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Calling It #3
Called Out
Jen Doyle is back with another hot and heartfelt home run of a contemporary romance. Fans of Jill Shalvis should prepare to swoon over Jack and Lola’s HEA.
Jack “Ox” Oxford is used to being alone. Granted, when you screw over your friends, being alone isn’t always a choice. Playing for the Chicago Watchmen is a last-ditch effort to save his career...and right some of his past wrongs. He’s not expecting a warm reception, but he’s also not expecting a flat tire to change everything.
Recovering control freak, single mom and semiprofessional chaos wrangler Lola Deacon McIntire doesn’t need an arrogant ballplayer to swoop in and save her from anything, much less her flat tire. And she definitely doesn’t need her body to betray her and decide this is the guy to wake up her rusty libido. She isn’t about to upset her sons’ lives for any man—much less one who so clearly doesn’t think he’s dad material.
Jack never thought he’d find someone who wanted to build a life with him, but the more time he spends with Lola and her boys, the more it starts to feel permanent. Even tough-as-nails Lola concedes there just might be a future here—the big, beautiful, messy future neither of them was looking for—but only if Jack will accept he deserves it.
This book is approximately 100,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Jack “Ox” Oxford is used to being alone. Granted, when you screw over your friends, being alone isn’t always a choice. Playing for the Chicago Watchmen is a last-ditch effort to save his career...and right some of his past wrongs. He’s not expecting a warm reception, but he’s also not expecting a flat tire to change everything.
Recovering control freak, single mom and semiprofessional chaos wrangler Lola Deacon McIntire doesn’t need an arrogant ballplayer to swoop in and save her from anything, much less her flat tire. And she definitely doesn’t need her body to betray her and decide this is the guy to wake up her rusty libido. She isn’t about to upset her sons’ lives for any man—much less one who so clearly doesn’t think he’s dad material.
Jack never thought he’d find someone who wanted to build a life with him, but the more time he spends with Lola and her boys, the more it starts to feel permanent. Even tough-as-nails Lola concedes there just might be a future here—the big, beautiful, messy future neither of them was looking for—but only if Jack will accept he deserves it.
This book is approximately 100,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2017
9 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Jen Doyle
11 books433 followersA big believer in happily ever afters, Jen Doyle decided it was high time she started creating some. Jen is a member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as a member of the New England Chapter, New Jersey Romance Writers and Music City Romance Writer chapters of RWA. She is represented by Sarah E. Younger of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency.
She has an M.S. in Library and Information Science and, in addition to her work as a librarian, has worked as a conference and events planner as well as a Communications and Enrollment administrator in both preschool and higher education environments (although some might say that there is very little difference between the two; Jen has no comment regarding whether she is one of the "some").
Her first book, CALLING IT, was published by Carina Press in April 2016. It was the winner of The Beacon, the Finish the Damn Book, and the Melody of Love 2014 contests in the Contemporary Romance category, and was also the Contemporary Romance winner as well as the Grand Prize Winner of the 2014 Gateway to the Best contest. Book #2, CALLED UP, will be published on August 29, 2016.
She has an M.S. in Library and Information Science and, in addition to her work as a librarian, has worked as a conference and events planner as well as a Communications and Enrollment administrator in both preschool and higher education environments (although some might say that there is very little difference between the two; Jen has no comment regarding whether she is one of the "some").
Her first book, CALLING IT, was published by Carina Press in April 2016. It was the winner of The Beacon, the Finish the Damn Book, and the Melody of Love 2014 contests in the Contemporary Romance category, and was also the Contemporary Romance winner as well as the Grand Prize Winner of the 2014 Gateway to the Best contest. Book #2, CALLED UP, will be published on August 29, 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
May 7, 2017
Called out was an interesting read. I was intrigued by the summary and the book did and okay job at delivering.
It's a fluffy story that I think is great for the summer. I liked the characters, I found the chemistry between Lola and Jace really well-executed. The writing was also decent.
What I didn't like, what still bothers me are the questions the book left me with, questions about some serious plot-points. Why are they left unaddressed is beyond me. It took away so much from my overall impression.
It's a fluffy story that I think is great for the summer. I liked the characters, I found the chemistry between Lola and Jace really well-executed. The writing was also decent.
What I didn't like, what still bothers me are the questions the book left me with, questions about some serious plot-points. Why are they left unaddressed is beyond me. It took away so much from my overall impression.
December 9, 2018
5 Stars!
Excellent! The author hit this one out of the park! I didn't know how she was going to pull this off, but she did it. I absolutely loved Jack and Lola's story.
I enjoy a strong heroine but sometimes an author can make them come off as nasty and aloof...but Jen Doyle got Lola's character right. She was just ballsy enough for my taste, but also a caring, sensitive and understanding woman who knew how to speak her mind. Lola was the aggressor in the relationship and it was fun to read about how attracted she was to Jack, quite comical at times. It was physical at first but once Lola got to know him and see his true personality, her heart was all in and so was mine.
I had no idea how I would feel about Jack after knowing what he did to Nate, but I absolutely adored him. Silas, Lola's son, tugged at my heartstrings and the triplets, A, B & C or One, Two & Three...Emmett, Luke & James...were so frigging cute! The author gave us just enough "kid" time without them monopolizing the story. Oh, and Four...not even going to tell you who that is, but the name is perfect!
Nate and Jack working through the issue that tore them a part was another thing I loved about this story. It made sense, especially once you find out about Jack and his horrible father, and disconnected childhood. Jack was the epitome of a good man. He tried to make things right and just went about it the wrong way. Boy did I feel for him, he beat himself up and couldn't see his true worth. He's become one of my favorite heroes.
The epilogue was adorable and I'm hoping as this series moves forward that this couple makes an appearance now and then. I would love a novella in the future, I feel like Jack, Lola, Silas and the triplets have so much more to tell.
Excellent! The author hit this one out of the park! I didn't know how she was going to pull this off, but she did it. I absolutely loved Jack and Lola's story.
I enjoy a strong heroine but sometimes an author can make them come off as nasty and aloof...but Jen Doyle got Lola's character right. She was just ballsy enough for my taste, but also a caring, sensitive and understanding woman who knew how to speak her mind. Lola was the aggressor in the relationship and it was fun to read about how attracted she was to Jack, quite comical at times. It was physical at first but once Lola got to know him and see his true personality, her heart was all in and so was mine.
I had no idea how I would feel about Jack after knowing what he did to Nate, but I absolutely adored him. Silas, Lola's son, tugged at my heartstrings and the triplets, A, B & C or One, Two & Three...Emmett, Luke & James...were so frigging cute! The author gave us just enough "kid" time without them monopolizing the story. Oh, and Four...not even going to tell you who that is, but the name is perfect!
Nate and Jack working through the issue that tore them a part was another thing I loved about this story. It made sense, especially once you find out about Jack and his horrible father, and disconnected childhood. Jack was the epitome of a good man. He tried to make things right and just went about it the wrong way. Boy did I feel for him, he beat himself up and couldn't see his true worth. He's become one of my favorite heroes.
The epilogue was adorable and I'm hoping as this series moves forward that this couple makes an appearance now and then. I would love a novella in the future, I feel like Jack, Lola, Silas and the triplets have so much more to tell.
May 29, 2017
“It could be, it might be... It is, A home run!” Harry Caray
It might be cliché, but I felt like I needed that quote to describe Called Out by Jen Doyle and being that her fictional baseball team calls Chicago home, I also felt it was appropriate. I have loved this series from the start, but Called Out is simply phenomenal. Given that the “hero” would probably call himself an anti-hero, and the heroine is a widow who is a single mom to four young boys, I was skeptical when I started this book, but Ms. Doyle expertly crafted this book and allowed her characters to go through many changes as the story unfolded giving the readers a unique and fantastic romance.
After sleeping with his friend and teammate’s fiancée and not even remembering it, Jack “Ox” Oxford is a baseball pariah, add to that his worst season ever in the majors and his career is tanking fast, his only hope to get the friend who he betrayed to vouch for him which means heading to Nate’s small hometown to apologize, eat crow, and beg if he has to. What he doesn’t expect is to help a stranded woman and her four children with a flat tire on his way into town or the impact they have on his life.
From their first meeting it was evident that widow and single mom, Lola McIntire, wasn’t going to cut Jack any slack. A close friend of Nate, Lola was firmly in Nate’s corner and was disappointed in Jack’s behavior mainly because he is her seven year old son, Silas’ baseball hero, but also because of how he hurt her friend. Despite the fact that Nate came home and found the true love of his life, Lola’s holding a grudge, but the feelings Jack stirs in her body are something entirely different than hate.
Jack has some big time issues stemming from the way he was raised, despite being a confident man he lacks self esteem and truly believes he’s not a good guy or worthy of anyone’s love or time. The more time he spends in Inspiration and with Nate, his inner circle, and Lola and her sons we see positive changes in him. I especially respected Nate for being able to put the incident behind them and help Jack realize his value. Lola became a fierce supporter of Jack and while she worried constantly that she or her son’s hearts would be broken by him since he firmly stated he was not worth of love or a relationship, she could not stop spending time with him when able. I admired Jack for being upfront and honest about what he thought was his inability to love, but in actions showed a much different man especially with Lola and her kids.
I loved watching the relationship between Jack and Lola grow and evolve during this book and I appreciated that in front of her children they were friends despite being more when they had time alone. The fact that they both shared things with one another that they hadn’t shared with anyone else, not even their closest friends was testament to their growing bond even when they both felt it had an end date to it.
There was so much I loved about this story including the way it was laced with humor, the mature way conflict was handled most of the time, and while this was a busy book with a lot going on, this couple’s relationship was still the focus in this book, everything else in it revolved around it.
Simply put, Jen Doyle hit this one over the wall, out of the park, and probably broke a windshield in the parking lot because Called Out is a home run of epic proportions.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
June 8, 2017
I loved it! Jack is still tugging on my heartstrings. This was more emotional than the other books in this series and I had tears in my eyes more than once. Start at the beginning and read all three!
June 1, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Author and Tasty Book Tours***
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.
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.
June 4, 2017
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kimberlyfaye reads.
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.
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
FAVORITE QUOTES
"Don't you dare think you have a right to tell me how to move on with the rest of my life."
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.
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
FAVORITE QUOTES
"Don't you dare think you have a right to tell me how to move on with the rest of my life."
July 1, 2017
Originally posted atSmexybooks.com
This is the third in this series and much like the previous two, I really enjoyed it. It could be read as a stand alone, but it works better if you’ve read the previous ones and fully understand the damage that Jack has done.
Lola is a single mother of three small kids. Her husband died a few years back. She has an incredibly strong support network and isn’t on the hunt for a new husband/dad. I love a good single parent trope, especially when the other MC isn’t all that thrilled with kids and then they love the kids and the parent. It worked pretty well here, my biggest quibble in relation to the children is that Jack definitely connects better with the older son, Silas, and never really with the twins.
Jack is kind of a jerk. At least he was a jerk to Nate, hero from book one. They played on the same baseball team and Jack slept with Nate’s then girlfriend/fiancee. So needless to say Jack and Nate are not on good terms.
Anyway, Jack doesn’t believe he is worthy of love. He knows he ruined the friendship that he and Nate had, but he felt somewhat justified in his reasons for being involved with Courtney. Jack has shitty parents and never learned he was worth love and that he could give love. I love a hero that learns about love with the heroine.
One of my favorite things about all of these books are the way that Doyle brings together a community of friends. It isn’t overpowering and doesn’t take over this couple’s story, but it is definitely there. It’s clear they all love each other and that is fun to read. I love when the MCs have relationships with friends/family. Because Jack is a bit of a pariah, it isn’t all great, but he does know the people of the town and that makes for some fun exchanges.
Of the three books, I think may have been the sexiest. Lola has agency over her body and sex life and I enjoyed that. There wasn’t a ton of the back and forth, should I or shouldn’t I about the sex. And any guilt she may have had seemed like it came from a place of “I don’t need to get involved with an available man” and not so much guilt or shame over the sex itself. There is a scene where Lola’s brother finds out there is a thing between Lola and Jack and isn’t happy and Lola basically tells him she’s a grown ass woman and she’ll have sex with whomever she pleases. I was cheering for her!
Overall this was a solid read. I really enjoy the community in these books. I love that the heroine has agency over her body and sexuality. I love a hero that believes himself unworthy of love and then learns from time, patience, and others loving him that he is in fact worthy of being loved and loving others. I believed in their love story. Jack redeemed himself, but still remained flawed.
Favorite quote:
“I think it’s time for you to go,” she whispered. He didn’t want to. Not because he hadn’t had the chance to touch her yet in the way he wanted to. It was worse than that. He wanted to hold her and let her cry, or be angry, or not even do anything at all. And he didn’t want to leave. Ever. “Yeah,” he said, folding the towel and placing it on a hook. “I know I should.” He threaded his fingers through her hair, and tilted her head up to him. “But I’m not going to.”
My main quibbles were the twins didn’t have an active role in the story and I felt like they bordered on plot moppets. Additionally there was a subplot about this house that Lola wanted and Jack was doing the work on. It kind of disappeared for a while and then popped back up at the end. I don’t know if there will be more in this series, but I definitely look forward to reading more books by this author.
Grade: B-
This is the third in this series and much like the previous two, I really enjoyed it. It could be read as a stand alone, but it works better if you’ve read the previous ones and fully understand the damage that Jack has done.
Lola is a single mother of three small kids. Her husband died a few years back. She has an incredibly strong support network and isn’t on the hunt for a new husband/dad. I love a good single parent trope, especially when the other MC isn’t all that thrilled with kids and then they love the kids and the parent. It worked pretty well here, my biggest quibble in relation to the children is that Jack definitely connects better with the older son, Silas, and never really with the twins.
Jack is kind of a jerk. At least he was a jerk to Nate, hero from book one. They played on the same baseball team and Jack slept with Nate’s then girlfriend/fiancee. So needless to say Jack and Nate are not on good terms.
Anyway, Jack doesn’t believe he is worthy of love. He knows he ruined the friendship that he and Nate had, but he felt somewhat justified in his reasons for being involved with Courtney. Jack has shitty parents and never learned he was worth love and that he could give love. I love a hero that learns about love with the heroine.
One of my favorite things about all of these books are the way that Doyle brings together a community of friends. It isn’t overpowering and doesn’t take over this couple’s story, but it is definitely there. It’s clear they all love each other and that is fun to read. I love when the MCs have relationships with friends/family. Because Jack is a bit of a pariah, it isn’t all great, but he does know the people of the town and that makes for some fun exchanges.
Of the three books, I think may have been the sexiest. Lola has agency over her body and sex life and I enjoyed that. There wasn’t a ton of the back and forth, should I or shouldn’t I about the sex. And any guilt she may have had seemed like it came from a place of “I don’t need to get involved with an available man” and not so much guilt or shame over the sex itself. There is a scene where Lola’s brother finds out there is a thing between Lola and Jack and isn’t happy and Lola basically tells him she’s a grown ass woman and she’ll have sex with whomever she pleases. I was cheering for her!
Overall this was a solid read. I really enjoy the community in these books. I love that the heroine has agency over her body and sexuality. I love a hero that believes himself unworthy of love and then learns from time, patience, and others loving him that he is in fact worthy of being loved and loving others. I believed in their love story. Jack redeemed himself, but still remained flawed.
Favorite quote:
“I think it’s time for you to go,” she whispered. He didn’t want to. Not because he hadn’t had the chance to touch her yet in the way he wanted to. It was worse than that. He wanted to hold her and let her cry, or be angry, or not even do anything at all. And he didn’t want to leave. Ever. “Yeah,” he said, folding the towel and placing it on a hook. “I know I should.” He threaded his fingers through her hair, and tilted her head up to him. “But I’m not going to.”
My main quibbles were the twins didn’t have an active role in the story and I felt like they bordered on plot moppets. Additionally there was a subplot about this house that Lola wanted and Jack was doing the work on. It kind of disappeared for a while and then popped back up at the end. I don’t know if there will be more in this series, but I definitely look forward to reading more books by this author.
Grade: B-
June 11, 2017
5 out of the ballpark stars for CALLED OUT.
Jack "Ox" Oxford is the worst kind of man. The kind who slept with his best friend's fiancée and got her pregnant. Jack knows he doesn't deserve another chance from Nate Hawkins, but he's headed to Inspiration, Iowa anyway to grovel and beg for a position on Nate's baseball team. He isn't expecting a widowed mother of 4 to set his upside down world to rights, especially since every one of her friends and family warned him to stay away from her.
Lola McIntire adores her 4 boys, but sometimes, just sometimes, it sure would be nice to have a man around again. She tries to hate Jack, tries to stay away from the major league pitcher, but resistance is futile. Slowly, the walls she erected after the death of her husband start to thaw, but Jack isn't permanent. He was always going to leave her and the boys for baseball. Is it worth opening up her heart to a man whose heart belongs to the sport?
CALLED OUT is the third book in the fabulous Calling It series, and I'm obsessed with Lola and Jack's story! The humor, heart and heat in this book are all off the charts! As terrible as Jack's story is at first glance, once he sacks up and admits the whole story, you just want to smother him with the same love and adoration he showed his BFF (in the most backward-assed way possible). Lola was rightfully wary to bring Jack around her kids, especially since he's her oldest son's baseball hero. But fortunately this is fiction, and everything worked out with a nice big HEA. I also loved the humor in CALLED OUT. Witness:
She took care of her body. She ate right; did yoga, um, occasionally. She thought about Zumba quite often. But she hadn't realized how much comfort she took in being with a man who'd loved her when she was ten and then sixteen and then thirty. A man whose children she carried and borne, a man who'd worshipped every single inch of her versus…this. "You do realize I've had four kids, right?"
I absolutely adored this story, I loved that they were so obsessed with each other yet so observant of what her kids' needs were. As a mom, I appreciated her ability to control her brood and gather her tribe around to help raise the kids. As a very wise woman once said, it does indeed take a village. I'm drooling over whatever is next from this über talented new author!!
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
Jack "Ox" Oxford is the worst kind of man. The kind who slept with his best friend's fiancée and got her pregnant. Jack knows he doesn't deserve another chance from Nate Hawkins, but he's headed to Inspiration, Iowa anyway to grovel and beg for a position on Nate's baseball team. He isn't expecting a widowed mother of 4 to set his upside down world to rights, especially since every one of her friends and family warned him to stay away from her.
Lola McIntire adores her 4 boys, but sometimes, just sometimes, it sure would be nice to have a man around again. She tries to hate Jack, tries to stay away from the major league pitcher, but resistance is futile. Slowly, the walls she erected after the death of her husband start to thaw, but Jack isn't permanent. He was always going to leave her and the boys for baseball. Is it worth opening up her heart to a man whose heart belongs to the sport?
CALLED OUT is the third book in the fabulous Calling It series, and I'm obsessed with Lola and Jack's story! The humor, heart and heat in this book are all off the charts! As terrible as Jack's story is at first glance, once he sacks up and admits the whole story, you just want to smother him with the same love and adoration he showed his BFF (in the most backward-assed way possible). Lola was rightfully wary to bring Jack around her kids, especially since he's her oldest son's baseball hero. But fortunately this is fiction, and everything worked out with a nice big HEA. I also loved the humor in CALLED OUT. Witness:
She took care of her body. She ate right; did yoga, um, occasionally. She thought about Zumba quite often. But she hadn't realized how much comfort she took in being with a man who'd loved her when she was ten and then sixteen and then thirty. A man whose children she carried and borne, a man who'd worshipped every single inch of her versus…this. "You do realize I've had four kids, right?"
I absolutely adored this story, I loved that they were so obsessed with each other yet so observant of what her kids' needs were. As a mom, I appreciated her ability to control her brood and gather her tribe around to help raise the kids. As a very wise woman once said, it does indeed take a village. I'm drooling over whatever is next from this über talented new author!!
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
May 31, 2017
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!
You can also find my review of the previous book Called Up here.
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!
You can also find my review of the previous book Called Up here.
May 22, 2017
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 though 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.
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 though 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.
May 25, 2017
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.
May 27, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
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 the 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 home town, 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.
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 the 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 home town, 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.
May 12, 2017
[I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review]
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 tolike 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.
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
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.
October 16, 2017
Jack has hurt his best friend, so badly that nobody wants to be around him any longer and he doesn't have anyone left. He's trying to make things right, but he isn't sure he can ever make up for what he's done. Still, his baseball career depends on the person he screwed over and the question is if he'll be given another chance. He's all alone and it's because of one single moment. Will he ever find happiness again?
When Lola meets Jack she doesn't want to feel any attraction because she knows what he's done. However, Jack is nicer than she initially thought he would be and he gets along well with her sons. While her children might love him, it's a lot more difficult for Jack to win Lola over. She knows about Jack's mistakes, will she be prepared to give him a shot and will her future look bright again after many years of heartache?
Called Out is a wonderful romantic story. Jack has done something many people would consider unforgivable. He's trying to make things right and his attitude is admirable. He's a kindhearted guy who made a big mistake and I wanted him to get back some love and friendliness in his life again. Lola is a strong woman with a good head on her shoulders. She's a single mother and her resilience and fierceness are fantastic. She and Jack have plenty of chemistry and I kept hoping they'd find their happily ever after. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out.
Jen Doyle writes about gorgeous athletic men in a fabulous way. Her writing has a nice and easy flow and her descriptions are vivid and lively. Her characters form really special bonds that always manage to make me smile. I like that a lot about her work. She doesn't stay away from the difficult parts of life either and therefore when her characters do find love it's even more amazing. I highly recommend Called Out, it's a terrific endearing and mesmerizing story.
When Lola meets Jack she doesn't want to feel any attraction because she knows what he's done. However, Jack is nicer than she initially thought he would be and he gets along well with her sons. While her children might love him, it's a lot more difficult for Jack to win Lola over. She knows about Jack's mistakes, will she be prepared to give him a shot and will her future look bright again after many years of heartache?
Called Out is a wonderful romantic story. Jack has done something many people would consider unforgivable. He's trying to make things right and his attitude is admirable. He's a kindhearted guy who made a big mistake and I wanted him to get back some love and friendliness in his life again. Lola is a strong woman with a good head on her shoulders. She's a single mother and her resilience and fierceness are fantastic. She and Jack have plenty of chemistry and I kept hoping they'd find their happily ever after. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out.
Jen Doyle writes about gorgeous athletic men in a fabulous way. Her writing has a nice and easy flow and her descriptions are vivid and lively. Her characters form really special bonds that always manage to make me smile. I like that a lot about her work. She doesn't stay away from the difficult parts of life either and therefore when her characters do find love it's even more amazing. I highly recommend Called Out, it's a terrific endearing and mesmerizing story.
May 20, 2017
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, Nates, fiancé. 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 Nates forgiveness enough that he gives the okay for Jack to join his team. On his way to beg this forgiveness Jack comes across the fierce mama bear, Lola, with a flat tire and 4 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 triplet’s 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!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Jack Oxford is a major league pitcher who made a terrible mistake and slept with his best friend, Nates, fiancé. 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 Nates forgiveness enough that he gives the okay for Jack to join his team. On his way to beg this forgiveness Jack comes across the fierce mama bear, Lola, with a flat tire and 4 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 triplet’s 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!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
June 5, 2017
A fun tale of a single mom and a baseball player who is there to make amends, Called Out is a great romance for the sports fan.
Lola, a widow with four children, runs into her son's hero while stranded on the side of the road. The hero she knows some not so nice things about. Things he is there to hopefully atone for as to not screw up the rest of his life. Jack is in his own class of antihero. He has issues he is working through, and I loved that he was so flawed.
Called Out is a sweet, fun, romance. I loved the evenly paced and well-written story. The characters are intriguing and you can't help but yearn to know what is going to happen between the two.
Lola, a widow with four children, runs into her son's hero while stranded on the side of the road. The hero she knows some not so nice things about. Things he is there to hopefully atone for as to not screw up the rest of his life. Jack is in his own class of antihero. He has issues he is working through, and I loved that he was so flawed.
Called Out is a sweet, fun, romance. I loved the evenly paced and well-written story. The characters are intriguing and you can't help but yearn to know what is going to happen between the two.
June 9, 2017
Book 1 was eh for me, book 2 I still can't get into, but book 3 is the lucky number! Jack and Lola hit it off instantly, I love their chemistry and the way they banter, and I love how great Jack is with Lola's kids. I love that there isn't unnecessary drama, and the epilogue is so sweet I cried (no surprises).
October 6, 2017
Jack is a bad boy, a former big league pitcher who screwed himself and his career when he slept with the fiancé of his teammate and best friend. Now he’s a social outcast desperately trying to get back in the good graces of his friend who will decide if he can rejoin the team.
Lola is a widowed mother of four who’s hormones jump to life every time Jack’s in the room. She should hate him like everyone else, but when he crawls back to beg forgiveness from her friend Nate, she sees the good he tries to hide and can’t help indulging her private longings.
Jen Doyle has created characters with depth and charm whose chemistry scorches the pages. If you’re a fan of Rachel Gibson or Susan Elizabeth Phillips, you will love, Called Out.
Lola is a widowed mother of four who’s hormones jump to life every time Jack’s in the room. She should hate him like everyone else, but when he crawls back to beg forgiveness from her friend Nate, she sees the good he tries to hide and can’t help indulging her private longings.
Jen Doyle has created characters with depth and charm whose chemistry scorches the pages. If you’re a fan of Rachel Gibson or Susan Elizabeth Phillips, you will love, Called Out.
June 27, 2017
I laughed, I cried, I loved it.
May 5, 2017
I love this series!! Full review soon!
November 15, 2018
Reviewed by Jen
Book provided by Jen Doyle
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This installment of the Calling It series was by far my favorite. In fact, I spent the last several pages trying to read through tears. As with most series, the book can be read alone, but you’ll most likely want to read the first two books in order to get the most out of this one.
Jack and Lola. Jack get us back to the sports world. He’s made a mistake that cost him one of his best friends and caused his pitching to spiral downward. To save his career, he’s reaching out to that ex-best friend (Nate from Calling It) and then he meets Lola. Lola is a widow with 4 young sons. She has her hands full and doesn’t need a professional ballplayer to turn her life upside down.
I really liked these two together. Neither wanted anything serious and what started out as a flirtation really spiced up. Both had a lot of issues to work through before they could admit their feelings and jump in with both feet. I found myself flipping those pages and cheering them on.
It was also nice to reunite with the couples from the first two books in the series. As they’re connected with Jack and Lola, they make quite a few appearances. It was also nice to get back to the sports since that was pushed to the back burner in the second book.
All in all, this book really tugged and my heartstrings and I’m so glad that I found this series. Well done Ms Doyle.
Book provided by Jen Doyle
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This installment of the Calling It series was by far my favorite. In fact, I spent the last several pages trying to read through tears. As with most series, the book can be read alone, but you’ll most likely want to read the first two books in order to get the most out of this one.
Jack and Lola. Jack get us back to the sports world. He’s made a mistake that cost him one of his best friends and caused his pitching to spiral downward. To save his career, he’s reaching out to that ex-best friend (Nate from Calling It) and then he meets Lola. Lola is a widow with 4 young sons. She has her hands full and doesn’t need a professional ballplayer to turn her life upside down.
I really liked these two together. Neither wanted anything serious and what started out as a flirtation really spiced up. Both had a lot of issues to work through before they could admit their feelings and jump in with both feet. I found myself flipping those pages and cheering them on.
It was also nice to reunite with the couples from the first two books in the series. As they’re connected with Jack and Lola, they make quite a few appearances. It was also nice to get back to the sports since that was pushed to the back burner in the second book.
All in all, this book really tugged and my heartstrings and I’m so glad that I found this series. Well done Ms Doyle.
May 14, 2017
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.
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**
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.
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**
August 3, 2021
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This is what I'm talking about. When Jack has to come to his best friend, the man whose fiancee he slept with, to ask for a second chance, he knows there's an almost zero chance of it actually happening. But Inspiration surprises him in more ways than one when Nate agrees and then again when he meets Lola, widowed mom of 4 boys. What starts as an almost antagonistic relationship quickly becomes hot and the chemistry overtakes them. But there's a lot to consider including the damage his own parents did to his psyche and the overprotective men in town.
I loved the relationship that formed between the two of them, but even more, I loved how he was with her boys (both children and adult). The way he just took charge but was easy going and the way she fought for him to realize the goodness in him. I enjoyed this one.
This is what I'm talking about. When Jack has to come to his best friend, the man whose fiancee he slept with, to ask for a second chance, he knows there's an almost zero chance of it actually happening. But Inspiration surprises him in more ways than one when Nate agrees and then again when he meets Lola, widowed mom of 4 boys. What starts as an almost antagonistic relationship quickly becomes hot and the chemistry overtakes them. But there's a lot to consider including the damage his own parents did to his psyche and the overprotective men in town.
I loved the relationship that formed between the two of them, but even more, I loved how he was with her boys (both children and adult). The way he just took charge but was easy going and the way she fought for him to realize the goodness in him. I enjoyed this one.
September 24, 2017
Called Out
This is definitely my favorite of the series which is saying a lot since I went into this book Hating Jack Oxford. If you have read the other books, you know of Jack's notorious past and why all of baseball has turned against him. Except Jack isn't the Iceman that he was made out to be and it takes a widow and four little boys to prove it to him. I can't wait to read more from this author!!
This is definitely my favorite of the series which is saying a lot since I went into this book Hating Jack Oxford. If you have read the other books, you know of Jack's notorious past and why all of baseball has turned against him. Except Jack isn't the Iceman that he was made out to be and it takes a widow and four little boys to prove it to him. I can't wait to read more from this author!!
May 15, 2017
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
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
May 30, 2017
Jack "Ox" Oxford is looking to sign on with a new baseball team, but the only team willing to take him is the team his ex-best friend, Nate, plays for. So, to have a chance at saving his career, he needs to beg Nate for forgiveness or at least convince him to agree to allow the two of them to play on the same team. However, it seems Nate isn't the only one he needs to win over when he changes a flat tire for Lola Deacon McIntire. Can he convince Lola that he's a good guy, despite what he did to Nate in the past, so they can have a shot at happy ever after?
What a marvelously-written and captivating read Ms. Doyle has penned in this third book of her Calling It series, which continues to show she knows how to hit home runs with her incredible writing ability. Seriously, this story grabbed my attention from the very first word and didn't let go until the last, especially with the way it started. I couldn't help but sympathize with the hero, as he's been pegged as a bad guy for what he did to Nate in the past, and it's unlikely his ex-best friend will be receptive to his plight when it comes to his career. Will Jack be able to convince Nate to give him a chance after what he did? Will Nate be able to forgive Jack?
As for the dialogue, it was a wonderful combination of intense and playful banter, and I loved every moment the hero and heroine interact, because their interactions build some seriously strong sexual tension, which eventually spills over onto the pages in hot sex scenes that illustrates how fun sex can be since their intimacy isn't limited to the bedroom. Who knew doing laundry could be so pleasurable? Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave the way she's managed to continue on after her husband's death and be a good mom to her children, even though she's still grieving and feels guilt because of what happened to the man she loved. Was it her fault that he died? I also liked that the heroine was bold enough to ask Jack for what she wanted and that she wasn't about to allow her brother or anyone else to interfere when it came to getting involved with the hero. It was her decision and it was about time she finally found a man to be with again, and Jack is the right guy at the time.
While Jack, he was a fantastic hero that deserves forgiveness, because Nate dodged a bullet because of what Jack did. Although, I could understand why Nate would be angry with him, as they were best friends and best friends shouldn't do what Jack did. Furthermore, I liked how Jack won Lola over with everything he does for her, especially when there's a moment where she's in desperate need of help. But what I liked most of all about the hero is that he finally realized that he will never be like his father, because he knows how to love. He's found it with Lola and her children and there's no way he's letting her get away.
Overall, Ms. Doyle has delivered a wondrous read in this book where the secondary characters entertained me just as much as the main ones and where the ending wrapped this story up nicely with Jack realizing what he wanted when it came to love, family, happiness. I also enjoyed the bond the hero shared with Lola's children and how he involved them in his plans when it came to cementing his future with Lola. It was absolutely precious. I would recommend Called Out by Jen Doyle, if you enjoy sports romances, second chance romances or books by authors Jami Davenport, Kelly Jamieson or Brenda Rothert.
May 29, 2017
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? **see edit at end**
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. ( but may not be in final version)
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
** that may have been only in ARCs. Seems debut had her losing the baby. Hopefully thats clear in final version**
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? **see edit at end**
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. ( but may not be in final version)
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
** that may have been only in ARCs. Seems debut had her losing the baby. Hopefully thats clear in final version**
May 29, 2017
Rating: 3.5 Stars
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.
BLOG|INSTAGRAM|BLOGLOVIN| FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
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.
BLOG|INSTAGRAM|BLOGLOVIN| FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
May 29, 2017
the author let me read this book 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.
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.
May 29, 2017
My Review:
Every time I go into one of these books, I kind of expect this to be the time that Jen Doyle lets me down...not because I want her to, but just because this entire series has been so good and that isn't an easy level to maintain. BUT she did it again. I adored this book and fell in love with Jack and Lola...seriously...LOVED THEM!!!
Both these characters have an angst-filled background. Jack was the child of a very well-to-do family. His parents are cold and callous and he was basically raised by the help. Knowing that he's their offspring, he's always been really hard on himself. He tends to keep himself apart from others and really doesn't connect. The exception to that is Nate, his former best friend until last year when he slept with Nate's fiance and got her pregnant. (But don't judge the book by that one act...there's so much more to that story that just made me fall in love with Jack more.)
The other main character in the story is Lola. Lola is a widow. Three years ago, her Army Ranger husband was in an accident that killed him leaving her as a single mother to their four boys...three of which were 1 yo triplets. She also helps manage and works in the family restaurant with her brother Deke. To say she's a little overwhelmed with her responsibilities is putting it mildly.
The other main thing to know about this set-up...Nate is one of Lola's absolute best friends, and she downright hates Jack for how he hurt Nate. (There are a lot of dynamics at play within this tight-knit group of friends that is just one of the many reasons this series of books are all so good.) So, needless to say, Lola is pretty ticked off about the sizzling chemistry she has with Jack. And Jack is trying to get back on Nate's good side so that Jack can play pro ball again...the entire league hates him for what he did to Nate. The only way to recover from that is through Nate. If Nate can get over it, so will everyone else. Although, sleeping with one of his best friends that Nate has warned Jack off of probably isn't the best way for that to happen.
But guess what happens when fate and true love come to call...you got it...there are some HUGE fireworks in this book...AND some really sizzling sexy scenes. Everything about this story and the characters worked for me. I loved them all so much. I loved how Jack kept doing all the wrong things with the boys, but his heart was always in the right place...the puppy scene absolutely killed me.
It's an absolutely great book that's part of a great series. You can easily read any of the books as stand-alones, but they are all excellent so I wager once you read one, you'll want to read all three of them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Every time I go into one of these books, I kind of expect this to be the time that Jen Doyle lets me down...not because I want her to, but just because this entire series has been so good and that isn't an easy level to maintain. BUT she did it again. I adored this book and fell in love with Jack and Lola...seriously...LOVED THEM!!!
Both these characters have an angst-filled background. Jack was the child of a very well-to-do family. His parents are cold and callous and he was basically raised by the help. Knowing that he's their offspring, he's always been really hard on himself. He tends to keep himself apart from others and really doesn't connect. The exception to that is Nate, his former best friend until last year when he slept with Nate's fiance and got her pregnant. (But don't judge the book by that one act...there's so much more to that story that just made me fall in love with Jack more.)
The other main character in the story is Lola. Lola is a widow. Three years ago, her Army Ranger husband was in an accident that killed him leaving her as a single mother to their four boys...three of which were 1 yo triplets. She also helps manage and works in the family restaurant with her brother Deke. To say she's a little overwhelmed with her responsibilities is putting it mildly.
The other main thing to know about this set-up...Nate is one of Lola's absolute best friends, and she downright hates Jack for how he hurt Nate. (There are a lot of dynamics at play within this tight-knit group of friends that is just one of the many reasons this series of books are all so good.) So, needless to say, Lola is pretty ticked off about the sizzling chemistry she has with Jack. And Jack is trying to get back on Nate's good side so that Jack can play pro ball again...the entire league hates him for what he did to Nate. The only way to recover from that is through Nate. If Nate can get over it, so will everyone else. Although, sleeping with one of his best friends that Nate has warned Jack off of probably isn't the best way for that to happen.
But guess what happens when fate and true love come to call...you got it...there are some HUGE fireworks in this book...AND some really sizzling sexy scenes. Everything about this story and the characters worked for me. I loved them all so much. I loved how Jack kept doing all the wrong things with the boys, but his heart was always in the right place...the puppy scene absolutely killed me.
It's an absolutely great book that's part of a great series. You can easily read any of the books as stand-alones, but they are all excellent so I wager once you read one, you'll want to read all three of them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
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