This was a super adorable second chance romance set in a small town in Arkansas. Childhood friends Ben and Mylie get their second shot at love when Ben comes back from the city to sell his family home, giving the pair an opportunity to rekindle what they once almost had.

I loved that the chapters were quick and found the book fast paced, I finished it in not time and really enjoyed it. The side characters are my favorite, Fat Tony and Granny are the best.

I think that the conclusion to one of the characters was a little bit much and Ben was sometimes frustrating, wanting her to pick up her life and never wanting to give on his end.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one.

Thanks to Avon Books for the ARC of this one! This was a cute quick read and definitely a sweet little romance. That being said, I just didn't love it and I don't think it will be a memorable one for me. The characters felt like they were lacking in depth and I felt like the reason they lost touch in the first place wasn't super clear or believable. I just didn't love it unfortunately.

⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 2/5
Third person POV, multiple narratives
Non-timeline
Friends-to-lovers, small town romantic comedy
FMC: Mylie | MMC: Ben
MF Open Door Romance with some explicit descriptions of quick intimate scenes.
Setting: Clay Creek, Arkansas

This is a charming friends-to-lovers romance set in the cozy town of Clay Creek, Arkansas. The story follows Mylie Mason, a tackle shop owner content with her small-town life, and her childhood best friend, Ben Lawrence, who returns home after years away in Chicago. Their rekindled relationship amidst the backdrop of a local fishing tournament along with the sale of Ben’s childhood home offers readers a cozy, heartwarming, and relatable experience.

The author’s portrayal of small-town dynamics and the warmth of close-knit communities is admirable. The narrative is filled with endearing moments, particularly involving Mylie’s spirited Granny and the town’s quirky residents, as well as her close relationship with her sister Cassie. The flashbacks to Mylie and Ben’s childhood provide some depth to their bond, making their reconnection more poignant.

However, pacing occasionally falters and I found the progression of Mylie and Ben’s relationship lacking in intensity. The frequent misunderstandings between the two frustrated me and I was seeking more emotional depth and storyline complexity. Additionally, while the setting is vividly described, the plot leans heavily on familiar tropes, offering few surprises which can often make the book quickly forgettable.

Overall, Spring Fling is a delightful read for fans of small-town romances and second-chance love stories. Its cozy atmosphere and relatable characters make it a pleasant escape, even if it doesn’t venture far beyond the expected narrative paths.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me this ARC of the book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

3 ⭐️

Miley is a hometown girl, business owner, granddaughter, sister, and former best friend (wishful girlfriend?) of Ben - before he moved away after senior year and never looked back. Ben is a well educated man from Chicago who has an exciting career opportunity in the East coast. There’s just one hold up, he has to go back to the small town he lived in 6th-12th grade, sell his grandpa’s home, and face (nervously? Hopefully? Maybe?) his former best friend and biggest crush of his life Miley.

I thought this ex friends, to friends, to lovers read was really cute. Being from a small town, I loved the small town portrayed in the story, especially all the fun side characters that come with small towns! Cute, easy read!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Mylie and Ben were best friends since grade school and she harbored a secret crush on him as they got older. He has never felt like the small town of Clay Creek was his home so after high school he goes away for college and ends up in Chicago. As the years pass they lose touch and what once was a valuable friendship has turned these two into strangers. When his mother passes away, Ben is forced to come back to town to gather the last of what remained in the old house, in order to put it on the market and sell it.

When these two are reconnected, they quickly fall into old habits and those old feelings resurface, but how can they make it work when he's not staying and she refuses to leave her hometown and the only life she knows?

This was a sweet second chance, friends to lovers romance. Mylie has a successful bait and tackle business in this small town and is thriving in the community so I understood her reasons for wanting to stay and I liked how she stood firm on what she wanted. Ben also was clear about his intentions of moving away and taking a job elsewhere but I did feel like something was missing from his character. He seemed so certain about leaving town but his actions didn’t always line up to what he was saying.

The supporting characters were well done from her BFF Jodi all the way to her typical teenage sister. I also liked the little drama with the town troublemaker Robbie but the conclusion of that did seem a little extreme.

Overall a cute book that I enjoyed and would be good for a younger reader who is looking to ease into the romance world.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Annie England Noblin for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book through a digital ARC from NetGalley
Author: Annie England Noblin
Genre: Romance
Troupe: Friends to Lovers, Second Chance Romance,

Ben is back in his home town to sell his family house. Mylie is still there after he left and broke her heart ten years ago. He isn't staying this time round either, so will it ever be more than a spring fling? Great read.

First, I want to say thank you so much to NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Spring Fling takes place in the typical small town of Arkansas. The story follows Mylie, who owns Hook, Line, and Sinker and who is one of the biggest sponsors of the Spring Fling fishing tournament that takes place every year. The prologue of the book introduces us to Ben, who became Mylie's best friend in the 6th grade. They both had feelings for each other that were never clearly communicated and by the time the end of HS came around, Ben had made the decision to leave their small town and go to school in Chicago.

Something unexpected happens in the first few chapters of the book when the house that was previously owned by Ben's late grandfather suddenly becomes preoccupied again (by Ben himself) Ben has come back to town to clean out the house and put it on the market to sell. Despite the fact that Ben and Mylie have not seen each other and basically have been no contact for over a decade, they seem to start right back up where they left off. I did find this to be somewhat unrealistic and I will say I did find the story line a little lacking.

However, it was a very quick and cute read. Just not something I would reach for again or really think about much now that I've read it. 3 stars!

Synopsis: Two childhood friends, Mylie and Ben, reunite after 10 years. Ben is returning to Clay Creek to sell his family's home and Mylie stuck around becoming the town's majorly successful tackle shop owner. Time has brought these two together once more, sharing their memories and testing the waters of a relationship, even though they are both moving in different directions in life...

My Thoughts: I love a small-town romance; it's like my lifeblood when I need something that reminds me to slow down and enjoy the things life has to offer. I do wish I felt like I connected a bit more with the characters, and that the romance had the time to develop a little bit more, but overall, this was a really sweet book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a cute small town romance with a little bit of spice. I loved the slow burn friends-to-lovers trope and really enjoyed the overall plot of this book. Definitely recommending this to romance fans.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to Avon Books, Epic Tastemakers and NetGalley for an ebook and finished copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I thought this story between Mylie and Ben was so heartwarming. I love the small town atmosphere, the comedic relief side characters and the dual timelines. The Hallmark vibes this book gave were very fun and fluffy. The one thing I will say is that the relationship moved a bit fast at times. I know there is a 10 year time lapse and making up for lost time is a motivator, it just felt odd at times without having some of that build up. I hardly ever find my name in a book though so it was fun to read Cassie on a page. I really enjoyed her little sister and her storylines. I would definitely read more books by this author in the future and I am glad I have this adorable cover in my collection.

Closed Door Accommodations: 178-180, 198-201, 217-219.

This was the perfect read to kick off the Spring season.

4 ⭐️

The characters were all very relatable, and it is honestly the perfect read to get you out of a reading slump.

This follow the story of Mylie, a small town girl who owns a tackle shop in Arkansas, and Ben, her childhood best friend and the guys she’s been secretly in love with since they first met in school. The story also has dual timeline, going back from when they first met, and the present time when they reunite after not seeing each other for 10 years.

Mylie and Ben’s story is the perfect second chance romance for those who love reading about happily ever afters, and secondary characters that make you laugh out loud. The writing was very light and funny at times, and I honestly devoured it in a couple of days.

Spring Fling came out on March 18th, you guys have to check it out!


Thank you netgalley, Avon, and Annie England Noblin for this arc! 🩶

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a delightful experience! To kick off this review, I must highlight the numerous wonderful elements of this book. First and foremost, I adored the characters and their growth throughout the story. Their development created well-rounded, relatable, and at times frustrating moments that resonated with readers, allowing us to form emotional connections. Additionally, I found the overall plot and concept to be refreshing, lighthearted, and humorous, making for an engaging and enjoyable read that kept boredom at bay. However, a couple of factors led me to rate it four stars instead of five. Firstly, while the cover is attractive, it doesn’t stand out significantly and tends to blend in with the multitude of other romance novels featuring similar cartoon-style artwork. Secondly, although the story was well-crafted and satisfying, I found myself wishing for more depth and additional content. In summary, this was a fantastic story filled with hilarious moments, and I’m grateful for the chance to read it. I would certainly be eager to explore more works by this author!

Spring Fling by Annie England Noblin is a sweet, heartwarming story about second chances and small-town charm. Childhood friends and neighbors Mylie and Ben lost touch after high school when Ben left their small town. Years later, he returns to Clay Creek, Arkansas, to sell his grandfather’s house before relocating for a new job. What was meant to be a quick trip turns into something much more when he reconnects with Mylie — and realizes his feelings for her never truly faded.

Annie’s descriptions of Clay Creek are so vivid and inviting that I found myself wishing I could visit. The town feels like a character itself, wrapping the story in warmth and nostalgia, making this book perfect for a cozy night in or a relaxing afternoon.

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the characters, and the emotional journey Ben and Mylie embark on as they navigate their past and uncertain future. Their ups and downs kept me engaged, and the romance had just the right amount of spice — I’d say a solid 3 out of 5 — enhancing the connection without overshadowing the story. My only wish was for a bit more character development, as Ben and Mylie’s motivations weren’t always entirely clear to me.

Overall, Spring Fling is a charming, feel-good romance that will appeal to readers who love small-town stories, second chances, and a sprinkle of spice. I’d give it a solid 3 stars and recommend it to anyone looking for a comforting love story.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

I didn't love this but I didn't hate it either. I was fairly predictable and mindless so maybe good if you just want an easy breezy read.

This book follows childhood friends and neighbors, Mylie and Ben, who lost touch after high school when Ben left their small town. Years later, he returns to sell his grandfather’s house before relocating for a new job. But what he thought would be a quick visit turns into something more when he reconnects with Mylie—and realizes his feelings for her never truly faded.

This story is both heartwarming and charming, perfect for a cozy night in or a relaxing afternoon. Annie’s descriptions of Clay Creek, Arkansas, are so vivid and inviting that I found myself wishing I could visit.

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the characters, and the emotional journey of Ben and Mylie. Their ups and downs kept me engaged, making their story even more compelling. There’s also some spice—the spice level sits at a solid 3 out of 5, complementing the romance without overpowering it. While the book is a delightful read, I would have loved a bit more character development, as Ben and Mylie’s motivations weren’t always entirely clear to me. Overall, it’s a sweet, feel-good romance that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a comforting love story.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Recommendation: Perfect for readers who enjoy small-town, friends-to-strangers-to-lovers romances. This book is cute, cozy, and heartwarming—if that’s what you’re looking for, I highly recommend it!

Note: I received this book as an e-ARC on NetGalley and I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Annie England Noblin for the opportunity to review this book.

It started off really well, but some plot points lost my interest. Still, it was a sweet story overall.

I am always super grateful to be selected for an ARC.

I always like friends who never went for it when they were younger, but finally figured it out later in life. I also appreciated the 10 year gap, as that added to the longing from high school - it was enough time between saying goodbye and seeing each other again to add to the suspense. I loved that Mylie was a business woman who was clearly running a very successful business for her town.

I think the book is lacking in a few areas - specifically paying attention to minor details, for example: Ben says the roof was replaced not even five years ago and then a few chapters later Morris says he'll need a new roof by winter, roofs tend to last 20 years. Another case was her friend Jodi, in one chapter Jodi's mom said she had been with her boyfriend for five years and he had yet to propose, a few chapters later Jodi said being married was boring. Both of those were completely contradictory to information shared earlier.

2.5 rounded up. This was an overall okay read. I didn’t love Mylie and Ben as a couple and I felt that the spice went from 0-100 without any kind of build up. I also noticed a few inconsistencies that drove me insane. Like Jodi’s mom giving her a hard time for not being married but then mid book she is married. And Cassie breaking up with her boyfriend and then boom they’re just magically together?. The small town vibe was cute. I also loved Granny and Morris.

Thank you to NetGalley & Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC!

A fun and easy rom com based in the Ozark Mountains. As someone born and raised in small town Arkansas
I can attest to the character types in the book. They May seem exaggerated but that stuff really happens on a daily basis.
The book progresses pretty much as expected from a rom com perspective, so it’s not anything that breaks the mold but it is fun!
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.

3.75🌟 Thank you so much to Annie England Noblin for the advanced copy of this fun spring book!

This book follows Mylie, who is living her dream of owning her own business and being an amazing girl boss in her small hometown of Clay Creek, Arkansas. Living with her sassy Granny and her little sister, Mylie feels like everything is going perfectly until her childhood friend and secret crush, Ben shows up back in town to sell his family home. Reconnecting with Ben makes Mylie start to wonder what could have been and if her life is really as complete as she thought.

I thought this book was very cute and I did enjoy it as a fun spring read. It took me a little bit to get into it and I found myself a little frustrated with the main characters and their refusal to really communicate their feelings. The further I got into the book, however, the more I enjoyed it and the author did a great job towards the end of the book bringing the small town to life and made it a really fun part of the story.

In the end, I would recommend Spring Fling is you are in the mood for a fun, lighthearted read with very little stress or complicated plot lines.