The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura

The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura

Series:  Raiders of the Lost Heart #3

Published by Berkley on January 13, 2026

Genres:  Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Chick Lit, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn

Pages:  367

Format:  eBook

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★★★★★

🌶🌶/5 spice

A plucky librarian and an archaeologist on the run fake an engagement to save their lives, leading them into the labyrinth of their own desires.

Daniela Guiterrez has been in love with her brother’s best friend for as long as she can remember—until he went missing a year ago during an archaeological expedition. But on a solo trip to Greece, the intrepid librarian discovers that Theo is very much alive, although judging by the criminals holding him hostage, he is not doing well.

An expert in Ancient Greek archaeology, Dr. Theo Galanis has been abducted by artifact smugglers in search of a priceless gemstone—the Eye of the Minotaur. This ridiculous assignment was supposed to get Dani out of his system, not keep her tied up next to him. But when a little white lie spirals into his captors believing Theo and Dani are engaged, they must utilize her research skills and his expertise to solve the centuries’ old Minoan mystery, all while feigning a romance to keep each other alive.

Now with less than six days to find the jewel, underground societies, mythological beings, and pesky abductors are only half the battle. Because among the ancient ruins and temples they explore is an even bigger falling in love for real.

Oh my goddddd - I loved this book SO much. I quite literally flew through it in less than 24 hours!

Jo Segura’s archeological rom-coms have me OBSESSED 😍

I loved everything about this from the intrigue of the lost eye of the Minotaur to the tense kidnapping situation to the slow burn of these two finally starting to acknowledge that they had feelings for each other.

Dani and Theo were so adorable together and they felt like two puzzle pieces that just fit. They fought those feelings so hard but it felt like magic when they finally were on the same page.

I’m really hoping this isn’t the end of this series because I NEED to know more about what’s going on in this universe that she has created!

Big thanks to Jo Segura, Berkley and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!