Chapter #60: The Jasmine Guillory Book Universe, Explained

Everything you need to know about the swoon-worthy books including where to start reading, how they're connected, and my personal ranking

Feeling My Shelf is a bi-weekly newsletter about books, life, and, well, life with books. Grab your favorite caffeinated beverage and get comfy. First up, a recent read.

Yes, there’s only one book this week because reading during funemployment is more challenging than I thought, and this is all I managed to finish reading in between rethinking my entire life and applying for jobs. But it did inspire this week’s newsletter so…

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory (pre-order, out on 4/8!)
Fresh off a break-up, shy and uptight Avery, is ready to put herself out there and date around, with women in particular. Unfortunately, she has no clue where to start. Insert, Taylor, Napa Valley’s biggest flirt and heartbreaker who offers to give sweet ole Avery “flirting lessons.” The premise intrigued me as a horrible flirter myself, though at times the stakes didn’t feel high enough. (Like who cares if you’re not good at flirting? The world will not end, Avery!) But as the story progressed Avery grew on me, and I realized that it wasn’t a matter of flirting so much as self-discovery, confidence, and learning to take a risk. More character-driven than plot-driven but super fun and steamy. (Thank you to Berkley for the ARC!)

Jasmine Guillory has firmly established herself as a queen of contemporary romance, crafting swoon-worthy love stories that sparkle with humor, charm, and Black joy. With nine books to her name (plus some other works), her stories follow Black women navigating love and ambition. But how are the books connected? What themes run through them? And where should you start?

Consider this your quick guide to all things Jasmine Guillory, according to a superfan who will literally read anything she writes.

the book that started it all!

Guillory’s first six novels exist in the same universe, with overlapping characters and connections that make for a delightful reading experience. Sure, you don’t have to read them in order, but here’s the order they were published in.

• The Wedding Date: A classic fake-dating setup that turns real! Alexa and Drew get stuck in an elevator together, and before they know it, Alexa agrees to be Drew’s date to a wedding, where sparks fly!

• The Proposal: Nik rejects the Jumbotron marriage proposal from her man-bun-wearing boyfriend at a baseball game, and is saved from the embarrassment by Carlos, a doctor (and Drew’s best friend). Soon their rebound fling turns into something more.

• The Wedding Party: Maddie and Theo are Alexa’s best friends who cannot stand each other, but who are forced to spend time together in the lead-up to Alexa and Drew’s wedding. An enemies-to-lovers story full of heat and heart.

• Royal Holiday: Maddie’s mom, Vivian accompanies her on a work trip to England, where she meets the Queen’s private secretary and a whirlwind romance begins.

• Party of Two: Olivia, Alexa’s sister, has always been too busy for love—until she meets Max, a charming senator. Their secret romance turns public, leading to an exploration of love in the spotlight.

• While We Were Dating: Ben, an advertising exec (and Theo’s brother!) finds himself working with Anna, a rising Hollywood actress with a lot to prove. Their fling turns serious when Anna suggests a fake relationship to boost her image, but pretending quickly gets complicated.

This next book is part of Disney’s “Meant to Be” collection featuring reimaginings of classic fairytales.

• By the Book – A modern, Beauty and the Beast-inspired romance featuring Izzy, an editorial assistant who offers to help Beau, a grumpy, reclusive celebrity finish his memoir. As they work together, she discovers there’s more to him than his rough exterior.

The next two books take us to Wine Country and feature all brand-new people.

• Drunk on Love: Margot, a Napa winery owner, has a one-night stand with Luke, a mysterious stranger, only to discover the next day that he’s her newest employee.

• Flirting Lessons: Margot’s employee, the charming and non-committal Taylor, offers to give “flirting lessons” to Luke’s shy best friend Avery. (out on 4/8!)

Despite different settings and character arcs, Guillory’s books typically share some common themes. You know, besides “love conquers all.”

• Personal growth: Her characters are often navigating career changes, family expectations, and insecurity.

• Community + friendship: All the books feature strong and supportive friend groups. Some books more than others, in my opinion, but friends nonetheless.

• Second chances: Whether in relationships, careers, or self-perception, her characters often get the opportunity to rewrite their own stories.

Not a theme, but another thing you can always count on a Jasmine Guillory book having? FOOD! I’m talking mouthwatering descriptions of tacos, desserts, drinks, and more. Makes sense, since the author was taught to show love through food.

A little disclaimer: I love all of these books! Jasmine Guillory is one of my favorite authors. But while I would recommend all of these books, a girl does have her favorites.

From least favorite to favorite ⬇️

• Party of Two

• Flirting Lessons

• Drunk on Love

• While We Were Dating

• By the Book

• The Wedding Date

• Royal Holiday

• The Proposal

• The Wedding Party
  An obvious favorite, as we know I love a good enemies-to-lovers story! (although, The Proposal is a close second!) Also, Theo is 10000% my type. Nerdy and sarcastic. Name a better combo!

If you’re new to romance (or Jasmine Guillory) you can’t go wrong, with The Wedding Date, but personally, I think you should start with The Proposal. The writing was tighter and the story flowed a bit better.

---

What’s your favorite book by Jasmine Guillory? Let me know in the comments.

The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami, “a riveting and utterly original novel about one woman’s fight for freedom, set in a near future where even dreams are under surveillance.”

Abbott Elementary skewers the nonsense of book banning. “He’s A Cartoon. The Love She Feels Is Real.” 11 little ways to fall back in love with reading. Author Zadie Smith is learning to accept the limits of time. How to critically read a press release from the federal government. What makes a good villain? 15 writers weigh in.

Thanks for reading (typos, misplaced commas, and all)! If you'd like to (further) support this newsletter, forward this email to a friend who likes books with a recommendation to subscribe!