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Jasmine Guillory

Writer and New York Times-bestselling romance novelist

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  • About Jasmine Guillory

    Jasmine Guillory burst onto the romance scene with her debut novel The Wedding Date in 2018. Since then, her subsequent romantic comedies have become New York Times bestsellers and Reese’s Book Club picks, and have received electric praise from Roxane Gay, NPR, Shondaland, EW, and many more. Guillory writes an extremely popular newsletter, where she shares her love of books, fashion, and food, and her writing has appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Bon Appetit, and Time, among other outlets. She is a regular guest on The Today Show, where she recommends her favorite reads for every occasion.

    In warm and witty talks, Jasmine Guillory ­­­­­­­delights audiences with stories from her writing process—from figuring out story to developing lovable and recognizable characters. She shares character inspirations, what goes into writing romance novel, and breaking stereotypes of romantic ideals.

    In her latest, highly anticipated novel, While We Were Dating, Jasmine Guillory takes a minor character from a previous novel and puts him center stage. Ben Stephens has never bothered with serious relationships; but, when he lands a huge ad campaign featuring movie star Anna Gardiner, it becomes hard to keep things purely professional. As the two get closer, an opportunity comes to turn their real-life fling into something more for the Hollywood spotlight, unfolding a story that “will sizzle off the page, and leave you excited for whatever Guillory writes next” (Real Simple). Infused with all the heartwarming tenderness that bring her readers back again and again, While We Were Dating is Guillory’s most romantic work yet.

    In addition to writing, Guillory is a passionate cook and baker. Her newsletters regularly feature her favorite recipes, and her books include many glorious descriptions of food. She lives in Oakland, California.

    Contact us for more information about booking Jasmine Guillory for your next event. 

  • Speaking Topics

    How to Keep Writing During Hard Times

    In this intimate talk, author Jasmine Guillory discusses her personal story behind writing two New York Times-bestselling novels during a pandemic. Guillory gives an exclusive look into her writing process during this time and while she hopes the pandemic is behind us, she knows there will always be hard times we’ll have to keep writing through.

    Writing Craft and Commercial Fiction

    Commercial fiction is about creating engaging characters and plots that pull you in. In this inspirational and informative lecture, Jasmine Guillory discusses the way she approaches writing—from figuring out story to developing lovable and recognizable characters.

    Diversity in Genre Fiction

    What can books do for the world? In this personal lecture, Jasmine Guillory talks about why she writes from her own perspective, and how to explain (or not explain!) elements of this to an audience. Guillory explores the problem with whiteness as the default and how she creates complicated characters that break through stereotypes of romantic ideals in media.

  • Video

  • Praise for Jasmine Guillory

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    Jasmine did a wonderful job with her talk—discussing how she, an ex-lawyer, became a writer and how her being African American plays a role in her characters and her writing. People seemed really excited to meet her and hear her speak.

    Denver Public Library

    Praise for While We Were Dating

    This romance will sizzle off the page, and leave you excited for whatever Guillory writes next.

    Real Simple

    Romance author Jasmine Guillory spins another dazzling love story.

    TIME

    The novel introduces thoughtful commentary on mental health, racism and body image issues in Hollywood, while still tying together all the components readers want from a dreamy celebrity romance.

    USA Today

    An Instagram-flavored remix of Notting Hill. Glamorous and sexy? Sounds like the perfect beach read.

    Harper’s Bazaar

    Love yourself and pick up this witty, glitzy novel.

    Vulture

    A delectable tale.

    GoodMorningAmerica.com

    The best-selling romance novelist does it again, this time with a delicious tale of an advertising executive and the movie star he casts in his new campaign.

    Entertainment Weekly

    Guillory has turned many a romance-novel skeptic into a true believer, and her newest release will garner even more converts . . . [a] charming, sexy love story.

    Elle

    Three things in life are certain: Death, taxes and Guillory will always deliver a satisfying rom-com.

    E! News

    Steamy and swoon-worthy.

    PopSugar

    Praise for Royal Holiday

    A seasonal gem.

    OprahMag.com

    Another sparkling hit from Jasmine Guillory.

    PopSugar

    Filled with delightful, swoon-worthy dates and many laughs, this affectionate, cross-continent holiday romance is perfect for cozying up with on a cold winter’s night.

    Library Journal

    A rom-com queen.

    Refinery29

    Contemporary romance’s hot new voice.

    Essence

    Royal Holiday gives positive representation of a mature, respectful, sex-positive couple of a certain age.

    The Washington Post

    If Jasmine Guillory writes it, I need to have it.

    Shondaland

    Guillory…is thoughtful, ebullient and clearly smitten with writing about love.

    San Francisco Chronicle

    Jasmine Guillory’s Royal Holiday and its charming tale of love over 50 is a shining jewel worthy of a queen’s crown.

    NPR

    Heartwarming, sexy, and the perfect holiday season read.

    Buzzfeed

    The festive read you’ve been yearning for this season.”

    SkimmReads

    Romance novels in the finest form—full of charming characters, humorous situations, and of course, good, old-fashioned love stories.

    Girls’ Night In

    This sweet and steamy read had me smiling!

    First for Women

    Praise for The Wedding Party

    Another surefire hit.

    PopSugar

    I have to actively refrain from talking about Guillory and her novels IN ALL CAPS because I get VERY EXCITED—she’s that good!

    Shondaland

    Jasmine Guillory is the queen of contemporary romance.

    Oprah Magazine

    One of romance’s brightest new voices.

    Entertainment Weekly

    A fresh take on the genre has emerged.

    Man Repeller

    If you want a juicy, modern twist on the classic enemies-to-lovers romance, Guillory has you covered with The Wedding Party.

    Real Simple

    Everything Jasmine Guillory touches turns to gold, and The Wedding Party is no exception.

    Cosmopolitan

    It’s the perfect summer book.

    Bustle

    It’s the most sweet, charming, and fun title yet.

    HelloGiggles

    The exhilaraitng new offering from Jasmine Guillory…The Wedding Party will seduce you with the unlikely rendesvous of Maddie and Theo.

    Essence Magazine

    Seriously sexy and wickedly smart.

    Family Circle

    Fun and playful–perfect for the beach.

    Coastal Living

    Effervescent and smart.

    Shelf Awareness

    Maddie and Theo are well-rounded people with authentic flaws who are worth rooting for.

    Bookpage

    A bit of wisdom: When Jasmine Guillory comes out with a book, buy it.

    Refinery29

    Their passion transcends the pages.

    Buzzfeed

    Praise for The Proposal

    With sharp banter, a well-rounded cast of characters, and plenty of swoony scenes, Jasmine Guillory defends her position as one of the most exciting rom-com writers out there.

    Buzzfeed

    There is so much to relate to and throughout the novel, there is a sharp feminist edge. Loved this one, and you will too.

    Roxane Gay, New York Times bestselling author

    The feminist romance touches on uncomfortable conversations about consent during courtship and works to a satisfying ending.

    Mental Floss

    The real pleasure here is the little world Guillory has created…a Los Angeles populated with a diverse, devoted crowd of nice people who hold each other up, treat each other to cupcakes, have each other’s back, and occasionally fall in love.

    Seattle Times

    Praise for The Wedding Date

    A swoony rom-com brimming with humor and charm.

    Entertainment Weekly

    Guillory’s debut is as enchanting as her characters—bright, bold, warm and wonderful. Even better, there’s a proposal to rival any commercial that Madison Avenue can deliver.

    The Washington Post

    This novel reads like a truly contemporary contemporary romance in that the hero and heroine grapple with issues anyone dating today will relate to.

    NPR

    Kudos to Guillory, whose lively dialogue is matched by her multifaceted characters.

    Essence Magazine

    The novel is a light-hearted and quick read with fully drawn characters.

    Associated Press

    “A romance novel that will make you believe in happily ever afters.

    Nylon

    What a charming, warm, sexy gem of a novel. I couldn’t put The Wedding Date down. I love a good romance and this delivered from the first page to the last…One of the best books I’ve read in a while.

    Roxane Gay, New York Times bestselling author of Hunger

    This much-needed dose of escapism charts an unexpected bond between two strangers brought together by a fateful elevator encounter.

    Harper’s Bazaar

    This romance novel promises to be the perfect beach read: rich, charming characters and a love story with substance. We recommend getting this one ASAP.

    Apartment Therapy

    Three cheers for an interracial relationship.

    HelloGiggles

    Jasmine Guillory’s The Wedding Date is able to pull you in and keep you reading all the way to the end.

    Culturess

    Will charm rom-com fans.

    Kirkus Reviews

    The Wedding Date brims with personality. It’s funny, deeply honest, and above all, truly swoony—the kind of all-consuming romance where you hold your breath with delight as two wonderful people start to find each other, like the best possible version of real life. We can’t wait to read more from Jasmine Guillory.

    Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, bestselling authors of The Royal We

    “It has been a long time since a romance novel written by a Black woman that centers a Black heroine took my collective breath away, stopped me in our tracks, and helped me remember that Black women can fall in love outside of the pages of novels…The Wedding Date ends that unnecessary drought.

    Bitch Media
  • Books by Jasmine Guillory

  • Media About Jasmine Guillory

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  • 212 572-2013
  • Jasmine Guillory travels from Oakland, CA

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