Tag Archives: Jasmine Guillory

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory -a Review

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Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory -a Review

 

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Description:
Avery Jensen is almost thirty, fresh off a breakup, and she’s tired of always being so uptight and well-behaved. She wants to get a hobby, date around (especially other women), flirt with everyone she sees, all the fun stuff normal people do in their twenties. One Avery doesn’t know how to do any of that. She doesn’t have a lot of dating experience, with men or women, and despite being self-assured at work, she doesn’t have a lot of confidence when it comes to romance.

Enter Taylor Cameron, Napa Valley’s biggest flirt and champion heartbreaker. Taylor just broke up with her most recent girlfriend, and her best friend bet her that she can’t make it until Labor Day without sleeping with someone. (Two whole months? Without sex? Taylor?!?!) So, she offers to give Avery flirting lessons. It will keep her busy, stop her from texting people she shouldn’t. And it might distract her from how inadequate she feels compared to her friends, who all seem much more settled and adult than Taylor.

At first, Avery is stiff and nervous, but Taylor is patient and encouraging, and soon, Avery looks forward to their weekly lessons. She tells herself it’s because the lessons are fun, not because she kind of might have a little bit of a crush on Taylor. Taylor doesn’t even try to deny that she’s intrigued by Avery, but she’s still got a bet to win. With Taylor’s help, Avery is finally doing what she wants to flirting with lots of women, making friends, having fun! But after a while, it becomes impossible for Avery and Taylor to ignore their attraction to one another, despite them both insisting to themselves and everyone else that it isn’t serious. When Taylor is forced to confront her feelings for Avery, she doesn’t know what to do, how to deal with it, and most importantly, if she’s already ruined the best thing she’s ever had.

 

 

Review:

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory is a very sweet queer romcom stand-alone novel.  We meet Avery Jensen, who just went through a breakup, and wants to try dating women, having been attracted to them, but never acted on this. Avery meets Taylor Cameron, at an event, who is a chronic flirt and heartbreaker, Taylor has no problem flirting and having earned her reputation.  

Taylor takes Avery under her wing, promising to teach Avery some much needed flirting lessons. Both of them will go on a fantastic adventure together. Exploring their sexuality and identity while getting to know each other. Their journey is full of banter, flirting and hookups, as we get closer the last third of the book, their relationship changes since they were spending lots of time together. The chemistry between Taylor and Avery increased, as it was wonderful to see them get closer.  When they started to actually date, it was pretty spicy.

I really enjoyed Taylor taking Avery to different places, including all of Taylor’s friends. Avery learned to get past her anxiety and pushed herself to meet others and befriend them.  Taylor was happy to see Avery beginning to become grow more confident and happier. It was also nice to see Taylor and Erica’s friendship, and Taylor feeling hurt when her friends kept talking about how long before she dumps Avery. But it was nice to see all the friends and the importance of female friendship in their lives.  It was really nice to see both Taylor and Avery finding love together.

Flirting Lessons was a wonderful, witty, fun story that turned out to be a sweet romance.   Flirting Lessons was so very well written by Jasmine Guillory.  This was a fun queer female story line.  Well done by Guillory.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory – Review & Giveaway

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Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Margot Noble needs some relief from the stress of running the family winery with her brother. Enter Luke: sexy, charming, and best of all in the too-small world of Napa, a stranger. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and Margot is delighted that she lucked into the perfect one-night stand she’ll never have to see again. That is, until the winery’s newest hire, Luke, walks in the next morning. Margot is determined to keep things purely professional, but when their every interaction reminds her of the attraction still bubbling between them, it proves to be much more challenging than she expects.

Luke Williams had it all, but when he quits his high-salary tech job in Silicon Valley in a blaze of burnout and moves back to Napa to help a friend, he realizes he doesn’t want to tell the world–or his mom–why he’s now working at a winery. His mom loves bragging about her successful son–how can he admit that the job she’s so proud of broke him? Luke has no idea what is next for him, but one thing is certain: he wants more from the incredibly smart and sexy woman he hooked up with–even after he learns she’s his new boss. But even if they can find a way to be together that wouldn’t be an ethical nightmare, would such a successful woman really want a tech-world dropout?

Set against a lush backdrop of Napa Valley wine country, nothing goes to your head as fast as a taste of love–even if it means changing all your plans.

 

 

Review:

Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory is another one of her sweet romantic standalone novels. We meet Margot Noble, who runs a winery in California Wine Country with her brother, Elliot.  Margot is the CEO, who handles marketing, wine tasting, parties; and her brother handles the land.  Because she has been overworking, planning on a special wine party, she is stressful due to her brother not happy about the plans; she ends up at her best friend (Sydney) restaurant/bar to relax.  A very handsome man enters the place, and in a short time they spend the evening talking, and ends up having a one-night stand, that was memorable; neither expecting to see each other again.

Luke Williams, quit his job and moves back to Napa, where is mother and best friend live.  He gets a temporary job, and when he meets the beautiful women at the bar, he is immediately attracted to her; as they spend the night together. But the next morning when he starts his new job, he is shocked to see the woman whom he spent the night with is indeed his new boss.  Margot was also shocked to see Luke, and goes out of her way to keep things professional, even though she still feels their chemistry. Luke offers to quit, but Margot convinces him to stay, as they do need help in the marketing area; despite their attraction, they both do their best to not act on those feelings.

I really liked all of the characters in this story; including Margot, Luke, Sydney, Elliot, Ashley, Taylor, just to name a few.  I loved the concept with the winery, and Margot’s plans for the party, and how wonderful they all were.  In time, Margot and Elliot will clear out the misunderstandings, which will open things in the winery even more.   When Luke has to quit to help his mother, both Margot and Luke finally act on their feelings, as they made a great couple, so much fun.

Drunk on Love is a sweet lighthearted wonderful romantic story, in a winery setting, with a couple that were afraid to admit their feelings, until things opened up and the chemistry was off the wall.  Margot and Luke were so very likable, as was their friends and family.  Drunk on Love was a fantastic story, so well written by Jasmine Guillory.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jasmine Guillory’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of  DRUNK ON LOVE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE Jasmine Guillory on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from September 23 to 27, 2022

 

 

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While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory – Review & Giveaway

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While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Ben Stephens has never bothered with serious relationships. He has plenty of casual dates to keep him busy, family drama he’s trying to ignore and his advertising job to focus on. When Ben lands a huge ad campaign featuring movie star Anna Gardiner, however, it’s hard to keep it purely professional. Anna is not just gorgeous and sexy, she’s also down to earth and considerate, and he can’t help flirting a little…

Anna Gardiner is on a mission: to make herself a household name, and this ad campaign will be a great distraction while she waits to hear if she’s booked her next movie. However, she didn’t expect Ben Stephens to be her biggest distraction. She knows mixing business with pleasure never works out, but why not indulge in a harmless flirtation?

But their lighthearted banter takes a turn for the serious when Ben helps Anna in a family emergency, and they reveal truths about themselves to each other, truths they’ve barely shared with those closest to them.

When the opportunity comes to turn their real-life fling into something more for the Hollywood spotlight, will Ben be content to play the background role in Anna’s life and leave when the cameras stop rolling? Or could he be the leading man she needs to craft their own Hollywood ending?

 

 

 

Review:

While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory is the 6th book in her wonderful The Wedding Date series.  I have enjoyed reading Guillory’s fun romantic stories, and looked forward to reading this new one.  While We Were Dating was a fantastic fun read, and the best one yet, in this series.

Ben Stephens, our hero, is the brother of Theo (a previous book hero); and he is happy in his job in an advertising agency.  When his boss is caught in a traffic jam, he is assigned to handle the presentation of a very big account; Ben is thrilled, since he technically created most of it.  As he makes the presentation to the company, he is shocked when Anna Gardiner, a beautiful major movie star, enters the room to listen.  Ben will keep his cool, even though he is in awe of Gardiner.

Anna decided to attend the ad agency presentation, since she is part of the campaign, prior to the release of a new movie, as well as using this to get attention for a new movie.  Anna is determined to win the roll of a lifetime, which she feels could win her an award. She finds herself very impressed with Ben, and pushes the company to choose Ben’s company to win the advertising campaign and make him the leader. 

When they begin to work together, the chemistry between them was sizzling, with both being very comfortable spending time flirting with each other, which will lead into a fun steamy fling. They were great together, enjoying the sexual chemistry between them, with both know when the campaign ends, they will each go their own way.  I loved the banter between them, how they each helped one another with personal issues; Anna with having anxiety and panic attacks, and Ben with his abandonment (his father), as well as commitment fears.

Anna’s manager convinces her to use her relationship with Ben to put her in the limelight, giving attention to her in hope of landing the movie she is dying to win. Though when the ad campaign filming is over, Anna decides to tell Ben about her making appearances with him promoting their “fake relationship”, which will last until her current movie is released. Ben agrees, as he wants to spend more time with Anna, which he soon will realize that he is falling in love with her; but he knows Anna doesn’t want a permanent relationship, since she is totally focused on her career, even though she has enjoyed Ben’s company. Will Anna walk away when everything is over?  Will Ben tell her he loves her?

Another great thing about this was giving us a glimpse at makings of Hollywood, movie making, commercials/ads, and the paparazzi, as well as putting their faces out there to promote themselves. I also enjoyed seeing Theo and Maddie playing a part in this story.  Anna’s friend Penny was a blast.

What follows is a lighthearted heartwarming fun story centering on a romance between two people in different stages of their lives and their struggles.   Anna was a great heroine, smart, fun, outgoing, lively, not to mention a beautiful movie star; who was determined to win the movie role, at any cost.  Ben was such a fantastic character, and he was so good with Anna, being sweet, charming, fun, not to mention sexy. Their romance was hot, steamy and charismatic, and they made a great couple.  

While We Were Dating was a delightful, charming, fun and steamy story Once again, Jasmine Guillory gives us a fantastic and enjoyable story, which you need to be reading.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jasmine Guillory’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of  WHILE WE ARE DATING to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE Jasmine Guillory on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from July 12 to 16, 2021

 

 

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Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory – a Review

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Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory – a Review

 

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Description:
A chance meeting with a handsome stranger turns into a whirlwind affair that gets everyone talking.

Dating is the last thing on Olivia Monroe’s mind when she moves to LA to start her own law firm. But when she meets a gorgeous man at a hotel bar and they spend the entire night flirting, she discovers too late that he is none other than hotshot junior senator Max Powell. Olivia has zero interest in dating a politician, but when a cake arrives at her office with the cutest message, she can’t resist–it is chocolate cake, after all.

Olivia is surprised to find that Max is sweet, funny, and noble–not just some privileged white politician she assumed him to be. Because of Max’s high-profile job, they start seeing each other secretly, which leads to clandestine dates and silly disguises. But when they finally go public, the intense media scrutiny means people are now digging up her rocky past and criticizing her job, even her suitability as a trophy girlfriend. Olivia knows what she has with Max is something special, but is it strong enough to survive the heat of the spotlight?

 

 

Review:

Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory is the 5th book in her delightful The Wedding Date series. I have enjoyed the previous books, as Guillory writes such wonderful fun romances.

We meet Olivia Monroe, our heroine and sister to the first book’s heroine, Alexa.  Olivia has just moved from New York to Los Angeles, where she and her best friend, Ellie, have started their own law firm.  While staying at a hotel until her new place is ready, Olivia meets a cute guy at the bar.  They spent the time having fun and flirting with each other, while discussing the best cakes and pies; after a few drinks, Olivia leaves.  Later that night while watching TV, she realizes that t he cute guy was in fact the junior senator from California.

Max Powell, our hero, regretted not finding out Olivia’s name and how to contact her.  A couple of days later, Max was giving a speech, and immediately noticed Olivia standing in the back of the auditorium.  They meet, with her teasing him that he is famous and him asking for her address and where she worked.  Later, she gets a surprise delivery…Chocolate Cake, and it was from her cute senator.

What follows is a lighthearted heartwarming fun story centering on a romance between two people in different stages of their lives and their struggles.   Olivia was a great heroine, smart, fun, outgoing, lively, but also dedicated and driven in making her new firm grow.  She is the kind of person who plans things ahead, always being prepared.  Max was such a fantastic character, and I loved him with Olivia.  He was smart, charming, fun, and also driven in his career in politics; but Max was the opposite of Oliva, as he was impulsive on how he reacted to various things.  Their romance was sexy and charismatic, and they made a great couple.  But Max’s impulsiveness and Olivia’s fear of being in the public eye caused major hardships.  Will they find a way to stay together?

Party of Two was a delightful, charming, fun and sexy story.  I loved some of the secondary characters, especially Max’s chief of staff, and Olivia’s partner Elle, and her new friend.  Once again, Jasmine Guillory gives us a fantastic and enjoyable story, which you need to be reading. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory – Review & Giveaway

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Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Vivian Forest has been out of the country a grand total of one time, so when she gets the chance to tag along on her daughter Maddie’s work trip to England to style a royal family member, she can’t refuse. She’s excited to spend the holidays taking in the magnificent British sights, but what she doesn’t expect is to become instantly attracted to a certain private secretary, his charming accent, and unyielding formality.

Malcolm Hudson has worked for the Queen for years and has never given a personal, private tour—until now. He is intrigued by Vivian the moment he meets her and finds himself making excuses just to spend time with her. When flirtatious banter turns into a kiss under the mistletoe, things snowball into a full-on fling.

Despite a ticking timer on their holiday romance, they are completely fine with ending their short, steamy affair come New Year’s Day. . .or are they?

 

 

Review:

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory is the 4th book in her The Wedding Date series.  I have enjoyed the first three books in this series, and I thought this was a different twist, as well as a charming story line.  So very well written by Guillory.

We meet our heroine, Vivian Forest, who is invited by her daughter Maddie (previous book heroine) to travel with her to England to help style and dress a royal family member.  This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and Maddie wants her mom with her; of course, Vivian has never been out of the country and is delighted to go.  They will be spending the Christmas holidays with the Duke and Duchess at Sandringham.

Malcom Hudson, our hero, is the private secretary for the Queen, and tends to stop over at Sandringham to eat the fabulous scones that Julia, the cook makes.   He meets Vivian, and in a short time a slow built romance will begin.  Vivian is in awe to meet Malcom, especially since she finds him so handsome and immediately becomes attracted to him.  Malcom finds himself enjoying their friendship, as he takes Vivian on various tours around Sandringham, as well as Buckingham Palace.

What follows is a lighthearted heartwarming simple story of an older couple, who have been single for many years find romance, but not a likely to be a permanent relationship as they live in two different continents.  Both Vivian and Malcolm were great, and it was so sweet and fun as we get to see them explore the many sights of England.  Very well done.  I also loved seeing Maddie again, as she played a big part in the story, and loved her wonderful relationship with her mom.  When the holiday ends, will Vivian and Malcom find a way to make things work?

Royal Holiday was a charming, fun, delightful story, with a wonderful mature couple, and great secondary characters.  I loved the scenes throughout country side and in London.   Once again, Jasmine Guillory gives us a wonderful enjoyable story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Jasmine Guillory’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of  ROYAL WEDDING to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE Jasmine Guillory on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from October 1 – 5, 2019

 

 

 

 

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The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory – Review & Giveaway

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The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Maddie and Theo have two things in common:

1. Alexa is their best friend
2. They hate each other

After an “oops, we made a mistake” night together, neither one can stop thinking about the other. With Alexa’s wedding rapidly approaching, Maddie and Theo both share bridal party responsibilities that require more interaction with each other than they’re comfortable with. Underneath the sharp barbs they toss at each other is a simmering attraction that won’t fade. It builds until they find themselves sneaking off together to release some tension when Alexa isn’t looking, agreeing they would end it once the wedding is over. When it’s suddenly pushed up and they only have a few months left of secret rendezvouses, they find themselves regretting that the end is near. Two people this different can’t possibly have a connection other than the purely physical, right?

But as with any engagement with a nemesis, there are unspoken rules that must be abided by. First and foremost, don’t fall in love.

 

 

Review:

The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory is the 3rd book in her The Wedding Date series. This story revolves around Maddie Forest and Theo Stephens whom we met in the previous books.   Alexa, our 1st book heroine, is getting married, and both Maddie and Theo are her best friends; except they both hate each other. Theo is a bit arrogant, and Maddie, though very smart and outgoing. With Alexa depending on them for help, and that Maddie is a bridesmaid, and Theo a bridesman, they try to get along for her sake, and which forces them to be around each other a lot.    

One night, after spending time with Alexa and their friends, one gives the other a ride home, and out of nowhere, they end up in bed with each other.  To their shock, they enjoy the hot steamy sex and make a deal to enjoy the fun, but keep it a secret from everyone, including Alexa, at least until after the wedding is over.

What follows is an enemies to lovers romance that was fun, as well as very steamy.  They both look forward to trysts, as they cannot resist the passion between them.   As the wedding draws nearer, will they admit to each other about their growing feelings?  It was fun to watch them slowly learn more about each other, and see things in a different light, as well as become aware that they have begun to fall hard.  I loved seeing Alexa and Drew, as well as Carlos & Nik (2nd book), as well as Alexa’s sister; as they all made a fun group.   A misunderstanding will break things up, but it was pretty funny when Alexa and their friends pulled a fast one on Maddie and Theo, to bring them back together, as the secret was never a secret all along.  LOL  You will need to read this part to enjoy.

The Wedding Party was a fast, fun and enjoyable romance.  This does read well as a standalone, but why miss the fun, and start with the first book, The Wedding Date.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 



Jasmine Guillory is the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Date, The Proposal, and the forthcoming The Wedding Party. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Real Simple, Oprah Magazine.com, and Shondaland.com. She lives in Oakland, California.

 

 

Jasmine Guillory’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of THE WEDDING PARTY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE Jasmine Guillory on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from July 16 – 20, 2019

 

 

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