Heart of the Sun is a love story set in a dystopian universe. Tuck and Emily have known each other since childhood but became estranged after a tragedy in Tuck’s life sent him down the wrong path. Years later, Tuck becomes Emily’s bodyguard. It’s not the same as when they were children. Now, Emily is a rising popstar with little tolerance for a thief like Tuck, yet she feels protected and safe around him.

Heart of the Sun is expertly told while consistently building upon Tuck and Emily’s lifelong chemistry. At the time of the dystopian incident, Tuck and Emily were budding enemies. However, Sheridon does her best work creating tension, sparks, and smoldering until the slow burn erupts into flames.

The dystopian level drama made Tuck & Emily’s reunion all that much more pleasing. There were a couple of times my mind ventured away from the story–the internal dialogue a little too long, in my opinion–but nothing that I couldn’t come back from. There’s a give and take with the internal dialogue…it’s needed for the tension building and pinning. However, I feel it could be a little less.

The cross-country dystopian travel kept the pacing of the story quick. I was curious as to what would happen and what Tuck and Emily would encounter next. Tuck’s need to protect Emily added to the slow burn. And I was happy to see Emily as something more than “just a pop star”, someone who was willing to try to protect herself and others even if she complained about it. Tuck and Emily were likable, kind, and giving. Both are quick, dynamic, and multifaceted. Tuck’s kindness shined a light in the darkness. His thoughtfulness was heartwarming, making me love him that much more.

Heart of the Sun is packed with many emotions. Prepare to cry. Prepare to laugh. Prepare to be angry. Prepare to fall in love. Overall, I loved the adventure mixed with romance. Anyone who enjoys romance and dystopian novels, I think, would enjoy Heart of the Sun. It’s a beautiful story!

The narrators of the audiobook did a wonderful job! Their inflection and emotion added to the dramatic feel of an already dramatic book.

Mia Sheridan already breaks me and I don't know if I ever recover after one of her books. Audio is a whole new ball game cause wow do the narrators just make you FEEL. Just incredible and all the applause that can be given.

I was intrigued by this book's premise, but it just didn't work for me. Most of the story was slow and I never connected with the romance. The ending was lacking for me as well. I thought some of the disaster descriptions were realistic and the end-of-the-world element was freaky. The story itself would be a good miniseries, but the book wasn't my thing.

I listened to the audio for this. I am a fan of dual narration and these narrators were fine.

2.5/5 stars. Took a while of backstory to get to the dystopian part, and yet I feel I retained nothing at all. A long, drawn out “romance” - the slowest of burns it seemed, with honestly very little burn. I didn’t feel much between these two MCs and therefore didn’t care much about the progression of their relationship. I also wish there was more information about the solar flare incident and more instances of chaos. The “dystopian” part of this novel was definitely lacking, just mostly traveling and noting the emptiness around them.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big Mia Sheridan fan, but this one was not it for me. Some of my issues were unreliable / annoying narrators. I didn't feel any chemistry between the childhood friends / romance. It just kind of came together, didn't have much banter or passion there, which makes it hard to like the book. The action in this book also just felt off and didn't really connect together. I didn't enjoy this one..

I went into this book completely blind. Let me explain. I’ve never read anything by this author so when I requested this part, and I actually got the audio for it I was pleasantly surprised.

This book was definitely a 4.5 stars for me. Was about second chance romance, survival after a tragedy. Emily and tuck were childhood friends, unfortunately a tragedy happened to separated both Emily and tuck. Years later the reunite, this story has some really twist because I would have never imagined this story going in the direction it did. A plane crash, the world, shutting down and trying to get back home. I will definitely will be picking up more of her books asap.

I went into Heart of the Sun expecting something completely different and was pleasantly surprised about 10-15% in. If I could give this book 10 stars I would. As a diehard fan of The Walking Dead and The Last of Us, I love a good survival story. I also crave romance in those stories and a good slow burn, enemies to lovers with forced proximity. This book delivered on all fronts.

At first, the story unfolds like a classic second-chance romance, with childhood best friends turned estranged borderline enemies, but once the world goes dark, the stakes skyrocket. If the beginning feels a little slow, keep reading—the plot thickens fast. Mia Sheridan weaves together emotional depth, heart-pounding suspense, and sizzling tension between Tuck and Emily. Their dynamic is fiery and complicated, making their journey all the more satisfying.

This was my first Mia Sheridan read, and it definitely won’t be my last! If you love intense, high-stakes romance with a “post-apocalyptic” twist, Heart of the Sun is a must-read.

Before I dive into my review, I'd like to disclose that I tend to gravitate toward romance and fantasy ready and rarely or never read apocalyptic and/or dystopian themed books. This was also my first Mia Sheridan read (but definitely won't be the last)!

With that being said, Heart of the Sun was absolutely PHENOMENAL to me! I really could not understand the mixed reviews I read for this book. Did I can understand that I had the advantage of not reading any Mia Sheridan books prior therefore I really did not have any expectations based on prior reads. But did we read the same book?! Because I was blown away! To those who had a challenging time connecting to the story line I say, listen to the audiobook! The narrators did a fabulous job in bringing the story to life! You can feel all the emotions as they navigate the disastrous event they are living in. And to those who could not see past the theme to see the romance, I say view it from the lens of fate, tragedy, and, first loves whose lives separate them when they are destined to be together.

This book is not your typical celebrity/bodyguard romance. There is so much depth in the love between Tuck and Emily. I enjoyed the glimpses I got from their childhood and how they loved each other as kids do. He picking on her and making it seem he disliked her when he couldn't stop thinking of her and she clinging to any attention he would give her loving him just as much back. But neither of them ever told each other. Life's tragedies took their lives in different directions until destiny brings them back. It took navigating an apocalyptic event to get to know each other and themselves again and understand that they are worthy of each other and willing to fight for the love and life they know and deserve.

Thank you to Negalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to read Heart of the Sun Audio ARC by Mia Sheridan, Pub Date 05/20/25.

3.5⭐️
I requested this arc solely because of the author. I've loved her books in the past and I'm always a sucker for a second chance romance, dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction... not so much!
Mia Sheridan's storytelling will never be questioned though- her books are always compelling and captivating. This book, however, wasn't at all what I expected- the storyline was intriguing, but I just never felt a connection to the characters despite tons of backstory and development. Definitely not my favorite MS book, but if you love a slow-burn, second chance romance that really isn't a romance and scares the crap out of you because you see what humans could be capable of if desperate enough- you’ll love this one!

Also- the audiobook was a great way to consume this one! The narrators did a good job bringing the story to life!

Anyone going into this book expecting something similar to Archer’s Voice will likely be surprised to find Mia Sheridan wrote an entirely different kind of story. This is a childhood friends-to-lovers dystopian survival novel that does not have the soul crushing impact of Archer’s Voice.

HEART OF THE SUN starts off strong. There’s an interesting storyline developing between Emily and Tuck whose lives have gone in different directions since their childhood days on their respective family farms. Sheridan does an excellent job telling their backstory and alluding to feelings simmering below the surface. Then the sun blinks and all hell breaks loose. Literally.

I found myself actually more interested in the survival aspect of this book. The world building is well done and the slow realization that everything has changed is interesting. My quibble is that it felt a bit drawn out and slightly repetitive and ultimately led to an ending that seemed rushed.

This is a good book; a solid book. It’s just not the “live in my heart” forever kind of book. The narration was well done and kept me interested through the slower parts.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I just finished Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan, and I am absolutely blown away! This was my first time reading one of her books, and I can already tell she’s going to be a new favorite author of mine. The story was powerful and emotional, with complex characters that felt so real and raw. The romance was beautifully written—tender, passionate, and full of depth. I was hooked from the very first page.

Sheridan’s writing is gorgeous and immersive, drawing you into the characters' world and making you feel every emotion they experience. The themes of healing and personal growth were so moving, and I found myself thinking about the story long after I finished reading it.

I’m already excited to dive into more of her work. If you haven’t read anything by Mia Sheridan yet, Heart of the Sun is the perfect place to start!

Wow wow wow! I can’t stop thinking about this book! I couldn’t put it down once I started. This is definitely the best book I’ve read all year. I loved the characters and the storyline. Everything about this book was amazing. I have nothing negative to say only positive things. The narration was good and the ending was just incredible.

I was excited for this one but was super disappointed that it left me feeling bored and disinterested about 1/3 of the way through. I ultimately stopped at 57% but am officially deciding to throw in the towel.

I was genuinely curious at the start and invested in the possibility of a friendship-turned-love-interest, but the plot quickly lost me. I'm not into dystopian reads so if that's your jam, maybe this one will work. I saw it described as a 'slow burn' but I thought it was just slow.

Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing & Harlequin Audio for the ALC!
#harlequintradepublishing #harlequinaudio #netgalley #heartofthesun #ARC

Thank you to Mia Sheridan, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for an ALC of Heart of the Sun!

This book wasn't for me. I thought the narrators did a great job, but found the love story between Tuck and Emily lackluster and many of the plot points unbelievable for an "end of the world" book. I love a good cheesy romance novel, but the writing in this book took it about one step too far for me. There were too many moments of reflection, contemplation, and coincidence. I found myself struggling to get through it even though I was interested at the beginning.

Though it wasn't for me, it might be a good read for someone else. Personally, I give it 2 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Harlequin Audio for the eARC and ALC of Heart of Sun.

While the book had an intriguing premise blending sci-fi, adventure, and romance, it ultimately didn’t meet my expectations. Sheridan’s world-building is strong, with a vast yet personal universe full of mystery, and the plot starts off promising, but it eventually feels drawn out and repetitive.

The story is marketed as a romance, but the relationship between Nova and Charlie didn’t feel like a love story for most of the book—they seemed to despise each other.

Additionally, Charlie’s character felt underdeveloped and unclear.

The audiobook narration for Tuck also didn’t fit the character well, which detracted from the experience.

Despite its potential, Heart of Sun fell flat for me, and while others might appreciate the mix of genres, it just didn’t resonate with me. I’m giving it 3 stars—there were elements I enjoyed, but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting.

(I debated between 3.5 and 4 stars, but eventually decided on 4)

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Harlequin audio for the eARC/ALC!

I read about a quarter of this on ebook, then switched to the audiobook for the rest. I really enjoyed the audiobook and the story! I feel like the narrators did a great job portraying the tragedy and emotions of the characters.

At first, it did take me a while to warm up to the book. I didn’t feel attached to any of the characters, and Nova/Emily was irritating me. Then, I got to the dystopian/survivor part of the story, and I was hooked. The romance was a bit bland, but I honestly cared more about the survival aspect of the book. I was so eager to know what would happen next that I read the last 75% of the book within two days, when it had taken me wayyyy longer for the first 25%.

I really started to warm up to Emily about halfway through the book, and I feel like her character was very well-rounded towards the end. All in all, if you’re debating on physical/ebook vs. audio, I’d recommend the audio! It adds so much more depth to the characters and the story, and I think that’s what made me land on 4 stars over 3.5.

Mia Sheridan put something in this book, and I couldn't stop listening! It was SO GOOD that I told everyone I know they need to read it as soon as it's available! I can't wait to have the sprayed edge version on my shelf!

Thank you NetGalley, Mia Sheridan, and Harlequin audio for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Mia Sheridan’s Heart of Sun is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Blending a captivating mix of adventure, sci-fi, and romance, it offers a fresh, exciting experience that pulls you in from the first page and never lets go.

The story is set in a world where the lines between technology, human emotion, and the unknown stretch far beyond what we think we know. Sheridan’s world-building is exceptional. She creates a universe that feels both vast and intimate, with an underlying sense of mystery that keeps you turning the pages. The plot itself is a thrilling ride, packed with twists and turns that keep the reader on edge. As the characters journey through their perilous adventures, they discover not only the true depth of their world but also the complexities of their own emotions and connections.

At its core, Heart of Sun is a story about love—how it transcends time and space, how it defies all odds. But it’s not a typical romance. It’s raw, intense, and layered with the perfect balance of wonder and heartfelt emotion. Sheridan’s characters are well-crafted and multi-dimensional, their relationships evolving in ways that feel both surprising and inevitable. The romance is powerful but never overpowers the narrative, instead weaving seamlessly into the larger adventure and sci-fi elements.

Ok I went into this book blind and was absolutely shocked by the plot—- but pleasantly so. I saw the cover and was like oh this looks like a cute contemporary romance and instead got a bodyguard/celebrity trope in an apocalyptic setting. Like taking one of my favorite romance tropes, and dropping it right into The Stand. Again— not disappointed.
When I saw the direction this was going in I was even more intrigued. I think the scariest part of this book is how realistic it was. If a solar flare did hit, and sent an EMP wave and we suddenly didn’t have any power, I think society would really devolve that quickly. It’s different here in the South, when we lose our electricity because of hurricanes for weeks. We know it’s coming back.
In this situation, no one knows what happened— there’s no electricity, radio, etc to tell anyone what happened. Suddenly, you’re forced to fend for yourself and modern society was just not built for that.
As an ex-con (but for good reason), Tuck finally feels like he can prove his worth by keeping Emily alive. Meanwhile, Emily finds herself tapping back into her farmgirl roots before her rise to stardom.
I think this is a great read for those who love romance, but also like dystopian. It’s the best of both worlds.

Thank you Harlequin Audio for the ALC!

This is a second chance romance with a twist. It was so addicting and very enjoyable. I highly recommend the audio version of this book. This author is sensational.