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Charlie Quinn Lets Go
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Expected 30 Sep 25Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 06:57:58
10 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
Charlie Quinn has spent her life playing by the rules. But when, on her thirtieth birthday, she is laid off, her boyfriend leaves her because their life is too “predictable” and she spends the night with violent food poisoning, she hits rock bottom at a stunning velocity, and her carefully constructed world unravels.
She has no choice but to return to her childhood home in LA, where her little sister strikes up an Can control freak Charlie go a whole month saying yes to anything her free-spirited sister requests? Charlie agrees, if only to prove that living by one’s whims will result in nothing but disaster and disappointment.
But when a serendipitous encounter with her high school crush leads to a month of steamy no-strings romance, Charlie starts questioning her monotonous existence. Can she learn to loosen her grip, to let go of past heartbreak, to finally say yes to a messy, bold and exciting life?
She has no choice but to return to her childhood home in LA, where her little sister strikes up an Can control freak Charlie go a whole month saying yes to anything her free-spirited sister requests? Charlie agrees, if only to prove that living by one’s whims will result in nothing but disaster and disappointment.
But when a serendipitous encounter with her high school crush leads to a month of steamy no-strings romance, Charlie starts questioning her monotonous existence. Can she learn to loosen her grip, to let go of past heartbreak, to finally say yes to a messy, bold and exciting life?
- GenresFiction
304 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 30, 2025
7 people are currently reading
3330 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 28, 2025
Hi friends! Thank you so much for taking the time to read CHARLIE QUINN LETS GO. This book leapt out of me, as did Charlie, Benny, and Jackie—our Triple Quinn. Earnest family dynamics, internal struggles, a character arc focusing on self-growth—these are the cornerstones of my fiction. All my novels are love stories, in some way or another. I firmly believe love comes in many forms, and navigating that love, those connections, those relationships, that's what makes us feel the most human.
CHARLIE QUINN LETS GO has many love stories woven in. Charlie loving herself. Sisters loving each other. Mom/daughter dynamics/trauma/mommy issues. And, of course, dual timeline love stories with two different men. A college romance, and then a second chance with a teenage crush.
Charlie is learning to open her heart and my wish for this book is for readers to go on that journey with her. To unfold toward all the love around them, in all its many forms. <3
I wanted to also give you some content warnings, in case you have sensitivity to certain topics:
- there is a death in this book
- there is depiction of mental health struggles
I hope you enjoy CQLG. It's my most ambitious novel yet.
CHARLIE QUINN LETS GO has many love stories woven in. Charlie loving herself. Sisters loving each other. Mom/daughter dynamics/trauma/mommy issues. And, of course, dual timeline love stories with two different men. A college romance, and then a second chance with a teenage crush.
Charlie is learning to open her heart and my wish for this book is for readers to go on that journey with her. To unfold toward all the love around them, in all its many forms. <3
I wanted to also give you some content warnings, in case you have sensitivity to certain topics:
- there is a death in this book
- there is depiction of mental health struggles
I hope you enjoy CQLG. It's my most ambitious novel yet.
August 6, 2025
I loved Jamie Varon's debut novel, "Main Character Energy," and I couldn't wait to dive into her sophomore story—it seriously did not disappoint. "Charlie Quinn Let's Go" is a love letter to life, a powerful and poignant novel that will have you thinking deeply about love, loss, and everything in between.
The story follows Charlie Quinn, a character who at first can be tough to relate to as she finds herself in a truly bad place. However, as the author herself has shared, Charlie acts as a mirror, reflecting our own fears and insecurities back at us. This book is the perfect read for anyone who has ever felt stuck, like they’re falling behind in life, or who has completely closed themselves off to love and the possibility of chasing their dreams.
The novel is a beautiful testament to finding joy again and discovering love in the most unexpected ways. Varon excels at crafting vivid scenes that play out like movie montages—from dance parties to a magical day at Disneyland and quintessential spontaneous romcom moments. This focus on art, music, and truly living life to the fullest serves as a vital reminder that our time is a precious commodity, and that putting everything into work often comes at the expense of our dreams and passions.
Reading this book reminded me of the profound introspection of books like “The Midnight Library” and “The Life Impossible” by Matt Haig, and even brought to mind movies like “Stranger than Fiction” and “Dead Poets Society”. It's a powerful call to action to stop living with regret and start seizing the possibilities right in front of us.
This story is perfect for anyone questioning the rat race of society, climbing the corporate ladder, throwing everything into their work for the illusion of reliability and comfort, at the expense of their dreams, hopes and possibilities of taking a chance on love.
I found myself highlighting countless quotes I loved and know I'll be returning to this book for a reread in the future.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read this before the release date on September 30. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for an advanced reader copy of this book.
#CharlieQuinnLetsGo #NetGalley
The story follows Charlie Quinn, a character who at first can be tough to relate to as she finds herself in a truly bad place. However, as the author herself has shared, Charlie acts as a mirror, reflecting our own fears and insecurities back at us. This book is the perfect read for anyone who has ever felt stuck, like they’re falling behind in life, or who has completely closed themselves off to love and the possibility of chasing their dreams.
The novel is a beautiful testament to finding joy again and discovering love in the most unexpected ways. Varon excels at crafting vivid scenes that play out like movie montages—from dance parties to a magical day at Disneyland and quintessential spontaneous romcom moments. This focus on art, music, and truly living life to the fullest serves as a vital reminder that our time is a precious commodity, and that putting everything into work often comes at the expense of our dreams and passions.
Reading this book reminded me of the profound introspection of books like “The Midnight Library” and “The Life Impossible” by Matt Haig, and even brought to mind movies like “Stranger than Fiction” and “Dead Poets Society”. It's a powerful call to action to stop living with regret and start seizing the possibilities right in front of us.
This story is perfect for anyone questioning the rat race of society, climbing the corporate ladder, throwing everything into their work for the illusion of reliability and comfort, at the expense of their dreams, hopes and possibilities of taking a chance on love.
I found myself highlighting countless quotes I loved and know I'll be returning to this book for a reread in the future.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read this before the release date on September 30. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for an advanced reader copy of this book.
#CharlieQuinnLetsGo #NetGalley
May 19, 2025
This was a big miss for me. I disliked the MC so much, that I found it imposssible to care about the book. I found the writing to be juvenile and pedantic and filled with references that will be out of date within the next few years. The pacing of the book was not great and I found myself only continuing on because I liked Charlie’s mom so much. This book has the potential to be better with lots of tweaks!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC
May 25, 2025
For me, this was the right book at the right time.
I’m not proud to admit that I can relate to Charlie Quinn and the fortress she’d built high around her heart in a lot of ways, and I hope her lessons stick with me long term.
If you’re looking for the inspiration to make changes and embrace being happy now, horrifying vulnerability and all, this is it.
“You don’t get the love without the risk of grief. You don’t get the laughter without the risk of silence. You don’t get the joy without the risk of loss.”
Thank you for this gift, Jamie Varon. May it find all the right people!
And thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for access to the ARC!
#CharlieQuinnLetsGo #NetGalley
I’m not proud to admit that I can relate to Charlie Quinn and the fortress she’d built high around her heart in a lot of ways, and I hope her lessons stick with me long term.
If you’re looking for the inspiration to make changes and embrace being happy now, horrifying vulnerability and all, this is it.
“You don’t get the love without the risk of grief. You don’t get the laughter without the risk of silence. You don’t get the joy without the risk of loss.”
Thank you for this gift, Jamie Varon. May it find all the right people!
And thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for access to the ARC!
#CharlieQuinnLetsGo #NetGalley
May 18, 2025
Charlie Quinn Lets Go is a novel about second chances, and learning from your mistakes. It follows Charlie Quinn as she returns to her hometown after a disaster of a 30th birthday where her life is upended, and decides to lean in to a month of yes to see if she can change her control freak tendencies.
The FMC is stuck in her ways due to mistakes in her past, but to me feels like she’s built out of cliches in a way that made me roll my eyes as opposed to relate to her. The growth she goes through feels forced, like the novel was close to ending so things needed to tie up neatly as opposed to seeing the characters journey and her path to changing.
I really love Jamie Varon’s writing - I found her through instagram a few years ago, and loved her insightful takes on the world. That being said, I don’t think she’s transitioned to novels from short-form in the way I was hoping she would. This novel, as well as her previous novel (Main Character Energy) are cute quick reads but they lack something to draw me in to become obsessed with the characters and their journey.
I would recommend it but it’s not a must-read for me.
I received this ARC through NetGalley.
The FMC is stuck in her ways due to mistakes in her past, but to me feels like she’s built out of cliches in a way that made me roll my eyes as opposed to relate to her. The growth she goes through feels forced, like the novel was close to ending so things needed to tie up neatly as opposed to seeing the characters journey and her path to changing.
I really love Jamie Varon’s writing - I found her through instagram a few years ago, and loved her insightful takes on the world. That being said, I don’t think she’s transitioned to novels from short-form in the way I was hoping she would. This novel, as well as her previous novel (Main Character Energy) are cute quick reads but they lack something to draw me in to become obsessed with the characters and their journey.
I would recommend it but it’s not a must-read for me.
I received this ARC through NetGalley.
June 7, 2025
I had the pleasure of being able to read and review an ebook advanced reader copy of Charlie Quinn Lets Go by Jamie Varon. This book spoke straight to my soul. As a recovering, over-achieving, anxious perfectionist, I grew up being such a Charlie Quinn—a list, a plan, a goal, a purpose always in mind—a workaholic to the core. But, Charlie, after being laid off, broken up with, and food poisoned on her birthday, goes back to the home she’s been away from for far too long and is convinced by her little sister to agree to a month of “yes.” Charlie sees leaning into the universe and opening up to loving as also an opening up to the potential for disappointment and pain. But in agreeing to saying yes for 30 days, can Charlie dare to hope, to want, to see a path to joy and happiness?
Jamie Varon has penned a heartfelt novel about considering coming into your own and embracing who you are at your core, in the face of fear, in the face of potential disappointment. It makes you ask, in this one precious life, how are you going to spend your days?
The characters are interesting, multidimensional, and have histories that impact the way they perceive the world. Those histories can be devastating at times. There is mention of grief and loss and processing it, so if that is a particular sensitivity for someone as a reader, they may need to be prepared. But, because of all of that, the characters have clear voices and full personalities. These are people you could meet, interact with, love, clash with at times—you could feel them so clearly, including their hang ups, and it made me love them more.
This is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. It truly makes you think about life and what’s the meaning/purpose in it. There are poignant quotes that I highlighted throughout because they struck me so deeply, and this is the kind of book I could see myself reading again and again because of how it made me feel and think about the questions it raises about life.
If this sounds like something you're ready to say yes to, its publication date is September 30, 2025. Its magic is absolutely worth it.
Jamie Varon has penned a heartfelt novel about considering coming into your own and embracing who you are at your core, in the face of fear, in the face of potential disappointment. It makes you ask, in this one precious life, how are you going to spend your days?
The characters are interesting, multidimensional, and have histories that impact the way they perceive the world. Those histories can be devastating at times. There is mention of grief and loss and processing it, so if that is a particular sensitivity for someone as a reader, they may need to be prepared. But, because of all of that, the characters have clear voices and full personalities. These are people you could meet, interact with, love, clash with at times—you could feel them so clearly, including their hang ups, and it made me love them more.
This is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. It truly makes you think about life and what’s the meaning/purpose in it. There are poignant quotes that I highlighted throughout because they struck me so deeply, and this is the kind of book I could see myself reading again and again because of how it made me feel and think about the questions it raises about life.
If this sounds like something you're ready to say yes to, its publication date is September 30, 2025. Its magic is absolutely worth it.
June 1, 2025
A soul-healing, bread-baking, tarot-pulling masterpiece.
Reading Charlie Quinn Lets Go by Jamie Varon felt like sitting in a warm kitchen with an old friend—one who believes in astrology, consults the tarot, and isn’t afraid to whisper hard truths wrapped in poetic brilliance. As a writer myself working on a novel, I was stunned by how often I felt seen by this story. It’s as if the Universe whispered both our books into existence at the same time.
Charlie’s emotional arc felt so vulnerable. Learning to open up in love, working through burnout, searching for herself beneath the masks of achievement—mirrors so many of my own personal and creative struggles. And don't get me started on the food. The butterscotch pudding, the bread, the way food is used to soothe & reconnect? Yes, please. I’m literally prepping a sourdough loaf as I write this.
Lines like “My accomplishments never felt like enough” and “There is so much unspent love inside you…You just use so much energy trying not to feel it” hit like a tuning fork in my chest. This book is emotionally honest and funny—“Buckle up, babes!” is now in my daily vocabulary—and it’s brimming with magic: tarot cards, covens, astrology, & above all, hope.
By the end, I had heart palpitations, tears, & the urge to get a “Charlie Quinn” quote tattoo. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a loop of living a life that looks fine on the outside but is aching on the inside, this book will hold your hand as you figure out how to let go.
Bravo, Jamie Varon. I’ll be talking about this one forever.
Reading Charlie Quinn Lets Go by Jamie Varon felt like sitting in a warm kitchen with an old friend—one who believes in astrology, consults the tarot, and isn’t afraid to whisper hard truths wrapped in poetic brilliance. As a writer myself working on a novel, I was stunned by how often I felt seen by this story. It’s as if the Universe whispered both our books into existence at the same time.
Charlie’s emotional arc felt so vulnerable. Learning to open up in love, working through burnout, searching for herself beneath the masks of achievement—mirrors so many of my own personal and creative struggles. And don't get me started on the food. The butterscotch pudding, the bread, the way food is used to soothe & reconnect? Yes, please. I’m literally prepping a sourdough loaf as I write this.
Lines like “My accomplishments never felt like enough” and “There is so much unspent love inside you…You just use so much energy trying not to feel it” hit like a tuning fork in my chest. This book is emotionally honest and funny—“Buckle up, babes!” is now in my daily vocabulary—and it’s brimming with magic: tarot cards, covens, astrology, & above all, hope.
By the end, I had heart palpitations, tears, & the urge to get a “Charlie Quinn” quote tattoo. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a loop of living a life that looks fine on the outside but is aching on the inside, this book will hold your hand as you figure out how to let go.
Bravo, Jamie Varon. I’ll be talking about this one forever.
August 21, 2025
One of my favourite quotes is “say yes to life, even though it may devour you”. After losing her job, getting broken up with and dealing with a bout of food poisoning (on her 30th birthday no less) Charlie Quinn finds herself back with her younger sister and mom in LA, where her sister convinces her to just say yes.
Yes to a new haircut.
Yes to trying a fab restaurant and ordering everything on the menu.
Yes to Disneyland.
But past heartbreak and trauma makes it tough for Charlie to really lean in and say yes to the love that’s all around her. She’s been wounded before and isn’t willing to get hurt again; Staying guarded and level headed has kept her safe.
I loved Triple Quinn and the second chances theme in this book. There are some really fun secondary characters, especially the excellent women in the Quinn household, and a hot chef. While I couldn’t fully relate to Charlie’s (initial) approach to life, I could definitely resonate with doing everything you can to keep it altogether when surrounded by volatility.
Huge thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Yes to a new haircut.
Yes to trying a fab restaurant and ordering everything on the menu.
Yes to Disneyland.
But past heartbreak and trauma makes it tough for Charlie to really lean in and say yes to the love that’s all around her. She’s been wounded before and isn’t willing to get hurt again; Staying guarded and level headed has kept her safe.
I loved Triple Quinn and the second chances theme in this book. There are some really fun secondary characters, especially the excellent women in the Quinn household, and a hot chef. While I couldn’t fully relate to Charlie’s (initial) approach to life, I could definitely resonate with doing everything you can to keep it altogether when surrounded by volatility.
Huge thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 28, 2025
Another excellent book from Jamie Varon. Loving her novel era!
I’m not a big romance fan, but I love a rich, quirky character-forward plot. I really hope I’m half as good a mom as Jackie Quinn someday. Ugh, her patience and whimsy and optimism — I could drink it.
Charlie Quinn, on the other hand. Well, I actually think I’m more like her with my overthinking and stubbornness and melodrama. Sorry, everyone!
Either way, the premise of this book is a ton of fun, and I breezed through it. My biggest complaint is that it comes out in September so most readers won’t get it in time for a beach read.
Already rooting for the Hollywood treatment! It feels like a love story about LA, and I can totally picture the backyard bonfires and picturesque views.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Jamie for an early review copy! I was literally jumping out of my skin in anticipation to read this one.
I’m not a big romance fan, but I love a rich, quirky character-forward plot. I really hope I’m half as good a mom as Jackie Quinn someday. Ugh, her patience and whimsy and optimism — I could drink it.
Charlie Quinn, on the other hand. Well, I actually think I’m more like her with my overthinking and stubbornness and melodrama. Sorry, everyone!
Either way, the premise of this book is a ton of fun, and I breezed through it. My biggest complaint is that it comes out in September so most readers won’t get it in time for a beach read.
Already rooting for the Hollywood treatment! It feels like a love story about LA, and I can totally picture the backyard bonfires and picturesque views.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Jamie for an early review copy! I was literally jumping out of my skin in anticipation to read this one.
June 8, 2025
CHARLIE QUINN LETS GO
Jamie Varon
September 30, 2025
When Charlie Quinn gets fired, her boyfriend dumps her and she gets food poisoning ALL ON HER 30th BIRTHDAY, she decides to leave San Francisco and head home to LA to her mother and sister’s house. Charlie has always been the pessimist in the family with her mom and sister, Benny, the born optimists.
So Benny offers Charlie a deal… say yes to everything Benny says for the next month and see if her joy returns, or was it ever really there.
What follows is a month with some strange occurrences, with a bit of happiness thrown in and maybe even some love…
Not available until the end of September, but definitely one to put on your calendar.
Jamie Varon
September 30, 2025
When Charlie Quinn gets fired, her boyfriend dumps her and she gets food poisoning ALL ON HER 30th BIRTHDAY, she decides to leave San Francisco and head home to LA to her mother and sister’s house. Charlie has always been the pessimist in the family with her mom and sister, Benny, the born optimists.
So Benny offers Charlie a deal… say yes to everything Benny says for the next month and see if her joy returns, or was it ever really there.
What follows is a month with some strange occurrences, with a bit of happiness thrown in and maybe even some love…
Not available until the end of September, but definitely one to put on your calendar.
June 3, 2025
Charlie Quinn lets go is the book I wish I had 5 years ago. As a recovering workaholic myself, I related to everything Chapter 1 Charlie was living: working constantly, needing to check all the boxes, wanting to present a certain way. I loved watching her reconnect with her family and herself as she goes through her "Month of Yes" -- something we should all take time to do ourselves! And, bonus, Jamie really is a fabulous writer; I really felt I was living everything as I was reading it. Highly recommend!!
ARC received via Netgalley
ARC received via Netgalley
June 4, 2025
Jamie has done it again! I devoured this book, and highlighted so many passages. It’s a reminder I needed to focus on finding and embracing joy. Actually *live* life, not just move through the motions.
Read
July 13, 2025If my book friend Megan hasn’t told me I would love this one , I wouldn’t have even heard of it. But she knew I needed a happy story that had a touch of depth as both characters fight their instinct to shut down before they learned to love again.
Bonus it was only 300 pages which means this was a one time sitting love story that was perfect for a disgustingly hot day outside
Bonus it was only 300 pages which means this was a one time sitting love story that was perfect for a disgustingly hot day outside
August 4, 2025
wow i needed this book right at this time of my life SO bad. i am a changed woman!!!!!
quinn canyon nothing will never make me hate you and such a hot romance subplot OMG (this was a masterclass in yearnalism)
quinn canyon nothing will never make me hate you and such a hot romance subplot OMG (this was a masterclass in yearnalism)
June 4, 2025
I was so excited to get an ARC for this one. This novel shows such growth from Varon’s first foray into fiction with Main Character Energy. Fans of her nonfiction (spoiler: I am one) will be delighted to see that her narrative voice is stronger than ever in Charlie Quinn. The real strength of this book is in Varon’s deft hand at crafting a complex family dynamic in Triple Quinn that feels authentic yet still allows for her messaging to shine through. This book is about women, for women, and plays with genre in service of empowering women, both on the page and off. It’s not a typical rom com. It’s not a self-help book. But it is about women claiming their worth and their joy, and Varon doesn’t let you forget it. I came away wanting to know more about the inner lives of the other Quinn women—particularly Benny—whose character feels ripe for a sequel that I very much hope to be able to read one day.
June 5, 2025
Such a fun yet meaningful book!
Jamie Varon has managed to create real and complex characters for so many readers to resonate with! With vivid descriptions, emotional ties, and lots of laughs, this book will easily become a fan fave!
Deep in the heart of Los Angeles, Charlie Quinn and her sister adopt so many traits that siblings of non traditional families can feel connected to. In contrast, their mother, Jackie Quinn showcases a spirited life many people strive to pull from, creating both inspiration yet instability. The twist of their complex relationships (past & present), with the fun of summer, creates a meaningful plot revolving around healing, forgiveness, bonding, and joy.
Being my first Jamie Varon book, I would highly recommend as a perfect quick summer read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Jamie Varon for gifting me an early review copy! Publication date set for September 30, 2025.
Jamie Varon has managed to create real and complex characters for so many readers to resonate with! With vivid descriptions, emotional ties, and lots of laughs, this book will easily become a fan fave!
Deep in the heart of Los Angeles, Charlie Quinn and her sister adopt so many traits that siblings of non traditional families can feel connected to. In contrast, their mother, Jackie Quinn showcases a spirited life many people strive to pull from, creating both inspiration yet instability. The twist of their complex relationships (past & present), with the fun of summer, creates a meaningful plot revolving around healing, forgiveness, bonding, and joy.
Being my first Jamie Varon book, I would highly recommend as a perfect quick summer read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Jamie Varon for gifting me an early review copy! Publication date set for September 30, 2025.
May 29, 2025
This book is fantastic. Don’t start it at 10pm like I did or else you will stay up way too late because you can’t put it down.
I saw a lot of myself in both versions of Charlie - the workaholic and the one learning to live the life she wants not the one she thinks society expects her to have. I just wish I had the hot chef too.
I saw a lot of myself in both versions of Charlie - the workaholic and the one learning to live the life she wants not the one she thinks society expects her to have. I just wish I had the hot chef too.
June 5, 2025
CHARLIE QUINN LETS GO BY Jamie Varon (REVIEW): She REALLY Does Need to Let Go...
Charlie Quinn Lets Go
by Jamie Varon
MY Synopsis: Charlie Quinn Lets Go by Jamie Varon is standalone women's fiction novel. The book follows Charlie Quinn, the workaholic who eats the same thing basically every day. Charlie's job doesn't care and her boyfriend has had enough of it. The two both drop her, everyone's changed with the pandemic but Charlie. The premise of the book is pretty unique. Charlie was raised by a chill, follow your dreams mom. Yet turned out to be the most high strung person ever. After her life turns around she decided to come home for a bit and excepts her sister's challenge to say yes to whatever she says.
RATING: ⭐️⭐️ (2.0/5.0)
- Charlie's got some stuff to work on, it's very clear during her breakup with her boyfriend. I found the two "didn't the pandemic change you" in back to back convos unneeded. Idk it's too much pandemic and I've read several pandemic romances so I'm not bias against them.
- Maybe a bit too much of Charlie talking to herself, but that gets better as the book goes on.
- I didn't like Charlie's relationship with her mom. Her mom was a friend first and parent second. But like her mom said, she never once asked Charlie for money, so I found the way she spoke to her really disappointing. I'm so rooting for the mom.
- With all these aspects I didn't like, that's kinda the point. Charlie Quinn NEEDS to let go. I still found the concept enjoyable and wish the writing could hold my attention. I would have DNF'd if I wasn't reviewing this book.
- Pretty decent flashbacks! I usually skip those in books completely, but I was able to read these. Probably because they were short and to the point. And they did add a lot to the story. Then the last one had a crazy plot twist that I LOVED!
- There was a cringe tarrot card reading I couldn't stop rolling my eyes at. I wanted to DNF yet again at this scene.
- The ending with the reveals and good dialogue with the sister saying exactly what we're all thinking was good. But then the REAL ending felt like a different book, was riddled with clichés and was a good way to make her decide to change.
SPICE: 🍦 (0/3)
- Not a big part of this book since it leans more women's fiction over romance.
- The book description says this (the "steamy no-strings romance") is the driving force of Charlie deciding to change.
- Lead up is there but no on paper smutt.
ACCESS: Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC. This book will be released on September 29th 2025.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
- There is too much pandemic talk! You wouldn't know it from the description, but it's very present. If this is an ick for you I'd avoid this book. It's come up in at least five conversations before page 100.
- Speaking of 100 pages in. I've hit page 100/272 and I've still yet to meet the love interest. Which is fine with me but I know not for everyone.
- Feels a bit too childish for women's fiction, but that feels more accurate of a label than romance due to the focus on Charlie's approach to life.
*You can find me on Instagram @rhiannonreads24.7*
Charlie Quinn Lets Go
by Jamie Varon
MY Synopsis: Charlie Quinn Lets Go by Jamie Varon is standalone women's fiction novel. The book follows Charlie Quinn, the workaholic who eats the same thing basically every day. Charlie's job doesn't care and her boyfriend has had enough of it. The two both drop her, everyone's changed with the pandemic but Charlie. The premise of the book is pretty unique. Charlie was raised by a chill, follow your dreams mom. Yet turned out to be the most high strung person ever. After her life turns around she decided to come home for a bit and excepts her sister's challenge to say yes to whatever she says.
RATING: ⭐️⭐️ (2.0/5.0)
- Charlie's got some stuff to work on, it's very clear during her breakup with her boyfriend. I found the two "didn't the pandemic change you" in back to back convos unneeded. Idk it's too much pandemic and I've read several pandemic romances so I'm not bias against them.
- Maybe a bit too much of Charlie talking to herself, but that gets better as the book goes on.
- I didn't like Charlie's relationship with her mom. Her mom was a friend first and parent second. But like her mom said, she never once asked Charlie for money, so I found the way she spoke to her really disappointing. I'm so rooting for the mom.
- With all these aspects I didn't like, that's kinda the point. Charlie Quinn NEEDS to let go. I still found the concept enjoyable and wish the writing could hold my attention. I would have DNF'd if I wasn't reviewing this book.
- Pretty decent flashbacks! I usually skip those in books completely, but I was able to read these. Probably because they were short and to the point. And they did add a lot to the story. Then the last one had a crazy plot twist that I LOVED!
- There was a cringe tarrot card reading I couldn't stop rolling my eyes at. I wanted to DNF yet again at this scene.
- The ending with the reveals and good dialogue with the sister saying exactly what we're all thinking was good. But then the REAL ending felt like a different book, was riddled with clichés and was a good way to make her decide to change.
SPICE: 🍦 (0/3)
- Not a big part of this book since it leans more women's fiction over romance.
- The book description says this (the "steamy no-strings romance") is the driving force of Charlie deciding to change.
- Lead up is there but no on paper smutt.
ACCESS: Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC. This book will be released on September 29th 2025.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
- There is too much pandemic talk! You wouldn't know it from the description, but it's very present. If this is an ick for you I'd avoid this book. It's come up in at least five conversations before page 100.
- Speaking of 100 pages in. I've hit page 100/272 and I've still yet to meet the love interest. Which is fine with me but I know not for everyone.
- Feels a bit too childish for women's fiction, but that feels more accurate of a label than romance due to the focus on Charlie's approach to life.
*You can find me on Instagram @rhiannonreads24.7*
August 17, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the advanced reader copy.
3.5 stars
Charlie Quinn feels gut-punched when, on the day of her 30th birthday, she finds out that she's getting laid off from the job that she'd been working every minute of every day for, and had just gotten a promotion at. Then her boyfriend breaks up with her (though that plot point feels very much her fault). With nothing left in her life, Charlie decides to drive home to L.A. to visit her mother and little sister, a place she hasn't visited for years, since she's always felt like the odd one out amongst her free-wheeling, optimistic family members. In an effort to try and get Charlie to embrace life more, her sister makes a bet with her: Charlie has to stay in L.A. for a month and say yes to every request her sister makes. Or she has to pay her sister ten thousand dollars. Suddenly, Charlie finds herself doing things she'd never dreamed of, like changing her hair and saying yes to a date with a high school crush. By the end of the month, can Charlie actually let go of all the baggage she's been carrying around or will her pessimism and overly cautious nature keep her from finding happiness?
The first three-quarters of this story was delightful and reminded me of some of those comedy of error romcoms that proliferated in the eighties and nineties. Charlie is a typical type A personality who has decided that safety, security, and predictability in all areas of her life are more important that actual love and excitement. The fact that her mother--a long struggling actress--and her younger sister--a struggling photographer--are so sunshiny makes Charlie's grumpiness all the more pronounced. Many of the tasks that Charlie's sister forces her into feel fun but not over the top. The last quarter of the book lost me, as there are some POV shifts that didn't quite work for me and, more importantly, a plot device that felt too "woo woo" for my taste (it wraps everything up nice and neatly in a way that felt almost magical).
Charlie Quinn Lets Go is out September 30, 2025.
3.5 stars
Charlie Quinn feels gut-punched when, on the day of her 30th birthday, she finds out that she's getting laid off from the job that she'd been working every minute of every day for, and had just gotten a promotion at. Then her boyfriend breaks up with her (though that plot point feels very much her fault). With nothing left in her life, Charlie decides to drive home to L.A. to visit her mother and little sister, a place she hasn't visited for years, since she's always felt like the odd one out amongst her free-wheeling, optimistic family members. In an effort to try and get Charlie to embrace life more, her sister makes a bet with her: Charlie has to stay in L.A. for a month and say yes to every request her sister makes. Or she has to pay her sister ten thousand dollars. Suddenly, Charlie finds herself doing things she'd never dreamed of, like changing her hair and saying yes to a date with a high school crush. By the end of the month, can Charlie actually let go of all the baggage she's been carrying around or will her pessimism and overly cautious nature keep her from finding happiness?
The first three-quarters of this story was delightful and reminded me of some of those comedy of error romcoms that proliferated in the eighties and nineties. Charlie is a typical type A personality who has decided that safety, security, and predictability in all areas of her life are more important that actual love and excitement. The fact that her mother--a long struggling actress--and her younger sister--a struggling photographer--are so sunshiny makes Charlie's grumpiness all the more pronounced. Many of the tasks that Charlie's sister forces her into feel fun but not over the top. The last quarter of the book lost me, as there are some POV shifts that didn't quite work for me and, more importantly, a plot device that felt too "woo woo" for my taste (it wraps everything up nice and neatly in a way that felt almost magical).
Charlie Quinn Lets Go is out September 30, 2025.
June 11, 2025
Charlie Quinn is having a really bad birthday—she lost her job, got dumped, and then has food poisoning. She doesn’t realize that she’s been kind of stuck for a while, clinging to routine and predictability while life moves on around her. After feeling like things can't get much worse, she reluctantly heads home to visit her mom and younger sister, Benny—already planning a quick exit. But she does make an effort when Benny ropes her into a “Month of Yes,” where Charlie has to say yes to everything Benny suggests and things look like they might change.
I really enjoyed following Charlie’s journey and found myself rooting for her the whole time. The story was cute, and I loved the cast of characters. Honestly, I would’ve happily spent more time with them. The setting, Quinn Canyon, was also a standout. I could picture it so clearly and kind of wished I could visit!
The pacing felt a little uneven for me, though. The beginning was a bit slow and repetitive, and the ending felt rushed. I would’ve liked more time to sit with some of the big moments, especially at the end—it wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly for my taste. I would have preferred Charlie to draw her conclusions a little more naturally. Benny’s reactions towards the end also felt a little sudden and forced at times. That said, none of this was a dealbreaker.
Overall, this was a sweet, fun read with heart, humor, and just the right amount of romance. I had a great time with Charlie’s story and would definitely pick up another book by this author.
I really enjoyed following Charlie’s journey and found myself rooting for her the whole time. The story was cute, and I loved the cast of characters. Honestly, I would’ve happily spent more time with them. The setting, Quinn Canyon, was also a standout. I could picture it so clearly and kind of wished I could visit!
The pacing felt a little uneven for me, though. The beginning was a bit slow and repetitive, and the ending felt rushed. I would’ve liked more time to sit with some of the big moments, especially at the end—it wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly for my taste. I would have preferred Charlie to draw her conclusions a little more naturally. Benny’s reactions towards the end also felt a little sudden and forced at times. That said, none of this was a dealbreaker.
Overall, this was a sweet, fun read with heart, humor, and just the right amount of romance. I had a great time with Charlie’s story and would definitely pick up another book by this author.
August 23, 2025
Charlie Quinn Lets Go by Jamie Varon
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Park Row, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Charlie Quinn Lets Go is a delightful debut featuring a journey of self-growth and a positive message of rediscovering joy and happiness. With heart, humor, and emotional depth, this is a great choice for fans of women’s fiction with some romcom elements.
On her thirtieth birthday, Charlie Quinn is laid off, her boyfriend breaks up with her because he thinks their life is too predictable, and she has food poisoning. She has always strictly followed her carefully set plan, so when she hits rock bottom, everything unravels. Charlie returns to her childhood home in LA, where her younger sister dares her to go an entire month saying yes to everything. Charlie reluctantly agrees, believing that living like that results in disaster.
But when she runs into her high school crush and develops a no-strings romance with him, Charlie starts questioning her usual monotone approach.
Charlie Quinn Lets Go has great banter and sweet moments, along with a meaningful emphasis on the significance of family and letting go of perfectionism. With a mix of humor and vulnerability, the story presents both laugh-out-loud moments and moments that are heartfelt. The romance subplot is super cute. The most significant aspect of the story is Charlie’s growth and it’s wonderful for readers to come alongside her journey!
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Park Row, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Charlie Quinn Lets Go is a delightful debut featuring a journey of self-growth and a positive message of rediscovering joy and happiness. With heart, humor, and emotional depth, this is a great choice for fans of women’s fiction with some romcom elements.
On her thirtieth birthday, Charlie Quinn is laid off, her boyfriend breaks up with her because he thinks their life is too predictable, and she has food poisoning. She has always strictly followed her carefully set plan, so when she hits rock bottom, everything unravels. Charlie returns to her childhood home in LA, where her younger sister dares her to go an entire month saying yes to everything. Charlie reluctantly agrees, believing that living like that results in disaster.
But when she runs into her high school crush and develops a no-strings romance with him, Charlie starts questioning her usual monotone approach.
Charlie Quinn Lets Go has great banter and sweet moments, along with a meaningful emphasis on the significance of family and letting go of perfectionism. With a mix of humor and vulnerability, the story presents both laugh-out-loud moments and moments that are heartfelt. The romance subplot is super cute. The most significant aspect of the story is Charlie’s growth and it’s wonderful for readers to come alongside her journey!
May 23, 2025
Workaholic, Charlie Quinn, was living in her ideal world filled with structure and routine until her 30th birthday turns her life upside down. After getting laid off from her job and broken up with, she returns to her hometown after years of avoiding a visit to her family. Charlie is cynical of life and love while her family believes in the Universe and that whatever is meant to be will be. With her life currently off the rails, her little sister challenges her to change her ways and open herself to new opportunities.
As Charlie returns to a familiar environment and shifts to a say-yes-attitude, flashbacks of repressed memories return to the surface. In an effort to protect her heart, Charlie closes herself off from change and spontaneity but once surrounded by her loved ones, she is forced to make decisions and confront the true feelings she had been avoiding.
I breezed through this read and enjoyed Charlie’s journey. I found her to be very relatable. Charlie has her flaws but don’t we all? The flashbacks to her repressed memories were well-paced and vital to her story and understanding her point of view. This is also a second chance romance but the forefront of the novel was the family dynamic and self-discovery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
As Charlie returns to a familiar environment and shifts to a say-yes-attitude, flashbacks of repressed memories return to the surface. In an effort to protect her heart, Charlie closes herself off from change and spontaneity but once surrounded by her loved ones, she is forced to make decisions and confront the true feelings she had been avoiding.
I breezed through this read and enjoyed Charlie’s journey. I found her to be very relatable. Charlie has her flaws but don’t we all? The flashbacks to her repressed memories were well-paced and vital to her story and understanding her point of view. This is also a second chance romance but the forefront of the novel was the family dynamic and self-discovery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 2, 2025
Charlie Quinn has a perfectly controlled and predictable life - until she doesn't. After a series of intense life events, she ends up back at home for awhile and is faced with everything that had her trying to be in control in the first place, along with opportunities to say yes to life and uncertainty in ways she never had before. Something I love about this story is how multi-layered the characters are - not just the main character, but some of the side characters as well. The author really captures the nuance of wanting to make a change while having to navigate hard won patterns and habits that have helped you survive for as long as you have. She also does a great job of showing real difficult conversations and real consequences that can happen when you are caught up in your own head. To me this is a story of finding yourself again, building the capacity to face difficult things from your past, the fear and courage to choose love and to choose aliveness, and all of the joys and pleasure that make life worth living. I laughed, I cried, I talked out loud to the book.... it was a quick read that packed an emotional and narrative punch. Grateful for the opportunity to receive an ARC - check it out when published on 9/30/2025.
June 11, 2025
This book was good—surprisingly relatable, heartfelt, and a little chaotic in the best way.
Charlie Quinn is a total control freak who’s built her entire life around predictability and playing it safe. But when she hits rock bottom on her 30th birthday—losing her job, her boyfriend, and her dignity (thanks to food poisoning)—she’s forced to confront the reality that her “safe” life might not have been so satisfying after all.
What follows is a one-month challenge set by her wild, free-spirited sister: say yes to everything. What starts as a reluctant experiment turns into a transformative journey, especially when Charlie reconnects with her old high school crush and enters into a steamy, no-strings-attached romance that quickly becomes more than she expected.
Honestly, Charlie just needed her life to be shaken up. This story really drives home how settling—in relationships, jobs, and routines—can keep us stuck in a version of life that doesn’t truly fulfill us. Watching her slowly unlearn perfectionism and lean into risk, passion, and spontaneity was satisfying.
Charlie Quinn is a total control freak who’s built her entire life around predictability and playing it safe. But when she hits rock bottom on her 30th birthday—losing her job, her boyfriend, and her dignity (thanks to food poisoning)—she’s forced to confront the reality that her “safe” life might not have been so satisfying after all.
What follows is a one-month challenge set by her wild, free-spirited sister: say yes to everything. What starts as a reluctant experiment turns into a transformative journey, especially when Charlie reconnects with her old high school crush and enters into a steamy, no-strings-attached romance that quickly becomes more than she expected.
Honestly, Charlie just needed her life to be shaken up. This story really drives home how settling—in relationships, jobs, and routines—can keep us stuck in a version of life that doesn’t truly fulfill us. Watching her slowly unlearn perfectionism and lean into risk, passion, and spontaneity was satisfying.
August 21, 2025
Much like when I read Main Character Energy, Jamie Varon has this ability to totally captivate you with her writing. I couldn’t help but be so enthralled with Charlie from the get go. She’s so flawed and is carrying something around that we’re not privy to, but you can’t help but want to see her work it out.
Yes, this is love story, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a journey of self-discovery, acceptance and a yearning for more, for joy.
I think the message is going to resonate with a lot of people. I found myself highlighting paragraph after paragraph wondering how she possibly could have taken my exact thoughts and put them to paper.
Get ready to laugh, cry, and wish you had a Benny to send you a playlist for your next roadtrip.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Park Row for the early copy!
*I will say this book does mention the pandemic and make reference to how that’s affected people, so keep that in mind if that’s triggering
Yes, this is love story, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a journey of self-discovery, acceptance and a yearning for more, for joy.
I think the message is going to resonate with a lot of people. I found myself highlighting paragraph after paragraph wondering how she possibly could have taken my exact thoughts and put them to paper.
Get ready to laugh, cry, and wish you had a Benny to send you a playlist for your next roadtrip.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Park Row for the early copy!
*I will say this book does mention the pandemic and make reference to how that’s affected people, so keep that in mind if that’s triggering
June 5, 2025
4 ✨This was fun, and funny, but also a cautionary tale. If you relate to Charlie Quinn, and I do, this story sneaks up on you. I am a Charlie, and although she is the caricature of a closed off person her inner dialogue resonates a little too deep sometimes. Her journey was occasionally hard to read, but mostly inspiring. Not that this story necessarily needed it, but I’m not ashamed to admit one of my only complaints was that this was a closed door book because Jamie Varon can definitely write chemistry! This story will stick with me, and I’m sure my mind will drift back to Alex, Benny, Jackie, and Charlie when I’m feeling like pulling away from life. ✨Thanks NetGalley and Jamie Varon for the ARC✨
July 19, 2025
This is a NetGalley Review-
I’d give this book 3.5 stars. It’s an easy read and pretty fun. I loved the banter between the main love interests. They knew what they wanted from the start and the flirting was hot af. I liked delving into the familial relationships. I do think the main character’s sister was a little one dimensional when the main character and mom worked so hard to understand each other and grow. It felt like the sister was just as set in her ways and immovable, but mad at her sister for being that way as well. The magical realism was a little silly at the end and I didn’t like getting multiple point of views at the end when we were consistently with Charlie the whole book. This was predictable, but still worth the read.
I’d give this book 3.5 stars. It’s an easy read and pretty fun. I loved the banter between the main love interests. They knew what they wanted from the start and the flirting was hot af. I liked delving into the familial relationships. I do think the main character’s sister was a little one dimensional when the main character and mom worked so hard to understand each other and grow. It felt like the sister was just as set in her ways and immovable, but mad at her sister for being that way as well. The magical realism was a little silly at the end and I didn’t like getting multiple point of views at the end when we were consistently with Charlie the whole book. This was predictable, but still worth the read.
September 4, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC.
Charlie Quinn Lets Go had an engaging premise, and I loved the themes of letting go, family bonds, and self-discovery. The narrator’s performance was fantastic—her voice and delivery kept me listening even when the story itself faltered.
That said, the pacing felt uneven to me. Some sections dragged while others felt rushed, and I was confused in a few places, which isn’t ideal for a romance where immersion matters. I appreciated the lighthearted tone and the moments of humor and heart, but overall I didn’t feel as pulled into the story as I’d hoped.
I think readers who enjoy quick, easy women’s fiction with strong family dynamics and second-chance romance elements may enjoy this one more than I did.
Charlie Quinn Lets Go had an engaging premise, and I loved the themes of letting go, family bonds, and self-discovery. The narrator’s performance was fantastic—her voice and delivery kept me listening even when the story itself faltered.
That said, the pacing felt uneven to me. Some sections dragged while others felt rushed, and I was confused in a few places, which isn’t ideal for a romance where immersion matters. I appreciated the lighthearted tone and the moments of humor and heart, but overall I didn’t feel as pulled into the story as I’d hoped.
I think readers who enjoy quick, easy women’s fiction with strong family dynamics and second-chance romance elements may enjoy this one more than I did.
June 2, 2025
I have been eagerly awaiting more from Jamie after reading and adoring her debut novel, Main Character Energy. So eagerly, that when I saw an ARC was available I jumped at the chance to read it early. And I have to say, it was worth the wait.
One thing I really love Jamie's is her ability to write fun, fully realized characters, of which there is no shortage here. Charlie Quinn is a super endearing protagonist, one you're rooting for the entire time. And her and sister (her polar opposites in many ways) are exactly the kind of devil-may-care wildcards that Charlie needs to be slowly coaxed out of the structural prison she's built around herself.
This book was such a fun, breezy read. Perfect to read on a trip or on a quiet day at home. It has a lot of insightful (and funny) things to say about the love, family, and growth. I highly recommend it!
One thing I really love Jamie's is her ability to write fun, fully realized characters, of which there is no shortage here. Charlie Quinn is a super endearing protagonist, one you're rooting for the entire time. And her and sister (her polar opposites in many ways) are exactly the kind of devil-may-care wildcards that Charlie needs to be slowly coaxed out of the structural prison she's built around herself.
This book was such a fun, breezy read. Perfect to read on a trip or on a quiet day at home. It has a lot of insightful (and funny) things to say about the love, family, and growth. I highly recommend it!
July 1, 2025
my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Charlie was all too relatable about wanting to be in absolute control of everything—because honestly sameeee, same girl, same 🙋♀️ what I couldn't relate to was her refusal to let herself feel love again (even though I totally understood the heartbreaking reason behind it).
all in all this was a good read about letting go and living and I'm so glad her sister convinced her to let loose (even if it was $10K on the line), her mom helped her realize that everything she thought was her fault wasn't (that closure hit so hard!), and that she got an amazing second chance romance with her first love 🫶
thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book!
Charlie was all too relatable about wanting to be in absolute control of everything—because honestly sameeee, same girl, same 🙋♀️ what I couldn't relate to was her refusal to let herself feel love again (even though I totally understood the heartbreaking reason behind it).
all in all this was a good read about letting go and living and I'm so glad her sister convinced her to let loose (even if it was $10K on the line), her mom helped her realize that everything she thought was her fault wasn't (that closure hit so hard!), and that she got an amazing second chance romance with her first love 🫶
thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book!
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