Reviews with content warning for Sexual harassment - How to Fail at Flirting

Rating: 5/5 stars

Naya is a college professor who decides to relieve stress from the possible loss of her job by having a one night stand that doesn’t go as planned.

I am writing this review from the middle of what has become a binge of Denise Williams books and I have zero regrets. This was my first title by Denise and I loved it so much—the nuanced way it dealt with domestic violence and trauma, the gorgeous unfolding of Naya and Jake’s love story, and the academic setting all combined to make this one a joy to read.

As a college professor myself, the depiction of Naya’s connection with her students (one in particular but I won’t spoil it) and her clear love of teaching and education made this book so deeply meaningful to me, but I think it will resonate with a lot of different readers. HIGHLY recommend.

Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: academic settings; one-night-stands gone wrong; stories of healing

CW: domestic violence (physical and emotional abuse); gaslighting; misogyny/sexism; racism; sexual violence; mentions of infidelity

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annahamburger's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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lindsm94's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I found this book really slow and even though the characters are relatable, I just could not get into the story. I think it had a good ending with the main character standing up for herself and finding her voice. It is written really well, but not for me. Also trigger warning for domestic violence

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ksuazo94's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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rawrsoobin's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

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ambaldwi's review against another edition

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fast-paced

3.25

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rickireadss's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

WOW WOW WOW. this is my second book by denise and definitely my favorite!! nia and jake just felt so real. like they were imperfect characters, their reactions to certain situations was just so human, and i loved them for it. i honestly wouldn’t change a thing about this book. each of their pasts made me cry ngl - especially nia’s. they were just so cute with each other - the back and forth was so funny and had me giggling and smiling while listening. the spice was phenomenal - jake could GET IT.

⚠️: domestic abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, toxic relationship (fmc and her ex), gaslighting, misogyny, sexual assault (attempted), sexual harassment (workplace), racism, stalking, panic attacks/disorders, infidelity (not mcs), vomit

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