A review by savvyrosereads
How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-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

5.0

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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