Sandy M’s review of After Sundown by Linda Howard & Linda Jones
Romantic Suspense published by William Morrow 31 Mar 20
I’ve loved reading Linda Howard for years, so anything with her name on it is a done deal for me. This one is very different from anything she’s written before, and the collaboration with Linda Jones just makes it better. While we as a nation, along with the world, are currently going through something we never thought was possible in 2020, this writing duo takes the eerie-ness and scariness of people alone and starting over to the next level. Add a grumpy hero and a shy heroine and you have one great read.
Ben Jernigan is ex-military and has lived in the mountains of Tennessee for a couple of years now, needing the solitude after his active duty. He still has contacts that keep him apprised of anything and everything he may need to know, so when he learns of a devastating solar storm on its way, he heads into town to grab the few things he doesn’t already have on hand. It’s there he sees Sela Gordon again, the pretty and shy owner of the general store. She’s the only one on the planet who could even come close to tempting him, but so far he’s kept to himself even when it comes to her.
Sela also likes her solitude. She has no idea when Ben warns her about the upcoming catastrophe that her alone time will come to an abrupt end as she, her family, and those of Cove Mountain try to survive in the aftermath. It’s Sela’s aunt who is put in charge, despite the mutterings of one man who feels he’s better equipped to lead. When Carol becomes incapacitated, it’s Sela who steps up to the plate to continue to make sure everyone is treated fairly and equally. Something those who don’t work well with others will try to fight.
And that’s where things get pretty dicey. Sela solicits Ben’s aide, and he agrees because it’s her, not because of what she offers. She ends up pushing and then loving the grumpiness right out of that man, and I love every minute of it. Ben’s former training comes in handy when dealing with those who’d rather steal than stand in line to get what they deserve – so he gives them what they truly deserve. There’s plenty of twists and turns during that time that will keep you guessing while on the edge of your seat. It’s wonderful to watch both Ben and Sela come out of their respective shells to help their neighbors and town survive the unimaginable.
Be sure to pick up this book soon. It’s one you really don’t want to miss.
Grade: A
Summary:
Sela Gordon, the shy owner of a Tennessee general store, finds safety in solitude. But if anyone can pierce her protective shell it’s the handsome, mysterious ex-military man living alone in the wilds of Cove Mountain. For two years, he’s kept his distance—until the day he appears to warn her that a catastrophic solar storm capable of taking down the power grid is coming. Now, Sela must find the courage to become the leader Wears Valley needs.
Bitter experience has taught Ben Jernigan it’s best to look out for number one. For two years the former soldier has lived in a self-imposed exile, using a top-notch security system to keep people away. But he had to let Sela know about the impending threat—and now the quiet and undeniably sexy woman is making it too easy for him to lower his guard.
As panic spreads, Sela and Ben discover that in the dark, cut off from the outside world, there’s no more playing it safe—in life or in love.
No excerpt available.
