Thanks to harlequin trade publishing and NetGalley for this arc.

I thought this book was super cute! I loved seeing Charlie come into her own. I think the book had a very good and sweet message.

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 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.

This was such a fun, heartwarming, empowering story of a woman recreating her life after everything she thought she wanted crashes down around her. Jamie Varon always delivers novels that feel. like the most fun version of therapy, and I'm so happy to have gotten to read this early this summer!

I wanted to love this book so much, and there were so many aspects that I did love but it just fell flat for me at the end. I will leave a spoiler review on my goodreads but without giving spoilers here is my review/rating. (Thank you to Netgally and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this arc in exchange for a real review)

Rating 3.5/5:
-I loved the complicated family dynamics between Charlie and her mom/sister. I could have read a whole book without the romance and just focused on that relationship
-I liked the romance male lead
-I even liked Charlie Quinn, who is a very complicated character. Many people are not going to like her, but I believed the author toed the line between an unlikeable character and not making her so unlikeable that you can't relate or have to put the book down.

What didn't work for me:
-The ending really was not for me, the book was a 4 stars until the ending
-I could have done without the romance

This was my first Jamie Varon book and I will look out for her future books!

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.

I enjoyed the message of this book. Like the main character, I also struggle with control and a desire for certainty. It was nice to see my struggles represented in this book. The climax was a bit unexpected as well; I liked how things were shaken up a bit there. All in all, a decent read; I felt better about myself and about life when it was all said and done.

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.

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.

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*

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.

Go, Charlie! She was a fun character to follow in Varon's new book. I enjoyed seeing her at her lowest points and then watching her come into her own as the story progressed. The writing and character development were excellent. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

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!!

I’m a longtime fan of Jamie Varon’s nonfiction writing and I loved seeing her tackle themes of ambition, burnout, perfectionism, and the power of intuition in CHARLIE QUINN LETS GO.

Charlie’s need for control is extreme—it controls her—and across the arc of the book, it’s satisfying to watch her learn how to find balance, live fully, and accept the love that’s been waiting for her. The side characters (particularly her mom and sister) really make the story sing, and a steamy second-chance romance adds charm and tension into the mix.

Featuring a gorgeous LA setting, complicated family dynamics, and a protagonist struggling to stay present as she wrestles with the past, CHARLIE QUINN LETS GO is a self-love story that packs an emotional punch.

Charlie Quinn, how I love you. This book has so much heart and truth and magic, I read it in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. Charlie Quinn is a beautiful mirror for everyone who has ever experienced something awful and shut themselves off from the world, walking around living like a watered down version of themselves on autopilot. She’s a real character, she’s complicated and difficult and unlikeable and hard edges. She’s also lovable and honest and free and fun. I loved this book, the characters had so much depth (honestly give me Benny’s book????) and the relationships between everyone were complex and real. The love story was with a very hot man, yes. But it was also the love story of a family. Of a mother and her daughters, of sisters. It was a love letter to LA, too. I adore Charlie Quinn and her journey to find the joy and hold onto it with both hands.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review.

The premise of this book had potential. Workaholic Charlie is having the worst 30th birthday. Her position was eliminated. her boyfriend dumped her. And she gets violent food poisoning. Her sister calls her and urges her to come home to LA and just do nothing. Charlie, perhaps in a food poisoning induced fever dream, agrees to it. She goes back to her childhood home, which she hasn't been in seven years, with her two peas in a pod, free spirited sis and mom. Charlie is the rigid one, and her sister challenges her to say yes to everything for a month. Cue ordering everything off the menu, makeover montage, and an unexpected encounter with the one who got away. But Charlie knows that after the month is up, it;s time to get back to adulating.

This book was a bit all over the place, and had a lot of telling not showing. The book takes place post-pandemic when the world opened up again and there are conversations here and there about people waking up, realizing work wasn't their identity. And then that fizzled out...Plus, there were flashbacks to a relationship she had seven years ago that ended horribly that was the reason why she took out all the joy in her life so she couldn't get hurt again. The reveal at the 80% mark in a novel of the big, bag thing that happened its my least favorite narrative device and rarely has a satisfying payoff.

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.

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