Sierra Lourde has been divorced for a few years; her former husband cheated on her. Rather than date around, she focuses on running her boutique shop, Flirt, which is located in a small town on Outer Banks (a string of islands), North Carolina. Having relocated there from NYC, Sierra's thrilled to be in close proximity to her only family: sister Aspen and Aspen's boyfriend Brick. Happily-in-love Aspen is eager for her sister to have that kind of romance in her life, and repeatedly attempts to set Sierra up with Brick's best friend Kane. When Aspen finally gets Sierra in a room together with the mysterious "hottest bachelor in OBX", Sierra literally drops her glass at first sight.

Is he too hot too handle? Yes. Oh yes.
Is it actually her first time seeing him? ...no, you sweet summer child. It absolutely is not. 
Is she already... intimately... familiar with this man? Uh huh you could say that. They got REAL FAMILIAR with each other REPEATEDLY one night 4 years ago, exchanging everything but their identifying info- 
Naturally, the first thing to do when reunited with such a man... bolt. Just like she did 4 years ago, not giving this man (who'd by then already fallen head over heels in love with her) a chance. But never quite forgetting about him over the years, either.

It's giving (not Old Man, but) "Book Reviewer Yells at Cloud": what are you doing, Sierra? Turn around. Look at him, turn... Tu- darn it. But Kane isn't about to let her run away from him a second time.

The Reluctant Flirt does its title justice, because despite this being Every Woman's Chase Fantasy, Sierra resists, and runs, and resists, and runs... She tells herself it's because he was career-oriented when they first met, and has had a brief stint in prison since, but... that's not really it. She is afraid, and trying to convince herself he's no good for her (despite him actually being a really good person who's had crappy things done to him). She doesn't even try to see him for who he really is. But at the same time, she has never forgotten about him either. It gets to a point where rather than being romantic, it's a bit frustrating: Kane is very intense, but basically laying himself out there for her and very direct about his goal. But she's letting him just kind of happen to her, passively, without giving him anything back. Boy, he tried.

Sierra's also, ridiculously, letting this decision hinge on whether a CAT SHE GOT DAYS EARLIER accepts him. This attempt at adding in a bit of quirky levity doesn't work in Sierra's favor, or the story's. (Though I did end up liking the cat, not gonna lie.) As a couple, they could have instead discussed Kane's childhood, growing up with food insecurity, in a deeper way. It is a huge part of his motivation throughout this book and I feel like it would have helped Sierra understand most of his choices, bringing them closer together more naturally.

When they finally do reunite, it just doesn't surpass or live up to their first meeting. We see Kane chasing her (which at times is glorious, because nobody talks dirty like this guy), and taking the initiative constantly, but we don't see her really fall (back) in love with him, not in a way that works. At one point he opens up a little to her, and she's basically deciding "OK they're going to be together". Like a verbal agreement, blink and ya miss it. Where's the two of them from 4 years ago? That moment between them, that first night, I felt it. Their chemistry, their connection, the passion - all of that. I miss it (from one side) in their present storyline.

What would have worked so much better (in my completely humble opinion as a romance reader who loves the second chance trope), is if at some point, SHE had been the one who had to chase HIM. That would have put this on a whole nother level. I would have liked a conflict there, rather than in their work-setting, since Kane works in property development and Flirt's business location is on the line. At the very least, just have her put in some effort.

But in fairness, the book promises to be a fun, enjoyable, breezy read and I think it achieves that just fine. Kane's chase WAS juicy; his smutty talk and his sexy as heck determination gave us a completely different sort of romance fantasy that I was sat for regardless. It's on par with good grovel: if you want your MMC to be relentless in his desire, and see him go all in, with some good spice as a pay off, this could be a highly enjoyable bit of escapism for you.

This is the second book in a series of interconnected standalone romances; I don't think it's necessary to read book 1 (which is about Aspen and Brick) in order to enjoy book 2, but it's of course always an option to consider! 

Thank you NetGalley and Blue Box Press for generously providing me with a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.

The Reluctant Flirt is the perfect summer beach read. As promised, it’s flirty, fun, and set in a quintessential beach town full of nosy neighbors and well meaning do-gooders. Kane and Sierra’s story is a bit of a sideways second chance romance, where a past (anonymous) big city one stand turns into something more meaningful, in the new lives that they have chosen for themselves, away from the hustle and heartbreak of their former situations. Fast paced and romantic, this read was the perfect escape! Thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for my gifted ARC.

Thank you Getredpr for the ARC of The Reluctant Flirt by Jennifer Probst in exchange for an honest review!

3.75 ⭐️ rounded to 4 stars


This was a great, fast paced love story. If you were looking for a book that you could get through in one sitting, and this is the one for you.
Our FMC Sierra has a one night stand four years after her divorce. Another four years goes by and the mystery man that she was with appears back in her life. But they have a close connection that will keep them tied. Our MMC Kane has a tough background. After being in prison for a while, he is finally finding success in his new career.
Their worlds collide, but of course drama ensues and our couple has to figure out how to navigate their problems.


A little bit predictable. But definitely entertaining. Also this book is very spicy so keep that in mind.

Overall, a fun read!

After discovering her husband's infidelity, Sierra Lourde seeks solace and a fresh start in New York City. A night of wine-fuelled escapism leads to a passionate, anonymous encounter with a charming stranger. Mortified, she flees the next morning, believing it's a one-time escape. Years later, she's a boutique owner in the Outer Banks when the charming stranger, Kane Masterson, reappears. However, now he is a developer who is threatening her shop. With careers on the line and sparks flying, Sierra and Kane find themselves locked in a battle of wills. Yet soon their sarcastic jabs turn into a romance when a family wedding forces them together.
Overall, this is a quick, captivating read that’s perfect if you are after a good second-chance romance with plenty of banter. I enjoyed both characters, with Kane being sensitive to Sierra and her past experiences. Sierra's journey of healing and rebuilding after heartbreak is relatable. I would have liked to have known more about Kane’s backstory, as while we get into his motivations, particularly regarding his career, it would have helped solidify his actions throughout the novel. A quick read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley, Blue Press Box and Jebnifer Probst for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5⭐️ Overall, I enjoyed it. This is book #2 in a series and I liked this book better however it fell into some of the same situations where i felt the phrasing and terms were dated and made my eyes roll.

Sierra was an impressive woman but so much is made of her love of shoes that it felt like she was reduced to that.

Kane is so hot, he is literally causing a fuss throughout town.

The writing itself was fine. It was nice to have dual POV but it was in third person which was unique and not my favorite.

We have a FMC who’s been wronged in the past who has no time for love. And a MMC who has never opened up to love, to keep himself protected. They have a steamy one night stand and run into each other 4yrs later.

I saw the conflict a mile away. The resolution was a bit disappointing.

You may enjoy if you like small town romance, MMC who has it bad and won’t stop until he gets what he wants, FMC pretending she isn’t into it, secrets, miscommunication and sassy grumpy

This was my first Jennifer Probst novel, and I’m already planning to dive into her backlist, especially the rest of the Outer Banks series. I was immediately charmed by the shoe quotes at the start of each chapter and the emotional depth behind both Sierra and Kane.

Their dynamic was brilliant: from the electric first meeting to the hilarious bar rescue, I was fully invested. The forced proximity plot, mainly driven by Aspen and Brick’s wedding plans, had some genuinely funny, heartfelt moments and kept the tension simmering throughout. The banter sparkled, and the chemistry was spot-on.

And the spice? Let’s just say it had me flustered more than once... Jennifer knows exactly what she’s doing there.

If I had one minor quibble, it’s that a couple of the plot beats felt familiar (classic romcom tropes, a slightly slower mid-section), but honestly, the strong character work and well-paced romance more than made up for it.

A beautiful, warm, and satisfyingly steamy read that balances heart and heat beautifully.

Thank you Jennifer Probst for providing this ARC of The Reluctant Flirt in exchange for an honest review.

2.5-Rounded up to 3 Stars.

This is my first book by Jennifer Probst, I didn't read the first book in the series, while I think it might have been helpful as it delves into the other characters in the story, it wasn't needed.

Things I liked about the book:
I liked that the two main characters had some depth going on behind the scenes while trying to hold it all together. I appreciated Some, not all of the banter between them.

Things I didn't like:
I didn't find Sierra or Kane likeable. I just didn't buy their chemistry or really if they ended up together.
Third act breakups that don't really resolve the reasons they broke up other than a hastily made up resolution-annoying.
I am not a fan of third person books, so already, it was a challenge to stay engaged.

2.5
Straight to the point, I did not enjoy the book and reading about the characters, BUT, I do get the concept and I understand people who enjoyed it, as it was far more better than the first one in the series. And if there were more books in the series, I don’t think I’ll be reading them, I was pushing and forcing myself to finish the books and tried my best not to DNF.
Now what I hate most is the writing style, aside from the 3rd person, the writing itself felt off for me, and I hate how the author collides sex with love, I mean, okay, there are some characters that can’t divide sex from their emotions, I understand that, but MAKING it look like everyone feels like that is a no, maybe I got it wrong, but that’s how I just saw it.
Dialogues are bearable, but if I had the chance again, I would rather not pick up this book, it any other book by this author for that matter.
Maybe in a different mood of mine or time, I would’ve liked it, but alas, now’s ain’t the time and I prefer picking up other books than giving it another try.
I got lucky because this book was so short and managed to finish it in one day.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange of a honest review.

I can't lie this book started off great but by 40% I felt it lost my interest. I wasn't looking to pick it up and finish it off and felt like it was a chore to get through.

I loved The Reluctant Flirt by Jennifer Probst. It’s perfect for a weekend read and checks off every essential for this reader: relatable characters, witty narrative, great plot, and just the right amount of spice.

Sierra is having a tough time; and in a reckless moment, she has a one-night stand with Mr. Charming. The boundaries are set: one night, no names, no numbers. Good night! Sierra eventually ends up in Outer Banks and owns a boutique called Flirt. But then one night, she bumps into Kane, her long-gone but not forgotten lover. Emotions and chemistry explode, and it is pure action and re-action for the rest of the book. This is a must read!

Thank you

📖 Book Review 📖 It was only supposed to be one night. No names, no strings attached. But four years later, far from Manhattan, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina they meet again. When Kane arrives in OBX with nothing left to his name, the only person he knows is his best friend, Brick (who just happens to be dating the sister of that elusive one night stand.) Can that chemistry sustain beyond just one night for Kane and Sierra? The Reluctant Flirt is a heartfelt beach read about second chances in life that unfolds in the most unexpected ways.

While The Reluctant Flirt is book two in this series and readers will enjoy a reunion with familiar faces from the first book, this one stands alone beautifully.

I enjoyed the first book in this series so much that I was definitely looking forward to this one. Book one (“Book of the Month”) involves Aspen and Brick. This book is about Aspen’s sister, Sierra, and Kane. I would recommend reading the first book before this one as Aspen and Brick are in this one and their story continues.

I wasn’t drawn into this story as much as I had hoped. It didn’t have the same feel as book one. Also, I’m not a fan of 3rd person POV— especially when I’m not into the story as I would like.

Thank you to the author, Blue Box Press and Get Red PR for an advanced readers copy and #gifted final copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and @BlueBoxPress for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a fun, feel good romance with just the right amount of heart, heat, and humor. The Reluctant Flirt follows Sierra, freshly divorced and trying to rebuild her life (and confidence) after catching her husband cheating. A spontaneous, wine fueled night with a charming stranger in a bar gives her a spark of something new—until she panics and disappears before morning.

Fast forward a few years and Sierra is thriving as the owner of a super cute boutique in the Outer Banks... until that stranger, Kane Masterson, shows up as the developer threatening to wipe out everything she's built. And of course, sparks fly all over again, just this time with a side of enemies-to-lovers tension.

Sierra is witty, strong, and relatable. I really loved how she picked herself up and built a life on her own terms. Kane’s a great balance to her stubborn but sweet, career focused but clearly still carrying a torch. Their banter had me smiling, and the chemistry between them was 🔥 without ever feeling forced. I also appreciated the deeper emotional threads family, forgiveness, and figuring out what really matters.

The pacing dragged just a tiny bit in the middle but overall, this was such an enjoyable, heartfelt story. Perfect for you if you are a fan of second chances, small-town charm, and flirty tension that turns into something real.

4.25 Stars!

#TheReluctantFlirt, #JenniferProbst, #BlueBoxPress, #RomanceBooks, #NetGalley

A beautiful story about the possibility of rebuilding your life after a bad streak, second chances, destiny, and the price of ambition, all seasoned with just the right touch of spice.

A great read. Kane and Sierra have met once before, but now he is in her home town will she give him a second chance? A great read, and a great setting.

This was a great book! The story was very well written and I could not put this book down. I love reading romances set in the city.

This is the story of Sierra and Kane who meet at a bar in NYC at a time when neither are ready for a relationship. She is newly divorced and he is very career focused. They agree to one night, no names, no strings. It was a night that would stay with both of them until years later when circumstances bring them back together. Now that time has passed, are they ready to really be together? Can they trust each other now that their lives have changed so much? This was a really great read. Kane is such a great MMC.

I would classify this as a second chance romance, but the first time around, it was a one night stand. Sierra was reeling from the cheating husband and met Kane at a bar in NYC. She took off before he woke up. Only now it's four years later and Kane is working for her sister's almost fiance and Sierra has a fashionable, successful business in a beach community.

Kane's been through some rough times, but he's still holding a flame for Sierra. He's also trying to rebuild his life.

I'm not sure Kane is believable, but I like Sierra a lot. The story has hot sex scenes.

We love when a guy you had a one night stand with four years ago pops back up…and is somehow now in your friend group and you have to pretend to be chill and signals get mixed!! What a fun time for all involved!!

Back in OBX, local shop owner Sierra Lourde has finally gotten her life together…and then in walks Kane Masterson, best friend of her sister’s fiance/best man in and finally named man from her past. Through power brokerage deals, complicated relationships with a grouchy orange cat who HATES men, town gossip, a confident man pspspsing his future wife (in his head of course), flirting via shoe choice, and a you’ve got mail inspired collection of advice, we get to see these crazy kids rediscover each other and reevaluate what they think is important in life.

Sierra and Kane truly feel like perfect balances for each other - confident and strong in areas the other is not, crazy ability to commit to the bit, and weirdly aligned childhood traumas that map onto their older sibling roles. I was so invested in their story, and was obsessed with Kane’s obsession with her. He is the most romantasy written man in a regular ole romcom!

Thanks so much to Jennifer Probst and NetGalley for a chance to read in exchange for an honest review.

The Reluctant Flirt is the 2nd book in the Outer Banks series and I strongly recommend reading them in order because while this is Sierra and Kane's story, a good part of the book revolves around Brick and Aspen, the main characters from the previous book. I liked Sierra and Kane individually and the part about their first meeting was both sweet, emotional and spicy. Yet the small town meddling and dynamics was a bit over the top for me and I found myself skimming pages at times. There's a sweet HEA in more ways than one, while the stage is set for the next book in the series.