Book Review: Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan

Wow—this book was phenomenal! Set in a post-apocalyptic world after a devastating solar flare wipes out all electronics, Heart of the Sun delivers an unforgettable mix of romance, action, and survival.

At its core, this is a story about two childhood best friends who were once inseparable—until betrayal and heartbreak tore them apart. Now, years later, they find themselves thrust back together in a world that has completely changed. One is a pop star, used to the spotlight but suddenly powerless in this new reality. The other is the bodyguard assigned to protect them, carrying the weight of old wounds and unresolved feelings. As they fight to survive, the tension between them simmers, turning into a slow-burning romance that had me completely hooked.

The longing, the angst, the undeniable chemistry—it all came together beautifully in this second-chance love story. Every moment was packed with emotion, making the romance feel raw and deeply satisfying.

I had the privilege of receiving both the digital ARC and the audiobook (huge thanks to The Hive and NetGalley!), and I can confidently say that the dual narration brings this story to life in the best way. I listened on my commute and read at home, completely immersed in this world.

If you love intense, emotional romances set against a gripping backdrop of survival and second chances, Heart of the Sun is a must-read. It releases on May 20—don’t miss it!

I recently had the pleasure of reading “Heart of the Sun” by Mia Sheridan, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best books I’ve encountered lately. This novel masterfully combines a dystopian setting with a captivating romance, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its creative plot and unexpected twists.

The story follows Emily, a rising pop star, and Tuck, her childhood friend turned ex-con bodyguard, as they navigate a world plunged into chaos by a catastrophic solar flare. Their journey from the Midwest to California is fraught with danger, forcing them to rely on each other in ways they never imagined. The romance is a slow burn, but it unfolds naturally amidst the backdrop of societal collapse, making their connection all the more compelling.

Sheridan’s vivid portrayal of a dystopian world feels eerily plausible, reminiscent of shows like “The Last of Us.” The writing is engaging, and the characters’ emotional journeys are deeply satisfying. Overall, “Heart of the Sun” is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and romance alike.

I really loved the romance in this book. The second-chance love story was so sweet and had me rooting for the couple the whole time. I loved seeing them reconnect and work through their past to find each other again. The way they grew together, the moments they shared, it all felt so real and genuine. I was totally invested in their relationship."

That said, the apocalyptic setting wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. I’m just not into the whole end-of-the-world vibe, so it took me a little while to really get into the background. It was hard for me to fully enjoy the story when I wasn’t connecting with the world-building. The grim, chaotic environment didn’t really pull me in, and it made the whole "end of the world" feel a little overwhelming at times. I just wanted to focus more on the romance!"

But even though the setting wasn’t my thing, the love story made up for it. The connection between the characters was so strong that it kept me hooked, even if the world around them was falling apart. If you love a good second-chance romance, I’d definitely recommend this one. The apocalypse might not be for everyone, but the romance is worth it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the Advance Listening Copy of this audiobook.

What would you do if the world was suddenly plunged into darkness causing anarchy and chaos, leaving everyone just fighting to survive? Not to mention you're hundreds of miles from home when it happens and desperate to get back.

Wow. Just wow. This one made me feel all the feels. From fear to anxiety to heartbreak to hope. The narrators were perfect. This book really makes you think and realize just how unprepared you are should something like this happen. And it also makes you realize just how much we rely on cell phones, cars, etc.

I thoroughly enjoyed the narration and the captivating story. I highly recommend it! Mia Sheridan consistently delivers exceptional content.

This is more of a dystopian book with a romance subplot. It’s a good story but too much for me. The romance was fine. The narrators were very enjoyable.

I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
This is a childhood best friends, second chance dystopian romantic suspense book. These are some of my favorite tropes so I really enjoyed this book. I love how Mia Sheridan takes her characters and throws them into unique settings and plot twists to see how they deal with trouble and trauma. I went into this semi-blind and so it was also a bit of a mystery for me. This is a slow burn romance about 2 childhood friends who go through hardships that break them apart. They are reunited 13 years later and thrown together by fateful circumstances.

I really loved this audiobook. The narrators were good and delivered the story perfectly. The pacing was effective and kept me interested in wanting to know what was going to happen next. There was a female narrator for Emily’s chapters that also spoke the male lines in her POV and a male narrator for Tuck’s chapters that also spoke the female lines in his POV. This can sometimes through off the story but in this case it did not. The narrators embodied the characters’ emotions and intentions.

This is definitely a slow burn romance so those who want quick love might be disappointed. I loved how well developed the characters were; going through changes and getting to know each other as adults. At times they even loathe each other. The main female character follows a great growth arc especially for the fact that she was somewhat unlikable at first. She really grew on me, and the reader can see why she became the way she is. The main male character is an ex-con who had everything going for him before he faced tough circumstances and made bad choices. This prepares him for the dystopian setting they are thrown into.

Overall, I recommend this book (and audio) for its unique storytelling and slow burn love story. I was truly invested in what happens to Emily and Tuck throughout the story and was left thinking long afterward about the dystopian circumstances they endeared. It was truly romantic yet thrilling. It reminded me of the tv show “Walking with the Dead” or “The Last of us” in its setting and circumstances. A story about survival, humanity and what’s important when material things are irrelevant.

3⭐️

This book had probably one of the most interesting/dystopian vibes out of any book I’ve read recently. I know the synopsis says it’s for fan of The Last of Us, which I haven’t seen, but I feel like the vibes would have been similar to that. I have watched dystopian/end of the world movies like World War Z and if you enjoy them, I feel like you could like this too (but no zombies here, lol)

I think that the romance part of this book is where it fell flat for me. Pretty much from the beginning I didn’t like Emily😅 Quite frankly she seemed shallow/not very bright. Now, she did have some character growth throughout the book, but I still couldn’t get that initial picture of her out of my head and could never really care about her.

The plot however, I found to be really interesting. I was definitely intrigued by what all what was going to happen to them, what caused the blackout, if they would make it to their destination, etc. I definitely think that the plot of this was what kept me reading and not the romance.

A second chance romance of childhood friends who grew up and grew apart but are re-connected when Tuck is down on his luck and Emily needs a bodyguard. Sun flares strike and change Earth & the country as we know it.

3.5 - the story itself was a bit rocky, as someone who reads romance - it was slow. As someone who has a husband who reads survival EMP books - it was full of holes. Take that and do with it what you will.

HEART OF THE SUN was nothing like I was expecting it to be. It's a romantic, suspenseful, and oftentimes humorous story on an apocalyptic scale. It felt very realistic for what the world would be like should we experience something similar. I found it very difficult to read at times because of the emotional toll it takes, but also very good. 3.5 stars.

📖✨Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan ✨📖

OMG, this book wrecked me in the best way! 😭💔 Mia Sheridan does it again with an emotional, slow-burn romance that grips your heart and won’t let go.

🌅 The Story: A breathtaking journey of love, healing, and second chances. Set against a dreamy backdrop, the main characters have so much depth and chemistry that it practically sizzles off the page 🔥💫.

❤️ The Romance: If you love soulmates, heart-wrenching pasts, and ALL the feels, this book is for you. The tension, the longing, the everything—perfection! 💘🔥

📚 The Writing: Mia’s words are pure magic. Her storytelling is so immersive that you live every emotion with the characters. 🌊🥀

Final Verdict? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5! Prepare for tears, butterflies, and a book hangover. Highly recommend for fans of epic, emotional love stories! 💕📖

I'll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect with Heart of the Sun. This was my first Mia Sheridan book, and while contemporary romance isn’t usually my go-to, the promise of a dystopian edge and real, high-stakes drama had me hitting that "read now" button.

Emily and Tuck start as childhood friends, bound by that pure, first-love magic that makes your heart ache. But when tragedy strikes, their lives take completely different paths. Fast forward eleven years, and their worlds collide again—this is where the story had me. Nothing like a bit of “we’re all going to die” to keep me fully invested!

The plot truly finds its footing when an apocalyptic event plunges the country into chaos. Power grids fail, communication ceases, and society descends into anarchy. The tension cranks up as a plane crash forces Emily, Tuck, and her boyfriend to embark on a perilous journey on foot from the Midwest to California. Sheridan’s execution is seamless, blending pulse-pounding action with reflective moments that make every step of their journey feel dangerously real.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its believability. Sheridan paints an unsettlingly plausible picture of societal collapse. Each challenge feels authentic, and the stakes remain high from start to finish. I loved the balance between the soft, lingering emotions of a love story and the sharp, jagged edges of survival—this contrast added so much depth to the narrative.

And let's talk about the audiobook narration! André Santana and Annalee Scott delivered an engaging and addictive performance. Their voices brought the characters to life with depth and emotion, elevating the entire experience. I found myself hanging onto every word, and I've already added both narrators to my "must-listen" list. I'll definitely be looking up more of their work!

If you love high stakes, second chances, and stories where love rises from the ashes of chaos, Heart of the Sun might be your next favorite.

Would I read more from Mia Sheridan? Absolutely. Especially if she keeps that dystopian edge and dials up the tension. My advice? Go in with an open heart, but prepare for it to race a little faster when things get real.

💡 What You Can Expect from Heart of the Sun
🌱 Childhood Love: Sweet beginnings that evolve into deep, layered emotions.
🔥 High Stakes: The kind of tension that makes your pulse race.
🏕️ Wilderness Survival: Rugged elements and life-or-death decisions.
💞 Second Chance Romance: When fate gives love a second shot.
🛡️ Bodyguard Element: A protective dynamic that adds intensity and all the feels.
🌍 Apocalyptic Chaos: A vividly realistic portrayal of societal collapse and survival.
🎧 Exceptional Narration: André Santana and Annalee Scott deliver an addictive and immersive audio experience.

If you’re craving a love story with real danger, a dash of dystopian grit, and a survival journey that keeps you on edge, this one might be your next favorite!

Thank you so much to The Hive, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for this ARC!! 📚

I loved Heart of the Sun such a good slow burn.

🔥 Dystopian
🎤 Pop Star x Bodyguard
🔥 End of world vibes
🎤 Friends to Lovers
🔥 Survival Mode
🎤 Human Empathy
🔥 Slow Burn

If Mia Sheridan writes it I’m going to read it!

I choose this book because I like the author. I always go in blind when reading. Sometimes I pick based on the author, a recommendation from someone else or the cover. I was pleasantly surprised that this one is an apocalyptic book. I was expecting a romance based on previous books I’ve read of Mia Sheridan’s. I personally love apocalyptic books so I was excited. I thought the book was well written and flowed nicely. The romance was sweet although I didn’t feel a strong connection between the characters. Overall it was a good book and I’d recommend! Thanks to Mia Sheridan, the publisher and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for my review.

Obsessed!!!! This was my first Mia book, I love fantasy and this was a good way to dip my toe into Mia's world! I love this journey of friendship this book took me on. It's. Solid 4 stars for me and can't wait to buy it when it releases! I would recommend to anyone!

Heart of the Sun is a well-written and imaginative book that will likely appeal to fans of its genre. The author does a great job of building a vivid world and crafting an intriguing storyline. The characters are well-developed, and the themes explored are thought-provoking. While I can appreciate the quality of the writing and the depth of the story, it wasn’t quite my cup of tea. However, for readers who enjoy this style of storytelling, it’s definitely a book worth checking out.

This was an intriguing read that really made me think about how unprepared I’d be if a catastrophic event ever occurred. My favorite part was the survival aspect was seeing the harsh realities of human nature and how quickly society can crumble without order. The romance was decent; I was rooting for Emily and Tuck to work through their issues and find their HEA. I didn’t feel the chemistry as much as I would have liked, but that’s life. Love isn’t always perfect, overflowing with infatuation and happy moments. Sometimes, it’s raw and difficult. Their origin story was really sweet, though, and I loved how Tuck always looked out for Emily.

That said, I wasn’t crazy about the romance and the love triangle in this one. Her boyfriend was awful, and I hated how quickly Emily took his side, immediately believing the worst of Tuck.

Overall, this was an exciting, fast-paced read. Perfect for fans of post-apocalyptic stories, movies, or shows. It gave me The Walking Dead vibes without the zombies! 🧟 🧟‍♀️

THANK YOU Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced copy of Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan!

Heart of the Sun was unlike any book I have ever read. An apocalyptic, dystopian romance that took me by surprise. I went in blind, and I am glad I did; this is not my usual genre, and I might have overlooked it otherwise.

The story follows former childhood friends, Tuck and Emily, who reconnect after years apart. Emily is a rising pop star, while Tuck, a brooding ex-con, has just been hired as her bodyguard.
While traveling to an event, their airplane crashes in the middle of the Midwest, leaving them stranded in a world suddenly plunged into darkness- no electricity, no working vehicles and basic supplies are running low. Tuck, Emily and her boyfriend set out across the country back home to California.

This delivers second chance and friends to lovers themes, set in a gripping post apocalyptic scene. While the story was just okay for me overall, major credit goes to Mia Sheridan for stepping into these unique genres.This was a creative, bold departure from the norm!

3.5⭐️
Heart of the Sun is a post-apocalyptic novel that had me thinking about what might actually happen if there were a collapse of all electrical components in the world. It was well written, but there wasn't as much character development as I would have liked. It is told in dual POV, which allows us to see both characters thoughts as the story progresses. I listened to the audiobook version and it was very well done. Both narrators did a great job and I definitely enjoyed the story more because of the narration.

While I did enjoy the story and thought it was well-written, I was not very impressed with the romance and characters. They were just so-so and the pacing of the romance was really slow. Overall, it was a nice book and got me thinking about how many things we take for granted in the functioning world. Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC.

Really excited to listen to this on audio. The premise caught my attention so I jumped right in. It was not at all what I thought. The FMC was annoying and so unlikable. The story seemed all over the place. It was hard to focus even on audio.