From a conceptual standpoint, I liked the originality of the premise - Two archaeologists who've also been competitive with one another come together for a big quest. What I didn't like as well was ready about a "dude being a dude" and using his status to get ahead of a woman. I could see the threads of how the book was trying to center Corrie and her work and explain the true challenge of being a woman in a field overflowing with men and did appreciate that layer was present, too. I did really like how the action of their dig and the mystery of what they were trying to find (with a side order of deception) was infused in the story, and for me, that was probably my favorite part. Thanks to NetGalley for the look at this recent release.

Unfortunately this one did not work for me. I was expecting more of an action adventure romcom and that is not what I got. Also, Ford is awful. It was hard to find any redeeming qualities about him other than his apparent good looks. Sadly, I will not be recommending this one.

This was a fun romance with a completely new setting. I really enjoyed the archeology but wish there was a little more adventure.

I liked that this book dealt with archaeology! It is such a fun topic and one that is rare to see written about in fiction. I thought that it was a decent plot and the FMC was very sure of herself and I liked that about her. The dual point-of-view was nice as well since I like seeing how the MMC really feels! The one thing I didn't like was their romance though. I just felt like the enemies-to-lovers was very forced and it makes it hard to really enjoy the trope for me when it is like that.

Raiders of the Lost Heart is such a fun adventure romance! This book was so refreshing because it’s set in the jungle and features two archeologist MCs in their mid-thirties.


👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏼 Dual POV
🏕️ Only one tent
🐍 Indiana Jones callbacks
💕 Academic/Professional Rivals to Lovers
📳 Multiple vïbratör appearances

This book also reminds me of one of my favorite RomComs: Fools Gold, starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. It perfectly captures the journey from hatred to passion. Corrie and Ford’s love story had all the perfect tension you could want and they definitely reaped their rewards 😏

I love the chemistry between the two leads. He's very grumpy but I get him. I love the plot of 'oh, this person you don't get along with actually went out of their way to get you hired for this position and is also doing backflips to make things as comfortable as possible.' It's funny. It's flirty. Just read it. How often do we get an adventure romance like this?

A super fun romantic-comedy adventure perfect for fans of The Mummy, Tomb Raider, and/or Indiana Jones.

Laura Croft meets Indiana Jones on this archeology romance, heavy on the romance. It's the classic tale of enemies to lovers, deep in the heart of the jungle as they search for cultural treasures and find each other instead.

Raiders Of The Lost Heart
Stand Alone Book
Jo Segura
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Genre: Contemporary Romance, action/adventure, rom-com
Release Date: December 5, 2023

Raiders Of The Lost Heart! Wow! What a pleasant surprise! Jo Segura has created an adventurous, action-packed rom-com with plenty of heart and steam. Lovers of adventure and romance alike will fall in love with this unique, stand-out little gem!

Dr. Corrie Mejia is my new hero! Corrie is awesome! Described as the Lara Croft of archaeology, she’s beautiful, intelligent, and adventurous! Add natural sensuality and a quick temper, and you have an unforgettable character! Dr. Ford Matthews is Corrie’s nemesis. These enemies to lovers have been dancing around each other for decades. When Ford invites a clueless Corrie on a dig of a lifetime, sparks fly.

I loved the dynamic between the adventurous, spirited Corrie and the guilt-ridden, cautious Ford. The two are oil and water, but when they mix…..watch out! It is an inferno of sensuality! These are two unforgettable, larger-than-life, lovable characters. The passion and history between the couple kept me turning page after page.

I haven’t read many storylines like this one. It was fresh and captivating. There is plenty of depth in the plot and loads of action, but neither overwhelms the story. This is a page-turner and one of the most entertaining books I’ve read all year! Bravo, Jo Segura, for capturing my sense of adventure and heartstrings!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Corrie has worked tirelessly to prove herself as an archaeologist, and she’s now the leading scholar on her ancestor, ancient Aztec warrior Chimalli. So why, when she’s sent to lead a Chimalli-related dig in Mexico, does she have to share her leadership role with her nemesis since grad school, the obnoxious(ly handsome) Ford? If they want to succeed and thwart the efforts of thieves and smugglers, they’ll have to find a way to move past their rivalry. I'm all-in on the rise in action/adventure rom-coms! This was so much fun, with high stakes and a lush jungle setting. Perfect vacation reading!

I really enjoyed reading this book! It was a fast read and kept me turning pages. Corrie and Ford were both great characters.

This was a fun story with a Indiana Jones and romancing the Stone vibe. When two rival archaeologists with a past end up at the same camp sparks fly good and bad.
This has enemies to lover
Professional rivals
Some adventure
Banter back and forth

Indiana Jones gets the romance treatment! Archaeology! Enemies to lovers!! Danger!!!

It’s got all that and more. Super fun, super sexy.

This was such a good one!! This is the second romance I’ve read that had an archaeological subject and it was so cool!! I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline!! And that ending!! Oh man!! Definitely recommend grabbing this one!!

Received a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.

I grew up on Indiana Jones, the Mummy, and Lara Croft. I also wanted to go on expeditions like them. I ended up becoming a Librarian-the next best thing! Therefore, I wanted the storyline to be heavier on this Aztec expedition than the romance. I felt this was more of a spicy book with a bit of plot, than the plot with a bit of spice. Overall, fun and fast paced.

Much like with Hallmark movies, when reading Romance I am drawn to the stories about people with interesting jobs. I won't say this is the first Romance with an archaeologist protaganists that I have read, but still only one of two or three. Additionally, this particular story takes place on an active dig, adding to the adventure of the story. The plot itself reunites past friends and now rivals, who need to work together to make a major discovery in Mexico. While there they struggle with their attraction to each other while having to work together and move past the drama from their shared history. Overall, a short and sweet romance with an exciting adventure. (Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC)

My main thought of Raiders of the Lost Heart is that this is perfect for fans of archaeology, action scenes and exploration, and swoons. I loved the premise of the archaeology, exploring the past, and also Corrie's connection to Chimalli. There's plenty of forced proximity and hilarious obstacles thrown in their way, Raiders of the Lost Heart is fun through and through. What I also loved were the conversations about the sexism within the archaeology field and the lack of representation.

Ready for a romance full of adventure?
Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura
𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵 , 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴!

Read if you love:
🗺️ Adventures / Indiana Jones vibes
💘 Witty banter
🗺️ Rivals to Lovers
💘 Only one tent 🤭

Rating: 4.5/5★

This is book is a big YES for me! I enjoyed it so much and thought it was hilarious too. The concept of this book was so new and refreshing for the romance genre. The setting was just so different and the author does an amazing job at describing the setting and immersing the readers into this fun adventure. The story is full of love, betrayal, friendships, challenges, and growth.
I loved seeing a strong independent Latina FMC! It was amazing to see how in touch Corrie was with her feelings and mental health. You don’t always get to see a badass female archeologists that’s so confident & killing it. Of course our FMC has her struggles but I loved seeing her face them with so much confidence. It’s got to be one of my favorite things about this book.
Ford is her love interest and also her school rival which makes it even more interesting. While I enjoyed the romance, I honestly think I was more invested on the discoveries Corrie & Ford were making together. It was just so much fun!

Big shoutout to @berkleyromance & @netgalley for my gifted copy.

Thank you @berkleyromance & @netgalley for my complimentary digital eArc. My thoughts are my own. #penguinrandomhousepartners

What an amusing adventure! I found the witty banter and hilarious situations these enemies-to-lovers and fellow archeologist competitors found themselves in to be highly entertaining!

When Dr. Corrie Mejia and Dr. Ford Matthews were in grad school together, there was no love lost between them. Now, years later, even though it has always been Corrie’s dream to search for the remains of her ancient ancestor, Chimalli, Ford has won the funding for the search. However, unbeknownst to Corrie, Ford used HER research to give him access to her ancestor’s path! But Ford has reached a standstill and the only one who can help him is Corrie. So, he invites her on the expedition and soon, sparks fly!

I enjoyed this one for the mystery and the adventure. I prefer my romance novels to be fairly clean, so I need to warn you that this one is pretty spicy!

Read this if you enjoy:

Enemies to Lovers
Academia
Close Proximity
One Tent
Strong Female Characters
Adventure

I always get a little worried with archeologist books but this one raided my heart and gave off some series The Mummy vibes.