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Just a Guy With a Goal #1
The Romcom Remake
She’s plotting a romcom. He’s playing without a game plan.
But sometimes the best love stories are the ones that don’t follow the script.
Is it too much to ask for a romcom-level romance?
Fran Fairchild doesn’t think so.
After growing up in a loveless home, she is determined to script her own happily-ever-after.
True love is out there. It’s real. And Fran won’t be leaving without it.
But so far, her romcom remakes have been one epic fail after another.
Until one unexpected kiss from a handsome stranger saves her from public humiliation—
Callum Whitaker–professional soccer player and certified romance skeptic–didn’t plan to kiss Fran. Or to spiral into a six-month goal drought. Let’s just say the universe isn’t playing fair.
After a toxic relationship, Callum has decided that love isn’t part of his agenda… while scoring goals on the field is. Only the more he focuses on his game–the worse it gets.
Until Fran.
Yep, quirky, cute little Fran–who Callum is determined NOT to fall for–just might be his lucky charm. That kiss and her schemes are changing his game.
But Fran’s got more than luck on her side–she’s on a Convince Callum that love is not the enemy. And somehow, it’s working. Bit by bit, he’s realizing he does need love in his life.
Or maybe he just needs Fran.
But sometimes the best love stories are the ones that don’t follow the script.
Is it too much to ask for a romcom-level romance?
Fran Fairchild doesn’t think so.
After growing up in a loveless home, she is determined to script her own happily-ever-after.
True love is out there. It’s real. And Fran won’t be leaving without it.
But so far, her romcom remakes have been one epic fail after another.
Until one unexpected kiss from a handsome stranger saves her from public humiliation—
Callum Whitaker–professional soccer player and certified romance skeptic–didn’t plan to kiss Fran. Or to spiral into a six-month goal drought. Let’s just say the universe isn’t playing fair.
After a toxic relationship, Callum has decided that love isn’t part of his agenda… while scoring goals on the field is. Only the more he focuses on his game–the worse it gets.
Until Fran.
Yep, quirky, cute little Fran–who Callum is determined NOT to fall for–just might be his lucky charm. That kiss and her schemes are changing his game.
But Fran’s got more than luck on her side–she’s on a Convince Callum that love is not the enemy. And somehow, it’s working. Bit by bit, he’s realizing he does need love in his life.
Or maybe he just needs Fran.
Audible Audio
First published July 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
July 13, 2025
I so wanted to love this book, but it just didn’t do it for me. I couldn’t fully get on board with Fran’s theory, and found it annoying at points. I loved Callum, and there were many scenes between them that I did love. The side characters: teammates, friends and family were great. The story just felt disjointed to me.
January 28, 2026
First 5 star read of the year ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! Wow wonderfully written clean and wholesome Rom-Com. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I literally smiled from beginning to end with some many laugh out loud moments. There was Dual POV, friends to lovers, no language no spice. No third act break up no miscommunication!!
I loved how the author incorporated movie references as the FMC is obsessed with Romantic movies and finding her own romance by re-creating scenes from her favorite movies. Although alot of her scene remakes end in an epic failure and spur of the moment encounter with a professional soccer player has her wanting to forget about the remakes. the MMC has been down on his luck with his game play but a chance encounters with the FMC helps him get his groove back on the soccer field when he ask the FMC to be his lucky charm he never expected to fall so hard especially not when he's a believer that love isn't for him.
I loved how the author incorporated movie references as the FMC is obsessed with Romantic movies and finding her own romance by re-creating scenes from her favorite movies. Although alot of her scene remakes end in an epic failure and spur of the moment encounter with a professional soccer player has her wanting to forget about the remakes. the MMC has been down on his luck with his game play but a chance encounters with the FMC helps him get his groove back on the soccer field when he ask the FMC to be his lucky charm he never expected to fall so hard especially not when he's a believer that love isn't for him.
May 10, 2026
Well, that was very cutesy!! This book was super quirky and a little all over the place, but I honestly enjoyed it! Fran is one nutty, fun loving girl - it was her world, and everyone else was just living in it 🤣 I kinda loved it for her; the story definitely embraced the quirky, weirdness in us all😆
May 27, 2026
The Cutest, Most Charming Sports Romance/Rom-Com Mashup!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 Stars rounded up to 5)
Format: Audible Audiobook
This story was absolutely so cute!!! If you love classic rom-com tropes mixed with a sweet sports romance, you are going to fall completely in love with this book.
The story follows Francis Fairchild (who prefers to go by Fran), a total romantic who just wants to find the kind of love you see in the movies. She doesn't necessarily have favorite movies, but she has favorite scenes, and she is determined to play them out in real life. Enter Callum Whitaker, a hunky star soccer player who has been stuck in a major slump on the field after a bad breakup. After his teammates dare him to do something completely out of the ordinary to get his mojo back, he crosses paths with Fran and plants a random—but completely amazing—kiss on her.
While they never expect to see each other again, fate has other plans.
What I loved most about this book is the progression of their relationship. Cal isn't looking for love, whereas Fran is actively chasing it, but the two end up forming an incredibly close, cozy friendship first. Cal’s teammates even convince him that Fran is his lucky charm because ever since they met, he is playing brilliantly again, smiling more, and just happier all around. Fran truly brings out the absolute best side of him.
Their movie nights together were some of my favorite moments. I loved how Cal encourages Fran to stop trying to recreate Hollywood moments and instead helps her make a list of her own unique adventures. Their friendship is just the cutest, and watching them slowly realize the undeniable, magnetic pull between them completely melted me.
A note on the audiobook: The narration for this was absolutely top-notch! Both narrators did a spectacular job bringing the story to life. Their voices and delivery were so distinct and expressive that it was incredibly easy to picture Fran and Callum perfectly in my mind as the story played out. They captured all the humor, romance, and emotion flawlessly.
This was such a feel-good, heartwarming listen. I highly recommend the audiobook if you're looking for an adorable friends-to-lovers story with a wonderful hero, a relatable heroine, and a stellar voice cast!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 Stars rounded up to 5)
Format: Audible Audiobook
This story was absolutely so cute!!! If you love classic rom-com tropes mixed with a sweet sports romance, you are going to fall completely in love with this book.
The story follows Francis Fairchild (who prefers to go by Fran), a total romantic who just wants to find the kind of love you see in the movies. She doesn't necessarily have favorite movies, but she has favorite scenes, and she is determined to play them out in real life. Enter Callum Whitaker, a hunky star soccer player who has been stuck in a major slump on the field after a bad breakup. After his teammates dare him to do something completely out of the ordinary to get his mojo back, he crosses paths with Fran and plants a random—but completely amazing—kiss on her.
While they never expect to see each other again, fate has other plans.
What I loved most about this book is the progression of their relationship. Cal isn't looking for love, whereas Fran is actively chasing it, but the two end up forming an incredibly close, cozy friendship first. Cal’s teammates even convince him that Fran is his lucky charm because ever since they met, he is playing brilliantly again, smiling more, and just happier all around. Fran truly brings out the absolute best side of him.
Their movie nights together were some of my favorite moments. I loved how Cal encourages Fran to stop trying to recreate Hollywood moments and instead helps her make a list of her own unique adventures. Their friendship is just the cutest, and watching them slowly realize the undeniable, magnetic pull between them completely melted me.
A note on the audiobook: The narration for this was absolutely top-notch! Both narrators did a spectacular job bringing the story to life. Their voices and delivery were so distinct and expressive that it was incredibly easy to picture Fran and Callum perfectly in my mind as the story played out. They captured all the humor, romance, and emotion flawlessly.
This was such a feel-good, heartwarming listen. I highly recommend the audiobook if you're looking for an adorable friends-to-lovers story with a wonderful hero, a relatable heroine, and a stellar voice cast!
August 10, 2025
THE ROMCOM REMAKE by Jen Atkinson
‘There were relationships—the kind that I once thought only true on the screen—out there, existing in the world. And Hollywood had basically provided a formula on how to obtain one.’
This book was so much fun! If you love iconic romcom references like big scenes, classic titles, and all the warm-fuzzy nostalgia—you’re going to eat this one up. Jen Atkinson never misses, and The RomCom Remake is no exception.
After a string of failed “romcom-style” relationships, Fran Fairchild is determined to script her own happily-ever-after. But when a public humiliation is saved by a kiss from a handsome stranger—Callum “Hot Lips” Whitaker—her next great love story may not follow the formula after all. He’s grumpy, guarded, and not even looking for love. Or so he thinks.
Fran and her bestie? Absolutely hilarious. Their banter had me giggling more than once, and the way they schemed (and by they I mean Fran😂) to create the perfect romcom plot felt like something straight out of…well, a romcom!
And Callum? He’s charming, infuriating, and completely unprepared for Fran’s quirky, love-obsessed determination—and that’s exactly why he works so perfectly.
If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud, feel-good romance with an endearing, delightfully quirky female main character and a hero who has a big heart despite himself, this is your next read.
I, for one, cannot wait to spend more time with this soccer team as the series continues.
Available now! Happy reading📚
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Triggers: parent abandonment, romance: kisses only (tongue mentioned once)
‘There were relationships—the kind that I once thought only true on the screen—out there, existing in the world. And Hollywood had basically provided a formula on how to obtain one.’
This book was so much fun! If you love iconic romcom references like big scenes, classic titles, and all the warm-fuzzy nostalgia—you’re going to eat this one up. Jen Atkinson never misses, and The RomCom Remake is no exception.
After a string of failed “romcom-style” relationships, Fran Fairchild is determined to script her own happily-ever-after. But when a public humiliation is saved by a kiss from a handsome stranger—Callum “Hot Lips” Whitaker—her next great love story may not follow the formula after all. He’s grumpy, guarded, and not even looking for love. Or so he thinks.
Fran and her bestie? Absolutely hilarious. Their banter had me giggling more than once, and the way they schemed (and by they I mean Fran😂) to create the perfect romcom plot felt like something straight out of…well, a romcom!
And Callum? He’s charming, infuriating, and completely unprepared for Fran’s quirky, love-obsessed determination—and that’s exactly why he works so perfectly.
If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud, feel-good romance with an endearing, delightfully quirky female main character and a hero who has a big heart despite himself, this is your next read.
I, for one, cannot wait to spend more time with this soccer team as the series continues.
Available now! Happy reading📚
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Triggers: parent abandonment, romance: kisses only (tongue mentioned once)
July 11, 2025
The ROMCOM Remake
by: Jen Atkinson
@authorjenatkinson
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~She’s plotting a romcom. He’s playing without a game plan. But sometimes the best love stories are the ones that don’t follow the script. Is it too much to ask for a romcom-level romance? Fran Fairchild doesn’t think so.
After growing up in a loveless home, she is determined to script her own happily-ever-after…
“I’m not looking for a Cary Grant or Ryan Gosling, just a good human. A storybook romance. Someone who will complete me in every possible way and make me happy. Someone I can love and bring joy to in return.”
-The ROMCOM Remake, is a delightful laugh-out-loud, closed door romcom. You can look forward to plenty of swoony kisses, cackle-inducing moments, heart-thumping heroes, and one adorable, hopeless, romcom remaking heroine. And ZERO explicit scenes!
It has endearing characters, a soccer backdrop, playful sparks of chemistry, nostalgic 90s rom-com movie references, and an extra layer of depth with character’s choices/experiences/backgrounds, which gives extra heart to this dear story! Watching dear characters come to realize what it means to simply be themselves, that they are enough was so very wonderful. This is a story worth reading!🙌🏻📚❤️
“Our story is magical, but not because it’s perfect, simply because it’s ours.”
•Content: strained family relationships/upbringing, very minimal amount of language, on scene accident involving some blood, kisses only.
“No pretending. Just be you. That’s all I need.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Love is worth the risk.”
#theromcomremake
#authorjenatkinson
“Everyone does things differently. And that’s
okay.”
#allaboutthebestreads
by: Jen Atkinson
@authorjenatkinson
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~She’s plotting a romcom. He’s playing without a game plan. But sometimes the best love stories are the ones that don’t follow the script. Is it too much to ask for a romcom-level romance? Fran Fairchild doesn’t think so.
After growing up in a loveless home, she is determined to script her own happily-ever-after…
“I’m not looking for a Cary Grant or Ryan Gosling, just a good human. A storybook romance. Someone who will complete me in every possible way and make me happy. Someone I can love and bring joy to in return.”
-The ROMCOM Remake, is a delightful laugh-out-loud, closed door romcom. You can look forward to plenty of swoony kisses, cackle-inducing moments, heart-thumping heroes, and one adorable, hopeless, romcom remaking heroine. And ZERO explicit scenes!
It has endearing characters, a soccer backdrop, playful sparks of chemistry, nostalgic 90s rom-com movie references, and an extra layer of depth with character’s choices/experiences/backgrounds, which gives extra heart to this dear story! Watching dear characters come to realize what it means to simply be themselves, that they are enough was so very wonderful. This is a story worth reading!🙌🏻📚❤️
“Our story is magical, but not because it’s perfect, simply because it’s ours.”
•Content: strained family relationships/upbringing, very minimal amount of language, on scene accident involving some blood, kisses only.
“No pretending. Just be you. That’s all I need.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Love is worth the risk.”
#theromcomremake
#authorjenatkinson
“Everyone does things differently. And that’s
okay.”
#allaboutthebestreads
May 27, 2026
Everything about this just worked for me!
Fran/Franny/Francis she's a HOPELESS romantic, but in the best way. She grew up in a loveless home, but briefly experienced what a loving home and a happy marriage could be like at a friend's house. Ever since she's been on the hunt to find her happily ever after. She goes through life with her rose-colored glasses, but I loved her for it. She recreates romcoms scenes with the guys she dates hoping to find her perfect guy. As a lover of romcoms this was so fun to have all my favorites mentioned and then played out.
Callum is the straight laced captain on a minor league soccer team. He doesn't want love for himself and is in a funk with his playing and life after a toxic relationship ended. He and his friends are out and they dare him to live a little. He and Fran meet in an unexpected way and their story intertwines.
The amount of times I literally laughed so hard I cried was crazy in this book. Fran is so endearing and I love how much she believes in love. Her and Callum were quite the pair and I loved each of their interactions. I wish I could read this again for the first time! The friends and family were 🤌🏼🤌🏼 I can't wait to continue the series! Also, the narrators were TOP TIER and made this audiobook so entertaining and enjoyable. Callum's mom and her wisdom were so special. Love his family!
Fake dating
Romcoms
Soccer player MMC
Waitress/student FMC
One bed
Remarks •
No spice - just kisses, make out scenes
No language
TW - toxic relationships in the past, child abandonment
Favorite things:
Nicknames - superman, Franny
Bar kiss
Butt pad
Game kiss
Triple date with the hand prank
Bucket list nondate
The tulip wall escapade
Fake tattoo
Darcy date
Fridge kiss
Heart to heart with Callums mom
Fran/Franny/Francis she's a HOPELESS romantic, but in the best way. She grew up in a loveless home, but briefly experienced what a loving home and a happy marriage could be like at a friend's house. Ever since she's been on the hunt to find her happily ever after. She goes through life with her rose-colored glasses, but I loved her for it. She recreates romcoms scenes with the guys she dates hoping to find her perfect guy. As a lover of romcoms this was so fun to have all my favorites mentioned and then played out.
Callum is the straight laced captain on a minor league soccer team. He doesn't want love for himself and is in a funk with his playing and life after a toxic relationship ended. He and his friends are out and they dare him to live a little. He and Fran meet in an unexpected way and their story intertwines.
The amount of times I literally laughed so hard I cried was crazy in this book. Fran is so endearing and I love how much she believes in love. Her and Callum were quite the pair and I loved each of their interactions. I wish I could read this again for the first time! The friends and family were 🤌🏼🤌🏼 I can't wait to continue the series! Also, the narrators were TOP TIER and made this audiobook so entertaining and enjoyable. Callum's mom and her wisdom were so special. Love his family!
Fake dating
Romcoms
Soccer player MMC
Waitress/student FMC
One bed
Remarks •
No spice - just kisses, make out scenes
No language
TW - toxic relationships in the past, child abandonment
Favorite things:
Nicknames - superman, Franny
Bar kiss
Butt pad
Game kiss
Triple date with the hand prank
Bucket list nondate
The tulip wall escapade
Fake tattoo
Darcy date
Fridge kiss
Heart to heart with Callums mom
July 18, 2025
THIS WAS SUPER FUN! I really loved the plot of this book! It was unique and different and kept me engaged the entire time. I feel like it gave 2000s nostalgia the entire time, but i can’t quite explain why! 😆 give me a 2000s R&B love playlist and this book and i’ll have the best time! 🎶
I really loved our MCs. I love that the both just kinda went with what the other wanted - the goood luck charm & the remakes! it was super endearing. I also love a romance when the yearning and want for each other is bleeding off the page to the reader but the MCs just have no idea, it makes it all the more better when the finally dive all in!
Callum’s family was one of my absolute favorite parts of this book! I adored them and how absolutely hysterical they were but also how endearing they were. I wanted to be there playing the silly murder game with them.
I’ve said it before, and i’ll say it again. Jen’s writing is sooooooo good. It’s easy to read, bingable, engaging and will have you feeling all the emotions - giggling, swooning, yearning with the character, kicking your feet, crying (when she wants you too) and being the MCs biggest cheerleaders.
The Vibes:
-Opposites Attract
-Practice Dating
-Found Family
-Sports Romcom ⚽️
-Strangers, to friends to more
I really loved our MCs. I love that the both just kinda went with what the other wanted - the goood luck charm & the remakes! it was super endearing. I also love a romance when the yearning and want for each other is bleeding off the page to the reader but the MCs just have no idea, it makes it all the more better when the finally dive all in!
Callum’s family was one of my absolute favorite parts of this book! I adored them and how absolutely hysterical they were but also how endearing they were. I wanted to be there playing the silly murder game with them.
I’ve said it before, and i’ll say it again. Jen’s writing is sooooooo good. It’s easy to read, bingable, engaging and will have you feeling all the emotions - giggling, swooning, yearning with the character, kicking your feet, crying (when she wants you too) and being the MCs biggest cheerleaders.
The Vibes:
-Opposites Attract
-Practice Dating
-Found Family
-Sports Romcom ⚽️
-Strangers, to friends to more
August 12, 2025
ADORED this book!
Oh my goodness this RomCom was so witty and clever! I was cackling through the entire thing!
Fran was adorable, and I loved how she had so much depth and growth.
Callum... BOY did it take him a hot second to figure things out but the journey was so fun and swoony.
I loved all the side characters and can't wait for the many stories to come!
Rosalie I'm looking at you 👀
Loved loved loved and thoroughly enjoyed the soccer references!
💋Makeouts only
⚠️Fran's parents were bleh, and a toxic ex girlfriend for Callum
Oh my goodness this RomCom was so witty and clever! I was cackling through the entire thing!
Fran was adorable, and I loved how she had so much depth and growth.
Callum... BOY did it take him a hot second to figure things out but the journey was so fun and swoony.
I loved all the side characters and can't wait for the many stories to come!
Rosalie I'm looking at you 👀
Loved loved loved and thoroughly enjoyed the soccer references!
💋Makeouts only
⚠️Fran's parents were bleh, and a toxic ex girlfriend for Callum
May 29, 2026
I realllyyy struggled with this one. Fran was quirky & kinda crazy at times that I was getting secondhand embarrassment just reading her romcom remakes 🙃. I’m willing to try book 2 but I’m definitely not in a rush to pick it up.
July 21, 2025
Simply adorable. Fran is not your typical girl. She is quirky, has a past and is a romance lover. She is my girl. Loved the stranger to lovers trope. Can’t wait for the next book to come out!
August 19, 2025
So this book is about the classic FMC who is all about the perfect romance and the MMC who is all about how love is definitely not for him.
Fran is in college, wants to write, and thinks that life should be like a romcom. She thinks that it she can just create the perfect romcom remake of any 90’s or early 2000’s movie, then she will end up with her love story.
Callum is a semi pro soccer player. He’s been playing poorly, until he makes a move to do something spontaneous. He’s hung up on how he doesn’t need love, but is willing to teach Fran how to date without focusing just on the dating. It’s cute to watch each of them fall. And their stories and focus change.
This is the perfect sweet story. It’s fun, cute, brings you back to your chick flick watching days. It’s clean and no swearing. It’s basically the perfect romcom movie put to a book.
Fran is in college, wants to write, and thinks that life should be like a romcom. She thinks that it she can just create the perfect romcom remake of any 90’s or early 2000’s movie, then she will end up with her love story.
Callum is a semi pro soccer player. He’s been playing poorly, until he makes a move to do something spontaneous. He’s hung up on how he doesn’t need love, but is willing to teach Fran how to date without focusing just on the dating. It’s cute to watch each of them fall. And their stories and focus change.
This is the perfect sweet story. It’s fun, cute, brings you back to your chick flick watching days. It’s clean and no swearing. It’s basically the perfect romcom movie put to a book.
July 9, 2025
6⭐️ all the stars!! This is my favorite book by Jen Atkinson so far and one I know I won’t forget!
⚽️❤️🎬Fave Quotes🎬❤️⚽️
She swallows. Her eyes gaze up at me.
We are not in a romcom. I am not her happily ever after. But she’s looking at me like I might be. Our dating is strategic. It has a purpose. I’m helping her. She’s helping me. I know that. She knows that.
But it feels like something else at this moment.
A loud whistle sounds from the crowd of fans, releasing the hold I have on her and the spell Fran has possibly cast on me. The kiss was soft, chaste, and much too short. It leaves me hungry and wondering how in the world I’ll be able to go out and play a decent game today.
“Hey, Franny,” Lucca says. “You got a lucky kiss for me too?” He taps his clean shaven cheek.
Fran’s brows lower in question, and a hum escapes her as if she may be considering it.
“Nope,” I say, reaching for her wrist and pulling her half a foot behind me. “She isn’t the team kissing booth, Cruz. She’s my guest, and you’ll behave.”
“Can you say something for me?”
“Say what?”
“Just look at me and say these words.”
Her amber eyes shut, her chin lifts, and she whispers out the line she’s feeding me. “You have bewitched me, body and soul.”
“Fran Fairchild, you have bewitched me into doing things I’d never normally do. You’ve taken away my sanity, my reasoning, and possibly my self-control.”
Her eyes flutter open, and I take one step back. I’m too close. Fran smells a bit like the diner, and I’ve never wanted a cheeseburger so bad in my life.
“Just be you. That’s all I need.”
“Lucky charm,” she says.
“Lucky to have you with me,” I say.
⚽️❤️🎬My Thoughts🎬❤️⚽️
⚽️I absolutely loved Jen Atkinson’s Another Bailey brother series and I was so excited to see that her next series were gonna be sports romcoms and with soccer! This has got to be my favorite book I have ever read from her! This concept was genius! I could picture it perfectly playing out as a romcom movie in my head.
🎬In this book we have Fran who has had a rough upbringing and out to prove that you can create romance by recreating moments from romcom movies. Then you have Cal who accidentally creates one of those moments with Fran when he sees her coming out of a Karaoke bar and worst of all he doesn’t believe in love.
⚽️I don’t have words for how much I loved this book but some of my favorite parts of the book was the first game she goes to and Cal leaves something for Fran pick up with a note attached that not only made snort laugh but also made me swoon.
When Fran sat down and tells Cal why she does what she does I was absolutely sobbing at that part!
Oh my gosh the scene with the bucket list was the best, just think A Walk To Remember! I also have that tattoo.
The random act of kindness that involved them breaking and entering had me giggling so much!
I loved Lester he was always there giving Fran advice and just the best side character besides the team. I also loved all of Cal’s teammates and how they took to Fran right away and even gave her a nickname! I hope they all get books!
I absolutely sobbed my way through the end of chapter 42 when Fran goes home with Cal to meet his family. When Cal’s mom talks to her at the end of the chapter was so heartwarming. Absolutely loved Cal’s family and how they just took her right in!
🎬If you are a fan of late 90’s and early 00’s romcoms then you must absolutely add this one to your TBR you will not be disappointed. I know I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this series! I’m kinda hoping it’s Rosalie and Zev!
⚽️Thank you so much Jen Atkinson for providing me an e-arc to read and review all thoughts, fangirling, and opinions are my own.
⚽️❤️🎬Fave Quotes🎬❤️⚽️
She swallows. Her eyes gaze up at me.
We are not in a romcom. I am not her happily ever after. But she’s looking at me like I might be. Our dating is strategic. It has a purpose. I’m helping her. She’s helping me. I know that. She knows that.
But it feels like something else at this moment.
A loud whistle sounds from the crowd of fans, releasing the hold I have on her and the spell Fran has possibly cast on me. The kiss was soft, chaste, and much too short. It leaves me hungry and wondering how in the world I’ll be able to go out and play a decent game today.
“Hey, Franny,” Lucca says. “You got a lucky kiss for me too?” He taps his clean shaven cheek.
Fran’s brows lower in question, and a hum escapes her as if she may be considering it.
“Nope,” I say, reaching for her wrist and pulling her half a foot behind me. “She isn’t the team kissing booth, Cruz. She’s my guest, and you’ll behave.”
“Can you say something for me?”
“Say what?”
“Just look at me and say these words.”
Her amber eyes shut, her chin lifts, and she whispers out the line she’s feeding me. “You have bewitched me, body and soul.”
“Fran Fairchild, you have bewitched me into doing things I’d never normally do. You’ve taken away my sanity, my reasoning, and possibly my self-control.”
Her eyes flutter open, and I take one step back. I’m too close. Fran smells a bit like the diner, and I’ve never wanted a cheeseburger so bad in my life.
“Just be you. That’s all I need.”
“Lucky charm,” she says.
“Lucky to have you with me,” I say.
⚽️❤️🎬My Thoughts🎬❤️⚽️
⚽️I absolutely loved Jen Atkinson’s Another Bailey brother series and I was so excited to see that her next series were gonna be sports romcoms and with soccer! This has got to be my favorite book I have ever read from her! This concept was genius! I could picture it perfectly playing out as a romcom movie in my head.
🎬In this book we have Fran who has had a rough upbringing and out to prove that you can create romance by recreating moments from romcom movies. Then you have Cal who accidentally creates one of those moments with Fran when he sees her coming out of a Karaoke bar and worst of all he doesn’t believe in love.
⚽️I don’t have words for how much I loved this book but some of my favorite parts of the book was the first game she goes to and Cal leaves something for Fran pick up with a note attached that not only made snort laugh but also made me swoon.
When Fran sat down and tells Cal why she does what she does I was absolutely sobbing at that part!
Oh my gosh the scene with the bucket list was the best, just think A Walk To Remember! I also have that tattoo.
The random act of kindness that involved them breaking and entering had me giggling so much!
I loved Lester he was always there giving Fran advice and just the best side character besides the team. I also loved all of Cal’s teammates and how they took to Fran right away and even gave her a nickname! I hope they all get books!
I absolutely sobbed my way through the end of chapter 42 when Fran goes home with Cal to meet his family. When Cal’s mom talks to her at the end of the chapter was so heartwarming. Absolutely loved Cal’s family and how they just took her right in!
🎬If you are a fan of late 90’s and early 00’s romcoms then you must absolutely add this one to your TBR you will not be disappointed. I know I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this series! I’m kinda hoping it’s Rosalie and Zev!
⚽️Thank you so much Jen Atkinson for providing me an e-arc to read and review all thoughts, fangirling, and opinions are my own.
July 5, 2025
Jen Atkinson has done it again with the sweetest, wooliest romcom about, well, romcoms!!
Fran Fairchild is determined to fall in love by recreating moments from her favorite romcoms! When her karaoke date ends in disaster and a cute stranger kisses her outside the bar, she has no idea that her life is about to change!
Callum Whitaker, a soccer player for the Reno l-Tesoro Red Tails hasn’t had the best luck during games since his last girlfriend. So when his buddies dare him to kiss the cute girl from karaoke bar, he has no idea what a good luck charm she turns out to be!
Oh my goodness! This book was so, so cute! Cute and quirky Fran and her love of romcoms was adorable! I loved how she was just proud of who she was and went with it! Callum was so cute and naive, thinking he could spend time with Fran and kiss her without catching feelings for her. 😏
Favorite quotes:
“I’m living a romcom. Right here. Right now.”
“I’m not looking for a Cary Grant or Ryan Gosling, just a good human. A storybook romance. Someone who will complete me in every possible way and make me happy. Someone I can love and bring joy to in return.”
“If you’re going to lose your mind, you have to do it after school hours. Do you have any idea how many things an elementary school teacher is thinking about during the school day?”
“I explained that we’re friends. Just friends.” That light-bursting smile is back. “Do you normally kiss your friends like that, Fran?”
“I’ve got a plan—and while I can’t say that my plans never fail me, I can say that my plans are always good ones, and I’m sticking to this plan. Like fresh Velcro stuck to a wool sweater. I’m nothing if not persistent.”
“I want to experience love, but I’d rather not get my heart broken, and for the first time in my life, it’s in very real danger.”
Fran Fairchild is determined to fall in love by recreating moments from her favorite romcoms! When her karaoke date ends in disaster and a cute stranger kisses her outside the bar, she has no idea that her life is about to change!
Callum Whitaker, a soccer player for the Reno l-Tesoro Red Tails hasn’t had the best luck during games since his last girlfriend. So when his buddies dare him to kiss the cute girl from karaoke bar, he has no idea what a good luck charm she turns out to be!
Oh my goodness! This book was so, so cute! Cute and quirky Fran and her love of romcoms was adorable! I loved how she was just proud of who she was and went with it! Callum was so cute and naive, thinking he could spend time with Fran and kiss her without catching feelings for her. 😏
Favorite quotes:
“I’m living a romcom. Right here. Right now.”
“I’m not looking for a Cary Grant or Ryan Gosling, just a good human. A storybook romance. Someone who will complete me in every possible way and make me happy. Someone I can love and bring joy to in return.”
“If you’re going to lose your mind, you have to do it after school hours. Do you have any idea how many things an elementary school teacher is thinking about during the school day?”
“I explained that we’re friends. Just friends.” That light-bursting smile is back. “Do you normally kiss your friends like that, Fran?”
“I’ve got a plan—and while I can’t say that my plans never fail me, I can say that my plans are always good ones, and I’m sticking to this plan. Like fresh Velcro stuck to a wool sweater. I’m nothing if not persistent.”
“I want to experience love, but I’d rather not get my heart broken, and for the first time in my life, it’s in very real danger.”
June 30, 2025
I've never read a Jen Atkinson book that I haven't enjoyed... but this one is easily a new favorite! I love a good slow burn, but I also love a good kiss scene... the earlier the better. Those aren't two things that we often find together, but this one perfectly delivers both. I loved these two right from the start. Fran is a hopeless romantic, set on recreating scenes from her favorite romance movies... and Callum is the professional hockey player who has been burned before and doesn't believe romance is for him. But a kiss with a random stranger changes everything... and I absolutely loved every single minute! Fran was such a fun character, you couldn't help but love her devotion to the movies she loved. Likewise, Callum was the best too--- I loved his relationship with his family, and the team dynamics added so much fun to the story too. I can't wait to get to know these guys better as the series continues. This story had me absolutely laughing out loud on multiple occasions... and the movie references? Absolute perfection! How many movie moments can you squeeze into one story? Well, I lost count... but it was such a fun idea, and one that movie fans are going to be sure to love! That moment when they recreated my favorite scene from one of my very favorites (A Walk to Remember)... sigh... it was just SO good! This is definitely one you don't want to miss.
The Romcom Remake is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have very minimal minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
The Romcom Remake is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have very minimal minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
October 18, 2025
Can I just say I loved The Romcom Remake by Jen Atkinson and leave it at that? No? Well, I will say a bit more.
Fran is so naïve, but you gotta love her. She didn't have the greatest childhood, and she has worked hard to get where she is. She doesn't have a lot of self-esteem, so she doesn't feel like she can turn a guy down when he asks her out. She is determined to recreate the perfect romcom moment.
Callum is all about soccer. Unfortunately for him, ever since he started dating Simone, even though they have since broken up, his game stinks. He practices so hard, but still isn't doing great. Lucky for him, he seems to have found his lucky charm.
Read for:
⚽romcom remakes
⚽karaoke
⚽memorable meeting
⚽lucky charm
⚽FRANNY
⚽Rosalie's warnings
⚽LOL moments
⚽witty banter
⚽ "Hot Lips"
⚽Fran has no filter
⚽Callum's family
⚽the soccer team
⚽the ending & bonus epilogue
I loved this one so much and can't wait for the second story!!!
Fran is so naïve, but you gotta love her. She didn't have the greatest childhood, and she has worked hard to get where she is. She doesn't have a lot of self-esteem, so she doesn't feel like she can turn a guy down when he asks her out. She is determined to recreate the perfect romcom moment.
Callum is all about soccer. Unfortunately for him, ever since he started dating Simone, even though they have since broken up, his game stinks. He practices so hard, but still isn't doing great. Lucky for him, he seems to have found his lucky charm.
Read for:
⚽romcom remakes
⚽karaoke
⚽memorable meeting
⚽lucky charm
⚽FRANNY
⚽Rosalie's warnings
⚽LOL moments
⚽witty banter
⚽ "Hot Lips"
⚽Fran has no filter
⚽Callum's family
⚽the soccer team
⚽the ending & bonus epilogue
I loved this one so much and can't wait for the second story!!!
August 3, 2025
I loved this one so much! 💗✨ I was ARC reading for Jen & I absolutely loved Fran & Callum!
Is it too much to ask for a romcom-level romance?
Fran Fairchild doesn’t think so.
After growing up in a loveless home, she is determined to script her own happily-ever-after.
👉🏼I felt this so much, I think that when you grow in a loveless home, there’s nothing that you want more than to live in a home FULL OF LOVE! 🥺
I loved the positive spin, Fran didn’t see love in her family but she saw it in someone else’s family and she’s determined to have that! 👉🏼 I love that!
This story was so funny! I was laughing out loud! I loved the opposites attract aspect!
As you know, this book was made perfect because it is clean! I went in knowing I wouldn’t have to skip anything - only swoon! 💗✨
Fran is amazing! ✨💗
Is it too much to ask for a romcom-level romance?
Fran Fairchild doesn’t think so.
After growing up in a loveless home, she is determined to script her own happily-ever-after.
👉🏼I felt this so much, I think that when you grow in a loveless home, there’s nothing that you want more than to live in a home FULL OF LOVE! 🥺
I loved the positive spin, Fran didn’t see love in her family but she saw it in someone else’s family and she’s determined to have that! 👉🏼 I love that!
This story was so funny! I was laughing out loud! I loved the opposites attract aspect!
As you know, this book was made perfect because it is clean! I went in knowing I wouldn’t have to skip anything - only swoon! 💗✨
Fran is amazing! ✨💗
July 14, 2025
ARC Book Review
The Romcom Remake
A Novel Written By Jen Atkinson
Fiction - Romance
Published July 2025
310 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book has a unique premise. Fran, Franny, Frances believes in love, romcoms, and happily ever after. She is looking for a storybook romance. She likes to recreate moments from her favorite romance movies. She also is quirky and naive.
Callum is a pro soccer player in a goal slump. He is taking a break on love. Acting on a bet, he kisses Fran outside of a bar. Suddenly his luck has changed. He is playing his best soccer. Is she his lucky charm?
This is a fun book to read. I liked reading about Fran and her quest for love. I liked watching Callum fall in love despite not wanting to. I loved all my favorite romcom movies mentioned in the book.
“Love is worth the risk.”
The Romcom Remake
A Novel Written By Jen Atkinson
Fiction - Romance
Published July 2025
310 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book has a unique premise. Fran, Franny, Frances believes in love, romcoms, and happily ever after. She is looking for a storybook romance. She likes to recreate moments from her favorite romance movies. She also is quirky and naive.
Callum is a pro soccer player in a goal slump. He is taking a break on love. Acting on a bet, he kisses Fran outside of a bar. Suddenly his luck has changed. He is playing his best soccer. Is she his lucky charm?
This is a fun book to read. I liked reading about Fran and her quest for love. I liked watching Callum fall in love despite not wanting to. I loved all my favorite romcom movies mentioned in the book.
“Love is worth the risk.”
July 15, 2025
This was the lighthearted romance novel I needed. I laughed so much, and my heart literally fluttered at hand holding scenes. And it was such a fun read.
A hopeless romantic and someone who thinks they don't need love in their life ever again....quite the opposites. Yet, through their remake dates (for perspectives only, of course), something changes.
If you love Romcom movies I think you'll really enjoy this one. It has so many movie references with Fran remaking some of the scenes - but do they play out to her expectations?
Sounds like a perfect summer read right? You're in luck! This book just released and it's available now on KU, paperback, and e-book.
Tropes:
⚽ Sports romance
💕 Closed door
⚽ Strangers to friends to more
💕 Movie remakes
⚽ Found family
Thank you to the author, @jen , for this eARC opportunity in exchange for my honest review.
A hopeless romantic and someone who thinks they don't need love in their life ever again....quite the opposites. Yet, through their remake dates (for perspectives only, of course), something changes.
If you love Romcom movies I think you'll really enjoy this one. It has so many movie references with Fran remaking some of the scenes - but do they play out to her expectations?
Sounds like a perfect summer read right? You're in luck! This book just released and it's available now on KU, paperback, and e-book.
Tropes:
⚽ Sports romance
💕 Closed door
⚽ Strangers to friends to more
💕 Movie remakes
⚽ Found family
Thank you to the author, @jen , for this eARC opportunity in exchange for my honest review.
July 25, 2025
An easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the beginning of Jen Atkinson’s newest series.
We’re back in Reno-Tesoro with the now established Red Tails soccer team.
Picking up where the Bailey Brothers series led us, we meet Callum, Captain of the Red Tail & the quirky & wonderful Fran.
What started as a chance encounter (one might even call it a meet-cute) develops into the relationship both Cal & Fran need.
While Cal has said no thank you to love, Fran is actively pursuing it & we get to hear about every wonderful rom-com inspired date she creates
The characters are wonderful. The writing is fun and thoughtful and belly laugh inducing & you will savour every moment of it.
Thank you to Jen for letting me read this ahead of the Red Tails fandom. I loved meeting Cal and Fran.
We’re back in Reno-Tesoro with the now established Red Tails soccer team.
Picking up where the Bailey Brothers series led us, we meet Callum, Captain of the Red Tail & the quirky & wonderful Fran.
What started as a chance encounter (one might even call it a meet-cute) develops into the relationship both Cal & Fran need.
While Cal has said no thank you to love, Fran is actively pursuing it & we get to hear about every wonderful rom-com inspired date she creates
The characters are wonderful. The writing is fun and thoughtful and belly laugh inducing & you will savour every moment of it.
Thank you to Jen for letting me read this ahead of the Red Tails fandom. I loved meeting Cal and Fran.
May 15, 2026
This story was so much fun and the audio book made for a great listening experience. I loved the way Callum and Fran became friends through their "dates" and both of them discovered that what they thought was the right way to approach love (or avoid love) was not actually what they needed.
Fran's exploits with remaking romcoms added lots of fun comedy to the story, the kisses added lots of wonderful swoon and connection for these two, and I adored getting to see them together around Callum's family. I definitely recommend this audio book and am looking forward to listening to the future books in the series.
(4.5 stars)
Fran's exploits with remaking romcoms added lots of fun comedy to the story, the kisses added lots of wonderful swoon and connection for these two, and I adored getting to see them together around Callum's family. I definitely recommend this audio book and am looking forward to listening to the future books in the series.
(4.5 stars)
July 30, 2025
Swoony rom-com perfection! This book has it all: charming characters, soccer, nostalgic 90s romcom references, and a romance that’ll make you smile and give you heart eyes.
Fran’s growth from quirky outsider to love-struck heroine is both funny and touching. I adore her! Her chemistry with Callum is undeniable, and we all need a best friend like Rosalie.
With its skillful blend of humor, heart, and depth, this story is an absolute delight from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Fran’s growth from quirky outsider to love-struck heroine is both funny and touching. I adore her! Her chemistry with Callum is undeniable, and we all need a best friend like Rosalie.
With its skillful blend of humor, heart, and depth, this story is an absolute delight from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
July 4, 2025
This was such a cool read, Trying to remake or recreate a famous rom-com is the sweetest way to try to find love. Seeing some of my fave romcoms mentioned here was such a cool way to get through the book. Plus Fran was just trying to find love the only way she knew how. Callum didn't stay behind he wanted to help her and he did a very good job. It is one of those books that keeps you interested all the way because you wanna know what happens. And that ending? in love !!
August 27, 2025
All of the characters in the first half of this book might as well have been middle schoolers. I just could not get past Fran's obsession - it was not a cute quirk - and the supporting characters in the book gave advice that I feel like I would have gotten from my friends back in grade school.
July 22, 2025
I loved Insta Connection by Jen Atkinson and I found myself comparing it to this one even though it was nothing alike… maybe because this one involved a soccer player, I dunno. I liked Callum, but just wasn’t connecting to Fran at all and I found myself kind of skimming around. I wasn’t super interested in the overall concept/plot. I did like Cal’s friends though so I’m sure I’ll continue the series.
March 12, 2026
Super sweet romcom. The wall/tulip planting scene…bwahahaha. LOL. So good. And oh, those sizzling kisses…
May 2, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
May 4, 2026
this book is cotton candy . just telling my family the premise we were laughing but it worked . sometimes books are just what you need . distraction and fun and yes a little far fetched .
August 5, 2025
I love a good romcom, but not as much as our main character Fran does. Fran likes romcoms so much that she can't go on dates without having to do a romcom remake. Basically, she plans out her date with her handsome stranger and tries to stage a remake. Little do these men know what's happening except that their date is weird and they are OUT! That's okay though because there are plenty of romcom remakes to go around. Then one night after a particularly frustrating date Fran is standing outside and a total stranger comes up to her and kisses her. She doesn't know what to make of it. She knows it was a good kiss. She knows he was cute but she doesn't even know his name. That is quickly resolved the next day when they run into each other at her best friends elementary school while she's doing a paper and he's doing community service. She learns he's a soccer player and his name is Callum. She's swooning but he isn't looking for love AT ALL. He wants to be friends. UGH....
This was a hilarious, mess of so much goodness. I couldn't stop myself from smiling. I dare someone to read this and not crack a smile. I really liked the backstory about Fran and Callum's families. It really showed why each were the way they were on love. All the extra characters were great too. Callum's whole team were so funny and treated each other like family. I felt so attached to everyone in this story that when it ended I felt myself wondering what would happen to all of them, not just the main ones. What a great testament to the authors writing style.
This was a hilarious, mess of so much goodness. I couldn't stop myself from smiling. I dare someone to read this and not crack a smile. I really liked the backstory about Fran and Callum's families. It really showed why each were the way they were on love. All the extra characters were great too. Callum's whole team were so funny and treated each other like family. I felt so attached to everyone in this story that when it ended I felt myself wondering what would happen to all of them, not just the main ones. What a great testament to the authors writing style.
April 1, 2026
Rating: 4.5⭐️
What a fun story! Fran is so quirky and delightful and Callum is such a dark cloud. It was so funny to see their interactions and see how Fran brought out the best in Callum. There were times where I just wanted to strangle Callum for his silliness but he made it up for it later in the story. I found all of Fran's tactics so sweet and genuine. I loved the female friendship between Fran and Rose. The family bond between Callum and his family was incredible and I loved the sibling dynamic. This story kept me laughing and grinning throughout the entire book. Such a great story!
What a fun story! Fran is so quirky and delightful and Callum is such a dark cloud. It was so funny to see their interactions and see how Fran brought out the best in Callum. There were times where I just wanted to strangle Callum for his silliness but he made it up for it later in the story. I found all of Fran's tactics so sweet and genuine. I loved the female friendship between Fran and Rose. The family bond between Callum and his family was incredible and I loved the sibling dynamic. This story kept me laughing and grinning throughout the entire book. Such a great story!
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