Member Reviews
NetGalley ARC Review✨
Spring Fling
By Annie England Noblin
Pub Date: 03/18/2025
Thank you to @netgalley and @aenoblin for an Advanced Copy of Spring Fling in exchange for my honest review.
After her best friend (and secret love interest) Ben leaves for Chicago the day after their high school graduation, Mylie stays in their small town with her Granny and little sister. She builds a thriving business and moves on with her life but always wonders what happened to Ben and what could have happened if she just told him how she really felt.
Ben's family kept their home in the small town but one day Miley discovered a For Sale sign in the front yard. She hears Ben is coming into town and wonders how they will navigate their old friendship.
Will they admit their old feelings for each other? With Ben still planning on leaving their small town after his home sells, will they be able to keep their friendship going? Can it be more?
Spring Fling is a cute small town romance with second chance, returning home tropes. It's a sweet read for those looking for a book with Hallmark vibes.
🌸Spring Fling by Annie England Noblin🌸
I am super grateful to have gotten this book as an Arc! I usually don’t gravitate towards small town romance, but this book honestly changed my mind about it! I loved Clay Creek, and wish I could go down to Hook Line & Sinker! I loved how the author was able to tie in present day with flashbacks to little Mylie & Ben to show how their friendship started. I became obsessed with Mylie and Ben and their adorable friends to lovers trope. Also Granny is my spirit animal!!!
Thank you again to the author and publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager, for providing me with this Arc! You should definitely add this book to your TBR if you love small town romance, with a little bit of spice! Spring Fling will be available to purchase on March 18th 2025.
I really enjoyed this super cute rom-com book!! It was the perfect book to read during vacation. Can't wait to read more books by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and the author for this ARC!!
A cute second chance romance! Held my attention for a little while but then I found myself getting frustrated with Ben and mylie’s communication skills. I also have a hard time with third person pov but that’s a personal preference
The Spring Fling is a fun small town romance story. I enjoyed all the different characters especially Granny and Fat Tony! This is not just a fluffy romance with the element of Roger, the disgruntled ex-employee. I enjoyed reading the bond between the Mason women. It was a little spicier than I expected. Would definitely recommend this book.
4 stars
This was a cute small town, friends to lovers book. I enjoyed all the meddling side characters (a small town classic) and the Quirky Town Activity- in this case a fishing competition. It was fun and lighthearted I liked both of the main characters.
There was a villain subplot with the former high school bully which was a little over the top and ridiculous but for the most part I didn’t mind it.
My other issue was that the big conflict that led to them drifting apart was that when they were 18 Ben’s mom moved and Mylie was mad that he didn’t stay. In my opinion it would’ve been insane for an 18 year old to not move with his parent. Like, where is he going to live? How’s he going to pay his bills? Also he was moving away for college soon anyway so it just felt like a ridiculous thing to hold against him. However, since this was in the past I was still able to enjoy the story.
Overall this was a cute, lighthearted read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!
Annie England Noblin’s *Spring Fling* is a charming and heartfelt novel that beautifully captures the essence of new beginnings, small-town life, and the unexpected joys of finding love when you least expect it. With her signature warmth and wit, Noblin delivers a story that is as refreshing as a spring breeze, perfect for anyone who enjoys a feel-good romance with a touch of Southern charm.
The novel centers around Lizzie, a young woman who returns to her small hometown after a tumultuous breakup and the sudden passing of her beloved aunt. Inheriting her aunt’s quirky antique shop, Lizzie finds herself at a crossroads, unsure of her future and weighed down by her past. As she reconnects with old friends and familiar places, she begins to rediscover the magic of the town she once couldn’t wait to leave.
Lizzie is a relatable and endearing protagonist, her journey of healing and self-discovery deeply resonant with anyone who has ever faced a turning point in life. Noblin paints her with a mix of vulnerability and strength, capturing the nuances of someone trying to rebuild after heartbreak. Lizzie’s story is one of finding the courage to embrace change, to let go of the past, and to open oneself up to new possibilities.
The small-town setting is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Noblin’s descriptions of the town, with its charming streets, tight-knit community, and colorful residents, create a vivid backdrop that feels like home. The antique shop, filled with treasures and memories, serves as a metaphor for Lizzie’s own life—cluttered with the past but full of potential for something new and beautiful. The author’s attention to detail and affection for the setting bring the town to life, making it a character in its own right.
The romance in *Spring Fling* is sweet and slow-burning, building naturally as Lizzie begins to let her guard down. Enter Elliot, the handsome and kind-hearted veterinarian who has his own share of past wounds. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding, with plenty of tender moments that will make readers swoon. Noblin does an excellent job of balancing the romance with Lizzie’s personal growth, ensuring that the love story enhances rather than overshadows her journey.
The supporting characters add depth and warmth to the narrative, from Lizzie’s quirky best friend to the elderly townsfolk who offer wisdom and humor in equal measure. Each character is well-drawn, contributing to the sense of community that is so central to the novel’s theme. These relationships highlight the importance of connection and support, particularly in times of transition.
Noblin’s writing is light and engaging, with a conversational tone that makes the reader feel like they’re catching up with an old friend. The pacing is just right, allowing the story to unfold at a leisurely pace that mirrors the rhythms of small-town life. There’s a comfort in the predictability of the plot, but Noblin still manages to surprise with moments of poignancy and insight.
*Spring Fling* is not just a romance; it’s a celebration of second chances, of finding beauty in the everyday, and of the power of community. Noblin’s ability to blend humor, heart, and a little bit of Southern charm makes this book a delightful read from start to finish. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary romance or just looking for a story that will leave you with a smile, *Spring Fling* is a perfect pick for a cozy afternoon.
In the end, *Spring Fling* is a reminder that spring is a season of renewal, and sometimes, all it takes is a little courage and a lot of love to bloom where you’re planted.
Spring Fling is a cute second chance at love story set in a small town. Mylie loves her small town life, but her childhood best friend Ben is the one who got away. Ben's dreams of returning to the big city took him away for college and he hasn't been back since. Will his return to sell his grandfather's house be enough to give him and Mylie a chance?
"Spring Fling" by Annie England Noblin is a heartwarming read set in a charming small town during spring. The story follows the protagonist's journey through personal and romantic challenges with humor and warmth. Noblin’s engaging writing and relatable characters make this novel a delightful escape for fans of feel-good stories.
Annie England Noblin is a favorite author, and this newest book does not disappoint. I think some of her earlier books had stronger character development, but this still a very light, enjoyable summer read.
Mylie and her beloved small town full of eccentric and loveable characters are doing just fine until one of their own (though he wouldn't claim them) returns after 10 years to sell his grandfather's beloved family home.
Mylie and Ben have a long history and in this childhood friends-to-lovers story you get to see how everything unfolds as they come face to face for what feels like one last time... along with a lot of side drama from the beloved and hated townies of Clay Creek, Arkansas.
I really loved this small town! I enjoyed every eccentric character and following each of their side stories and development.
Mylie and Ben had great potential and so many great moments together. I loved that the flashbacks were short and to the point. I loved when their banter seemed to slip right into step as soon as he arrived. I would have liked a bit more depth in their conversations as they both had a lot happening in their individual stories. A lot of things felt unresolved with their personal development. Although the town and all the other characters felt incredibly developed (which I loved!) - I felt I couldn't connect to or visualize our main characters as much.
I did love that there were lots of scenes to SHOW their love or the quirk of the small town. I am so appreciative that the author skipped long-winded inner monologues and instead gave us a lot of visuals. LOL to fat Tony.
Overall this was such a fun little town full of character and heart to get lost in and I enjoyed reading it!
Thank you to the author and publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publication date is set for March 18, 2025 and I'm excited to read it again once published!
3.75⭐️
What a cute Hallmark movie of a book! These kinds of reads are something I usually just breeze through but this one actually kept me interested and invested. I think the main characters could’ve had a little more depth but I loved the supporting characters. A quirky town with quirky people and a raccoon named “Fat Tony”? What’s not to love?? I’m a sucker for small hometown vibes and this one didn’t disappoint. A light, fun and easy read that’s really enjoyable.
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley, Annie England Noblin and Avon and Harper Voyager for a chance to read this gem in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 ⭐️
A cute love story between two childhood friends who get a second chance at love. It takes place in a small town and gives hallmark movie vibes. There were a few steamy moments between Mylie and Ben. If you're looking for a short, sweet romance, definitely check this one out.
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager and netgalley for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and lovable. The pacing was perfect and left you wanting to read more. I can't wait to read more by this author!
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!
I really enjoyed this book. Such a cute quick and easy read. I loved the storyline and the characters. Great writing style. Perfect summer read. I love romance books and this one hit the spot!!
•friends to lovers
•small town romance
•second chance
This was a cute little small town romance about Ben and Mylie. They have been friends since middle school, but Ben moves away after graduation. Mylie stays in her small town and opens her own business. Ten years later, Ben returns to sell his childhood home and the romance that Ben and Mylie could never admit to gets steamy and opens up!
I didn’t give it 4 or 5 stars because there wasn’t really anything spectacular about this story. It was an easy read, but very simple (which isn’t a terrible thing, but also not a wonderful thing)
My favorite character in this story is GRANNY! She is hilarious and kept me laughing. Think of Sophia from Golden Girls 🤩
This book was great! I love romance books, and this one was no exception! The characters were wonderful and realistic, the plot was well written, and the setting was gorgeous. I cannot wait until this is published so everyone can read it!
Spring Fling answers all those gnawing little questions in the back of your head of “what if I hooked up with my guy best friend after not seeing him for YEARS.”Mylie (which I love the spelling) is a strong independent woman helping her grandmother, Granny, raise her 14 year old half sister Cassie while running her own fishing gear company Hook, Line & Sinker. There’s a fishing tournament!! I would let Fat Tony terrorize my cats through the window hehe. I love the little flash backs and perspective changes… they feel well placed and give context without being overwhelming.
Pub Date Mar 18 2025
ARC provided by Avon, Harper Voyager publishing and NetGalley. Thank you.
review posted to NetGalley & Goodreads
This book was a cute and easy read. I think that the plot needed some more realistic details and buildup, rather than just quickly moving from one thing to the next. The resolution was much too short in my opinion, and I wanted to see a bit more of the main characters’ lives together. However, this book was still likeable and a fun read (perfect for the summer.)
Mylie and Ben were once best friends throughout their childhood until Ben leaves for college. Feelings were hurt and communication disappeared over the next 10 years, but when Ben has to come back to their small town sparks start to fly.
This book is more of a slow burn in my option and the romance was cute. There were a couple spicy scenes but nothing too explicit. I liked the small town vibe, Mylie’s granny was hilarious (my favorite character), and a second chance romance is my top trope to read. If you like flash back chapters then this is for you.
It took me a little longer than I’d have liked to finish this novel. I couldn’t really get into the story line. The chemistry between the two characters fell short to me. One moment they barely spoke and next they were kissing. It wasn’t enough romantic buildup for me.