Jennifer Probst’s stories always have that feelgood glow. And the Reluctant Flirt is no exception. However, the story starts a little glum, because Sierra is finding out her husband is having an affair. Not one to sit around and mope, Sierra decides to have a one night stand and leave the guy without a note.

After her move to Outer Banks, near her sister Aspen (yep, the one from Book of the Month) she starts Flirt, a cute store. Fast forward to 4 years further and she is suddenly standing face to face with her one night stand: Kane Masterson.

Kane is on a mission to save his career. After being duped at his former job, he now needs to prove himself in Outer Banks. But who is the one working against him: one of the shop owners, whose ghost has hunted him already for years after being left alone in bed. Sierra and Kane create some wonderful chemistry on the pages. And Montgomery, the cat is a hoot.

As always, Jennifer’s book is a treat. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

The Reluctant Flirt was the second book in the Outer Banks series. I read the first one a little while back and was so excited to read the second one. It is a very cute small-town romance. I love when the guy falls first. This author is so good at bringing all of the hot romance vibes. The FMC was kind of making me mad when she wouldn't trust him of herself. I understand she went through a lot but at one point I was like just let go and fall. This is a great Summer beach read.

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Loved this book! This is the 2nd book in the Outer Banks series. Go get and read Book of the Month and then read this one. Love the characters and how the story built on the first book. I was rooting for Sierra and Kane the entire book.

Can't wait to continue to read more books by Jennifer Probst. I have loved everything that I have read so far.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Blue Box Press and author Jennifer Probst for providing me with the eARC of “The Reluctant Flirt”, in exchange for my honest review.

Publication date: 15th July 2025

Book two in the Outer Banks series, I read the first book ‘Book of the Month’ in July 2025 and gave it 4 stars.

The Reluctant Flirt centers around characters who we are originally introduced to in the first novel, Sierra, Aspen’s sister, and Kane, Brick’s best friend. You see a little of their interaction in Book of the Month, and I was so happy to find that this was their story, as I knew they had one and that I wanted to read it.

This had me hooked from the first page. I loved reading about both Kane's and Sierra's growth throughout the novel, in order to be better people, not only for themselves but for each other. They are both very strong-willed people, and I enjoyed seeing them break down each other's walls.

It was also great to read move of Aspen and Brick's story as a secondary to the main storyline.

If you read and enjoyed the first book, definitely pick up the second as you will not be disappointed.

The second in the Outer Banks series and this novel we learn about Aspen's sister Sierra. This can be read as a stand alone but really read both and get engrossed into the story of these sisters. Sierra Lourde’s journey resonated so deeply with me. After discovering her husband's betrayal, she doesn’t just run—she reinvents. Her boutique, Flirt, is more than a business; it's a symbol of her strength, healing, and independence. Watching her rediscover her voice and rebuild her life was inspiring and genuinely emotional. Then there is ... Kane. Their chemistry was electric from the start, but what truly made this story unforgettable was the emotional depth and honesty of their second chance. This wasn’t about quick forgiveness or fairytale fixes—it was about accountability, vulnerability, and choosing love even when it feels scary. Kane is flawed like most of us but full of heart, and the way he shows up, not just for Sierra, but for his own growth, really shows what kind of man he is and many women will fall hard for those emerald eyes and true heart. Their love felt earned, tender, and deeply real as well as ready to grow into something even more. The Reluctant Flirt is a heartfelt story about second chances and the beauty of found family. The message that everyone deserves a second chance really hit home for me. I loved the small town setting and the warm fuzzy found family vibes. Many thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher.

Sierra starts all over in a new town after her divorce. She tries to pick up the pieces and reinvent herself in a new coastal town. She opens a boutique store, FLIRT, and business is doing well. She is doing well and enjoys her new life that she has given herself. Things are going well until, one day, Kane Masterson walks back into her life. She is very surprised to see Kane, who was a one night stand, living in the Outer Banks with his best friend.

As the story unfolds, Sierra soon finds out that Kane is actually best friends with her sister's fiance. They quickly realize how they know each other but neither wants to admit the passionate one night stand that they had in New York City. Sierra and Kane end up spending time with each other as they plan a party for the soon to be married couple. Sierra and Kane end up reigniting the spark that never left and fall madly in love with each other.

Kane ends up working for a development company that tries to sell the shopping center where FLIRT is located. Sierra finds out that Kane knew about the possible destruction of the shopping center. They story ends with Sierra and Kane working everything out and watching their best friends get married!

"Kane, this is Sierra. Sierra, this is Brick's friend, Kane. He's visiting from New York and helps Brick out with the some of the tours." Everything stilled. Her entire body froze in shock, trying to keep up with her spinning mind that kept repeating the same word over and over and over - no, no, no...

Sierra took one look at Kane and all she could remember was that one amazing night. She has no idea how he ended up in her little coastal town, far away from where she met him in New York. This is going to be complicated.

Kane couldn't believe he may have another chance to get to know Sierra. He never learned her name that one night. And had no idea where she lived. He couldn't ignore fate. He had to make this happen. If only he can convince her.

Another wonderful story by Jennifer Probst!

“Last night, she'd slept with a stranger.
Last night, she'd fallen a little bit in love with a man who was nameless.”

After being divorced for four years and finding her true passion in opening her boutique Flirt, Sierra finally admits to herself that she wants someone to share her life with, someone to take care of. So, she decides it's time to take the next step... she needs to get a cat. Sierra is still not sure about the idea of dating again, so being a cat lady is safer than risking getting her heart broken again.

Meanwhile, her sister Aspen is trying to set her up with Kane, his boyfriend's best friend, but they never seem to cross paths. She didn't want her sister to get too excited about playing matchmaker, in case she wasn't interested in Kane. Except that when Sierra saw him, she realized that they didn't need an introduction. Russet hair, emerald green eyes, charming and beautiful, she knew Kane really well, well, except for his name. That was the only rule: a one-night stand four years ago in New York, with no names and no strings attached. But Sierra never stopped thinking about him, even though she was the one who got away. Could that night have meant something for Kane, too? He couldn't possibly have caught feelings for her. For a man so focused on his work, money, and power, she was probably just another one-night stand. Sierra couldn't be more wrong... Kane had never forgotten her. But is he ready to prioritize more than just his career? He'll have to prove that to Sierra... and to her cat.

It was interesting how the same life events shaped Sierra's personality so differently compared to her dreamy and romantic sister, Aspen. Sierra assumed the role of the parent taking care of her sister, always thinking of the future and every consequence of her actions. She wants romance in her life, but she had to put that on hold when their parents died, and is just now slowly finding that part of herself again.

“Nothing I said was even close to flirty!”
“You're so damn direct and bold, you can annihilate a man with one blast of that sharp tongue. It's the hottest type of flirting imaginable.”

Kane was very determined to have another chance with Sierra since the moment he saw her again. He took his time to approach her and knew what to do every step of the way, showing interest without overwhelming her (well, he got carried away sometimes). He knew everything except for the basics of a commitment. That was funny and exasperating because he was used to being charming and sociable, but all in the pursuit of closing a business deal; on the romantic side of relationships, he was clueless. I loved that even Marco knew more about relationships than him. I'd like to read more about Marco and Maleficent.

The Reluctant Flirt is a very entertaining—and at times emotional—read, full of hope, longing, and love. A book about how the life you planned can suddenly change and turn into something even better.

Thank you to Blue Box Press, NetGalley, and the author for the digital copy of The Reluctant Flirt in exchange for my honest review.

Book two in The Outer Banks series, and wow—I loved this one even more than book one (Book of the Month)! 💕 This felt like so much more of a true love story, with the perfect mix of heart, heat, and healing.

Yes, it’s spicy (🌶️🌶️), but unlike the first one, the balance was just right. And for anyone who wants to skim, the steamy scenes are easy to skip without losing anything from the story.

My absolute favorite part? Mo the cat! 🐾 The way Jennifer wrote Mo into the story was hilarious, sweet, and such a lighthearted touch.

If you’re into:
🏝️ Small-town romance
💌 Second chance love
📖 Forced proximity
🌊 Outer Banks vacation vibes
🫶 Sierra + Kane
…this one is for you!

A beautiful setting, a lovable cast of characters, and a swoony happily ever after—what more could you ask for?

Reluctant flirt— one who is not intentionally flirting but is so good at it, it just comes naturally

This one starts out with a pivotal event that occurred separately for them a few years before— Sierra was getting married and Kane was making it big in NYC at his job. But then a few years later, stuff went wrong. Sierra’s husband cheats on her, and Kane gets screwed over by his mentor. Sierra and Kane meet in a bar and have a one night stand. That’s all it was going to be for her, but they connected on another level that Kane wanted more. However, they didn’t even share their names, and in the morning she was gone.
4 years later, he moves to her small town that coincidently is where his best friend resides. Said best friend is dating her sister. Once he notices her, he knows life has given him a second chance in more ways than one. He still harbors feelings for her since that night, but the sting of her divorce still hurts, and she’s not ready to get close to anyone again. He takes his time with her, showing that he’s not going anywhere, and slowly she thaws. However, a huge event happens that affects both of their jobs, and comes in between their relationship. This proves to be a test of their foundation and the building blocks needed to secure it. I think that moment also showcased the type of honesty needed in their relationship and how to view situations from the others perspective and not just logically. It also added a layer of depth to their relationship beyond just the physical, and that their willingness and necessity to move past this hurdle proved that there was more to their connection than just lust.

Thank you Get Red PR for the copy of this book for review! I enjoyed it.

This is a cute and spicy romance. When Siera discovers her husband having an affair, she has a one-night-stand and leaves New York to start over. She opens a new boutique in the Outer Banks. Soon trouble begins. A developer threatening to demolish her store is none other than the man with whom she had a one-night-stand! Siera and Kane were enjoyable characters and I wanted to them to find their way to each other.

Rating: 3⭐️ | Spice:2.5 🌶️
What to Expect:
Small Town (OBX)
One Night Stand
He Falls First
Second Chance Romance

Thank you so much @getredprbooks for the gifted paperback.

“Because love doesn’t make sense, babe. It’s a prickly, painful, agonizing mess. But if it works the way it’s supposed to, love is the best damn thing in the world.

Review Title & Vibes:
{HESITATING TO REVIEW} I wanted to like this one. It’s my first book by Jennifer and while some of this story was absolutely delicious, there were a few elements that turned me off.

Things that worked:
-The chemistry was pretty fantastic. Neither Kane nor Sierra were looking for a serious relationship, so one steamy night hook-up was the name of the game. Even though both of them knew their connection went deeper.
-Sierra and Aspen have a beautiful and hilarious sister bond.
-The chase - when Kane discovered his dream girl lived in this tiny OBX town - he immediately changed his playboy-esque ways.
-Sierra’s fearful stance on love was completely warranted.
-The story did come together for a pleasant HEA.

Spoilers: Sierra was post divorce from a loveless marriage (her ex cheated on her with a man). Kane was an extremely work focussed - his impoverished abused childhood drove him to achieve security, status, and wealth.
Kane did not learn his lesson even after landing in jail after being framed by his boss/mentor for fraud/embezzlement. He still chased the high risk/high reward deals even after knowing it would hurt Sierra’s business. His friends tried to explain how devastating this real estate sale would be to his budding relationship, he ignored them (even after summarizing the entire plot of You’ve Got Mail as an example of what not to do). At the very last possible moment of redemption, Duncan, his current boss, shared his own experience of closing a deal that ruined a friend’s business - the friendship was never the same.

Once Sierra finally stopped ignoring Kane, she left the fate of her potential relationship in the paws of her newly acquired adopted cat monster. I think this was meant to be more humorous, but didn’t quite land that way. When Kane confessed his involvement in the deal that would close her store, she automatically blamed him for choosing work over her. Not acknowledging his attempt to do right be her was close minded. I was glad that she went to him once she had time to process, and giving him the allusion of choice between work or their relationship.

The plot needed more drive. Most of it was driven by Kane’s ambition, Sierra’s desire for a pet and her love of shoes.

This is Book 2 in the author’s Outer Banks Series. After reading the first book in the series, Book of the Month, I was excited to read this one. Both books are set in the beachy town of Corolla in the Outer Banks.

Sierra Lourde had a one night stand with a mystery man she met in a hotel bar in New York City. Four years later she still can’t forget about the man and their night together. She is shocked to find him living in the Outer Banks, and he is best friends with her sister’s fiancée.

Sierra is now the owner of a boutique in town called Flirt. The mystery man, Kane Masterson, is starting a new life in the Outer Banks. Both are pulled together by the same attraction they felt when they first met in NYC. Kane would like to forge a relationship with Sierra, but first he must win over her cat.

I liked the small town beach setting. I liked the author’s descriptive writing. I also liked the banter between Sierra and Kane.

“Life makes no sense unless I’m with you.”

I loved the first book in this series and was happy to find this one is just as good. I adore the chemistry between Kane and Sierra, and the way they met four years ago was fun. They both needed to find themselves before they were ready to find each other again and that was a nice twist. I enjoyed catching up with Brick and Aspen and I love how supportive they are. This is a full circle romance and I found it unique and captivating.

I absolutely devoured this book - I had so much fun, it was such an enjoyable read.

I liked the circumstances in which Kane and Sierra met 4 years previously, and I enjoyed the flashback paragraphs (prior to the full chapter), that hinted at their first passionate night together. I also appreciated that when their secret was revealed, it didn’t become a big drama and plot line for the rest of the book.

I particularly thought Kane’s character was strong and had the most character growth as he grew to understand that there was more to happiness than working and money. He spent most of the book trying to break through Sierra’s walls to get to her heart, when really, he also needed to put some work in.

I thought it was nice to get some glimpses of Brick and Aspen also, and how their story was closely entwined with Kane and Sierra’s.

I liked the descriptions of Sierra’s clothes and shoes, and that as the book went on, we also got descriptions of Kane’s showing just how similar they are.

The 🌶️ scenes were 🌶️, but I gasped the most at the words that were coming out of Kane’s mouth.

I’m glad that Sierra wasn’t immediately forgiving towards Kane after withholding his knowledge into the future of her business, and that she let him stew for a bit. I enjoyed the scene between Brick, Kane and Marco where they were relating it back to ‘You’ve Got Mail’, predicting that Sierra was going to feel disrespected for a while.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

After discovering her husband's affair, Sierra has a one night stand with a total stranger. While rebuilding her life, she opens a boutique in the Outer Banks. When her shop is threatened by a new development, she finds that the developer is none other than her one night stand. Sparks and tempers flare as they each fight their mutual attraction and for their respective businesses. A fun, flirty, second chance, enemies to lovers romance

Sierra and Kane had chemistry off the charts! With plenty of banter and humor, while also both Kane and Sierra having to address different issues from their past. And Sierra's cat, Montgomery.... added some wonderful laugh out loud moments. '
I had read Book of the Month last year, so it was nice to revisit Aspen and Brick and get to dig deeper into Sierra's character. There was some brief overlap in the stories, just a different POV so that was fun too. 
Great for a beach read, pool read or just anyone who needs a fun and flirty romance!

✨ Review: The Reluctant Flirt ✨

I honestly didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did — but wow, it delivered! The chemistry of the main characters just wow and when it finally got spicy… let’s just say I was not disappointed 👀🔥

It’s the perfect mix of flirty banter, laugh-out-loud awkward moments, and some heart-melting romance that kept me hooked from start to finish.

If you’re in the mood for something funny ,heartwarming , relatable and spicy 🌶️ this one is for you !

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.

3/5 stars

I LOVED the first book in this series. This one was good, but I didn’t love it as much as the first one. I found it the ending to be extremely predictable. I’m not going to give the highlights, because you’ll figure it out…

It was good to revisit OBX. This time we explore Sierra and Kane who we got a brief snippet of in book one. The beginning traces some things we discovered in book one and there is a small overlap from a different POV. We quickly reach where book one ended. Loved the analogy with You've Got Mail late in the book and its honest review of the ending of that movie. I suspect Marco and Mal are next. The addition of Mo the cat was fantastic.