Having read the first in the series, I was excited for the second book featuring Sierra and Kane. It did not disappoint.

Jennifer Probst does a great job of bringing such emotion to her characters. The Reluctant Flirt was a nice, solid read. Sierra and Kane have their own demons they have been fighting, but they slip into such an understanding of each other. I love that they pick up right where they left off years before. Montgomery the cat was such an awesome addition to the story. I could totally picture that ladies' man of a cat.

Plenty of steam in the book if you're looking for that, but not totally slam down dirty.

Thank you to NetGalley, Blue Box Press, and Jennifer Probst for the e-ARC. This review is my own opinion.

I loved book 1 of this series, so I was super excited to receive an eARC of book 2. I was excited to read more about the side characters and dive back into the world of the residents of the OBX. While I loved the premise of the book, the actual chemistry between the characters just didn't work for me. I'm not sure what it was about the FMC and the MMC, but something just didn't click to get me deeply invested in their story. It was an easy read, had good pop ins from Brick and Aspen and the gang, but just didn't draw me in like book 1. I still really enjoyed this book, and I think it had a good ending. I am looking forward to seeing who the next book will be about (please Maleficent and Marco!!!), and I'll definitely continue reading the series.

Book two in the Outer Banks Series, The Reluctant Flirt brings Kane Masterson and Sierra Lourde back into each other’s orbit in a heartfelt, emotionally layered second-chance romance.

What begins as a single night of unexpected connection quickly becomes something neither Kane nor Sierra can forget. When fate throws them back together, the chemistry is still undeniable—but so are the complications. Kane’s career is at a critical turning point, and Sierra has built walls around her heart to protect herself from disappointment.

As old feelings resurface, both are forced to confront what really matters: ambition, pride, or the possibility of something real and lasting. The story balances tension and tenderness, blending flirty banter with genuine emotional stakes.

With witty dialogue, slow-burning passion, and characters that feel authentic and well-drawn, The Reluctant Flirt is a compelling exploration of what it means to take a risk on love when life offers a rare second chance. A great pick for fans of small-town romance with emotional depth and sizzling chemistry.

Jennifer Probst is one of my favorite authors, and The Reluctant Flirt reminded me why I love her books. It was emotional, romantic, and full of heart.

This story follows Sierra Lourde, a strong and independent woman who rebuilt her life after heartbreak. Years ago, after discovering her husband’s affair, she had a one-night stand with a stranger in New York. She never expected to see him again. Now, she owns a boutique called Flirt in the Outer Banks and is finally happy until Kane Masterson, the man from that night, shows up in town.

Kane is a developer with a project that could destroy Sierra’s shop. He’s also the man she never forgot. As they’re forced to spend time together thanks to family connections and small-town run-ins, their chemistry reignites. But Kane has to choose between saving his career and risking everything for a second chance with Sierra.

This book is full of flirty banter, emotional depth, and small-town charm. Sierra is a relatable heroine, and Kane is a devoted, swoony hero who’s all in. Their journey is sweet, funny, and a little heartbreaking in the best way.

Sierra and Kane absolutely sparkle!! A fun story, A one night stand that blows their mind. Then BOOM the are in the same town, One ready to resume the other ready to run and hide. Absolutely explosive!!!

The timeline was too choppy and jumpy, for the first few chapters of the book it was mostly dual timeline. Aspen, Sierra’s sister is mentioned being happy and in love then suddenly she broke up with her boyfriend and got back together in one sentence no mentioned why, I checked and there is a book one and it is about Aspen and Brick. A little recap in certain places would have helped with connecting both books without being confused as to why information was missing.

4.25⭐
After her parents passing followed by her divorce, Sierra was knocked off her pins. So a chance discussion in a bar leads to an incredible one-nighter where she tiptoed out in the morning without exchanging names. Four years passed, then she runs into him again. Often used trope, but handled well here. The characters are engaging and interesting, and I became quite invested in their story. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I like the little town this series takes place in. Sierra is always straight forward and goes for what she wants ....unless it's a man after her heart.

Kane knows what he wants and he will do anything to get it all back....but what if that means giving up the only woman he could never get over?

A few lines I liked:

You can keep running for now. Until I decide to catch you.

Kane grit out in a whisper, "That's not a cat. It's a monster."

He'd been cock blocked by a cat. 😂

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

🐯 This part made me laugh so hard, I was in tears 🐯

"I'm surprised at you. I thought you liked animals."

"Domesticated, cute, furry animals. Brick's got a rat creature masquerading as a dog, and now you have a pet who looks like the orange gorilla from Jungle Book."

I've been dying for Sierra and Kane's story since the teaser in Book of the Month! It was exactly what I was hoping for!! One night stand with no names then they meet again 4 years later and it's a little bit of enemies to lovers. He falls first and has to win her back. The tension was so good! The third act break up is predictable but still worth the read. Now I want a book for Marco and Mal!!

Sierra has reinvented herself as the proud owner of Flirt, a trendy boutique in the Outer Banks. Life is good—until Kane Masterson, the man she left behind, walks back into town. And of course, he’s now the developer whose big new project threatens to bulldoze her beloved shop. Kane needs this deal to save his career, but Sierra’s not about to let him demolish her hard-won success.

I have read quite a few Jennifer Probst books. This one is my favorite. I enjoyed the chemistry between these characters. And Kane…I loved him. I will say Sierra is a bit stubborn and tended to jump to conclusions but Kane has her number. As a reader, you are really rooting for them as a couple!

Yes, this story is a bit predictable but it is a quick, enjoyable read.

Need a good romance with great chemistry between the characters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

What a fun and cozy romance. The Reluctant Flirt was a quick and enjoyable read that tied everything up in a nice bow at the end. Now I’m just hoping there is a book 3 in the Outer Banks trilogy.

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
The Reluctant Flirt (Outer Banks, Book 3) by Jennifer Probst
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 248
Genre: Romance
Release Date: July 15, 2025

After finalizing her divorce, Sierra had a one-night stand with a man she’s never been able to forget. So when he walks back into her life four years later, she freaks out a little. Assuming he’s just another man she can’t trust like her cheating ex, she tries to blow him off and acts like that night meant nothing to her. But that night meant as much to him as it did to her and he’s not about to let her go.

If you like romance books with dirty talk, you might enjoy this one, unfortunately I do not. Now, I like some spice in my romcoms but the dirty talk in this one just gave me the ick. I also tired of Sierra’s insistence in not giving Kane a chance. And Kane’s inability to take no for an answer, annoyed me even more. Who the hell does he think he is? No means no, buddy.

Jennifer Probst’s To Sicily with Love is my favorite book of the year so far, and it was nothing like this one. I think I’ll just stick with her contemporary fiction stories.

Sierra has a chance meeting with her sister’s boyfriend’s mysterious friend only to realize he was her one stand from years ago. Kane was the only man Sierra has been dreaming about since then but she doesn’t want to tell him.

When Kane meets Sierra he realizes the woman of his dreams is within his reach but she keeps running away from him. He keeps trying to prove himself and show Sierra he is there for her and is not going to leave her alone.

This story you realize both characters have deep emotions they need to get through in order start a relationship. In some ways I was surprised they overcame the issues for their happiness. It here was a lot of give and go between them and I was happy to see them together in the end.

Sierra wasn't in New York to flirt with anyone, just drowning her sorrows after her divorce became final. But after a stranger in the bar saves her, they get to talking, then she's reluctantly flirting back, and one thing led to another. She agreed to one night, no names, and the next morning she left without saying goodbye.
Now, Kane is forced to start over after his real estate partner framed him. He's in the Outer Banks visiting his best friend Brick and decides to stay for a bit. And when they're out one night, he finds out that the woman he never forgot is the sister of Brick's girlfriend... and she runs again! He knows that night was a lot more than a hookup, and he's not giving up until she admits it too.
This book was good, if a bit predictable. I thought Sierra's excuses for continuing to push Kane away were kind of flimsy, but I appreciated his dedication. He definitely falls first and is just waiting for her (and her cat) to give in. I did like the small town vibe of the book and revisiting the characters from the first book. And the guys advice to Kane in the end comparing it to a popular romcom with an arguably bad Hollywood HEA was hilarious.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This second instalment in Jennifer Probst’s outer banks series is a great read. The main characters in this story both have made mistakes in their past that they are struggling to move past and their journey together is emotional to read about. It is a great story that holds your interest from beginning to end.

Thank you to Blue Box Press, the author, and Get Red PR for the free book. These opinions are my own.

In this book, we return to the Outer Banks for Sierra's story. I very much appreciated how Aspen and Brick from Book of the Month were included in this story. Although The Reluctant Flirt could be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading both.

This is a story of second chances and starting over. Sierra has started anew after her divorce with her boutique Flirt. And Kane needs a fresh start after his high powered New York real estate job imploded. Both have really challenging emotional baggage to deal with. The book is strongly character driven with a need for growth and trust. And I appreciated both characters so much. The pacing is slow and appropriate to the story and amount of growth necessary. Like both characters, I felt like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. But his persistence and showing up was incredible.

The heavier aspects of the story are nicely balanced with fun. I especially appreciate the great animal antics. Flirt, her store, sounds like a fun boutique to shop in. And each chapter begins with a quote about luxury shoes. I think folks who love fashion will really enjoy those aspects.

Rounded up to 4 stars

The Outer Banks series is a great choice for me. I accidentally saw this book, and luckily, I did not miss a chance to read it. I love characters that are part of this story. My big recommendation is to read this series in order, so you can appreciate the story fully. The author has a way of involving us in the characters’ world so we all feel like we are a part of their stories. You will be able to follow the love story, but also stories about family and friends. This book is a cozy read for all romance lovers. Lovely, warm, and emotive.

Thank you, Jennifer Probst, Blue Box Press, and NetGalley, for an advance reader’s copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I have liked a few second chance romance tropes that I have read recently .but I feel one night stands shouldn’t fall in that category.

The Reluctant Flirt, book two in the Outer Banks series by Jennifer Probst had all the feels! Sierra and Kane were swoony, and I love being able to catch up with former characters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is the 2nd book of the Outer Bank series and while can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading Book of the Month first.

This picks up from the first book and we learn that Sierra and Kane has some history. They reconnect as Aspen, Sierra's sister is marring Brick, who is Kane's best friend.

The story is fun but I found the plot a little off. I don't get why Sierra was so embarrassed about their history and her reluctance in giving Kane a chance. I also didn't buy their 1 encounter 5 years ago made such an impact on each other.

I did enjoy their chemistry and how Kane was able to break down Sierra's walls by showing how thoughtful he is. The breakup act was also something that could've been avoided if there was communication.

Thank you @1001darknights_blueboxpress for a copy of the book.