The current romance book boom has its ups and downs: While titles like Tia Williams’ Seven Days in June and Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue have gained mainstream popularity, many protagonists in the genre remain white, straight, and cisgender. That’s why Jasmine Guillory’s new novel, Flirting Lessons, is such a refreshing change—not just for its effort to correct that imbalance, but for the story itself.

In the book, sweet, reserved bisexual Avery falls hard for the effortlessly charming Taylor, who offers to help her navigate the queer dating scene after a breakup (hence the flirting lessons). Watching the two slowly open up to each other—against the stunning backdrop of California’s Napa Valley—along with some seriously steamy scenes, is a heartwarming reminder of how thrilling literary romance can be. Fans of McQuiston’s The Pairing or Marley and Daphne’s sapphic chemistry in Survival of the Thickest Season 2 will adore Avery and Taylor, whose realistic dynamic makes their swoon-worthy connection even more exciting.

Vogue recently spoke with Guillory about planting the seeds for Flirting Lessons in an earlier book, dressing her characters, drawing inspiration from Anne of Green Gables, and more.

Vogue: What made you decide to feature a queer romance in Flirting Lessons?

Jasmine Guillory: I’d wanted to write a queer romance for a while, but I had other projects lined up and was waiting for the right characters. Avery and Taylor both appeared in my last book, Drunk in Love, and as soon as I wrote them, I knew their story would be next. From there, it was about figuring out their dynamic and building a world around them.

Vogue: Did Taylor or Avery come to you first?

Guillory: Taylor’s character sparked first. I overheard friends (who knew I was listening) talking about someone they knew, saying, Oh, she breaks a lot of hearts. I thought, That’s such a fun idea for a character. I jotted it down and wondered, Who would be the heartbreaker, and what if she actually fell in love? That idea simmered for a while, and then Avery came along—they just fit perfectly.

Vogue: How does releasing this book compare to your past projects?

Guillory: It’s been wonderful. I released books before and during the pandemic, and it’s so nice to be back on the road, actually talking to people about my work. Writing can be solitary, and I love it, but I also love discussing books—whether ones we’ve both read or my own. Bookstore events, especially romance ones, are amazing because it’s mostly women, and the energy is just so joyful.

Vogue: What’s the most exciting romance plot you’ve come across lately—in books, TV, or film?

Guillory: I keep returning to stories I loved as a kid, like Anne of Green Gables. I adore the romance, but honestly, the friendships resonate even more. Another favorite is the Betsy-Tacy series—the romance is great, but it’s rooted in friendship.

Vogue: Fashion-wise, where do you think Taylor would get her heartbreak-inducing outfits?

Guillory: (Laughs) Oh, Taylor’s wardrobe is all about effortless confidence. She’d mix high-end vintage with sleek contemporary pieces—maybe a tailored blazer over a silk slip dress, or perfectly fitted jeans with a statement top. She’d shop at places like The RealReal for one-of-a-kind finds and maybe a few bold pieces from smaller queer-owned designers. Her style is as magnetic as she is.I like that the brands Taylor wears are whatever she grabs randomly and whatever shows off her biceps [laughs]. But of course, Avery wears mid-range mall brands—I’d say a lot of Banana Republic. I do think Avery’s wardrobe becomes more interesting as the book goes on, which was fun to write.

Is there anything you’d like to see more of in the romance novel world?
Over the past five to ten years, there’s definitely been progress, but I want more stories about women of color, especially Black women, and stories about fat people. These stories and voices have always existed, but publishers haven’t always given them a platform or prioritized them. I’ve seen more of them lately, which is great—I just want even more.

This conversation has been edited and condensed.

Flirting Lessons
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