Finding Charlie

by Jess Allen

Charlotte Evans has never belonged. Her entire existence has been one wrong turn after another. When faced with a hard look at her future, she decides to change her fate. Desperate to not be the reason her boyfriend doesn't pursue his dreams, she takes off in search of her own.

Ten years later, at the height of his baseball career, Liam “The Rocket” Hayes has it all. Fame, fortune, and he’s finally stopped pining for the lost girlfriend from his youth. But when coincidence leads him straight to her, Liam gets more than he bargained for, including a ten-year-old son.

In a story about first loves and second chances, follow Charlotte and Liam as they find their way back to each other, one pitch at a time.

Genres: Second Chance, Sports

393 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

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Reviews

[Anna Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be a Alpha reader for this book and let me tell you...
I originally rated this 4⭐️ as I'm am primarily a dark romance reader. After a month of going back and forth and not being able to get Charlie or Liam out of my head.. I've come back to rate this 5⭐️.

This book felt like I sat down with a long lost friend who was telling me about their love story. The love, hurt, and friendships shared throughout this story had my heart is a vice grip.

I have spent the last month reading through book after book of second chance romance. And I have yet to find a single other book that has gripped my brain like this book did.

I can't wait to get my hands on the published copy! This will most likely become a yearly reread for me!

[Miranda Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an e-arc copy of Finding Charlie and it was such a feel good story.
A lot of fun throw backs for us millenials.
The found family was delightful, and I agree Mateo's chapters were cute.
lI love a second chance romance and this gave me everything I was hoping for, including well written spice!

[ChantelReads_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the ultimate second chance romance — light, fluffy, and absolutely adorable! I found myself giggling through so many scenes and couldn’t stop smiling. Think swoony moments, heartwarming vibes, and a guaranteed HEA. If you’re a romance lover like me, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!

This is a -
💖 Second Chance Romance
👶🏼 Secret Child
🗣️ Dual POV
🫶🏼 High School Sweethearts

[Amy MamaBoreSnake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so amazing. I really hope there is a second that follows Mateo! I want to know what happened in the 15 years between the last chapter the epilogue.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really interesting reading in 3rd person POV, which I actually enjoyed. The romance I usually read is mostly in 1st person POV, so this was different.

Found family will always be my all-time favorite trope. I love the found family aspect in this story so much. The way Sam and Ada took Charlie in and made her part of their family was beautiful. They cared for her and her son, Mateo, as if they were their own flesh and blood. We need more people like them in real life. The way Liam accepted Sam and Ada as part of his family too, I LOVED IT.

The 90's nostalgia in this book... It brought back so many memories. The majority of the story took place in 1994; I was 8 years old in '94. I still remember the house phones and the caller id. I remember having to call the movie theater to get show times. That Nintendo game system back in the 90's, the music, the diners.

There is cheating in this book, just FYI- Liam's wife cheated on him and they divorced before he found Charlie (this was a small part that was mentioned as Liam went to finalize his divorce). Charlie cheated on her boyfriend with Liam though. She and her bf were wrong for each other- she didn't like him the way he liked her, so their relationship was super one-sided. Charlie also noticed that her bf didn't love and appreciate her the way Liam did. Everyone around her also noticed this and they kind of stayed out of her business but also subtly hinted that she should be with Liam. Mateo said his mom was always in a hurry around Jack and that Jack was a spork, no one chooses a spork. Loved this part of that conversation!

Mateo also had his own POV chapters and they were so silly. I was glad they were a part of this book. OMG and what a beautiful epilogue!

All in all, I was so glad to see Charlie and Liam get their second chance. Charlie needed much more convincing so I was glad to see Liam never giving up and not letting Charlie and Mateo go. I think I need to find more secret pregnancy books now. This book sealed the deal for me with that trope.

[The Sewist's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 4
🌶️ 2.5
🥵 Spicy chapters: 40, 41, 45, 48, 62-63, 83
📚 Tropes/Themes: 90's romance, second chance, it's always been you, sports romance, single mom, found family, chef x baseball player, soul mates, first love
👀 Dual POV 3rd person
🧠 Triggers: Foster care, mentions of parental and grandparent death
🛍️ Available: May 6

💬 For some reason I can't come up with a good intro sentence so we're just going to jump right into it hahaha.

LOVED all the 90s nostalgia- I would've been 11 during the main setting of this book, so I remembered a lot of things that were mentioned. And I sweatergawd that zombie brain food thing... if it's based on a real thing I'm pretty sure I know what it's referring to 😅 my babysitter's son had this weird monster themed chemistry set where you would make different concoctions to eat.

I also really enjoyed the plot line of Charlie and Charlotte integrating the two parts of herself, being who she was before she left home and who she grew into after.

Mateo's chapters were so ridiculously cute, and I really loved the strong emphasis on family, especially for found family...butttttt I'm questioning his taste in music since he wanted to listen to Don't Take The Girl, because that's the worst song ever and I hate it 🤣

Even though it's relatively low angst and predictable (Which I'm enjoying!) it didn't seem like there was a defined third act drama and everything resolved much more quickly than I expected.

The middle dragged a little bit for me and it's a little bit of a slow burn, but once the spice hits oh man it's spicin' 🔥

Also, nope. I didn't tear up at all at the epilogue. It never happened there was no crying. Not a single tear whatever.....😅
(Ok that was the best epilogue 🥹)

All in all this was a sweet, enjoyable read 🩷

[Rachel]

Truth be told I did struggle with this story because it involved cheating, lying, and more complicated themes that I wasn’t expecting based on the description. Real life is complicated and sometimes the best stories are too. Though it is a personal challenge for me to be objective when there is infidelity the writing and story were strong. I struggled reading the spice because I associated it with hurt being done to Jack, and despite learning later he lacked gratitude I did feel compassion for him.

It’s important to note that I felt compassion for Liam and Charlie too, loss and complicated grief are excruciating and finding peace in someone is a wonderful thing to be sought. Liam’s expression of having a challenge managing his anger was realistic but at times unsettling.

This book was written in third person tho dual POV. The story had good bones and lots of spice and tender moments involving the FMC (and MMC)’s child and the premise was good. Lots of longing and complicated grief and forgiveness throughout.

Ultimately, real stories often involve painful things and flawed characters and this was a well written story with a sweet HEA.

[Kass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Charlie is a second chance, secret child romance and is the story of Charlie (Charlotte) and Liam.

As high school sweethearts Liam and Charlotte were inseperable, until Charlotte realizes that letting Liam go to pursue his dreams of a professional baseball player is the right thing to do. Ten years later Liam discovers Charlotte is now Charlie and he cannot stay away and seeks her out after a coincidence leads him straight to her. What Liam did not expect was meeting his ten year old son.

This story was so sweet and showed the power of first loves, second chances and working through the issues of the past. Liam has every right to be upset for him missing ten years of his son's life but his love for the girl he knew as Charlotte and the woman he is getting to know as Charlie shows that maybe what she did was wrong but she did it for the right reasons. Charlie sacrificed but did what she thought was right for everyone at the time and it lead her to where she is today.

There is banter, spice, other man drama and lots of love with Charlie's found family. This is a heartfelt story that will give you all the feels and make you smile with their HEA.

[Stinkin’Good Good Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one of the lucky ARC readers!!

This was such a wonderful story. It gripped me up and had me not wanting to put it down.
Starts with back story, where Charlie is a pregnant 17 year old and makes a decision to leave and allow Liam to have his baseball career. Then onto the present 10 years later and Charlie has found her place in life. The Universe intervenes and Liam finds Charlie (and his 10 year old son) again.
Second chance at everything they could have had, of course coming with some hurdles.
This isn’t my normal type of read but this was as if I was listening to someone telling me their true love story. The way Jess Allen tells this story is nothing short of amazing and writing is exceptional. I also can appreciate short chapters & the back story not droning on and on. She got straight to the point telling you what you needed to know and moved onto present day.
Would recommend to anyone looking for a second chance romance, sports romance! Check triggers your mental health matters!

[Andrea Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Second Chance At First Love ⚾️ 🧢👩🏼‍🍳🧒🏼

Jess did it again.
My incredibly talented friend wrote another amazing book!!
Her writing style, her storytelling is so 👌🏼 chef’s kiss.
This one is just…so, SO good. The story, the characters, the 90’s nostalgia, it ✨hits the spot.✨
And, can we talk about Sam & Ada for a second? 🥹😍🥰
I’ve read this book four times, and can’t wait to read it again. It’s comfy, it’s cozy, it’s sweet with some heat. It’s the perfect read.
Whenever someone asks me my favorite part, I’ll just show them my copy with more dog eared pages than not & say, all of it. 🤍

I’m crossing all my fingers we get a grown Mateo book in the future 🤞🏼

Liam + Charlie + Mateo
She thought she was making the right choice for everyone, but maybe she was wrong.
He’s blindsided, but ready to step in & step up.
Will the fire that consumed them as teens, be nothing left but ash? Or a raging inferno? 🔥

“You’ve spent the last ten years finding Charlie, I need you to fucking live for her.”
🥹⚾️🪻

Please for the love of all that is good, preorder this one - out May 6th!

[Sunstarandsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for the ARC read.

I really liked this book; it was a very wholesome story and one of my favorite tropes - secret pregnancy - gives it an automatic star. I really liked how Charlie and Liam found their way back to each other and Charlie goes through an entire journey of growth from this scared, pregnant teenager who makes this monumental decision - to a grown woman who makes independent decisions from a place of empowerment and confidence. I was clapping (internally) for this character development.

I will just say - as much as I loved the story, there were some plot holes and it was light on some details, which just made it feel....incomplete and a little dissatisfying. Like, there was so much potential, but there were some details around their individual back stories that could've been leaned into. Not a dealbreaker, but would've pushed this book into a different level.

Still, if you're looking for an enjoyable read with the secret pregnancy trope - definitely give this one a go.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Finding Charlie and loved it.

First, I was pulled into the idea of the book straight away, when I met Jess Allen at a signing and she gave me a synopsis of the book. As one who grew up during the time frame this book was set in, it sounded like a “blast from the past” and I was sold- literally, I bought the book right there and then. A total plus; the play list is exactly my style.

As I started reading the story of Charlie and Liam, I quickly became invested in who they were, how their stories were going to play out, and how they would come back together, if they even did.

The writing style is poignant, strong, and flows easily. The beautifully crafted sentences bring forward characters that you can just fall in love with. My personal favorite being Mateo. The small pieces of him spread through the pages is the “cherry on top”.

The title of the book speaks to more than just someone being physically found, but to the journey of both Charlie and Liam. This piece of art alone had me thinking about the book during those moments that I had to set it aside to attend to life.

For me, a book/story does not have to be a literary work of art and win prizes to be 5 stars. For me, it must give me pause; to have me considering, enjoying, and wanting. It needs to make me feel the story and characters so deeply that I can feel the emotions that are being portrayed. For me, Jess Allen did this with Charlie and Liam.

Add the found family, first love, second chance romance, spice, and one of the best epilogue’s I have ever read? Five stars!

[Chapter Chirp (Jessica)]

ARC Review-
In “Finding Charlie” we follow teenage Charlotte Evans and first love Liam Hayes as they get unexpectedly pregnant. This unplanned pregnancy is the final straw that breaks the camels back in a hard lived life that sets Charlotte on a trajectory to change what her and Liam’s future holds. After she makes some very tough decisions, she sets out on her own to build a new future sans Liam. It isn’t until ten years later, that life and fate decides to intervene and bring now Charlie and Liam back into each other’s lives. When I say that this book had me in a chokehold I’m not even exaggerating! I loved every single ounce of this story from the characters, to the plot, to the spice. Author, Jesse Allen really takes her readers on a ride with this one providing emotional depth, raw emotions, and a swoon-worthy second chance at love. If you love romance, second-chance love, sports romance, and spice then I highly recommend this book.

[Kelsey Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to ARC read this book before its release on 5/6/25 🫶🏼

This book is a charming, contemporary romance set back in the 90’s, the best era. We have essentially 3 main characters: Charlie and her son Mateo, and Liam.

I think Mateo was one of my favorite parts of this book. He’s funny, smart, and just a well-rounded kid. I will forever call people I don’t like, a spork, thanks to this book!! 😂

Don’t get me started on the romance because man oh man was this toe-curling good 🥵

The only reason why I didn’t give 5 stars, is because Charlie kept giving me the ick over and over again from her constant crying and small tantrums. Like ma’am, you’re in your 20’s and constantly crying at every small thing. The amount of times I rolled my eyes when she would just randomly cry? Like while doing the dishes. THE. DISHES. I couldn’t do it.

Overall, the plot was really good and the spice was spicy. I would recommend picking up this book if you’re looking for a quick “in-between”/“palate cleanser” book.

Thank you again to Jess Allen for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the ARC team 🥰

[Kaely Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review!!!!

I was honored to read this as an ARC!

The story is about Charlie (FMC) and Liam (MMC) first loves torn apart and their second chance at love. I loved all of the characters and how well written the story was. You can't help but love all of the characters, well maybe except Jack because "he is a spork" which he totally is!!!!! I don't typically gravitate to second chance romances, but I found this to be a sweet cozy romance with minimal drama. I did tear up several times though. The ending was perfect! I would be interested in reading a Mateo story, I think that would be so cute!!

There are some themes of abandonment, teen pregnancy and adoption/foster care. So please check the triggers!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book just warmed my heart and soul. The young love, the heartbreak, the rebirth and endless future. The story of Charlie and Liam. High school sweethearts torn apart because Charlie didn’t want to hold back Liam from a budding baseball career. Hidden in a small town, they both moved on but fate would bring them back together and give them a second chance. Liam willing to give up anything for the girl he always loved. Charlie an overthinker wondering if it was all too good to be true.
This story pulled me in from the beginning and was a fabulous read. A small town romance with a happy ending. In life we have to take chances. There are too many what ifs and second guesses, sometimes you have to just let go.

[Jessica Fahey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second chance romance book. The characters are so relatable and great. The book was easy to read and well put together. You will cry and laugh during this book. I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one sitting. I was sad to see it end.

Charlie and Liam were high school sweethearts and she ran away when she was pregnant to save him from giving up his dreams and goals. He finds her ten years later and finds out they have a son. The challenges are real life and they have to figure out how to deal with facing them together.

I loved the ending of the book!!! This is a great one you don’t want to miss out on reading! Check it out!

[Book Dragon Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enchanting tale of love, loss, and rediscovery is a rollercoaster of emotions that will have readers laughing and crying in equal measures. The novel tells the story of Charlie and Liam, high school sweethearts torn apart by life's unexpected challenges. The plot is a perfect blend of laughter and tears, with just the right amount of spice. The characters in this book are relatable and well-developed, drawing readers into their world. Despite its cozy nature, the book doesn’t shy away from real-life challenges like abandonment, teen pregnancy, and adoption/foster care. Don't miss out on this touching story!

[Melissa Maxey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Charlie was such a refreshing, nostalgic read and I loved every minute of it. The way it transported me to 1994 and had me thinking of things I totally forgot about had me fully immersed and forgetting it was 2025. The whole family dynamic was heartwarming, and the Mateo chapters were just 👩🏼‍🍳💋. It had me laughing and crying in all the best ways. The love between all of the characters radiated off the pages. I also got some
inspiration for some meals and wanting to make things “Charlified” 🤤. Highly recommend this read!

[Felicia Mathis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book so really amazing! This is not typically my type of book, as I am not a fan of sports romance. This book may have changed that for me. I fell in love with the story, the characters, the romance, just everything! Charlie and Liam are amazing and are characters I will not soon forget. This book took me a while to get through because I have been so consumed by work, but I am so glad I was finally able to finish this amazing book! Beautiful story! I definitely recommend picking this one up!

[Harlie Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOD!! Girl 6 stars for me!! 6 Stars! I was laughing, I was crying, I was in all my feelings! I love this so much that, I already started to reread it! The love story, my heart couldn’t get enough! Jack tho ugh couldn’t stand him from the beginning, so happy Charlie picked Liam!! They are perfect together! But I have to say Mateo is definitely my favorite character, he is such a cutie!! Jess, Girl you nailed this book, and shame on anyone who doesn’t read it! You guys are missing out!!

[Talitha Badalucco · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNFd at 34%. The FMC was insufferable. She took this man’s chance to be a dad away from him ‘for his own good’. The poor thing didn’t even have a choice. When he found her she still wouldn’t have told him if it hadn’t been for the fact that he figured it out for himself. Then had the audacity to ‘put up walls’ while he was around. For what?? The only redeeming quality she had was she took the blame for it. I just couldn’t stand her enough to keep reading. 🤷‍♀️

[Desiree Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great love doesn’t come without sacrifice and finding out who you are is so important but the journey won’t be easy it will be messy and emotional and sometimes very hard but I promise it will be worth it all in the end that is the best way to sum up finding Charlie I highly recommend this amazing sports second chance romance it’s got everything you’d need in a great book and is definitely a home run for me!

[Krissy DiMiero · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reader review- was so happy I got a chance to read this early! I’m a fan of short chapters, and love the switch between Charlie’s perspective and Liam’s perspective. Very well written, great story line. Just the right amount of spicy scenes for me, mixed in with a great love story/second chance romance!

[Bookish Babe Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried through this entire dang book. Some happy tears, some sad tears, even tears of my inner child healing a little bit. Who knew you could experience healing from a spicy little romance book. LOL. Finding Charlie has it all- 90's nostalgia, hot as sin baseball player MMC, the cutest little 10 yr old and FMC that I constantly related to.

[Bailee Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 2🌶️
Wow, wow, wow! Jess hits it out of the park again! (pun intended 😂) This book was amazing. Charlie and Liam are very easily one of my favorite book couples now 🥰 and Abuela easily claimed my heart, she reminds me so much of my own grandmother. Such a good read! it made me laugh, cry, and get pissed off 😂 Highly recommend!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

super cute!

This is a beautiful second chance romance. It’s light and fluffy and had me giggling. I would highly recommend reading this if you’re looking for a cute fun read especially after something dark. This is what I think of when I hear cute fluffy romance pallet cleansers. If you enjoy romance books with HEAs this is for you.

[Dalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing, and it will make you fall in love with this couple. I adored the 90’s setting. If you enjoy a second chance romance, then this will melt your heart. This book has a little bit of everything some scenes had me smiling and giving that warm feeling. It’s well written, great flow and plot development.

[Kelly Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess turns her genres completely around in this one and it’s just a lovely sweet book. Charlie and Liam are just so sweet and wonderful and it filled a place I needed to fill with hope. If you need a palate cleanser or just love a cozy comforting romance this is it.

[Jennifer Markowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing and crying throughout it. It is a bit spicy I’d say 2/5. This is a book about true love and finding yourself. I loved this book it was a fantastic read. It will make you cry but it will also make you laugh. It’s very heartwarming.