Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this Advanced Readers Copy of Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura!

Let me tell y'all how much I absolutely adored this book. I read the first one in the series (Raiders of the Lost Heart), and it was fine, but this, THIS was such a wonderful read. Miri is put in charge of an expedition to find the Lost City of the Moon. Many have tried, and no one can quite figure it out. Rafa finds his ways to the expedition, too. The only thing is that he's there to sabotage the mission due to his family's connection to the city. So, Miri and Rafa have a very real attraction, but the secrets are still there. What I loved about this was that it had so many things - It had great humor, romance, and some twists and thrills along the way, and it was just the best blend of "stuff" to make a read that I couldn't put down! Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the look at this January 2025 release!

A really speedy and adventurous romance read. Both of the books in this series are such fun and I highly enjoyed the banter between the main characters in this one. Pringles for the win!

I truly cannot get over these archeologists love stories. I LOVE everything about them, but ESPECIALLY the vibes.

I know it took me a while to post this, but thank you so so so much to the author, publisher, & NetGalley for the early access!

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this book at around 20%, by biggest issue being the way Jo Segura writes her characters.

I had a similar issue with the first book but still wanted to give this one a chance since the premise for both was so interesting. It's disappointing for a romcom's potential to be wasted because it feels like it was written by a man.

I may still come back and finish this book and I will update my review in the event that happens, but I'm definitely letting it go for now.

I really enjoyed the humor and tension from Segura’s debut adventure romance book, Raiders of the Lost Heart, but unfortunately the follow-up/spin off fell flat for me and I struggled to get through the book.
The pros: very fun meet disaster, flirty banter, insta-lust, forced proximity, somewhat ‘forbidden’, and a unique archeological setting.,
The cons: the banter/innuendos bordered often felt immature, insta-lust was believable, but the love/HEA didn’t have me convinced, and the action peaked at the opening of the book.
Overall, I think younger readers (New Adult?) who are looking for a unique adventure rom-com will enjoy this book, and I will absolutely be interesting in reading what Segura writes next, but this one just didn’t work for me.

3 stars.

I was really looking forward to "Temple of Swoon" by Jo Segura because I loved her last book "Raiders of the Lost Heart." Unfortunately, this follow-up is a little disappointing. It's not bad, it's just sort of underwhelming. It starts with a bang, thrusting the characters together in the traditional and comical Jo Segura fashion. From there, it turns into an insta-lusty/insta-lovey action adventure romance that's actually shockingly timid and even a bit boring. On the plus side, this book can be very funny at times. The banter between Miri and Rafa is good, but there is still a distinct lack of spark between them as a couple. They felt more like flirty friends with benefits than lovers. I did not ever believe they were end-game despite their HEA. It felt more like "we've been thrust together at work and are both insanely attractive, so let's make do with what we've been given in this exotic jungle landscape where no one will hear us scream." I would rather have pining and yearning and longing as opposed to spice at that point, and that was lacking here. It's not overly long, though there are a few places in the narrative where it seems to drag. All in all, this one was unfulfilling, but I will still read whatever Jo Segura writes!

Thank you to NetGalley, Jo Segura, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Oh boy this book was a let down. I wanted to give this book an honest chance because I’m a big Indiana Jones fan and I want to support Latinx authors. The characters are immature especially the FMC. Pointless scenes to force alone time with the 2 main characters. Cheap sex jokes/innuendos that even a teenager would have thought them lame. Lastly, the FMC is American & white and the MMC is half Brazilian but did not grow up in the culture or with the Brazilian parent or in Brazil. So for me this book didn’t have any real Latin Rep. It felt more like checking a box. I say pass on this book.

Temple of Swoon is the second book I've read from Jo Segura, and it was a fun and interesting read. It brings readers back to the action and adventure of archeologists making interesting discoveries while finding romance at the same time.

Miri and Rafael have a bit of an awkward meet cute but the attraction between them is instantaneous. I thought they were well matched and lots of fun together. I didn't love some of his actions and initial motivations, but he grew on me as the story progressed.

This story felt like a rom com movie and the plot moved at a good pace. I loved getting another story with characters in a unique setting with interesting jobs and interests. It all made for a fun read and I can't wait for Jo's next book!

Temple of Swoon was good. The characters were likeable and funny, and the plot was interesting, I think it felt too similar to Jo Segura's other book for me.

I would have loved a little bit more individuality from this book, but overall, it was pretty good!

The plot wasn't too fast, which was nice, but I did find that it dragged at certain points and I wanted to get to the action again.

Both main characters were charming and I liked their romance together. I thought they had good chemistry.

I think more action and more focus on the story of the lost city would have made this story better. I would have loved to have more focus on the actual plot of the job than the character's romance.

Thank-you for the chance to review this ARC.

I had so much fun reading this one. I loved the premise and the it definably delivered in the swoon.
I like the setting here, it's one I don't usually see in romance.
It was like Indiana Jones but swoony.

I enjoyed this one more than the first one I read by this author. But I still didn't love it. But I did love the banter between the hero and heronie.

Cute!
I enjoyed this book. I thought it was fun and quite a bit silly. Like the first, Raiders of the Lost Heart, our main characters are on an archaeology adventure. Dr. Miri Jacobs is starting her career in search of the Lost City of the Moon. On her expedition is GloGeo journalist/photographer, Rafael Monfils. Of course these two fall in love (a bit insta lovey) and they have to kick some tail in order to succeed in their expedition. It's silly and I had a fun time reading this book. I appreciate the authors ability to write these fun adventurous stories and also creating relatable characters!! I loved Miri's love for snacks - a girl after my own heart.

Thanks to the publisher, Berkley, for the e-arc!!

Thanks so much to @berkleypub + @berkleyromance for the gifted book! #BerkleyPartner
3.5 stars

Temple of Swoon was so sweet and tender! I absolutely fell in love with Raf’s kindness and vulnerability, as well as Miriam’s journey of self-discovery. The story does take time to develop, and the pacing may not be for everyone. I was very intrigued by Raf’s internal struggle and the way he supported Miriam’s success, even if it meant going against himself, so I kept reading. Once I got to know the characters more, I grew to love them and then the story picked up!

Jo Segura also threw some insane reveals that added to the vulnerable and tender storyline! The epilogue pulled on my heart strings and I simply adored our MMC so much. I do love a tender-hearted love interest who is so sweet (hello- Pringles!). This book is def for romance lovers who lean more toward rom-com and want some adventure and twists.

And if you’re thinking of picking this one up- be sure to read Raiders of the Lost Heart before reading this one! It’ll make the reveals and action hit harder 😉

Temple of Swoon is nonstop fun! This adventurous story takes you into the jungle and put Miri and Rafa in harms way. But along that adventure they fall so beautifully in love. Highly recommend!

Temple of Swoon is the second book in this series (all Indian Jones pun themed titles) by Jo Segura. I had a good time reading the first book, so was excited to see it's becoming a trilogy.

Temple of Swoon was a fun one! I did like the first book, Raiders of the Lost Heart, slightly more as I'm an enemies to lovers fan, but this was still a good time. This was a bit insta-lovey for me, but was still fun. It's a light, easy read for the new year. I would really love to see these books as movies because they're action adventury, a bit silly, but as I've said, just a whole lot of fun.

Read if you like:
- Action Adventure
- Flirty Nicknames
- Corny Jokes
- An Adorkable FMC
- French
- Snacks as a Love Language
- Pringles
- Snakes

Thank you to the author and Berkley Publishing Group. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura has Dr. Miriam Jacobs setting off on an adventure in the Amazon rainforest.

Will Dr. Miriam Jacobs, against all odds, find the Lost City of the Moon?

Dr. Miriam Jacobs
Dr. Miriam Jacobs is an archaeologist but doesn't have much of anything underneath her belt. Until her mentor, Dr. Corrie Mejía, can't leave Dr. Ford Matthews home alone with a broken arm, she puts Miri and another archaeologist as co-leaders of the expedition. The only things that Miri has any confidence in are her ability to keep talking and having snacks.

I like how, through this expedition, Miri gains the confidence that she needs to believe that she can do anything she sets her mind to and that maybe she needs to be her own self.

Rafael Monfils
Rafael Monfils is a journalist tasked with this expedition to document the whole thing and take pictures. It definitely isn't to throw the archaeological team off the track to find the lost city. Or is it? Rafe has a lot of things to unbury about himself throughout this adventure, and he finds comfort in Miri while finding out more about himself.

I have to say that I love these two, as they both complement each other in the weirdest ways. This is mainly because one wouldn't think of a nerdy person like Dr. Miriam Jacobs to be with a hunk like Rafael Monfils. Rafa and Miri, together, will be unstoppable together.

Four Stars
My rating for Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura is four stars. I do recommend it for the adult romance readers who love a little bit of adventure mixed in with a romantic comedy. Ms. Segura brought me to the Amazon rainforest, and on this exciting adventure helping out Rafa and Miri find the Lost City of the Moon.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

Thank you for the free Book/ARC Forever!

Another amazing story from Lauren! I absolutely loved Lunar Love and Red String Theory, so I was thrilled to dive into this one. Yin Yang Love Song feels different from the others but in the best way possible. The mix of humor and raw emotion had me hooked from the start. I loved how Lauren wrote about baking, teas, flowers and family (there’s even some curse breaking)! I learned so much about Traditional Chinese Medicine, the healing power of flowers and herbs, and the art of making tea!

Chryssy and Vin are absolutely adorable together. I loved their fake dating and how they helped each other grow in ways they never expected. Chryssy is such a strong, compassionate character, and Vin’s vulnerability was so cute. I love a great fake relationship that turns real!

I love this series so so much and cannot wait for more. Jo is out here writing adventure rom-com in such a wonderful, enjoyable, sexy way. I love love love it.

I adored this follow-up to Raiders of
the Lost Heart! There were some great adventure and mystery aspects that were so much fun. The story was fantastic and had
some funny moments. It's quite definitely an Indiana Jones romcom.

Miri is an archaeologist, but unfortunately
she hasn't had the opportunity to prove herself yet. Now she's been invited to participate in the search for a city
in the Amazon rainforest. After the original leaders are unable to make it, Miri is asked to be the expedition lead. This gives her the opportunity she needs to prove herself.

Rafa is a magazine journalist and photographer with secrets. The two of them have an adorable meet cute, and there's an instant attraction. Their adventure is filled with lots of swinging from vines, getting dirty, fighting off bad guys, and plenty and close proximity shenanigans.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to read what Jo Segura writes next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.