Flirting Lessons
Author: Jasmine Guillory
Genre: Romance
Romance Subgenre: Contemporary Sapphic Romance
Topics: Bisexuality, Friends-To-Lovers, Rom-Com, Sapphic, Self-Discovery, Summer Love
Release Date: April 8, 2025
• Summary
Summary
Almost thirty and fresh out of a long-term relationship, event planner Avery Jensen is craving freedom: a hobby, some fun, and—most daring of all—exploring dating women. Problem is, flirting doesn’t come naturally. Enter Taylor Cameron, Napa Valley’s top flirt, who’s dared by a friend to stay celibate until Labor Day. Taylor offers to give Avery one-on-one “flirting lessons.” At first stiff and cautious, Avery warms to the advice—and to Taylor. As their playful lessons deepen into something more, both women must decide if the connection they’re building can stand a real relationship.
Characters
Avery Jensen
A thirty‑something event planner just out of a relationship, Avery is reserved, by‑the‑book, and unsure how to date women. Through Taylor’s guidance, she learns to flirt, gain confidence, and open herself up to new possibility.
Taylor Cameron
A charismatic winery worker in her mid‑30s, Black and the life of any party. Known as Napa’s biggest flirt, she’s outgoing and fun—but also protective of her emotions. She becomes Avery’s flirting coach and can’t help falling for her student.
Age Rating
Flirting Lessons is recommended for readers aged 13 and up due to its romantic themes, mild sexual tension, and emotional exploration of identity. While the story is steamy in places, it remains appropriate for older teens and up, especially those interested in LGBTQ+ coming-of-age journeys. The tone is playful and mature without being explicit.
Who is this book for?
This is perfect for readers who enjoy witty, heartfelt romance with LGBTQ+ representation and strong character growth.
Recommended for fans of:
- Queer contemporary romances
- Friends‑to‑lovers summer settings
- Character-driven stories about self-discovery
If you enjoyed these books, you’ll love:
- Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
- Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
- Act Right by Kennedy Ryan
Sweetest Surprise Bake and Book Giveaway
Indulge in a cozy surprise each month with a handpicked book, beautifully wrapped, and a homemade sweet treat inspired by the stories we love. Subscribe to our newsletter to enter for a chance to win every month!
Diverse Elements
Flirting Lessons celebrates diversity through its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ identities and Black queer love:
- Bisexual lead: Avery’s journey of exploring her sexuality reflects queer experiences often underrepresented in mainstream romance.
- Sapphic-focused romance: This is Guillory’s first romantic novel centering on a relationship between two women.
- Black protagonists: Both Avery and Taylor are women of color, bringing nuanced representation of Black queer love.
- Community affirmation: Set in a supportive queer-friendly setting, the story normalizes LGBTQ+ dating and identity exploration.
Guillory foregrounds these identities in the plot and character arcs, making them integral rather than tokenistic.
What do readers think?
- “The banter zings and the chemistry is sapphic rom‑com perfection.”—readers praised its playful dialogue.
- They loved watching Avery’s emotional growth and newfound confidence.
- Many appreciated seeing a realistic, joyful queer summer romance in a rom‑com style.
Sweet Pairing
Picture a store‑bought lavender lemonade pound cake—its gentle floral sweetness perfectly mirrors “Flirting Lessons” warm, playful summer romance. To tie in the book’s Napa vineyard setting and queer love vibe, top the cake with fresh raspberries (symbolic of new sparks) and a dusting of edible rose petals. Each bite feels like Avery’s first bold flutter of flirtation—bright, comforting, and slightly daring.
Explore More Sweet Pairings
Ready to explore more sweet pairings for this book and others? Discover new combinations with our Sweets and Stories Matchmaker. This tool helps you find the perfect treats to complement your favorite stories.
About the Author
Jasmine Guillory is a former attorney turned New York Times bestselling romance author. She debuted with _The Wedding Date_ in 2018 and has since been celebrated for inclusive, witty romances featuring women of color. She’s also a regular contributor to publications like O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Bon Appétit, and Time.
With _Flirting Lessons_, released April 8 2025, Guillory takes a bold step into sapphic romance, highlighting Black queer love and bisexuality in a warm, summery narrative. Her writing emphasizes joy, authenticity, and the freedom to evolve at any age.