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I Knew You
She needed a place to heal. He needed a reason to hope. Neither expected a fake marriage to feel so real.
Julianna East’s life imploded overnight—laid off from her book marketing job and faced with a costly back surgery. With nowhere else to turn, she accepts her estranged NFL quarterback brother’s offer to stay in their childhood home. But going back to Mill Creek means facing everything she ran from—including the boy who broke her heart.
Bram Winchester never left Mill Creek. After an injury ended his football career, he threw himself into helping his hometown recover from an economic collapse. But when Julianna returns, the past rushes back with her—along with the guilt he had buried and the love he never let go of.
When a malicious act threatens Bram’s plans and Julianna’s lack of medical insurance complicates her surgery, the two strike a a marriage of convenience. But living under the same roof stirs up old feelings and ignites a spark that refuses to stay buried.
As secrets unravel and hearts are laid bare, Julianna and Bram must is this arrangement just a means to an end…or the second chance they never thought they’d get?
A heartfelt, slow-burn romance full of small-town charm, steamy chemistry, and two childhood friends discovering that sometimes love is worth the risk, even when it hurts.
Julianna East’s life imploded overnight—laid off from her book marketing job and faced with a costly back surgery. With nowhere else to turn, she accepts her estranged NFL quarterback brother’s offer to stay in their childhood home. But going back to Mill Creek means facing everything she ran from—including the boy who broke her heart.
Bram Winchester never left Mill Creek. After an injury ended his football career, he threw himself into helping his hometown recover from an economic collapse. But when Julianna returns, the past rushes back with her—along with the guilt he had buried and the love he never let go of.
When a malicious act threatens Bram’s plans and Julianna’s lack of medical insurance complicates her surgery, the two strike a a marriage of convenience. But living under the same roof stirs up old feelings and ignites a spark that refuses to stay buried.
As secrets unravel and hearts are laid bare, Julianna and Bram must is this arrangement just a means to an end…or the second chance they never thought they’d get?
A heartfelt, slow-burn romance full of small-town charm, steamy chemistry, and two childhood friends discovering that sometimes love is worth the risk, even when it hurts.
346 pages, Paperback
Published September 23, 2025
1 person is currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Charity Massengale
1 book11 followersCharity is a creator of fictional worlds, relatable characters, and plots that reflect the impact of human emotion. She believes in stories that make people feel deeply and create capacity for new experiences. When not writing, you can find her drinking coffee, reading, baking, quilting, or absorbing history. She lives in beautiful southern Kentucky with her two dogs and one cat (who thinks he is a dog).
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 3, 2025
If a book could feel like a warm hug, this would be the one. Charity’s ability to create characters who feel real and lived-in is incredible. Bram and Julianna felt like people I could’ve been friends with in my own hometown.
This story has everything…small town charm, romance, and those lingering high-school crush feelings mixed with a few unfortunate events
And honestly? The way Julianna peeks out the curtains to see who’s in her driveway… that is so me. And when Bram says something as simple as, “I’m right here. It’s going to be okay,” I felt that. I wanted that.
Thank you, Charity, for trusting me with an ARC (and sorry for the delay!). Don’t sleep on this one, folks…
this book deserves all the love.
This story has everything…small town charm, romance, and those lingering high-school crush feelings mixed with a few unfortunate events
And honestly? The way Julianna peeks out the curtains to see who’s in her driveway… that is so me. And when Bram says something as simple as, “I’m right here. It’s going to be okay,” I felt that. I wanted that.
Thank you, Charity, for trusting me with an ARC (and sorry for the delay!). Don’t sleep on this one, folks…
this book deserves all the love.
September 27, 2025
A lovely, lovely debut romance novel from Charity!!! This is the story of Bram and Julianna, childhood friends turned teenaged crushes turned missed connection. When they reconnect in their adult life, it’s very clear that Bram and Julianna have missed each other yet they are hesitant to bear their emotions. Their teen years were full of loss and dreams to be chased, which have made the two quite guarded. When the idea of a “marriage of convenience” comes up for monetary and insurance purposes, Julianna and Bram have little choice but to stick together and navigate through the battlefield of wounds they’ve each been nursing the last 15 years in an effort to be honest with each other.
Charity does an AMAZING job crafting the chemistry between these two, and each and every character is so well-written and full of personality. The jokes between friends, the inner dialogue, the heart to hearts that are had… they are all so well done and the reader ends up feeling like they know each character like they grew up together in Mill Creek. Even the antagonist… you hate him instantly because Charity’s created such a vivid, atrocious personality for the character. Add in a bit of spice, a lot of charm, adorable nicknames and a Taylor Swift reference or two, and we have ourselves an absolutely pleasant and adorable romance perfect for fall!
Charity does an AMAZING job crafting the chemistry between these two, and each and every character is so well-written and full of personality. The jokes between friends, the inner dialogue, the heart to hearts that are had… they are all so well done and the reader ends up feeling like they know each character like they grew up together in Mill Creek. Even the antagonist… you hate him instantly because Charity’s created such a vivid, atrocious personality for the character. Add in a bit of spice, a lot of charm, adorable nicknames and a Taylor Swift reference or two, and we have ourselves an absolutely pleasant and adorable romance perfect for fall!
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October 29, 2025Bram le rompió el corazón a Julianna hace 15 años. No se habían vuelto a ver desde entonces, pero cuando ella tiene que regresar a su pueblo natal, se reencuentran. Se supone que Julianna no lo había perdonado por su traición, pero no le costó ni un minuto volver a caer en sus brazos 🙄. ¿Es mucho pedir que se dé su lugar y lo haga trabajar por su perdón?
Él no hizo ni lo mínimo para demostrar que había cambiado. Es ella quien se la pasa declarándole su amor, mientras que él solo lo piensa y jamás se lo dice. Me enojó cómo Jul se aferra a protegerlo a pesar de todo, incluso en el presente. Es que esta mujer es tonta.
Explicación de su separación:
Tuvieron un accidente automovilístico en el que ella salió lastimada, y como él había estado bebiendo, Julianna decidió mentirle a la policía para evitar que Bram fuera a la cárcel y perdiera su beca. Entonces lo alejó, y más de una década después, a pesar de que él le rompió el corazón, ella seguía protegiéndolo. Incluso en el presente, cada vez que él hacía algo que la lastimaba, ella enseguida le encontraba una excusa.
Hay una parte donde ella dice que lo ama más de lo que se ama a sí misma. A los 33 seguía siendo virgen porque nunca pudo olvidarlo, mientras que él fue un playboy, pero claro, cuando estaba con otras, se imaginaba a Julianna 🫠.
Él no hizo ni lo mínimo para demostrar que había cambiado. Es ella quien se la pasa declarándole su amor, mientras que él solo lo piensa y jamás se lo dice. Me enojó cómo Jul se aferra a protegerlo a pesar de todo, incluso en el presente. Es que esta mujer es tonta.
Explicación de su separación:
Tuvieron un accidente automovilístico en el que ella salió lastimada, y como él había estado bebiendo, Julianna decidió mentirle a la policía para evitar que Bram fuera a la cárcel y perdiera su beca. Entonces lo alejó, y más de una década después, a pesar de que él le rompió el corazón, ella seguía protegiéndolo. Incluso en el presente, cada vez que él hacía algo que la lastimaba, ella enseguida le encontraba una excusa.
Hay una parte donde ella dice que lo ama más de lo que se ama a sí misma. A los 33 seguía siendo virgen porque nunca pudo olvidarlo, mientras que él fue un playboy, pero claro, cuando estaba con otras, se imaginaba a Julianna 🫠.
September 14, 2025
4.5⭐️
Thank you so much Charity for allowing me the opportunity to arc read your debut novel.
This story follows Julianna and Bram as they navigate their relationship. With a complicated history, there is a lot of push and pull as they reconnect after several years apart.
Charity put a lot of love into her characters and you can feel it coming off the pages. Despite not being my usual genre, it was easy to get wrapped up in the roller coaster of Julianna and Bram’s emotions.
Bram was a gem. Although he was hard on himself for his past faults, he always did what he could for both Julianna and the community. Julianna was relatable with her back and forth thinking and insecurities. It was easy to root for both of their happiness.
Enjoyed this read.
Thank you so much Charity for allowing me the opportunity to arc read your debut novel.
This story follows Julianna and Bram as they navigate their relationship. With a complicated history, there is a lot of push and pull as they reconnect after several years apart.
Charity put a lot of love into her characters and you can feel it coming off the pages. Despite not being my usual genre, it was easy to get wrapped up in the roller coaster of Julianna and Bram’s emotions.
Bram was a gem. Although he was hard on himself for his past faults, he always did what he could for both Julianna and the community. Julianna was relatable with her back and forth thinking and insecurities. It was easy to root for both of their happiness.
Enjoyed this read.
September 14, 2025
Bram and Juliana were such a cute couple. I love that they were so unflinchingly themselves throughout the novel, but we still get great moments where they reflect and change for the better.
This reads as a second chance novel that was so well written. I loved the NC/appalachia setting. Charity is such a well written author, mixing imagery with plot thay envelopes all your senses.
This debut novel was so impressive to read. Charity writes like a seasoned author and you can tell she took her time to think about the plot, the characters, and the overall story she had created. I’m so thankful I got to read something she has spent years working on.
A big thank you to Charity for gifting me an eARC in exchange for my review. But I would’ve read it anyway. Go support a debut author and this beautiful romance that is perfect for fall.
This reads as a second chance novel that was so well written. I loved the NC/appalachia setting. Charity is such a well written author, mixing imagery with plot thay envelopes all your senses.
This debut novel was so impressive to read. Charity writes like a seasoned author and you can tell she took her time to think about the plot, the characters, and the overall story she had created. I’m so thankful I got to read something she has spent years working on.
A big thank you to Charity for gifting me an eARC in exchange for my review. But I would’ve read it anyway. Go support a debut author and this beautiful romance that is perfect for fall.
September 15, 2025
I loved this book! I especially love a (somewhat grumpy) Bram.
It is the perfect fall romance with some fun twists. It was like cozying up at your grandma's house at times and that's exactly what I was in the mood for. I obsessed over the setting, the main characters were easy to love, and the side characters have me hoping for another book already. (Please?)
If she didn't tell you it was her debut novel you'd never know it was. It is so well written and I was constantly wanting to pick it back up when I had to set it down. I was rooting for the main characters from the beginning and loved their growth throughout.
Thank you for the eARC, Charity. I can't wait to see what's next for you! (Here's me hoping it's possibly Whit's story.)
It is the perfect fall romance with some fun twists. It was like cozying up at your grandma's house at times and that's exactly what I was in the mood for. I obsessed over the setting, the main characters were easy to love, and the side characters have me hoping for another book already. (Please?)
If she didn't tell you it was her debut novel you'd never know it was. It is so well written and I was constantly wanting to pick it back up when I had to set it down. I was rooting for the main characters from the beginning and loved their growth throughout.
Thank you for the eARC, Charity. I can't wait to see what's next for you! (Here's me hoping it's possibly Whit's story.)
September 28, 2025
What a read! Heartbreaking, relatable and beautifully written, this small town, slow burn, second chance friends to lovers ticks all the boxes.
Never saccharine but still sweet with all the perfect autumnal vibes.
Slowest of slow burns but well worth the wait.
I am an avid romance reader, but this is so much more than a romance book, the depth and layers make this a story which made me cry and I will definitely revisit.
Never saccharine but still sweet with all the perfect autumnal vibes.
Slowest of slow burns but well worth the wait.
I am an avid romance reader, but this is so much more than a romance book, the depth and layers make this a story which made me cry and I will definitely revisit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
A small town (spicy) romance!
I loved all the cozy, Fall vibes. It felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket!
The characters were so likable and I wish I was besties with Kallie and Mel!
Also, I really crave pie after reading this. IYKYK!
I loved all the cozy, Fall vibes. It felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket!
The characters were so likable and I wish I was besties with Kallie and Mel!
Also, I really crave pie after reading this. IYKYK!
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October 11, 2025The best part of reading a friend’s book is unearthing those unequivocally serendipitous fragments of them within.
October 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this book—it hooked me from the dedication and prologue, and I even finished it in one day. I loved the characters and how they all had their own unique roles, and I could relate to some parts, which made it even better. The romance was just the right amount. I gave it four stars because something felt a little rushed, like something was missing.
October 2, 2025
Are you looking for a cozy fall romance? Friends to lovers? With a touch of something forbidden like a big brother’s best friend? Or captivating like a marriage of convenience? Oh. And maybe a bit of spice??
Right after Julianna loses her job, she discovers she needs a costly back surgery she can’t afford without insurance. Too proud to ask her brother for money, but desperate enough to accept his offer to stay in their childhood home, she’s forced to return to Mill Creek and everything she had ever run from, including the boy who broke her heart.
After a football career-ending injury, Bram decided to stay in Mill Creek, atoning for his father’s sins against the small town. When Julianna suddenly returns, everything from that fateful night years ago comes rushing back to haunt him, especially the love for her he tried to hard to bury.
Has fate brought them together to heal their hearts or remind them of all the reasons why in never worked out in the first place?
Check out this debut novel!
Right after Julianna loses her job, she discovers she needs a costly back surgery she can’t afford without insurance. Too proud to ask her brother for money, but desperate enough to accept his offer to stay in their childhood home, she’s forced to return to Mill Creek and everything she had ever run from, including the boy who broke her heart.
After a football career-ending injury, Bram decided to stay in Mill Creek, atoning for his father’s sins against the small town. When Julianna suddenly returns, everything from that fateful night years ago comes rushing back to haunt him, especially the love for her he tried to hard to bury.
Has fate brought them together to heal their hearts or remind them of all the reasons why in never worked out in the first place?
Check out this debut novel!
November 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this one.! I wish I could have more of their story but I am glad I got it to begin with. I smiled at all the cute shit bram said and they way he loved her and never stopped after all those years 🖤😭
October 20, 2025
I Knew You is a small town romance with a bit of everything: characters with demons, cosy vibes, a yummy slow burn, and one of the most well done marriage of convenience I’ve yet to read in contemporary romance!
Bram and Julianna are great protagonists and you can’t help but cheer for them throughout the book, even when you might wanna smack Bram upside the head and tell him to just use his words and get what he wants.
What makes small town romance special is the other characters in the town and this one did not disappoint! I love the people of the town and how they come together for their community. I love Julianna’s best friend and a certain medical professional she meets.
There’s so much heart at the centre of this story, which only makes sense since Charity is one of the kindest, most positive and loving people I’ve met in this community. I’m so excited to watch her writing career take off!
If you want a swoony cosy read this autumn, you need to get your hands on I Knew You!!
Bram and Julianna are great protagonists and you can’t help but cheer for them throughout the book, even when you might wanna smack Bram upside the head and tell him to just use his words and get what he wants.
What makes small town romance special is the other characters in the town and this one did not disappoint! I love the people of the town and how they come together for their community. I love Julianna’s best friend and a certain medical professional she meets.
There’s so much heart at the centre of this story, which only makes sense since Charity is one of the kindest, most positive and loving people I’ve met in this community. I’m so excited to watch her writing career take off!
If you want a swoony cosy read this autumn, you need to get your hands on I Knew You!!
September 8, 2025
Written with unflinching honesty, heartwarming characters, and soul-baring prose, I Knew You is a must read for fans of small-town, slow-burn, and second chance romance. There is the perfect balance of sweet and spice in Bram and Julianna’s romance, and I love the beautiful representation of Julianna as a curvy, plus-sized woman. An evocative debut, with yearning so red and ripe you can taste it.
September 23, 2025
The story made me feeling butterflies. I think both FMC and MMC been keeping thier feelings from each other over a period of time and pushing each other's out without realizing it is totally valid. It's endearing to see the support system holding them up, slowly breaking thier walls down and navigating thier life out. A compelling exploration of love, growth, and the courage it takes to open up. Soft, supportive, and full of feels! Grateful for the ARC opportunity.
September 28, 2025
Can’t believe this is Charity’s first book. Hope it’s not her last. The way the characters are written made me not want to put the book down. I’ve sent I Knew You as a suggested read to my book club!
November 7, 2025
Wonderful
December 26, 2025
In 3 Words: Cute, Satisfying, Hopeful
Fave Quote: It’s never silly to chase what makes you feel safe and comfortable
This book's first chapter is FULL of drama, and then the rest of the story is spent dealing with the fallout. Bram and Julianna spend so much of time dancing around the fact that they like each other, and the build up is fantastic. They both have issues from their past that they need to work through, although tbh, most of it is just Bram being an idiot boy. I love that Bram's nickname is Dracula (after Bram Stoker). I also appreciated seeing a best friend who is initially not impressed by Julianna's choice in men, but supports her choices anyway.
Fave Quote: It’s never silly to chase what makes you feel safe and comfortable
This book's first chapter is FULL of drama, and then the rest of the story is spent dealing with the fallout. Bram and Julianna spend so much of time dancing around the fact that they like each other, and the build up is fantastic. They both have issues from their past that they need to work through, although tbh, most of it is just Bram being an idiot boy. I love that Bram's nickname is Dracula (after Bram Stoker). I also appreciated seeing a best friend who is initially not impressed by Julianna's choice in men, but supports her choices anyway.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews