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HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING

Denise Williams

At times hilarious, at times heart-tugging, always smart and sexy, THE OPPOSITE OF ORDINARY by Denise Williams is an irresistible rom-com for fans of Kristan Higgins, Kevin Kwan, and Jasmine Guillory.
With her flailing department on the university's chopping block and her last relationship a disaster in the rearview mirror, Professor Naya Turner lets her friends convince her to work on something other than her tenure application. Tenure is still most important, of course, but her new to-do list has a few additions, like flirt with a bartender, let a stranger buy you a drink, and have a one-night stand. And Jake, a friendly, charming guy in town for work, offers the perfect opportunity to check these all off at once. Except nothing can be that easyJake makes her laugh and rebuilds her confidence, and soon Naya doesn't want him to be a one-night-stand at all. And that job he's in town for? Turns out his firm will be deciding who stays and who goes in the university's upcoming reorganization. To make matters worse, Naya's abusive ex - and former coworker - returns to campus threatening to ruin her professional reputation. With everything she's ever worked for at stake, Naya must figure out if there's a way to save her career while staying open to the guy who makes her feel like she's finally living again. Denise Williams is the administrator in multicultural student affairs at Iowa State University and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses periodically. She also regularly does diversity/inclusion/social justice training, with a focus on people examining their own thought processes to make them better professionals and communicators. She is on the National Advisory Council for the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education and on the editorial board for the Journal Committed to Social change in Race and Ethnicity. In addition to helping college students navigate higher education in and out of the classroom, she has a passion for telling stories. After growing up a military brat around the world and across the country, Denise now lives in Iowa with her husband, son, and two ornery shih-tzus who think they own the house.
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Published 2020-12-01 by Jove / Berkley

Comments

Denise Williams makes a fully realized, emotionally nuanced debut with HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING... The romantic scenes veer from steamy to swoony as Williams layers the physical attraction with the deeper spark and naturalism that belies the fact this is a debut novel... HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING is a warm romance that bursts with realism and celebrates the symbiotic power of love and healing.

Denise Williams's HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING is absolutely SPECTACULAR!! Ripe with serious, real-life drama, teeming with playful banter, rich with toe-curling passion, full of heart-melting romance... Her debut grabbed me on page one and held me enthralled until the end, when I promptly started re-reading to enjoy the deliciousness again.

Williams debuts with a quirky, delightful rom-com... Jam-packed with laugh-out-loud banter and heart-fluttering romance, this is a knockout.

HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING is a charming and compelling debut from Denise Williams that's as moving as it romantic. Williams brings the banter, heat, and swoons, while also giving us a character who learns that standing up for herself is as important--and terrifying--as allowing herself to fall in love. Put "Read HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING" at the top of your to-do list!

Naya and Jake's relationship is both sexy and sweet as these two people, who love their work but are not skilled at socializing or romance, find their way forward. Academia is vividly portrayed, and readers will await the next book from Williams, a talented debut author and a PhD herself.

HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING is One of Paste Magazine's Best Pandemic Comfort Reads Chosen by Authors One of Penguin Random House's The ReadDown's Books About Black Joy to Add to Your Bookshelf One of Culturess's 5 Debut Romance Novels to Have on Your Spring TBR. A Goodreads' Choice Awards 2021 Nominee for Best Romance One of Pop Sugar's 17 Romance Books by BIPOC Authors For Your TBR Pile

Oprah magazine named HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING one of 38 Romance Novels That Are Set to Be the Best of 2020.

HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING delivers on every level. It's funny, sexy, heartwarming and emotional. With its engaging, loveable characters, fresh plot, and compelling narrative, I did not want to put it down! It's in my top reads of the year for sure!

Oprah magazine named HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING one of 38 Romance Novels That Are Set to Be the Best of 2020.

HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING is a powerhouse romance. Not only is it funny and charming and steamy, but it possesses an emotional depth that touched my heart. Naya is a beautiful and relatable main character who is hard-working, loyal, spirited, and determined to move on from an abusive relationship. It was thrilling to see her find her power in her personal life, her career, and through her romance with Jake. And I cheered when she claimed the happily ever after she so deserved.

The warmth in Denise Williams's writing is unmistakable, as is her wit. She tackles difficult subjects, difficult emotions, with such empathy and thoughtfulness. Best of all: Jake is just the type of hero I love - sexy, smart, sweet, and smitten.