That Thing Called Love, by Susan Andersen

 

That Thing Called Love, by Susan Andersen

Rating: B+, Hot

 

Renowned photographer Jake Bradshaw has returned to Razor Bay after a 13 year absence. His wife died in childbirth when his son Austin was born. Jake was only 18 at the time, and his wife’s parents convinced him they could care for Austin so Jake could go to college. Well, that was then….this is now! The Grandparents have passed away, and Jake is called upon to parent Austin. Jenny Salazaar is Austin’s legal guardian, and none too happy to see the globe trotting Jake blow in to town. Jake’s plan is to get to know Austin, and then move him to New York City, which Jake calls home.

 

Jenny slowly comes to the realization that Jake can take Austin at any time, so she decides to work with him, to form a relationship with Austin. Austin is a very mature 13 year old, and does not react well to Jake’s plan to move with him to New York. In fact, at times Austin is better at forging ahead with their relationship than Jake is. However, throughout the course of the story, we find out that the grandparents were instrumental in keeping Jake from returning to Razor Bay and his son. At this turning point, Jake had my sympathy and his work cut out for him, proving to everyone that he could be a capable parent to Austin.

 

Soon, sparks fly between Jake and Jenny. The conflict between them is very well fleshed out. Jenny needs the stability her life in Razor Bay offers her, while Jake is such a free spirit. They slowly start to resolve their issues, out of consideration for Austin. Both Jake and Jenny need to sacrifice for the best resolution of Austin’s future. Jake especially has to work hard to repair broken promises, but he comes out a better man for it. Will Jake and Jenny be able to meet halfway, and stay together in Razor Bay with Austin? At times, the odds sure are stacked against them.

 

Jake’s half brother Max provides comic relief throughout the book, and I sure hope the next book is about Max! This book is a magnificent beginning to a new series that I look forward to!