Austin's delightful second Bachelors and Babies contemporary (after Must Love Babies) is fast-paced and sensual. While driving through Misty Bottoms, Ga., single mom Elisa Danvers needs to get some work done on her car and stops in at the Wylder Brothers' car-restoration business. When Elisa passes out, former Marine Tucker Wylder catches her and helps calm her three-year-old daughter, Daisy. The local doctor decides to run some tests on Elisa that will take days, so Tucker invites Elisa and Daisy to stay with him. The sensual attraction sizzles between Tucker and Elisa, though he remains haunted by the guilt he feels for the deaths of his fellow Marines. When Elisa decides to stay on in town, she moves in with an older wealthy woman who offers her a business opportunity; Tucker's life seems empty without Elisa and Daisy in his house, but Elisa tries to keep her distance, fearing that secrets from her past will put him off. The ups and downs of Elisa and Tucker's relationships are powerful and convincing. Old-fashioned Southern charm adds the perfect touch to this rich and emotional romance. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (Sept.)