I enjoyed this book a lot. There was fantastic chemistry between the main characters. The sexual tension built at a really great pace. I enjoyed the humor that helped add dimension to the characters. Fun read!

Called out delivers a fresh and fun romantic tale for single mom Lola and baseball outcast Jack.

I've loved the bits of Lola seen in previous books in the series, watched her struggle with her kids and deal with the difficulties of her situation. I've watched her be a good friend and part of a huge family made from a group of friends, so I was really excited to see her get her story. That her story also included Jack, who I admit I was super curious about, just made it all the better.

Jack comes to Inspiration looking to convince his former friend, Nate, to give him a shot on the team, it's his only chance and it means asking for something huge from someone he seriously wronged. But Jack takes it on and makes his play even though he believes he doesn't deserve it. For all the world that hates him and takes about his cold 'iceman' behavior, Jack probably despises himself more.

With her friends and family pairing up and finding their happy, Lola's starting to feel lonely. She's finding that she misses being in a relationship, she misses what each of her friends has found in their men, but mostly she realizes she really misses sex. Raising four sons alone takes its toll on her, even as she loves them more than ever.

There's an attraction between Lola and Jack from the start, but for their own reasons, neither wants to act on it, until they kiss. Then Lola's willing to try something with Jack, but Jack, believing she deserves better, doesn't want to drag her down. The chemistry between these two was top-notch, you could feel the pull from page one, but also see the resolution in Jack that he didn't feel right about pursuing anything even if he wanted to.

Called Out took us on a heartfelt journey along with Jack and Lola, with a bit of humorous moments, tons of sexual tension, a slice of drama, and the usual feeling of family and small town loyalty all wrapped up into one amazing tale of finding love where and how you least expect it. Jack and Lola's story is full of heart, lessons learned, and a little about getting over the past.

Filled with lots of laughs, plenty of turmoil and some hot, sexy fun! I really enjoyed this book, and would have rated it even higher, but there was a major issue with the plot. One particular thing was mentioned that was a really big happening … and we were left hanging without knowing what ever came of the issue. Normally you could overlook that somewhat, but in this instance, it can have a major change in how we feel about the person’s character and our overall like or dislike of them, so it was a big letdown that it wasn’t addressed.

Jack “Ox” Oxford never thought the day would come that he’d be driving into small town Inspiration, Iowa trying to track down his ex-best friend to ask for a favor … a favor he doesn’t deserve and can’t believe he has the nerve to even ask for. He’s temporarily waylaid by a damsel in distress … and what a feisty temper she has!

Lola McIntire doesn’t need some man ambling his way along to fix a flat tire for her … especially THIS man! What is he even doing here when no one in town can stand him? As grateful as she should be for someone offering her help, the overly stressed single mom isn’t willing to roll out the welcome wagon to this man … she just wishes her wayward body realized that!

Every time. Every single time I’m back to Inspiration a new series of delights await me. My love for small town romances knows no bounds, but this particular small town secured its place among my favorite fictional places to be for sure.

The rules of series reading is that if you’ve read the previous ones you know what you’re in for, which is a wonderfully emotional, sweet and sexy romance as the case is here, but if you haven’t, then I reserve the right to tell you to do it. Just go back to the first book, pick it up, clear your schedule for a lovely time and enjoy. And envy. Only a little, I promise. These are all great people and you’ll want them to be happy after all.

Single mother of four, all around kickass Lola was the stuff of legends I gotta say. With her no nonsense attitude, and her ability to manage just about any situation with finesse, her energy was contagious. Sure, she was human so she needed her moments, but she was the kind of strong, compassionate, loving heroine I’d love to read in my books. Her endless supply of love and understanding, I think, was what finally melted the ice around the Iceman- though I can never have the heart to call him that. His past and the reasons for his behavior were only hinted at, but they were enough for me to feel for him and see the progress he made. He was a wonderful man with a big heart. A true romance hero material.

Since I loved the previous stories oh so much, I wasn’t sure-okay, scratch that cause I knew I was expecting something really really good– but this book sort of exceeded my expectations on the emotional side. Not only small towns and men playing sports, but I also have a soft spot for children in romances. And this one had many. And they integrated into the story so well, it was impossible not to fall in love with this family. So frankly, can’t blame Jack for falling so easy and so hard.

Contemporary romance, small town, children, sports, whatever’s your poison in romance, if you haven’t read this series, do so. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the emotional rollercoasters, the sexy times, the sweet moments, and melt only a small amount each book.

I’m adding five big spoonfuls of this story into my hodgepodge. And okay, fine, perhaps I need a big slice of chocolate cake too cause who wants a man who loves to do laundry and takes care of your kids while you sleep off a night of sickness and exhaustion when you can have cake, right?

*Reaches for the bottle of vodka to wash all the chocolate down*

I've gotta be honest — I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. Since I totally fell in love with Nate in Calling It, I figured I would have a hard time with Jack as the hero in this book. Granted, him sleeping with Nate's fianceé is what allowed him to meet Dorie, who I absolutely loved, but still. I didn't like the guy on principle alone. I shouldn't have doubted Jen. She delivered redemption and a totally swoony hero where I least expected it.

I absolutely adored Lola. One of my best friends is a single mom with three boys and I think I saw quite a bit of my friend in her, so that made her especially relatable to me. That's not an easy task, since I do not have kids. I felt like I had some special insight into Lola's character, even if her situation was vastly different than my friends. I admired her strength, independence and devotion to her kids. Later on in the story, I understood why she was so torn about her feelings for Jack — and not just because of the situation with him and her friend, Nate. How do you move on when the person you were building a life with is gone? How do you honor their memory, but have a chance at happiness again? Needless to say, this book delivered some feels as Lola struggled through this. I was with her at every turn.

Jack was so NOT what I was expecting. He was a decent guy, despite what he did. There's never really a good excuse to betray a friend, but once I learned a little more about his motivation, I have to say I was at least slightly sympathetic. While his need to apologize to Nate was originally driven by his desire to play baseball with him again, I think it was pretty clear there was more to it than that. He and Nate had been close. He might not admit it at first, but he obviously missed him — on and off the field.

Lola and Jack were wonderful together. I won't say she needed "fixed" because that's an insult to her strength in overcoming a truly terrible situation, but he did bring out a side of her that was long lost. Though I hadn't known her for long, I appreciated seeing her become herself again. And her kids? Oh. My. God. So cute. Jack's interactions with them? Goodbye, ovaries. Especially with Silas. My heart melted all over the place.

Despite some of the heavier themes with this book, I still I basically cheesy-grinned the entire way through it. Ok, there were definitely some tears along the way. I'm not even gonna lie. But this isn't a maudlin book. It's charming and sweet and sexy. It's a book about redemption and second chances. I loved every little thing about it. Jen delivered everything I want in a romance — feels, hot sexy times, swoons — with Lola and Jack. I love the series and I hope Jen has more books planned. I'm not ready to give any of these characters up just yet.

Ive been following this series since the first book- Calling It and I've loved each and every thing with the wonderful characters and the beautiful town of Inspiration!I love how the author writes these stories by mixing in humor,romance,friendships and familial relationships beautifully!

I think Called Out has been my favorite one!We have Lola- widow and now single mother of four boys.She's got a handful and so much more to take care of.So the idea of a relationship especially one that could impact her boys' lives is something she can't even consider right now.But when she gets a flat tire and is stranded, its Jack(Ox) who comes into help her.

Jack is in a precarious position where he is on the verge of losing everything that he's worked for.He betrayed his close friend very badly and now he's come to Inspiration to ask for forgiveness, mend fences and get the help that he needs.But there's a long way to go, and there is this fiery,independent single mom who gets her under his skin like no other!

I loved the chemistry between Jack and Lola!And I totally love books with single moms and dads.So this one was really great and written well, which showed how Lola managed things esp with 4 boys!Not only did Jack fall in love with Lola but with her kids too!The slow development of all the relationship was beautifully done.
Lola provided the safe space that Jack needed to heal and grow, to put his past and upbringing behind him.But that doesn't mean that she cut him some clack.She made him work for it and understand.Jack also gave Lola the support and love that she deserved!There was amazing character development in this one!And I loved seeing my favorite characters back again in this book!

If you're looking for a sweet sports romance which will hit all the right spots, then this is the one for you!It can be read as a standalone!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is a light-hearted romance that I didn’t want to put down – being the lover of baseball that I am, made this story even better!

Jack Oxford is a major league pitcher who made a terrible mistake and slept with his best friend, Nate’s, fiancée. Since this day, Jack’s life has completely changed. He absolutely hates himself for what he’s done and so does the entire town Nate lives in, plus it’s caused Jacks career to go down the toilet. Jack’s only option now is to beg for Nate’s forgiveness enough that he gives the okay for Jack to join his team. On his way to beg his forgiveness, Jack comes across the fierce mama bear, Lola, with a flat tire and four kids in her car. Though the attraction is immediate between them both, Lola knows exactly who Jack is and with her being on Team Nate, there’s no way she can get involved with him… right?

I love that though this is mainly a sweet story, it definitely has a healthy dose of steam as well and it makes for a real page turner! Though Lola is loyal to her friends and family, the girl has a backbone of steel and doesn’t let anyone dictate or influence her decision to be with Jack. I absolutely loved that about her character! I found myself in absolute stitches over the antics of Jack interacting with Lola’s kids… especially the way her refers to her triplets as 1, 2 and 3 – absolutely hilarious. This is a great story with an original plotline, a fast pace, and amazing characters. I loved every page!


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is probably the ultimate fantasy read for every single mum everywhere. I was drooling from the moment the handsome sports star pulled up in his Maserati and offered to change Lola’s flat tire. And the only thing hotter than the laundry room sex was the moment when the handsome sports star cared for four little vomiting boys so their mum could finally sleep.

Of all the women in these books, Lola is probably my favourite. Lola is wickedly funny, frantically busy, and insanely competent. Her parenting is honest and ‘good enough,’ and she survives with a sense of humour and good friends. She is finally a fictional parent that I actually liked.

Ox is a rich kid who became a sports star and then made a few spectacular mistakes in his personal life. His reactions to Lola’s kids are absolutely brilliant and he constantly surprises himself as he gets more involved in Lola’s life. He is a loveable rogue and I enjoyed his personal development as much as the romance. And I loved his Karate Kid references.

Together, Ox and Lola just fit. From frenemies to no-strings hook-ups to the something more that neither of them thought they wanted, these two are both big personalities, but together, they soften each other’s rough edges and make each other better. The sex is hot here, but I also loved the mum of four’s reluctance to get naked with the muscular sportsman and his bewildered response to her Spanx.

Only Jen Doyle could write such a domestic romance without it ever feeling domestic and I am once again surprised by how much I enjoy this series. The blurbs make me want to run – I don’t do charming, sweet, or white picket fences. I usually hate cute kids and their fictional parents. But there is a layer of honest and slightly dark humour in these stories that really strikes a chord with me. I love this series and I can’t wait for the next book.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and I have to say I think it is the best one yet. I would recommend that you read them in order, as the background to the characters makes this a stronger story.

Jack is a man who did something very wrong, and has paid very heavily for it – but he is going to have make things right for his career to have any chance of being resuscitated. But as we learn, the whole story is far more complex than we might at first be led to believe. If you have read the earlier books, you will know a little more about just what happened and why. Without a doubt, Jack is his harshest critic – something about which his best friend Nate is fully aware.

Lola is the widow of an Army Ranger with four young sons, a job, and not enough hours in the day. She does have some amazingly supportive friends in her hometown, including baseball star, Nate. So it is inevitable that she meets Jack... and all those feelings that had taken flight on her husband's death come back in droves, for the very man she should feel nothing good about at all.

The rest, as they say, is history; but in the most unexpectedly intense, sincere, and super hot ways. These two have the most delicious conversations, passionate encounters, and every day moments. With their friends not really sure how to react, they find their way from their unhappy present to the possibility of a wonderful future. It is not a smooth journey, but one that they both need to take.

I managed to laugh out loud and then within minutes, also shed some tears. Always a sign of a really good book I think. Thank you, Ms. Doyle, and I am looking forward to the next installment.

Jack and Lola had chemistry and the best part was that you genuinely believe they like one another, well, eventually. Not so much at first. Their meet cute, over a flat tire on the side of the road, was funny, and charming, and gave an interesting first glimpse into who they each are, and how they will relate to one another.

Lack has a past that he needs to overcome, and he needs to do it soon, as his options for playing baseball are dwindling and he needs the ok of the person on the team that he wronged. Lola is friends with the person, and doesn't think there is any need for Jack to be in town. While it is not a big spoiler, getting into the details on this is a spoiler, so I am going to leave this vague.

They are attracted to one another immediately, but, Lola wants nothing to do with a playboy ballplayer with no interest in settling down, especially as she has children to think about.

The writing in this was strong, and I really enjoyed that it was focused on baseball but not during the season. It was a different angle of it and I liked the idea that they were players in the off season, still focused on it in the periphery and it was still important, but not the focus.

The issue I had was with his past and the child. Maybe this was addressed in a previous book...but he is there to atone for his past actions, but you don't really know what happened. And, it seems that it is an issue, and it is something to deal with, but it is never really addressed. This felt like a hole in the story, at least to me. I kept waiting for someone to give a few more details of the situation, as while not important for the story, it definitely was a catalyst for events in this book.

That said, I was able to enjoy the book, and I definitely recommend this title.

Called Out is the perfect summer read. Lola is a single mom that isn't interested in adding more to her already crazy life. Jack is looking for help from the one person that shouldn't want to help him. Together these two struggling souls may find their way.

I loved the almost zaney life that Lola leads. As a mom myself, I could relate to the struggles of parenting. She was strong, dependent, and so giving. No matter how hard she wants to fight it, Lola deserves to be loved. I loved Jack. He knew that he had ruined some friendships in the past and that he had a long road ahead of him. I loved watching him try to fix his mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes are easier to fix with the right woman by your side.

I absolutely loved Called Out and can't wait to see what's next.

Jack is attempting to resurrect his career following the scandal with Nate's fiancee. He might have a shot at a position with the Watchmen IF he can win Nate's forgiveness. Upon his arrival in Inspiration, he bumps heads with Lola, a hard as nails single mom and also close friend of Nate's. When circumstances push them together, they try to fight a growing attraction and maybe even perhaps falling in love.

It was good to be back in Inspiration! This gang is always so much fun to be around, and they continued to make me smile in Called Out. I was onboard immediately with this hero and heroine for the following reasons:

Jack betrayed his best friend, and even if the Nate ended up better off in the end, it was still a betrayal that cut to the bone. This was Jack's chance for redemption, and also a chance for us to get to know more about him. Doyle did a great job illustrating a portrait of this broken man. Jack believed he could not erase and overcome the wounds inflicted by his parents. He believed all the negative things they said to him and about him, and believing these things kept him having meaningful relationships. He never felt like he was good enough for someone to love, and it really broke my heart.

Thank goodness for Lola. She was an Amy wife and then an Army widow, so she was tough, but after three years alone and caring for her four children, she was ready for some companionship. She never saw it coming in the form of Jack, but he wormed his way into her heart. Lola was bursting with love for all those special people in her life. She reminded Jack that he was NOT his parents, and he could and should have it all. Jack wasn't the only one carrying around a heaping load of guilt. Lola felt sort of responsible for her husband's death, and also struggled with wanting to move on. Watching her wrestle with these feelings was tough, and I was glad Jack and her friends were there to help her deal with them. I also loved that Doyle made Lola a little older (36 years old). When you see a woman pushing forty with four kids in tow catching the eye of a hard-bodied MLB player, well, that just gives you hope. =)

This story was packed with so many sweet and tender moments, but also had a lot of chaotic moments. I loved being in the middle of it all, and thought Doyle used the kids in the best way possible to sweeten the story.

It's a story of love, of healing, of atonement and redemption. It's a story of friendship and family. It made me laugh, tear up, and swoon, and most of all, I really enjoyed it. I am absolutely looking forward to more stories from Inspiration.

Review by Elizabeth for Love Romance Books

I was asked by the author for an honest review.

5 stars

This book had everything I absolutely love. It had great righting, foremost. I loved every character in this book. You get so wrapped up with the characters in this book that you can't help but not stop reading. Sports romance. Baseball, what a great sport read about as the season is heating up right now. A beautiful woman that lost her husband and thinks she will never find love again, plus having 4 boys in tow is a big thing also. A baseball player that had royally screwed up in more ways than one, which is trying to make amends. The family and friends that will protect Lola at any cost. You name it it was in this book. Jack has truly screwed up . He messed with his best friend and it was all over the media. He had a crap year and now he has to see if Nate will forgive him enough to be able to play on hi team. Jack screwed up, but he is absolutely a great guy. He has a heart of gold, but with all the negativives that go on in his life, he doesn't believe that all. It is going to take a lot for him to forgive himself and I think that was the hardest thing for him in this book. His love for baseball keeps him motivated, so going back to Inspiration to see if Nate will forgive him is the hardest decision that he makes. Lola is at her wtis end, her car broke down and she is on the sid eof the road, her comemes Jack and Lola knows right there who he is. She doesn't want his help, but takes it because fo her kids. What starts out as simple gesture, who knew it would be so much more.

I loved how this book started out. The whole first chapter was pretty great. Lola is a a force to be reckon with. Her whole personality is perfect and exactly what Jack needs to move on. She believes there is something good in him, he just has to know it for himself. Lola will paly hard too get with him, because she wants to protect her boys, but how much longer will she be able to keep doing int. Jack sees the fire in her eyes. He has never felt this way before. How can he get her to accept that he is going to be gone, but to give him a chance. Jack has no want to stay, but can Lola change his mind. He doesn't want to make promises to her that he can't keep. They want to have something, but they need to learn to forgive themselves, before they can move on and be good for themselves.


This all of this being said, I loved Lola and Jack. They made this story so much fun at times, infuriating at times, sad at times, but the best books do that for you. The author knew what she was doing. Reading this book was so much fun and I really want to read the next book. I'm mad at myself that I have missed out on this author, because what she does for these characters is so perfect. I can't wait to read something else from her.

Review by Amanda for Love Romance Books Blog
Rating - 4

I was asked by the author for an honest review.

Called Out is the third book in the Calling It series. I started reading it with very high expectations because the first book (Calling It) was so much better than I expected it to be. Even with high expectations, I liked Called Out. There were some of the same themes as Calling It, but with different characters.

I love Doyle's casual writing style. This book is great for light reading with some funny moments. And who wouldn't find a man who does laundry appealing?

I have read the previous books in this series and the same characters feature prominent rolls in all of the books. It could be read as a stand alone novel, but reading the first two books in the Calling It series first gave me a good background for the events and other characters in this story.

Through the rain, anger, bitterness and heartache Lola and Jack found each other. Called Out is a close up look at redemption. A second chance story that revolves around a washed up baseball player seeking to mend fences as he strives for a chance to relive his glory days. Jack is a work in progress that lands at the feet of his happy ending when he meets Lola. Lola is a single mother with a fearless spirit and her own painful mistakes to bear. The greatest obstacle each faces is forgiving themselves as their lives move forward. Ms. Doyle mixes moments of insight with humorous delivery and emotional storytelling as she creates a masterful story of maturity and romance.

LOVED this one!! I've enjoyed each book in this series but I think this might be my favorite. Lola and Jack are great characters and Lola's four little guys add so much to the story. This is a wonderful story of redemption, forgiveness, and finding new love when it's least expected. The story is very well written written and I think you will love these characters as much as I do. I highly recommend this one.

Called Out, Jen Doyle

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance, 

Carina: what I love about Carina books is they have a happy ending, eiother a HEA or a HFN, and thats what I want in a romance, an escape from realisty into happy times, a way to leave todays probelms behind and disappear into a world where things go wrong but end well. 
 
I've got to start this review with a gripe though :-( One thing that really bothered me about this story.
We're told Jack screwed over his best friend and work colleague, and has been given the cold shoulder by everyone since.
What he did was dreadful, a total no-go thing to do to your best mate but I kept thinking, maybe there's something we're missing? There are some details that mean what we think happened may not be quite that way perhaps?
Equally there were complications, something results from that act that gets left open. That felt weird to me, I can't understand why it wasn't dealt with, why Jack would have not acted upon what resulted, or again maybe there's something I'm missing. The Jack we know from this story would not have just done nothing, would have acted, stepped up, not just left things hanging.  
Without giving it away its hard to say what happened, maybe it resolved spontaneously, but it felt very strange to me, and was hard to match with the Jack we came to know.

I love this kind of book, enemies to lovers, and there was some serious chemistry between Jack and Lola, some scorching sensual scenes that are page melting.
Lola, I so felt for her, devastated after her husbands death, left with four small boys, she's kind of running through life on autopilot, and anything that affects that fine tuned organisation she has is disastrous. So she's not in the best mood when she meets Jack. Her boys though - he's one of their idols.
Jack's actually a really good guy, though his background leads to him to deny that, to think he's like his parenst and incapable of love. Yet the things he does for Lola show us otherwise and how he is with the boys, (one, two and three...and four the later addition!!) well, that's heart melting.

We meet up with the gang again, I loved Dorie and Nate from the first book, somehow missed out on book two, but its the same great group of characters, who've known each other for years, who feel so real.
Its another story I loved, that pulled at the heart strings, made me laugh and feel tearful all within a few pages sometimes.
Its a great summer read, one for when you're feeling a little down and want something to make you smile and feel really good at the end.  
 
Stars: four and a half. I have to take off a half star for that huge, unresolved issue, the thing that's such a catalyst for the story and yet gets left hanging. 

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

This is the third book in this series, it's is a fantastic read and a even fantastic book and I think this is my favourite so far in this series. There is a great bunch of characters in this series and they have brilliant interactions with each other and make you fall in love with each one of them. This book has a lot of humour and the romance is so Sweet too. Would recommend

Okay, I am in love! Great lead characters, wonderful secondary characters, melting hearts, believable conflict, and a happy ending. What more could you want? This book is well written and adorable. If it had been an option, I would’ve read this in one sitting! Jen Doyle is a new author for me, but that is about to change in a big way. While this book was great as a standalone, I will definitely be going back to read the other books in the series. After meeting the characters that star in them, how could I not?

In this sweet and steamy romance, Jack and Lola meet under less than perfect circumstances. From the very beginning, the “Mama Bear” comes out and Jack “Iceman” Oxford can’t help but be intrigued. Jack is used to people hating him. He expects it now more than ever. After all, he’s done a terrible thing, and he is now surrounded by people who love the friend he betrayed. Despite this, he and Lola are drawn together. This trip to Inspiration is meant to be a last ditch effort at saving his career. He has no intentions of finding forgiveness or making friends let alone falling in love. Regardless of his intentions, he can’t seem to help himself.

Lola is not much better off. Sure, she hasn’t betrayed her best friend or turned a country full of people against her, but she certainly isn’t looking for love or planning to make nice with people who have hurt those she loves. After losing her war hero husband three years ago, she has been completely focused on raising her four small boys. She doesn’t have time for a personal life and she certainly doesn’t want to set a bad example for her fatherless children. She is a complete spitfire who speaks her mind and stands up for herself and her friends/family when needed. However, she is tired. So tired. How much longer can she continue like this? Could a man like Jack really be the answer to her problems?

I absolutely love these two! I love that Lola is strong with a backbone of steel, but she can let down her guard with Jack around. I love that she is responsible and puts her family first. I love that while Jack feels completely broken and is lost in a sea of regret for the mistakes he has made, Lola is able to bring out the best in him and believe in him even when he doesn’t believe in himself. I love that we get to see their transformations into the best versions of themselves when it is least expected. It’s the little things that make me love them. Christmas lights, snowball fights, and standing up for one another. Ms. Doyle has created believable moments that allow them both to shine.

The secondary characters are just as good. I was particularly fond of Nate and his fierce loyalty despite the worst circumstances. Silas is adorable and brings out so much goodness in Jack. The triplets were cute and added a lighter tone when needed. The entire group of friends, which were more family than friends, was fantastic. They added love, loyalty, and depth to the story as a whole. I really can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

While baseball was the backdrop of the story, it certainly didn’t overpower it. I love baseball, but you could fall in love with this story even if you know nothing of, or dislike the sport. There is not an abundance of sports terminology or play by plays of games. In fact, much of the story takes place during the off season.

Overall, if you are looking for a sweet and steamy romance, I highly recommend you check out Called Out! I may be late to the Jen Doyle party, but I will certainly be sticking around. A huge thanks to NetGalley and Carina Press for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This review was originally posted on www.NovelMomma.com

3.5 stars

I wasn't sure what to expect with this story since the other two books were so different for me.

I loved Lola. I love that she's strong and stubborn and isn't afraid to stand up for herself and speak her mind. Jack is fantastic at being stand off-ish and maybe a bit stoic. Together they have some excellent chemistry and I loved the scenes between Jack and the kids.

As in the other books, there are a lot of characters and it was a bit of a struggle to keep them straight. However, my main complaint is the whole plot line with Courtney. There's a detail mentioned about Jack's encounter with her and then it's never spoken of again. I just found it really hard to believe that Jack would have nothing to do with the woman carrying his baby -- or the child if she had it. Even worse, it was implied that Courtney drugged him when Jack said he couldn't remember their evening together. Even though Jack said they probably did sleep together, it was a really weird thread to take and then completely abandon.

Overall, this has been a mostly fun series and this book in particular was fluffy and adorable.

**Huge thanks to Carina Press for providing the arc free of charge**

There's no other way to actually say this; it was nothing close to what I expected.
This is one of the very few adult books I've read, and I honestly didn't expect to like love it so much. I rooted for the characters; every single one of them. And although I haven't read the previous books in this series, I couldn't help but love Nate, Deke, Fitz, Jules, and Dorie.
Nate's unconditional love for Jack literally brought me to my knees. Their friendship was woven in such a gorgeous pattern.
The familial love between each and every character and their connections and relationships was an intriguing factor. Their inside jokes and memories either made me laugh or sob hysterically, there was no in-between.
I wish I could say that Jack's past and his childhood made me pity him; it infuriated me. I couldn't help but see the similarities with actual people I know that don't give two shits about their kids, the world is full of them these days. His parents' attitude only fueled my anger. They brainwashed him, FOR GOD'S SAKE, into believing he's just like them; just like his father, a cold-hearted son of a...
His constant hesitation and doubt because of the fact that he thinks he'd never give Lola what he thinks she, and her kids, deserve only made me love him even more.
And when he actually thought that everyone's one there having his back only out of pity, I nearly lost it. I couldn't imagine anyone going through what he's gone through as a child. It was too much.
His scenes with Lola were so friggin swoon-worthy and hot. I mean, their relationship started with hate and loathing, how romantic is that?!
Overall, I ADORED this book. It was so sweet and heartfelt and heartbreaking and heart-mending.

I'm a big fan of a sports romance, the redemption trope and a small-town setting so, in containing all these, Called out did indeed call out to me. When Jack "Ox" Oxford arrives in Inspiration, he's not expecting to be particularly welcomed by his former best-friend and teammate Nate, or Nate's nearest and dearest. And he's not, especially not by Lola McIntyre, widow and single mum to 4 young boys.

"Jack Oxford had done something horrible. Despicable. And he’d done it to someone Lola cared very much about. Yet here she was, ogling the man."

This was an sexy, romantic read with great characters, a wee dose of angst and hefty dose of adorable courtesy of Lola's sons. Because it's not just Lola that Jack begins to lose his heart to.

"Just promise me you won’t abandon him when you’re done with me."
"I don’t ever want to be done."

However, despite loving Jack, Lola and the boys, there was a pretty big plot hole in this story and, without dropping any spoilers, it relates to the reason Nate and Jack's friendship imploded. I cannot for the life of me remember if they were addressed in the first book but that matters not, it still should have been elaborated on here and given closure as it was important to the overall story.

"You're worthy of this, Jack."

That aside, Jen Doyle has a writing style that captures life in a small-town well, I do like Inspiration and its residents and Lola and Jack's journey is a well-paced, heartwarming easy read and a worthy addition to the Calling It series. I'd certainly not take much persuading to return.