... spectacularly rendered ... Naya is very much the heroine of her own story, but Williams’ careful handling of trauma and defense mechanisms adds some complex layers to this already inspiring and well-developed character ... Emotional abuse can be hard to quantify, but without showing it to us in a voyeuristic way, she is able to perfectly tabulate its effects on Naya and her relationships ... As Naya’s romance with Jake develops, readers are treated to scenes that are as funny as they are emotional, as sexy as they are sensual ... What makes How to Fail at Flirting so successful is not only the swoony, steamy romance, but seeing how Naya learns to fall in love with herself and demand to be treated the way she deserves. This is a cathartic, knockout hit that will remind readers everywhere that consent, autonomy and equality are some of the sexiest parts of any romance, and that gouda cheese puns are always useful in queso emergency.
Naya’s painfully realistic and palatable fear over her ex and the damage he still manages to inflict on her rings throughout her first-person narration in this debut rom-com from Williams featuring two fully realized, emotionally mature characters who support and respect each other. Jake does not cause Naya’s personal growth but rather reminds her of joy in a life with the volume turned up, inspiring her to take necessary steps on her own ... With a deeper emotional punch than expected, Williams’s banter-filled romance makes her an author to watch.
... steamy and intelligent ... Academia is vividly portrayed, and readers will await the next book from Williams, a talented debut author and a PhD herself.
... a quirky, delightful rom-com ... Through the subsequent ups and downs, Jake remains an empathetic and swoon-worthy hero. Jam-packed with laugh-out-loud banter and heart-fluttering romance, this is a knockout.
... a strong character study of Naya, a deeply sympathetic character who is worried about her professional future and personal happiness. However, the pacing is off-kilter. Although big conflicts are introduced, they stay on the back burner for most of the book. Naya worries about her job, perseverates about her decision to date Jake, and ignores the rising threats from her ex, but she doesn’t take action until she has no other choice. Jake seems like a nice guy, but without his point of view, he’s a cipher with less clear motivations and feelings ... Heavy themes and uneven pacing might surprise readers expecting a flirty rom-com.
