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Just a Guy With a Goal #3
Officially Yours: An Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Romance, Soccer Romcom
She’s not a woman. She’s an official.
At least, that’s what Lucca tells himself every time Maggie hands him another yellow card.
Lucca Cruz—Brazilian, Red Tail soccer star, chronic flirt, and all-around menace to referees—has never gotten along with Maggie, the one official immune to his charm and allergic to his attitude.
Until the day he’s forced to mentor her little league soccer team. He quickly realizes he doesn’t dislike Maggie at all. He just doesn’t know her.
And now that he’s starting to–he’s falling fast.
Maggie McCrae, on the other hand, feels absolutely nothing admirable for Lucca. He’s cocky, dramatic, impossible, and easily her least favorite soccer player in the league.
So when Lucca suddenly starts being… nice, she’s suspicious. When she finds herself enjoying his attention? She’s alarmed.
Because this can’t happen.
Maggie is a referee. Lucca is a player. It’s unethical, forbidden, and a career-ending mistake. She already gave up her dream once—walking away from the U.S. Women’s National Team. She won’t do it again.
But Lucca is persistent. And surprisingly sweet. He’s great with her nephew, sentimental over his grandmother, and swears he only wants to be friends.
Which would be fine… if only Maggie believed him.
At least, that’s what Lucca tells himself every time Maggie hands him another yellow card.
Lucca Cruz—Brazilian, Red Tail soccer star, chronic flirt, and all-around menace to referees—has never gotten along with Maggie, the one official immune to his charm and allergic to his attitude.
Until the day he’s forced to mentor her little league soccer team. He quickly realizes he doesn’t dislike Maggie at all. He just doesn’t know her.
And now that he’s starting to–he’s falling fast.
Maggie McCrae, on the other hand, feels absolutely nothing admirable for Lucca. He’s cocky, dramatic, impossible, and easily her least favorite soccer player in the league.
So when Lucca suddenly starts being… nice, she’s suspicious. When she finds herself enjoying his attention? She’s alarmed.
Because this can’t happen.
Maggie is a referee. Lucca is a player. It’s unethical, forbidden, and a career-ending mistake. She already gave up her dream once—walking away from the U.S. Women’s National Team. She won’t do it again.
But Lucca is persistent. And surprisingly sweet. He’s great with her nephew, sentimental over his grandmother, and swears he only wants to be friends.
Which would be fine… if only Maggie believed him.
328 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2026
41 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 21, 2026
and my heart. He's the sweetest 5-6year old you'll ever read. His clumsiness, big heart, and love for banana cream pie will win you over before you can say Nanners ;)
Now, Maggie and Lucca: what a journey they had.
Known somewhat as a playboy, Lucca Cruz has no intentions on settling down.
Maggie follows the rules to a T and has no reason, or want, to ever go against them.
It's not like they can be together anyway. He's not worth risking her career, and he can't stand how she seems to be out to get him every game with bogus calls.
Until something changes.
Watching Lucca open up about his life to Maggie had my eyes misty on more than one occasion.
And getting to watch Maggie as she helps care for her nephew and navigate the season of life she is in was both moving and had me feeling so much respect for her choices.
I really enjoyed getting to watch Lucca mature and find his person he wanted to settle down with.
Tropes:
⚽ He falls first
🥅 Enemies to more
⚽ Forbidden romance
🥅 Sports romance
⚽ Cat daddy
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. I love getting to be a part of your ARC teams.
Now, Maggie and Lucca: what a journey they had.
Known somewhat as a playboy, Lucca Cruz has no intentions on settling down.
Maggie follows the rules to a T and has no reason, or want, to ever go against them.
It's not like they can be together anyway. He's not worth risking her career, and he can't stand how she seems to be out to get him every game with bogus calls.
Until something changes.
Watching Lucca open up about his life to Maggie had my eyes misty on more than one occasion.
And getting to watch Maggie as she helps care for her nephew and navigate the season of life she is in was both moving and had me feeling so much respect for her choices.
I really enjoyed getting to watch Lucca mature and find his person he wanted to settle down with.
Tropes:
⚽ He falls first
🥅 Enemies to more
⚽ Forbidden romance
🥅 Sports romance
⚽ Cat daddy
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. I love getting to be a part of your ARC teams.
March 14, 2026
Love Jen Atkinson books, including this one! A true enemies to lovers story with fantastic banter. And the wrist kisses…swoon! Loved everything about this book!
March 24, 2026
Soccer Romance from Jen Atkinson, yes please! This book was so good!
Although Lucca and Maggie start off as enemies, with Lucca being a soccer player and Maggie a referee who always seems to call bad calls on Lucca, that doesn’t last long. Lucca falls fast and hard determined to get Maggie to see him as more. I loved every minute of his pursuit of Maggie from showing up at her nephew's birthday party to enlisting his fellow players' wives help, arranging parties and such to be in the same place as her. He becomes curious about her once he finds out she could have had a professional career as a soccer player and needs to know more about her. I really liked how he saw and acknowledged all the wonderful things Maggie is doing to help raise her nephew and that helped Maggie soften a little towards him. I also really liked how vulnerable Lucca was with Maggie telling her about his upbringing with his grandma. His character had a lot of depth and dimensions.
This story was so much fun and I flew through the book. I laughed so much at their unexpected meeting at the restaurant in the beginning. The teasing banter he had with Maggie was just so great. The story and conversations flowed so easily. Those nicknames Maggie had for Lucca were the best too! The chemistry was spot on and the enemies to lovers trope was done perfectly! I fell in love with this one and I know you will too!
Content awareness: Alcohol abuse in the past.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Although Lucca and Maggie start off as enemies, with Lucca being a soccer player and Maggie a referee who always seems to call bad calls on Lucca, that doesn’t last long. Lucca falls fast and hard determined to get Maggie to see him as more. I loved every minute of his pursuit of Maggie from showing up at her nephew's birthday party to enlisting his fellow players' wives help, arranging parties and such to be in the same place as her. He becomes curious about her once he finds out she could have had a professional career as a soccer player and needs to know more about her. I really liked how he saw and acknowledged all the wonderful things Maggie is doing to help raise her nephew and that helped Maggie soften a little towards him. I also really liked how vulnerable Lucca was with Maggie telling her about his upbringing with his grandma. His character had a lot of depth and dimensions.
This story was so much fun and I flew through the book. I laughed so much at their unexpected meeting at the restaurant in the beginning. The teasing banter he had with Maggie was just so great. The story and conversations flowed so easily. Those nicknames Maggie had for Lucca were the best too! The chemistry was spot on and the enemies to lovers trope was done perfectly! I fell in love with this one and I know you will too!
Content awareness: Alcohol abuse in the past.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 23, 2026
ARC Book Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5’s
Thank you to the author @authorjenatkinson for the #gifted e-book.
This series continues to be such a win for me as a lifelong soccer girl—and Officially Yours might be my favorite yet! 🙌
From the first chapter, I was hooked on this fun, flirty, and tension-filled story between a professional soccer referee FMC and a professional player MMC. The enemies-to-lovers + coworkers + forbidden romance combo? Absolute perfection. And the fact that he falls first made it even sweeter 🥹
The chemistry was so good—full of banter, frustration, and undeniable pull—but what really made this one stand out was the heart. The family dynamics added depth, especially seeing people step up when it mattered most. And Wyatt?? Stop. The cutest little nephew ever. I loved the “best aunt” moments so much 💛
And having the FMC as a kids soccer coach? I loved that layer so much—it added warmth, purpose, and gave us even more reasons to root for her. ⚽️
If you’re looking for a clean romance (closed door + zero swearing) that still delivers all the tension, emotion, and fun, this one absolutely scores.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fun, heartfelt, and full of soccer-loving charm!
Thank you to the author @authorjenatkinson for the #gifted e-book.
This series continues to be such a win for me as a lifelong soccer girl—and Officially Yours might be my favorite yet! 🙌
From the first chapter, I was hooked on this fun, flirty, and tension-filled story between a professional soccer referee FMC and a professional player MMC. The enemies-to-lovers + coworkers + forbidden romance combo? Absolute perfection. And the fact that he falls first made it even sweeter 🥹
The chemistry was so good—full of banter, frustration, and undeniable pull—but what really made this one stand out was the heart. The family dynamics added depth, especially seeing people step up when it mattered most. And Wyatt?? Stop. The cutest little nephew ever. I loved the “best aunt” moments so much 💛
And having the FMC as a kids soccer coach? I loved that layer so much—it added warmth, purpose, and gave us even more reasons to root for her. ⚽️
If you’re looking for a clean romance (closed door + zero swearing) that still delivers all the tension, emotion, and fun, this one absolutely scores.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fun, heartfelt, and full of soccer-loving charm!
March 16, 2026
This is Book 3 in the Just a Guy with a Goal series by Jen Atkinson and I adored it as much as the others.
Enemies to love can be a fine line and this one is extremely well done. Lucca is a charismatic and cocky soccer player from Brazil and Maggie is an official (ref) for his league. The clashes over flags and calls only fuels their dislike for one another. This is the classic case of “there is more to the story than meets the eye” and Lucca becomes intrigued to the point of intense fascination with Maggie and I was obsessed. Who in their actual right mind could resist this man? Maggie can. 😆The lengths Lucca goes to in order to secure even a second of Maggie’s time had me swooning hard…as well as laughing.
The banter is on point; the layers of chemistry are alluring; the depth of the characters and the levels of their backstories are mesmerizing and heartwarming. I couldn’t get enough of this couple! The way the whole team and their significant others played such a role in their tale squeezed my heart.
Once again, I absolutely loved this contemporary sports romcom and can’t wait for more. Jen Atkinson is so skilled at creating characters to love and situations to bask in.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Enemies to love can be a fine line and this one is extremely well done. Lucca is a charismatic and cocky soccer player from Brazil and Maggie is an official (ref) for his league. The clashes over flags and calls only fuels their dislike for one another. This is the classic case of “there is more to the story than meets the eye” and Lucca becomes intrigued to the point of intense fascination with Maggie and I was obsessed. Who in their actual right mind could resist this man? Maggie can. 😆The lengths Lucca goes to in order to secure even a second of Maggie’s time had me swooning hard…as well as laughing.
The banter is on point; the layers of chemistry are alluring; the depth of the characters and the levels of their backstories are mesmerizing and heartwarming. I couldn’t get enough of this couple! The way the whole team and their significant others played such a role in their tale squeezed my heart.
Once again, I absolutely loved this contemporary sports romcom and can’t wait for more. Jen Atkinson is so skilled at creating characters to love and situations to bask in.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Review of advance copy
From the moment I read the title of this book, I knew it was bound to be good, but with Jen Atkinson at the helm, it was fantastic! A player and a ref, what could possibly go wrong, but what could possibly go so right too?!
Lucca Cruz has been a heavy hitting side characters for the series this far and now with the spotlight this man truly shines but in a different way. Lucca seems like your stereotypical attractive athlete with an ego the size of the moon and ever a smooth talker with all the ladies, but he’s so much more than that! He grew up in Brazil with his grandmother and only after working his tail off, pun not intended, did he make the right connections to come to the US. It’s his love for her that allows himself to connect with his FMC on a deeper level (only when she lets him)! I love the closeness he has with his teammates and their women, these friendships are very important to him, and it shows by how much he relies on them off the field.
Maggie McCrae is a tough ref on the field, but off the field she’s a loyal sister, beloved daughter and protective aunt to Wyatt. She has spent the last few years making sacrifices to be there for the ones she loves the most. While not every player or even fan may see eye to eye with her calls, she doesn’t waiver, even if you flirt with her or not. Maggie’s sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed by her parents and sister, but Wyatt knows nothing but the unfailing love and unrivaled dedication. She’s also obsessed with cats which is rather adorable, although I personally prefer dogs! Despite all the crazy circumstances and challenges that she faces, the woman deserves to be loved by the right person, even if he comes across as an over-the-top flirt (and is Brazilian)!
Loved this story from start to finish. It’s the simplest of moments that I found the most endearing. It’s amazing of how little I knew about soccer before Jen started writing these and now, I feel like I can appreciate the game a little bit more too! Found family is huge in Jen’s books and I’m here for it every time! Job well done in making me grin from ear to ear and adding another beautiful book to my shelves!
Lucca Cruz has been a heavy hitting side characters for the series this far and now with the spotlight this man truly shines but in a different way. Lucca seems like your stereotypical attractive athlete with an ego the size of the moon and ever a smooth talker with all the ladies, but he’s so much more than that! He grew up in Brazil with his grandmother and only after working his tail off, pun not intended, did he make the right connections to come to the US. It’s his love for her that allows himself to connect with his FMC on a deeper level (only when she lets him)! I love the closeness he has with his teammates and their women, these friendships are very important to him, and it shows by how much he relies on them off the field.
Maggie McCrae is a tough ref on the field, but off the field she’s a loyal sister, beloved daughter and protective aunt to Wyatt. She has spent the last few years making sacrifices to be there for the ones she loves the most. While not every player or even fan may see eye to eye with her calls, she doesn’t waiver, even if you flirt with her or not. Maggie’s sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed by her parents and sister, but Wyatt knows nothing but the unfailing love and unrivaled dedication. She’s also obsessed with cats which is rather adorable, although I personally prefer dogs! Despite all the crazy circumstances and challenges that she faces, the woman deserves to be loved by the right person, even if he comes across as an over-the-top flirt (and is Brazilian)!
Loved this story from start to finish. It’s the simplest of moments that I found the most endearing. It’s amazing of how little I knew about soccer before Jen started writing these and now, I feel like I can appreciate the game a little bit more too! Found family is huge in Jen’s books and I’m here for it every time! Job well done in making me grin from ear to ear and adding another beautiful book to my shelves!
March 19, 2026
another great read in this series
I loved this book just as much as the rest of the books in this series and I love that each book pulls in the past characters as supporting team members or team members significant other so it’s like the story continues on from past books.
I loved this book just as much as the rest of the books in this series and I love that each book pulls in the past characters as supporting team members or team members significant other so it’s like the story continues on from past books.
March 5, 2026
I loved Lucca and Maggie! They are classic enemies to lovers and almost a workplace romance. She can't date him because it would compromise her job.
He falls first and falls hard and for a ladies man like Lucca he had no idea what to do. I love all the advice he gets from his teammates (and their wives). I also loved how her had her family help him out! (kisses only)
This is the third book in a series, but can be read as a standalone.
He falls first and falls hard and for a ladies man like Lucca he had no idea what to do. I love all the advice he gets from his teammates (and their wives). I also loved how her had her family help him out! (kisses only)
This is the third book in a series, but can be read as a standalone.
March 11, 2026
First Callum became my favorite player…then Roman…but who knew that over eager power forward Lucca Cruz was gonna come penalty kick his way into the running?
Let me tell ya, in my family the sport of Soccer is legendary. We have all played it, coached it, and for my sister and her UK hubs, they officiate it. This story hit all the nostalgia notes in all the best ways while not sacrificing any story or character depth.
Absolutely appreciate the deeply important character of an aunt (being one myself) and the sister who has seen traumatic moments and isn’t sure how to let them go entirely…that risk is hard. Allowing someone to prioritize you is harder than it seems.
Beautiful light bringing romance…definitely worth the read.
Let me tell ya, in my family the sport of Soccer is legendary. We have all played it, coached it, and for my sister and her UK hubs, they officiate it. This story hit all the nostalgia notes in all the best ways while not sacrificing any story or character depth.
Absolutely appreciate the deeply important character of an aunt (being one myself) and the sister who has seen traumatic moments and isn’t sure how to let them go entirely…that risk is hard. Allowing someone to prioritize you is harder than it seems.
Beautiful light bringing romance…definitely worth the read.
March 8, 2026
Looking for a swoony enemies to lovers with a splash of forbidden love? Look no further, this is it! I have loved the entire Just a Guy with a Goal series so far, and this one didn't disappoint.
Lucca and Maggie are just so fun together. I've said it before, I always love when a story is truly enemies to lovers, and that is the case with these two. They start off despising each other and it's a blast watching those feelings shift. Lucca is a cocky, flirty, charming ladies man, and Maggie is the feisty, independent woman who is immune to his charms. When life throws them together and they actually get to know each other, everything starts to change. Then, add to the mix that they're being together is against the rules and it gets even messier. Their banter and chemistry are some of the best, and Lucca may just be my favorite Red Tail with his unabashed honesty in his pursuit of Maggie (plus, all his little mistakes in English sayings are so endearing).
I always love getting to spend more time with beloved characters from past stories, so all the scenes with Lucca's teammates and their respective wives and girlfriends were so fun. And Maggie's family is wonderful (especially as they fawn over Lucca, even when Maggie still hates him), but let's be real, Wyatt is the clear star of the show. How can you not love an adorable 5/6-year-old wingman?
Thank you so much, Jen, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I simply love Lucca and Maggie, and their sweet love story, they had me giggling throught the whole story.
Lucca and Maggie are just so fun together. I've said it before, I always love when a story is truly enemies to lovers, and that is the case with these two. They start off despising each other and it's a blast watching those feelings shift. Lucca is a cocky, flirty, charming ladies man, and Maggie is the feisty, independent woman who is immune to his charms. When life throws them together and they actually get to know each other, everything starts to change. Then, add to the mix that they're being together is against the rules and it gets even messier. Their banter and chemistry are some of the best, and Lucca may just be my favorite Red Tail with his unabashed honesty in his pursuit of Maggie (plus, all his little mistakes in English sayings are so endearing).
I always love getting to spend more time with beloved characters from past stories, so all the scenes with Lucca's teammates and their respective wives and girlfriends were so fun. And Maggie's family is wonderful (especially as they fawn over Lucca, even when Maggie still hates him), but let's be real, Wyatt is the clear star of the show. How can you not love an adorable 5/6-year-old wingman?
Thank you so much, Jen, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I simply love Lucca and Maggie, and their sweet love story, they had me giggling throught the whole story.
March 4, 2026
When the enemies-to-lovers trope has you smiling from ear to ear throughout because the chemistry is ever present but the banter never stops. Professional soccer player Lucca has had it with the spunky female referee, Maggie. However, many circumstances outside the arena bring them together where they get to know each other more…and suddenly they have to keep their relationship secret so as to not affect their careers. This was a quick, sweet closed-door, slow romance with two characters with strong personalities that just work!
Thanks to the author for the eARC
Thanks to the author for the eARC
April 11, 2026
This was so fun! A great one for fans of "opposites attract" and "he falls first".
Would recommend if you're looking for a quick, closed door romcom.
Would recommend if you're looking for a quick, closed door romcom.
March 9, 2026
⚽️Content⚽️
🌶️Spice: Kisses Only
🙊Language: None
⚽️Quotes⚽️
My heart pounds harder. My pulse races. I blink—what am I doing? He’s getting me drunk with his lips on my wrist.
“I love you, too, Aunt Maggie. And I’d pick you over banana cream pie. Almost every time.”
“Loving someone doesn’t mean losing yourself.”
⚽️My Thoughts⚽️
I don’t know how Jen Atkinson does it! Her books just keep getting better with each one! This is the third book in the Just A Guy With A Goal series. I do recommend reading them in order, though you don’t have to, but in my opinion that is the best enjoyment of any series.
Oh my gosh this one just had me doing all the things. I was smiling, giggling, kicking my feet, and even tearing up from some happy moments. I laughed and giggled so much in this one even my husband kept looking at me wondering what I was laughing at.
There are too many moments that I loved to tell you them all but I just adore Lucca and Maggie! And Wyatt I could just hear his little boy voice and he was just adorable! Also I didn’t know I would love wrists kisses so much until this book! I thought I loved forehead kisses but I think I might love wrist kisses more after this book.
Overall I think Jen just sprinkled a little bit of extra magic in the pages in this series because it has been sneaking up and becoming my favorite series by her! If you haven’t tried any books by her yet I highly recommend starting this series!
⚽️Thank you so much Jen Atkinson for gifting me an e-arc to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🌶️Spice: Kisses Only
🙊Language: None
⚽️Quotes⚽️
My heart pounds harder. My pulse races. I blink—what am I doing? He’s getting me drunk with his lips on my wrist.
“I love you, too, Aunt Maggie. And I’d pick you over banana cream pie. Almost every time.”
“Loving someone doesn’t mean losing yourself.”
⚽️My Thoughts⚽️
I don’t know how Jen Atkinson does it! Her books just keep getting better with each one! This is the third book in the Just A Guy With A Goal series. I do recommend reading them in order, though you don’t have to, but in my opinion that is the best enjoyment of any series.
Oh my gosh this one just had me doing all the things. I was smiling, giggling, kicking my feet, and even tearing up from some happy moments. I laughed and giggled so much in this one even my husband kept looking at me wondering what I was laughing at.
There are too many moments that I loved to tell you them all but I just adore Lucca and Maggie! And Wyatt I could just hear his little boy voice and he was just adorable! Also I didn’t know I would love wrists kisses so much until this book! I thought I loved forehead kisses but I think I might love wrist kisses more after this book.
Overall I think Jen just sprinkled a little bit of extra magic in the pages in this series because it has been sneaking up and becoming my favorite series by her! If you haven’t tried any books by her yet I highly recommend starting this series!
⚽️Thank you so much Jen Atkinson for gifting me an e-arc to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 29, 2026
Ah! Well I officially adore Officially Yours. This entire series has been so good and I almost want to say this was my favorite one in the series so far because I loved Lucca and Maggie so stinking much! But then I'm torn because I also love the marriage of convenience trope between Roman and Stella from the previous book. Regardless, this series just keeps on being amazing. I've never really been a soccer fan, but this series is adding soccer romances to my guilty pleasures list!
I love Lucca and Maggie. I can't even find the words to explain just what about them I love so much, but trust me. There is just something so satisfying and adorable about the changing of their relationship dynamics. Maggie starts off spicy as she distances herself from Lucca. She thinks he's a ladies man and a a referee, it's best for her to stay away from soccer players anyway. But darn once that man embarks on a mission to change that, how can you deny the chemistry?? It just unfolds as you read it and I love it.
You could definitely read this book as a standalone and enjoy it just for Maggie and Lucca, but I will say if you do read the other books, you get to know and love a lot of the characters you see in Officially Yours. So I definitely encourage adding the whole series to your TBR.
I love Lucca and Maggie. I can't even find the words to explain just what about them I love so much, but trust me. There is just something so satisfying and adorable about the changing of their relationship dynamics. Maggie starts off spicy as she distances herself from Lucca. She thinks he's a ladies man and a a referee, it's best for her to stay away from soccer players anyway. But darn once that man embarks on a mission to change that, how can you deny the chemistry?? It just unfolds as you read it and I love it.
You could definitely read this book as a standalone and enjoy it just for Maggie and Lucca, but I will say if you do read the other books, you get to know and love a lot of the characters you see in Officially Yours. So I definitely encourage adding the whole series to your TBR.
April 8, 2026
The chemistry between these two… off the charts. And I may or may not have asked my husband to kiss the inside of my wrist. Wowzuh.
February 28, 2026
I started this series out of order (I read Green Card Christmas first), but jumping into Lucca’s story didn’t ruin a thing for me. I first met him while he was helping Roman navigate his relationship with Stella — something he absolutely does not live down — so it was fun finally getting his full story.
Seeing Lucca’s backstory helped me understand why he is the way he is. What stood out most to me was the found family he’s built with his teammates and their wives and girlfriends. He moves between those groups constantly — for advice, for chaos, for support — because he knows he cannot do life alone. That dynamic added so much heart and humor to the story and really showed how deeply connected they all are.
I also loved the McRae family. Wyatt was such a cute supporting character. I loved all his scenes — how he’s fully a kid but also completely comfortable around adults, casually saying things that make you pause and laugh. Maggie’s parents were great too — her dad especially had some hilarious moments that balanced out heavier themes beautifully.
Maggie carries the weight of being the responsible big sister, and that felt very real. She gives so much of herself to everyone around her, and seeing the support she receives in return was absolutely perfect. I loved that Lucca sees it too and acknowledges the burden she’s been carrying.
Her internal conflict toward the end was so well done. It wasn’t dramatic for the sake of drama — it showed her integrity. The way she wrestles with what’s right versus what she wants made her feel strong and grounded.
She’s also a boss referee, which adds forbidden-romance tension since Lucca is a player. Watching them shift from enemies to more was so fun because Maggie fights it hard, while Lucca is just… yearning. He doesn’t fully understand what’s happening — he just knows he can’t get enough of her.
The little league moment where she surprises him was such a turning point. And I loved the scene where he publicly supports her — not because she couldn’t handle herself, but because he chooses to stand beside her.
This book touches on recovery from drugs and alcohol, and I thought it was handled with so much grace. It’s a hard topic, but it felt honest and reflective of real life without becoming overwhelming.
Her relationship with Lindy could have been complicated, but I loved that it wasn’t. And as an aunt with no kids of my own yet, the way this story acknowledged that an aunt can love a child deeply and show up like a parent really resonated with me.
There were so many moments that made me laugh and others that gave me all the feels (the hammock scene especially). When Maggie said the title, I had to physically stop myself from squealing. So perfect.
Nanners? Adorable.
This book even had me looking up soccer tricks and listening to a Brazilian accent just so I could picture Lucca better — and honestly, it makes me want to watch soccer now.
If you love:
⚽ enemies to more
⚽ sports romance
⚽ found family
⚽ strong heroine + devoted hero
⚽ humor with heart
You’ll want this one.
I received an ARC, but all opinions are my own.
Seeing Lucca’s backstory helped me understand why he is the way he is. What stood out most to me was the found family he’s built with his teammates and their wives and girlfriends. He moves between those groups constantly — for advice, for chaos, for support — because he knows he cannot do life alone. That dynamic added so much heart and humor to the story and really showed how deeply connected they all are.
I also loved the McRae family. Wyatt was such a cute supporting character. I loved all his scenes — how he’s fully a kid but also completely comfortable around adults, casually saying things that make you pause and laugh. Maggie’s parents were great too — her dad especially had some hilarious moments that balanced out heavier themes beautifully.
Maggie carries the weight of being the responsible big sister, and that felt very real. She gives so much of herself to everyone around her, and seeing the support she receives in return was absolutely perfect. I loved that Lucca sees it too and acknowledges the burden she’s been carrying.
Her internal conflict toward the end was so well done. It wasn’t dramatic for the sake of drama — it showed her integrity. The way she wrestles with what’s right versus what she wants made her feel strong and grounded.
She’s also a boss referee, which adds forbidden-romance tension since Lucca is a player. Watching them shift from enemies to more was so fun because Maggie fights it hard, while Lucca is just… yearning. He doesn’t fully understand what’s happening — he just knows he can’t get enough of her.
The little league moment where she surprises him was such a turning point. And I loved the scene where he publicly supports her — not because she couldn’t handle herself, but because he chooses to stand beside her.
This book touches on recovery from drugs and alcohol, and I thought it was handled with so much grace. It’s a hard topic, but it felt honest and reflective of real life without becoming overwhelming.
Her relationship with Lindy could have been complicated, but I loved that it wasn’t. And as an aunt with no kids of my own yet, the way this story acknowledged that an aunt can love a child deeply and show up like a parent really resonated with me.
There were so many moments that made me laugh and others that gave me all the feels (the hammock scene especially). When Maggie said the title, I had to physically stop myself from squealing. So perfect.
Nanners? Adorable.
This book even had me looking up soccer tricks and listening to a Brazilian accent just so I could picture Lucca better — and honestly, it makes me want to watch soccer now.
If you love:
⚽ enemies to more
⚽ sports romance
⚽ found family
⚽ strong heroine + devoted hero
⚽ humor with heart
You’ll want this one.
I received an ARC, but all opinions are my own.
March 17, 2026
Let the games begin. The two main characters in this book were light years apart in every area of their lives. But this is one of those examples of being careful about judging a book by its cover because once you open up the pages, you may discover there is a whole lot more to the story than appears on the pretty cover.
Lucca is from Brazil. He has finally made it to the semi-pros of soccer in the U.S. He is definite eye candy for any female who has ever seen him along with his sweet accent, muscles for miles and jet black hair. However, his ego is the size of Texas. He knows he is a good player, and he knows he looks good. He most assuredly loves himself more than others. How dare an official penalize him. Under that cocky exterior is a little boy who loved his grandmother. Once those shields started coming down, you get a different picture.
Maggie McCrae is not impressed with Lucca or Saint Lucca as she calls him. She does not hold back with her calls on the field. Unlike Lucca, Maggie is fair from self-centered. She is a good daughter, sister and an even better aunt to her nephew, Wyatt. Her family comes first, and she knows how to do her job. Saint Lucca will just have to suck it up because she knows what she is doing.
Things start changing when Lucca ends up mentoring Wyatt's five year old soccer team. Lucca sees a side to Maggie he never imagined. Now suddenly he is being nice to Maggie, and she is not interested. She has no desire to ruin her career, especially with the likes of Lucca.
This story was so much fun to read. The text messaging threads were epic. Maggie's mom's reaction when Lucca shed his jersey to give it to Wyatt was priceless. The kitty cat scenes were also priceless. The banter between Lucca and Maggie was, at times vicious, but you could still feel the undercurrent of chemistry between them, even as Maggie was fighting it tooth and nail.
It was an emotional read as well, but more than anything it was just plain fun. Enemies to lovers is a fun trope to read about, and these two were definitely enemies, at least as far as Lucca was concerned.
I love it when I read a sport romance, even a sport I do not fully understand, and still enjoy the story behind it. The cast of characters is top notch, and it always fun to see and hear from characters I have read about in the other books in this series. This is romantic comedy at its finest.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lucca is from Brazil. He has finally made it to the semi-pros of soccer in the U.S. He is definite eye candy for any female who has ever seen him along with his sweet accent, muscles for miles and jet black hair. However, his ego is the size of Texas. He knows he is a good player, and he knows he looks good. He most assuredly loves himself more than others. How dare an official penalize him. Under that cocky exterior is a little boy who loved his grandmother. Once those shields started coming down, you get a different picture.
Maggie McCrae is not impressed with Lucca or Saint Lucca as she calls him. She does not hold back with her calls on the field. Unlike Lucca, Maggie is fair from self-centered. She is a good daughter, sister and an even better aunt to her nephew, Wyatt. Her family comes first, and she knows how to do her job. Saint Lucca will just have to suck it up because she knows what she is doing.
Things start changing when Lucca ends up mentoring Wyatt's five year old soccer team. Lucca sees a side to Maggie he never imagined. Now suddenly he is being nice to Maggie, and she is not interested. She has no desire to ruin her career, especially with the likes of Lucca.
This story was so much fun to read. The text messaging threads were epic. Maggie's mom's reaction when Lucca shed his jersey to give it to Wyatt was priceless. The kitty cat scenes were also priceless. The banter between Lucca and Maggie was, at times vicious, but you could still feel the undercurrent of chemistry between them, even as Maggie was fighting it tooth and nail.
It was an emotional read as well, but more than anything it was just plain fun. Enemies to lovers is a fun trope to read about, and these two were definitely enemies, at least as far as Lucca was concerned.
I love it when I read a sport romance, even a sport I do not fully understand, and still enjoy the story behind it. The cast of characters is top notch, and it always fun to see and hear from characters I have read about in the other books in this series. This is romantic comedy at its finest.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 12, 2026
4.5
Another fun story by Jen Atkinson! She knows how to write scenes that make you laugh out loud one minute and swoon the next.
Being a woman in a man's sports world isn't easy, you can show no fear or lack of confidence in a call or your abilities. When the 'star' and local heart throb complains about every call you make- you don't flinch, you stare him down. You also give some creative nick names- Saint Lucca and Pretty Boy Cruz for starters, even your family calls him that.
Being a semi-pro soccer player is something I've worked and sacrificed for my whole life. Sure, I have charm and may flirt a lot, but I take my soccer seriously. I usually get along with everyone- everyone but little miss brunette, the devil in disguise- even with her pretty face, the sideline ref who gets a kick out of carding me. Every game. Whether I deserve it or not.
They are oil and water, cat and mouse, fire and ice. "Next time you see me, pretend you didn't." He thinks she is a control freak, she thinks he is simply a player looking for his next conquest.
Once he sees her with her nephew, learns of her dedication to her sister and family, he's cooked. He is relentless in his pursuit and she resists with everything she's got. Can a soccer loving nephew, a smitten grandma, a swooning mom, and a few teammates wives turn the tide? When he falls first, how can he convince her that there is no game involved, he genuinely wants to be friends? And hopefully more?
"You surprised me, that's all. I judged a book by it's cover and I regret it. So, now I'd like to read it."
"Why does everything this man says sound like it might be coated in butter? No wonder women- who are not me- melt under his gaze."
This story reminds us that things and people are not always what they appear. Where you see tough, you don't understand their why. Where you see overconfident, you don't understand what they've sacrificed to get there.
This is book 3 in the series, but could be enjoyed alone. However, I think you'd enjoy the others as well.
"Things change. Sometimes the change comes with life. And sometimes we create the change because something better comes along."
"A spark? Maggie isn't a spark. She's more like a fire blazing in the hearth."
"Friendship is not what I want with Maggie. She's like sight for the blind. I've seen the light. I can't take that back. I don't want to."
Another fun story by Jen Atkinson! She knows how to write scenes that make you laugh out loud one minute and swoon the next.
Being a woman in a man's sports world isn't easy, you can show no fear or lack of confidence in a call or your abilities. When the 'star' and local heart throb complains about every call you make- you don't flinch, you stare him down. You also give some creative nick names- Saint Lucca and Pretty Boy Cruz for starters, even your family calls him that.
Being a semi-pro soccer player is something I've worked and sacrificed for my whole life. Sure, I have charm and may flirt a lot, but I take my soccer seriously. I usually get along with everyone- everyone but little miss brunette, the devil in disguise- even with her pretty face, the sideline ref who gets a kick out of carding me. Every game. Whether I deserve it or not.
They are oil and water, cat and mouse, fire and ice. "Next time you see me, pretend you didn't." He thinks she is a control freak, she thinks he is simply a player looking for his next conquest.
Once he sees her with her nephew, learns of her dedication to her sister and family, he's cooked. He is relentless in his pursuit and she resists with everything she's got. Can a soccer loving nephew, a smitten grandma, a swooning mom, and a few teammates wives turn the tide? When he falls first, how can he convince her that there is no game involved, he genuinely wants to be friends? And hopefully more?
"You surprised me, that's all. I judged a book by it's cover and I regret it. So, now I'd like to read it."
"Why does everything this man says sound like it might be coated in butter? No wonder women- who are not me- melt under his gaze."
This story reminds us that things and people are not always what they appear. Where you see tough, you don't understand their why. Where you see overconfident, you don't understand what they've sacrificed to get there.
This is book 3 in the series, but could be enjoyed alone. However, I think you'd enjoy the others as well.
"Things change. Sometimes the change comes with life. And sometimes we create the change because something better comes along."
"A spark? Maggie isn't a spark. She's more like a fire blazing in the hearth."
"Friendship is not what I want with Maggie. She's like sight for the blind. I've seen the light. I can't take that back. I don't want to."
March 16, 2026
I love the Just a Guy with a Goal series and Officially Yours did not disappoint! Lucca is a flirty, charming, and confident professional soccer player. Maggie is a selfless, loyal, and kind soccer referee who holds her own, especially when it comes to Lucca. The banter, bickering, and tension between Lucca and Maggie was comical - they know just what buttons to push. I loved watching Lucca’s feelings toward Maggie morph from almost hate, to impressed, to I want to be near her. I loved Maggie’s devotion to her nephew, Wyatt. Maggie has given up so much and fights her attraction to Lucca while he is continually trying to break down her defenses. It was fun for me to watch Lucca and Maggie discover that people aren’t always what they appear to be. Something that kept me smiling the whole way through were all the texts – Lucca with his teammates, Lucca with the wives and girlfriends of his teammates, Lucca with Maggie, Maggie with the girls. Get Officially Yours now if you are looking for a great soccer romcom with a girl who stands her ground, a guy that won’t give up, and a story with depth, lots of banter, laughs, great friends, heart melting moments, and the cutest five-year-old ever!
Tropes: soccer romcom = enemies to more = soccer player MMC = soccer referee FMC = forbidden romance = he falls first = found family = swoony kisses
Favorite things:
- Vovó’s birthday dinner
- Rainbow flicks
- Lucca getting Maggie’s number
- All the texting!
- Their first kiss
- The hammock
- Lucca’s teammates and their women
- Maggie’s family, especially Wyatt
Favorite quotes:
"You surprised me. That's all. I judged a book by its cover. And I regret it. So, now I'd like to read it." - Lucca
"I had no intention of kissing Lucca today. Or ever again So why does this kiss feel like the kiss I’ve been waiting for my entire life?" - Maggie
Happy reading!
Tropes: soccer romcom = enemies to more = soccer player MMC = soccer referee FMC = forbidden romance = he falls first = found family = swoony kisses
Favorite things:
- Vovó’s birthday dinner
- Rainbow flicks
- Lucca getting Maggie’s number
- All the texting!
- Their first kiss
- The hammock
- Lucca’s teammates and their women
- Maggie’s family, especially Wyatt
Favorite quotes:
"You surprised me. That's all. I judged a book by its cover. And I regret it. So, now I'd like to read it." - Lucca
"I had no intention of kissing Lucca today. Or ever again So why does this kiss feel like the kiss I’ve been waiting for my entire life?" - Maggie
Happy reading!
April 13, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
“I’m inches from the ball when the sideline’s flag goes up. Of course it does. Little Miss brunette with her pennant of power can’t miss her moment to prove she’s in charge.”
Officially Yours by Jen Atkinson was completely unputdownable for me. It’s fun, fast-paced, and absolutely delivers everything you want in a sports rom-com.
Lucca Cruz—Brazilian soccer star, professional flirt, and certified menace to referees—has never gotten along with Maggie McCrae, the one official completely immune to his charm. But when he ends up mentoring her nephew’s little league team, he starts to realize something surprising…he doesn’t actually dislike Maggie at all.
In fact, he might be falling for her.
The only problem?
She’s a referee.
He’s a player.
And that kind of relationship could end both of their careers.
This story has all the tropes I love:
✨ forbidden romance (referee vs athlete)
✨ he falls first (one of the best I’ve read!)
✨ she absolutely refuses to fall for the charming Casanova (prepare yourself for hilarity!)
✨ banter, flirting, and delicious tension
And let me just say—there is no ignoring “Saint Lucca Cruz”. I adored the characters, their backstories tugged at my heartstrings, and the side characters added so much warmth and humor to the story. The romance felt big, heartfelt, and completely satisfying.
If you love sports rom-coms with fantastic banter, swoony moments, and characters you can’t help rooting for, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
And the best part? It’s available now.
Happy reading📚
Content notes: mention of alcohol and substance abuse (off page, past), pregnancy outside of marriage (off page, past), mention of the passing of a loved one (off page, past), mild innuendo, romance including kisses/makeout scenes.
“I’m inches from the ball when the sideline’s flag goes up. Of course it does. Little Miss brunette with her pennant of power can’t miss her moment to prove she’s in charge.”
Officially Yours by Jen Atkinson was completely unputdownable for me. It’s fun, fast-paced, and absolutely delivers everything you want in a sports rom-com.
Lucca Cruz—Brazilian soccer star, professional flirt, and certified menace to referees—has never gotten along with Maggie McCrae, the one official completely immune to his charm. But when he ends up mentoring her nephew’s little league team, he starts to realize something surprising…he doesn’t actually dislike Maggie at all.
In fact, he might be falling for her.
The only problem?
She’s a referee.
He’s a player.
And that kind of relationship could end both of their careers.
This story has all the tropes I love:
✨ forbidden romance (referee vs athlete)
✨ he falls first (one of the best I’ve read!)
✨ she absolutely refuses to fall for the charming Casanova (prepare yourself for hilarity!)
✨ banter, flirting, and delicious tension
And let me just say—there is no ignoring “Saint Lucca Cruz”. I adored the characters, their backstories tugged at my heartstrings, and the side characters added so much warmth and humor to the story. The romance felt big, heartfelt, and completely satisfying.
If you love sports rom-coms with fantastic banter, swoony moments, and characters you can’t help rooting for, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
And the best part? It’s available now.
Happy reading📚
Content notes: mention of alcohol and substance abuse (off page, past), pregnancy outside of marriage (off page, past), mention of the passing of a loved one (off page, past), mild innuendo, romance including kisses/makeout scenes.
May 5, 2026
3.5/5
This book just didn't quite hit the mark for me. The story was alright, a standard sports romance. It hit most of the right beats, and I liked how everything was worked out in the end. Plus, the nephew was just adorable.
But. Lucca. Umm... there were parts that were endearing and parts that were just not okay. He continuously pushes Maggie after she says no. Repeatedly. And yes, this is a romance novel. It's fiction. But there's a difference between a pushy guy who still respects boundaries (which I don't mind all that much in romance novels) and some of the things that Lucca did in this book. Now, it wasn't all bad. Some of it was actually really great. But there were a few moments that just made me cringe (like the couples party they all brought dates too). And it's hard to root for a couple when you're cringing at the behavior of one of the parties.
The other thing I struggled with in this book was the building of the relationship itself. It's an enemies to lovers, and we got the enemies. We got the struggle of reframing how the other person is viewed. And, we got the reluctant friends. That all felt fairly natural. But, I felt like I lost the rest of the emotional transition to actual friends and eventually to lovers. The plot points were there, but I remember a lot more of the resistance than the acceptance (this is mainly on Maggie's side, Lucca just decided to be all in and while it did feel a bit abrupt, we at least got all the pieces there). I think a good bit of this was because of the need for conflict in the story, but it just made me feel like Maggie and Lucca didn't really work as a couple by the end of the book.
I did still enjoy reading this book, and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series eventually (I like soccer, and the writing was generally good even if some of the character development was a little off).
This book just didn't quite hit the mark for me. The story was alright, a standard sports romance. It hit most of the right beats, and I liked how everything was worked out in the end. Plus, the nephew was just adorable.
But. Lucca. Umm... there were parts that were endearing and parts that were just not okay. He continuously pushes Maggie after she says no. Repeatedly. And yes, this is a romance novel. It's fiction. But there's a difference between a pushy guy who still respects boundaries (which I don't mind all that much in romance novels) and some of the things that Lucca did in this book. Now, it wasn't all bad. Some of it was actually really great. But there were a few moments that just made me cringe (like the couples party they all brought dates too). And it's hard to root for a couple when you're cringing at the behavior of one of the parties.
The other thing I struggled with in this book was the building of the relationship itself. It's an enemies to lovers, and we got the enemies. We got the struggle of reframing how the other person is viewed. And, we got the reluctant friends. That all felt fairly natural. But, I felt like I lost the rest of the emotional transition to actual friends and eventually to lovers. The plot points were there, but I remember a lot more of the resistance than the acceptance (this is mainly on Maggie's side, Lucca just decided to be all in and while it did feel a bit abrupt, we at least got all the pieces there). I think a good bit of this was because of the need for conflict in the story, but it just made me feel like Maggie and Lucca didn't really work as a couple by the end of the book.
I did still enjoy reading this book, and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series eventually (I like soccer, and the writing was generally good even if some of the character development was a little off).
March 11, 2026
4.5 rounded to 4
I really enjoyed this! I always enjoy Jen's books because they feel like a breath of fresh air in a lot more heavier or more intense reads. Her books always bring a joyous energy. Officially Yours is no exception to that! I was giggling, rolling my eyes and loving all the tension between Maggie and Lucca.
When Lucca was trying to get Maggie to text him back or just want to be friends, it was such sweet interactions. His golden retriever vibes made it so cute and funny at times. I loved his relationship with Wyatt and the way he treated Maggie's parents.
I LOVED seeing the past Just a Guy with a Goal couples making such a big appearance in this book! I loved Lucca's relationship with all of them and his constant reminding that he helped each of their relationships. His character was definitely the 'clown' of the group and had everyone, and me, laughing.
I loved Maggie's unwavering support to her sister and her son, but when she finally decided to put herself and her love for Lucca first at the end it truly was a beautiful thing to see. I was so proud of her.
Jen writes in a way that's super engaging, relatable, emotional and such bingable. Her writing is easy to read in the best way and makes you want to not put the book down.
I wished we got more of Lucca and Maggie together. Most of the book was them just going back and forth on him wanting more and her pushing it away (for good reason), but when they finally put the issues aside and really jumped in we didn't get to see the dates or the togetherness. I would have loved to see that, but I'm hoping (fingers crossed) we'll get more books in this series and get to see their relationship shown in those books!
Another great read by Jen!
I really enjoyed this! I always enjoy Jen's books because they feel like a breath of fresh air in a lot more heavier or more intense reads. Her books always bring a joyous energy. Officially Yours is no exception to that! I was giggling, rolling my eyes and loving all the tension between Maggie and Lucca.
When Lucca was trying to get Maggie to text him back or just want to be friends, it was such sweet interactions. His golden retriever vibes made it so cute and funny at times. I loved his relationship with Wyatt and the way he treated Maggie's parents.
I LOVED seeing the past Just a Guy with a Goal couples making such a big appearance in this book! I loved Lucca's relationship with all of them and his constant reminding that he helped each of their relationships. His character was definitely the 'clown' of the group and had everyone, and me, laughing.
I loved Maggie's unwavering support to her sister and her son, but when she finally decided to put herself and her love for Lucca first at the end it truly was a beautiful thing to see. I was so proud of her.
Jen writes in a way that's super engaging, relatable, emotional and such bingable. Her writing is easy to read in the best way and makes you want to not put the book down.
I wished we got more of Lucca and Maggie together. Most of the book was them just going back and forth on him wanting more and her pushing it away (for good reason), but when they finally put the issues aside and really jumped in we didn't get to see the dates or the togetherness. I would have loved to see that, but I'm hoping (fingers crossed) we'll get more books in this series and get to see their relationship shown in those books!
Another great read by Jen!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Officially Yours
(Just a Guy With a Girl Book 3)
by: Jen Atkinson
@authorjenatkinson
••I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
~She’s not a woman. She’s an official. At least, that’s what Lucca tells himself every time Maggie hands him another yellow card…
-My friends, Officially Yours, is such a delightful enemies to more romcom! It is filled so wonderfully with both humor and heart! In between are layers of emotional depth and dear character growth. I thoroughly enjoyed the endearing characters, the witty back and forth banter, the sparkling chemistry, the sweet found family, and watching characters not only grow but, blossom along the way throughout! But let me tell you, that what I loved most was seeing characters not let the past take over control. I loved seeing characters be able to find themselves, in who they really are, believing that they are enough, that they are worth all the love! This dear story shows that it’s love, is the dear thread that beautifully and powerfully stitches this story together, that molds characters, and opens the door to more possibilities, and has the ability to show dear characters that they are worth it, that they are enough, and that they are worth it all. There is so much more beneath being “just a soccer player,” or “just a tough soccer official.”
…oh so much more! Of course, this is a story worth reading! 💯🙌🏻⚽️📚❤️
•Content: While this book doesn’t contain any scene with an intoxicated person, it does discuss alcoholism
and the effects that it can have on a person and family. No language, no danger; kisses only.
Clean, Closed-Door!
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#officiallyyours
#justaguywirhagirl
#authorjenatkinson
#allaboutthebestreads
(Just a Guy With a Girl Book 3)
by: Jen Atkinson
@authorjenatkinson
••I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
~She’s not a woman. She’s an official. At least, that’s what Lucca tells himself every time Maggie hands him another yellow card…
-My friends, Officially Yours, is such a delightful enemies to more romcom! It is filled so wonderfully with both humor and heart! In between are layers of emotional depth and dear character growth. I thoroughly enjoyed the endearing characters, the witty back and forth banter, the sparkling chemistry, the sweet found family, and watching characters not only grow but, blossom along the way throughout! But let me tell you, that what I loved most was seeing characters not let the past take over control. I loved seeing characters be able to find themselves, in who they really are, believing that they are enough, that they are worth all the love! This dear story shows that it’s love, is the dear thread that beautifully and powerfully stitches this story together, that molds characters, and opens the door to more possibilities, and has the ability to show dear characters that they are worth it, that they are enough, and that they are worth it all. There is so much more beneath being “just a soccer player,” or “just a tough soccer official.”
…oh so much more! Of course, this is a story worth reading! 💯🙌🏻⚽️📚❤️
•Content: While this book doesn’t contain any scene with an intoxicated person, it does discuss alcoholism
and the effects that it can have on a person and family. No language, no danger; kisses only.
Clean, Closed-Door!
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#officiallyyours
#justaguywirhagirl
#authorjenatkinson
#allaboutthebestreads
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Friendship is not what I want with Maggie. She’s like sight for the blind. I’ve seen the light. I can’t take that back. I don’t want to.”
I have been loving Jen Atkinson‘s Just a Guy With a Goal series so far, and I think “Officially Yours“ might just be my new favorite! I was hooked from Paige one and couldn’t wipe the smile off my face throughout the majority of the book!
I freaking loved Luca with his relentless, flirting, banter, and antics! He was literally too charming for his own good! I loved watching him and Maggie go from loathing each other to having some serious chemistry!
Maggie was adorable! It was adorable how she thought she could resist the charms of Lucca Cruz. 😏 I completely admired her love and devotion to Wyatt, Lindy, and their family!
This really was such a cute and fun book, you don’t want to miss it!
Favorite quotes:
“Honey and vinegar. That’s what Roman said. Does he really think I give her vinegar? I am all honey, all the time. I wink at the woman just to prove it. Of the two of us, I’m not vinegar. But honey doesn’t work on McCrae—never has. Her brows lower, and before I can reach center field, she’s scowling at me in disgust.”
“You surprised me,” he says. “That’s all. I judged a book by its cover. And I regret it. So, now I’d like to read it.”
“I can’t help it if I’m suave.” I shrug and give her what is sure to be a suave smile. “Charm is like breathing for me. I can’t turn it off.”
“I am turning into a caveman. And I am much too good-looking to be a caveman.”
I have been loving Jen Atkinson‘s Just a Guy With a Goal series so far, and I think “Officially Yours“ might just be my new favorite! I was hooked from Paige one and couldn’t wipe the smile off my face throughout the majority of the book!
I freaking loved Luca with his relentless, flirting, banter, and antics! He was literally too charming for his own good! I loved watching him and Maggie go from loathing each other to having some serious chemistry!
Maggie was adorable! It was adorable how she thought she could resist the charms of Lucca Cruz. 😏 I completely admired her love and devotion to Wyatt, Lindy, and their family!
This really was such a cute and fun book, you don’t want to miss it!
Favorite quotes:
“Honey and vinegar. That’s what Roman said. Does he really think I give her vinegar? I am all honey, all the time. I wink at the woman just to prove it. Of the two of us, I’m not vinegar. But honey doesn’t work on McCrae—never has. Her brows lower, and before I can reach center field, she’s scowling at me in disgust.”
“You surprised me,” he says. “That’s all. I judged a book by its cover. And I regret it. So, now I’d like to read it.”
“I can’t help it if I’m suave.” I shrug and give her what is sure to be a suave smile. “Charm is like breathing for me. I can’t turn it off.”
“I am turning into a caveman. And I am much too good-looking to be a caveman.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Margaret McCrae is a baddie soccer referee who makes no allowances for cocky players who like playing fast and loose—especially Lucca Cruz. The two of them are regularly facing off in a yellow-card showdown. Tired of being targeted by the heartless woman, Lucca decides to try a new tactic. There isn’t a woman in his life he hasn’t yet been able to charm.
𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙧. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙. 𝘿𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙄 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙧?
𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮, 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙩.
𝙊𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙨, 𝙄’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙧. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙘𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙚—𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙨. 𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙, 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙜𝙪𝙨𝙩.
Do you like the he-falls-first trope? If so, you’ll love this book. Lucca falls hard. He relentlessly pursues Maggie who tries and tries to place boundaries. She can’t have any kind of relationship with a player.
I love all the complexity of this enemies-to-more, forbidden romance, sports romcom. I loved how Maggie is so much more than the tough soccer official. I love how reformed-playboy Lucca gently persists every time Maggie shoots him down. And I love how she really can’t resist him.
“𝙃𝙚’𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨. 𝙃𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚.”
“𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙩—” 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙨.
“𝙒𝙚’𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙬���𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙈𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙚.” 𝘼 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚’𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙘𝙮𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚. “𝙃𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝.”
𝙄 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝. “𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚—”
“𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨?” 𝙁𝙧𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨.
“𝙒𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬.” 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙨.
𝙍𝙤𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙚. “𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙣.”
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this fantastic book.
𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙧. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙. 𝘿𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙄 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙧?
𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮, 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙩.
𝙊𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙨, 𝙄’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙧. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙘𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙚—𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙨. 𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙, 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙜𝙪𝙨𝙩.
Do you like the he-falls-first trope? If so, you’ll love this book. Lucca falls hard. He relentlessly pursues Maggie who tries and tries to place boundaries. She can’t have any kind of relationship with a player.
I love all the complexity of this enemies-to-more, forbidden romance, sports romcom. I loved how Maggie is so much more than the tough soccer official. I love how reformed-playboy Lucca gently persists every time Maggie shoots him down. And I love how she really can’t resist him.
“𝙃𝙚’𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨. 𝙃𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚.”
“𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙩—” 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙨.
“𝙒𝙚’𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙬���𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙈𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙚.” 𝘼 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚’𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙘𝙮𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚. “𝙃𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝.”
𝙄 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝. “𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚—”
“𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨?” 𝙁𝙧𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨.
“𝙒𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬.” 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙨.
𝙍𝙤𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙚. “𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙣.”
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this fantastic book.
March 13, 2026
Officially Yours is a fun, charming, light-hearted soccer rom-com that will have you grinning from ear to ear. It’s book three in Jen Atkinson’s A Guy With A Goal series. Lucca has been one of the most loved side characters in the series, so it was especially fun to finally get his story.
Lucca is flirty, confident, playful—and completely insufferable. Maggie is strong, sassy, stubborn, and immune to Lucca’s charm. I loved watching them push each other’s buttons and get under each other’s skin. Seeing Lucca’s curiosity slowly turn into respect and then attraction was so satisfying. And once Lucca set his sights on Maggie, it was game on. You don’t become a professional athlete without focus and determination, and watching Lucca channel that same drive into pursuing Maggie was like catnip for romance readers.
I loved the female referee element of the story. Is there a word for a cinnamon roll FMC? Because that’s exactly how I’d describe Maggie. She’s tough and holds her own as a woman in a male-dominated field, but when it comes to her family she’s all soft, gooey center.
The text message threads between Lucca and his teammates, the WAGs, and Maggie were some of my favorite moments. And little Wyatt absolutely stole every scene he was in. I also loved getting to see Lucca’s caring and protective side come out as the story unfolded.
If you love playful banter, a hero who is all-in once he decides what he wants, and a strong FMC who refuses to make things easy on him, this one is such a fun read. Lucca and Maggie’s chemistry kept me smiling the whole way through. This was a delightful addition to the series and fans will be glad Lucca finally got his moment.
✨Includes:✨
Soccer Player MMC
Red Tail Defender
Soccer Referee / Official FMC
Enemies To More
Charming And Flirty MMC
He Falls First
Forbidden Romance
She’s Not Giving In
He’s Not Giving Up
Favorites:
🥑Wyatt + avocados and banana cream pie
💜Lucca’s love for Vovo
⚽️Soccer camp
🌈Rainbow flicks
🤨Lucca swiping Maggie’s number
🥳Wyatt’s birthday party
📱All the text threads!
🍽️ Art gallery and couple’s potluck party
😤Caveman Lucca
😁The hammock
🐈Nanners the cat
🚩Lucca’s determination and antics
😠Lucca confronting heckling fan
🎉Grand gesture
Lucca is flirty, confident, playful—and completely insufferable. Maggie is strong, sassy, stubborn, and immune to Lucca’s charm. I loved watching them push each other’s buttons and get under each other’s skin. Seeing Lucca’s curiosity slowly turn into respect and then attraction was so satisfying. And once Lucca set his sights on Maggie, it was game on. You don’t become a professional athlete without focus and determination, and watching Lucca channel that same drive into pursuing Maggie was like catnip for romance readers.
I loved the female referee element of the story. Is there a word for a cinnamon roll FMC? Because that’s exactly how I’d describe Maggie. She’s tough and holds her own as a woman in a male-dominated field, but when it comes to her family she’s all soft, gooey center.
The text message threads between Lucca and his teammates, the WAGs, and Maggie were some of my favorite moments. And little Wyatt absolutely stole every scene he was in. I also loved getting to see Lucca’s caring and protective side come out as the story unfolded.
If you love playful banter, a hero who is all-in once he decides what he wants, and a strong FMC who refuses to make things easy on him, this one is such a fun read. Lucca and Maggie’s chemistry kept me smiling the whole way through. This was a delightful addition to the series and fans will be glad Lucca finally got his moment.
✨Includes:✨
Soccer Player MMC
Red Tail Defender
Soccer Referee / Official FMC
Enemies To More
Charming And Flirty MMC
He Falls First
Forbidden Romance
She’s Not Giving In
He’s Not Giving Up
Favorites:
🥑Wyatt + avocados and banana cream pie
💜Lucca’s love for Vovo
⚽️Soccer camp
🌈Rainbow flicks
🤨Lucca swiping Maggie’s number
🥳Wyatt’s birthday party
📱All the text threads!
🍽️ Art gallery and couple’s potluck party
😤Caveman Lucca
😁The hammock
🐈Nanners the cat
🚩Lucca’s determination and antics
😠Lucca confronting heckling fan
🎉Grand gesture
March 17, 2026
This was such a fabulous edition to the Just a Guy with A Goal series. Jen Atkinson always writes the most creative, clean romcoms. Lucca is the charming semi-pro soccer player, Maggie is the serious, career focused referee. Lucca likes to walk the thin line between breaking the rules and following them, and Maggie is not willing to let it slide. After getting flagged several times in recent games, Lucca is holding a little bit of a grudge. That is, until he finds out Maggie has an interesting backstory. A backstory that he is now invested in learning all the details about. I really enjoyed Maggie's unique family, whether it be her dad's eclectic nature, her mom's hospitality, her sister's sobriety, or her nephew's obsession with Banana cream pie and avocados. Lucca was such a swoon worthy MMC. He shows his feelings in numerous ways, doing the sweetest things for Maggie.
KU version (Sorry I couldn't get the page numbers to load on my advanced copy, so we are going with approximations)
"I'm letting you lead. You seem to like being the boss," (KU 17%).
"Did you google me, Cruz?" She hisses in a whisper (KU 25%).
"Charm is like breathing for me. I can't turn it off," (KU 35%).
"I am feral," (KU 60%).
"Is affectionate violence a thing? I look at Maggie-affection. I look at him-violence. I feel them both," (KU 60%).
"Margaret McCrae, I adore you," (KU 64%).
"'Maggie isn't a spark. She's more like a fire blazing in the hearth,'" (KU 77%).
Mood: Humorous
Spice: Level One- Only Kisses
KU version (Sorry I couldn't get the page numbers to load on my advanced copy, so we are going with approximations)
"I'm letting you lead. You seem to like being the boss," (KU 17%).
"Did you google me, Cruz?" She hisses in a whisper (KU 25%).
"Charm is like breathing for me. I can't turn it off," (KU 35%).
"I am feral," (KU 60%).
"Is affectionate violence a thing? I look at Maggie-affection. I look at him-violence. I feel them both," (KU 60%).
"Margaret McCrae, I adore you," (KU 64%).
"'Maggie isn't a spark. She's more like a fire blazing in the hearth,'" (KU 77%).
Mood: Humorous
Spice: Level One- Only Kisses
March 30, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
I received a complimentary copy (electronic) of this book via Jen Atkinson. This is an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Margaret (Maggie) McCrae is the sole female referee for the semi-professional soccer league. Her role as an official comes with many pressures, but her biggest obstacle is being taken seriously/ respected the players and fans. However, if she had to pinpoint her biggest headache, it would be Lucca Cruz.
Lucca Cruz, Brazilian heartthrob, from the Reno- Tesoro Red Tails, is used to charming his way through life. Unfortunately, his antics don’t work on one Maggie McCrea. The two have a contentious relationship, riddled with yellow and red cards.
But when Maggie’s nephew requests Lucca attend his birthday celebration, everything changes. The two begin to see each other for who they truly are. Is this a match made in heaven, or will their relationship jeopardize their careers?
Officially Yours has become my all-time favorite book by Jen Atkinson!!!!
At first glance, this story appears to simply be a sports (soccer) romcom. However, it is so much more. At its heart, it is a love letter to women who step up to raise children they did not birth.
I deeply connected with this story having served as an integral part of my nieces life (from birth to three years old). It can be difficult for others to comprehend the unique bond we share. Therefore, I will forever be grateful to Atkinson for penning a story that not only acknowledges but validates my experience!
I received a complimentary copy (electronic) of this book via Jen Atkinson. This is an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Margaret (Maggie) McCrae is the sole female referee for the semi-professional soccer league. Her role as an official comes with many pressures, but her biggest obstacle is being taken seriously/ respected the players and fans. However, if she had to pinpoint her biggest headache, it would be Lucca Cruz.
Lucca Cruz, Brazilian heartthrob, from the Reno- Tesoro Red Tails, is used to charming his way through life. Unfortunately, his antics don’t work on one Maggie McCrea. The two have a contentious relationship, riddled with yellow and red cards.
But when Maggie’s nephew requests Lucca attend his birthday celebration, everything changes. The two begin to see each other for who they truly are. Is this a match made in heaven, or will their relationship jeopardize their careers?
Officially Yours has become my all-time favorite book by Jen Atkinson!!!!
At first glance, this story appears to simply be a sports (soccer) romcom. However, it is so much more. At its heart, it is a love letter to women who step up to raise children they did not birth.
I deeply connected with this story having served as an integral part of my nieces life (from birth to three years old). It can be difficult for others to comprehend the unique bond we share. Therefore, I will forever be grateful to Atkinson for penning a story that not only acknowledges but validates my experience!
March 4, 2026
I thought this book was so cute! I love how Maggie and Lucca come together even though they definitely have some fun enemies to lovers vibe. They were both such loyal and loving people, and it was sweet to see them be for each other instead of against each other.
I really liked Lucca! He has such golden retriever energy, and even though he seemed like a bit of a playboy, he also truly cared for the people he loved. I thought his relationship with the girlfriends on the team were so cute too! He had such great connections with everyone on the team, and it was fun to see them come together and support him.
I liked Maggie from the start! She was such a loyal and hardworking person, and I love how she cared for her family. She had sacrificed so much for them, and I like how realistic the family relationships were. Her family was genuinely appreciative of what she had done for them, and they wanted her to move forward. Yet at the same time they were also trying to help and pull their own weight.
I thought her relationship with Lucca was adorable! He really showed up for her and supported her. Both of them were willing to sacrifice for the other person, and their banter was so fun. They definitely made each other better as they helped push each other to move forward and not get stuck in the past. This is an adorable closed door romance perfect for sports fan!
I received an ARC.
I really liked Lucca! He has such golden retriever energy, and even though he seemed like a bit of a playboy, he also truly cared for the people he loved. I thought his relationship with the girlfriends on the team were so cute too! He had such great connections with everyone on the team, and it was fun to see them come together and support him.
I liked Maggie from the start! She was such a loyal and hardworking person, and I love how she cared for her family. She had sacrificed so much for them, and I like how realistic the family relationships were. Her family was genuinely appreciative of what she had done for them, and they wanted her to move forward. Yet at the same time they were also trying to help and pull their own weight.
I thought her relationship with Lucca was adorable! He really showed up for her and supported her. Both of them were willing to sacrifice for the other person, and their banter was so fun. They definitely made each other better as they helped push each other to move forward and not get stuck in the past. This is an adorable closed door romance perfect for sports fan!
I received an ARC.
March 26, 2026
📝 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲: A football player and a referee start off on the wrong foot, but once he truly gets to know her, rivalry turns into friendship, and eventually something more.
💬 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: I am really enjoying this series. As someone who has watched more European football than American football, I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging the sports elements were here. The football setting felt lively and fun, and I especially loved the representation of a female referee. That perspective added something fresh to the story.
Maggie’s backstory gives a lot of context to the way she approaches both her career and relationships. It also helps explain why Lucca becomes so drawn to her. His interest in her does not feel random. Instead, it grows from admiration and genuine curiosity about who she is.
Lucca is the type of male lead who knows what he wants and is not shy about pursuing it. Normally I can be a bit hesitant with characters like that because they sometimes come across as lacking boundaries. However, Lucca still pays attention to Maggie’s reactions and comfort level, which made his persistence feel more respectful than pushy.
The chemistry between them builds naturally, and their dynamic balances competitive tension with moments of warmth and humor. I also loved whenever Wyatt appeared. Those scenes always bring extra energy and remind you of the importance of a close family knit.
One of the joys of this series is seeing previous couples show up again. It makes the world feel connected and gives longtime readers little moments of nostalgia. It was fun catching glimpses of familiar characters while watching Maggie and Lucca’s story unfold.
If you have been reading a lot of fantasy or mystery lately, this makes a great palate cleanser. It is light, engaging, and easy to get swept up in. I am also really hoping Zev and Rosalie get their own story, even though they are already together. Their dynamic seems interesting enough to explore more. And I am very glad this series is not over yet.
❤️🔥 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿:
The football setting and referee representation
Lucca and Maggie’s growing chemistry
Cameos from previous couples in the series
The fun group dynamic between characters
⚠️ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁:
Closed-door Romance
Recovering alcoholic
Abandonment
Grief
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱/𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
Sports romance
Enemies to friends to romance dynamics
Strong female leads in male-dominated professions
Series with interconnected characters
Lighthearted contemporary romance that works as a reading palate cleanser
💬 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: I am really enjoying this series. As someone who has watched more European football than American football, I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging the sports elements were here. The football setting felt lively and fun, and I especially loved the representation of a female referee. That perspective added something fresh to the story.
Maggie’s backstory gives a lot of context to the way she approaches both her career and relationships. It also helps explain why Lucca becomes so drawn to her. His interest in her does not feel random. Instead, it grows from admiration and genuine curiosity about who she is.
Lucca is the type of male lead who knows what he wants and is not shy about pursuing it. Normally I can be a bit hesitant with characters like that because they sometimes come across as lacking boundaries. However, Lucca still pays attention to Maggie’s reactions and comfort level, which made his persistence feel more respectful than pushy.
The chemistry between them builds naturally, and their dynamic balances competitive tension with moments of warmth and humor. I also loved whenever Wyatt appeared. Those scenes always bring extra energy and remind you of the importance of a close family knit.
One of the joys of this series is seeing previous couples show up again. It makes the world feel connected and gives longtime readers little moments of nostalgia. It was fun catching glimpses of familiar characters while watching Maggie and Lucca’s story unfold.
If you have been reading a lot of fantasy or mystery lately, this makes a great palate cleanser. It is light, engaging, and easy to get swept up in. I am also really hoping Zev and Rosalie get their own story, even though they are already together. Their dynamic seems interesting enough to explore more. And I am very glad this series is not over yet.
❤️🔥 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿:
The football setting and referee representation
Lucca and Maggie’s growing chemistry
Cameos from previous couples in the series
The fun group dynamic between characters
⚠️ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁:
Closed-door Romance
Recovering alcoholic
Abandonment
Grief
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱/𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
Sports romance
Enemies to friends to romance dynamics
Strong female leads in male-dominated professions
Series with interconnected characters
Lighthearted contemporary romance that works as a reading palate cleanser
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews