Called Up by Jen Doyle (Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads)Also by this author: Calling It, Holiday House Call
Published by Carina Press on August 29th 2016
Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, General, Romance, Sports
Pages: 212
Format: eARC
There's one thing Max "Deke" Deacon can always count on besides his old high school teammates: Angelica "Fitz" Hawkins. But no matter how much Deke might secretly fantasize otherwise, a relationship with his best friend's sister is off limits. Until one unexpectedly smoldering encounter has Deke and Fitz giving in to the feelings they've both been fighting for far too long.
Fitz knows for a fact that it is not better to have loved and lost. After losing her parents, she'd rather lock up her heart and throw away the key than endure that kind of pain again. If that means giving up any hope of a lasting relationship, then so be it.
But with Deke, Fitz feels dangerously close to falling in love. She can't risk another broken heart—especially if it means losing one of her best friends for good. Now it's up to Deke to convince her that the safest place she could ever be is right here with him
I read book 1, Calling It, in this companion series… wait no, let me be honest… I devoured book 1 in this series in about a day last week and as soon as I finished it I went on the hunt for book 2. Yes, that’s how much I loved it… and that’s how much anticipation I had for Called Up. I had huge expectations.
Huge.
I’m here to tell you that all expectations were met and more!
Max Deacon is known around town as the fun guy… he’s not looking for a relationship, but if you’re down for some fun, then he’s your man. No strings and hot sex. And he’s been happy with the status quo, hooking up with ready and willing women, but suddenly he can’t seem to get his mind off someone who is completely off limits.
Angelica “Fitz” Hawkins is Nate’s half-sister. She’s never quite felt welcome in the small town she’s been forced to grow up in. After the unexpected death of her mom and dad, she’s struggled with the sidelong looks the people have given her as well as the less than warm welcome the friends of her half siblings have given her.
Deke and Fitz have become best friends over the years though, and along with that friendship, some additional feelings have risen to the surface. Though the fear of Nate’s wrath is strong, in the end it doesn’t deter them from acting on their attraction for each other. Now Fitz is looking to escape the judging eyes of the town and she finds she can’t confide this to Deke… and she won’t let her feelings for him sidetrack her plans either.
I don’t know what it is about Doyle’s guys… actually, I think I do. I think I love that they aren’t at all afraid to share their vulnerability and emotions. These very manly men are totally okay with laying it all on the line for the women they are falling for and that is so incredibly sexy to me. And the ladies she creates are relatable and fun and dare I say this… not at all annoying.
Doyle’s writing paced wonderfully and the story flows perfectly. I loved the extra glimpses we got of Nate and Dorie in this! Baseball is still a part of the story as well, since Fitz runs Nate’s foundation and in addition to the pro players, we get to see some moments where Deke is coaching the town little league team *swoon*.
I also really liked that we got to know a bit more about Mama Gin… I thought it was a bit weird that in the first book we know she’s Nate’s mom but there was very little interaction between them, so it was a welcome change for this second book. I love that we find out a bit more about why she stepped up and adopted Fitz after the death of her ex.
There is some back and forth in this one, mostly because these two are best friends and Fitz really struggles with the idea that if things go south between them, she could lose the one person she’s learned she can count on over the years, and that scares her. It was completely understandable, and while some may find it annoying, I found Fitz’s struggles with this believeable and it totally worked for this story.
I know I mentioned it in my first review, but fans of Jill Shalvis really will find this series completely enjoyable! If you’re looking for books with that small-town feel, a story filled with tough, sexy & sweet guys… strong and independent women, and a story that you’ll find yourself completely invested in, then look no further. Jen Doyle’s fun, lighthearted books full of sweet and sexy moments are definitely what you need to pick up next!
Recent Comments