The world as they know it is ending. A series of solar flares will knock out power grids across the Earth for months, possibly years. After several tours in the military, Ben Jernigan knows to be prepared for anything. His remote mountain home is well supplied and ready to run on solar power. Advance warning from a fellow veteran means he can stock up on gas and get any last-minute items well before the news breaks. What he's not planned for is his unwanted connection to Sela Gordon, the owner of the local general store. When leadership is thrust upon a reluctant Sela, she reaches out to the man she knows can best help them all survive the multitude of threats they will face. VERDICT This new collaboration between Howard and Jones (after Running Wild) weaves a moving love story into a community's journey through hardship and sacrifice. The worldbuilding in this romantic thriller clearly shows how a cataclysmic event brings these self-imposed loners, and their community, together.--Courtney Pentland, Omaha, NE

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.)