly harbors a heart of gold. Read my full review.

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones is a cozy mystery series featuring small-town sheriff, Sunny Vikram. Read my full review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC.