Corey's Fire

In this refreshing twist on the standard love story, romantic problems are upstaged by a natural disaster. Corey has disliked her good-looking neighbor from the moment they met: not only is Topher scorchingly sarcastic, he rides a noisy motorcycle and makes a sport of chasing Corey's beloved cat. But when a brushfire levels nearly the entire neighborhood, Topher is the only person who understands Corey's rage and sorrow. Their newly kindled friendship sparks a change in Topher--his tough-guy facade melts away and he even goes so far as to help Corey search for her missing cat. At last, with Topher's help, Corey finds the strength to rebuild her home and her life. The author's unflinching realism in describing the fire and its aftermath adds sizzle to an already appealing romance. Ages 12-up. (Jan.)