Raiders of the Lost Heart is a fun romp through the jungles of Mexico following two grad school rivals with amazing chemistry! I loved following Corrie and Ford as they worked together to find the ancient Aztec relics. The adventure plot kept me engaged the entire book, and the romance between Corrie and Ford had me grinning so hard. I could totally see this book becoming a rom-com adventure. In addition, the added themes of grief and parental relationships created a unique layer to this story that I enjoyed. This was a great debut from Jo Segura, and I'm very excited to read her future works!

I enjoyed this book. The characters were well thought out and the plot was paced in a way that made sense. I would recommend this book to others and would enjoy reading other novels by this author.

Super fun, sexy, Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones romance featuring the Mexican jungle, witty banter, and archeological discoveries. This book was so fun to read and to watch Corrie and Ford fall in love over their fierce, angry banter and rivalry. Highly recommend.

This was hard for me to review. I wanted to love this, I truly did! When I was invited to read this, I had clicked on the download button immediately. As an Indiana Jones fan (and former anthropology major), I admit my expectations might have been too high. I was expecting a grand adventure mixed with lots of action and some romance. However, this focused so much more on the romance that it barely had any action/adventure. At first, I thought it had started off strongly. I was intrigued by the mysterious proposition and the “enemy-to-lovers” trope. However, the pacing was hard to get into. The dialogue was sometimes awkward. The book began to slow down and drag, focusing on the romance which wasn’t that great. I didn’t particularly care for Corrie and Ford. I didn't think Corrie wasn’t a very likable character. Also, I know we were supposed to feel sympathetic towards him but I thought Ford was an immature jerk for most of the book. The pace picks up towards the end. We finally have the action and adventure that was promised. Although I do like the ending, I was very happy to finally finish the book. This just wasn't my cup of tea. However, as a librarian, I know many patrons who would love this book. I would definitely consider getting it for my library.

If you're a fan of THE LOST CITY starring Channing Tatum and Sandra Bullock...please do yourself a favor and read Jo Segura's RAIDERS OF THE LOST HEART! What a great romance full of adventure!

So I enjoyed this one, but it was also different than I was anticipating. To be fair, I was expecting more of an adventure romance than this book ultimately was. Based on the 'about the book,' it makes it seem like this book will be an adventure romance akin to Something Wilder by Christina Lauren or the movie The Lost City. And yes, there was adventure and action to it, but not until like the last few chapters.

This was basically a romance set in the Mexican jungle about two rival archeologists who almost kissed once in graduate school and are now somewhat unexpectedly having to work together. I was really looking forward to dangerous escapades, bad guys stealing stuff, and the two MCs having to protect the artifacts all while fighting their feelings for each other.

And yea, we got some of that, but not nearly at the levels that I was hoping for based on the book's description. I think if you go into just expecting a regular romance that just happens to be set in a jungle and the MCs jobs happen to be archeologists, I think you'll probably enjoy it more than I did.

The ending was far too rushed for me, with all the action packed into the last couple of chapters. It all ended up having a tone that was much too cliché for me, sadly, especially the speeches by the characters.

I do think for the majority of the book it was fun. And I appreciated how it touched on the double standards held against women vs men, particularly in the field of science and archeology.

I'm definitely interested in seeing what the author does next and will be reading more from her.

This book was pure fun!! I loved every minute of it. Very fresh and unique in the romance genre. I can't wait for more from this author!

This was a DNF for me... the characters fell flat for me and I was just not at all engaged in this. I had high hopes with a female Indiana Jones but the characters just never pulled me in and I'm at the 25% mark.

thank you for the chance to read early.

Raiders of the Lost Heart is a super fun romp with hints of Indiana Jones and Lara Croft - it's equal parts adventure and romance and made me want to go on an adventure! Corrie is a badass archeologist with a complicated reputation. When she gets the opportunity of a lifetime to go on a dig in Mexico. Unbeknownst to her, the lead of the dig is her former academic rival Dr. Ford Matthews. Corrie and Ford immediately continue antagonizing each other. Ford is under immense stress as he needs the money from this dig in order to pay for his mom's medical treatments. Corrie and Ford eventually give in to their intense attraction for each other but also find themselves dealing with a thief in camp.

Read this for:
- Mexican jungle setting
- Only one tent
- Former Academic Rivals/Antagonists to Lovers
- Latinx rep
- Banter for days
- Sexual tension

If you're willing to suspend your disbelief for a bit, this is a really fun read! The setting is incredible and lush, the characters are easy to root for, and the adventure is interesting and captivating. I think this was a pretty unique romance and I can't wait to see more from this author! I love banter and tension so I really loved all the antagonism between Corrie and Ford - there's some pretty delicious tension! I'm also so glad this was dual POV.

This maybe doesn't go quite into the emotional depth that I was looking for - in particular there was a little bit more telling than showing in regards to the relationship between Corrie and Ford. I really needed a couple of extra scenes between the two of them to understand their relationship and the speed at which they love each other. The piece about Ford's mom and her medical issues wasn't particularly accurate (you don't get cancer treatment in rehab) but I can overlook that.

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow! What a fun debut by Jo Segura! This book was such a JOY to read! It was the perfect escape- defintely need to suspend your belief for this one + that’s okay! It’s fast paced with so much action + adventure. AND THE ROMANCE. The enemies to lovers, forced proximity (only one tent),banter and the steam! When I was reading, I saw it playing out like a rom com movie in my head. I enjoyed the historical and practical elements of the archeological dig setting.

Thanks Berkley and Netgalley for my copy!

An archeological enemies to lovers story with great twists and turns. It reminds me of my love for The Mummy and Raiders of the Lost Ark and those kind of action/adventure romcoms. It is fast paced, believable and has well realized main characters. You’ll love it!

"Raiders of the Lost Heart" is a super fun romp catapulting readers into a captivating adventure romance that takes us on a wild ride through the world of archaeology, ancient mysteries, and a love that defies all odds. With its twist-and-turns plot, engaging characters, and the irresistible enemies-to-lovers trope, this novel delivers a sizzling and complicated romance. If you love Lara Croft, and the fun world of Indiana Jones, with a dash of Romancing the Stone in there, you're going to love this book!

The story revolves around Dr. Socorro “Corrie” Mejía, a brilliant and independent archaeologist with a passion for unearthing the past. She is determined to uncover the secrets of her ancestry by finding the elusive remains of her ancestor, Chimalli (an ancient warrior of the Aztec empire). Standing in her way is the not-so-adventurous, untrustworthy, and in-every-way infuriating archaeologist, Dr. Ford Matthews. Their rivalry is fueled by years of competition, differences in approach and a betrayal, making their interactions crackle with tension.

Author, Jo Segura, builds the chemistry between Corrie and Ford, as Corrie moves from hating everything about Ford, to seeing Ford for the complex dude he is and we get drawn into their sizzling dynamic. The enemies-to-lovers trope is one of my faves -- their banter and clashes evolve into something much deeper and more passionate.

The backdrop of archaeological expeditions adds an exciting layer to the narrative. The author's vivid descriptions transport readers to exotic locales, ancient ruins, and hidden chambers filled with tantalizing secrets. The quest for Chimalli, is not just a treasure hunt; it's a thrilling adventure that keeps you turning pages.

Corrie, our main character, is a total badass -- she's smart, strong, resilient, caring and noble. Corrie's determination and intelligence that has been constantly minimized make her a relatable heroine, while Ford's undeniably handsome-on-the-outside allure and hidden depths on the inside make him grow on you.

"Raiders of the Lost Heart" is not just a romance; it's a tale of self-discovery, redemption, and the enduring power of love. It's a book that reminds us that sometimes, the greatest treasures we seek are not made of gold but of the hearts we open and the bonds we forge. This adventure romance is an absolute must-read for anyone who craves excitement, passion, and a love story that will give you all the warm fuzzies.

Thanks @netgalley for providing me an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.

Indiana Jones meets Ali Hazelwood in the adventurous Raiders of the Lost Heart!

Who knew that the one-tent trope could be so fun? Corrie Mejia and Ford Matthews’ adventures begin deep in the Mexican jungle, searching to unearth the remains of an ancient legend. Next they know, they’re dealing with their rivals-to-lovers relationship, sifting through the years of history between them— and friends; it is SO FUN.

Corrie doesn’t do relationships. Being in a couple isn’t conducive to her professor slash adventurer lifestyle. Enter Ford, her arch nemesis, who leads the dig she has built her entire career on. As “Badass Mejia and Weak Sauce Matthews” search deep into the jungle, things become increasingly muddled as their deep-seated rivalry washes away, and all that’s left is the years of pent-up passion that sizzles between them.

This book is hot! Corrie takes the lead, while Ford willingly follows, and we love him all the more for it. You will swept away in Corrie and Ford’s story and the search for the Aztec legends. Jo Segura blows open the genre with a new type of academic adventure, and she leaves us begging for more— this is one you won’t want to miss!

DNF @ 34%

I really don’t like the characters, and I feel like the dialogue is really corny and doesn’t flow nicely. I’m super disappointed, because this was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I love adventure, romance, and I love the cover. The synopsis sounded great, and like something I would gobble right up. The execution is just not great, though, and I should be invested in this book at this point. It’s way too cheesy.

A fantastic balance of sexual tension, humor, and adventure!

The characters are well-layered to the point where you can feel them getting under each other's skin as if you were the one experiencing their banter fist-hand!

The pacing was fantastic, character development was satisfying, and the romance was frustratingly engaging.

Great for romance readers who want some adventure and edge with a badass heroine!

This is an incredible debut novel! This was the Indiana Jones/romance novel mashup we all needed. I felt like I got to live out my archaeologist childhood dreams through this book without actually having to go be dirty and sweaty in a jungle somewhere. I was kept on my toes much more than I expected with the plot and the twists and turns at the end and the wrap-up were very satisfying. Although I could see the tropes coming a few times, I was absolutely so excited and having the best time anyway. Only one tent due to rafting mishap? Yes, please! Gotta make out against this tree as a decoy? Yes, please! Basically, this book was so much fun, I did not want it to end, and once I finished reading I wished I could go back to the world Segura created many times. All marks of a great book! Loved!

Who could resist that super cute cover and the tale of adventure romance? Not me. I enjoyed this quick, lighthearted read with its two sexy MCs and the promise of hidden treasure. Sometimes you just want to have fun with a book. This one delivered. 3.5⭐️

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley, Shelf Awareness and NetGalley for this complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This filled my little archaeological heart right up! I have loved the mummy forever, Brandon Fraser was my first crush and this book felt exactly like that.

This is a fun, solid-boned little romp that skimps not a wit of its action for its romance and vice-versa. Raiders of the Lost Heart combines a little dash of Indiana Jones with a big dash of Romancing the Stone and comes up with a brew that’s fast-paced, sexy, funny, and easy to get into. It’s a fun way to warm up those cold winter nights.

Dr. Socorro - Corrie - Mejía is about to finally realize her lifelong dream of leading an archaeological dig in Mexico. She’s hoping to unearth some major new findings regarding her ancestor, Chimalli, purported to be a fearsome Aztec warrior, on whose life and times she is an expert. Chimalli is known for having stolen the tecpatl sacrificial knife of Moctezuma II during the fall of the Aztec empire. But Corrie needs Chimalli’s bones, and getting funding to find them has been a trial. Getting the backing at last is wonderful – until she lands in Mexico and learns that the funding is conditional on her not leading the dig after all.

Dr. Ford (!) Matthews has been Corrie’s rival since graduate school, and the fact that he’s the guy who’s leading this expedition rankles, to say the least. But the dig financers want him in charge, and since his personal life has taken a dive and he’s now single, there’s no reason for him not to go for it.

Corrie and Ford have years of conflicts to work out – but first they’re going to have to battle the elements, a saboteur trying to close down the dig, and a government that’s less than happy about their search into the jungles. With chaos everywhere and a skeleton to be found, can romance bloom – or even survive – when they’re through?

This is a fun, lighthearted romp of a romance between two imperfect people who have to learn how to love each other to achieve their goals. Corrie is a great, ambitious heroine; Ford is cocky, but not appallingly so. The romance is delightful and builds slowly in a way that keeps the reader turning the pages. In the end, it’s a winning combo that leaves everyone wanting more.

The book also happens to be filled to the gills with action, which meshes quite well with its steamy romantic action. If you’re a fan of The Mummy at all, you’re going to love every bit of it.

Raiders of the Lost Heart is absolutely poised to sweep its way into my Best of 2023 list at the last minute. Take this on your Holiday vacation and let it sweep you away, too.

Preorder alert!! Look at me reading and reviewing a book well in advance! I have heard a ton of buzz about Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura, so I needed to bump this one to the top of my TBR. and I am so glad I did. This book was a ton of fun to read and had a unique plot. I am loving the trend of romantic adventure books. There's something about the blend of a well-crafted romance and a little suspenseful adventure that just works so well for me. This is an older classic, but if you enjoyed Romancing the Stone, you will love this book.

Rival archaeologists must team up on a secret Aztec expedition, or it could leave their careers—and hearts—in ruins.

Archaeologist Dr. Socorro “Corrie” Mejía has a bone to pick. Literally.

It’s been Corrie’s life goal to lead an expedition deep into the Mexican jungle in search of the long-lost remains of her ancestor, Chimalli, an ancient warrior of the Aztec empire. But when she is invited to join an all-expenses-paid dig to do just that, Corrie is sure it’s too good to be true...and she’s right.

As the world-renowned expert on Chimalli, by rights Corrie should be leading the expedition, not sharing the glory with her disgustingly handsome nemesis. But Dr. Ford Matthews has been finding new ways to best her since they were in grad school. Ford certainly isn’t thrilled either—with his life in shambles, the last thing he needs is a reminder of their rocky past.

But as the dig begins, it becomes clear they’ll need to work together when they realize a thief is lurking around their campsite, forcing the pair to keep their discoveries—and lingering attraction—under wraps. With money-hungry artifact smugglers, the Mexican authorities, and the lies between them closing in, there’s only one way this all ends—explosively.