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Sun in My Heart
Dive into the tumultuous world of Sophie Quinn, a brave young woman trapped in a perilous marriage to her unpredictable husband, Chad. With Chad being a VP in her distant father's company and the only man her mother ever approved of, breaking free won't be easy. However, Sophie is determined—knowing that leaving Chad is not just about finding happiness but surviving.
As she takes her first steps towards independence, Sophie crosses paths with Brian, a rugged handyman with a heart of gold, challenging her perceptions of love and trust. Yet, nothing is ever straightforward. When Sophie learns Brian's connection to Julian Sommers, the world-famous pop star who fell out of the limelight when a deranged fan murdered Julian’s companion and herself in a Vegas hotel room two years prior, the plot thickens. With secrets swirling around her, and a dangerous husband in pursuit, Sophie's newfound happiness is on the line.
"Sun in My Heart" speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. We all face challenges, make mistakes, and yearn for redemption. This story offers a mirror to our own vulnerabilities, reminding us that even amidst darkness, love and hope can light the way.
As she takes her first steps towards independence, Sophie crosses paths with Brian, a rugged handyman with a heart of gold, challenging her perceptions of love and trust. Yet, nothing is ever straightforward. When Sophie learns Brian's connection to Julian Sommers, the world-famous pop star who fell out of the limelight when a deranged fan murdered Julian’s companion and herself in a Vegas hotel room two years prior, the plot thickens. With secrets swirling around her, and a dangerous husband in pursuit, Sophie's newfound happiness is on the line.
"Sun in My Heart" speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. We all face challenges, make mistakes, and yearn for redemption. This story offers a mirror to our own vulnerabilities, reminding us that even amidst darkness, love and hope can light the way.
- GenresRomance
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2024
17 people are currently reading
3406 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 11, 2024
Loved it!!!!
This book took me by surprise!
I wasn’t expecting to get a good cry out of this book.
Julian is a musician who has a stalker and ends up in a dark place in his life and drops off the face of the earth.
Sophie is trying to start her life over and leave her manipulating husband. No one around her believes her and she only has a few people who truly love her.
Sophie runs into this man who helps her save a baby bird and they have this connection that they can’t explain.
I loved how the characters were able to open up about the worries even though they hardly knew each other.
This was a beautiful story.
This book took me by surprise!
I wasn’t expecting to get a good cry out of this book.
Julian is a musician who has a stalker and ends up in a dark place in his life and drops off the face of the earth.
Sophie is trying to start her life over and leave her manipulating husband. No one around her believes her and she only has a few people who truly love her.
Sophie runs into this man who helps her save a baby bird and they have this connection that they can’t explain.
I loved how the characters were able to open up about the worries even though they hardly knew each other.
This was a beautiful story.
December 17, 2023
Tricia T LaRochelle has written another compelling book filled with endearing characters who, because of circumstances and past relationships, struggle with self confidence and trust. As Sophie becomes more confident and moves out from under the weight of criticism and judgment she grew up with, her world opens up only to crash when her new found trust in Brian is shattered. Her ability to prevail is very satisfying. This is a beautiful story of resilience and the power of believing in yourself. I highly recommend this book. I had a hard time putting it down!
July 17, 2025
Sophie Quinn is trying to start a new life after and an abusive husband. Her mother is uncaring and her father is distant. Sophie runs into a man named Brian who is down to earth working man. He takes care of his friend Julian Sommers's house who is a musician that has been hiding ever since a stalker killed herself and an innocent girl in front of him two years ago. Sophie and Brian end up falling in love with each other. When Sophie finds out things about Brian and Jillian she is distraught. Will Sophie be able to forgive Brian?
December 30, 2023
This book has moved me beyond words. I thought I had this book figured out but it was such a wonderful surprise. There are several deep dark secrets and terrible abuse but the rise of the sunshine of this story warmed my heart. This is the first book I have read by this author but it will not be my last. I throughly enjoyed the story and the writing style of this book. If I could give more than five stars for this review, I definitely would! Loved it!
January 14, 2024
La escritura es muy juvenil y no queda con los temas que se abordan: acoso, violación, suicidio, violencia, infidelidad, maltrato físico y psicológico.
Parece que lo escribió una puberta que eligió al azar que temas habría en su libro e hizo lo que pudo.
Parece que lo escribió una puberta que eligió al azar que temas habría en su libro e hizo lo que pudo.
September 24, 2024
Rating: 2.5
The story itself is interesting but the writing is rudimentary and rushed, with an extremely accelerated romantic plot for seemingly complex characters dealing with intense trauma in each of their lives individually. The themes of assault and violence were approached with such a cavalier attitude in the writing that somewhat belittled the gravity of these issues and took away depth from the characters.
The story itself is interesting but the writing is rudimentary and rushed, with an extremely accelerated romantic plot for seemingly complex characters dealing with intense trauma in each of their lives individually. The themes of assault and violence were approached with such a cavalier attitude in the writing that somewhat belittled the gravity of these issues and took away depth from the characters.
January 22, 2024
I loved this book so much. This one will definitely hit you in the feels. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I was surprised. I loved the plot, the characters, and everything about this book. Such a good read.
February 7, 2024
The Light That Heals
A review of Sun in My Heart by Tricia LaRochelle
"Love comforteth like sunshine after rain."
William Shakespeare, Venus and Adonis
Medical science proves what humans have known since antiquity; sunlight heals our bodies and our souls. From vitamin D and serotonin production to antiseptic wound treatment, the sun that powers our planet and everything on it gifts us with life and health. The only other light we need is love — it heals everything else.
Tricia LaRochelle’s latest novel, Sun in My Heart, is a celebration of this truth, a gripping story of wounded people desperately seeking balm for their pain and finding it through the healing light of their mutual love. As with her Sara Browne series, the woman and the man must fight against difficult odds, including their own self-doubt and internalized contempt, to find that curative power, and this is what makes LaRochelle’s stories so compelling. She weaves romance with suspense like a tapestry, beautiful for the dark threads as well as the light.
Sophie Quinn escapes an abusive marriage and hides away from everything associated with the upper-class lifestyle that left her loveless and bruised in body and soul. Her uncaring mother and distant father can’t understand her choice, even when she tells them plainly of the sexual and psychological torture she has suffered. Starting a new life in a house with acreage, she struggles to recreate herself as something beyond the wife to a social-climbing sociopath and daughter to loveless parents who are intent on power, money and prestige.
As she is rebuilding her sense of self she meets and falls for Brian, a down-to-earth working man, caretaker to a nearby estate owned by a famous music star who is hiding from his own demons. But trouble soon arrives unbidden. Sophie almost ends the relationship when a touch from Brian is too close to the worst her husband visited on her. Brian, too, has scars from previous lovers, but they pick their way carefully through the troubles until they find what they need — kindness and acceptance. For a time, they enjoy their budding love in a private world where they can each open themselves to the other.
Then, everything around them seems to conspire to wreck what they have built. When the husband breaks into Sophie’s house and attacks her, Brian arrives to save the day. But the fight to protect her reveals a terrible truth he has kept hidden, and their breakup seems final. Retreating to their corners, they wrestle alone with self-loathing and doubt, until Sophie makes a brave leap into the unknown, giving herself permission to love herself, give love and receive love.
Author LaRochelle is unsparing in her depictions of the sexual, physical and psychological horror that men all too often inflict on the women they purport to love. She is equally blunt in depicting the traumatic scars left by such abuse. We ache through the many times Sophie cannot muster the self-confidence and regard to stand up for herself against the people forcing her to play the role they have written. LaRochelle’s heroines nearly buckle under the weight of their corporeal and cognitive trauma, and she gives the reader a front row seat to their anguished thoughts and feelings. But in the end, these women find a core of grit in their bellies that guides them through the worst until they find the light of love that completes their healing.
Likewise, the author does not make cartoon villains of even the worst of her characters. Sophie will never reconcile with her former husband, but he finds his humanity and with contrition gives her all she wants in the divorce. The disapproving mother is suffering her own trauma, and Sophie learns that she will not get the mother she wants, but she can live with the mother she has. And the distant father mends his ways to rebuild his relationship with his only child. No one is pure angel or devil; we all are walking wounded, making choices as best we can in this life that visits rain and sun on all equally.
This is storytelling at its finest, a rendering of the troubles we all face and the triumphs we can all achieve. Sun in My Heart is a tale about people of flesh and bone and wounded souls who seek what they need and, through dark nights and dangerous tempests, find what they seek. In the end, the lovers ignite the sun in their hearts. Witnessing their victory allows a beam of that precious light to warm our own.
A review of Sun in My Heart by Tricia LaRochelle
"Love comforteth like sunshine after rain."
William Shakespeare, Venus and Adonis
Medical science proves what humans have known since antiquity; sunlight heals our bodies and our souls. From vitamin D and serotonin production to antiseptic wound treatment, the sun that powers our planet and everything on it gifts us with life and health. The only other light we need is love — it heals everything else.
Tricia LaRochelle’s latest novel, Sun in My Heart, is a celebration of this truth, a gripping story of wounded people desperately seeking balm for their pain and finding it through the healing light of their mutual love. As with her Sara Browne series, the woman and the man must fight against difficult odds, including their own self-doubt and internalized contempt, to find that curative power, and this is what makes LaRochelle’s stories so compelling. She weaves romance with suspense like a tapestry, beautiful for the dark threads as well as the light.
Sophie Quinn escapes an abusive marriage and hides away from everything associated with the upper-class lifestyle that left her loveless and bruised in body and soul. Her uncaring mother and distant father can’t understand her choice, even when she tells them plainly of the sexual and psychological torture she has suffered. Starting a new life in a house with acreage, she struggles to recreate herself as something beyond the wife to a social-climbing sociopath and daughter to loveless parents who are intent on power, money and prestige.
As she is rebuilding her sense of self she meets and falls for Brian, a down-to-earth working man, caretaker to a nearby estate owned by a famous music star who is hiding from his own demons. But trouble soon arrives unbidden. Sophie almost ends the relationship when a touch from Brian is too close to the worst her husband visited on her. Brian, too, has scars from previous lovers, but they pick their way carefully through the troubles until they find what they need — kindness and acceptance. For a time, they enjoy their budding love in a private world where they can each open themselves to the other.
Then, everything around them seems to conspire to wreck what they have built. When the husband breaks into Sophie’s house and attacks her, Brian arrives to save the day. But the fight to protect her reveals a terrible truth he has kept hidden, and their breakup seems final. Retreating to their corners, they wrestle alone with self-loathing and doubt, until Sophie makes a brave leap into the unknown, giving herself permission to love herself, give love and receive love.
Author LaRochelle is unsparing in her depictions of the sexual, physical and psychological horror that men all too often inflict on the women they purport to love. She is equally blunt in depicting the traumatic scars left by such abuse. We ache through the many times Sophie cannot muster the self-confidence and regard to stand up for herself against the people forcing her to play the role they have written. LaRochelle’s heroines nearly buckle under the weight of their corporeal and cognitive trauma, and she gives the reader a front row seat to their anguished thoughts and feelings. But in the end, these women find a core of grit in their bellies that guides them through the worst until they find the light of love that completes their healing.
Likewise, the author does not make cartoon villains of even the worst of her characters. Sophie will never reconcile with her former husband, but he finds his humanity and with contrition gives her all she wants in the divorce. The disapproving mother is suffering her own trauma, and Sophie learns that she will not get the mother she wants, but she can live with the mother she has. And the distant father mends his ways to rebuild his relationship with his only child. No one is pure angel or devil; we all are walking wounded, making choices as best we can in this life that visits rain and sun on all equally.
This is storytelling at its finest, a rendering of the troubles we all face and the triumphs we can all achieve. Sun in My Heart is a tale about people of flesh and bone and wounded souls who seek what they need and, through dark nights and dangerous tempests, find what they seek. In the end, the lovers ignite the sun in their hearts. Witnessing their victory allows a beam of that precious light to warm our own.
January 14, 2024
Julian woke up with what felt like a marching band in his head. Then memories of the night before vaguely surface... the pills, drugs and alcohol. Then a redhead groans in her sleep beside him... what was her name? There had been so many it was hard to remember. He still didn't know how he ended up here. From playing acoustic guitar in front of a small crowd to staying in a penthouse suite with its own swimming pool singing before a Vegas crowd of over 30k screaming fans.
When he throws off the covers he notices the woman sitting on the couch facing the bed. Now her name he remembered... Rebecca. She has been stalking him for the last six months trying for a hookup and despite his refusal and trying to avoid her at all costs, she had turned into his very own Kathy Bates. The girl is barely 18 and clearly off her rocker. Now she is pulling out a gun and the next thing he knows there is brain splatter on his cheek and after killing the woman beside him, she turns the gun on herself.
Sophie Quinn is drinking her coffee and watching Entertainment News and the reporter's update on her series ‘Where in the world is Julian Sommers?’ It has been two years since he disappeared from the public eye after the tragedy in his hotel room. Sophie could understand how someone could go a little nuts over the gorgeous man with the glazier blue eyes in the photo, but she was done with men.
She left her husband six months ago after he almost strangled her to death. She had put up with his kinky demands doing anything to please him, but he had finally pushed her past her limits. When she realized how close she had come to dying she left and bought a small house in the mountains.
Sophie is walking on the wooded path between her house and the community when she runs into a huge mountain man. He has a long shaggy beard and hair, wearing a ragged John Deere hat, dirty flannel shirt and pants, but looking into his brown eyes she didn't feel threatened. Unlike with her husband, she felt safe in his presence.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. I don't know what I expected, but this book was so much different from the Sara Browne series, and as much as I loved Sara's story this book is now my favorite.
This book is action-packed from the start. It is full of danger and suspense with major twists and turns as Sophie struggles to deal with an abusive husband only to find out secrets about not only their relationship but other life-changing secrets. I really hated turning the last page of this book. Highly recommend!
When he throws off the covers he notices the woman sitting on the couch facing the bed. Now her name he remembered... Rebecca. She has been stalking him for the last six months trying for a hookup and despite his refusal and trying to avoid her at all costs, she had turned into his very own Kathy Bates. The girl is barely 18 and clearly off her rocker. Now she is pulling out a gun and the next thing he knows there is brain splatter on his cheek and after killing the woman beside him, she turns the gun on herself.
Sophie Quinn is drinking her coffee and watching Entertainment News and the reporter's update on her series ‘Where in the world is Julian Sommers?’ It has been two years since he disappeared from the public eye after the tragedy in his hotel room. Sophie could understand how someone could go a little nuts over the gorgeous man with the glazier blue eyes in the photo, but she was done with men.
She left her husband six months ago after he almost strangled her to death. She had put up with his kinky demands doing anything to please him, but he had finally pushed her past her limits. When she realized how close she had come to dying she left and bought a small house in the mountains.
Sophie is walking on the wooded path between her house and the community when she runs into a huge mountain man. He has a long shaggy beard and hair, wearing a ragged John Deere hat, dirty flannel shirt and pants, but looking into his brown eyes she didn't feel threatened. Unlike with her husband, she felt safe in his presence.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. I don't know what I expected, but this book was so much different from the Sara Browne series, and as much as I loved Sara's story this book is now my favorite.
This book is action-packed from the start. It is full of danger and suspense with major twists and turns as Sophie struggles to deal with an abusive husband only to find out secrets about not only their relationship but other life-changing secrets. I really hated turning the last page of this book. Highly recommend!
April 26, 2024
Sun In My Heart is a romantic suspense novel written by the author Tricia T. LaRochelle, published in January 2024. The story centers around the protagonist, Sophie Quinn who flees a violent marriage and seeks healing in the light of love after being left damaged in body and spirit. She escapes her dysfunctional family to start anew, facing internal struggles and working to redefine herself outside her oppressive upbringing. Sophie falls in love with Brian, a caretaker of a pop star’s estate. Sophie and Brian’s love is tested when his touch triggers memories of her abusive husband. Despite the challenges, they create a happy life together. Unexpectedly, their world crumbles when Sophie is kidnapped by her ex-husband. Brian confronts a hidden truth, straining their marriage. In their despair, Sophie finds strength to love herself and others, embracing a brighter future. LaRochelle’s portrayal of abuse and its aftermath in relationships is brutally honest. The protagonist, Sophie, struggles with her lack of confidence and self-respect amidst the demands of others. The author doesn’t depict the abusers as mere caricatures; instead, she showcases the physical and emotional toll endured by her heroines. Despite the hardships, the characters display resilience and eventually find love and redemption. Sophie’s ex-husband, though irreparable, exhibits remorse and grants her desires in the divorce. While her mother remains disapproving, Sophie learns to accept and coexist with her. Sun in My Heart is a captivating tale that showcases the trials and triumphs of relatable characters. In the midst of adversity, they discover their inner strength and attain the fulfillment they seek. Their inspiring journey resonates, radiating warmth and joy to touch our own hearts. With a riveting plot, unexpected twists, and well-developed characters, this book keeps you engrossed from start to finish. At 200+ pages It’s a concise and enjoyable read, highly recommended for those seeking a quick escape.
November 29, 2023
LaRochelle skillfully envelops readers in a poignant, romantic story tinged with tension and intrigue in her latest novel, Sun in My Heart. Famous pop singer Julian Sommers’ finds his life turned upside down after a terrible tragedy leaves two of his fans dead two years ago. Unable to process the unsettling episode, Julian takes a sabbatical and disappears from public life.
Enter Sophie Quinn who appears to have it all; inherited wealth, professionally successful husband, a beautiful home. Everything is not as it seems. It has been six months since Sophie fled to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia to escape her abusive Chad. She crosses paths with a rugged handyman name Brian who works for the elusive Julian Sommers. Though neither Sophie nor Brian understand it, the sparks immediately fly. It doesn’t take Sophie long to realize Brian is guarded, but so is she. Taking another chance at love is something they both are wary of. Unbeknownst to Sophie, Brian is hiding a secret that turns her life upside down.
LaRochelle’s finely crafted novel presents a nuanced treatment of complex themes, from subjugation of women to issues of psychological abuse, pain, sorrow, trauma, and violence. Over the course of this novel, LaRochelle weaves Sophie’s story with Brian’s self-reckoning in a vivid narrative filled with imperfect yet compassionate characters.
She paints convincing psychological images of her two main characters: Brian, who is down-to-earth, sensible yet vulnerable, and Sophie, a woman whose life has been marked by constant humiliation from those closest to her. The well-crafted storyline shows how lasting traumas are created from relentless psychological abuse and unkindness, while the theme of healing keeps readers turning the pages. Unexpected endings give a satisfactory closure to the story that is both emotional and comforting.
A stirring celebration of bonds of love, family, and friendship, this is a surefire winner.
Enter Sophie Quinn who appears to have it all; inherited wealth, professionally successful husband, a beautiful home. Everything is not as it seems. It has been six months since Sophie fled to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia to escape her abusive Chad. She crosses paths with a rugged handyman name Brian who works for the elusive Julian Sommers. Though neither Sophie nor Brian understand it, the sparks immediately fly. It doesn’t take Sophie long to realize Brian is guarded, but so is she. Taking another chance at love is something they both are wary of. Unbeknownst to Sophie, Brian is hiding a secret that turns her life upside down.
LaRochelle’s finely crafted novel presents a nuanced treatment of complex themes, from subjugation of women to issues of psychological abuse, pain, sorrow, trauma, and violence. Over the course of this novel, LaRochelle weaves Sophie’s story with Brian’s self-reckoning in a vivid narrative filled with imperfect yet compassionate characters.
She paints convincing psychological images of her two main characters: Brian, who is down-to-earth, sensible yet vulnerable, and Sophie, a woman whose life has been marked by constant humiliation from those closest to her. The well-crafted storyline shows how lasting traumas are created from relentless psychological abuse and unkindness, while the theme of healing keeps readers turning the pages. Unexpected endings give a satisfactory closure to the story that is both emotional and comforting.
A stirring celebration of bonds of love, family, and friendship, this is a surefire winner.
January 13, 2024
Sun In My Heart is a contemporary romance with a Twist by Tricia T. LaRochelle.
Our story begins with Sophie Quinn, a young woman in thr throes of a marriage headed for divorce. Her husband Chad had been abusive to her and she has begun putting her life back together by buying herself a little cottage. Loving her new life far away from her estranged husband was exactly what she needed.
She enjoys her little cabin, and watching Entertainment News. Especially the stories that involve pop singer Julian Sommers. Two years ago Julian disappeared after a tragedy involving a fan. And he has never been the same since.
One day out on a walk Soohie meets Brian, a reclusive handyman working in her neighborhood. Brian seems to come with his own set of issues but Sophie finds him quite refreshing. As time goes on and they spend more time together they both fall quite quickly for each other. What a whirlwind of emotions Sophie encounters. She has never been seen or treated like she is now by Brian, and she enjoys every moment with him. That is until her ex husband shows back up and in a moment of chaos Brian lets his secret come out! And instead of staying and fighting for Sophie he leaves. Leaving her heartbroken and betrayed. Will their love allow them to find each other again? Will Brian ever return to her?
What an amazing story with wonderful twists and turns. Sophie’s life hasn’t been easy, but she is finally fighting for herself and what she wants. I absolutely love how everything plays out for Sophie in the end.
Brian is everything you want for Sophie, having issues of his own added dimension and depth to the story that I wasn’t expecting.
A wonderul twisting romance where the characters get the love they are so deserving of. Highly recommend
Our story begins with Sophie Quinn, a young woman in thr throes of a marriage headed for divorce. Her husband Chad had been abusive to her and she has begun putting her life back together by buying herself a little cottage. Loving her new life far away from her estranged husband was exactly what she needed.
She enjoys her little cabin, and watching Entertainment News. Especially the stories that involve pop singer Julian Sommers. Two years ago Julian disappeared after a tragedy involving a fan. And he has never been the same since.
One day out on a walk Soohie meets Brian, a reclusive handyman working in her neighborhood. Brian seems to come with his own set of issues but Sophie finds him quite refreshing. As time goes on and they spend more time together they both fall quite quickly for each other. What a whirlwind of emotions Sophie encounters. She has never been seen or treated like she is now by Brian, and she enjoys every moment with him. That is until her ex husband shows back up and in a moment of chaos Brian lets his secret come out! And instead of staying and fighting for Sophie he leaves. Leaving her heartbroken and betrayed. Will their love allow them to find each other again? Will Brian ever return to her?
What an amazing story with wonderful twists and turns. Sophie’s life hasn’t been easy, but she is finally fighting for herself and what she wants. I absolutely love how everything plays out for Sophie in the end.
Brian is everything you want for Sophie, having issues of his own added dimension and depth to the story that I wasn’t expecting.
A wonderul twisting romance where the characters get the love they are so deserving of. Highly recommend
February 27, 2024
There's plenty of drama in the pages of this beautifully crafted romance. The blurb covers the basic plot quite well, so I won't go into details, but I have a few comments.
Where's the "twist" in this romance? It's surely not the revelation of the handyman's true identity. His scruffy beard and brown eyes manage to fool Sophie, but any sharp reader will recognize this guy from the get-go. Perhaps the "twist" refers to the revelation of Sophie's true parentage (a satisfying surprise indeed).
Sophie is a victim of horrific sexual abuse at the hands of her husband (Chad), who nearly chokes her to death during forced sex. Does she take pictures of her bruises or call the police? Nope. She moves into a place of her own, where she has a couple of chance encounters with a handyman (Brian) who works at a nearby mansion. They kiss as she feels "sexual heat between them."
Four days later, Sophie tells Brian about her husband's abuse and declares her insta-love for Brian. He feels it too, which leads to an episode of steamy sex. What? This sexually traumatized woman eagerly gives herself to a scruffy guy when she doesn't even know his last name? When they're sexually satisfied, they declare their love for each other. Seriously? I'm not a fan of insta-love.
I nearly gave up at this point, but I'm glad I kept going, because the book's second half is almost perfect. I loved Charlie and Ginny, and the surprising revelation about their daughter. I even grew to like Sophie's father, but I can't say the same about her mother. Kudos for Brian's father, whose intervention leads to a heartwarming Happily Ever After ending. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this very talented writer.
Where's the "twist" in this romance? It's surely not the revelation of the handyman's true identity. His scruffy beard and brown eyes manage to fool Sophie, but any sharp reader will recognize this guy from the get-go. Perhaps the "twist" refers to the revelation of Sophie's true parentage (a satisfying surprise indeed).
Sophie is a victim of horrific sexual abuse at the hands of her husband (Chad), who nearly chokes her to death during forced sex. Does she take pictures of her bruises or call the police? Nope. She moves into a place of her own, where she has a couple of chance encounters with a handyman (Brian) who works at a nearby mansion. They kiss as she feels "sexual heat between them."
Four days later, Sophie tells Brian about her husband's abuse and declares her insta-love for Brian. He feels it too, which leads to an episode of steamy sex. What? This sexually traumatized woman eagerly gives herself to a scruffy guy when she doesn't even know his last name? When they're sexually satisfied, they declare their love for each other. Seriously? I'm not a fan of insta-love.
I nearly gave up at this point, but I'm glad I kept going, because the book's second half is almost perfect. I loved Charlie and Ginny, and the surprising revelation about their daughter. I even grew to like Sophie's father, but I can't say the same about her mother. Kudos for Brian's father, whose intervention leads to a heartwarming Happily Ever After ending. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this very talented writer.
January 12, 2024
Reclusive Rock Star, Abused Wife, Family Secrets = Lots of Drama
Trigger Warnings: Abuse, Assault, Mental Health, Suicide
Steam: Medium Steam
3.5 Stars = Good and Worth the Read
This book opens with a pretty intense scene where we meet Julian, who is a pretty popular rockstar. He wakes up in bed with a woman he can’t quite place and sees a woman sitting in a chair in his room. He immediately recognizes her as his stalker and events take place that change the course of his life. The book then jumps two years to Sophie.
Sophie is separated from her abusive husband for the last 6 months and is now trying to find her way on her own. Sophie is from a wealthy family and has had lead a somewhat sheltered and isolated life. Sophie reveals she never quite fit in with other wealthy kids in high school and her relationship with her mother is fraught with hostility and motherly disapproval. Her life began to change when she is asked out in HS by her current husband. Although their relationship wasn’t ideal they married after college graduation and then Chad begins to show his true colors…
This book at it heart is about two people who have experienced traumatic events and are both struggling with how to handle the fallout it and move forward. I will say that the synopsis for this book does not do it justice. Although stories of redemption and trauma are not new, this story did leave me guessing a bit and was not as predicable as I thought.
Side Note: This book is written in 3rd person which in some instances pulls you out of the story a bit. Overall it was a good read and had a satisfying ending.
Trigger Warnings: Abuse, Assault, Mental Health, Suicide
Steam: Medium Steam
3.5 Stars = Good and Worth the Read
This book opens with a pretty intense scene where we meet Julian, who is a pretty popular rockstar. He wakes up in bed with a woman he can’t quite place and sees a woman sitting in a chair in his room. He immediately recognizes her as his stalker and events take place that change the course of his life. The book then jumps two years to Sophie.
Sophie is separated from her abusive husband for the last 6 months and is now trying to find her way on her own. Sophie is from a wealthy family and has had lead a somewhat sheltered and isolated life. Sophie reveals she never quite fit in with other wealthy kids in high school and her relationship with her mother is fraught with hostility and motherly disapproval. Her life began to change when she is asked out in HS by her current husband. Although their relationship wasn’t ideal they married after college graduation and then Chad begins to show his true colors…
This book at it heart is about two people who have experienced traumatic events and are both struggling with how to handle the fallout it and move forward. I will say that the synopsis for this book does not do it justice. Although stories of redemption and trauma are not new, this story did leave me guessing a bit and was not as predicable as I thought.
Side Note: This book is written in 3rd person which in some instances pulls you out of the story a bit. Overall it was a good read and had a satisfying ending.
February 26, 2024
I quickly became a fan of Ms. La Rochelle’s book when I read the first in the Sara Browne Series. From Flickering Hearts through Handfast, he held me fast in her clutches, as I turned page after page. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Sun in My Heart, but bought it, for I so loved Ms. LaRochelle’s writing. She has a way of capturing you from page one, and keeping you gripped within the story.
Sun in My Heart was no exception. Although it differed from her Sarah Browne series, it was so enthralling. Full of suspense, angst, as well as issues that brought tears to my eyes, as I was drawn into the story, I emotionally relived some events that I had lived through. It cleansed those hurts; I thought, long gone, while entertaining me and pulling me into Sophie and Brian’s world. A world where two people help each other heal, fall in love, and grow.
I loved this story, and it will grace my library for years to come. I have a tendency to reread those books that draw me as deeply as this one did and know that I will reread Sun in My Heart again, and again. And when I do, I will once again live in this book again.
I highly recommend this dynamic, sweet, endearing, suspense-filled novel, so full of emotions, both happy and traumatic.
Sun in My Heart was no exception. Although it differed from her Sarah Browne series, it was so enthralling. Full of suspense, angst, as well as issues that brought tears to my eyes, as I was drawn into the story, I emotionally relived some events that I had lived through. It cleansed those hurts; I thought, long gone, while entertaining me and pulling me into Sophie and Brian’s world. A world where two people help each other heal, fall in love, and grow.
I loved this story, and it will grace my library for years to come. I have a tendency to reread those books that draw me as deeply as this one did and know that I will reread Sun in My Heart again, and again. And when I do, I will once again live in this book again.
I highly recommend this dynamic, sweet, endearing, suspense-filled novel, so full of emotions, both happy and traumatic.
February 24, 2024
*Story: 4.75 stars; Audiobook: 4.85 stars*
This is the first time I have read anything by Tricia T. Larochelle, but it definitely won’t be the last. This story is heartbreaking, raw, redeeming and relatable. There are triggers to look out for.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an amazing job of giving this story life. The only thing I would’ve liked better is if she could’ve changed her voice for different characters.
This book starts off intense with our hunk of a rockstar in a face off with a situation that changes his life. Two years later we meet Sophia who has had her fair share of trauma. Two lost souls were brought together by fate and one sweet baby bird.
I do think the insta-love they had wasn’t the right fit for them, considering they both were still in the thick of their issues. I think a slow-medium build would have been better.
Regardless, this story held my attention and there were a few revelations I didn’t expect and had my jaw dropping. My heart went out to both Sophia and our hunk of a rockstar, but I was happy to see them both get the HEA they both deserved. I was provided an advanced listeners copy and used my KU to read along.
This is the first time I have read anything by Tricia T. Larochelle, but it definitely won’t be the last. This story is heartbreaking, raw, redeeming and relatable. There are triggers to look out for.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an amazing job of giving this story life. The only thing I would’ve liked better is if she could’ve changed her voice for different characters.
This book starts off intense with our hunk of a rockstar in a face off with a situation that changes his life. Two years later we meet Sophia who has had her fair share of trauma. Two lost souls were brought together by fate and one sweet baby bird.
I do think the insta-love they had wasn’t the right fit for them, considering they both were still in the thick of their issues. I think a slow-medium build would have been better.
Regardless, this story held my attention and there were a few revelations I didn’t expect and had my jaw dropping. My heart went out to both Sophia and our hunk of a rockstar, but I was happy to see them both get the HEA they both deserved. I was provided an advanced listeners copy and used my KU to read along.
December 27, 2023
Sun in My Heart is the first book I've read by this author, and it won't be my last. I enjoyed this story so much. These characters had real-life stories and issues to work out that people can relate to. I'm not giving spoilers, but not everyone can necessarily relate to the situations Brian & Sophie find themselves in. It's the way they handled life afterward. It's the running from life and disappearing that people can relate to in a sense.
I loved that both Brian and Sophie had issues to work out in each of their lives separately from one another and with each other. Both have trauma to work through for different reasons (TW: sexual violence, the author gives that info at the beginning of the book, so again, not a spoiler!)
Sophie has a very dysfunctional family with rocky relationships and a husband who abuses her. There are family secrets that will make or break this family.
It's the journey of healing & forgiveness that makes this story so enjoyable and worth the read!
Thank you to the author and Indie Pen PR for an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
I loved that both Brian and Sophie had issues to work out in each of their lives separately from one another and with each other. Both have trauma to work through for different reasons (TW: sexual violence, the author gives that info at the beginning of the book, so again, not a spoiler!)
Sophie has a very dysfunctional family with rocky relationships and a husband who abuses her. There are family secrets that will make or break this family.
It's the journey of healing & forgiveness that makes this story so enjoyable and worth the read!
Thank you to the author and Indie Pen PR for an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
January 8, 2024
Incredibly written story that had me from the beginning. Now, the beginning was shocking and rocked me so hard that I took a day to recover but my goodness did I become wrapped in this story!
I was so heartbroken to watch the things Sophie had to endure and thought was life. Hearing her past with her husband shocked me but sadly it’s a common occurrence. Sophie grew during this story in so many ways, it was beautiful to watch.
The man who comes into her life not only changes her life but the course of so many people! I loved getting to know the people in Sophie’s life and hoping for the best outcome.
You will find shocking moments and the ending was a beautiful shock but it’s all so intriguing that I couldn’t put the book down! Each chapter I wondered if something drastic would happen and when it kept happening; I kept getting giddy! This is such a great story but I think might be a trigger for some.
I was so heartbroken to watch the things Sophie had to endure and thought was life. Hearing her past with her husband shocked me but sadly it’s a common occurrence. Sophie grew during this story in so many ways, it was beautiful to watch.
The man who comes into her life not only changes her life but the course of so many people! I loved getting to know the people in Sophie’s life and hoping for the best outcome.
You will find shocking moments and the ending was a beautiful shock but it’s all so intriguing that I couldn’t put the book down! Each chapter I wondered if something drastic would happen and when it kept happening; I kept getting giddy! This is such a great story but I think might be a trigger for some.
April 16, 2024
A Tale of Love, Healing, and Redemption
The story of Sophie and Julian is an emotional rollercoaster that dives deep into themes of love, healing, and personal growth. Both characters, Sophie and Julian, have painful pasts that they bravely confront over the course of the story. Sophie’s journey through family secrets and a harmful relationship, alongside Julian’s struggle with his past and his identity as a musician, provide a rich narrative that’s both engaging and moving.
The plot intertwines their pasts and present, offering plenty of drama and quick character development, which sometimes feels a bit rushed. The book excels in showing deep emotions and the healing process, with the characters’ interactions and Julian’s music adding depth. Overall, the story is powerful, touching on the transformative power of love and the importance of facing one’s past. It’s a compelling read with emotional depth and complex character arcs.
The story of Sophie and Julian is an emotional rollercoaster that dives deep into themes of love, healing, and personal growth. Both characters, Sophie and Julian, have painful pasts that they bravely confront over the course of the story. Sophie’s journey through family secrets and a harmful relationship, alongside Julian’s struggle with his past and his identity as a musician, provide a rich narrative that’s both engaging and moving.
The plot intertwines their pasts and present, offering plenty of drama and quick character development, which sometimes feels a bit rushed. The book excels in showing deep emotions and the healing process, with the characters’ interactions and Julian’s music adding depth. Overall, the story is powerful, touching on the transformative power of love and the importance of facing one’s past. It’s a compelling read with emotional depth and complex character arcs.
January 3, 2024
》ARC Review: Sun in My Heart《
This was an overall enjoyable read. The author did a lovely job in making our leads, Sophie and Brian, feel fully fleshed out and tangible characters to relate, empathize, and root for.
There is a plot twist I saw coming and I personally loved it. I was keeping my fingers crossed for that reveal and it was one of my favorite parts of the whole book!
As much as I believed in the chemistry and connection of the leads, the way the romance initially developed felt a bit jarring. It felt that it became physically intimate prior to emotionally; which became a disconnect for me as I am not sure an insta-love (along with its declarations) suited the type of character Sophie is. I think considering her rather present trauma, a slow burn would have been a more believable choice. It moved much too quickly.
Neverthless, I'm quite glad I read this one and got to know this author's engaging writing style.
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was an overall enjoyable read. The author did a lovely job in making our leads, Sophie and Brian, feel fully fleshed out and tangible characters to relate, empathize, and root for.
There is a plot twist I saw coming and I personally loved it. I was keeping my fingers crossed for that reveal and it was one of my favorite parts of the whole book!
As much as I believed in the chemistry and connection of the leads, the way the romance initially developed felt a bit jarring. It felt that it became physically intimate prior to emotionally; which became a disconnect for me as I am not sure an insta-love (along with its declarations) suited the type of character Sophie is. I think considering her rather present trauma, a slow burn would have been a more believable choice. It moved much too quickly.
Neverthless, I'm quite glad I read this one and got to know this author's engaging writing style.
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2024
This storyline had me intrigued an held my attention. I really was not into Rom-com genre, now I’m hooked. Nothing appears real in the life of Sophie Quinn. So many villains appear. She has an emotionless Mother, abusive and vindictive husband, no friends but her saving grace are an elderly couple who maintained her families land. When she meets a neighbor an he attempts to kiss Sophie by holding her neck anxiety and panic sets in from a previous muderous attempted by her estranged husband. But is her new neighbor Brian her friend or manipulating who his identity really is. Fast paced, realistic and had me hooked until the final line. This is a honest review for an advanced readers copy.
December 29, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I want to first thank the author, and Greys Promo for providing me with an advanced reader copy! I’d also like to acknowledge that being a self published author is badass, and the author should be proud of her accomplishment!
There were moments I swooned at this book, and the writing was beautiful.
But there were also moments where it wasn’t my favorite. I feel conflicted as insta-love as a whole, so that is probably part of it.
But these characters went through an immense amount of pain & then healing.
The last 40% and the ending were my favvvee!
I want to first thank the author, and Greys Promo for providing me with an advanced reader copy! I’d also like to acknowledge that being a self published author is badass, and the author should be proud of her accomplishment!
There were moments I swooned at this book, and the writing was beautiful.
But there were also moments where it wasn’t my favorite. I feel conflicted as insta-love as a whole, so that is probably part of it.
But these characters went through an immense amount of pain & then healing.
The last 40% and the ending were my favvvee!
Want to read
January 9, 2024I am so excited to introduce my latest contemporary romance, Sun in My Heart, to you. This is a story full of heartwarming predictability, coupled with some unexpected twists that should keep the reader guessing.
Dark themes steer this story into several ditches until Sophie and Brian find ways to pull themselves out and live again.
I love the way these characters grapple with themselves and each other on their path to self-discovery.
I hope you enjoy Sun in My Heart as much as I do.
Dark themes steer this story into several ditches until Sophie and Brian find ways to pull themselves out and live again.
I love the way these characters grapple with themselves and each other on their path to self-discovery.
I hope you enjoy Sun in My Heart as much as I do.
January 11, 2024
Sophie needs a fresh start away from her horrific estranged husband, and her next door neighbor is a handyman, with the same amount of baggage as she has, and these two find solace in each other, and begin to heal.
This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, with complex relationships, family dynamics, friendships, secrets, challenges, redemption, survival, surprises, witty banter, healing, twists, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, with complex relationships, family dynamics, friendships, secrets, challenges, redemption, survival, surprises, witty banter, healing, twists, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
May 28, 2024
3.5/5 STARS! This was a fantastic love story between 2 broken people at their lowest points in life. I loved how it dealt with real issues such as abuse, toxic families, & stalking. I could relate to the characters & found the romance very realistic. Loved how the plot didnt just focus on the romance & did dive deeper into Sophie & her mom/family. It made the story way more interesting! Overall, I say if you want a good but gritty love story, this is perfect!
*thank you to the author for providing a free audiobook in exchange for a review.
*thank you to the author for providing a free audiobook in exchange for a review.
June 16, 2025
Julian, a thirty-year-old dynamo, was rocking out with his band on the Las Vegas sunset strip. One magical evening, a talent scout stumbled upon their electrifying tunes, and boom—their story took a wild turn!
Curious about this sizzling rockstar's escapades as adoring fans swarm him?
But hold onto your guitars! Who's this wild woman with a serious Julian obsession?
Dive into this adult page-turner that’ll have your adrenaline doing a drum solo!
I highly recommend this book! An excellent read, and a hot romance! Love it!!!
Curious about this sizzling rockstar's escapades as adoring fans swarm him?
But hold onto your guitars! Who's this wild woman with a serious Julian obsession?
Dive into this adult page-turner that’ll have your adrenaline doing a drum solo!
I highly recommend this book! An excellent read, and a hot romance! Love it!!!
January 3, 2024
3.75⭐️
This was such a good read! I really enjoyed the plot. Many moments where I was giggling and kicking my feet of the cute moments between Brian and Sophie.
I saw the plot twist coming but it definitely took me a second, was a small jaw drop moment. I felt so connected to both characters and empathize with all the pain they went. Wish I could have protected them from it all, but in the end they found each other because of it.
This was such a good read! I really enjoyed the plot. Many moments where I was giggling and kicking my feet of the cute moments between Brian and Sophie.
I saw the plot twist coming but it definitely took me a second, was a small jaw drop moment. I felt so connected to both characters and empathize with all the pain they went. Wish I could have protected them from it all, but in the end they found each other because of it.
January 11, 2024
After escaping an abusive relationship, Sophie meets Brian while walking near her house. Brian, a reclusive handyman, instantly falls for the beautiful Sophie, but is he able to trust himself enough to heal her broken spirit and open her heart to the possibility of them. I loved watching Brian and Sophie grow and tear down each others walls and give each other the support they needed to heal themslves from past wounds.
January 19, 2024
Thank you Valentine PR and Tricia LaRochelle for the advanced copy of Sun in my Heart. This was my first read by this author, and I truly enjoyed it. I did not realize what a tear jerker this one was going to be! Both of the characters had a lot of depth and a lot of hard trauma and history. I enjoyed hearing about the past and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I did not see the ending coming, which I also loved. This was a great story, that will not be my last read by this author!
January 24, 2024
This author is new to me, and I'm so very glad I read the advance reader copy of this book. Sophie is a woman who is gaining her independence from both her abusive husband and her emotionally unavailable parents. The character development is thorough and detailed. There is suspense, romance, a sprinkling of spice, and a bit of tears too. A quick read, I finished this in one afternoon. I recommend this as worth the one click. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
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