Review - How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

 Ugh, this book gave me ALLL THE FEELS!!! I picked this up from my library's new releases shelf because I thought I had seen some people talking about it, but the blurb didn't really seem like something I'd be that interested in. Boy, was I wrong! I can't believe this is the first book that Denise Williams has published, it was so well done (not that debuts can't be, it just seemed like expert-level writing to me.) 

So, big content warning: Naya, the main character (first person POV) has been abused (physically, emotionally, sexually) by her ex. This is explored a lot, just a head's up, and it really shapes her new relationship and her life in general (as it would, let's be real). 

Naya is a professor who is almost to tenure. She loves her job, and after her abusive ex it is basically her whole life. One night her friends convince her to go out, then have to bail unexpectedly. A handsome stranger starts flirting, and what was supposed to be a one-night-stand turns into something more. However, when it comes to light that being in a relationship with Jake means she is putting her career in jeopardy Naya has to decide what she truly wants for her life.

This book is pretty steamy and also pretty angsty. The romance is pretty central, but I think you could also make the case for it being women's fiction, since the true heart of the story is Naya finding herself again and rebuilding after her ex's influence. Eh, I'd say it rides the line, probably a little of both. Jake is such a great love interest *sigh*. 

I definitely recommend How to Fail at Flirting (I couldn't put it down) and I can't wait to read Denise William's next book! 

Review - Enjoy the View by Sarah Morgenthaler

 Gah! Normally closed-door contemporary romances are NOT my thing, but Sarah Morgenthaler just hits the sweet spot every time! Enjoy the View is the third book in her Moose Springs, Alaska series, and just like the previous two, I loved this one. Morgenthaler does such an astonishing job of writing characters that you can't help but fall in love with. 

River Lane is a Hollywood actress who is pushing thirty and trying to break in to directing, and so the opportunity to make a documentary about small-town Moose Springs, Alaska is too good to pass up. What she didn't plan on was everyone in the town doing their best to thwart all of her attempts. When Easton Lockett, a local mountain-climbing guide offers to take her and her crew up the daunting Mount Veil, she knows it could be her best chance to get the footage she needs. She also can't help but hope to explore more of the chemistry between her and Easton, either.

River is a great heroine. She is driven and focused, and so no-nonsense. Easton is someone we met in previous books, so it was nice to get to know him better as well. I loved every bit of their relationship. There was no beating around the bush, they were both completely honest about their feelings (which is sometimes very refreshing). The external conflict of climbing the mountain was so high-tension and so much fun to read, and the HEA, which seemed pretty impossible, was definitely worth it!

I love all of these books, and I can't wait to read the next one!