Flirting Lessons By Jasmine Guillory Book Review
Learning how to flirt with someone who might just steal your heart is a tricky art , and Jasmine Guillory’s Flirting Lessons nails that exact scenario with a mix of sass, sweetness, and those awkward first steps into new love.
This contemporary sapphic romance is set in sunny Napa Valley and follows Avery, a nearly thirty-year-old event planner who’s fresh out of a straight relationship and excited but unsure about dating women. Then there’s Taylor, Napa’s resident flirt and heartbreaker, who’s just made a bet to go a whole summer without sleeping with anyone. To keep Taylor’s hands, and maybe her heart, busy, she offers Avery some “flirting lessons.” Think of it like a crash course in stepping outside your comfort zone, with each lesson feeling like a fun little date that helps Avery build confidence and, spoiler alert, sparks fly between them. The story switches between Avery and Taylor’s points of view, keeping things light and playful with lots of cute moments and growth, no heavy angst or heartbreak here.
What really makes Flirting Lessons stand out is how it mixes low-key romance with real-life stuff like anxiety, friendship dynamics, and figuring out where you fit in when your friends are settling down and you’re still just dancing through life. The Napa setting feels vibrant, especially with those unique flirting “assignments,” from salsa dancing to book signings, making every chapter fresh and fun. Taylor as a mentor and Avery’s growth are definite highlights, and their back-and-forth banter brings warmth and humor. Plus, it’s refreshing to see a sapphic romance that skips the usual third-act breakup drama, something pretty rare and honestly really satisfying.
That said, some readers found the writing a bit stiff or juvenile at times, with sudden perspective shifts that could get confusing. Others wanted deeper character development, and some felt the chemistry leaned a little too much on physical attraction without enough emotional depth. Also, even with the playful dating scenes, the sexiness is toned down compared to Guillory’s previous books , which might appeal to some readers for its gentleness but feel a bit lacking to others. The friend group around Taylor didn’t win over everyone, and a few felt that sensitive topics like slut-shaming and identity exploration were handled a bit superficially.
If you enjoy warm, feel-good rom-coms with a friends-to-lovers vibe, playful dialogue, and a focus on personal growth, especially with LGBTQ+ reps, this book will probably hit your sweet spot. But if you’re after intense drama, deep character exploration, or steamy, high-octane romance, this one might feel a little too mellow for you.
Overall, Flirting Lessons is a charming, summery read that’s easy to breeze through and has plenty of heartfelt moments, even if it doesn’t reinvent the genre. It’s perfect for cozy afternoons when you want a story about connection, new experiences, and lingering crushes without all the usual rom-com stress.
If that sounds like your kind of book, definitely give it a look. And if you’ve already read it, I’d love to hear what you thought!