After Sundown

Howard and Jones (who last collaborated on Frost Line) team up for this steamy romantic thriller which explores the aftermath of a disaster. When Ben Jernigan, a former Marine turned survivalist Tennessee mountain man, warns Sela Gordon, the owner of a gas station he frequents, of a catastrophic solar storm that will take down the global power grid in less than 24 hours, she doesn’t quite believe him, but gathers supplies just in case. When the grid goes down as predicted, Sela and her neighbors are plunged into a new world order. Money has no meaning, gasoline is gold, and people must band together as food and other supplies dwindle. Despite the desperate times, attraction bubbles between shy Sela and reclusive Ben as they work to keep themselves, their families, and their friends safe. As hot romance sizzles between the pair, steadily mounting panic among those trying to survive the crisis keeps the pages turning. This frighteningly realistic tale will have readers riveted. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House. (Mar.)