REVIEW: Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura

Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura: It has been Corrie’s life goal to uncover the mysteries surrounding her long lost ancestor and Aztec warrior, Chaimalli, so much so that she has made a living out of uncovering the mysteries of the past as a renowned archeologist. So when she is invited to join an all expenses paid expedition in the Mexican jungle to uncover the remains of her relative Corrie jumps at the opportunity, the only catch being that she needs to share the dig with her nemesis Dr. Ford Matthews. Finding the remains of Chaimalli could quite literally be the discovery of a lifetime and one that Ford would much rather not have to share with Corrie. However the soon learn that they have to face more challenges that having to deal with each other on the daily, if they wish to complete a successful dig then they need to put their past aside and work together.

Raiders Of The Lost Heart was a delightfully playful read, that fans of National Treasure Hunt, Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones will absolutely love. This book had a great combination of fun playful characters with a meaningful storyline. I also really loved the fact that there was adventure, mystery, romance and loads of spice in this book, it was super easy to get invested in the dynamic between Corrie and Ford, and getting to see how they navigate not only their feelings but also the hurdles thrown their way.

I just loved Corrie, not only was she an amazing leading lady but I loved the fact that she was killing it in a male dominated field. The topic of women in STEM was really well highlighted in this book and I loved that we actually got to see a bit the archeological side rather than it being only about their romance. It was super easy to love this leading lady not only was her brilliant mind but her dedication to doing something meaningful. She brought so much of sass, banter and resilience to the book. As for Ford, well there were moments that I found him a tiny bit dramatic and whiney but as we got to know him, he did eventually grow on me.

I loved these two characters to bits! It was so incredibly easy to see their connection and the way that they snipped and bantered with each other. One of the nice things about their relationship was the fact that neither of them meant any actual harm to the other, it was just past emotions and competitiveness poking through. I have to say that I really liked the fact that we got to read this book through both Ford and Corrie’s perspectives. This also helped in building up the chemistry between these two, we got to see both of them battle the fine line that they had drawn for each other and ultimately see their desire win out in the end. Good gosh was there chemistry! These two could not have been better suited for each other and lets just say the jungle was not the only steamy thing in this book!

Raiders Of The Lost Heart was a brilliant debut that incorporates the power of love and resilience. I just loved the fact that this book incorporated enemies to lovers, forced proximity, work place romance and some good ole Scooby Doo style mystery. A definite must read for me!
 

Book Info:

Publication: December 5, 2023 | Berkley |

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.