Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Being a single dad while managing one of the biggest businesses in New Orleans keeps me very busy. Any free time I have I spend with my daughter, Bella — reading to her, styling her hair, or choosing nail polishes appropriate for an eight-year-old.

But I’m okay with that because she is my whole world.

After my divorce, I made myself a promise: I wouldn’t date until Bella was older. Then all my good intentions go up in smoke when I hire our newest chef for the flagship restaurant in the French Quarter. Scarlett Jones is unlike any woman I’d ever met. She’s smart and beautiful and I can’t get enough of her.

For more reasons than one, I need to keep my distance. So when I begin flirting… surprising her with beignets and coffee at break time, then king cake after hours, I know I’ve gone too far. And when I join Scarlett on a ridiculous haunted tour of the city, I’m certain I’ve lost my mind. She’s become my addiction. I want to explore those curves, find out her deepest desires—and make them come true.

But it’s when she offers to teach my daughter how to bake, I know I’m in wayyyyy over my head. When the three of us are together, I get a glimpse of the family we could be. The question is, are we both ready to put our fears behind us?

And to think, it all started with a little flirt.

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2024

2538 people are currently reading
1314 people want to read

About the author

Layla Hagen

75 books4,655 followers
Welcome! My name is Layla Hagen and I am a Contemporary Romance author.

I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.

I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.

And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough ;)

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,858 (49%)
4 stars
1,191 (31%)
3 stars
549 (14%)
2 stars
134 (3%)
1 star
39 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
Profile Image for glavreads.
479 reviews8,013 followers
April 16, 2024
this is a perfect fast-paced, swoony, and spicy read.

after a disastrous situation with her ex and the last restaurant she worked at, scarlett is starting as a head chef in new orleans. and she’s the luckiest person on the planet because her boss is a rich, sweet, swoony, hot single dad who is obsessed with her.

chemistry: SO HOT
the relationship she built with his daughter: ADORABLE
all his gestures for her: SO SWEET I CANNOT
Profile Image for Gigi.
297 reviews55 followers
May 1, 2024
This book left me feeling ridiculously giddy from start to finish. Layla Hagen's writing style drew me in instantly, and I devoured this low-angst romance like it was essential to my existence. 🤭 Scarlett, our chef heroine, is likeable and relatable. She is living her dream in New Orleans, and her excitement about the city is infectious. And let's talk about Chad - seriously swoon-worthy! His dirty talk? Yes, please! Plus, his protective side and his bond with his daughter, Bella, are just too cute. Only downside? Not a fan of his name. 😆 Overall, this one is a delightful, flirty gem that I couldn't get enough of.

READ THIS IF YOU
💔 hate third act breakup
🏙️ have been to New Orleans
☕ enjoy coffee dates
🔥 loves steamy scenes

🚨🚨 TW: Divorce, cheating (MMC's ex-wife), nonviolent threats (FMC's ex)
Profile Image for Donna.
1,448 reviews23 followers
March 31, 2024
             Reviewed For Saucy Review
                    On Kinky Korner



4.5 stars

I absolutely adored this fast-paced romance. It's my favourite kind of no nonsense, insta connection. With a chemistry that is completely off the chart. This story was a family affair, and the whole LeBlanc - Broussard clan played their roles. I can't wait to read all of their stories, too. But the main focus in this book was Chad and Scarlett as well as Bella, Chads Daughter.

This book was a quick read for me it just flowed so easily. There was a little drama but nothing major. Just go into this new series with an open mind and heart and enjoy this great story.

Yet again, I have been swept away by another one of this authors love stories, and I can't recommend it enough.
Profile Image for iremucka.
317 reviews16 followers
November 14, 2025
Flört aka her yaşın bir güzelliği var en güzel çağındasın 💗

Chad kötü bir boşanmanın ardından bekarlık yemini etmiş , kızıyla kaliteli zaman geçiren işinde gücünde, yakışıklı bir CEO, bir gün restoranlarına yeni başlayan şef Scarlett ile tanışır ve olaylar gelişir.

Chad algılarını bozan bu kadın için bütün dengesini yeniden düzenler, arkadaştan aşığa yormayan sıkmayan kısa bir okuma oldu.

Okurken canım çok tatlı çekti o ayrı +1 yıldızı Scarlet’ in The Originals Klaus hayranlığından veriyorum.

☺️
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,095 reviews105 followers
April 6, 2024
A start of a new series based in New Orleans, and I have to read it. Chad was the perfect brother to start with; single dad, family is important, and blood and found. He takes a chance on a new chef at his family’s restaurant. Scarlett moves to New Orleans after a breakup. But it is not a whim, she is in love with the city. She might be smitten with her new boss as well.

The story holds your attention, the chemistry and swoon is high, and the brothers together provide the entertainment. There is a lot of promise for this series, if each book continues as this one.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for ReadaholicDeb.
799 reviews23 followers
April 1, 2024
Say single dad and I’m going to read it…..and so glad I did. The chemistry, swoony, and meddling family had me completely hooked. After a break-up, Scarlett moves to New Orleans. She’s living in the city of her dreams and is the new head chef at Chad’s family’s restaurant. Single dad and CEO of his family’s conglomerate company he’s instantly smitten with Scarlett.

The tension and pacing of this spicy romance had my complete attention. I could not put it down. It was spicy and the characters had so much chemistry without taking away from a wonderful and engaging plot. It was easy to connect and understand the characters and I felt like I was visiting New Orleans. The LeBlanc and Broussard Family is big, loud, and deeply involved….and I couldn't get enough.

This one made me smile so much, and even better just when I thought I knew what was going to happen it didn’t. If you love billionaire, single dad romance…..or even love New Orleans don’t pass this one up.

This can be read as a standalone and kicks off a new series. I can’t wait for more.

👩‍🍳 single dad
👩‍🍳 billionaire
👩‍🍳 workplace
👩‍🍳 ex-drama
👩‍🍳 involved/meddling family
👩‍🍳 new Orleans setting
👩‍🍳 open door spicy scenes
👩‍🍳 first-person, dual POV
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,619 reviews41 followers
April 13, 2024
I love them <3
Profile Image for Sherri Wong.
786 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2024
2.5⭐️ I found myself skipping pages on end when the “steamy” scenes came up just to get to the point. After reading a few of them, I didn’t need a repeat every time they got together. The sex 🎬 went on for what felt forever and outside of this, there was little dialogue or substance. (I have nothing against sex scenes but if I had to fast forward, they just weren’t that steamy!)
It was always how hot and thoughtful he was and how gorgeous and wonderful she was…that’s a given- no need for the characters to continue harping on that.
The best part of the book were the Grandparents who I thought were witty and added some much needed “spunk” to the book.
There was no drama or character conflicts… book was basically boring.
This is only the second book I’ve read from this author but the other one didn’t fare any better in my opinion as it was also the same vibe.
If you like typical romance with HEA with no steam or conflict, this may be your thing. I just kept waiting for the proverbial “shoe to drop” and it never did.
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,831 reviews117 followers
April 5, 2024
This book is the first for this series and started it off in the best way ever! Chad is seriously not just one heck of a dad but is the epitome of what a man should be. The way he cares not just for family but all those in his circle had me falling under this man’s spell and Scarlett didn’t stand a chance!

I loved the storyline of this book and how low drama but high spice it was. This family overall had me in stitches. The grandmothers are the best and Bella was the icing on the cake. I couldn’t get enough of this book and I seriously want to go to New Orleans now because I love the history and the feel of the town that you got through this book.

I am excited to see more of these meddling brothers!
Profile Image for ♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎.
889 reviews56 followers
April 5, 2024
This book 😍

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖢𝗁𝖺𝖽
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖲𝖼𝖺𝗋𝗅𝖾𝗍𝗍
5 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘖𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘭𝘪𝘳𝘵 𝘉𝘺 𝘓𝘢𝘺𝘭𝘢 𝘏𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘯

Scarlett, New Orleans is her new start, and having the position as chef in one of the most established restaurants makes her new beginnings just so much better. She's loving her new home, doing all the touristy things, and it's even better when her boss tags along to protect her.

Chad, single dad and owner of one of the biggest establishments in New Orleans alongside his brothers. After a failed relationship he vows to focus on his daughter, and not get into any relationships!!! But that comes to a screeching halt when the new chef to his restaurant walks in, and mesmerized he is.

..Okay, The Maxwells better watch out cause the LeBlanc's want number one spot...

This is the first book in Layla's new series and what a start it was. Chad and Scarlett have an instant connection, and undeniable chemistry, the things this hero does to make her get the full New Orleans experience...and the most amazing coffee dates!!!

I loved the beautiful moments that this hero had with his daughter, and Scarlett and Bella ♥️

...I loved that it wasn't too drama focused on their prior relationships and everything that Scarlett was dealing with, was wrapped up nicely...

...the spicy scenes 🥵🌶️

....The Brothers!!! Can't wait for the next one!!

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

The 𝗟𝗲𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰 & 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗱 family is just amazing...The Brothers ❤️

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 ☕☕☕☕☕
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,279 reviews20 followers
April 3, 2024
I was not prepared for how hard I was going to swoon over Chad LeBlanc. “The Flirt” is a sweet, heartfelt, and swoony single Dad romance that was a fantastic start to Layla Hagen’s new series.

Chad LeBlanc runs a restaurant in New Orleans and has hired a new chef on a trial basis. The business is important to him but his family and daughter are always his first priority. Scarlett Jones is excited to start fresh after breaking up with her boyfriend and finally running her own kitchen. She wasn’t expecting to have an instant connection to Chad and his daughter, Bella. The workplace relationship should be forbidden, especially with Scarlett’s pass, but neither can stay away from each other.

Chad and Scarlett’s story was so good and I enjoyed every chapter of these two. Chad is top book boyfriend from the start and grows even more swoony chapter after chapter. He loves his family and always puts his daughter’s needs and happiness above it all. He is so sweet with her and has such a relationship with her. Scarlett is a sweetheart and I love how passionate she is about her career and how she fell seamlessly into her life in New Orleans. The connection they had was immediate from the start and it only built as the book went on. I loved how Chad really listened to Scarlett and was always showing her how he cared with acts of service. I loved his family and cannot wait for the brothers' books. The end was incredibly sweet and wrapped up their story perfectly.
Profile Image for Mary (Marysnoveljourney).
390 reviews16 followers
April 5, 2024
❤️single dad
❤️billionaire
❤️he falls first
❤️big extended family
❤️meddling grandmothers
❤️new series
❤️spicy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

The Flirt by Layla Hagen is perfection! Chad is the CEO of his family’s restaurant where Scarlett has been hired as the chef. He has an instant attraction to her, but since being divorced and a single dad, he vowed not to start any relationships. However, he just keeps getting drawn into Scarlett’s orbit. His family likes Scarlett and his precious daughter Bella just adores her. Scarlett is also healing from a breakup and is not looking for any love interest, especially in her boss. However, Chads flirting game is on point, and she finds him irresistible. Chad is the perfect book boyfriend. There was no pretense with him. His communication was on point and he let Scarlett see and feel what she meant to him. And his dirty talk? Whew! He was on FIRE!! This book has no third act breakup but with an ex wife and a crazy ex boyfriend, there is some angst that just makes the ending sweeter than a beignet.

I can’t wait to read Julian’s story!!

Thank you to Layla Hagen and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Jenn (YeahOrNeighReviews).
1,851 reviews46 followers
April 7, 2024
4.5 stars - A wonderful start to a new series by Layla Hagen!

The author must've done her homework prior to writing this book cuz I truly felt as though I was touring New Orleans while reading The Flirt, and now I need to really visit and try all the delicious food!

Chad won my heart the second he interacted with his daughter, as I'm a sucker for a single dad. He's trying to balance work life and home, but has an amazing family to lean on for support.

With Scarlett, I expected something to happen with her ex, so I was constantly on my toes waiting for the other shoe to drop. I enjoyed watching her bond with Emma over her love of Harry Potter and baking.

I read this in sections, but always found myself coming back to it as a way to wind down at night. Found family vibes were strong throughout the story and I love the Grandmas most of all.

I'm so excited for Julian's story next, as he's my favorite in the LeBlanc Brothers series so far!
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,402 reviews19 followers
April 10, 2024
What a kick off to this new series. Single girl dad, Chad is an amazing father and a part of his big family restaurants company. A new start in her dream city, Scarlett is the new chef for one of the LeBlanc’s restaurants.

There is chemistry, sweet spur of the moment dessert dates, cutest moments with Chad’s little one, and the funnest siblings interactions. It felt like I was back home in NOLA for all the tours and just walking around the Quarter. I can’t wait for the next Leblanc brother to get his story!
Profile Image for Terri.
370 reviews61 followers
April 5, 2024
My favorite book from Layla Hagen yet! I loved how neither Chad or Scarlett was looking for love, but when they met they had an instant connection and undeniable chemistry. Although the pair seemed to be in different places in their lives they fit together perfectly. I adored Chad’s daughter, Bella! She was a sassy sweetheart and I enjoyed how her and Scarlett bonded. Speaking of family, the entire LeBlanc / Broussard clan was so chaotic and supportive and I loved every single one of them. I’m excited to see which LeBlanc brother will get his happily ever after next!

Also a side note, the setting of this book was in New Orleans. This made my The Originals obsessed self so happy!

*I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Betty.
496 reviews34 followers
August 11, 2025
DNF 22%. The writing 🫠. The story was cute; characters fine. But… I’m sorry; it was so cringy. I just couldn’t take it.
Profile Image for Allison Thommen.
702 reviews16 followers
August 29, 2025
If you have never read a book by Layla Hagen before, take this as a sign to start! She is an auto buy/read author for me. This is the start of a brand new series following the six LeBlanc brothers and I cannot wait for more to come! As with many of her series, this one will follow an affluent family in New Orleans and the siblings journey to finding love. Reading this book felt like I was back in NOLA - the immersion and world building of this vibrant city was done so well. She includes much of the history and traditions of the city as a way to pull you into the story. I'm ready to read back to the real city of this story!

Scarlett is also a fan of the show the Vampire Diaries and the Originals (as am I) and the joy that the connection between the shows and the city she's living in just made me love her as a character. The Flirt Summary:

Scarlett moves to New Orleans for a job as the head chef at a restaurant in the heart of the city. She's looking to start over after a bad break up in Seattle. Chad LeBlanc is her boss and he is determined to help her discover the city in all of the ways that she's dreamed of. They go on ghost tours, eat beignets, drink espresso and attend events that are all so very New Orleans. Chad is also a single dad to an adorable little girl who bonds with Scarlett immediately through cooking. Despite him being her boss, these two cannot stay away from each other and they decide to date. But will their pasts come between them?

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, 🌶️ 🌶️

The Flirt is Perfect if you Love Books with:

☕️ Single Dad

☕️ Boss/employee

☕️ Billionaire

☕️ No 3rd act breakup

Favorite Quotes:

"Something about Scarlett simply demanded raw honesty."

"I'll have to double my efforts so she feels at ease."

"How could this woman be so beautiful?"

"Just so you know, you'll be getting beignets from a. different bakery each day."

"I feel like you're only expecting the bare minimum from people. Usually that happens because you only got the bare minimum.”
249 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2024
Had potential, but strange writing style

The storyline did have potential, but the whole book really came ac9as perhaps a first draft of a first book(?). There weren't grammatical or spelling errors, it was more the voice of the book and plot issues. You had this whole sinister ex thing, that despite being brought up time n time again, went absolutely nowhere.
The storyline is basically boy meets girl, boy jumps allover girl despite being her boss and then boy gets engaged to girl. His ex-wife and the baby's mother isn't in the slightest jealous and just glad to get away from her own daughter🤔 Hmm I know it's fiction, but c'mon it all seems a bit too perfect eh. The only time the 2 main characters have any conflict is a silly row and the following day the guy proposes and they all live Happily Ever After....

Yeah, not for me.
Sorry but Layla Hagen is no Nicole Snow.

I read this book free as part of my paid Kindle Unlimited subscription.
All views honest & my own.
Profile Image for Ashley Simon.
59 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2024
This was such a fast paced romance. The chemistry was incredible and Chad was just an incredible guy in general and I adored his daughter.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,878 reviews213 followers
April 5, 2024


Amazon / Amazon UK



Scarlett's starting over after leaving a dead end job and an even worse ex. The last thing she expects is for her new boss to be a gorgeous single dad who seems to be as interested in her and attracted to her as she is to him. But how can the woman just looking for a place to belong, and a man determined to live his life for his daughter, possibly make a relationship work?



Since Chad and his ex divorced, he hasn't even felt a twinge of interest in another woman, even taking a vow to be celibate. Then his gorgeous new chef walks into his restaurant, and unknowingly, into his heart. Now he's trying his hardest to resist the temptation Scarlett is, but can't seem to stay away. When his daughter bonds with her, he's done. Now he just has to convince Scarlett to stay here in New Orleans with him, Bella and the rest of her newfound family.



Beignets, king cake, café au lait and ghost tours, all with the sweetest, sexiest guy imaginable - Scarlett is a lucky woman! I can't remember the last time I read something with such a swoony, sweet, and delicious guy like Chad is. But if anyone deserves him, it's Scarlett, because she no longer believed men could be so amazing, considering how horrible her ex was. Then Chad came into her life and made her realize she deserved love, deserved the warm welcome his large, meddling family gave her. I adored Chad, Scarlett, Bella and their whole family. I am going to really enjoy reading as all the Leblanc brothers fall in love.



ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub
756 reviews20 followers
March 23, 2024
Layla Hagen has done it again! I absolutely LOVED The Flirt! It is the first book in a new The LeBlanc Brothers series. I loved every moment on every page of The Flirt it was impossible to put down. Layla Hagen definitely did not disappoint her readers with The Flirt and has once again delivered an incredible story filled with everything that I love in sizzling romance stories. Who does not love hot sexy men, who make you swoon, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another, and wonderful characters? I loved meeting the LeBlanc siblings. The Flirt is the love story of Chad LeBlanc, CEO of The Orleans Conglomerate and single father to eight-year-old, Bella and Scarlett Jones, new chef at LeBlanc & Broussard. The Orleans Conglomerate compasses a multitude of establishments in New Orleans. The last chef at LeBlanc & Broussard, one of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans, quit and Scarlett has been hired on a six-month probationary period, Chad’s grandmothers Isabeau Broussard and Celine LeBlanc helped in the kitchen in the interim. Both women want to meet Scarlett to make sure that she is the right candidate. Scarlett relocated from the Seattle, where she worked as a sous chef in a Michelin rated restaurant, following the promotion of her former boyfriend, Simon, to chef. Simon began treating her poorly following his promotion. Scarlett always remembered the vacation she took with her a child and fell in love with New Orleans. Scarlett finds a six-month rental on a studio apartment since she was on a six-month probation period at LeBlanc & Broussard. Chad is immediately smitten with Scarlett when they meet, but he is not interested in a relationship with an employee. Following work Scarlett heads to the French Quarter and discovers that she is behind Chad in line. Scarlett tries to stay away from Chad, but things heat up quickly between Scarlett and Chad as they spend time together with Chad delivering coffee, King cakes, and beignets to her. I love all the changes that Scarlett is able to make at LeBlanc & Broussard, especially the new seafood contract that she attains. I love how Scarlett spends her morning hours teaching Bella to make a pie for a contest at school. I love Scarlett’s relationship with Bella. Conversation between Scarlett and Chad flows so easily, with innuendos and playful banter, and Chad constantly flirting and dirty talking to Scarlett. I love Scarlett and Chad’s love story, and how a plot twist changes things for Chad and Scarlett’s relationship, and with the help of his brothers, Chad proves to Scarlett that he wants her to be part of his life. I love the gift that Chad has his brother deliver to Scarlett and the significance of the gift. I love the changes that Chad and Scarlett make in their lives to have a life with one another. I love how Scarlett finally stands up to her former boyfriend, Simon, who had been badgering her throughout the entire book. I love how Layla Hagen always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy men. One of my favorite parts of her books is how she incorporates the picture on the cover of the book into the love story. I am not sure how she does it, but Layla Hagen has once again given her readers another amazing book. She has once again proven that she is an amazing storyteller and continues to be one of my favorite authors to read. I really enjoy how she writes her stories in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love knowing what the main characters are thinking and feeling. The Flirt is filled with all those elements that I have come to love and expect in a Layla Hagen love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Layla Hagen creates such wonderful and memorable characters and has once again done this in The Flirt. I love Scarlett and Chad’s story and the descriptions of the New Orleans settings. I love the characters and the family dynamic in The Flirt, the characters feel like family and friends. I enjoy all the interactions among the LeBlanc siblings, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I love Isabeau and Celine and the fragrance that they created for Scarlett which included their secret additive, lilac. I also love the question that Bella asked Scarlett right before the plot twist. I loved the bittersweet and poignant moments, as well as the unexpected plot twists, that I have come to love and expect in a Layla Hagen love story. The Flirt was a wonderful love story. My favorite part of the story is Chad’s proposal to Scarlett, the location of his proposal and the significance of the location. I love how the epilogue was more than a happily ever after. I highly recommend this sizzling romance. I love this new series starter and cannot wait to read more books about the other LeBlanc brothers. Highly recommend this incredible love story. Received an advanced copy from the author.
Profile Image for Kim Nicole.
699 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2024
As a big fan of The Whitley Brothers I was excited to read another installment from Layla and a brand new series. When I saw this book was coming out, I had to read it and it was hard to be patient. When it did finally come out and I started reading it, I noticed a different vibe from The Whitley Brothers. That series had an undertone of heat, intensity and seduction. This one I felt was more innocent and open. When I say open, I mean all emotions were put on the table and there wasn’t any question on how Scarlett and Chad felt about each other. Initially, Scarlett didn’t want to rush into a relationship and Chad was more than ready. He knew what he felt and didn’t want to deny his need and feelings for her. I guess the big difference between this and The Whitley Brothers is I felt like this one ran with emotions more and no one was running away from them. You still got a close family and actively working together, but there was a very clear indication of teamwork. Chad knew which one of his brothers to call and they would deliver, plus there was no secrets between them. While the Whitley Brothers razzed and gave each other a hard time, Chad’s brothers didn’t and offered all their support and love towards Chad for going after what he wanted. There was no shame held over his head for getting involved with an employee, and no worry about getting favors handed out because of it. Scarlett wanted it and so did Chad. The worry about what others thought was nonexistent and I loved that about this book. In all honesty though, it was almost too picture perfect. Everything worked out too easily and there wasn’t much conflict. Yes, Scarlett had to deal with a scornful ex who wouldn’t stop harassing her but he never did show up unannounced. I thought for sure this would happen and when it didn’t, I was totally surprised. It was just suspiciously perfect and I had a hard time wrapping my head around that. If you’re looking for a perfect world to get swept up in, this was it and while I liked this escape, I wanted more raw and harsh moments, or even chips on shoulders but there was none of that, not even with Chad’s ex. She was oddly cool with everything and didn’t have a plan to rub his family’s name in the mud or a vendetta of her own. She just asked to be filled in if Chad started a new relationship and ultimately worried about their daughter Bella and how she would take all this after not having a good example of her and Chad’s relationship. I gave this a 4, because I wanted more depth to this and less perfection. I wanted more awareness of reality and demons to fight. This had all the things a romance should have and just stuck with blissful happiness. I don’t know what this says about me, but it paints a picture on what I’ll expect from this series. I thought it was a good book, but did it blow my mind? Maybe the intimate moments did but the story itself didn’t leave a big impression on me at the end of it.
Profile Image for Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) .
1,099 reviews33 followers
April 2, 2024
The Flirt by Layla Hagen is the first book in her new series about the LeBlanc brothers. Set in New Orleans, this is a really sweet and romantic story about Chad, a single dad and Scarlett, a chef.
For him it is love at first sight and for her it’s instant attraction, but he is her boss so could they cross that line? Add in his adorable daughter Bella, five very amusing brothers and two hilarious grandmothers, and you have a delightful and enjoyable read.

Scarlett Jones has left Seattle to rebuild her life after being worn down and left heartbroken by her ex. She had always dreamt of living in New Orleans so jumped at the opportunity to be the chef at the famous LeBlanc and Broussard restaurant. It is her first time being in charge so she is nervous but really looking forward to her new adventure. While exploring the city, she sees a stunning man who takes her breath away.

The LeBlanc brothers run The Orleans Conglomerate. Chad is the CEO and has his office above the restaurant. Although he works hard for the family businesses, his sole focus is Bella, his daughter, until the new chef walks into his restaurant and turns his life upside down. The moment she smiles at him, he knows he is in trouble.

When she arrives for her first day she realises the handsome stranger she saw is Chad, her new boss. She manages to survive his grandmothers inquisition and loves her new job. Her friendship with Chad develops quickly but he finds it hard to keep their relationship professional. The family have a rule to never get involved with anyone working for them but he finds her fun and sassy. Since his divorce he hasn’t dated as didn’t want to upset Bella so he can’t believe he is tempted by Scarlett.

Although they try to keep apart, Chad comes up with some hilarious ways they can be together at work without raising suspicions - loved the marketing meetings!! Their flirting increases and he is so kind and thoughtful towards her. She is shocked how he makes her feel, because she’s never felt so needed and appreciated. Could she mix work and personal life after what happened in Seattle. It was sweet the way she bonds with Bella and did little things for her, but she worries if Bella would approve of her dating her dad.

I loved what a close knit family they were and how they would do anything for anyone. The brothers are all different and we get an insight into each of them, so I look forward to each of their stories. I loved their banter and how they teased Chad over her. Isabeau and Celine were two very wise women and it was lovely how they accepted Scarlett so easily. I thought her assistant chef Joel was absolute sweetie.

The author describes New Orleans so well that you feel like you are walking around with Scarlett. She gives you a fantastic NOLA experience and I learnt so much about the food and traditions of the city. Scarlett’s enthusiasm for everything she sees will rub off on you and make you want to visit the city. Chad can’t resist her any more but is she willing to take him and Bella on and have a future with them? I found it so funny that he was forever pinning her against whatever surface he could find. The ending is so romantic with a beautiful moment in her favourite spot in the city. Such a fun, fast paced and easy to read story.
Profile Image for Emilie.
936 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2025
J’ai quasiment fini de lire les séries de Layla Hagen. « The LeBlanc Brothers » est la plus récente et la seule que je n’ai pas encore lue, je m’y suis donc plongée afin de découvrir cette nouvelle famille. Dans ce premier tome, on suit Chad, l’un des aînés de la fratrie LeBlanc qui compte six garçons. Il est à la tête d’une chaîne de restaurant assez prestigieux et papa célibataire d’une petite fille de huit ans. Il a donc des journées bien remplies surtout quand il doit trouver un nouveau chef pour l’un de ses restaurants principaux à la Nouvelle-Orléans. C’est ainsi qu’il fait la rencontre de Scarlett, une jeune cheffe arrivant de Seattle. Aussitôt l’attraction est indéniable entre eux. Mais entre le fait qu’il soit lié professionnellement et leurs déboires amoureuses respectives ils ne veulent pas se lancer dans une relation. Seulement, ils sont attirés comme des aimants, ils ne peuvent s’empêcher de flirter, et cela ne s’arrange pas quand Bella, la fille de Chad, s’attache rapidment à Scarlett et lui demande de lui donner des cours de pâtisserie. Chad fond et se rend compte de ce à quoi pourrait ressembler leur famille. Mais sont-ils prêts à laisser leurs peurs respectives derrière eux pour se donner une chance?
C’est le tout premier livre que j’ai lu en 2025 et c’est une super bonne découverte. J’ai adoré ce tome.
Chad est absolument génial. Il est hyper mignon avec sa fille Bella. Il a un petit côté flirt très sympa, tout en étant très respectueux, drôle, protecteur et loyal. Son mariage raté a laissé des traces, mais reprend confiance avec Scarlett qui est tout aussi géniale que lui. Elle a perdu confiance en elle à cause de son ex, mais heureusement elle peut compter sur Chad pour l’aider à remonter la pente car il est tout l’inverse de son ex. Pour autant elle ne se laisse pas marcher sur les pieds et a un petit côté sassy qui rend leur relation très drôle. Elle est passionnée par son métier et adorable avec Bella. Sa relation avec Chad est géniale avec autant d’humour et de respect que de moments sexys et touchants.
La trame intéressante et très sympa. C’est la premier histoire que je lis qui se passe à la Nouvelle-Orléans et ça change. On ressent vraiment l’atmosphère de ce coin des USA, ça donne envie de voyager.
J’ai été ravie de découvrir le clan LeBlanc. Ils m’ont tous beaucoup fait rire. Comme toujours avec Layla Hagen on retrouve une atmosphère familiale et chaleureuse où tout le monde se mêle des histoires des uns et des autres tout s’apportant un soutien inconditionnel dès qu’il le faut. J’ai adoré comment tout le monde s’occupe de Bella, même les frères de Chad qui sont complètement sous le charme de leur nièce qui sait d’ailleurs très bien les mener par le bout du nez.
Cela m’a donné très envie de lire le prochain tome sur Julian, l’aîné des LeBlanc qui est très cool dans ce tome. Je m’y suis plongée assez vite et mon avis sera très prochainement en ligne.
Je recommande vraiment cette série si vous cherchez quelque chose de réconfortant et drôle.
https://kingdomofwordsblog.wordpress....
Profile Image for Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading.
1,495 reviews26 followers
April 12, 2024
Wanting a fresh start and to avoid her nasty ex, Scarlett Jones is thrilled to be moving to New Orleans to be a head chef in one of the French Quarter’s most beloved restaurants. She’s ready to show the world just how ready she is to be in charge of the kitchen while also getting to explore the city she fell in love with as a child.

Being a single Dad isn’t easy, but Bella makes it worth it. With the help of his large family, Chad LeBlanc is able to help manage the family businesses while also giving his daughter the love and attention she deserves. He’s made a vow to stay single, but from the moment he meets his new head chef, he can’t help but to flirt . . . finding out soon enough that he’s in way over his head and wants so much more!

But, with a young child’s heart on the line as the taboo boss/employee relationship that could end in disaster if things go awry, is taking things to the next step worth the risk or will their chemistry fizzle out before it has a chance to sizzle?

This was my first book by Layla Hagan and I immediately fell in love with her sweet characters and their romance, loud and boisterous family antics and the adorable and precocious Bella. Scarlett is such a ray of sunshine, always looking for the good and the happy in everything! Her zest for life and genuine nature immediately has her fitting in with the large LeBlanc - Broussard family. Her personality has everyone falling for her from her boss, to her kitchen staff and even his daughter. And, Chad is such a romantic! He’s a more show than tell kind of guy and is sweet and thoughtful with finding ways to show Scarlett first his interest and then his feelings.

I adored the LeBlanc - Broussard. There are a bunch of brothers (yeah, more books) and the Grans are just fun and fantastic with their love and their meddling! It’s going to be really easy to continue falling in with these characters book after book as the series progresses. Layla also does an amazing job of making the reader feel like they are in New Orleans with her descriptive imagery and nods to famous locations, cuisine and traditions.

4 stars for this flirty, sweet and sexy romance! Chad and Scarlett stole my heart and I can’t wait for more from the rest of the LaBlanc brothers!
Profile Image for Lisa Broadman.
180 reviews
March 20, 2024
This is the first in a new series for the LeBlanc brothers of New Orleans and is the story of Chad and Scarlett. This is a VERY sweet and easy read that I absolutely did not want to put down. The chemistry, story line and characters made for an amazing read that I didn’t want to be done!

This is a family series with six brothers and BOTH sets of grandparents that live with the boys’ parents. The family runs a huge conglomerate based in New Orleans with each brother in charge of a different business. The grandmothers are awesome! They are involved in everyone’s business and the grandfathers just wanted to retire so that they could fish.

Chad runs the restaurant and Scarlett has just been hired to be the new chef in that restaurant. They have instant off the charts chemistry. Chad is a single dad to an adorable little girl, Bella and his sole focus is to give her a good life. He isn’t into relationships or women, outside of a quick fling, but after meeting Scarlett his focus becomes split between Bella and Scarlett. He is a man on a mission to make Scarlett his!

Scarlett has moved from Seattle and is trying to get settled in a new town, home and job so she is a busy lady. She catches Chad’s eye the first time they meet and things take off from there. She is a talented chef but has had tough bosses in the past who made her believe that she was less and she is trying to prove to herself that she isn’t. She loves New Orleans and the new restaurant. She also loves Chad’s little girl and his grandmothers. She receives so much love and support from her new co-workers and friends that she can’t help but to make a success of herself.

I loved this story – it is not to be missed! I found myself smiling throughout the whole thing and not wanting it to end. I look forward to each of the brother’s stories and seeing what type of new trouble those grannies will get into! I can’t wait to get to know this family more and to learn more about New Orleans!
Profile Image for Jenn .
749 reviews16 followers
March 27, 2024
Wow... this was my first Layla Hagen book, but it certainly will not be my last!

The Flirt is a fun and well... flirty, single dad romance with the added boss/employee twist. The chemistry between Chad LeBlanc and Scarlett Jones was so good it almost felt intoxicating. This book is one of those feel good kind of stories- it's an easy read, not overly dramatic and the story just kind of wraps you in a hug. But don't let the easiness of the story fool you because these two also sizzled something fierce in their "private time" 😉

Chad may not have been looking for love or a relationship but that man had not a single problem stepping into the perfect boyfriend roll. He goes out of his way to make sure Scarlett is taken care of while also being a bit protective and possessive in all the right ways. Scarlett just has this sweetness about her- she's eager and excited while also being a little wary after her the sourness that was her last relationship. I absolutely adored the instant attraction and chemistry between these two, and while it kind of feels like a toss up of who fell first, Chad definitely fell hardest.

I could not get enough of the rest of the LeBlanc-Broussard family! The nosy and meddling grandmothers, the teasing with love and general affection of Chad's parents and brothers just kept a grin on my face. But I also cannot forget the absolute darling firecracker of a girl- Chad's daughter Bella. I loved her sass and how freely she speaks her mind, but I also loved how quickly she and Scarlett bonded making it even easier for Chad to fall for Scarlett because that man lived for his daughter.

I cannot wait to head back to NOLA and see more of the LeBlanc bachelor brothers find their HEAs!
Profile Image for Sharon Moritz-rosenthal.
2,271 reviews29 followers
April 5, 2024
I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is the first book in a brand-new series about a family that lives in New Orleans. Each sibling runs a different part of the family business and this book stars Chad, who runs the family's famous restaurant, LeBlanc & Broussard.

He is a single dad and is divorced and is trying to avoid dating while he concentrates on business and his daughter, Bella who is eight. He and his ex, Sarah, share custody and he gets her during the week and his ex gets her on weekends.

The family consists of six brothers:
Chad
Zachary
Xander
Julian
Anthony
Beckett

From the moment Chad and Scarlett meet each other there is this huge attraction but he is her boss and neither wants a relationship with someone they work with so it's a bit of a forbidden type of relationship.

However, these two can't resist each other and when they start a relationship, no one seems to have a problem with it. I loved how welcoming his entire family was and how awesome a relationship she has with Bella.

I felt that everything was a bit too easy with these two. I loved the couple and even them as individuals. I adored the entire family from the grandparents to little Bella. I even liked his ex a lot. But I felt that they needed more challenges in face of this boss/employee relationship.

I am excited to see who gets a story next and who they get paired up with. I also loved all the pie making and jambalaya. Make sure you have snacks when reading this book. It would be awesome if the author shared a few recipes too. I also loved learning more about New Orleans and its attractions.


Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.