How to Fail at Flirting

Williams debuts with a quirky, delightful rom-com. Since ending things with an abusive partner, Professor Naya Turner has poured all her energy into her job at Thurmond University, so it’s a wake-up call when her position is placed on the chopping block. Realizing she needs to “get a life,” she devises a to-do list with items including “stand up for myself, take risks, let someone else get me to orgasm” and “trust a man again.” When Naya’s friends bail on a night out at the last minute, she meets charming, pun-loving Jake Shaw and they share a night of spontaneous adventures that ends in Jake’s hotel room—where Naya promptly throws up. Despite the vomit, one night is not enough for Jake, who reaches out for more, leading to a relationship that’s equal parts sugar and spice. But with Naya’s abusive ex back in town, Naya’s lingering trauma puts a wedge in her relationship with Jake. Complicating things further, the dean of Thurmond University hires Jake’s consulting firm to determine which departments to cut, putting Naya’s career in his hands. 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. Agent: Sharon Pelletier, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC. (Dec.)