How to Fail at Flirting

Naya, a professor at the university, was treated very badly by her Ex Davis. And even though she managed to end the relationship three years ago, she changed a lot. Therefore, her friends make a list of things to bring her back to life. Both cancel her for the night out, but her seat neighbor at the bar speaks to her. Jake, a shy, introverted and workaholic nerd, rarely goes out, but when he has a job in Chicago, he goes to the bar and talks to his seatmate. The two get along immediately and even if everything is a bit chaotic, he will help her with the list. Things get complicated when it turns out that he works for the company that is supposed to evaluate their university. Then there's Gretchen and the distance and somehow Davis comes back into Naya's life. And once again, it seems like she's losing everything. We follow Naya exclusively, and even though Jake's feelings are clear to the reader, Naya can't give in for many reasons. To be honest, I even think she is written perfectly. She wants to be strong and yet becomes weak in situations, she wants to defend herself and then she is paralyzed. I think that's a really good illustration of how a toxic relationship can have a powerful impact. Jake is actually a great character who is overwhelmed by the fact that he really falls in love for the first time and therefore reacts childishly. Of course, we also follow the classic narrative that they hurt each other and break up, but I think what happens afterwards is really good. She saves herself because he can't see how helpless she is. And so she understands that she needs real help. The book was fun.