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After Sundown Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Duo Authors

After Sundown is a collaboration between Linda Howard and Linda Jones. This is yet another 2020 release that I missed. Searching for books on Libby is not nearly as rewarding as scanning book shelves and displays.

The novel is a combination of a spicy romance (adults only) and a survivalist thriller. A natural disaster strikes in the form of a coronal mass ejection (CME) and hero and isolationist Ben Jernigan somehow feels the need to warn just one person-Sela Gordon.

Protagonist

Sela Gordon is the main character in After Sundown. Most of the writing is from her point of view. A divorcee, she is content to interact with customers and her family. She sees no need to chase companionship. Ben is one of her customers. Interactions have been quick and quiet, typical for two introverts.

However, both are born leaders. So, they are thrust out of their comfort zones during this emergency. Sela supports and then stands in for her aunt as a De-facto leader of Wears Valley. Gradually, Ben is drawn in to help the inhabitants of the valley as well.

After Sundown

Naturally, life is different without electricity. Especially after sundown. The relationship between Sela and Ben becomes deeply personal. And the scenes are explicit. If you are averse to spicy romances, you can easily skip over these parts as they do not take up a majority of the book.

Furthermore, the authors include a lot of common-sense ideas for dealing with no electricity. Yet, the novel is at heart a story of love and validation. The prepping hints do not interfere with the plot.

Bad Guys, Good Guys and In Between

Of course, any disaster-based story tends to have a wide range of characters. In After Sundown opportunists do appear. But the real danger comes from the drug addicts and alcoholics that no longer have a steady supply.

Fortunately, most of the characters fall into the “good guy” category.

Recommendation for After Sundown

I enjoyed the novel. While I have not read any of the books penned by the two Lindas, I have reviewed Linda Howard previously. You can find the review by clicking here. Since After Sundown was released a few years ago, you may need to order online. Or check it out of the library like I did.

Troublemaker Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Troublemaker by Linda Howard was released in 2016. Even though I just now read the book I am so glad I did. This novel intertwines romance and suspense. The romance is spicy not sweet. But the hot scenes are tastefully done. What I like most about Troublemaker are the characters.

Both respect and envy come to mind when describing Howard’s knack for bringing both major and minor characters to life. Morgan Yancy is the leader of a secretive government team. He is ambushed and barely survives. His boss sends him to an ex-stepsister who resides in the mountains of West Virginia. Isabeau Maran, Bo for short, is the Chief of Police in Hamrickville. She reluctantly provides the place for Morgan to recuperate.

Howard fully develops both main characters. Their personalities are brought to life through prose and dialog. A grudging friendship realistically develops into more. The relationship does not seem forced in order to continue the plot. Howard is a master.

An addition to the couple trying not to fall in love while danger abounds, is Tricks, the smartest golden retriever you will ever read about. Now I am a cat person but I would make an exception for this dog. She steals the show. She is the love of the town and the life of Bo.

Multiple plot lines

Troublemaker pushes the ambush plot to the background while developing the relationship of the two main characters. The subplot revolves around the people of Hamrickville. This allows Howard the opportunity to fully develop both the main characters and the support crew. True to life, a domestic violence incident divides the small town. Bo has her hands full both at work and at home.

Fortunately for the human heroine of the story, Morgan is intent on regaining his strength. He saves the day on several occasions. But Howard does not denigrate the females in the story. They hold their own. Furthermore, the developing partnership between Morgan and Bo is part of what makes their relationship one to relish.

Troublemaker is a great book for a weekend read. There is definitely adult content. But the scenes are not over the top. This was the perfect relief from some of the heavy books I have been working through. If you like the combination of romance and suspense, I encourage you to find a copy of Troublemaker. I think you will enjoy it.