After Sundown: A Novel

Written by Linda Howard and Linda Jones

Narrated by Melissa Moran

Danger brings together two guarded hearts in a battle for survival in this irresistible story from New York Times bestselling authors Linda Howard and Linda Jones.

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Mar 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9780062422873

Linda Howard

Linda Howard is the award-winning author of many New York Times bestsellers, including Up Close and Dangerous, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Cover of Night, Killing Time, To Die For, Kiss Me While I Sleep, Cry No More, and Dying to Please. She lives in Alabama with her husband and a golden retriever.

Reviews for After Sundown

[Mary · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Come for the romance stay for the thousand side-stories about people, neighbours, family members, randoms no one cares about.
The main characters had a cute story arch, but I would have loved for the book to actually be about them, not the entire town/doomsday scenario. I have never fast forward so much in a book as I did in this one.

[Annis Rowan · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Potentially good novel ruined by a snoozy plot, uninteresting characters, dodgy political & racist messages and rank anti-Europeanism that doesn’t tally with recent experience. I’d have forgiven the latter two problems had it not been for the plot and characters being so meagre. Not what I expected from a Linda Howard book.

I’d have forgiven the

[Marcia Forkert · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I didn't expect much, but I loved it. It had strong male and female storylines, love, and suspense.

[Laurie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a pretty great story - well-constructed and kept my attention. I’m interested to read more of Howard’s works. The narrator’s performance was great.

[Lorraine Lapointe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is great book, easy going, but catches your attention.

[Dawn Clark · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I live in East Tennessee and I LOVED this book! Nice description of locations, locals, and believable storyline.

[Michele Sanger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very good...I started to listen to this one a while ago, but stopped after Chapter 3, I thought it hit to close to what could really happened and it creeped me out. I couldn't resist though, and listened to it yesterday and finished it this am. It was so good...I'm glad I decided to listen to it.

[brittany villarreal · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book, as I have all of Linda Howard's books. Very thought provoking since I read it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Kodi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The book had a nice plot, with romance acting as a support role versus being the only role. I would have loved to see a little more character development for the main heroine, but overall it was a captivating book!

[cathy agin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I rarely take the time to post a review but I thought this book was worth it. It was interesting and thought provoking.

[Theresa Wagner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book! I like the post apacalyptic storylines anyways, and then a hunky marine put in the mix... perfect! ;-)

[Cathleen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It started off well written, good story line, and then, as usual, smut filler. When did so called Authors decide to
forego actual skill in plots and storylines and instead use smut filler?

[ftbooklover · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

After Sundown is the story of a small town in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee that undergoes a radical change after a worldwide power outage due to a solar storm. Sela Gordon and her Aunt Carol, who run the local gas station and convenience store are elected to take control of the town. Their job would be much easier with the help of local survivalist, Ben Jernigan, but he has vowed never to get involved with the problems of others again. His days in the military have left him jaded and bitter. When Aunt Carol is hurt falling down a flight of stairs, shy Sela must assume leadership, and once again looks to Ben for help. If her attraction to him isn't one-sided, then she might be able to talk him into stepping up.
This is an unusual story for Linda Howard. She usually writes romantic suspense with lots of action and suspense, but this story just rolls along at a leisurely pace as each problem that faces the community is dealt with using common sense and cooperation. It is a very topical story during the current pandemic, but other than a minor climax at the end, it lacks substance. Overall, a disappointment.

[cathygeha · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

After Sundown by Linda Howard & Linda JonesApocalypse coming and Ben Jernigan is the only one in the area that seems to be prepared. Soon after he becomes aware there is one person he feels compelled to tell - Sela Gordon. His alerting her as soon as he finds out gives her a bit of time to stockpile a few things. Sela and Ben have seen and appreciated one another from time to time but were both dealing with issues and not ready to embrace more than nods of the head…then…that changed. In a time where working together is essential for survival there will always be a few that are only out for themselves and their greed and amoral behavior can and does create a problem. Whether or not the town will be strong enough to survive and also protect themselves from not only the CME but the predators is what this book is about…plus a wee bit of romance. What I liked: * Ben: a quiet, knowledgeable man anybody would want in their corner…and perhaps also in their bed.* Sela: shy and unwilling to risk her heart again but also smart, organized and caring…someone to have on your side.* Dog: what a sweet mutt* The way the community, for the most part, came together* That the situation was “dire” for awhile but with an expected eventual improvement* Ben & Sela as a couple * The supporting characters – too many to name* That though this wasn’t the typical Linda Howard romantic suspense it had the same quality writing and character development.What I did not like: * The people I was meant not to likeDid I enjoy this book? YesWould I read more by these authors? YesThank you to Edelweiss-Above the Treeline and Harper Collins Publishers for the ARC – This is my honest review. 5 Stars

[readinggeek451 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When a series of coronal mass ejections--massive solar flares--take down the world power grid for an extended period of time, the small town of Wears Valley, Tennessee, is in better shape than a lot of places, but they still face major challenges. Retired military man Ben Jernigan is well-prepared for catastrophe and not inclined to get involved with his neighbors--except for lusting after Sela, who owns the local convenience store. She and her family are in the thick of the planning for pulling the community together and making it through the rough times. Threats from without and within make things even harder.Howard and Jones are known for their romances; there is a whole lot of lusting going on here, but not a lot of actual romance.Well-written, with competent characterizations, but it just didn't grab me.