This book was a delicious slow burn and true friends to lovers. the pacing for them was perfect and I loved watching them slowly fall. I loved the traveling around London pieces and Ava’s surly attitude while even having fun. Finn is so patient and so kind and such a sunshine mmc and I loved him for that. this book was so sweet and tender!!

An absolutely lovely romance set over a summer in London between perpetual nomad Finn and near-hermit Ava. This was the kind of book that I couldn’t believe I’d read in one evening; after finishing it I felt like I’d known these characters for months.

The romance plot was a gorgeously slow burn, with lots of pining and confused feelings. I haven’t read another book in a while where the main characters change and grow so much over the course of the story and yet it still felt natural and realistic.

The supporting cast of characters really developed the world, from Julien’s teasing of Finn to the deeply close relationship between Ava and her twin brother. Sibling relationships can be difficult to portray well and I have rarely felt like an author ‘gets it’ so much as in ‘The Friendship Fling’.

I am certain that this book will stay with me for a long time, and I am very excited to read more from this author!

I was lucky enough to get an advance readers copy of this on Netgalley, and I SO enjoyed reading about Finn and Ava’s summer adventures, and watching them try and try and inevitably fail to be just friends. Finn is the new it boy of romance at the moment and <333 I love him!!! Such a fun summery read, I totally recommend picking this one up 🌞🩷🧡

I absolutely adored this and it came as a complete surprise! The two gorgeous main characters really grow on you until you are completely enveloped in their world. This is one of the very few books I have felt is so close to reality- it feels like it's being told to you by a close friend. Stone's writing is instantly engrossing, like sliding into a warm cozy bath. Her way of displaying emotions felt so tender and caring without being unrealistic.

Enchanted from the very first page.

This debut novel delivered everything I could have hoped for—romance, wit, angst, humour, and a perfectly crafted slow-burn that will linger in my mind for a long time.

It exuded a charming Englishness and an everyday relatability that felt both comforting and refreshing, with beautiful details that made the world feel so real.

Ava’s emotional journey resonated deeply, while Finn—relentlessly positive, endlessly patient, and unwavering in his love for Ava just as she is—was nothing short of divine. He’s now securely locked into my personal vault of top-tier book boyfriends. If only this English girl could find her own curly-haired, sunshiney, determined dream man…

Gripping, addictive, and thoroughly satisfying, this story has left me counting the days until the author’s next release.

On the re-release (with yet another stunning cover): still laugh-out-loud funny, still emotionally powerful, still that perfect, tantalising slow burn. Still absolutely adore it.

a massive thank you to the publisher(s) , author and netgalley for allowing me to have an ARC of this book for an honest review!

WOW MY HEART!! 🥹
this was a highly anticipated book for me and it did NOT disappoint - I loved every inch of this book , the writing , the plot but most importantly the characters.

As a reader who doesn’t typically read the friends to lovers trope I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it - I particularly enjoyed getting to know each character’s characteristics and their relationships with each other too.

I especially loved Ava because although she is the grumpier character, there are moments where she is vulnerable and develops a need to take care of herself - I thought this was a lovely reminder that your well being and self love is important not only in a relationship but also independently too!!

I also liked how this story had two pov’s as I think it added more dimension to the characters and made them feel more realistic!

my favourite highlight: “his smile splits open a trench in my heart, and for the first time , I want to put seeds down to see what could grow there if I nurtured it”

I really hope this book gets the recognition it rightfully deserves because this book is so beautifully written and I just know that for many hopeless romantics , this book along with its characters will be a favourite

I highly recommend this book if you’re a big fan of Kate Spencer and Emily Henry

4.5 stars

This book follows Ava and Fin, who spends the summer tackling Fin's bucket list whilst he is in London for the season. This is a reverse grumpy sunshine book, and it is soo good. Fin and Ava meet when he goes into the coffee shop that she works at, and they decide to become friends after he saves her from a bad date. I loved the premise of the book, and the execution of it was wonderful. The relationship development between Ava and Fin was so good, and it was a gorgeous slow burn romance that was filled with chemistry. I loved the grumpy sunshine element of it, and Fin was like a golder retriever through the book. This book was such a fun read, and it kept me wanting more. I didn't want to put it down! I loved the friendships in this book, and I loved how each of the characters interacted with each other!

The friendship fling is a book that will stay with you long after you've done reading and i must admit it may actually have my favourite book couple off all time, From Ava's grumpiness to Finns lovely sunshine personality, they are just wonderful.

I adore any story based in London and the lifestyle and vibe surrounded with It. A great story and well worth the read

Highly recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️

Okay, The Friendship Fling by Georgia Stone completely stole my heart 💕 I haven’t read a rom-com like this in a while, and I devoured it in under 24 hours — which is always a good sign, right?

This is the ultimate slow burn, strangers to lovers romance. It’s packed with laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt conversations, and the kind of chemistry that makes you giggle and kick your feet like a teenager. It had me smiling at the pages, swooning, and even tearing up in a few soft moments.

The pacing was perfect — nothing felt rushed or too drawn out. And the emotional depth layered beneath the flirty banter? So good. It reminded me why I love this genre so much.

Witty, charming, and full of feels — simply put, this book was such a joy to read.

A charming debut that hits all the right notes—funny, heartfelt, and full of slow-burn tension.

Ava and Finn’s grumpy/sunshine dynamic is a delight, with witty banter and I loved their slow burn and taking their friendship seriously and not rushing in. I felt like you were really rooting for them! Great read for fans of friends-to-lovers romances looking for a feel-good read.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Georgia Stone for providing me with an arc copy in exchange for an honest review!

5 ⭐

Wow, just wow. Going into this I didn't expect to love it this much, I had high hopes because I usually love books that include the bucket list element but, again, this blew me away.

The friendship fling follows Ava, a barista almost "stuck" in her everyday life. But don't worry, that's exactly how she wants it. She is used to keeping her circle small and to her repetitive job, she is reluctant to change that but when her best friend Josie asks her to get out more and try to find new friends, she is willing to try. Cue Finn. He works in the office just opposite the coffee shop, and he doesn't know when to stop talking. He also has a bucket list to complete before the summer ends. Somehow, the two end up in a fake friendship and that's where everything stars.

I really enjoyed reading this. The bucket list aspect was a nice touch, and it was executed nicely in my opinion. I loved reading about different spots around London, from the more touristy ones to the more normal ones. I also liked the characters. Ava is quite grumpy, and I'll admit that at times I found her to be a little insufferable (but that's probably what the author wanted). Finn,on the other hand, felt like sunshine. He is a sweet and kind soul, a little quirky and quite funny. The side characters were also nice, so I hope we'll get to see more of them in possible future books (maybe Max? who knows).

It was nice reading about an healthy relationship, with lots of communication and a journey towards self growth for both main characters.

I liked the role reversal with a grumpy fmc and sunshine mmc. Also a slow burn which I enjoyed. A good debut from this author. 3 ⭐️

I loved watching the relationship develop between Ava and Finn, especially as their friendship evolved and fears were confronted. Their journey felt authentic and heartfelt, which made it impossible for me not to root for them.

Georgia Stone has written an incredibly impressive debut romance! The Friendship Fling is the ultimate summer read, and it’s also THE book for the black cat girl in your life.
Ava, Finn, and London in all its summer splendor make up the beating heart of this novel in the best way. As a reader, I was in love with them right off the bat – the way Georgia depicts them is simply irresistible. Finn and Ava’s dynamic and voices are so, so fun, without ever losing the many layers that make each of these characters exactly who they are. And their supporting cast of friends and family is equally delightful, adding to each side of their love story while being able to hold their own (I can’t believe I’ve been clowning for a Max book for a year and a half).
The plot of this one – you’ve heard of fake dating, now get ready for fake friendship-ing – is really refreshing, and the London bucket list Finn and Ava are following gives the plot a nice structure without feeling like a restrictive device. And the payoff for this slow burn romance is SO good! The build-up of tension is giggle- and scream-into-a-pillow-worthy at the same time, with enough banter to keep the most demanding reader satisfied. Finn and Ava are the perfect case of opposites attract executed well, their natures providing perfect complements for each other.
The one and only thing I would have wanted from this is a bit more of Finn’s POV for balance. While this is a dual-POV novel, Ava has about two thirds of the chapters – and there’s enough complexity to Finn’s character that I would have happily read more chapters on his perspective and depicting his emotional journey.
All in all – if you loved Business Casual by B.K. Borison or Funny Story by Emily Henry; or if you’re an introvert who’s been stuck in her comfort zone; or you love the grumpy/sunshine trope, you need this book in your life!
Thank you so much to Hodder and Stoughton for the gifted eARC and finished copy 🩷 The Friendship Fling is officially out tomorrow in the UK and June 3rd in the US/Canada!

This was a sweet romcom with witty banter and a writing style I really loved. I love the way the relationship between the MCs grew, but also that we have a grumpy FMC! More grumpy FMCs please! And their golden retriever men. I think I knew I'd like this from opening it, so it's not a surprise at all that I devoured it pretty quickly.

I'll be recommending this to people who love romcoms with funny banter and something that warms the heart a little bit. Perfect for summer!!

The Friendship Fling is officially out on Thursday and I could not be more excited for everyone to read this brilliant debut by Georgia Stone!

I read this book just over a year ago when it was indie published and I’m not at all surprised that it was picked up and is now being traditionally published. Having the opportunity to re-visit this book ahead of its release has been amazing. I loved it just as much this time around and it’s a book I can see myself coming back to.

The book is just so perfectly British without being clichéd. You can expect

Grumpy x sunshine (but she’s the grump)
Strangers to friends to lovers
Dual POV
London backdrop
Summer bucket list
The slowest of slow burns

Both times reading this book I have cried with laughter at the banter and sarcasm. The chapter titles are a real treat… reaffirming my belief that we need to stop dispensing with them!

I have loved following Georgia’s journey as a bookstagrammer and author. I can’t wait to see what she does next!

Thank you Georgia Stone, Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the ARC!

The Friendship Fling
Georgia Stone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)

I absolutely adored this book. It is the epitome of British humour and I was living for it. I related to so many instances throughout the book and it just felt so familiar.

I love Ava and Finn and their black cat x golden retriever relationship. The banter between the pair is top notch and the side characters were just as lovable. I'm excited for the next book now knowing who it's going to be about.

I really enjoyed the bucket list part of the story and I liked that Ava always completed it with her own twist & it was never what Finn was totally is expecting.

The only negative I have to say, is that it felt just a smidge too long.

The Friendship Fling follows Ava and Finn as they navigate their friendship of convenience, set on the backdrop of London in summer.

I was lucky enough to read an arc of this back when Georgia originally self-published under the title ‘A Collision of Stars’. When I saw it was picked up for traditional publishing and would have some changes made, I knew I’d have to try out the new version! I really enjoyed it back then, and I still really enjoy it now!

I love how much both of the main characters progress throughout the story. I love how it’s set in London, but isn’t just showing the main attractions that everyone already knows. I love how the author doesn’t shy away from some slightly darker themes regarding health and how well it’s handled.

I definitely think you should add this to your summer TBR if you’re looking for a cute summer romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Staughton for the early e-arc.

I absolutely adored this book!!

This book follows Ava and Finn, they meet in the coffee shop where Ava works and make a pact to be friends for the summer before Finn’s internship is up in London. Finn wants to complete his London bucket-list before he leaves and Ava finds herself helping him.

Finn and Ava’s chemistry, friendship, vibe, everything about them I loved!! There is nothing better than when you fall in love with the main characters in a book as it makes reading it SO much more enjoyable! I even teared at the last few chapters and it’s amazing when a book makes you feel all the highs and lows that the characters are also feeling.

Loved the writing style, I was hooked from the start and devoured this book. Such an amazing debut from Georgia and I cannot wait to read more from her in the future.

Definitely recommend this amazing book 🥰

A fun, bantery, slow burn romance with a black catxgolden retriever energy. I loved how this book felt more than just romance.