Celebrating Jennifer Probst
From bestselling rom-coms to heart-tugging emotional journeys, Jennifer Probst has built a powerhouse career in contemporary romance. Known for her unforgettable characters and witty, emotionally rich storytelling, Probst brings readers on a ride full of love, laughter, and personal growth.
In this special guest post, Jennifer reflects on her path from a starry-eyed twelve-year-old dreamer to a 60-time published author, and shares how Barnes & Noble Press has helped shape her indie publishing success.
A Career Written from the Heart
A Guest Post by Jennifer Probst
Youthful Passion
My writing career began at twelve years old.
Since the moment I learned to read, I knew I was meant to be a writer. Back then, there wasn’t much information to find on how to “be” a writer, except for one thing. Writers write. So, when I turned twelve, I decided it was time to follow my dream. I wrote my first young-adult romance in longhand, brought it to school, and read it to all my friends. Then I wrote the sequel.
I’ve never stopped and have now been writing for over 35 years. The biggest obstacle for me was making money at a career others termed a fun hobby. No one saw the late nights spent at my computer, the mad scribbling during lunch hour at my day job, or the weekends I found myself canceling fun events to work on my books.
Eventually, through hard work, perseverance, grit, and a little luck, my romance novel, The Marriage Bargain, exploded, and I was able to write full-time. I’ve been published with traditional publishers, indie publishers, and have self-published books in many formats. Every day I go into my office, I still hold a passion for this creative career and never run out of ideas.
From Wild Horses to Bestseller Lists
My newest release, The Reluctant Flirt, was a special surprise. I never intended to pen this rom-com set in the Outer Banks. After taking a tour of the wild horses in Corolla last year, I knew I needed to write a story about a grumpy tour guide and a best-selling writer looking for another bestseller. This led to Book of the Month, a B&N Indie Top Ten bestseller of 2024.
Book of the Month was supposed to be a standalone, but my hero’s best friend, Kane Masterson, stormed onto the page and insisted he get his own book. I knew I needed to write his story, along with Aspen’s sister, Sierra. They both deserved their happily-ever-after ending, but I didn’t expect such an emotional rollercoaster of a story. And fun: from wild horses to fashion, weddings to real estate—plus, a grumpy cat who steals the show. The Reluctant Flirt is everything I love in a romance. Being able to offer it in another special edition for B&N readers is an amazing opportunity I’m grateful for.
A Storied Journey
I can’t believe this is my 60th book!
Barnes & Noble Press has been an important part of my indie author journey. With NOOK, I’ve been able to offer readers special digital editions with bonus content and alternate covers to add that personal touch. I frequently haunt my local B&N stores as a dedicated reader, attend book clubs to meet members, and hold author signings. I love working with the managers and staff, who recommend my books as a local author.
One of my favorite memories is when I hit number one on the B&N eBook bestseller list! I snapped screenshots to send to my family and friends, giddy that that young girl with big dreams had finally reached them.
Overall, I love being part of a team that really wants to help authors reach more readers—the support with B&N Press is top-notch and an integral part of my publishing process.
I can’t wait for you to take a trip with me to the Outer Banks and discover the special edition of The Reluctant Flirt!
Gateway Getaway
Whether you’re new to Jennifer Probst or have been devouring her books for years, The Reluctant Flirt is the perfect getaway read. Don’t miss the special B&N edition—full of heart, humor, and unforgettable characters.
And for more books by Jennifer Probst check out:
About Jennifer Probst
Jennifer Probst is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over fifty books in contemporary romance fiction. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over 2 million copies, and was dubbed a “romance phenom” by Kirkus Reviews. Her passions include reading, horse racing, Scrabble, Italian wine and food, shameful reality television, and rescue dogs. Like some of her characters, Probst, along with her husband and two sons, calls New York’s Hudson Valley home.
