I read the first book, Calling It, and fell in love with Doyle’s writing.  She delivers down to earth, regular people who are engaging and interesting but not too full of drama.  Their problems seem normal and relatable, and you finish the book feeling like you just made friends.  In Called Out she once again givers her readers characters that they can fall for and a story that captivates. 

If you read Calling It you remember Jack because he was Nate’s best friend … until Jack slept with Nate’s fiancé … and got her pregnant.  If you haven’t read it, don’t worry – Doyle makes sure you know all about it  :)  But what we didn’t get before were a lot of details and no we get Jack’s side of the story! 

And I feel so bad for the guy.  His childhood, while privileged, was awful.  His parents were (and still are) emotionally abusive, so Jack has a hard time truly valuing his worth off the baseball field.  He’s never really let himself get involved, with anyone.  Until Nate.  And he screwed it up, publicly and big time.  Now he’s going to do what he can to at least salvage his career because he doesn’t feel like he can really expect anything more. 

Lola is struggling to raise four boys on her own but she has a great support system of friends and family.  And that includes Nate.  So being attracted to the man who treated him so terribly is definitely not something she wants.  But as she spends time with Jack it gets harder and harder to resist him.  Especially when she finds out there is more to the man that the cold demeanor he’s shown the world. 

Mouthy, flirty, sexy Jack is so much fun.  And he just loves getting under Lola’s skin, which is such a hoot.  She’s not afraid to give back, though, which is fun as well.  But it's when Jack’s secrets and fears start coming out that we truly start to understand the man.  That’s when he steals our hearts.

Emotionally-driven but humorous and fun, Doyle delivers a powerhouse romance that's the perfect summer read.

When Jen Doyle tells a story, it is filled with charming characters you want to get to know personally, it has humor that makes the drama and troubles of the protagonists lives bearable, it has adoration and admiration, sexy scenes that nearly melt the pages, it has friends and family, it has life, loving, and living, even death. There are few authors whose voice as they tell a story mesmerizes my mind, every single time, and I get lost in the pages, in the story, in the lives of characters of the book. Called Out I pretty much inhaled one rainy afternoon, all 100 000 words of it. It is a compelling story of forgiveness, redemption, new chances in life, friendship, parenthood, and most of all it is about learning to love. 
Lola Deacon McIntire is a widow, a mother of four, a sister, a friend, a business owner. She wears all her hats admirably, she has spunk, attitude, and temper. She would do anything for her family and friends, and she is not afraid to stand up for herself or for her loved ones when the need arises. It was impossible not to admire her, and the fire for life she has. A smart, passionate lady with a beautiful soul. 
Jack "Ox" Oxford has mastered the ice cool cover image he hides behind. He learned at the early age that to show emotion leads to trouble, to have personal expectations will lead to disappointments. He was made to believe he is not worthy since he was a young boy, and the message was honed in at every opportunity through his life. Yet inside there is a deeply feeling, vulnerable, kind man with a big heart. I felt for Jack. The more I got to know him and about him the more I liked him. He really is an honest, solid man. 
I loved his moments with One, Two, Three, and Si, the kids, talk about swoon worthy hero! And I adored Jack and Lola together, the way they center each other, the connection so palpable it was obvious to everyone around them, the feelings that were growing and taking a strong root, the newness of it all for Jack, it was sweet, it was ardent, and it made me smile. 
The foundation of the story is one event, a mistake Jack made, that had a tsunami kind of ripple-effect on everyone's lives on a very large scale. While I absolutely loved the story I kept expecting more information, details, of the life-changing moment and the results of it. Because if I was to believe that Jack is the man that I saw behind the walls, the man he developed to be through the story, he would have been dealing with the results of the devastation he left behind. I am trying not to give out anything away and still say why I had so many questions in my mind as I finished this story and why did it not have a perfect score at the end - I felt a major issue was nearly ignored and left hanging. 
Called out hit all the emotions while I was reading it. There was laughter, sighs, smiles, triumph, tears, pleasure, frustration, grief, and heartache. It is an entertaining and captivating story, well written with a fluent flow and witty dialog.
~ Four Spoons

4.5 Stars

I highly enjoyed this book. Jack is looking to make a comeback in his baseball career and find some forgiveness/redemption for the horrible thing he did to his best friend. Lola is just looking to survive single motherhood, but Jack calls to her. A more unlikely pair Lola and Jack, but when you see them together it's not so strange as it seems. Lola sees in Jack what others overlook. When Jack is with Lola's boys total swoon worthy material. I thought it was beautiful the way Jack grows as a person in this book. I highly recommend this book.

I am a huge sports romance fan and have really been looking forward to reading Called Out. Boy did Jen Doyle knock it out of the park! I adored Lola from the very first page, admiring her strength, her deep love for her family and her friends and her spunk. I loved how she did not just fall in a heap at Jack's feet just because he was a professional baseball player (a down on his luck through all fault of his own, but a player none the less). Jack was a little more difficult to like. Cheating for me is a do not cross the line kind of thing, so I was not sure that I would ever be able to fully like his character but by the end, I feel he redeemed himself. Full of fun banter, a little steam and a lot of love, Called Out was a really great fun, summer read! And while it is book 3 in the Calling It series, it can be read as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading the others first in order to get the maximum enjoyment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’ve really enjoyed the Calling It series. I like the characters and the small town comradery of Inspiration, Iowa. I was not surprised to see that Lola was the heroine for the next book in the series. That poor woman has been through a lot and definitely deserved a happily ever after. I was, however, surprised to see that Jack Oxford was her hero. Jack is someone we met in the first book in the series. He made some mistakes that ordinarily would have been unforgiveable, but Jen Doyle has done an amazing job making Jack a more complicated character than I originally though. I not only forgave him, I fell for him along with every character in this book.

I loved Jack and Lola together. They were perfect for each other. Watching them discover that they were capable of love, while also supporting each other through some trying times was so touching. I have to admit there were some moments where I shed a tear, both happy and sad. Lola’s kids added some levity, but also some heart wrenching moments. There is a scene at Thanksgiving that had me laughing out loud right after a scene where I got something in my eye. This book was quite the roller coaster ride and I loved every minute of it.

I also love that we get to see the rest of the characters that we love so much. I’m hoping that this isn’t the end. I need to see Jules, Wash and Jason find their happily ever afters too. And I do believe we’re still missing one of the Dream. Hopefully he makes an appearance soon. This is a must read series for me and I highly recommend it.

Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Called Out By Jen Doyle
• Silas
   What a story! Can you truly forgive someone who hurt you so deeply?
   After Jack betrayed Nate his former best-friend in the worst of ways, his baseball career turns to shambles.  Now Jack needs Nate's blessing before the owner of the Chicago Watchmen will even consider signing Jack to the team. Jack has one shot left to revive his career, will Nate train with him and give the coach his blessing? Jack isn't expecting a warm welcome but he really needs a chance, will Nate give it to him or slam the door in his face... that is after punching him?? Will Nate ever forgive him?
   Lola and her 4 boys end up on the side of the road with a flat tire, Jack (her oldest Silas' baseball hero) stops to help her. She doesn't want anything to do with him because of what he did to Nate whom she considers her little brother, however her body on the other hand thinks otherwise. 
  Neither Jack or Lola are looking for love but will it come knocking anyway? To find out you'll have to read Called Out. It's a wonderful love story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book via Tasty Book Tours for an honest blog tour review.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review by Elizabeth for Love Romance Books

I was asked by the author for an honest review.

5 stars

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

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


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

Review by Amanda for Love Romance Books Blog
Rating - 4

I was asked by the author for an honest review. 

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

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

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

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