i love mia sheridan, so when i say i ate this boook UP??! i loved it! i loved the main characters, the plot, the pacing. everything was done so well. this has to be one of my favorites. thank you for the arc netgalley!

3.5 stars

This one was definitely a different one from Mia Sheridan. I’ve been a fan of many of her other works (Archer’s Voice, Travis) so I knew I wanted to check this one out.

I came into this with almost no expectations, especially given the dystopian element to it, and I was captivated from page one. Definitely a strong opener with lots of action and intrigue. After that, the book does take us back in time to get familiar with the main characters and their circumstances before fast forwarding back to the present. This one was slow (at times a little too slow for my liking) but understandably so, given the number of years the mains were apart and their present circumstances being prohibitive to any sort of rekindling.

Tuck had some difficulties (being in prison for several years) that has caused getting back on his feet to be a challenge. With Emily’s newfound stardom, working as her bodyguard, he might just have a shot of starting over. The solar flare puts a huge kink in things, but also serves as the catalyst for some frank conversations between them.

I didn’t much care for Emily in the beginning, but I did think she grew throughout the story and I found myself rooting for her to “do better” and rediscover who she is at her core, reconnecting with those parts of herself from her younger days that had attracted Tuck to her.

This story was lighter on the romance (especially since Emily had a boyfriend for a big chunk of the story) and more heavy on the dystopian plot, but I enjoyed it for the most part even in the moments when I felt like I was reading two different books. It explored topics of grief, dreams, redemption, and forgiveness. It really was harrowing at times, especially given some current events, but I had to just keep reminding myself that it was fiction. They made the best out of a bad situation, and forced proximity will do the trick every time. There were some bits that I didn’t quite find believable (mention of him being the boy she always loved even though they were out of each other’s lives for so long and not together before they parted ways) and that made it hard to connect with them at times. That said, being thrown into the situation they were could definitely accelerate things once they stopped fighting it.

If you’re looking to get lost while you follow a pair on a journey of survival and self-discovery, this may be the book for you.

The tropes are:

Enemies to lovers
Childhood best friends
Slow burn romance
Second chances
Popstar & bodyguard
Dystopian

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC!

I have only read one other Mia Sheridan book (Archer’s Voice) and loved it so I feel like I had high hopes going into this… unfortunately it fell a little flat for me.

I loved the beginning, I felt like it was very fast-paced setting up the before aspect of Tuck & Emily’s friendship/relationship. Then when it moved to the present it was picking up really well for the build up of the dystopian aspect. I truly enjoyed the dystopia part, it was nothing like I have ever read before and put a really interesting twist on the plot. It made me want to keep reading and find out what would happen next and how they would move forward. Unfortunately, once the middle hit though it felt so dragged on and repetitive. I felt like I had to skim some parts to get to the end and get on with the book. Also wasn’t super thrilled by the ending. Overall 2.5 stars because it started strong and I still love a second chance/childhood friends to lovers trope.

Well, Mia Sheridan has done it again. I have been a long-time reader of her work and she still continues to amaze me with her character development and intricate plot details that keep a reader turning pages and yearning to know more. In true Sheridan style, the sage lines sprinkled throughout have me highlighting and nodding along. To be fair, I went into the read not knowing what to expect but knowing Sheridan does not let my heart down. Emily and Tuck’s journey was quite heroine as they struggle to tackle the challenges of a dystopian society while navigating unrequited feelings from their childhood friend. There was so much detail on the journey westward but it is worth it. Wow. Simply wow!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mia Sheridan has done it once again. Truly served a heart wrenching and beautiful story that I’m in awe of. Filled with slowburn bickering and tension, friend to enemies to eventually lovers… this story follows along Emily and Tuck whom after being separated reunite from completely different worlds. Emily as a sensational pop star, and Tuck as an ex com now hired to be her bodyguard. What was so unexpected however was to see the science fiction and dystopia imbedded into it. It was a complete shock factor to me to see how like the world sorta “ended” or got “weird” and now they are just trying to survive in their new found world while also rekindling their love for each other. A masterpiece indeed that evryeone needs to read.

This one is a tough one for me. I enjoy Mia Sheridan's books tremendously, however, this one just wasn't for me as much as I wanted it to be. I think it has more to do with me and my fear of situations happening like/similar to the events that take place in Heart of the Sun. As always, her writing and character development are top notch!

This was a really interesting take on a post apocalyptic vibe romance. I loved that he swoops in with skills the rest of the people seem to have forgotten in their comfort. And it doesn't hurt that he's taking care of her either.

I absolutely love Mia Sheridans writing and I always have a great time with all her books! I have to say this I a bit different from her others. I really enjoy childhood friendships that turn into a lovers relationship. Tuck & Emily definitely went on an adventure and I loved the ride. The whole solar flare was just as intriguing than the love story!

I would absolutely recommend this book !

Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Trade publishing for the ARC!

thank u so much netgalley & HarperCollins for this arc!!

i have SUCH mixed feelings … but after sitting on for a day it i decided i did really enjoy this .. if i try to write a review it’s just going to sound like gibberish so this review is gonna be via a pros cons list 🤣

cons:
*the “love triangle” at the beginning of this was so pointless & felt so out of place considering everything else that was happening throughout the book

*i feel like the romance aspect of this book was a little off?? it would’ve been a good subplot but you could tell it was trying to be forced as the main plot & it didn’t really work.. also it’s childhood friends to lovers but we got basically no background so it didn’t really pack a punch emotionally

*i did not like the female main character (emily)for like 70% of this

pros:
*tuck <3

*i LOVED the dystopian elements & the suspense parts!! mia’s writing is so good & i was STRESSED out for the majority of this book.. & when i say stressed i do mean stressed .. like my anxiety was actually getting bad & i had to take several breaks which is why this took me longer to read

*slowwww burn (i only like romances if they’re slow burn)

*the ending was so unrealistic but what can i say i loved it

overall i gave it 4💫 which feels generous but it was entertaining at the end of the day .. also i now have anxiety about solar flares so add it to the list! (but seriously if you also have anxiety about apocalyptic events be careful reading this
bc it was honestly overwhelming at parts 😭)

Mia Sheridan masterfully weaves together romance, suspense, and commentary in a beautifully-written novel. Throughout the entirety of Heart of the Sun, I experienced a myriad of emotions. I swooned over the second-chance romance between Emily and Tuck, I gasped over each dark twist and turn as they navigated the darkness, and I examined the state of modern society as they encountered the best and worst of humanity when consequences no longer existed. While some writers may have struggled to write a novel blending romance with such a dark and heavy storyline, Sheridan consistently struck a perfect balance between the two. The romance never outweighed the new reality of the world and, conversely, the state of the world never fully obliterated the need for hope, connection, and love.

I appreciated the time Sheridan spent developing Tuck and Emily's backstories, providing necessary context for their friendship and subsequent falling out. While the backstory did add length to an already longer book, I feel that their story would have contained less depth and meaning without it. I truly believe that this story could be expanded into a series by providing the stories of other people during the same catastrophe - and you better believe I would read each one. SUCH a well-written book - I will revisit this one again and I know it will stay with me for a long time.

The range of intense emotions I felt while reading this makes it such a five star read for me! The fmc is amazing too

ARC review. 3 Stars! I have read and enjoyed Mia Sheridan works in the past. This feels different from her previous works being more fiction opposed to romance. I went in expecting a romance, and instead got a fiction story of survival. I really enjoyed Tuck’s character and character depth. I found myself annoyed with Em’s character at times due to her inconsistent feelings. I think as a fiction story of survival with some romance, this story delivers. I believe readers going into this with expectations of swoon worthy romance will be left disappointed.

First arc of the year!! 😜

I really enjoyed this book, and even though it was vastly different from the other books by Mia I have read, I thought the storyline was executed perfectly.

Emily and Tuck are both great characters and narrators. I think that having their dual pov really helped this book take shape and see their thoughts. I also was really happy to have a lot from Tuck's pov since he seems to be a "mystery" to Emily.

Amazing work as always Mia!! Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the arc!

Thanks to NetGalley I received an advanced electronic copy of the book to read and provide a review.

This was an okay read. It was entertaining enough to want to finish but not emotionally compelling.

Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan completely captured my heart from start to finish. The way Sheridan writes her characters is so real and relatable, making it impossible not to get emotionally invested in their journeys. I found myself rooting for the protagonist through every twist and turn, feeling their pain and celebrating their triumphs. What really stood out to me was the powerful themes of love, forgiveness, and healing. The story beautifully explores the idea that everyone deserves a second chance, and it's never too late to find redemption. Sheridan's lyrical writing style is simply stunning, painting vivid images and evoking deep emotions with every page. I couldn't put this book down and was left thinking about it long after I finished. If you enjoy stories that tug at your heartstrings and make you reflect on life's bigger questions, "Heart of the Sun" is a must-read. It's one of those books that stays with you and reminds you of the enduring power of love and resilience.

Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan is a beautifully written, emotional journey that blends romance with profound themes of healing and self-discovery. The story follows two people with difficult pasts who find solace and transformation in each other’s love. The romance is slow-burn and heartfelt, with a perfect balance of tension and tenderness.

Sheridan’s writing is evocative, creating a vivid setting that mirrors the characters’ emotional growth. The pacing is ideal, allowing for deep, genuine connections to develop between the characters while exploring themes of trauma and forgiveness.

If you’re a fan of heartfelt, character-driven romances, *Heart of the Sun* is a must-read. It’s a moving and powerful story that will stay with you long after the last page. Highly recommended!

This was a really interesting read that blended contemporary romance with a sci-fi setting. It also created an interesting narrative on our societal dependence.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Heart of the Sun follows the tumultuous journey of Emily and Tuck, from childhood friends to estranged enemies, and eventually back to lovers in a world where second chances are rare. The dual POVs offer insight into their past and present, highlighting how tragedy can both drive people apart and bring them back together in times of crisis. While Emily’s character growth is commendable, her early selfishness can be frustrating, especially as she doesn't fully acknowledge Tuck’s pain.

The backstory adds depth, but I wished there was more closure for side characters like Charlie, who felt a bit overlooked. Despite my high expectations for another novel from a beloved author, this one didn’t quite live up to them. The concept of a pop star and her bodyguard in an apocalyptic setting seemed promising, but the pacing was uneven, and I struggled to connect with the characters. While the writing was solid, the plot didn’t provide the excitement I was hoping for, leaving me feeling a bit disappointed.

Well it was something unexpected, I’m not a big fan of dystopian story, I get very bored or feel like it’s just a long freaking story for not much. But here it was insane I mean wtf did I just read !!! What appeal to me first was the friends to lovers and obviously I know Mia books and was excited for that one. Was sure about the dystopian thing but give it a go. Damn it was so good the childhood friends that reconnect because they have to survive together. What an emotional rollercoaster it was.

Emily and Tuck were childhood friends, but due to life circumstances have been separated for thirteen years. They have taken two different paths. Emily is now a pop sensation and she ends up hiring Tuck as her bodyguard. Tuck has had a rough thirteen years and needs this fresh start. After a solar flare knocks out the power grid and throws the world into panic. Tuck and Emily stick together to get through this time, protecting each other.

This book is the type you read when you want to have a quick, fun time. It’s not a literary masterpiece, but it’s very entertaining. Sometimes, you need a book to scratch that itch. It has everything from dystopian to a sweet second-chance romance. Mia Sheridan is a great writer and paces the book to flow nicely.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press for a DRC of this book. The opinion in this review is my own.