In “Flirting Lessons,” bestselling author Jasmine Guillory ventures into new territory with her first explicitly queer romance, delivering a warm, witty, and emotionally resonant story about two women finding love while learning to embrace their authentic selves. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Napa Valley’s wine country, this novel blends Guillory’s trademark charm with deeper themes of personal growth, friendship dynamics, and the vulnerability required to pursue genuine connection.
The story follows Avery Jensen, an almost-thirty event planner who’s tired of being labeled the responsible, well-behaved “good girl” and wants to explore her bisexuality after ending a lackluster relationship. Enter Taylor Cameron, a charismatic winery employee with a reputation as a heartbreaker, who agrees to teach Avery how to flirt with women. What begins as weekly “flirting lessons” evolves into something neither woman expected, challenging both their preconceptions about relationships and themselves.
Character Development: Finding Authenticity Through Connection
Guillory excels at creating characters who feel like people you might actually know, and “Flirting Lessons” is no exception. Both protagonists are richly developed and distinctively voiced:
- Avery Jensen emerges as one of Guillory’s most relatable heroines—a woman who’s successful professionally but struggles with vulnerability and spontaneity in her personal life. Her journey from rigidity to openness unfolds organically throughout the novel, making her growth feel earned rather than forced. Avery’s internal monologues about her insecurities ring true, particularly her fear that being herself might not be enough for others to accept her.
- Taylor Cameron initially seems like the perfect foil to Avery—confident, spontaneous, and romantically experienced. But Guillory skillfully peels back Taylor’s layers to reveal her own insecurities, particularly her fears about being left behind as her friends settle into more conventional adult lives. Taylor’s vulnerability about her professional ambitions and her relationship anxieties adds complexity to what could have been a one-dimensional “player” character.
What makes these characters work so well is how they complement each other. Avery’s organizational skills help Taylor focus her entrepreneurial dreams, while Taylor encourages Avery to embrace spontaneity and authenticity. Their chemistry evolves from playful flirtation to deeper emotional connection in a way that feels organic and earned.
Queer Representation: Authentic and Refreshing
As Guillory’s first explicitly queer romance, “Flirting Lessons” marks a notable expansion of her repertoire. The novel handles sexuality with a refreshing naturalness that avoids common pitfalls:
- Avery’s bisexuality is presented as one aspect of her identity rather than her defining characteristic
- The story acknowledges specific queer community dynamics without resorting to stereotypes
- Secondary LGBTQ+ characters reflect diversity within the community rather than presenting a monolithic view
The “coming out” aspects of Avery’s journey feel genuine without overwhelming the central romance. Readers familiar with discovering their sexuality later in life will recognize the authentic mix of excitement, uncertainty, and self-discovery that Avery experiences.
Setting and Community: Napa Valley’s Rich Backdrop
Guillory has always excelled at creating vivid settings, and her depiction of Napa Valley wine country provides a lush backdrop for the romance. From bustling wineries to community gardens, the setting feels like a character itself:
- The Noble Family Vineyards creates a workplace setting that showcases Taylor’s expertise and passion
- The community garden where Avery makes friends represents her growth and willingness to try new things
- Dance classes, bookstores, and local bars establish a vibrant queer community beyond the main characters
The secondary characters—especially Beth, Luke, and Erica—create a rich tapestry of relationships that ground the central romance in a believable social ecosystem. The friendship dynamics, particularly between Taylor and her longtime friend Erica, add emotional complexity to the story beyond the central romance.
Romance Arc: From Lessons to Love
The central romance unfolds with Guillory’s signature blend of warmth, humor, and sensuality. The “flirting lessons” premise provides a clever framework for the characters to grow closer while maintaining what they believe is a safe emotional distance. Key moments in their relationship include:
- Their first meeting at a winery event, where Avery confesses her desire to be less uptight
- Weekly “lessons” that evolve from structured flirting practice to genuine connection
- A dance class where their chemistry becomes undeniable
- A mud bath spa day that showcases their growing emotional intimacy
Guillory excels at writing physical chemistry, and the intimate scenes between Avery and Taylor strike a perfect balance—sensual and specific without being gratuitous. Importantly, the author portrays their physical relationship as an extension of their emotional connection rather than simply a plot point.
Themes: Authenticity, Growth, and Community
Beyond the romance, “Flirting Lessons” explores several meaningful themes:
- Authenticity vs. Expectation: Both protagonists struggle with being their authentic selves rather than meeting others’ expectations. Avery works to break free from her “well-behaved” reputation, while Taylor confronts her fear that her friends see her as immature and uncommitted.
- Finding Community: The novel beautifully portrays the importance of finding your people. From Avery’s burgeoning friendship with Beth at the community garden to Taylor’s complex relationships with her friend group, the story emphasizes that romantic love is just one form of meaningful connection.
- Vulnerability as Strength: Perhaps the novel’s most powerful theme is that true connection requires vulnerability. Both women must overcome their protective instincts—Avery’s rigid control and Taylor’s casual detachment—to build something genuine together.
Writing Style: Accessible Yet Nuanced
Guillory’s prose remains accessible and conversational while addressing complex emotional terrain. Her dialogue sparkles with authenticity, particularly in the playful banter between the protagonists. The alternating perspectives between Avery and Taylor allow readers insight into both characters’ journeys without becoming repetitive.
Some readers might find certain plot devices somewhat predictable (the bet that leads to the climactic conflict, for instance), but Guillory executes familiar romance tropes with enough fresh perspective and emotional authenticity that they never feel stale.
Room for Growth: Minor Critiques
While “Flirting Lessons” stands as a strong addition to Guillory’s bibliography, a few elements could have been stronger:
- The central conflict relies heavily on miscommunication that could have been resolved with one honest conversation
- Some secondary character dynamics, particularly around Taylor’s ex-girlfriends, feel somewhat underdeveloped
- The epilogue wraps things up neatly, perhaps too neatly for readers who prefer more ambiguous endings
These minor critiques don’t detract significantly from the novel’s overall impact, but they represent areas where Guillory could push her craft even further in future works.
How It Compares to Guillory’s Other Works
Fans of Guillory’s previous novels like “The Wedding Date” and “The Proposal” will recognize her warm, accessible writing style and her talent for creating meaningful relationships. “Flirting Lessons” feels like a natural evolution of her work, maintaining her strengths while exploring new territory.
The queer romance elements feel authentic rather than performative, suggesting Guillory has approached this expansion of her repertoire with appropriate care and research. Readers looking for other queer romances with similar warmth might enjoy Casey McQuiston’s “Red, White & Royal Blue,” Alexis Hall’s “Boyfriend Material,” or “Something to Talk About” by Meryl Wilsner.
Final Verdict: A Heartwarming, Authentic Addition to the Romance Genre
“Flirting Lessons” succeeds as both a romance and a story about personal growth. Guillory has crafted characters whose journeys feel meaningful, a romance that earns its emotional payoff, and a world rich enough to make readers want to linger.
What works beautifully:
- The authentic evolution of Avery and Taylor’s relationship
- The rich depiction of friendship and community
- The balance of lighthearted moments with deeper emotional development
Where it could be stronger:
- Some predictable plot mechanics
- Occasional reliance on miscommunication tropes
- A somewhat too-tidy resolution
For readers seeking a warm, engaging romance with authentic queer representation and meaningful character growth, “Flirting Lessons” delivers a thoroughly satisfying experience. Guillory has proven that her talents extend beautifully to queer romance, opening exciting possibilities for her future work.
Whether you’re a longtime Guillory fan or new to her work, “Flirting Lessons” offers a perfect blend of romance, humor, and genuine emotional resonance—exactly what we’ve come to expect from one of contemporary romance’s most beloved voices, now expanded to include more diverse love stories.