Reviews

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

hsecen's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.5

I’ve been back and forth on my feelings about this book. There were certainly some great parts to this book, but I also found myself frustrated over character choices and I never like that in a reading experience.
So first, the things I enjoyed. I say this about so many books I read, but Jake and Naya definitely had some really good chemistry. A big part of this book was that Naya was pushing herself out of her comfort zone. She definitely comes across as quiet and timid in the beginning so for her to take that leap and make a connection with Jake, they needed to really make sense together. I thought their banter was done very well and it absolutely made sense for them to work as a couple.
Now for the things that frustrated me. Naya has definitely been through some traumatic things in her past so I understood some of her hesitancy. But there was quite a bit of lack of communication even with smaller details and I just never understand why characters think it’s better to not share.
There was quite a bit of this book that was just Jake and Naya getting to know each other and grow closer. I wouldn’t totally classify this as a plot driven book. But because I knew as a reader that there were things that needed to be addressed, I just kept holding my breatb waiting for the other shoe to drop. So I liked the growing relationship bits but I would’ve loved it more with better communication.
Overall, it’s a pretty good book. There are some heavier topics addressed in this book, and for sure by the end, I was happy with where Naya ended up mentally, and emotionally, but her journey there was a lot.

anjalisudarsan's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Naya and Jake's chemistry in this book was too good! I loved all the spicy scenes, it was timed perfectly and was packed with so much passion - I could feel it as a reader. I kind of understood Naya's character traits really well too, like where it was coming from and why she was so scared of falling in love. It was great to see a woman that didn't need a man to 'save' her - she saved herself and changed the way she sees love. That was inspirational to me.

shelbymarie516's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

ok, I loved this. The student that comes back at the end was such a good break to the love and drama. I appreciate how she wrote about the hard things from race to abuse but does it with such care!! Denise Williams, I cannot wait to devour the rest of your books...

annaconaway19's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted reflective fast-paced

3.25

bookish_emily's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Naya Turner is a survivor of an abusive relationship, and has been burying herself in her work. When her friends challenge her to create a bucket list to get out of her shell, at first she resists the idea. But when following the list causes her to have an incredible encounter with a sexy stranger, it doesn't seem like such a bad idea after all. Will she be brave enough to continue the relationship with Jake, or will she retreat right back into her comfort zone at the first sign of trouble?

How to Fail at Flirting deals with some heavy topics - domestic violence, women experiencing workplace harassment - but it still manages to be a fun and sexy romance. It's impossible not to root for Naya to overcome her insecurities and let herself love again, and it's refreshing to bask in Jake's respectfulness and decency towards her. I look forward to reading more from Denise Williams in the future!

ellahubbrd's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

basically just porn
not my thing

ebrooket's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

roebschter's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

4.5

pjbookworm's review against another edition

Go to review page

1.0

DNF. Was expecting a light hearted funny book based on blurb and title. This is NOT.

askelizabeth's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This book was such an easy read. Wasn’t anything deep, but gave you the feels. Did touch on the subject of abuse, however, she wrote about it as tastefully as possible. Love hearing about someone getting the help they needed! 🙂