This novel started strong but quickly lost me in the plane crash scene. I hadn't connected with the characters yet, so throwing this significant event in the book's first quarter made it difficult for me to care about them being stranded. Fortunately, I have the audiobook, so I might try to continue through the audio, but if I only had the physical ARC, this would be a "DNF" for me. I made it through 40% before deciding to stop.

I will not be rating this title on my Goodreads. Thank you so much for the opportunity; I am sad this one was not for me.

I received this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I didn’t really know what I expected when I learned this was going to be a dystopian, but for the first half I was super into it. I loved the “world building” and how everything was set up, but the longer I got in the more it fell flat. I think I just didn’t like how real it felt, how much violence and murder there was. I just know this would be realistic if this were to truly happen to us now.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this arc! All opinions are my own. I gave this book three stars because I feel that the plot was unique and one that isn’t seen too often but I personally felt like I could not connect with the characters as well as I would’ve liked to. I enjoyed the romance aspect as well as the slow burn. I also feel at times there was a little more filler than necessary. I would still probably recommend to individuals who enjoy a plot type like this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book was a wild ride that kept me on my toes. The second chance, slow burn romance was sweet and endearing. The plot felt unique and different. The only reason I gave it 3 stars was because it’s not my preferred genre in some ways and I didn’t always feel sucked in. That’s a reflection of me and not the book or writing though.

I really enjoyed reading this book! I enjoyed both the main characters - especially Tuck. Emily did take me a little while to warm up to, but once I did I found her a great FMC and quite entertaining. I will say, I don’t believe this book is for everyone, but as someone who is really intrigued by post apocalyptic/dystopian novels I really enjoyed that plot and have never read anything like this. I found this to have great pacing and enjoyed the flashback chapters and that this was dual POV! I think Mia Sheridan is a super talented writer and love the emotion she’s able to evoke from her writing.

I went into this book blindly not knowing the storyline. I was surprisingly happy to find out it was a dystopian/post apocalyptic world. It’s a type of romance novel I haven’t seen written before and was happy to explore.

The good:
Tuck. A love able, down on his luck guy. Just trying to find his place in the world.
The suspense, A story of love and survival is a great twist for a romance novel.

The bad:
Emily. I get she was a character who was ever changing, but at times was a bit grating, borderline annoying.
A few plot and timing issues for sure as well.

Overall I did enjoy this book It gave The Last of Us/Walking Dead vibes and was a nice change of pace from a “normal” romance.

I forced myself to finish this dystopian/second chance.
The writing was disjointed and fell flat and the characters were 2D. There wasn’t much character development and I found the FMC to be annoying for more than 60% through.

It felt like the first 60-70% was written by someone else; writing and pacing changed the last half of the book.

This didn’t feel like the voice or writing of Mia Sheridan. It felt juvenile and under developed.

To be honest, I wanted to DNF and I don’t believe I’ve ever DNF’d an ARC from NetGalley.
This had the potential to live out like Lost and have a beautiful storyline like The Last of Us, but it was more like Last Man on Earth without any of the comedy.

I wouldn’t say this is a romance novel. The romance is not front and center, despite being a slow burn.

2 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Canary Street Press for this eARC.

Mia Sheridan takes a unique turn with Heart of the Sun, blending romance with dystopian survival in a story that feels different from her usual works. Set against the sun-drenched landscapes of California, the novel follows childhood friends Emily Swanson and Tuck Mattice, whose lives have taken vastly different paths—Emily into the world of fame, and Tuck into a troubled past. When fate brings them back together, their rekindled connection is tested not only by old wounds but also by a catastrophic solar flare that plunges society into chaos.

While the romance is present, it often takes a backseat to the survivalist and dystopian elements, making this feel less like a typical love story and more like an exploration of resilience and redemption. The pacing is uneven—some sections drag while the ending feels rushed—but Sheridan’s talent for emotional depth still shines through.

For fans of her signature heartfelt storytelling this might not be a favorite, but those open to a genre-blending tale of love, loss, and survival may find it an intriguing read.

Title: Heart of the Sun

Series: n/a

Author(s): Mia Sheridan

Genre: Romance/Second Chance/Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Publication Date: May 20, 2025

Publishing Co.: Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Publishing

Length: 464 pages/ 53 chapters

Rating: 4⭐️ / 🌶️



Trigger Warnings:

*Death
*Murder/Mayhem
*Parent Loss

Tropes:
* Second Chance Romance
* Friends/Enemies to Lovers
* Slow Burn



Whoa! I was thrilled to obtain an advance copy of Heart of the Sun in exchange for an honest review since, first and foremost, I love Mia Sheridan's books. If you want the vibe of Archer's Voice this isn't the vibe you're going to get. 

Emily (FMC) and Tuck (MMC), childhood best friends, find their worlds intersecting after 13 years apart in Heart of the Sun, a post-apocalyptic novel featuring Walking Dead-like elements. Emily is a rising pop artist in California, while Tuck has served time for a crime he didn't commit. Emily needs a bodyguard, while he needs a job after being released from prison.

The world falls dark as an EMP crashes their airplane. Realizing they aren't the enemies that they've convinced themselves they are but rather that they were destined to be, Emily and Tuck fight for their lives in order to reach their loved ones.


I'd like to thank Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Publishing for an advanced copy of Heart of the Sun in exchange for an honest review.


*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

This one was just not my style and not for me! There is nothing wrong with it at all! I’m sure there are many readers out there who would love this one!

Book Review: Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan

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

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

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

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

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

This book was different from any of Mia Sheridan’s books. It was a decent story, but felt very dystopian like as opposed to a romance. The romance was there, but it felt overshadowed. I also felt like the book kind of dragged in some places and could have been more condensed maybe. Then the ending felt really fast. It wasn’t a bad book, just not my favorite of hers. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I enjoy this author and have read several of her books so far. I thought this book was great, kept me interested yet invested in getting to know the characters. As a result, the author uses good character development and keeps the reader informed with the plot and what is yet to come.

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

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

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

Tuck and Emily were best friends, but life sent them different ways… him to prison, and her to the spotlight as a musical star. When her mother guilts her into hiring him as her bodyguard after his sentence is up, they meet again & that spark is still there. When their plane goes down in the middle of nowhere during a solar flare, they crash land into a world with no power, no electrical grid. Chaos ensues, and we are left on a whirlwind adventure with Tuck, Emily, and her boyfriend Charlie. We follow the alternate POV of Tuck and Emily as they discover who they truly are and what really matters.

I have loved everything that I’ve read by Mia Sheridan and this one is no exception! I went into this story blindly and was pleasantly surprised with the dystopian aspect!! It was light on the romance, focusing more on the relationship and survival, which I really enjoyed. Thank you so much to NetGalley and publisher for this ARC!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3⭐️

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

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

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

This was my first read by Mia Sheridan. I didn't read the preview before diving in so it definitely took me by surprise. I was expecting a romance but got so much more than that. I expected a love story, I did not expect murder and violence.

Mia takes us on a wild ride with almost end-of-the-world scenes as a majority of the US has suddenly lost power and remains without power for weeks. This has a bit of an enemies to lovers trope but so much was lost in the chaos of their survival. Emily and Tuck were neighbors as children and friends until they weren't. I wish Emily treated Tuck a bit better as well. There were some loose ends which is a bit frustrating. What happened to Charlie when he left them?

Huge thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for the eARC

📖✨Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan ✨📖

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

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

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

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

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

Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan
5 stars

arc read from net gallery w/my honest review
pub date | 5/20/25

Tropes:
- enemies to lovers
- childhood besties
- body guard x pop star
- apocalyptic dystopian

Wow wow wow. This is the same lady who gave us Archer's Voice? How could I expect anything less, except I was blown away. I mean SUCKED IN from page one. Literally something not so chill is happening, and then we get blasted to the past so we can get our characters back stories. Fast forward to the present and all hell breaks loose. But in such a gripping way that you literally cannot stop reading.

If you are fans of things like The Last Of Us, The Walking Dead (sans zombies), and end of the world type shit but lets rebuild. But also I thought it was gonna be a cute little romantic book and had no idea it was going to have me gripping the edge of my seat the entire time. Then this one is for you.

I would like to give it an 11/10 and just the biggest applause and probably a top 2025 book for me. Okay now I am ready for season 2 of TLOU to come out plz and thank you. Thank you Mia for this story, I so so loved it.