The Reluctant Flirt
by Jennifer Probst
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Pub Date 15 Jul 2025 | Archive Date 15 Sep 2025
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Description
From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst, discover The Reluctant Flirt…
Just one night…
After discovering her husband’s affair, Sierra Lourde flees to New York City for a little damage control—and a lot of wine. A tipsy night in a bar with a charming stranger seems like the perfect way to forget her troubles. No names, no promises, just one night to escape reality and regain her confidence. The next morning, mortified by her vulnerability, she flees without looking back. But who needs closure, right?
But one night changes everything…
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 (and his brother), but Sierra’s not about to let him demolish her hard-won success.
With sparks flying, sarcastic jabs turning into lingering looks, and a family wedding forcing them into close quarters, Sierra and Kane find themselves tangled in a battle of wills—and hearts. But now he has to choose: reclaim his career or risk everything for a second chance with the one woman he can’t forget.
Available Editions
EDITION | Ebook |
ISBN | 9781963135404 |
PRICE | US$7.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 350 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

I absolutely devoured this book! I thought the first book was good but this was amazing! Absolutely the dynamic and tension between the two main characters and their growth not only as characters but as lovers as well. Probably one of the best releases this year!

Thank you to Blue Box Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
After her husbands affair Sierra Lourde is in New York to let her hair down, a chance encounter with a charming stranger in bar is just want she needs to let her hair down. No names, no commitments, the next morning Sierra flees mortified that’s she let her guard down. 4 years later Sierra is now the proud owner of Flirt a chic boutique on the beach front, the last person she was expecting to see is Kane Masterson, the man she fled from after their magical night together. Kane’s job is down the pan and he has a new chance at success but at the cost of Sierra’s beloved store. Does Kane put his career ambitions first at the cost of a second chance with Sierra?
I have just finished reading this book, I have had a trying day and this book was just what I needed. It was light, funny, sexy and romantic, Kane was coming for Sierra like a bull in a china shop and nothing was going to stand in his way. After reading this book I really want to read Aspen’s story, I normally lose myself in fantasy books but with the occasional contemporary romance and this one did not disappoint. If you like strong hero’s who know what they want and strong heroines who aren’t afraid to put the hero in his place this book is for you. I liked the premise of this book and I’m as a romantic at heart reading the story of two people who fell in love at first site and chance encounter bringing them back together really appealed to me. Overall a really well written book and I really enjoyed it.

Wine and a one-night stand? Here's the beginning of an entertaining story! I enjoyed Probst's work and thought the characters were crafted well. The Outer Banks setting was inviting, and the banter was witty. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

The Reluctant Flirt is the second in the Outer Banks series by Jennifer Probst. This book is about Sierra, Aspen's sister and Kane, Brick's best friend. Sierra and Kane initially 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 and Sierra is shocked that Kane is the man she has never forgotten.
Sierra Lourde lost her parents and her husband. After her divorce she is afraid of becoming close to anyone that could leave her. Kane is determined to breakdown the walls she has built and earn her trust so he can be with the one woman he has ever loved.
Kane was betrayed by his boss one year ago, landed in jail and lost everything. He is trying to rebuild his life in OBX. Will the advancement of his career be the thing that puts his relationship with Sierra at risk?
I enjoyed The Reluctant Flirt and loved being able to see more of Aspen and Brick. Compared to Book of the Month, this book dealt with some darker themes like child abuse, alcoholism and betrayal. It was a fun companion to Book of the Month and I hope we get to see more of the OBX crew in the future!
Thank you NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the ARC! Definitely recommend if you enjoyed Book of the Month!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love Jennifer Probst books This book did not disappoint. Great characters and the chemistry was great. Highly recommend.
Thanks for the opportunity to read in advance.

Aspen's big sis, Sierra (she of the fabulous shoes) and Brick's friend, Kane (he of the impeccable sharp, attire) gets their story told in this fabulous sequel to the author's "Book of the Month".
Little did anyone know in their small town in the Carolinas Outerbanks but these two had a sizzling prior encounter. It just wasn't the right time for these two then....But with a steady buildup of the gift of both time and their respective careers, the author launches a believable romance. She is careful with these two and then the chase is on.
Why I like this author so much? Each of her FMC and MMC are distinct giving them a unique characteristic (see first part of review). An added bonus? Mo, aka Montgomery's character (you'll have to read it to see 'who' this is)...
Brava as well as making the cover have similar characteristics (images connected to its characters) as first book but unique on its own.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Blue Box Press, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#TheReluctantFlirt #NetGalley

Thank you Net Galley, Jennifer Probst, and Blue Box Press for an eARC of This book!
I was so excited to read about Sierra and Kane’s story! I loved this book and all of the characters. The perfect romance book to read during the Summer!

This is the second book in the Outer Banks series. You don't have to read the first one but I think you should. Sierra is Aspen's sister from the first book. About four years ago, she was in New York City after her divorce. She was being hit on at the bar she went to. She didn't know how to get away from the guy. All of a sudden, a guy comes up to her and explained that their children had lice. The other guy decides that he doesn't want to be involved. Sierra was very thankful to the guy. They sat and talked until the bar closed. They ended up having a fantastic one night stand without names. She knew that the guy lived in New York City and she lived in the Outer Banks and didn't think a long distance relationship would work so she left with him sleeping and no information on how to get in touch with her. Now four years later, Sierra is finally going to meet her sister's boyfriend's best friend, Kane. When she sees him, she's shocked that it's her one night stand from four years ago. She acts like she doesn't know him and escapes. Kane finds her and discusses why she left. She hasn't told anyone about knowing him before. Both have thought about that night a lot. Kane decides that he's going to win Sierra back. Will this work out? Will Kane's ambition ruin his chance with Sierra? I really like this book. I liked the relationship between Sierra's newly adopted cat and Kane. Kane has to win Montgomery over. Their relationship is hilarious. The epilogue is perfect.
I was given an early copy by Netgalley to read and review. I'm leaving my honest review.

I was looking forward to reading The Reluctant Flirt because the author is one of my favourites. I haven’t read Book of the Month yet, which features Sierra’s sister, Aspen and Kane’s bestie, Brick so I didn’t know anything about the characters before I started reading. I liked both Sierra and Kane. Sierra is a strong, independent woman and I could understand why she was reluctant to fall for Kane’s charm when they were reintroduced. It was cute how they both shared an interest in fashion and Kane could interpret Sierra’s mood just by the shoes she was wearing. There’s definite chemistry between them.
I thought it was clever to tell the story of their original one-night stand through flashbacks because I don’t like it when I’m reading a book and it gets all spicy before I’ve even had a chance to get to know the characters. No judgement, it’s just not my preference. Because I got to know Sierra and Kane as individuals first, it made the spicy scenes even hotter.
I’m a huge fan of animals in books and I should’ve expected it because this author has created some really memorable animal characters in her previous books but Sierra’s rescue cat, Montgomery steals every scene he’s in.

I liked The Reluctant Flirt more than the first book in the series. The characters were much more likable this time around. The female lead had some great snark and personality, and the male lead was funny, kind, and genuinely charming.
The book had a strong start and pulled me in right away, but it started to drag in the middle and eventually led to a pretty predictable ending. Still, the humor and character chemistry made it an enjoyable read overall.

Thank you to Netgalley and Blue Box Press for the arc of this book. The Reluctant Flirt is the second book in the Outer Banks series. This book tells the story is Sierra who is the sister of Aspen from the first book "Book of the Month" and Kane the best friend of Brick from the first book. This is a cute small town romance book. I enjoyed learning more about Sierra and Kane who were side characters in the first book. I read this book in two sittings. It is fairly fast paced and kept me engaged the entire time I was reading. I recommend this book.

Okay, I loved this book. The Reluctant Flirt by Jennifer Probst completely stole my heart. It’s one of those reads that feels like a warm hug with just the right amount of spice and swoon. I could not put it down!
Maggie is the kind of heroine you root for from page one—funny, strong, and just vulnerable enough that you want to jump into the book and give her a pep talk. And Connor? Ugh, don’t get me started. Total book boyfriend material. Charming, patient, and actually respectful of boundaries? We love to see it.
Their chemistry was off the charts, but what really got me was the emotional depth. It’s not just flirty banter (though there’s plenty of that, and it’s fantastic), it’s about two people finding healing and trust in each other in the most genuine way.
If you’re a fan of small-town vibes, slow-burn romance, and characters who feel like real people you’d want to grab coffee with, please do yourself a favor and pick this up. Jennifer Probst nailed it. I’m officially obsessed.

I am a huge fan of traditional romance, and I especially love book series set it small towns. When I first started reading “Book of the Month” I had no idea that the plan was for it to become a series. When I realized that Aspen’s sister Sierra would be getting a book, I was thrilled. I was so glad to have a chance to read this one early.
One thing I like about books in a series is that not only do you get a new storyline, but you also get to catch up with your old friends from previous books. I will say that this book did not disappoint! In regards to the “conflict,” usually I’m on one character’s side more than the other, but that wasn’t the case this time. I’m just glad that both characters were able to get an ending that truly suited them.
Another thing I absolutely love are bonus epilogues! This one has an amazing one. Make sure that you read it! All in all, this book is just as great as I expected it to be. I hope there are more books in this series coming soon!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

4/5 stars! This is the second book in the Outer Banks series by author Jennifer Probst. It was a sweet and cozy romance, with some similarities to You've Got Mail. I love he fell first stories and loved watching Kane fall madly in love with Sierra. It was also great to see Sierra realize she can trust again.

So having read BOOK OF THE MONTH, the first book in the Outer Banks series, I had to request this one as well, and I am so glad I did. Jennifer Probst is a phenomenal writer. But we all know that. Her success proves it. What she also has, though, that many writers do not, is a deep emotional well to draw from and she does that masterfully in THE RELUCTANT FLIRT ( which, IYKYK) is a pun on a specific saying from the hero.
Sierra has been through the tragic death of her parents and a brutal divorce. She has come to the Outer banks and established herself as a businesswoman and a great friend.
What no one knows is that 4 years ago she met a stranger in a bar right after her divorce and, feeling vulnerable and worthless, had a one-night stand with him. This event is a life changer for her and she doesn't know how to deal with it, so she flees from him in the morning, never telling him her name. He doesn't divulge his either.
Kane has just made the biggest deal of his life when he meets the beautiful stranger in a bar. Right after the most amazing night of his life, his business life turns upside down, and he loses everything.
Fast forward 4 years and Kane shows up where Sierra is living as the best friend of her sister's soon to be husband. They each recognize the other, but Sierra bolts once again. What ensues is a push/pull, he falls first romance that is hot,hot hot and so very emotional.
Both their character arcs undergo a great transformation, and this is where Probst excels. She makes you believe that people can change for the better when love is an option.
I adore that.
5 stars to the great addition to the series and thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for a sneak peek

Megan es una mujer decidida pero herida, que regresa a casa para empezar de nuevo tras una decepción amorosa. Aunque su confianza está tambaleante, conserva un espíritu desafiante y una energía contagiosa. Al aceptar una apuesta con sus amigas para coquetear con un hombre al azar sin involucrarse emocionalmente, Megan intenta recuperar su autoestima… pero no contaba con Connor.
Connor, por su parte, es un arquitecto atractivo, maduro y reservado. Acostumbrado a mantener el control en su vida profesional y personal, Connor ha cerrado las puertas al amor por experiencias del pasado. Sin embargo, la autenticidad y espontaneidad de Megan lo sacuden de forma inesperada. Su relación, que comienza como un juego, se transforma en una conexión real, marcada por una química intensa y una atracción difícil de ignorar.
Lo interesante de esta historia es cómo ambos protagonistas enfrentan su miedo a volver a amar. A lo largo del libro, vemos una evolución emocional: Megan recupera su seguridad, y Connor se permite la vulnerabilidad.
-
Me dio risa que Connor pensara que Megan tomaría bien su secreto, en esa esa parte no pudo ser mas ciego y tonto.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest.

This was cute! The re-meet cute? Adorable.
The sweet nothings Kane started whispering from night one? Uber adorable.
The big sassy, cujo-sized Montgomery? Star of the show.
Both of our main characters had a lot of trauma, what was more interesting about this book is that they didn't so much focus on the actual resume, but more on how is shaped who they currently were. There was some mystery there, and I would have been happy to even learn more about the characters growing together with that trauma, but how the story was shaped also served its own purpose.
Kane is a huge romantic, but boy oh boy he had some learning to do and I'll be honest, there were points where I wasn't sure I liked our MMC.
Now Sierra? no notes. loved her from start to finish. She is a girl's girl, and she needs her ladies. She doesn't barrel her way through and ask for advice and not listen, no. She actually needs and enacts the advice given! You don't get that a lot in Romcom FMCs.
This was a sweet beachy romance that has me wanting to go back and read Aspen's story and stay close to what happens with the rest of our OBX friends.
overall: recommend
spice: open door

The Reluctant Flirt by Jennifer Probst was such a fun, feel-good read—I finished it in one sitting!
It had everything I wanted: great chemistry, witty dialogue, and characters that felt genuine and charming. Jennifer Probst never disappoints—her stories always strike the perfect balance between humor and heart. This one was light, romantic, and just what I needed. I couldn’t put it down!
*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I was so excited when I finished Book of the Minth to learn there was a second story coming out and then I won the arc lottery and received an early copy of book 2, The Reluctant Flirt! This is Sierra’s and Kane’s story. So much fun and flirty banter which makes it another perfect rom com story with the perfect amount of spice! I love these characters and can’t wait to read more books by this author. 4.5 stars

The Reluctant Flirt is a wonderfully sassy second chance romance that also deals with some serious issues: alcoholism, betrayal, child abuse. After a scorching hot one night stand four years ago a very persistent Kane once again finds the woman who has haunted his dreams for four long years, but Sierra isn’t jumping at the opportunity to renew the relationship. The fact that her sister is engaged to his best friend makes avoidance impossible. I am a huge fan of Jennifer Probst’s stories because she is so good at defining her characters’ foibles and fears, as well as their strengths. This reader certainly can relate to Montgomery, having to deal with a very similar personality. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

4.75 Stars
Sierra + Kane
Sierra is finally finding herself again after her divorce. She's happy with her boutique in the Outer Banks. She loves that her sister is near with her fiancé and if she sometimes dreams about that one-night stand four years ago - who cares. It was amazing, but it was a one time thing. They didn't even exchange names - and she'll never see him again.
But of course he's already living in town too. He's the guy her sister wants to set her up with - Brick's bestie from New York. And he's also the guy who will fight with everthing he has to win back the one who got away four years ago - even if it means being killed by her new rescue monster cat.
Let the fun times begin...
══════════════════
That was adorable.
Beautiful location and an amazing cast of people and ...cat.
I really want to move there!
The story was so cute.
A second chancy thing with two people thinking the other didn't feel as much as they did back then. Ugh. Just talk guys!
I loved reading this. I loved watching Kane fight his way to his happy end with Sierra - adorable! And funny and a bit heartbreaking and just sweet.
I wouldn't mind getting a TV series about this town one day!
► THE RELUCTANT FLIRT was an adorable 2nd chance-y love story. Funny, sweet, sexy, small-towny, a bit heartbreaking - just beautiful. Read it!

This book was a follow up to "Book of the Month", which ended with the realization that Bricks best friend, Kane, knew Aspen's sister, Sierra and boy do they have chemistry.
Kane and Sierra met four years ago at a bar and flirted with boldness and confidence. Their flirting led to a memorable night, but the catch was "no names". Fast forward to the celebration of Brick and Aspen's wedding announcement and Kane and Sierra are now forced to confront their past.
Kane has demons and is reluctant to hope while Sierra has trust issues since her divorce. She is not certain that their memorable night could develop into a relationship. They decide to take a leap of faith and Kane is feeling as if a shoe will drop............and it does, and they are tested.
While this story can be read as a standalone story, i urge you to read Book of the Month as it has a lot of quirky and eccentric characters that add to the storyline for The Reluctant Flirt. This was a fun read.

This was such a really cute read!!!! I loved the characters and the entire vibe of this small beach town.
I was turning pages quickly to find out Sierra and Kane's story! Great book!!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the ARC for my honest review!
#NetGalley #JenniferProbst #TheReluctantFlirt

After reading Aspen’s story in Book of the Month, I was excited to dive into her sister Sierra’s journey—and it did not disappoint!
Sierra is content with her life. After a failed marriage, she’s focused on running her boutique and keeping things simple. But everything changes when her sister’s boyfriend’s best friend rolls into town looking for a break from the fast-paced city life. What she doesn’t expect? That the new town heartthrob is actually her one-night stand from years ago—the one she left without sharing names, assuming that chapter was closed forever.
Kane, however, never forgot her. He felt a spark that night and was frustrated for years not knowing who she was. Now that fate has handed him a second chance, he’s determined to show Sierra that what they had wasn’t just a fluke. As they work together to plan an engagement party, Kane keeps finding ways to be present—not just physically, but emotionally—and proves he’s not the money-hungry businessman she once thought he was.
This book is full of heart, small-town warmth, and a slow-burn romance that’s both sweet and satisfying. The chemistry between Sierra and Kane is undeniable, and their emotional growth makes the story even richer. Fans of second-chance romance and sister series will find this one hard to put down.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blue Box Press for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I love reading books by Jennifer Probst. You never know what to expect. I loved this one. It was steamy, heartfelt, and romantic. I'm glad I read the first book in the series. The ending turned out really good. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

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.

What a cute love story! Sierra is in New York and has a one night stand with no names given. Years later they meet again in her hometown and she tries her best to stay away, but Kane is not easy to stay away from. Has spice and a great contemporary romance novel. These two have heat! If you like a romance novel like this, then you will greatly enjoy this easy to read novel!

It's been so long since a book wrapped me in its magic!
The reluctant flirt was just that, wonderfully written, captivating, leaving me with such a warm feeling. I am grateful to have received it in order to share my view on it.
The name is perfectly chosen, as this is a sort of a second chance love story where the heroine has some hard time giving in. Both main characters were wonderful, and it was so fun to see more of their crew we got to meet in the first book. There is also a special pet, though this book is not so heavy with animals wonders like other Jennifer Probst books.
Where this book shines the brightest is the depth of the love story. There is such a strong connection, such powerful emotions and understandings that pass between Sierra and Kane right from the start. These are two mature, well rounded people who connect on a soul level from the very beginning. I adored reading this!
Ultimately, above all this, there are 2 things that I will also treasure from this book.
The fact that is dedicated to MJ Rose, someone who had a great impact on myself, just as a reader and jewelry researcher. I loved Jennifer offered her memory this space.
And second, as a lover of You've got mail I simply adore the fact that we get to come back to it, realign it with our new values and reshape it to our new vision. This is what this book does, it gives a new spin to this trope, and it actually discusses it, which I found refreshing, hilariously written and ... so wonderful. I am tremendously happy to have read this and so happy to see this done. We need more talks like this in our culture.
All these being said, of course I highly recommend this book. It was so fun and heartwarming reading it.

The Reluctant Flirt by Jennifer Probst is the second book in the Outer Banks series. The Book of the Month introduced us to Avery and her sister, Sierra Lourd. Sierra's husband, Patrick, cheats on her with his boss, John, and they divorce. Sierra and Patrick met in college, and he was her rock when her parents passed away in an accident. However, her strongest bond is with her younger sister, Avery. Avery is a successful writer living in NYC. During one of Sierra's visits back home, she finds herself at a hotel bar having a drink, where an older man is trying to pick her up with an awful dad joke and not picking up clues that she wants to be left alone when another man enters the bar and comes over to her, kisses her cheek and tells her that one of their children have lice, great save! The strangers talk, and the sparks fly the next morning; she leaves him with no way of reaching out again. Kane Masterson is starting over, but he never forgot the one woman who stole his heart. Four years later, the strangers meet again in the Outer Banks; what are the chances they will reconnect like they did in NYC?
"Elegance doesn't mean being noticed. It means being remembered."

Loved The Reluctant Flirt! This series is new to me, but I’ll definitely be going back to read Book 1. I absolutely adored the characters in Book 2 and now want to see how it all started. That said, not having read Book 1 didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. I especially appreciated that the characters from the first book played a meaningful role here—rather than just being casually mentioned like in so many other series.
Second-chance romance is my favorite trope, and while this was more of a “second chance after a one-time spark,” it totally worked. The chemistry was hot, the story was engaging, and the emotional tension was just right. A perfect beach read for this summer!
Big thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
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