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Heart of the Sun
From mega-bestseller and TikTok sensation Mia Sheridan comes an all-new epic second-chance romance with an unexpected and gritty speculative twist.
When the world is plunged into darkness, who would you turn to?
Amid the sun-drenched orange groves of California, childhood friends Tuck Mattice and Emily Swanson shared a bond that seemed unbreakable—until life ripped them apart.
Thirteen years later, Emily is a rising pop sensation in need of security, and Tuck, a brooding ex-con, is in need of a fresh start. When fate brings them together once again, Emily hires him on as her new bodyguard. They butt heads and bicker, just like the old days—yet neither can deny the heat rekindling between them.
But when a cataclysmic solar flare disrupts the electrical grid, society is suddenly plunged into chaos and darkness. For Emily, the familiar comforts of fame and fortune crumble, but for Tuck, this stark new reality could be the chance he needs to finally prove himself. As they come to terms with all they've lost and the bitterness that's kept them apart, they must find their way back to one another and discover a new place, under the sun.
For fans of:
• Enemies to Lovers
• Childhood Best Friends
• Slow Burn Romance
• Second Chances
• Popstar + Bodyguard
• New Adult Dystopian fiction
• The HBO show The Last of Us
When the world is plunged into darkness, who would you turn to?
Amid the sun-drenched orange groves of California, childhood friends Tuck Mattice and Emily Swanson shared a bond that seemed unbreakable—until life ripped them apart.
Thirteen years later, Emily is a rising pop sensation in need of security, and Tuck, a brooding ex-con, is in need of a fresh start. When fate brings them together once again, Emily hires him on as her new bodyguard. They butt heads and bicker, just like the old days—yet neither can deny the heat rekindling between them.
But when a cataclysmic solar flare disrupts the electrical grid, society is suddenly plunged into chaos and darkness. For Emily, the familiar comforts of fame and fortune crumble, but for Tuck, this stark new reality could be the chance he needs to finally prove himself. As they come to terms with all they've lost and the bitterness that's kept them apart, they must find their way back to one another and discover a new place, under the sun.
For fans of:
• Enemies to Lovers
• Childhood Best Friends
• Slow Burn Romance
• Second Chances
• Popstar + Bodyguard
• New Adult Dystopian fiction
• The HBO show The Last of Us
448 pages, Hardcover
First published May 20, 2025
795 people are currently reading
40588 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,251 reviews
December 11, 2025
where do i even begin with this one? while reading, i just kept thinking to myself, “this doesnt feel like a MS novel.” and i was right… kinda.
in the acknowledgements, she says the idea/outline of this story was crafted by a team at temple hill and that she was asked to write a story for it. so i have no idea how much of this is actually MS and how much is the publisher.
the main components that felt “off” and kept me from loving this are the struggled pacing, the weak romance, and the bland characters. all of these things i know MS can do well; so, again, i wonder just how much freedom MS actually had with the story, because it felt like she was pretty constrained to exactly what the publisher wanted.
i really hope MS just sticks with her own stories from now on, because this wasnt her best.
↠ 2.5 stars
in the acknowledgements, she says the idea/outline of this story was crafted by a team at temple hill and that she was asked to write a story for it. so i have no idea how much of this is actually MS and how much is the publisher.
the main components that felt “off” and kept me from loving this are the struggled pacing, the weak romance, and the bland characters. all of these things i know MS can do well; so, again, i wonder just how much freedom MS actually had with the story, because it felt like she was pretty constrained to exactly what the publisher wanted.
i really hope MS just sticks with her own stories from now on, because this wasnt her best.
↠ 2.5 stars
February 3, 2025
1.5 stars
I remember reading some of her books in high school—Archer’s Voice and Leo—and I loved them. So naturally, I was excited to read this one, but well, here we are.
This felt really Wattpad-ish. Was this supposed to be a romance novel or a dystopian survival story? Because the romance was meh, and the survival aspect? Also meh. The romance was barely there until the very end, and I think it was meant to be a slow burn? Well, it was just slow, and nothing burned. The survival aspect wasn’t any better—just people walking, hitching rides, and… that’s pretty much it. There was supposed to be some action with a buggy and a horse, but I don’t know, it felt too forced. No real tension, no chaos, just things happening.
The characters were painfully bland and cliche, the perfect, flawless MC, the childhood best friend FMC, and the third guy. None of them stood out, and I felt no connection to them. The plot? I swear I read something just like this on Wattpad years ago, except this one threw in some apocalyptic elements that still didn’t work.
And that’s why, when I read the acknowledgments, I wasn’t surprised to see that the idea wasn’t even her own. It makes sense now.
At the end of the day, this book was just boring. Boring romance. Boring world-building. Boring characters. Boring, boring, boring.
Thank you to the author and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. I appreciate the opportunity, but I have to be honest, this one just wasn’t for me.
I remember reading some of her books in high school—Archer’s Voice and Leo—and I loved them. So naturally, I was excited to read this one, but well, here we are.
This felt really Wattpad-ish. Was this supposed to be a romance novel or a dystopian survival story? Because the romance was meh, and the survival aspect? Also meh. The romance was barely there until the very end, and I think it was meant to be a slow burn? Well, it was just slow, and nothing burned. The survival aspect wasn’t any better—just people walking, hitching rides, and… that’s pretty much it. There was supposed to be some action with a buggy and a horse, but I don’t know, it felt too forced. No real tension, no chaos, just things happening.
The characters were painfully bland and cliche, the perfect, flawless MC, the childhood best friend FMC, and the third guy. None of them stood out, and I felt no connection to them. The plot? I swear I read something just like this on Wattpad years ago, except this one threw in some apocalyptic elements that still didn’t work.
And that’s why, when I read the acknowledgments, I wasn’t surprised to see that the idea wasn’t even her own. It makes sense now.
At the end of the day, this book was just boring. Boring romance. Boring world-building. Boring characters. Boring, boring, boring.
Thank you to the author and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. I appreciate the opportunity, but I have to be honest, this one just wasn’t for me.
March 7, 2025
2 stars! 🌟 Huge thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for the eARC & Harlequin Audio for the ALC! 💌
Oh boy. Where do I even start? This was my first Mia Sheridan book, and let’s just say... it did not go well. I came in with expectations—after all, people rave about Archer’s Voice—but yeah, those expectations? They crashed and burned harder than the electrical grid in this book.
Let’s talk about the romance (or lack thereof).
This was supposed to be a second-chance, childhood-friends-to-lovers romance, but I swear these two had the chemistry of two wet socks in a washing machine. I didn’t feel anything between them—no tension, no passion, nothing. Like, was I supposed to believe they were in love? Because I didn’t. At all. And since I didn’t believe in the romance, I didn’t care about the relationship, which meant I didn’t care about the book. Oops.
The characters?
Everyone was either unbearable or just straight-up bland. Emily, our pop-star FMC, was insufferable for most of the book. And Tuck? I wanted to like him, I really did, but he was just... there. No depth, no personality beyond “brooding ex-con.” And the side characters? I already forgot their names. That should tell you something. 🤡
The pacing was a mess.
This book could not decide what it wanted to be. Was it a romance? A dystopian survival story? A road trip novel? A guide to how to properly saddle a horse? Because there were way too many descriptions of that. The apocalypse was more like an inconvenient roadblock than actual chaos, and the “action” felt like someone was making up problems just to give the characters something to do.
Now, the narrators.
I switched between the eBook and audiobook, hoping one would make the story more tolerable. It did not. 😩 I didn’t vibe with the narration at all, and that only made an already frustrating read worse.
Final thoughts?
This book was just not it. ❌ Boring characters, unbelievable romance, slow plot, and an overall lack of emotion. And then I read the acknowledgments and found out the idea wasn’t even Mia Sheridan’s own?! 🤯 It all makes sense now. Maybe I’ll give Archer’s Voice a try someday, but as of right now? Yeah, no. 🚪➡️
Oh boy. Where do I even start? This was my first Mia Sheridan book, and let’s just say... it did not go well. I came in with expectations—after all, people rave about Archer’s Voice—but yeah, those expectations? They crashed and burned harder than the electrical grid in this book.
Let’s talk about the romance (or lack thereof).
This was supposed to be a second-chance, childhood-friends-to-lovers romance, but I swear these two had the chemistry of two wet socks in a washing machine. I didn’t feel anything between them—no tension, no passion, nothing. Like, was I supposed to believe they were in love? Because I didn’t. At all. And since I didn’t believe in the romance, I didn’t care about the relationship, which meant I didn’t care about the book. Oops.
The characters?
Everyone was either unbearable or just straight-up bland. Emily, our pop-star FMC, was insufferable for most of the book. And Tuck? I wanted to like him, I really did, but he was just... there. No depth, no personality beyond “brooding ex-con.” And the side characters? I already forgot their names. That should tell you something. 🤡
The pacing was a mess.
This book could not decide what it wanted to be. Was it a romance? A dystopian survival story? A road trip novel? A guide to how to properly saddle a horse? Because there were way too many descriptions of that. The apocalypse was more like an inconvenient roadblock than actual chaos, and the “action” felt like someone was making up problems just to give the characters something to do.
Now, the narrators.
I switched between the eBook and audiobook, hoping one would make the story more tolerable. It did not. 😩 I didn’t vibe with the narration at all, and that only made an already frustrating read worse.
Final thoughts?
This book was just not it. ❌ Boring characters, unbelievable romance, slow plot, and an overall lack of emotion. And then I read the acknowledgments and found out the idea wasn’t even Mia Sheridan’s own?! 🤯 It all makes sense now. Maybe I’ll give Archer’s Voice a try someday, but as of right now? Yeah, no. 🚪➡️
April 29, 2025
3.5 stars
Heart of the Sun is a dystopian romance that was unique and kept me intrigued. It had a bit of a slow start, but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down.
Emily and Tuck were neighbors and childhood friends. They’ve not seen each other in years, but Tuck is in need of a job after a hard time and Emily’s mother talks her into hiring him for her security (she’s a pop star). It’s the smartest thing she could have done. Without Tuck, she would have been a goner and I mean that in the kindest way.
I wish we would have gotten more of their romance earlier in the book and I definitely wish the Charlie thing would have been resolved earlier in the book, but as a whole, I enjoyed this!
Heart of the Sun is a dystopian romance that was unique and kept me intrigued. It had a bit of a slow start, but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down.
Emily and Tuck were neighbors and childhood friends. They’ve not seen each other in years, but Tuck is in need of a job after a hard time and Emily’s mother talks her into hiring him for her security (she’s a pop star). It’s the smartest thing she could have done. Without Tuck, she would have been a goner and I mean that in the kindest way.
I wish we would have gotten more of their romance earlier in the book and I definitely wish the Charlie thing would have been resolved earlier in the book, but as a whole, I enjoyed this!
May 21, 2025
3.5 stars
This was the one book I’d been anticipating for weeks, recently a much loved, craved genre I seek and to know Mia was going to dip her toes into this genre, I was beyond excited..
First you jump into the ‘Prologue’ and that got my heart racing. My anticipation levels spiked up and I was excited to get to the nitty gritty parts of the storyline.
Then we meet our characters Tuck & Emily as young teens tiptoeing around that awkward stage of crushing on their best friend. Neighbours and childhood best friends. Then tragedy struck Tuck's family and everything crumbled around him. Before it could get its hook into me, that path abruptly ended.
Here I wish we'd gotten to see more of their friendship, I needed to feel connected to them as childhood best friends, but it fell short for me and felt way too rushed.
To them reuniting years later, her as a rising pop star him as a convict seeking a job as her personal bodyguard.
Then the plane crash.
Emily got on my nerves, the constant high and mighty attitude grated on me. Tuck carried the survival side of getting them to safety. Many miles of walking, trying to get Emily and her boyfriend to safety fell onto Tuck's broad shoulders. Because without Tuck Emily and her boyfriend would've been up shits creek without a paddle. There was literally no gratitude from either of them towards Tuck.
They have a few hiccups along the way with men on the attack trying to dominate a world gone to shit.
When let’s call this guy the third wheel leaves the group this is where for me personally things started picking up. Emily came into her own. Was it too late 🤷♀️ yeah it kind of was..
And then reaching their destination like the beginning of the book felt so rushed. I don't know about anyone else but I wanted to see the reunion with her parents, to feel her breathe a sigh of relief with finally making it back home relatively in one piece.
This was the one book I’d been anticipating for weeks, recently a much loved, craved genre I seek and to know Mia was going to dip her toes into this genre, I was beyond excited..
First you jump into the ‘Prologue’ and that got my heart racing. My anticipation levels spiked up and I was excited to get to the nitty gritty parts of the storyline.
Then we meet our characters Tuck & Emily as young teens tiptoeing around that awkward stage of crushing on their best friend. Neighbours and childhood best friends. Then tragedy struck Tuck's family and everything crumbled around him. Before it could get its hook into me, that path abruptly ended.
Here I wish we'd gotten to see more of their friendship, I needed to feel connected to them as childhood best friends, but it fell short for me and felt way too rushed.
To them reuniting years later, her as a rising pop star him as a convict seeking a job as her personal bodyguard.
Then the plane crash.
Emily got on my nerves, the constant high and mighty attitude grated on me. Tuck carried the survival side of getting them to safety. Many miles of walking, trying to get Emily and her boyfriend to safety fell onto Tuck's broad shoulders. Because without Tuck Emily and her boyfriend would've been up shits creek without a paddle. There was literally no gratitude from either of them towards Tuck.
They have a few hiccups along the way with men on the attack trying to dominate a world gone to shit.
When let’s call this guy the third wheel leaves the group this is where for me personally things started picking up. Emily came into her own. Was it too late 🤷♀️ yeah it kind of was..
And then reaching their destination like the beginning of the book felt so rushed. I don't know about anyone else but I wanted to see the reunion with her parents, to feel her breathe a sigh of relief with finally making it back home relatively in one piece.
May 4, 2025
SHERIDAN, this was just beautiful, finished this in less than 2 days and wished it just wouldn't end.
We meet Emily And tuck as teenagers, then life throws curveballs and their paths go into different directions. We meet them again; Emily as an up coming singer and Tuck trying to get his life back on track from dumb decisions he's made.
Then the unthinkable happens and the world is thrown into chaos, and they are forced to depend on each other as they find their way back to their families and some sort of normalcy. TIME WILL TELL IF THEIR LOVE SURVIVES THIS NEW WORLD THEY FIND THEMSELVES IN!
Solid 5 stars!!!!!
Thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin Audio for this ARC, Beyond grateful and humbled 🙂
HEART OF THE SUN, OUT MAY 20th 2025!!!!!!
We meet Emily And tuck as teenagers, then life throws curveballs and their paths go into different directions. We meet them again; Emily as an up coming singer and Tuck trying to get his life back on track from dumb decisions he's made.
Then the unthinkable happens and the world is thrown into chaos, and they are forced to depend on each other as they find their way back to their families and some sort of normalcy. TIME WILL TELL IF THEIR LOVE SURVIVES THIS NEW WORLD THEY FIND THEMSELVES IN!
Solid 5 stars!!!!!
Thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin Audio for this ARC, Beyond grateful and humbled 🙂
HEART OF THE SUN, OUT MAY 20th 2025!!!!!!
February 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐
*+:｡.｡𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝔀𝓲𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓶𝓫𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓰𝓮𝓽 𝓼𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓮..｡.｡:+*
How every time I read one of Mia's books I'm left in awe?? She can write characters that you can love and empathize with even if they pissed you off. You'll end the book loving every character
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
𝘛𝘶𝘤𝘬 (𝑀𝐿): OMG! He's THE PERFECT HERO to fantasize about. He's every bit loving, protective, and so so selfless. He should be protected at all costs
𝘌𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 (𝘍𝘓): In the beginning, she was so pretentious and self-centered, but she'd grow out of it -albeit so slowly. Once she figured out the truth I started to warm up to her
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
𝕊𝕜𝕚𝕡 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤: 𝟛𝟜, 𝟛𝟝
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕿𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
🌸 𝙲𝙷𝙸𝙻𝙳𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙳 𝙵𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙽𝙳𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂
🌸 𝙿𝙾𝚂𝚃 𝙰𝙿𝙾𝙲𝙰𝙻𝚈𝙿𝚃𝙸𝙲 ?
🌸 𝚁𝙾𝙲𝙺 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁 𝚇 𝙴𝚇 𝙵𝙴𝙻𝙾𝙽
🌸 𝚂𝙴𝙲𝙾𝙽𝙳 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕱𝖆𝖛 𝕼𝖚𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Did I just get approved for an eARC of a book by one of my favorite authors? Yes, yes I did 🥳 thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing 🩷
*+:｡.｡𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝔀𝓲𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓶𝓫𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓰𝓮𝓽 𝓼𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓮..｡.｡:+*
How every time I read one of Mia's books I'm left in awe?? She can write characters that you can love and empathize with even if they pissed you off. You'll end the book loving every character
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
𝘛𝘶𝘤𝘬 (𝑀𝐿): OMG! He's THE PERFECT HERO to fantasize about. He's every bit loving, protective, and so so selfless. He should be protected at all costs
𝘌𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 (𝘍𝘓): In the beginning, she was so pretentious and self-centered, but she'd grow out of it -albeit so slowly. Once she figured out the truth I started to warm up to her
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
𝕊𝕜𝕚𝕡 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤: 𝟛𝟜, 𝟛𝟝
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕿𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
🌸 𝙲𝙷𝙸𝙻𝙳𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙳 𝙵𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙽𝙳𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂
🌸 𝙿𝙾𝚂𝚃 𝙰𝙿𝙾𝙲𝙰𝙻𝚈𝙿𝚃𝙸𝙲 ?
🌸 𝚁𝙾𝙲𝙺 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁 𝚇 𝙴𝚇 𝙵𝙴𝙻𝙾𝙽
🌸 𝚂𝙴𝙲𝙾𝙽𝙳 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕱𝖆𝖛 𝕼𝖚𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
It felt like she’d not only invaded my personal space, but somehow crept into my private thoughts as well.
“Your first love is the hardest to get over, huh?” I looked over at Hosea, who’d come up next to me. “Emily?” “No, the hairy dude in the corner. Yeah, Emily. You told me about her in the joint, remember?”
underneath them was the deepest attraction I’d ever felt for any woman and the knowledge that I’d loved her my whole life, and no matter what she did or who she was with, I always would.
“You always did wear sunshine well.”
“In a nutshell. It wasn’t just our marriage that needed saving though. It was we as individuals. We had everything society had told us would make us happy, and yet we were miserable.
Because the world needed heroes now and their motivations didn’t much matter.
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Did I just get approved for an eARC of a book by one of my favorite authors? Yes, yes I did 🥳 thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing 🩷
February 13, 2025
My rating: (2.5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I first came across Mia Sheridan's work when I was still in school. I really enjoyed her book Archer's Voice. So, when I saw this book on NetGalley, I decided to apply for it without hesitation.
Tropes:
• Enemies to Lovers
• Childhood Best Friends
• Slow Burn Romance
• Second Chances
• Popstar + Bodyguard
• New Adult Dystopian fiction
This book tells the story of childhood friends who were separated by circumstances and reunited years later to help each other. Emily is a famous singer in need of protection, while Tak is a former convict in need of a job. As the world begins to crumble, they must work together to survive.
I appreciated the theme of second chances, and it's not about love but about a new life for a former convict. The doubts about this were well conveyed in the book. However, I felt that in this story, second chances should be earned by all characters, not just the MMC. The FMC's behavior really annoyed me, and I couldn't quite grow fond of her. The plot had a bit too much going on, but I think it could work well as a book adaptation.
Fans of The Last of Us might enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I first came across Mia Sheridan's work when I was still in school. I really enjoyed her book Archer's Voice. So, when I saw this book on NetGalley, I decided to apply for it without hesitation.
Tropes:
• Enemies to Lovers
• Childhood Best Friends
• Slow Burn Romance
• Second Chances
• Popstar + Bodyguard
• New Adult Dystopian fiction
This book tells the story of childhood friends who were separated by circumstances and reunited years later to help each other. Emily is a famous singer in need of protection, while Tak is a former convict in need of a job. As the world begins to crumble, they must work together to survive.
I appreciated the theme of second chances, and it's not about love but about a new life for a former convict. The doubts about this were well conveyed in the book. However, I felt that in this story, second chances should be earned by all characters, not just the MMC. The FMC's behavior really annoyed me, and I couldn't quite grow fond of her. The plot had a bit too much going on, but I think it could work well as a book adaptation.
Fans of The Last of Us might enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2025
2.5/5⭐️ Mia Sheridan is one of my all time favorite authors and more often than not, her books are 5⭐️s IMO… but this was not it 😅 while the intention of the story was intriguing and is the ONLY reason I read until the end, everything else lacked. The “romance” (if you can even call it that) was severely lacking. No tension, no chemistry, nothing. And it takes until the 50-60% for it to even feel like a romance could happen. Then the plot. Boring boring boring! The same thing kept happening every day and I could care less about their random interactions with strangers. This may be the biggest disappointment of the year. 😭💔
May 11, 2025
(4.25 stars)
Heart of The Sun was my first Mia Sheridan book and I am now looking forward to checking out her earlier books. Heart of The Sun is a mix of genres: a dystopian second-chance romance and road trip. Maybe you’re thinking, “What??” I don’t blame you!
The book starts off with a vivid description of a small plane crash (not ideal, as I was reading/listening to this on a flight!!) as all systems suddenly become non responsive. It turns out that there was a major solar flare which took out virtually all electronic systems on earth.
We follow two main characters, Emily and Tuck (and a lot of side characters). They were childhood friends, having been raised on neighboring orange groves in California. Life took them in different directions and they haven’t seen each other in a long time. Emily is a pop star, while Tuck has been in prison (we eventually find out why) and has struggled to find employment. Emily hires Tuck as a bodyguard, which is why they are on the plane together, along with Emily’s current boyfriend, Charlie, a well-known actor. I could tell right away that Charlie would be totally clueless in this crisis.
The book follows the trio’s efforts to survive amid the chaos. The descriptions of how people reacted to these new circumstances was pretty realistic, in my opinion. It made me question how I would react, and whether I’d have enough smarts and skills to survive such a disaster. One of the encounters that really struck me was a father, desperate to find formula or a nursing mother to feed his infant. My heart broke to think of that family. And of course, there’s violence, as society has totally broken down. But as Mr. Rogers would point out: Look for the helpers.
There is great character development: Emily really matured over the course of the story, and Tuck came to realize his strengths.
I mostly listened to the audiobook version of Heart of The Sun and it was so well done. We get two narrators, André Santana and Annalee Scott, each of them voicing different chapters from either Tuck’s or Emily’s POV.
Thank you to Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Heart of The Sun was my first Mia Sheridan book and I am now looking forward to checking out her earlier books. Heart of The Sun is a mix of genres: a dystopian second-chance romance and road trip. Maybe you’re thinking, “What??” I don’t blame you!
The book starts off with a vivid description of a small plane crash (not ideal, as I was reading/listening to this on a flight!!) as all systems suddenly become non responsive. It turns out that there was a major solar flare which took out virtually all electronic systems on earth.
We follow two main characters, Emily and Tuck (and a lot of side characters). They were childhood friends, having been raised on neighboring orange groves in California. Life took them in different directions and they haven’t seen each other in a long time. Emily is a pop star, while Tuck has been in prison (we eventually find out why) and has struggled to find employment. Emily hires Tuck as a bodyguard, which is why they are on the plane together, along with Emily’s current boyfriend, Charlie, a well-known actor. I could tell right away that Charlie would be totally clueless in this crisis.
The book follows the trio’s efforts to survive amid the chaos. The descriptions of how people reacted to these new circumstances was pretty realistic, in my opinion. It made me question how I would react, and whether I’d have enough smarts and skills to survive such a disaster. One of the encounters that really struck me was a father, desperate to find formula or a nursing mother to feed his infant. My heart broke to think of that family. And of course, there’s violence, as society has totally broken down. But as Mr. Rogers would point out: Look for the helpers.
There is great character development: Emily really matured over the course of the story, and Tuck came to realize his strengths.
I mostly listened to the audiobook version of Heart of The Sun and it was so well done. We get two narrators, André Santana and Annalee Scott, each of them voicing different chapters from either Tuck’s or Emily’s POV.
Thank you to Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
May 20, 2025
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Harlequin Trade Publishing)
Tuck Mattice grew up on an orange grove farm in the San Fernando Valley. It was his dream to one day carry on the family legacy, but after the loss of his mother he makes one bad decision after another and loses everything. Now as an ex-con, his future is uncertain. He’s carrying a lot of regret, and is confused and looking for purpose. He’s also in desperate need of work, and finds a job in the most unexpected place working for his childhood best friend Emily Swanson. She’d always been like family to him, but circumstances caused them to drift apart. She’d been hugely talented as a kid, and now was a famous pop star in need of security. He’s suddenly her new bodyguard, and part of her entourage. She’s like a stranger to him, and nothing like the girl he remembered.
Emily Swanson has found great success with her career. Music has always been her solace and her passion. She now lives in Los Angeles where all her dreams have come true. Then a blast from the past shows up in her world. It’s been thirteen years since she’s seen Tuck. They shared a history, but if he was going to work for her she had to keep things professional.
Tuck and Emily clash at every turn. Their relationship is complex, and then gets even more complicated when a solar flare takes out the electrical grid. It’s chaos all around them as they are faced with a crumbling society. They travel for miles as they witness a complete breakdown of civilization. As they set off on a road trip and fight for survival they realize what truly matters. One challenge after another forces them to face the unthinkable, and the harsh reality that the world has changed. When strong feelings resurface will they walk away or give in to fate?
Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan is an extremely unique, first loves, childhood best friends, enemies to lovers, neighbors, boss/employee, slow burn, new adult dystopian romance full of emotion, angst, action, suspense, danger and chemistry. It’s an original story about survival, redemption, second chances and love. I really enjoyed this book. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like it before. It was captivating, different, and at one point I had a what am I reading moment because I thought it was a typical pop star/bodyguard romance, and then it takes a sharp detour into a post apocalyptic journey. I love everything Mia Sheridan writes! With Heart of the Sun she takes you on a wild ride where you feel fully immersed in the pages. It’s addictive and just fantastic! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFQBDGZV?...
(ARC provided by Harlequin Trade Publishing)
Tuck Mattice grew up on an orange grove farm in the San Fernando Valley. It was his dream to one day carry on the family legacy, but after the loss of his mother he makes one bad decision after another and loses everything. Now as an ex-con, his future is uncertain. He’s carrying a lot of regret, and is confused and looking for purpose. He’s also in desperate need of work, and finds a job in the most unexpected place working for his childhood best friend Emily Swanson. She’d always been like family to him, but circumstances caused them to drift apart. She’d been hugely talented as a kid, and now was a famous pop star in need of security. He’s suddenly her new bodyguard, and part of her entourage. She’s like a stranger to him, and nothing like the girl he remembered.
Emily Swanson has found great success with her career. Music has always been her solace and her passion. She now lives in Los Angeles where all her dreams have come true. Then a blast from the past shows up in her world. It’s been thirteen years since she’s seen Tuck. They shared a history, but if he was going to work for her she had to keep things professional.
Tuck and Emily clash at every turn. Their relationship is complex, and then gets even more complicated when a solar flare takes out the electrical grid. It’s chaos all around them as they are faced with a crumbling society. They travel for miles as they witness a complete breakdown of civilization. As they set off on a road trip and fight for survival they realize what truly matters. One challenge after another forces them to face the unthinkable, and the harsh reality that the world has changed. When strong feelings resurface will they walk away or give in to fate?
Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan is an extremely unique, first loves, childhood best friends, enemies to lovers, neighbors, boss/employee, slow burn, new adult dystopian romance full of emotion, angst, action, suspense, danger and chemistry. It’s an original story about survival, redemption, second chances and love. I really enjoyed this book. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like it before. It was captivating, different, and at one point I had a what am I reading moment because I thought it was a typical pop star/bodyguard romance, and then it takes a sharp detour into a post apocalyptic journey. I love everything Mia Sheridan writes! With Heart of the Sun she takes you on a wild ride where you feel fully immersed in the pages. It’s addictive and just fantastic! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFQBDGZV?...
July 9, 2025
“…the idea that even if the knowledge one acquired was due to anegative or paintul circumstance, it was still knowledge and i might come in handy when you least expected it. Even the hardest parts of our lives provided positives from which to draw.”
Just..wow! That quote is exactly how I view and live life by, that through obstacles that you overcome, there’s room for positives and knowledge to gain from it. This book would had been a 3 but it got rounded up to a 4 because it cured me of my mini reading slump. I loved the dissection of civilization and how vulnerable we are and the dependency we have on technology. It showed the depravity of human nature that when things turn bad, none of these name brand and material goods would matter unless it contributed to survival. I was on the edge of my seat, not knowing what was gonna happen next. Overall, wow!
and the taylor swift song that I would dedicate to this book is..
taylor swift - all you had to do was stay
Just..wow! That quote is exactly how I view and live life by, that through obstacles that you overcome, there’s room for positives and knowledge to gain from it. This book would had been a 3 but it got rounded up to a 4 because it cured me of my mini reading slump. I loved the dissection of civilization and how vulnerable we are and the dependency we have on technology. It showed the depravity of human nature that when things turn bad, none of these name brand and material goods would matter unless it contributed to survival. I was on the edge of my seat, not knowing what was gonna happen next. Overall, wow!
and the taylor swift song that I would dedicate to this book is..
taylor swift - all you had to do was stay
February 15, 2025
I initially read this book, and then I listened to the audiobook so I could compare the two. I think both were equally amazing and truly tugged at my heart. Tuck had so many layers and depths to his character, I loved him. It was intriguing to see about Emily/Nova. Seeing her true self and the difference of her and "Nova." I'm all for celebrity/famous characters, so it was intriguing to see both aspects of that character. I was shocked by the turn of events and the twists along the story. I absolutely loved it, though. The author has a magical way with words that make you feel like you're there, experiencing it along the characters. The narrators in the audiobook truly did these characters' justice. I felt the depth of Nova more in the audiobook than I did reading from the book. I think the narrators were amazing at providing that depth for the characters but also portraying the emotions of those characters. I loved both the ebook and audiobook so much!!
I received the ebook from NetGalley and Canary Street Press. I also received the audiobook from Harlequin Audio. Both formats were given to me to read/listen and review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book and listening to the audiobook.
I received the ebook from NetGalley and Canary Street Press. I also received the audiobook from Harlequin Audio. Both formats were given to me to read/listen and review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book and listening to the audiobook.
May 22, 2025
From the moment I read the blurb for this story, I needed it immediately. This was going to be a different read and I was genuinely craving that because I was struggling a bit with a few books that I picked up before. Heart Of The Sun is a action packed dystopian romance that will have you rooting for the main characters victory.
When a solar flare permanently damages the earth's electrical grid, everything is plunged into darkness and the world as we knew it, no longer exists. Now in constant Survival mode for the foreseeable future, everyone is now doing whatever it takes to make it out alive and that includes childhood best friends Tuck and Emily.
It's been years since they've laid eyes on each other but due to life's choices that put them on different paths, Emily and Tuck are now back in each other's orbit with a rocky start. Now trying to navigate their new normal and get home safe, can these two friends that are now enemies survive their new world and each other?
I really loved the premise of this story and I truly enjoyed the first half of it. It was exciting going into the unknown and I held my breath while reading certain scenes because everything was so tense!! But somewhere along the line, it became too good to be true and just a matter of convenience. I understood that a few things were “right place right time” but it became too much of a coincidence and no more element of surprise.
I applaud this author for stepping out of her comfort zone and trying something new and even though I didn't love it as much as I had hoped, this was still a decent read. If you're looking for an enemies to Lovers dystopian type feel, you should give this one a try. What didn't work for me, just might be the one thing that makes you fall in love with it even more.
April 13, 2025
This is the first book I have read of Ms. Sheridan’s that I haven’t absolutely loved and devoured. I’ve thought long and hard over what the reasons for that could be. All the mechanics are still there - an interesting set-up for our main characters, and the promise of a riveting and somewhat unique plot. So what exactly didn’t work? Well, nothing specific really, it’s just that the richly deep and emotional aspects I have come to love in Ms. Sheridan’s writing aren’t present in this story… And that’s the very thing that I love about the author!
The story begins by showing us a bit of the childhood of both Emily and Tuck - two best friends growing up in the idyllic world of Southern California’s orange orchards. Then, it fast forwards to present day. Tuck is now recently out of prison and Emily has become a famous singer. This part is done beautifully. The writing expertly shows both the good and the bad in both worlds. Tuck is now hardened and can’t catch a break, Emily is surrounded by sycophants and has become as self-centered yet insecure as celebrity can be. Emily’s mother sees Tuck’s struggles to overcome his past and strong arms Emily into hiring him as a bodyguard. The friction between the two is palpable in a sad way, as both see the other through the eyes of judgement and blame. And, to add insult to injury, Tuck has to deal with Emily’s movie-star boyfriend!
The true conflict in the story hits, when a catastrophic event happens (trying not to spoil here), the plane they are on goes down and they all discover life as they know it is no more. From there we follow the characters as they must travel from Indiana back to California through various apocalyptic experiences. It’s interesting… just not riveting. I never really connected with the feelings and emotions beneath the surface. We are told they exist but never really experience it with them. That goes for almost every aspect of the story from then on, as well. It all rides the surface but never really gets under the skin enough that we are truly invested in the outcome and in their relationship.
So, while it is an interesting read, it really doesn’t rise above the average. And that lack is made more obvious because of the talent this author is truly capable of.
The story begins by showing us a bit of the childhood of both Emily and Tuck - two best friends growing up in the idyllic world of Southern California’s orange orchards. Then, it fast forwards to present day. Tuck is now recently out of prison and Emily has become a famous singer. This part is done beautifully. The writing expertly shows both the good and the bad in both worlds. Tuck is now hardened and can’t catch a break, Emily is surrounded by sycophants and has become as self-centered yet insecure as celebrity can be. Emily’s mother sees Tuck’s struggles to overcome his past and strong arms Emily into hiring him as a bodyguard. The friction between the two is palpable in a sad way, as both see the other through the eyes of judgement and blame. And, to add insult to injury, Tuck has to deal with Emily’s movie-star boyfriend!
The true conflict in the story hits, when a catastrophic event happens (trying not to spoil here), the plane they are on goes down and they all discover life as they know it is no more. From there we follow the characters as they must travel from Indiana back to California through various apocalyptic experiences. It’s interesting… just not riveting. I never really connected with the feelings and emotions beneath the surface. We are told they exist but never really experience it with them. That goes for almost every aspect of the story from then on, as well. It all rides the surface but never really gets under the skin enough that we are truly invested in the outcome and in their relationship.
So, while it is an interesting read, it really doesn’t rise above the average. And that lack is made more obvious because of the talent this author is truly capable of.
June 1, 2025
It reads like watching a bad conspiracy theory turn into a love story no one asked for or cared about.
May 20, 2025
Emily + Tuck
As little kids they were friends and neighbors on their Californian citrus farms. As teenagers they weren't so close anymore, but started being attracted to each other.
But then family and other things happened and Tuck left.
Now, over a decade later, Emily is a pop star and Tuck just got out of jail.
He needs a job real bad and Emily's mom kinda forces Emily to hire him as her bodyguard.
They still argue and pretend to hate each other like they used to back then. But they're also still super attracted to each other. Only ... Emily has a boyfriend.
And then the sun decides to 'explode' and destroys all electricity and nothing is as it was before. It's a new world out there and Tuck is exactly the right guy to fight his way through everything to get them back home to California.
══════════════════
Well... I really liked reading this.
I'm usually not a fan of fictional natural disasters or war or any kind of horrible things happening in my book world. The world has enough of that already. And I don't want to have those images and thoughts in my head - what would I do if something like this would happen today? I would so not survive something like that!
But this was adorable-ish. And very sad and heartbreaking and horrible.
I kept waiting for the walking dead to appear around the corner - but we're not that far into the catastrophe. Lol. It was dangerous enough for Tuck and Emily. And we enjoy watching them fight their way through things. We want them to find their happily ever after somewhere safe.
I really liked reading it. There were some plotholes or rather just things that were unbelievable or just silly - especially in the US with all those thousands of military bases and soldiers and politicians - where were they? But pfft - doesn't matter - it's a book.
It was an interesting and thrillery very slow burn second chance-ish love story - with not really enough love story, because Charlie is in this book way too much.
I had the feeling that the book was a lot longer at one time and so much had been cut and too much slow and boring stuff was left behind. The middle of the book could've been cut in half and then I needed more things! More of the romance. More of what happened to all the people and ... just more.
But I still liked it.
I would definitely watch the movie.
HEART OF THE SUN was a great adventure-road-trip-drama-catastrophe-the-walking-dead-thingy-without-zombies-childhood-friends-second-chancy-love-story. Read it! Tuck is amazing!
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May 27, 2025
2.75 stars
ehhhh it wasn’t horrible. pretty easy to read and it had good descriptions but other than that i didn’t care for any of the characters much. the ending also felt a bit underdone. with all the conflict in their world, the epilogue being a few pages of them being in love didn’t quite cut it. it felt so slow and so rushed at the same time.
also i know it’s her “brand” to put “a love story” next to her title, but there wasn’t much romance. every summer after meets the last of us WHERE. it was a BUNCH of dialogue about what happened and not enough taking action. they were just walking…avoiding death…complaining… and repeat. tuck CARRIED this whole book. he was the only one not whining and asking dumb questions.
not to mention the fmc was literally with someone else for 300 pages straight. and then he just up and left?? how convenient. at least emily and tuck had some history, otherwise the only reason they fell in love was because they were forced to be together for 23 days straight. and when you’re basically the last people on earth, it’s inevitable you’re going to become attached. i still was somewhat rooting for them, the slow burn was one of the only things that kept me reading.
i honestly wish i’d have just DNFed this. may started out so good with all of my 4-star reads and then i ruined it. i think i’m more into mia sheridan’s actual love stories and not whatever this “dystopian” depressing mess was. anywayyy i’m going to try to pick books i KNOW i’m going to like instead of forcing myself through books. don’t hold me accountable for that statement though.
ehhhh it wasn’t horrible. pretty easy to read and it had good descriptions but other than that i didn’t care for any of the characters much. the ending also felt a bit underdone. with all the conflict in their world, the epilogue being a few pages of them being in love didn’t quite cut it. it felt so slow and so rushed at the same time.
also i know it’s her “brand” to put “a love story” next to her title, but there wasn’t much romance. every summer after meets the last of us WHERE. it was a BUNCH of dialogue about what happened and not enough taking action. they were just walking…avoiding death…complaining… and repeat. tuck CARRIED this whole book. he was the only one not whining and asking dumb questions.
not to mention the fmc was literally with someone else for 300 pages straight. and then he just up and left?? how convenient. at least emily and tuck had some history, otherwise the only reason they fell in love was because they were forced to be together for 23 days straight. and when you’re basically the last people on earth, it’s inevitable you’re going to become attached. i still was somewhat rooting for them, the slow burn was one of the only things that kept me reading.
i honestly wish i’d have just DNFed this. may started out so good with all of my 4-star reads and then i ruined it. i think i’m more into mia sheridan’s actual love stories and not whatever this “dystopian” depressing mess was. anywayyy i’m going to try to pick books i KNOW i’m going to like instead of forcing myself through books. don’t hold me accountable for that statement though.
August 4, 2025
I felt a bit torn by this book. I’m a Mia Sheridan fan (Archer’s Voice is one of my favorite romances ever!) but I don’t think I fully realized what I was getting into here. This ended up being more of a modern dystopian/survival romance. I honestly wasn’t expecting that and the survival angle really took center stage in my opinion.
The concept was engaging, with two childhood friends that lose each other and then find themselves back together, living completely different lives. Emily is a rising pop star and Tuck is an ex-con in need of a break. Emly hires him as her bodyguard at her mother’s behest and the two end up banding together to survive and of course coming to terms with feelings for each other along the way.
Still glad I read it but unfortunately this was a bit underwhelming and won’t be a favorite Mia Sheridan book for me.
The concept was engaging, with two childhood friends that lose each other and then find themselves back together, living completely different lives. Emily is a rising pop star and Tuck is an ex-con in need of a break. Emly hires him as her bodyguard at her mother’s behest and the two end up banding together to survive and of course coming to terms with feelings for each other along the way.
Still glad I read it but unfortunately this was a bit underwhelming and won’t be a favorite Mia Sheridan book for me.
June 21, 2025
Welp. I spent 70% of the book wondering wtf I signed up for and then the last 10% wondering how the heck Mia Sheridan was going to tie it all together… well written, sure. Relatable characters with depth? Not so much. Smut? For about 6%. Just a weird read overall.
Want to read
February 3, 2025Sarah's review made me do it
December 20, 2024
I was blown away by Heart of the Sun. I've never read a romance quite like this before and I loved the dystopian element. It follows the story of Emily and Tuck, who were childhood friends and almost-sort of lovers. At the beginning, the story weaves together timelines from their childhood to adulthood.
Fast forward to the present day-- Emily is a rising pop star who hires Tuck, now an ex-convict, as a body guard. While on a flight from California to NYC with Emily's boyfriend Charlie, a massive solar flare wipes out the entire electrical grid and causes their plane to crash land in the middle of nowhere. Tuck, Emily, and (unfortunately) Charlie decide to make the journey back to Cali on foot and through hitchhiking while simultaneously discovering just how devastating the impact of the solar flare has been.
I'm not gonna lie though, there were times I was more interested in the solar flare / world ending (ish) vibes than I was in the romance. I kind of forgot about it during the middle section of the book where they're traveling across the country. I was so captivated by the apocalyptic feel - it was very remniscient of the Walking Dead and the Last of Us, not in terms of zombies but more-so the eeriness of the collapse of the world. Not to mention Charlie was a big barrier in between Tuck and Emily. But once they're alone the romance starts to kick up the heat and I adored it! Tuck is so protective and thrives in this environment, whereas Emily struggles to come to terms with it. The last 30% of the book is crazily action-packed with almost no breaks. Though it was a very abrupt change of pace, I could not put the book down.
I wish we would've gotten an update on the families they met along the way, I simply need to know they're safe!! The book came full circle at the end in a way that tied together so poignantly with the beginning of their book, when they are children. This book showcases betrayal and the dark side of humanity that emerges in times of chaos, but also the kindness. I really loved this book, and am now off to fearfully research solar flares.
Thank you so much to Canary Street and NetGalley for this ARC!! 📚
Fast forward to the present day-- Emily is a rising pop star who hires Tuck, now an ex-convict, as a body guard. While on a flight from California to NYC with Emily's boyfriend Charlie, a massive solar flare wipes out the entire electrical grid and causes their plane to crash land in the middle of nowhere. Tuck, Emily, and (unfortunately) Charlie decide to make the journey back to Cali on foot and through hitchhiking while simultaneously discovering just how devastating the impact of the solar flare has been.
I'm not gonna lie though, there were times I was more interested in the solar flare / world ending (ish) vibes than I was in the romance. I kind of forgot about it during the middle section of the book where they're traveling across the country. I was so captivated by the apocalyptic feel - it was very remniscient of the Walking Dead and the Last of Us, not in terms of zombies but more-so the eeriness of the collapse of the world. Not to mention Charlie was a big barrier in between Tuck and Emily. But once they're alone the romance starts to kick up the heat and I adored it! Tuck is so protective and thrives in this environment, whereas Emily struggles to come to terms with it. The last 30% of the book is crazily action-packed with almost no breaks. Though it was a very abrupt change of pace, I could not put the book down.
I wish we would've gotten an update on the families they met along the way, I simply need to know they're safe!! The book came full circle at the end in a way that tied together so poignantly with the beginning of their book, when they are children. This book showcases betrayal and the dark side of humanity that emerges in times of chaos, but also the kindness. I really loved this book, and am now off to fearfully research solar flares.
Thank you so much to Canary Street and NetGalley for this ARC!! 📚
February 7, 2025
I LOVEEEE Mia’s books. Literally such a big fan. Had the pleasure of meeting her twice at signing events. She’s sweet as pie, and a really talented writer. I was so excited for this, and I’m so thankful NetGalley approved me for the arc, but this was a bit disappointing. It didn’t even feel like Mia wrote it.
It has a super intriguing premise but the romance felt so disjointed, the plot pacing was inconsistent (slow for the majority of it and then way too fast towards the end), & the ending was a little underwhelming. It was lacking a little something. The whole story felt 2 dimensional.
Maybe this would be better as a movie or show. I actually got some “the walking dead” vibes from this (minus the zombies) with the whole end of the world element to this story. The parts which described how people were affected by the solar flare & collapse of society affected me most, because it felt like it could be real. Some scenes were borderline horror/thriller, and of course that got a reaction out of me. But I was bored with the majority of the book.
I still love Mia and will continue reading her backlist and taking a chance on her new releases, but this one wasn’t it.
I did read in the acknowledgment that she was given the idea for this story from Temple Hill Production Company, so maybe that’s why it doesn’t feel like her writing, because it wasn’t of her creation. It was lacking that heart and passion that’s in her other books that I love so much. This was fine though, just not great.
It has a super intriguing premise but the romance felt so disjointed, the plot pacing was inconsistent (slow for the majority of it and then way too fast towards the end), & the ending was a little underwhelming. It was lacking a little something. The whole story felt 2 dimensional.
Maybe this would be better as a movie or show. I actually got some “the walking dead” vibes from this (minus the zombies) with the whole end of the world element to this story. The parts which described how people were affected by the solar flare & collapse of society affected me most, because it felt like it could be real. Some scenes were borderline horror/thriller, and of course that got a reaction out of me. But I was bored with the majority of the book.
I still love Mia and will continue reading her backlist and taking a chance on her new releases, but this one wasn’t it.
I did read in the acknowledgment that she was given the idea for this story from Temple Hill Production Company, so maybe that’s why it doesn’t feel like her writing, because it wasn’t of her creation. It was lacking that heart and passion that’s in her other books that I love so much. This was fine though, just not great.
August 2, 2025
This book was probably one of my favorites so far this year. I personally love speculative thrillers and combining that with a romance is perfection to me. I actually went into this one blind thinking it was just another romance. But I was pleasantly surprised by the turn of events when Tuck and Emily’s plane crashed during a solar flare. Once they realize what happened, they fight their way back home over thousands of miles, all while rekindling an old flame. This book gave me all the feels, knowing that the stakes were so high and rooting for them the whole time. This is for sure one that I will be recommending! I listened to this as an audio and loved the performance by the two narrators. I could feel the emotion in their performance as if they were in the characters shoes the whole time. 100% recommend the audio!
The biggest thank you to Harlequin Audio, Harlequin Trade Publishing, NetGalley, and Mia Sheridan for providing me with the gifted audio and ebook in exchange for my honest review!
The biggest thank you to Harlequin Audio, Harlequin Trade Publishing, NetGalley, and Mia Sheridan for providing me with the gifted audio and ebook in exchange for my honest review!
May 26, 2025
If its a Mia Sheridan book, I will read it.
Though not her usual type of story, I thought it was still very good. I think this story is great for anyone wanting to dip their toes in the post-apocalyptic subgenre. The story had its tough moments, but overall wasn't too gritty. The Last of Us reference that I have seen really only applies to their journey across the US to get back to California. I like that MS showed them meeting some good people. A lot of times in post-apoc books, the characters run into a lot of not great people.
The romance was very slow building. Emily has a boyfriend for a good chunk of the beginning. But, we can tell that there isn't really any love there and he isn't a great guy. I like that Tuck doesn't try to disrupt that relationship. Emily was a bit annoying in the beginning, but it is by design. She has a lot of growing to do and does so on this journey. Tuck, I loved him. I thought he was great. He did frustrate me a bit at the end.
I did have an issued with a conflict at the very end of the book. I thought it was entirely unnecessary. The story started to drag a bit around 60% and right when the story was picking up again, this unnecessary conflict happens and slows it down again.
Overall, I love Sheridan's writing and will read almost anything by her. I hope she writes more in this genre.
Though not her usual type of story, I thought it was still very good. I think this story is great for anyone wanting to dip their toes in the post-apocalyptic subgenre. The story had its tough moments, but overall wasn't too gritty. The Last of Us reference that I have seen really only applies to their journey across the US to get back to California. I like that MS showed them meeting some good people. A lot of times in post-apoc books, the characters run into a lot of not great people.
The romance was very slow building. Emily has a boyfriend for a good chunk of the beginning. But, we can tell that there isn't really any love there and he isn't a great guy. I like that Tuck doesn't try to disrupt that relationship. Emily was a bit annoying in the beginning, but it is by design. She has a lot of growing to do and does so on this journey. Tuck, I loved him. I thought he was great. He did frustrate me a bit at the end.
I did have an issued with a conflict at the very end of the book. I thought it was entirely unnecessary. The story started to drag a bit around 60% and right when the story was picking up again, this unnecessary conflict happens and slows it down again.
Overall, I love Sheridan's writing and will read almost anything by her. I hope she writes more in this genre.
February 17, 2025
ARC review:
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Rounded up to 5)
Mia Sheridan delivers a compelling and immersive experience with Heart of the Sun, a novel that masterfully blends dystopian fiction with slow-burn romance. Despite not being a major fan of dystopian themes, I found myself completely captivated by this story, a testament to Sheridan’s skillful storytelling and character development.
The novel starts by laying a strong foundation with Emily and Tuck’s childhood history. Their dynamic has always been filled with playful, sometimes sharp, banter, making their interactions feel authentic and engaging. Tuck’s backstory—six years in prison—is well-developed and adds depth to his character, while Emily is on the brink of a promising music career, dating an A-list actor and preparing for a tour. When circumstances demand she hire security, her mother reconnects her with Tuck, setting the stage for an unexpected and thrilling journey.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when an apocalyptic event plunges the country into chaos. Power grids fail, communication ceases, and society collapses into lawlessness. A harrowing plane crash marks the beginning of an intense survival story as Emily, Tuck, and her boyfriend embark on a perilous trek from the Midwest to California—on foot. Sheridan’s execution of this journey is seamless; the pacing remains engaging, and the encounters along the way feel strikingly realistic, heightening the tension and urgency of their plight.
One of the standout elements of the book is its believability. Sheridan paints a vivid and eerily plausible picture of societal collapse, making it easy to imagine such a scenario unfolding in real life. Each challenge they face feels authentic, and the stakes remain high throughout.
The romance between Emily and Tuck is a slow burn, but it unfolds naturally within the context of their shared struggles. Their banter is more than just snark—it’s layered with history, mutual understanding, and evolving respect. Emily’s realization that Tuck is still the person she knew growing up, despite his past, adds emotional depth to their relationship and makes their connection all the more compelling.
Overall, Heart of the Sun is a gripping and well-executed novel that seamlessly combines survival, romance, and thought-provoking dystopian elements. Mia Sheridan’s storytelling prowess shines through, making this a must-read—even for those who don’t typically gravitate toward dystopian fiction. Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for my ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Rounded up to 5)
Mia Sheridan delivers a compelling and immersive experience with Heart of the Sun, a novel that masterfully blends dystopian fiction with slow-burn romance. Despite not being a major fan of dystopian themes, I found myself completely captivated by this story, a testament to Sheridan’s skillful storytelling and character development.
The novel starts by laying a strong foundation with Emily and Tuck’s childhood history. Their dynamic has always been filled with playful, sometimes sharp, banter, making their interactions feel authentic and engaging. Tuck’s backstory—six years in prison—is well-developed and adds depth to his character, while Emily is on the brink of a promising music career, dating an A-list actor and preparing for a tour. When circumstances demand she hire security, her mother reconnects her with Tuck, setting the stage for an unexpected and thrilling journey.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when an apocalyptic event plunges the country into chaos. Power grids fail, communication ceases, and society collapses into lawlessness. A harrowing plane crash marks the beginning of an intense survival story as Emily, Tuck, and her boyfriend embark on a perilous trek from the Midwest to California—on foot. Sheridan’s execution of this journey is seamless; the pacing remains engaging, and the encounters along the way feel strikingly realistic, heightening the tension and urgency of their plight.
One of the standout elements of the book is its believability. Sheridan paints a vivid and eerily plausible picture of societal collapse, making it easy to imagine such a scenario unfolding in real life. Each challenge they face feels authentic, and the stakes remain high throughout.
The romance between Emily and Tuck is a slow burn, but it unfolds naturally within the context of their shared struggles. Their banter is more than just snark—it’s layered with history, mutual understanding, and evolving respect. Emily’s realization that Tuck is still the person she knew growing up, despite his past, adds emotional depth to their relationship and makes their connection all the more compelling.
Overall, Heart of the Sun is a gripping and well-executed novel that seamlessly combines survival, romance, and thought-provoking dystopian elements. Mia Sheridan’s storytelling prowess shines through, making this a must-read—even for those who don’t typically gravitate toward dystopian fiction. Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for my ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
May 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It has second chance, friends to lovers. If you're a fan of The Walking Dead (without the zombies), you'll be a fan of this one.
Tuck just got out of prison. And to be honest, he has no direction and no job. When he returns to where his home was he goes to his neighbors house. Mrs Swanson mentions that her daughter, now a famous singer, needs a body guard.
When Tuck arrives to work for Emily, he doesn't find her. He finds Nova, a huge popstar who has a Hollywood boyfriend and is very different from the girl he left behind.
While traveling, their plane crashes, and it's only Tuck, Emily, and Charlie. Because the world is different. With no electricity, the world as we know it collapses. In its place is people who will do anything to survive. Mixed in with some people who are very generous and still carry their humanity.
How do you cross the country with no stable transportation? When the next person you meet just might want everything you have? Besides being a romance, this book was actually quite thrilling. And adventurous. We rely so much on these modern conveniences that when it's stripped away... it turns rough.
I loved the slow burn of it. Emily and Tuck had to get to know each other again. And rely on each other.
So if you like "post apocalyptic" novels mixed with some romance, this is your book.
Tuck just got out of prison. And to be honest, he has no direction and no job. When he returns to where his home was he goes to his neighbors house. Mrs Swanson mentions that her daughter, now a famous singer, needs a body guard.
When Tuck arrives to work for Emily, he doesn't find her. He finds Nova, a huge popstar who has a Hollywood boyfriend and is very different from the girl he left behind.
While traveling, their plane crashes, and it's only Tuck, Emily, and Charlie. Because the world is different. With no electricity, the world as we know it collapses. In its place is people who will do anything to survive. Mixed in with some people who are very generous and still carry their humanity.
How do you cross the country with no stable transportation? When the next person you meet just might want everything you have? Besides being a romance, this book was actually quite thrilling. And adventurous. We rely so much on these modern conveniences that when it's stripped away... it turns rough.
I loved the slow burn of it. Emily and Tuck had to get to know each other again. And rely on each other.
So if you like "post apocalyptic" novels mixed with some romance, this is your book.
February 24, 2025
I had some mild critiques in the beginning but it continued downhill with a completely unlikable FMC and snowballed into major issues with structure and plot and every single choice made through to the end. I barely finished it and wish I had quit before I even started.
Also, tell me you don’t understand Southern California roadways without telling me you don’t understand Southern California roadways… *points to this book*
* I received a free early ecopy from the publisher
Also, tell me you don’t understand Southern California roadways without telling me you don’t understand Southern California roadways… *points to this book*
* I received a free early ecopy from the publisher
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June 26, 2025firstly, thank you to the publisher for an alc!
sadly dnf @ 20% and i’m sad because this is my first book by mia sheridan, and i was excited to dive into her work after hearing all the love for archer’s voice.
unfortunately, i just didn’t care for the plot or the characters.
as for the audio, the narrator was ok!
sadly dnf @ 20% and i’m sad because this is my first book by mia sheridan, and i was excited to dive into her work after hearing all the love for archer’s voice.
unfortunately, i just didn’t care for the plot or the characters.
as for the audio, the narrator was ok!
April 11, 2025
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.
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