Jasmine Guillory, the New York Times bestselling author known for charming contemporary romances like “The Wedding Date” and “The Proposal,” takes a vibrant step into queer romance with “Flirting Lessons.” This warm, witty novel follows Avery Jensen, an uptight event planner approaching thirty who wants to break out of her shell, and Taylor Cameron, a magnetic winery employee with a reputation for breaking hearts. What begins as flirting lessons evolves into something neither woman expects, creating a romance that feels both fresh for Guillory and perfectly aligned with her signature style.
“Flirting Lessons” maintains all the hallmarks that have made Guillory’s previous works bestsellers—snappy dialogue, well-drawn characters, and an engaging friends-to-lovers plot—while venturing into new territory with her first F/F romance. The result is a book that will satisfy longtime fans while potentially attracting new readers to her work.
Character Development: Two Women Finding Themselves Through Each Other
Guillory excels at creating characters with depth, and “Flirting Lessons” showcases this talent beautifully. The dual protagonist structure allows readers to connect deeply with both women:
Avery Jensen is meticulously organized, careful, and responsible—perhaps to a fault. Her character arc revolves around breaking free from self-imposed constraints:
- Recently out of a disappointing relationship with a man
- Successful in her career as an event planner but feeling stagnant personally
- Wants to explore her attraction to women but lacks confidence
- Struggles with vulnerability and expressing her true feelings
Taylor Cameron presents as carefree and confident but harbors her own insecurities:
- Known for casual relationships that never last
- Feels judged by friends who are settling down
- Harbors secret dreams of opening her own wine bar
- Uses humor to deflect deeper emotions
What makes these characters work so well is how their journeys complement each other. Avery helps Taylor recognize her capacity for commitment, while Taylor helps Avery embrace spontaneity and joy. Their chemistry feels authentic from their first interaction, and their growing connection unfolds at a satisfying pace.
Setting: Napa Valley as a Vibrant Backdrop
The wine country setting provides a lush backdrop that enhances the story without overwhelming it. Guillory clearly knows Napa Valley and uses the setting effectively:
- Noble Family Vineyards creates a realistic workplace for Taylor
- Community spaces like the garden club and pottery studio offer environments for character growth
- The contrast between high-end wineries and more casual local spots mirrors the class and personality differences between characters
The setting also facilitates organic meetings between characters and provides natural spaces for romance to bloom—from wine tastings to community events. Guillory uses these spaces to build not just the central romance but also meaningful friendships that enrich the story.
Standout Elements: What Makes “Flirting Lessons” Shine
The Flirting Lessons Themselves
The premise could have felt gimmicky in less capable hands, but Guillory transforms these “lessons” into meaningful opportunities for character development. The structure provides natural tension and clear milestones in the relationship:
- The bookstore event – Avery’s first step outside her comfort zone
- The salsa dance class – where physical attraction heightens
- The burlesque show – where inhibitions begin to fall away
- The trivia night – where jealousy and deeper feelings emerge
Each lesson reveals more about both characters while advancing their relationship in ways that feel earned rather than forced.
Friendship Dynamics
While the romance takes center stage, the friendship dynamics add richness to the narrative:
- Taylor’s complicated relationship with her pregnant best friend Erica creates meaningful conflict
- Avery’s new friendship with fellow gardener Beth shows her growth
- Luke’s protective friendship with Avery provides perspective
- Taylor’s larger friend group offers both support and challenges
These relationships avoid the common romance novel trap where secondary characters exist solely to advance the main couple’s story. Instead, they feel like fully realized people with their own concerns and development.
Authentic Communication
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is how it portrays authentic communication between partners:
- The characters actually talk about their insecurities
- Misunderstandings get addressed rather than festering
- Sexual consent is negotiated naturally and respectfully
- Emotional vulnerability becomes a strength, not a weakness
This approach feels refreshing in a genre where miscommunication often drives conflict artifically. Instead, Guillory creates tension through genuine emotional barriers that must be overcome.
Areas for Growth: Where the Novel Stumbles
While “Flirting Lessons” delivers a satisfying romance, a few elements could have been stronger:
Conflict Development
The central conflict—fear of vulnerability and commitment—sometimes feels understated. The bet between Taylor and Erica about Taylor staying celibate until Labor Day creates initial tension but fades in importance. Similarly, the wager about Taylor and Avery’s relationship lasting provides external conflict but doesn’t fully explore the deeper emotional stakes.
Pacing in the Final Act
The final third of the book moves somewhat rapidly through significant emotional territory. The confrontation between Taylor and Erica, while satisfying, might have benefited from earlier development. The resolution comes together quickly after significant buildup, which slightly diminishes the emotional impact of the climactic scene.
Secondary Plot Threads
Some intriguing elements get introduced but not fully explored:
- Taylor’s wine bar ambitions receive limited development
- Avery’s professional growth takes a backseat to her personal journey
- The community garden subplot, while charming, sometimes feels disconnected from the main narrative
Representation and Inclusivity: A Thoughtful Approach
Guillory handles Avery’s exploration of her sexuality with sensitivity and authenticity. Rather than making her bisexuality the central conflict, it’s presented as one aspect of her character—important but not defining. This approach allows the story to focus on universal romantic themes while acknowledging the specific experiences of queer women.
The cast features characters of various racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, and life stages without tokenism. This diversity feels natural and reflective of the Bay Area setting rather than performative.
Comparison to Guillory’s Other Works
Fans of Guillory’s previous romances will find familiar elements they’ve come to expect:
- Smart, career-focused protagonists
- Friend groups that feel realistic and supportive
- A balance of humor and emotional depth
- Sensual scenes that advance character development
However, “Flirting Lessons” also shows growth in Guillory’s craft:
- More introspective character development
- Deeper exploration of friendship complications
- Greater focus on emotional vulnerability
- More explicit conversations about wants and needs
Who Will Love This Book?
“Flirting Lessons” will particularly appeal to:
- Fans of contemporary romance seeking inclusive representation
- Readers who enjoy friends-to-lovers stories with authentic emotions
- Those who appreciate romance with strong friendship dynamics
- Anyone who has ever felt stuck in life and unsure how to move forward
- Readers who enjoy California settings and wine country culture
Final Verdict: A Heartfelt Romance Worth Savoring
Like a well-crafted glass of Napa Valley wine, “Flirting Lessons” offers complexity, warmth, and a satisfying finish. Despite minor flaws, it succeeds as both a standalone romance and an exciting expansion of Guillory’s repertoire into queer romance.
The novel balances lighthearted moments with genuine emotional stakes, creating a reading experience that leaves you feeling uplifted yet thoughtfully engaged. Taylor and Avery’s journey from flirting lessons to lasting love feels both realistic and aspirational—the hallmark of great contemporary romance.
Guillory continues to prove why she’s become a staple of the genre, showing that her talents extend beyond hetero romance into telling authentic stories about all kinds of love. For readers seeking a romance with heart, humor, and substance, “Flirting Lessons” delivers a memorable reading experience that lingers like the perfect kiss.
A delightful addition to Guillory’s catalog that showcases her growth as a writer while maintaining the warmth and charm her readers have come to expect.
Similar Reads If You Enjoyed “Flirting Lessons”
If you enjoyed this book, consider these similar titles:
- “Written in the Stars” by Alexandria Bellefleur
- “One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston
- “The Charm Offensive” by Alison Cochrun
- “Something to Talk About” by Meryl Wilsner
- Guillory’s own “By the Book” for another take on her contemporary romance style
