I really enjoyed this book! I loved Archer’s Voice so I requested an ARC for this and was so excited to get to read it early. Anyone that likes The Last of Us or really any media with a post apocalyptic setting will most likely enjoy this.

Most of the book is centered around the main characters traveling across the US on foot and trying to survive as society crumbles due to massive solar flares. It’s stressful and dark but throughout the journey these two estranged childhood friends work together to try to make their way home after surviving a plane crash on the other side of the country.
Inevitability, the crushes the main characters used to have on each other as kids start turn into much more as they travel and trauma bond but it’s a sloooow burn, so be prepared. I like a slow burn and all the tension it brings with it, so I wasn’t complaining ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I do think that someone going into this book expecting a lot of romance might be disappointed. Maybe that’s part of the reason there’s a few low star reviews. I liked it though, even if it stressed me tf out lol.

I don't really like apocalyptic books, so this was not a favorite of mine. I found the story hard to get into and the characters not well developed.

Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan is an emotional, slow-burn romance set against a backdrop of survival and second chances. With her signature heartfelt storytelling, Sheridan delivers a story that’s equal parts tender and intense, exploring the bond between two people brought back together in the most unexpected way.

The chemistry between the main characters simmers throughout, and the stakes—both emotional and external—keep you hooked. It's a story about love enduring through chaos, and what it means to find hope when the world feels like it's falling apart. Quietly powerful and deeply romantic, Heart of the Sun is one that lingers after the last page.

I am a fan of Mia sheridan but sadly this book wasn't for me. this book is sci-fi dystopian plotline but for me it was a lot dependent on the character arc to built a story but for me even that felt flat. I loved Tuck but overall this story wasn't for me.

This was an average romance read for me. I wish there was more to the storyline. I had to convince myself to continue reading to finish the book.

Emily and Tuck grew up together, but after tragedy strikes Tuck’s family things begin to change. He moves to LA where he finds trouble and Emily follows where she finds fame. Years later their paths will cross again in the midst of a global disaster. Will the put aside hurt feelings and possible able to get back to the way they felt when they were kids?

Mia Sheridan tells the best stories and you never know what they will be like. I’m always blown away how she can tuck romance in the midst of disaster and make you so happy that live can exist in terrible situations. Soooo good!

This book is a childhood friends turned popstar x ex-convict romance, and I loved every second.

"It felt like she’d not only invaded my personal space, but somehow crept into my private thoughts as well."

When Emily and Tuck decide to reconnect after years apart, they realize things aren’t the same anymore, but try anyway. She then hires him to be her bodyguard when suddenly solar flares hit the Earth, and everything changes. Now, they are navigating everything after surviving a plane crash and proving themselves in different ways. This book is filled with hope, growth, and positive change, and I couldn’t help but root for the characters the entire time. 

This book takes place in a post-apocalyptic/dystopian setting, so much happens quickly. But something I loved about this book was how the characters didn't rush into their relationship. After everything that happened, they took their time and got to know one another again, and it felt so natural. It is a bit of a slow burn, but it is so worth the wait. This book is heartfelt, and if you enjoy enemies to lovers, second chance, and childhood best friends, then you will love this book! I cannot recommend it enough!

This one was just okay for me. The story didn’t quite deliver the emotional punch I was hoping for because I never fully connected with the characters.

Emily was kind of hard to root for, and her dynamic with Tuck felt a little underdeveloped. The romance took a backseat, which might’ve been fine if the rest of the plot had more depth.

Not a bad read, just didn’t leave much of an impact.

Thanks Harlequin Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read the ARC.

I'm not usually a fan of post-apocalyptic novels, but this story was a five star read for me! The world and romance build-up was phenomenal and I thought the author really set this book apart from other similar novels (none of which I have liked in the past). The plot got intense at times, which made it so hard for me to put this book down. This wasn't my first book by this author, but it has become one of my top reads by her.

Pop star Emily and fresh from prison Tuck have history. When they meet again years in the future, Emily hires him to be her security guard. When a solar flare disrupts the power grid, society is thrown into chaos giving Tuck the opportunity to prove himself to Emily. A second chance, dystopian romance.

Heart of The Sun by Mia Sheridan
I went into this one completely blind & was blown away! A solar flare causes everything to fail, including the plane our MCs are in 😱 watching Tuck & Emily grow to understand each other was so precious & I love the depth of the characters ❤️

I was genuinely captivated by "Heart of the Sun," a tale set in a dystopian world following a solar flare that devastates the grid, intertwined with a romantic twist. The narrative centers around childhood friends Emily, a pop star, and Tuck, an ex-convict hired as her bodyguard, as they navigate life in a post-solar flare landscape after their plane crashes. While the romance is present, I found the apocalyptic backdrop even more compelling. There were moments when the plot felt a bit slow, yet I remained eager to discover what would happen next. Much of the book is filled with action, making it difficult to set aside. Overall, it was an enjoyable read with a unique approach to romance. The audiobook's duet narration was excellently executed and truly enhanced the storytelling. This was very different than any of the other Mia Sheridan books I have read, but I still loved it!

I’m a huge Mia Sheridan fan, and I was a little disappointed.

I loved the idea of a post-apocalyptic romance and was super excited when I learnt that it featured childhood friends-to-lovers. As soon as I jumped in, I was so thrilled! I appreciated the chapters set in the past, but as soon as the solar flare occurred, it slowly fell apart, much like the world they were living in.

The romance between Tuck and Emily was extremely lacking and felt very forced. I didn’t mind if the romance was a side plot, but the cover states “a love story”. Tuck was the standout character here. His backstory as an ex-con was refreshing, and the way he handled the situation he was thrust into makes him a better person than me. Emily has some development, but if they were never in this situation, she never would have respected or cared for Tuck. He was her only chance of survival, so she clung to him, hence their relationship occurring. If Emily and the romance plot disappeared and it focused on Tuck’s second chance at life in a dystopian society, I would have devoured this.

The apocalypse was the only part I genuinely enjoyed. It gave me The Walking Dead vibes which kept me interested in their journey until the end. Seeing how different people react in those situations was so entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. The end left me with so many questions, like what happens after those first few days? The premise sounded so interesting, but I felt like it wasn’t explored to the full extent. I honestly think this could have been a decent dystopian series rather than a one-off post-apocalyptic romance.

I hate that I didn’t enjoy it, but I’m sure it will be enjoyable for others. This is my sixteenth Mia Sheridan novel; it won't be my last, and I highly recommend her to everyone!

3 stars. A genre-bending apocalyptic romance. While Mia Sheridan's skilled writing shines through, readers should note this is not a traditional contemporary romance. Instead, it ventures into survival territory, blending elements of romantic suspense with post-apocalyptic themes.

The story follows an unlikely pair navigating a doomsday scenario, featuring a complex male lead with a troubled past and redemption arc. While the apocalyptic setting may not appeal to readers seeking pure contemporary romance, those who enjoy cross-genre narratives combining survival elements with romantic tension will find much to appreciate here.

Sheridan demonstrates her versatility as an author by crafting compelling characters and maintaining tension throughout. Though the apocalyptic elements may surprise readers expecting her usual contemporary style, the emotional depth characteristic of her work remains present. Recommended for fans of romantic suspense who don't mind darker themes and high-stakes scenarios.

I personally did not particularly enjoy this one, but that’s mostly because I don’t think this genre is for me.

I loved the majority of this book! It's hard to write a postapocalyptic novel that sticks out with the amount of dystopian fiction out there right now - the addition of the romance was just what this needed to give it that edge! The characters were believable and the situations they found themselves in were equal parts terrifying and realistic. No spoiler - but the epilogue didn't do it for me. Slightly slow start, but the meat of the book was great!

Unfortunately, while I love this author, I didn’t finish this book. While it’s in the romance/sci-fi genre, I felt like the blurb of the book depicted more of a love story than a sci-fi book. I felt myself just feeling a bit confused by the plot and bored. I might give it another shot in the future now that I know what to expect, but I just don’t think this book was for me!

ARC review

Heart of the Sun surprised me with its compelling blend of genres. Seamlessly weaving together the emotional depth of a romance with the intriguing suspense of a dystopian setting, this book delivered a reading experience I didn't realize I craved. The characters undergo significant and believable growth, making their journeys all the more impactful. If you're looking for a read that will keep you on the edge of your seat with mystery/suspense, tug at your heartstrings with moments of love and heartbreak, and ultimately leave you with a warm feeling, Heart of the Sun is a fantastic choice.

First, I LOVE reading Mia Sheridan! I was unprepared for this one though! This was giving The Walking Dead kinda vibe minus the zombies. I did not know this was where this story was going but I'm here for it and loved it!

I loved Tuck and watching his character evolve. He was a truly good human! I loved the way he tried to pay it forward in every situation he was put in especially in a world they found themselves in!

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade for letting me read this ARC for my honest review.

#NetGalley #MiaSheridan #HeartOfTheSun

This is more of a dystopian book with a romance subplot. It’s a good story but too much plot for me to follow. Others may like this. Thank you in advance for my netgalley copy.

I can’t get over this book right now. It love a good post-apocalyptic sorry and this doesn’t disappoint. Emily or Nova to her fans is a rising pop star. Tuck, her estranged childhood best friend just got out of prison and needs a job. She hires him to be her bodyguard and, along with her movie star boyfriend Charlie, they all set out in a private plane for an event in New York from LA. All the sudden the plane is crashes in the middle of nowhere Illinois and the group decides to head back home to LA. Civilization has collapsed. On their journey they encounter all types of people, the good and the bad of humanity.

I thought it was a well thought out novel and a good exploration of what people would do in this situation and a good look at how people approach relationships. There’s a little romance thrown in towards the end that’s a slow build during the whole book. If you like dystopian novels, this is a definite must-read!