Interesting romance story. The book jumps around in time at the beginning but soon settles down. It begins with snapshots of Sierra and Kane at pivotal points in their lives. The story moves to their current lives in the Outer Banks and then jumps back to Kane and Sierra’s first, anonymous meeting in New York City four years’ ago. Their meeting in the same small town in the Outer Banks years' after their memorable hook-up is a shock, as is the fact that Sierra’s sister is marrying Kane’s best friend. Sierra now owns a boutique selling fashion to tourists and locals. Kane’s driven property development career in New York ended badly, and he’s starting over. This romance has dual points of view, adult heat, some plot dilemmas and a HEA. I downgraded one star because Sierra’s rejection of Kane while open to begin dating other men didn’t make much sense to me (despite the author’s valiant efforts to explain Sierra’s angst). Kane’s childhood traumas should also have a trigger warning, and his resume stretched reality a little too far for me. Overall, the characters in this book were engaging though, and the conclusion was satisfying. Recommended. I received a copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed the first book of this series, but sadly I didn't hit it off with this one. I'd give it three stars.
With third person writing, it always takes me a little bit to get into the story, but somehow I couldn't relate to the characters.
It was a quick, enjoyable read, but it didn't stand out, and I know I'll forget about this one soon.

I'd still recommend to read it, if you've enjoyed the first book.

I have to start by saying Jennifer Probst is my favorite author. Every book I have read of hers is better than the last! I loved her Meet me in Italy series & now this is the second book in her Outer Banks Series. I loved Book of the Month and now reading The Reluctant Flirt, brings back the same characters. This book is about Sierra, Aspen's sister and Kane, Brick's best friend. Sierra and Kane first met 4 years ago and had a one night stand. Neither one of them has been able to forget about the other. Brick and Aspen introduce them at dinner one night in the Outer Banks and Sierra is shocked that Kane is the man she has never forgotten. This is a perfect beach read that will leave you wanting more! Thank you NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the ARC! 100% recommend this book!

Small town romance is a great trope, and the story starts in New York City with an explosive connection that follows up four years later into a fiery connection.

I have to say once again, in some of these romance novels, I’m tending to lean more into loving the guy more than the girl. While I understand a lot of hesitation

I love it when the guy is all in and isn’t afraid to admit it. Breaking down the barriers is a lot of this book. He was constantly on the chase, trying to convince her that what they had was real.

Blending in with other characters brings that Outer Banks vacation town vibe. They’re all interesting and fun characters, and the author even set it up for another potential romance – maybe another book to come??

Probst is amazing when it comes to setting up those hot romance vibes. The electricity and the intense feelings are all there. It’s just breaking through the ice to make that final connection, but he’s diligent. I was cheering him on all the way through!

I enjoyed the overall story, but she tended to annoy me with her overall lack of trust in herself and him. The third quarter demo scene was drama-filled and crushed their growth. That was sad and unnecessary on her part, I also feel that the author took it a bit beyond where it needed to go or needed to be.

We got the HEA, but I wanted more from it, but after the demo scene, it wasn’t everything I expected. All in all, The Reluctant Flirt by Jennifer Probst is sweet, hot, and funny in many places. Great read for your summer beach vibes!

This is a charming second chance romance between a high earning commercial real estate developer and a recent divorcée as they embark on their own journeys of self discovery to find who they are underneath their expectations for themselves and what that means for their inexplicable chemistry together.

I think this story would have hit a little harder for me had I (ironically) read more carefully to see this was a sequel in a series. It can still be enjoyed as a standalone, but there are many side characters we don’t get to fully connect to as I assume they are more throughly introduced in Book of the Month. There were a few times a character is brought in without an intro and I had to re-read a few sections to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

However, the dynamic between the two protagonists is still strong enough to carry the story through. If you enjoy second chance romances, small town settings and detailed descriptions of women’s shoes, you’ll definitely love The Reluctant Flirt.

This was a really fun and cute love story. I was hooked right away, characters were all lovable and i kept thinking “if only real life was like this”. Definitely recommend

This a second chance love story about two jaded lone wolves. The back and forth with the central couple, Sierra and Kane is easily the best thing about the book. I didn't realise upon starting that it was part of an ongoing series. The story makes sense in isolation but lots of the other characters and plot points are obviously from a previous book and I found myself not really engaging with them. I expect that lots of people will relate to Sierra and the life that she's built in business post-divore and the caution with which she now approaches life.

The Reluctant Flirt is the second book in Jennifer Probst's Outer Banks series and I couldn't wait to dive into this story. It's funny, sweet, spicy, swoony, and emotional. It's a complete standalone but it does have some spoilers from Book of the Month, the first book in the series. This story centers around Sierra and Kane, two people who have a history that nobody knows about. One night, no names in New York City, with Sierra vanishing before dawn. Several years later, their paths cross again, and the story takes off from there.

I love Sierra! She strong, independent, gorgeous, feisty, successful, and she's built a business and life that she can be proud of after divorcing her ex. She's headstrong and believes she doesn't need a man in her life to be fulfilled. Enter Kane, the man from her one night in NYC. Kane is charismatic, gorgeous, driven, and wanted by every woman in town. He comes to Duck the Outer Banks to escape a professional and personal nightmare, seeking refuge with is best friend Brick, who is engaged to Sierra's sister. When they come face to face, neither can believe it. And so starts the chase. Sierra doesn't want to give Kane the time of day, but he is determined to win her over and make her his. Things are not smooth sailing for these two and they have their share of ups and downs, and everything in between. But their chemistry is undeniable and they can't stay away from each other.

The Reluctant Flirt will draw you in quickly and you'll be rooting for Sierra and Kane from the very start. You'll laugh, you'll smile, and your heart will break as secrets and past experiences are revealed. But with a satisfying, happily ever after, you'll be left with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. 4 stars

After discovering her husbands affair, Sierra Lourde flees to New York City. There she meets and has a one night stand with Kane Masterson but flees in the early morning hours. Years pass and Sierra is now owner of a trendy boutique called Flint and enjoying her life. When Kane Masterson moves to the Outer Band to work for a friend, they are shocked to see each other again. Kane and Sierra have never forgotten that night but Sierra is determined to leave it at that one night. Can a one night stand turn in to a lasting relationship?


Thanks to Jennifer Probst and Blue Book Press for the book

The Reluctant Flirt was everything I love in a romance — banter that bites, slow-burn tension, and two characters who crash into each other in the best, most chaotic way. The female lead was sharp, guarded, and refreshingly self-aware, while the male lead brought that “I see all your walls and I’m not scared of them” energy that totally melted me. Their chemistry built slowly but deliciously, layered with snark, stolen glances, and moments of unexpected softness. The emotional growth felt real, the humor hit perfectly, and the romance had just enough heat to keep me grinning. A fun, flirty, and feel-good read I’d happily recommend.

The Reluctant Flirt is book two in the Outer Banks series but can be read as a standalone. Sierra took care of everyone in her life- her parents (when they were alive), her sister after her parents passed away, and her husband before they divorced. But eight years ago, Sierra fled to New York after finalizing her divorce and had one magical night with a mystery man with no names and no expectations. The next morning, she runs before he can wake up but he left his mark. In the present, she is the proud owner of her own boutique and doing well for herself; the only thing missing in her life is the companionship of a partner. Enter Kane, the best friend of her sister’s boyfriend. When Sierra meets Kane she realizes it’s the perfect one night stand she ran out on eight years ago. And Kane wants answers… and Sierra. With her sister’s engagement, Sierra and Kane are forced to be around one another and sparks start to fly again. But Kane has come to Outer Banks with secrets. Will Sierra and Kane be able to turn their perfect one night stand into happily ever after? Or will Kane’s secrets and ambition be too much for Sierra?

I loved book two in the Outer Banks series. I have been rooting for Sierra’s since reading book one and loved her direct, bold attitude. Kane’s character was written perfectly as the counterpart to Sierra. I liked everything about the book but the events following the climax (no pun intended). I felt it was rushed to end the book. I believe if the climax came earlier and the falling action was flushed out a little more, the book would flow better into the resolution. I gave this book 4.5 ⭐️’s. Can’t wait for the next book by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Probst, and Blue Box Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jennifer Probst always gives us unforgettable leading men but Kane Masterson, with his rugged good looks and GQ fashion sense, has taken over the top spot on my list. Kane is a handsome, successful and impeccably well dressed man who has women falling for him wherever he goes, but the one woman he really wanted had eluded him until now, and he wasn’t about to let her go a second time. Was it fate, or just plain old good luck, that brought Sierra back into his life? She was the sister of his best friend Brick’s girlfriend, and owned a boutique, Flirt, in the Outer Banks, where he escaped after his life blew up. Whatever he had done to deserve this surprise gift, he was eternally grateful. All that mattered now was whether or not he could convince Sierra to give him another chance. She was a hard nut to crack, but Kane never backed down from a fight! If I was Sierra, I would have jumped at the chance to rekindle my romance with Kane, because he was just too perfect and charming to ignore.

Sierra had other ideas and pretended that their “brief” encounter four years ago meant nothing to her and that she was too busy to deal with a man like Kane. At one point, she was down right rude to Kane, and I wouldn’t have blamed him if he had walked away!
Sierra was worried that he would become bored with her quaint, seaside town, and return to the bright lights of the big city. As luck would have it, Kane and Sierra were tasked with planning an engagement party for her sister, Aspen, and her boyfriend, Brick. This was Kane’s big idea and Sierra was reluctant to spend too much time with him, but she didn’t want to upset her sister. When Kane appeared at their first party meeting with a spreadsheet and lists of ideas, Sierra was shocked at his organization and enthusiasm. She saw Kane in a new light and was angry at herself for looking down her nose at him. Her memories of their night together were etched in her mind and perhaps they were always meant to meet again, but this time, could it be forever?

This book has all the ingredients of a great beach weekend romance read. I loved the history between these two characters, and their story of falling in love is interesting. My favorite moment was probably when the significance of Sierra's shop's name was revealed. Some parts dragged on and the lack of forward movement between Kane and Sierra made me skim certain parts. By the end I was reading mostly just to finish. Thanks NetGalley for an arc.

The Reluctant Flirt by Jennifer Probst delivers a heartfelt, character-driven romance rooted in the emotional fallout of betrayal, the hope of reinvention, and the slow, painful process of learning to trust again. It’s the second installment in the Outer Banks series but stands comfortably on its own, welcoming both new readers and returning fans with open arms.

At the center is Sierra Lourde, a woman still reeling from the implosion of her marriage after discovering her husband’s affair. Seeking an escape, she ends up in New York City, where one too many glasses of wine and a perfectly timed rescue from an awkward bar encounter leads to a one-night stand with a stranger. There are no names exchanged, no strings, and for Sierra, no regrets—until the next morning when the vulnerability of the moment becomes too much and she leaves before he wakes.

Fast-forward four years, and Sierra has rebuilt her life in the Outer Banks. Her boutique, aptly named Flirt, represents not just a business but a symbol of her independence, creativity, and control. She’s content. Or so she thinks—until the very man she ran from walks back into her life. Kane Masterson, now a developer with a high-stakes project that could destroy her shop, is no longer a charming stranger. He’s now her adversary, her temptation, and the one man who might unravel everything she’s worked so hard to protect.

The strength of this novel lies in the push and pull between Sierra and Kane. Their relationship is layered with unspoken history and unresolved attraction. Kane never forgot Sierra—he’s carried the weight of that night and the mystery of her disappearance with him ever since. Now that fate has handed him a second chance, he’s determined to use it. But Sierra, despite her obvious feelings, refuses to make the same mistake twice. Their dynamic is filled with sarcasm, simmering tension, and emotional depth that feels earned rather than forced.

Probst takes her time building their story. Through flashbacks and quiet character moments, we come to understand who these people are—not just what they want from each other, but what they fear. Sierra’s journey is one of reclaiming agency, not just romantically but professionally and emotionally. Kane, by contrast, must reconcile his past failures and learn how to show up for someone without trying to fix or control them.

The setting of the Outer Banks serves more than just aesthetic purposes—it reflects the novel’s themes of new beginnings and grounded connections. From boutique storefronts to beachfront views, the town feels alive and inhabited, with side characters that add flavor without overwhelming the main plot. The return of characters from Book of the Month, including Sierra’s sister Aspen and Kane’s best friend Brick, provides continuity for series readers while offering natural context for newcomers.

One standout element, mentioned by several early reviewers, is Montgomery the cat. A scene-stealer with attitude and surprising emotional resonance, Montgomery offers comic relief and symbolic weight, especially for Sierra, whose guardedness cracks just a bit more when she’s around him.

That said, the book isn’t without its minor flaws. The pacing dips in the second act, particularly as Sierra and Kane circle each other with limited forward motion. Some readers may find the tension overstretched, especially when it leans on misunderstandings that could be resolved with a single honest conversation. And while the emotional payoff hits home, the third-act conflict—centered around a development deal—feels more like a necessary hurdle than an organically escalating climax.

Despite these hiccups, The Reluctant Flirt succeeds as a mature, emotionally intelligent romance that prioritizes character growth over plot contrivance. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks or overblown melodrama. Instead, it focuses on two people who are deeply human—flawed, funny, wounded, and trying to do better. It’s a story about taking risks after heartbreak, allowing yourself to be seen, and finding someone who meets you exactly where you are.

For readers who crave a romance with heart, heat, and a touch of beach-town magic, Jennifer Probst delivers again. This is a love story that acknowledges how messy real emotions can be, and still finds a way to make you believe in happy endings.

Thank you to Blue Box Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a great romance book, I'd say it even swung towards second chance romance.

Sierra goes through a divorce and has a one night stand that rocked her world but it also scared the hell out of her so she dipped and ran come morning time, fast forward 4 years and suddenly this sensational man is in her small town. How can she avoid him when all he wants to do is prove to her he is trustworthy and to give their relationship a chance.


I loved seeing Sierra push down her walls and realise that she deserve passionate and all consuming love!
Kane, well. What a guy, someone who truly listens and will do anything to better themselves for someone they love, what more could you ask for in an mmc oh yeah he is really hot!!

Also shout out to Montgomery, what a great cat

This book is exactly the kind of emotional, passionate love story I crave. It’s full of hope, humor, and that sweet thrill of rediscovery. I found myself rooting for Sierra and Kane every step of the way, and I can’t stop thinking about their story long after I finished it.

Jennifer Probst fans, we're back in Outer Banks, a small idyllic beach town perfect for falling in love. Book of the Month is the first title in this series, but you don't need to read it before enjoying The Reluctant Flirt.

Sierra runs her own boutique in a new town away from her old life and ex-husband. Outer Banks is her fresh start, and she's determined to succeed, but when the best hookup of her life shows up in town, apparently the best friend of her sister's fiancee, things get complicated.

This book has all the ingredients of an indulgent weekend romance read. A sexy start, a crisis meet-cute-take-two, and characters both smitten and too stubborn for their own good. I loved the secret and unique history between these two characters, and their story of falling in love is very sexy (with lots of spice!). My favorite moment was probably when the significance of Sierra's shop's name was revealed. However, it didn't blow me away. By the time I neared the end there were some problems I had with the communication between the characters (or lack of) that is one of my pet peeves, and some of the pacing made it hard to stay really locked in at times. By the end I was reading mostly just to finish.

Outer Banks is a cozy and romantic setting to indulge in, and if you're looking for some 'candy' to read, this may be exactly what you're looking if. It just wasn't for me.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I’ve read and enjoyed Jennifer Probst’s books before, so I was surprised to find myself struggling with The Reluctant Flirt. The premise had potential, and I was excited going in—but I just couldn’t get into the writing this time around.

Something about the pacing and style didn’t click for me, and I found it hard to stay engaged with the story. I kept hoping I’d find my rhythm with it, especially since I’ve never had this issue with her writing before, but unfortunately, it never fully hooked me.

That said, I know every reader connects differently with every story. Just because this one didn’t land for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for someone else—especially fans of her lighter, flirty romances.

Follow-up to the Book of the Month, this story follows Sierra and a Kane.

Both ended up in Outer Banks following life-altering events from people they trusted with a sound memory of a one-night experience a few years ago where no names were exchanged.

Kane is trying to rebuild his life and determined to rekindle the flame he knows is there, even if Sierra doesn't want to acknowledge it.

Jennifer Probst has a great talent for making you route for her characters and delivering the second and third acts and this book is no exception. Sierra and Kane learn a lot from one another and from the small town they've chosen to call home.

I enjoyed this book and it was perfect for the long weekend. The perfect amount of spice, sparks and witty banner made this one so enjoyable.
Sierra is going through a difficult time and ends up having a one night stand with a charming stranger. No rules, promises or names. He makes an impression but Sierra and he set the boundaries.
She is now in the Outer Banks and runs a boutique called Flirt. She is doing well and get s the shock of a lifetime when she runs into her one night stand, Kane! She has no idea what brought Kane to her town, but she will discover he might have ulterior motives, but their chemistry is strong.