That Thing Called Love

I don't usually like romance books where children play a large role, but this is one of the exceptions. I enjoyed the way Jake became a father, although I think in real life this wouldn't have happened as fast as this. I don't think a teenager would forgive and forget as easily. Apart from Jake's developing relationship with his son, the developing relation between Jake and Jenny remains an important part of the book. An enjoyable book. I like this author's voice.

I really liked this one--a well-written contemporary romance with substance. I loved the characters of Jenny and Austin--Jenny was a strong character, and her relationship (as a sister/guardian) with Austin was great. The parts from the teenager's POV were cute (though I know no self-respecting 13-year-old would want to hear that, it's true--Andersen's teenage "voice" was spot on)--and though Jake took a bit more warming up to, once you do the man is very warm. Hot, even. ;-) Seeing things from his POV--especially the past--definitely helped his case here; it's hard to see him as a good guy at first. His brother Max appears to be set up as a future hero, and I'll definitely be in line to read his story. My one and only complaint (and it show more seems to be a theme with the books I've read this past week for some reason) is that the protagonist who needs a wake up call to get us to the HEA gets it rather abruptly--not quite enough for the reader to feel cheated, thank goodness, just a smidge faster than one would have thought. Really, though, it's not much of a complaint. This is the first in a new series for the author, set in Razor Bay, Washington--a town I am looking forward to visiting again. show less

I've seen Susan Andersen's books gracing the book store shelves for years. Heck, I even have some of her books on my personal TBR shelves. Many bookie friends have praised her and now I can see why. Between extremely realistic characters and a decent storyline it's a wonder I haven't rushed right out and bought up all her books to read right away.


The Characters: Jenny is a girl next door type (with an added pinch of spice) who has loved Austin as a brother since he was a baby and Jake is a jet-setting photographer finally coming home to be the parent he should have been ages ago. Austin is an angsty (yes spell check, I know that isn't a word) teenage boy who desperately wants a father but can't trust the father who has just popped back show more into his life...with good reason. But honestly it wasn't just the 3 main characters that were the only stars of this book. The entire book is filled with fully three dimensional characters making for a rich and satisfying read. When an author can run my emotions from one extreme to another during the course of a book she gets mega-praise.


The Plot: What you see is what you get. The book opens with the idea that Austin's absentee father just might want to claim his parental rights and take over the raising of Austin, which is exactly what happens. There are no real OMG moments and I don't recall ever uttering "I never saw that coming." but I think this book's simplistic storyline really allows for the readers to become fully immersed into the depths of the setting and characters.


I did think that the ending was wrapped up too quickly (and by ending I mean the 'I Love Yous' part.) I think Jake should have had to grovel more than what he did. But maybe that's the sadistic side of me talking.

Just so you know, there were some other happenings going on within the book. Jake and his half brother had to finally come to terms with being brothers. Jenny had a less than stellar visit with her father. Austin had his first crush. But honestly these things helped build the characters and not necessarily the plot.


In A Nut Shell: A slightly above average contemporary romance story with excellent characters made for very good read as I am extremely character driven when it comes to books I like. I will definitely read more from Susan Andersen (actually I'm hoping that Jake's brother gets a turn at HEA.) show less

This is the first book in the new Razor Bay series and it is a great start. Jenny Salazar has been the caretaker for her 13 year old “brother” Austen for several months since the deaths of his grandparents. Austin is not related to her by blood but since Jenny worked for his grandparents since she was 16 years old, they have grown up together. Jenny knows it is a matter of time before Austin’s father, Jake Bradshaw, comes back into Austin’s life but is surprised when he shows up unexpectedly.
Jake has not seen Austin since he was an infant. The 18 year old Jake had gotten Austin’s mother pregnant and did the right thing by marrying her and leaving all of his college dreams behind. When his wife died in childbirth, leaving him show more with a colicky baby, he panicked and took the grandparent’s offer to raise the child. He has not seen or interacted with Austin since. He is now a famous photographer who has traveled all over the world and is based in NYC. He lets Jenny know right from the start that he plans to take Austin to NYC with him and she convinces him to hold off telling Austin until they have developed some kind of relationship.
Needless to say, Austin does not react well to Jake’s appearance. He wants nothing to do with Jake and thwarts his efforts to connect at every turn. I think that Ms. Anderson does a great job of portraying the feelings of a young man who desperately wants a father but has been disappointed so many times that he is afraid to open his heart again. I like the fact that neither Austin nor Jenny cut Jake any slack and make him work for both relationships. I also appreciate that Austin is a typical teen with normal worries and not a bratty whiner.
What adds to the romantic tension is Jake’s long standing disdain for the life in Razor Bay and Jenny’s need for the roots and stability the town gives her. Jenny is in a really difficult position, not only does she stands to lose Austin, but if she gives her heart to Jake, she knows he can’t give her the life she needs. She also has to do everything she can to foster the relationship between father and son which just makes the situation have more potential for heartbreak.
I liked the character of Jake even though he should be a villain. As written, it is easy to understand why he made the choices he did when Austin was born. However, he still needs to be held accountable for his lack of communication as he got older. Jake matures emotionally in this book, with a few relapses but mostly with good results. He has another relationship to work on with his half-brother Max and that is almost a source of comic relief in the way they resolve their issues.
Great beginning to the series and it is perfectly set up for the next book due in 2013 and featuring Max. show less

That Thing Called Love – Susan Anderson

*ARC SUPPLIED BY PUBLISHER*
This is book one in the Razor Bay/Bradshaw brothers series and it really was a heck of a start. This book was at times funny and light and then sometimes you would read another few chapters and it would turn a bit more serious. The characters are fully fleshed and very likeable for the most part. Jake who is the “bad” guy (sort of!) is a more complex character and can be both. The secondary characters are described with the same complexity as the main characters and Ms Anderson makes it easy for us to see how the next book or two is going to go. I know I am certainly anticipating the next book or two.

Jake, after 13 years, is back in Razor Bay to finally take show more responsibility for his 13 year old son who has just lost both his Grandmother and then a short time later, his grandfathers. What Jake hasn’t counted on is that his son Austen would have such a feisty temporary guardian.

Jenny should have known that Austen’s father would someday come back and claim him. What she didn’t expect is that Jake would be so damn sexy and smart and willing to atone for his past mistakes with his son.

Soon sparks are flying and Ms Anderson sure does know how to play on the readers emotions. She really uses a deft hand with the sexy teasers between Jake and Jenny and soon you will find yourself praying they will set the sparks off. And set the sparks off they sure do!

Can Jake learn from his mistakes and come to terms with the fact that the past doesn’t always define the future? Will he do what is right for his son or himself? Will Jenny and Jake learn to love each other? Well I’m not going to spoil this book for you, you are going to have to read it if you want to find out! show less

Loved the characters in this book. Jake, Jenny and Austin were endearing and funny and I see a good future for them. There is more emotional drama than action in this book but I still really enjoyed it. It's one of those books that leaves you with a goofy grin on your face.

3.75 Stars

Most heroes in romance novels are cookie cutter perfect, but in That Thing Called Love, Susan Andersen takes a chance with a very imperfect character, absentee father Jake Bradshaw, and she beautifully redeems into a dedicated family man who captures both Austin and Jenny Salazar’s heart. To read my review in its entirety, please visit http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/2012/07/24/that-thing-called-love/