REVIEW: The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura

The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura: For as long as she can remember Dani has been in love with her brother’s best friend Theo. But a year ago Theo went missing while on an archaeological hunt. Now Dani has decided to go on a solo trip to Greece to honour the memory of the man she’s loved for years. This trip was supposed to be her chance to grieve and let go… The last thing Dani was expecting was for Theo to reappear very much alive and tangled in a dangerous archaeological pursuit. What started out as a way to distract himself from his feelings for Dani has now wound up being a chase for a legendary artifact with relic smugglers on his tail. With danger chasing them down Dani and Theo are forced to work together and pose as an engaged couple to survive. As the two embark on a high-stakes treasure hunt where ancient legends collide with modern danger, secrets surface and long-buried feelings refuse to stay hidden and the line between pretending and reality begins to blur…

I went into THE Lust Crusade already knowing I was going to love this book and Segura did not disappoint! Much like the other books in the Raiders of the Lost Heart series The Lust Crusade was the perfect blend of high stakes action, swoon worthy romance and two absolutely darling characters. I just loved the addition of the brothers best friend trope, making this easily my favourite in the series.

It was simply impossible not be love our two main characters, Dani and Theo are just adorable and I loved getting to follow them on their adventure as they figured out their feelings for each other. Dani was kind, smart, resourceful and quietly brave. She was the kind of heroine whose strength wasn’t just physical but emotional. I loved the fact that she cared so deeply and gave everything her all making her completely relatable. Theo on the other hand was steady, clever and completely magnetic with a calm confidence that contrasts beautifully with Dani’s intensity. I loved getting to see him slowly realize that he can not outrun his feelings for Dani and that she actually pushes him to be a better version of himself.

The thing I loved the most about these two was the fact that Dani pushes Theo out of his comfort zone, while Theo grounds her when things get chaotic. They don’t try to change each other, just simply help push each other to become the best version of themselves. Segura does an excellent job of showing their growth both individually and as a pair. Their banter is sharp, playful and full of subtle affection, while the slow burn attraction will keep you hooked while you’re constantly waiting for them to admit what’s been obvious to everyone else. I loved getting to follow these two as they navigated years of unspoken feelings and shared history as they dodged danger.

The Lust Crusade was such a fun and satisfying read. Segura blends adventure, romance and just the right amount of tension so effortlessly to create the perfect action romcom that will have you hooked right from the very first chapter! A definite must read!
 

Book Info:

Publication: January 13, 2026 | Berkley | Raiders of the Lost Heart #3

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.