Title: Spring Fling  
Author: Annie England Noblin         
Genre: Romance        
Rating: 4 out of 5

Spring is in the air and Mylie has everything she could ever want: her tackle shop is thriving and employs a third of Clay Creek, Arkansas, and she lives with her beloved Granny and little sister Cassie, who both keep her on her toes. As tourists pour into town for the annual fishing tournament, Mylie is in her element and ready to bring her all-women team to victory.

After moving to Chicago, Ben never thought he would return to Clay Creek. But with both his grandfather and mother gone, he’s left to deal with their estate. His plan is simple: come in quietly, fix up his lakeside childhood home, sell it quickly, and get out. He underestimates how quickly his arrival will stir up the local gossip, and how intensely his unresolved feelings for Mylie, his childhood best friend, will resurface.

Amid the buzz of competition and the rhythm of small-town life, Mylie and Ben find themselves unable to ignore their shared history. They tentatively explore a future together, despite the impending sale of Ben’s house and Mylie’s insistence on staying put in Clay Creek. Flings are easier said than done, and Mylie and Ben will have to address their clashing lifestyles before their feelings get away from them.

I liked Mylie and Ben. This made living in small-town Arkansas sound appealing—and I’ve been there and done that and have no desire to repeat the experience. The characters really made this read fun—all the characters, not just the main two. The raccoon was hysterical! This was a fun, sweet read, perfect for a weekend binge.

Annie England Noblin lives in Arkansas. Spring Fling is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Avon and Harper Voyager in exchange for an honest review.)
(Blog link live 3/19).

This was a cute romcom but it stayed way too surface level for me.

The setup to this book started off well. Friends since 6th grade, Ben and Mylie have always had eyes for each other but they never crossed that line to lovers. Ben leaves for college and they don’t see each other for 10 years. He finally comes back and the spark is still there.

However, it all happened so quickly and I wanted there to be more depth to their actions. It didn’t help that the chapters are so short and it really feels like the characters can’t finish their train of thought. It’s a bummer because this has so much potential to be a good romcom.

The ending too with Robbie was so rushed when I feel it could have really added some tension for the plot. The spicy scenes were about 2 🌶️ out of 5. They could have been written a bit better too.

Some good moments I did enjoy were: the raccoon getting stuck in the house, the raccoon stealing Morris’ phone…just anything with the raccoon really.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and Annie England Noblin for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

Conflicted on what to say about this because I did really enjoy it but there were also parts that I was not a fan of. I really enjoyed the neighborhood raccoon (LOL) and there were quite a few scenes between Ben and Miley that were cute. However, there was a lot of miscommunication and fighting in this and it made me want to rip my hair out!! However, the storyline was great and the characters, even those that were supporting, added so much joy to the story.

Tropes:
- Friends to Lovers
- Second Chance Romance
- Found Family

🌲🎣🌸 Mylie has lived in the small town of Clay Creek for her whole life. 10 years ago, her best friend Ben left for Chicago. Mylie thought she'd never see him again, until one day he's (literally) at her door. With Ben suddenly back in her life, at least until he sell his mom's house, they navigate rekindling their relationship while dealing with the drama that comes with living in a small town. Can Mylie and the town charm him enough to stay?

This book was a perfect second chance romance! The setting of Clay Creek town was adorable. I really loved Mylie's character and how she put other people first and was willing to drop everything she's doing to come to the aid of the people she loves. Mylie had really great character development, and I really enjoyed seeing her grow with Ben. I think that they both really brought the best in each other and were exactly what the other needed. The small town setting was super fun and I loved the variety of characters living in it! This was a super cute and wholesome read! 💕

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced reader's copy!

A happy romance novel that follows small town girl Mylie and city boy Ben. One book that I've actually seen flashbacks done really well where they fit and are easy to follow. Ben and Mylie have loved each other since Ben moved to town in 6th grade but they never had the guts to tell each other. Now they must figure things out before it's too late and they loose each other for good.

I received this ARC from publishers via Netgalley
#SpringFling #NetGalley

A solid 3.5 stars! It's a seriously cute and cozy spring romcom. This is a small town, always been you, slow burn romance. This is my first book by the author and I enjoyed it, I would read more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for access to this e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great childhood friends to lovers, the connection between our main characters is clear from the start. I love the small town aspect with the meddling towns people and the care the towns people have for each other and Fat Tony the Raccoon. I will absolutely be reading more from this author!

I’d like to start by thanking NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an unedited copy of Spring Fling in exchange for my honest review.

This book had so much potential. It features a small-town community, second-chance romance, and friends-turned-lovers, which are all things I typically love. However, as much as I wanted to enjoy it, I found myself distracted by a number of issues that prevented me from fully connecting with the story.

First, while I understand this was an unedited proof, I found myself taken out of the story by some timeline and continuity errors. For instance, the Spring Fling tournament is supposed to be taking place next month, and at the start of the book, it's May. But there’s a sense that the event might actually take place in late May or early June, which doesn’t quite fit the "spring" theme. It left me wondering whether the timeline was a little unclear.

Another timeline hiccup happens after a Sadie Hawkins dance. The characters return home to find vandalism at Mylie’s house, and then the next day, Granny convinces people to fix the window on a Sunday—but we skip over Saturday entirely. Little things like that pulled me out of the story, making it harder to stay immersed.

Beyond the timeline issues, I also had trouble with some of the characters. For example, Morris is introduced as a teetotaler, but almost immediately, we see him drinking beer. This contradiction isn't really addressed, and later, Granny even mentions that he’s pretending to be a teetotaler, but it doesn't quite make sense given his behavior earlier. It just felt like there was a lack of consistency in how these characters were portrayed.

Then there's the confusion surrounding Jodi’s relationship. She has a boyfriend at the start of the story, and it’s mentioned several times that they’ve been together for five years. However, later on, this boyfriend is suddenly referred to as her "husband," even though there’s no mention of a wedding or any significant change in their relationship. This left me scratching my head, as it was a small but noticeable detail that didn’t align with what we were told earlier.

And then there was the issue with Jodi’s name. I know this is nitpicking, but both "Jodi" and "Jodie" are used interchangeably throughout the book, which made me wonder if that was intentional or a mistake. It was just one of those things that made it harder to stay focused on the characters and the story.

As for the plot itself, Mylie and Ben’s romance is built around their long history together. They’ve known each other since middle school and had feelings for each other that they never fully expressed. Ben leaves after graduation and, despite trying to stay in touch, they lose contact over the years. Now, Ben returns to town to settle the sale of his inherited house and start a new life in Boston, but his feelings for Mylie resurface. This rekindled romance could have been really sweet, but I struggled with how stubborn both of these characters were. Mylie refuses to even consider a life outside of her small town because she wants to take care of her younger sister and doesn’t want to leave Granny alone. I get it, but it was frustrating to see her shut down every possibility of a future with Ben, even if it meant making compromises. On the other hand, Ben is also stubborn in thinking that Mylie should be the one to make the sacrifices, only offering to compromise once he’s already set up his new life in Boston.

As for the romance itself, the intimate scenes, while not a must-have for me in a romance, felt rushed and forced. They didn't feel natural or necessary to the development of the relationship, and I honestly think the book might have worked better without them.

That said, I did find myself enjoying the character of Granny. She was the heart of the story for me—funny, wise, and full of personality. She’s the kind of older woman I’d love to be someday, and she brought some much-needed warmth and humor to the book.

Ultimately, Spring Fling has a lot of heart, but its inconsistencies and missed opportunities left me feeling a bit let down. While I appreciated the small-town charm and the idea of a second-chance romance, the timeline issues, character contradictions, and rushed elements kept it from being as enjoyable as I’d hoped.

I’m giving it 3 stars out of 5. It wasn’t a bad read, but it didn’t quite live up to its potential.

I finished this book a few weeks ago and I'm still torn.

Spring Fling follows Mylie and Ben who are childhood best friends who lose touch as adults. Ben ends up coming back to Clay Creek to sell his childhood home and as I'm sure you guessed, Mylie and Ben explore the possibility of a relationship.

I'm torn because I love the town, Clay Creek so much. This small town made me smile and the characters antics were hilarious. Granny was my favorite character, she had me laughing out loud. The fishing tournament added a fun element to the story as well.

However, the relationship isn't one that I was invested in or really cared about. Both characters were fine, I just didn't connect with their romance. I also feel like the communication between Mylie and Ben was a little rough. I really wish I could have connected with the story and the characters more.

This is a quick read and even though I had some issues with it, its still worth picking up.

Ben was always the-one-that-got-away, but now that he's back in town, Mylie isn't sure how to approach him. All signs point to him leaving again, but who says it has to be something serious? Maybe they can just have a spring fling...

The tone of this novel was very lighthearted and easy, even when some of the subject matter probably warranted a little more depth. Personally, I was craving a little bit more from these characters, but every time I felt that way it seemed to launch into another tropey situation that kept things light and playful.

The characters felt well developed for the purposes of the story. Mylie, in particular, had a lot of ties to the town that drove the subplots well enough. The setting of Clay Creek is small town America with the requisite old-lady bingo group, and rascally wildlife.

For me there wasn't a lot that really stood out as being particularly original or interesting. That's the danger of reading so much romance! If you're looking for something sweet and light, this book fits the bill, but if you're looking for the next great romance novel, in my opinion this one isn't essential reading.

Note:: I received a copy of this book for free through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

4.75⭐️

I absolutely loved this book! If you love good banter, sexual tension, slow burn, small town, friends to lovers, second chance and a lovable but mischievous animal side character, you would definitely love this book too!

The banter and sexual tension between Mylie and Ben from the start was right up my alley. And the slow burn almost killed me. I also love how each side character also has their own little backstory and I hope we get an epilogue that follows up with these characters and Mylie and Ben’s future or maybe a sequel that spotlights some of the other characters.

My only real complaint was not knowing whose POV each chapter was in until I was a few sentences in. I wish each chapter stated the characters name beforehand.

I definitely plan to buy this one and read it again once it’s officially published on March 18!

This was a cute story with lots of angst. Mylie lived with her grandmother and younger sister who was constantly complaining about something, usually a boy. Typical teenager driving everyone crazy. Mylie had a best friend in highschool who moved to Chicago and she hadn't seen him in 10 years. He is coming back to town to sell his grandparents house and is going to stay there for a little while. He had a funny start to his stay and then the story had a flashback. I'm not a fan of those throughout the book, but it helped the story along. It took awhile for them to decide what their relationship was going to be. Small Town dynamics are very different than big city and Ben didn't want any part of it until he realized he couldn't leave her again..

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Thank you for the opportunity to review this delightful novel.

From the very beginning, we're introduced to Ben and Mylie at a pivotal moment in many young adults' lives: graduation. Their dynamic friendship unfolds as they grapple with the uncertain reality of life after school and coming to terms their friendship will never be the same. Mylie is staying in Clay Creek while her best friend Ben is leaving her behind to go back to Chicago for college. In his wake he's not only leaving Mylie, but also his grandpa's home. Growing up in a small town myself, I immediately felt connected to this transition—leaving behind friends and familiar places in search of something new. This part of the story struck a chord with me and helped me relate to the characters right from the start. Highschool graduation is a complicated and emotional time that is full of doubt yet driven by the necessity of change.

Fast-forward ten years, and we meet Mylie again, now a successful business owner in her small town. She's taken over her granny's bait-and-tackle shop, now running a warehouse that employs a third of the town’s population. She even still lives in her grandmother's home, where she grew up with her sister. At the heart of her life is a sense of loyalty, especially when it comes to her decisions. She's recently hired Robbie, partly because of a promise to his grandmother which is an example of how small-town life often thrives on friendship, gossip, and a deep sense of obligation. This authentic depiction of life in a close-knit community grounded the story and made it feel relatable to anyone familiar with small-town dynamics.

The narrative then shifts to Ben, who returns to Clay Creek to settle his grandpa's house. He’d promised his late mother that he would visit the house one last time to see if there were any important family items to preserve. Although Ben’s initial reluctance to return stems from his unresolved feelings about leaving Clay Creek years earlier, his return is prompted by a promise and a sense of duty. In a humorous twist, Ben mistakenly ends up at Mylie’s grandmother's house late one night in a mix-up that ultimately brings the two back together after all these years.

From this point, the story unfolds in a heartwarming and believable way as Ben and Mylie rekindle their friendship and explore the romantic feelings that have been lingering beneath the surface. What follows is a charming journey of two people reconnecting and discovering that sometimes, the “important things” aren't just physical treasures but the relationships and memories we carry with us.

This novel has heart, a dash of mystery, and a sweet romance that shows that returning home can reveal that the most valuable things in life aren’t always what we expect. As Ben poignantly puts it, "Nothing makes sense without you."

3.5 🌟

A seriously cute and cozy spring romcom! The setting was delightful and the cast of characters felt so inviting. I loved the side characters just as much as the main couple.

I absolutely loved Spring Fling! From start to finish, this book had everything I enjoy—an engaging storyline, a heartfelt romance, and just the right amount of angst between the main characters. The chemistry between them was captivating, and I loved how their relationship unfolded and worked out in the end.

Mylie was such a strong and inspiring female lead. I admired her determination in starting her own business and how she navigated life in her charming small-town community. The setting was warm and inviting, making me feel right at home with the characters.

Speaking of characters, Mylie’s family was a wonderful addition to the story. They were lively and well-developed, and I wouldn’t be surprised (or disappointed!) if we get to see future books featuring them.

Overall, Spring Fling is a sweet, captivating love story that left me smiling. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves small-town romance, strong heroines, and a heartwarming happily-ever-after!

A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I truly enjoyed this book and appreciate the opportunity to read it early!

**2-Star Review: *Spring Fling* by Annie England Noblin**

*Spring Fling* by Annie England Noblin has a charming premise, but unfortunately, it falls short in execution. The story follows a group of characters navigating love, friendship, and personal growth during a springtime event, but the plot often feels predictable and lacks the depth needed to make it truly engaging.

The characters are likable enough, but they often feel one-dimensional, and their arcs don’t seem to develop in a meaningful way. The pacing is uneven, with long stretches of slow, meandering narrative that detract from the overall flow. The romance, while present, feels forced and rushed, lacking the emotional connection that could have made it more compelling.

While the setting and seasonal backdrop are enjoyable, they aren't enough to elevate the book. *Spring Fling* may appeal to readers looking for a light, easy read, but it doesn’t offer much beyond surface-level charm. It’s an okay read, but not one that will leave a lasting impression.

Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🌶️🌶️

This was so cute!! I love a second chance romance! Spring Fling is a low stakes, adorable, easy read. I enjoyed the characters and their chemistry was very sweet! Characters were easily likable and relatable. Plot was engaging and kept my focus. A refreshing and a fantastic palette cleanser!

Spring Fling by Annie England Noblin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Absolutely adorable second chance romance after a 10year break. Mylie and Ben were best friends since 6th grade. After graduation he split in the early morning hours for a new life in Chicago. Leaving Mylie heartbroken and never getting close to another male.
On Ben's mother's death bed he promised her he would spend some time in Clay Creek before selling his childhood home. Hoping to go in a sell the house asap and back to his life in Chicago.
But he never expected Mylie to be beautiful, grown up and alone.........You must read this book to find out all the good and bad things that happen.

This quote made me laugh so hard and I could see them doing it.

#Granny ducked just in time to miss Bernice’s right hook, but not fast enough to dodge Agatha’s shoulder. Granny knocked into the table behind her, sending bingo cards flying. Ben watched in horror as women, literal grandmothers, began to brawl. Bracelets and clip-on earrings came off, fists went flying. One woman, a rounder, plumper version of Bernice, swung her beaded necklace around like a pair of nunchucks."

Mylie lives in Clay Creek, Arkansas with her Granny and little sister Cassie. Mylie runs her own business a tackle shop. Ben currently lives in Chicago; but he moved to Clay Creek when he was a child. Ben and Mylie became best friends and lived next door to each other. After high school graduation Ben and his family moved back to Chicago. They both loved each other; but would not put it into words since they knew he was leaving town.
Mylie is preparing for the big annual fishing tournament when she finds out Ben is going to sell the house next door. They haven't spoken in years and Ben is now coming to town to get the house ready for selling.
Clay Creek is a small town where everyone knows your business. Mylie has never wanted to leave town, and Ben couldn't wait to get out.
Wonderful story of learning to love and just let go.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
Spice: 🌶️
Tropes: childhood friends to lovers; small town

I am so sad to say that this book was just not for me. It was straightforward and a breeze to read, but will not give you the stick to the ribs, unbelievably memorable feeling - which is okay!

Definitely pick this up if you want to read about a small town, it’s always been you romance. There’s a short third act breakup and a quick resolution for a happy ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for access to this e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.