Aftershock by Jill Shalvis

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THE EARTH MOVED...LITERALLY! If it hadn't been for the earthquake, Amber Riggs would never have made love to a perfect stranger. And no doubt about it, fire inspector Dax McCall was perfect! Who else could have taught her the meaning of passion at a time like that? AND NOW THE... read more

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On an incredible day, Amber Riggs was checking out an old building for a real estate client. Dax McCall, a fire inspector, saw her sports car parked outside the building and, as part of his job to keep "unwanteds" out, went to see what was up. Suddenly, they were caught in an earthquake - Southern California was prone to them - and their lives were on the line. Even though they'd never met, never even had seen each other in the daylight, they clung together under a desk for protection from the bricks and debris falling all around them. The position, the fears, and their pasts all converged to make what happened next possible. Amber and Dax REALLY got to know each other! They talked about themselves and their feelings afterward, waiting and hoping for someone, something, to save them. Dax was from a large family, the youngest with five older sisters who loved and spoiled him. Much more reserved, Amber told him only a little; but she'd grown up with a strict, military father who required perfection from his daughter. She carried that into adulthood, didn't want anyone telling her what to do - and still vying for excellence in her father's eyes. Both Dax and Amber were saved because he'd told one of his sisters where he was heading. But Amber, while he was giving the report to the police, left the scene. She took a year's leave of absence from her job, tried to find him, then went to Mexico. Dax tried to find Amber and couldn't; then spent a month in Montana fighting fires - his way of relaxing.

One year later, things had changed a lot for Amber - she'd found she was pregnant from their encounter and had loved being a mother to her now three-month-old daughter, Taylor. Taking Taylor for a regular checkup at the medical centerl. she saw Dax. He'd accompanied a younger sister for her pregnancy checkup with an obstretician. He was thrilled to see that he was a father, but dismayed that he hadn't been told. That fact, and many others, made up the rest of this story. It was a really good accounting of a mother's love for her child, her struggle to be worthy of what she perceived her father to want of her, and the needs of a young man who knew family love. His wanting his daughter - and that baby's mother, the feelings Amber had to ignore. It would be so hard for both of them to overcome the differences between them.

Characters/People edit see section history

Amber Riggs: A main character, a real estate manager. She was 27 years old, had dark eyes and dark hair, was the daughter of a military father who required perfection and a mother who'd left them right after her birth. Amber buried herself in work, felt that she didn't want or need love.
Daxton McCall: Dax, 32, single, the youngest brother in a family of 6 - the rest were all sisters who loved him. He'd been a fireman in San Diego county but had been promoted to fire inspector.
Shelley McCall: The oldest of Dax's sisters. She was the one who'd called him just as he was driving by the old building.
Suzette: One of Dax's sisters. She was pregnant, going for a regular checkup at the hospital. Dax had driven her but her husband arrived before they had to leave.
Mrs. Chapman: Next-door neighbor to Amber. She often babysat for Taylor. Sixty-five, wore formal dresses in the daytime and watched soap operas, but loved Taylor.
Amy: The youngest of Dax's sisters.
Emily McCall: Dax's mother, a petite woman with gray hair who ruled her family with love.
Thomas McCall: Dax's father.
Taylor: Baby girl, daughter to Amber and Dax.
Ginger and Cici: Two women Dax had won time with at a batchelor auction.

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Quotes edit see section history

“I like control.”
Amber, explaining herself to Dax during the quake.
“Don't regret what happened here, between us. I don't.”
Dax to Amber during the earthquake.
“We stopped being strangers the day of the quake, when we spent hours in each other's arms, terrified, waiting to die.”
Dax to Amber at the hospital.
“Did you marry that baby's father?”
Amber's father during her phone call to him.
“Your father told me what he thought of your mother. How he was always afraid you'd be like her.”
Dax to Amber after meeting her father.
“Well, you know I pride myself on letting my children lead their own lives. I don't mean to be nosy.”
Dax's mother to Amber
“I'll be busy for several days, maybe more, before I can get another day off. Please, if you can, let my parents have my days with Taylor. They love her and will take care of her.”
Dax to Amber

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Levering himself up on his forearms, he cupped her face. “I want you, Amber. Want me back.”
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“Well that’s convenient, since I happen to be madly in love with you.”
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Suddenly his hands came up, tugged her down. Gasping in surprise, she fell over him. “If you’re going to lean over me, staring as I sleep,” he muttered, “then at least get down here and keep me company while you’re doing it.”
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“Amber.” He laughed. “I want to take you on a picnic. I’m shamelessly using our daughter as an excuse.”
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“How could you not tell me?” he demanded in a hushed, serrated voice. “Did I hurt you that much? Were you that unwilling? Did you need revenge?” “No.”
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She drew a deep breath. “Dammit, Dax, I love you, too.” Her smile shook badly. “How’s that for sense?”
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The helpless sounds of arousal she made were the most erotic he’d ever heard. “Be jealous, Amber. Wish you could take their place if you want. Kiss me stupid again if it helps. But please, don’t be mad at me anymore.”
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“You want me to go?” A harsh laugh escaped him. “No. But I know you’re still afraid of all this, and I’m just vulnerable enough tonight to beg.”
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He moved toward her, and she held her breath. She saw the exact moment he registered what she was holding—or rather, whom. Hunkering down beside her chair, he gazed with awe and wonder into Taylor’s sweet face. “Yours?” he asked.
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Setting & Locations edit see section history

Southern California

Point Glen: In southern California, mountanous, in San Diego area.
Old abandoned mill after earthquake: Dark, inky black; piles of bricks and other building debris, dust, furniture. A long hallway with 2 offices leading off, bathroom and a small kitchenette. One of the offices hel a couch, desk, two chairs; second office smaller with no furniture apparent. The kitchenette had a refrigerator and aippliances.
Medical center, San Diego county: Various clients, for different physicians. An elevator to that floor, a central admissions desk.
Amber's condo: Typical apartment, where Amber lived with her baby. In the living room she had the playpen with mobile, a fireplace with a thick carpet near it. Upstairs, an area for Taylor's needs. There was a phone in the kitchen, a swing for Taylor.
Dax's office: It was in the firehouse, where he had to bring Taylor one day. It became messy, had baby paraphernalia all around. The men he worked with all stopped in to see the baby. The office connected to the "great room" where the guys relaxed, watching TV, playing pool or just being on the several couches - and eating at the dining room set. A kitchen was connected by double door, with a refrigerator, sink and stove, a phone and a radio.
Amber's business office: Part of a large real estate office, buzzing with activity. Her office was separate, and this is where Dax visited her.
The McCall's home: Where Amber and Dax attended the family barbecue, in the back yard. There was dancing, lots of kids and many people. where she met his family.
Dax's place: Amber had been given a key, met him there after the large fire. Down the hall from his bedroom, his office had been rearranged to accommodate Taylor's crib , held a leather sofa and an oak desk that were now covered with stuffed animals, toys and clean baby toys.

First Sentence edit see section history

The place wasn't what she expected.

Table of Contents edit see section history

15 numbered chapters

Series & Lists edit see section history

This book is in Harlequin Temptation. (publisher series)

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

Jill Shalvis (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: Add the language.
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Publication Date: Add the publication date.
ISBN: 9780373259458
Page Count: 224

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Dewey: 813

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Adults

Love scenes

Subjects edit see section history

Books › Romance › Series › Harlequin Temptation
Books › Romance › Contemporary

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Links to Supplemental Material edit see section history

Jill Shalvis: Authors website

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Aftershock (edit title/settings)

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