Tremors

I have to give Harlequin credit for trying to cover all the bases when it comes to modern relationships. Sometimes it doesn't work, but this time it did. The story begins when fire captain Joe Ripani effects a daring rescue after an earthquake levels a parking garage. The woman he rescues happens to be Lisa Malloy, a woman with whom he had a blazing hot affair, but he had ended it three weeks before. Joe is a footloose guy and Lisa wanted to settle down, so Joe walked away. In the hospital after he rescues Lisa, Joe overhears she's pregnant and knows the baby is his, so he proposes. Wanting a good life for her baby, Lisa accepts. The two get married, but nothing seems to go right. All of Joe's efforts fall flat and he begins to regret his decision. Every time Lisa resolves she's been at fault and wants to make an effort, Joe screws up or her pregnancy adversely affects her. Just like real life! Finally, when Lisa winds up in the hospital again after an aftershock puts her in a car accident, Joe realizes how much she means to him and professes his love. Lisa, in turn, opens up to him, they finally consummate their marriage, and things start looking up. Though not infused with action, this book managed to hold my interest. The heroine had a rewarding veterinary career but also a life, and the hero behaved like a real guy; one a woman would feel lucky to have. Things are looking up in Courage Bay.