I enjoyed reading this novel that I could not put it down. I love the two main characters - Jennifer (Jenny) Salazar and Jake (Jacob) Bradshaw. The attraction between them was instantaneous and strong. Yet, both of them kept fighting it. Thus, when they finally got together...it was like WOW!!!! About darn time. I loved the fact that Jake came back for his son and reveled in being a father. Honestly, he did good by letting his in-laws take care of Austin. Jake was not ready and he was too young. He knew he was not capable of being a good father to his son. Jenny was a great buffer for Austin & Jake. I enjoyed how Jake included in her in his parental decisions and outings. I loved how Jenny stood up to her dad and put Jake in his place (numerous times). I love books with character development and growth. It's like that "Ah-ha" moment. I love the friendship between Tasha and Jenny; the male bonding between Jake, Max and Austin. Speaking of Austin, I loved reading his point of view. Ms. Andersen hit it on the mark with this novel. I look forward to reading the next novel in this series. 3.5 starsthe story's about Jake Bradshaw, returning to the small town of razor bay after staying away for 13 years, or basically his son's whole life, and Jenny Salazar, who's the one taking care of his son, Austin, after the death of his grandparents.first off, Jake is definitely a jerk. he got a girl knocked up in his teens. he married her but then she died and he just basically skipped out of town on the wings on a scholarship. yeah, he was 19, he didn't even love the girl, he was not ready, i get all of that. but no single peep from him for 13 years?? just because?? the reason given was not compelling enough. if i was the son, i would've greeted him with a high kick on his super pressed ass. as it was, he only got a death stare. Jenny, on the other hand, is likable enough. she goes through some shit of her own with her family and it made her a strong, independent woman. she is protective of Austin but can't really throw any weight around when it comes to dealing with Jake because she has no legal right over him whatsoever, being a nonrelative.so yeah, the beginning leaves much to be desired, mostly regarding how Jake is introduced with thoughts like, 'It’s a damn shame the kid’s too old to buy a pony.' and the way he deals with his frustrations?? being an ass?? i wanted to smack him. then he goes and gives his son that picture. yep, the icicles around my heart melted a little right alongside Austin's.it was a nice journey, them going from having nothing to do with each other to slowly inching their way together. at least, i thought it was believable. even going through the usual bumps along the way. i also liked the way the relationship between Jake and Jenny progressed while they were dealing with all of these. i like the fact that it didn't really jump on what was developing with the father and son relationship.i didn't get the great epiphany that Jake had though. it felt so sudden and out there. that so-called push that propelled him to change for the better, while in theory it is very compelling, but the way it was written just left me with that what the heck kind of moment. sad to say it fell flat with me, how the author went about it. kind of too much like trying to wrap up a gift in a hurry, it ends up looking a little askew.nonetheless, it was a great read. good for curling up in a corner and delving into a uncomplicated, nice story.
What do You think about That Thing Called Love (2012)?
This was my first book by this author. I love Jake & Jenny's story. Looking forward to reading more.
—diane
This was an entertaining afternoon read. I look forward to the next installment!
—slate
