The Flirt: A Novel

The Flirt is surprisingly NOT about an artful woman—but instead about a young, handsome, charming man, Hughie Venables-Smythe. The plot is a bit similar to Jilly Cooper's The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous, where a stunning young man pretends to have feelings for a woman. However in Jilly Cooper's book the wives knew the truth and used him to get their husbands back, and in The Flirt, the men are the ones who hire Hughie for their wives. The idea is that having Hughie flirt with them uplifts them, makes them feel good about themselves, happier, sexier, and therefore improves their marriages.While Hughie is required to remain single in order to get and retain this job, he is in a relationship with Leticia Vane. She will sleep with him but won't get involved personally because she doesn't believe that love exists. She breaks up with him, which only serves to make him obsessed with her, and to try to use his newfound flirting techniques to get her back.In the meanwhile, he is flirting as required with Olivia Bourgalt du Coudray. Olivia suspects--correctly--that her husband is having an affair. He has hired Hughie to make his wife happy so that she will go back to her normal self and keep the house and be available to her husband as he requires. However, Olivia is finding herself and while the flirting is a diversion, is that going to be enough to save the marriage?This book was fun! The characters were great—especially all the guys who work with Hughie, all trained in the art of The Flirt. Gradually the lives of the characters all intertwine, until everything is wrapped up in the satisfying conclusion.

Quite a different read from The Perfume Collector and Elegance. Once you stop expecting it to be similar and read it as its own creation then it becomes quite fun and enjoyable. The concept of a profession in flirting is unique and apparently based loosely on fact. I did enjoy it but an example of literary genius it is not. An easy fun read that we all need to indulge in from time to time. I would recommend it .

The character development and eventual connections are fascinating to me. This was my second book she wrote and I'm on to the 3rd for sure.

Unusual storyline, with a fascinating and interesting group of characters. Twists and surprises, with developing relationships, and personality discoveries. Happy ending.

I love her books, but this is a departure from her usual style. All the other reviewers who have said it's a love actually style novel are correct. It took me a bit to get involved but I am glad I saw it to the end.

Nothing at all serious about this book,but it's a cute little read that is refreshingly different. The flirts are men with a job helping women think more of themselves and having something to think about other than their boring lives. The women are courted without knowing who is doing the courting.And, of course loving every minute of it!

A great reminder that sometimes how we view ourselves is fragile and tenuous. A lovely insight to how a simple and different view of what we are doing or how we are conducting ourselves, even from complete strangers can completely change our own view of ourselves and our lives. a light, enjoyable read. Well worth the journey.

I've read all of Kathleen Tessaro's books to date. This book is the sweetest one so far, although not my favorite of the set. Innocence will always be my favorite. However, it's a fun read and would probably make an excellent screenplay and movie. It has some funny parts and some sad parts. Altogether, a very enjoyable read.

I adored "Elegance", was less enamored of "Innocence", but fell in love again with "The Flirt". A whimsical piece of fun, at one point "The Flirt" made me giggle so hard when reading it in the tub that my son had to knock on the door to see if I was ok (if you're wondering, it was provoked by the encounter where Hughie pretends he can speak French.)I am puzzled as to why some people found the plot hard to follow, it was hardly rocket science and I found it a very effortless read.It reminded me a lot of Jilly Cooper's novel "The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous", another thoroughly enjoyable piece of fun - if you end up liking "The Flirt" be sure to read the Jilly Cooper one!Recommended.

The twist in book is about Male flirting to enrich the lives of ordinary women. It is fascinating to read, an to see the response from women. What does it cost to Flirt. Read it and find out!

Another one of Kathleen's that I couldn't put down. Some aspects are slightly unbelievable but didn't spoil my enjoyment of this heart warming book.

I found this to be a charming little novel - I like Kathleen Tessaro's style, and the way she 'landmarks' familiar places in London!

Great story as with all the other books by Kathleen Tessaro