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Raiders of the Lost Heart
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.
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.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,138 reviews
January 12, 2024
Generous rating imo given how bad the second half was. I initially said that the book has Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum's The Lost City vibes, which it does but the book fails to live up to that, which is saying something cause the movie was pretty average too.
Starting with the first half, I actually liked it a lot. The character's banter was witty and the chemistry was being set up. On the adventure side of the story, I was completely invested. It was one of the major reasons why I chose to read this book. The Indiana Jones x Lara Croft vibes were strong. Some of the scenes with the two leads- Corrie and Ford were beautifully described and I was fully immersed. Their academic rivalry captured my attention. The side characters are interesting too.
Coming to the second half, and this is where it gets bad. Corrie and Ford's attraction only remains to their physical attributes. I did not appreciate the fact that Ford in particular had nothing decent to think about Corrie, he continues to objectify her throughout the book. It was extremely disgusting to read. The spicy scenes were kinda meh to read. One would think given the sexual attraction they would enjoy themselves but doesn't seem like it. Their whole transition from sex to love was rough. Corrie after repeatedly stating that she doesn't want a relationship ever, out of the blue realises she wants one. There was no indication or hint of love from both. Worst of all, the plot to make a discovery has been turned into a subplot and it backfired imo.
A thing that irked me specifically towards the end was that when Ford reveals he did the expedition to get money for his mom's cancer treatment, Corrie flips out and gives him a self-righteous lecture and makes him feel horrible about it. It was something I despised about her. Corrie and Ford had no character growth and for someone who are supposed to be smart archaeologists, all they care about is boobs, sex and cock.
It does have some good laughs and action packed scenes. But if you're looking for it to recreate Indiana Jones and Lara Croft vibes, it fails to do so. Imo, a very average and forgettable read.
~•~•~
Mmc gives Indiana Jones vibes and fmc gives Lara Croft vibes? That's enough to grab my attention👀
Starting with the first half, I actually liked it a lot. The character's banter was witty and the chemistry was being set up. On the adventure side of the story, I was completely invested. It was one of the major reasons why I chose to read this book. The Indiana Jones x Lara Croft vibes were strong. Some of the scenes with the two leads- Corrie and Ford were beautifully described and I was fully immersed. Their academic rivalry captured my attention. The side characters are interesting too.
Coming to the second half, and this is where it gets bad. Corrie and Ford's attraction only remains to their physical attributes. I did not appreciate the fact that Ford in particular had nothing decent to think about Corrie, he continues to objectify her throughout the book. It was extremely disgusting to read. The spicy scenes were kinda meh to read. One would think given the sexual attraction they would enjoy themselves but doesn't seem like it. Their whole transition from sex to love was rough. Corrie after repeatedly stating that she doesn't want a relationship ever, out of the blue realises she wants one. There was no indication or hint of love from both. Worst of all, the plot to make a discovery has been turned into a subplot and it backfired imo.
A thing that irked me specifically towards the end was that when Ford reveals he did the expedition to get money for his mom's cancer treatment, Corrie flips out and gives him a self-righteous lecture and makes him feel horrible about it. It was something I despised about her. Corrie and Ford had no character growth and for someone who are supposed to be smart archaeologists, all they care about is boobs, sex and cock.
It does have some good laughs and action packed scenes. But if you're looking for it to recreate Indiana Jones and Lara Croft vibes, it fails to do so. Imo, a very average and forgettable read.
~•~•~
Mmc gives Indiana Jones vibes and fmc gives Lara Croft vibes? That's enough to grab my attention👀
December 16, 2023
✨I’M SO GLAD I DRIVE A HONDA BC FORDS SUCK✨
This review is rife with spoilers at the end there, sorry about that. The book was just so not for me and I’m kinda struggling to process how it went so wrong.
I wanted a danger and action-packed book with sizzling chemistry, but what I got was so far from the marketing that I don’t know what to do. We could’ve had such a good book but Ford actively perpetuated harm against her career and literally undermined everything Corrie stood for. I’m so confused how that was allowed to happen.
✨
It was just not hot how he had his white man privilege and fucked over her career even if he “didn’t mean to do it.” The fact that he has the audacity to use HER dissertation to guide this treasure hunt (before she was even getting any credit for the hunt) and to keep saying he’s in charge and to even slightly balk at her wanting her name first on all of the discoveries—when this is her LIFE’S work—is just flat out nasty of him.
Like yay let’s have sex! after he reveals how he got a coveted fellowship bc he was dating the daughter of the professor was just not sexy I’m sorry. He felt bad but like not bad enough to recommend her for the position. He also claimed he wanted to be dating her at the time he took the position. So yeah I’m not a fan of this weird person who happens to be the hero.
And all of this made me not really like Corrie bc she forgave him so fast and just got over it bc she wanted to bang him? More power to her for getting that orgasm but man he got the first sexual play (blowjob) and I really didn’t want him to come until like 90 percent whilst on the brink of physical pain. In the third act, she also went back to him RIGHT after he revealed his horrid actions to her because she was “drawn to him” and I’m sorry but FUCK THAT. This book needed MORE of a third act breakup. Like different continents. Think Pangea.
Where’s the her knife to his throat moment? Where’s that fire between them? Where’s the action and adventure? Where’s the romance? Because this book succeeded only in being a bit slow—until it flew absolutely off the rails at around 80%—and having a hero who was severely lacking in hero material. Maybe the author didn’t really like him either bc giving him the name Ford was REALLY setting him up for failure. Like. No one is writing “Love You” on their eyelids for him. And if they are, it may be a hostage situation and you should call immediately for help.
It just felt like the book tried really hard to make me not like him, only for the book to not really try to convince me to like him. And it really felt like the only redeeming thing the author could think of was giving Ford a mother who was (at times on page) dying of cancer so we could understand why he stole all of this from Corrie (he needed money). I just didn't enjoy that. Yes, I want him to have the money! But his privilege started long before her diagnosis so it just wasn’t balanced and also felt icky the way he went about everything.
On that note, it was also very heavy laden with grief and cancer (parent) content. Please take extreme care if cancer is a trigger for you as this book is probably just not the right fit. The book does end though with his mother alive and receiving good treatment, but be warned! Heavy topics aren’t a bad thing, but it was just not what I signed up for with a title and cover and blurb like that. It needed way more action, because it was hot, but the heat never went anywhere.
~Main spoilers below~
And to round it all out, the third act was absolutely heinous. He fully admitted he learned from his nepo connections that the investor was going to HIRE CORRIE FOR THE DIG SO HE CALLED THE INVESTOR AND CONVINCED THE GUY TO HIRE HIM INSTEAD AND TO PAY HIM ONE MILLION DOLLARS. He, a white man, attempted to steal an egregious amount of money and success from a Latina woman who he’d already been screwing over for years. This dig was literally the culmination of her life’s work and he stole it and had the audacity to hire her on as someone working under him.
Sweet baby Jesus, and then there was the blackmail that would further compromise her reputation—because she’d been constantly sexualized and slut shamed throughout her life and career. So of course let’s throw naked blackmail pictures into the mix. And BUT of course HE SLUT SHAMES HER DURING THEIR FIGHT*.
He then keeps going “I knowwwww I’m selfish” “I knowwww I’m the worst” “how can you stand being next to me” and I’m like YEAH but you should also know how to be SILENT. It seemed very pity party disguised as remorse. The book then tried to convince me he never undermined her career again, but I simply cannot believe that. She literally couldn’t either! She was suprised he gave her credit 😭 like…
Sorry for yelling. I’m so angry right now and probably will be forever. Maybe when I’m feeling generous I’ll reflect on the things I liked about the book—bc I had a goodish time for the first halfish—but today is simply not that day. I will say that if you still want to read the book, the audiobook was great. I loved the narrator.
I can say now though that I did like the writing, so I will read more from Segura. The teaser at the end (I think it was a teaser at least) sounded fun, because despite everything I went through, I am still desperate for a diverse Indiana Jones esque romance novel. It was evident that this book could’ve been that, so I still have hopes.
⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
*Regarding the slut shaming, here’s the section for those curious:
[“Ford, there are other ways to get money. Once word gets out about this dig, our reputations will be that of money-hungry gravediggers. No one in the professional archaeology world will respect us after this.”
“What do you care about those people? They don’t respect you anyway.”
Thwack! Corrie’s open hand flew out and smacked Ford’s face as tears rolled down her own. Cheap. He’d made her feel cheap. Confirming all the whispers and crass jokes made about her all these years. Except she wanted to believe Ford was different. That he saw her for more than that.]
To note, he claims after this that he didn’t intend to invalidate her feelings or make her feel like the others (re: slut shaming), but I take all that with a grain of salt. I’ve also seen people take issue with Corrie slapping Ford, while I didn’t even initially clock that it happened. I wanted to include that in the scene above too, so you can gauge how you feel!
Thanks so much to PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
This review is rife with spoilers at the end there, sorry about that. The book was just so not for me and I’m kinda struggling to process how it went so wrong.
I wanted a danger and action-packed book with sizzling chemistry, but what I got was so far from the marketing that I don’t know what to do. We could’ve had such a good book but Ford actively perpetuated harm against her career and literally undermined everything Corrie stood for. I’m so confused how that was allowed to happen.
✨
It was just not hot how he had his white man privilege and fucked over her career even if he “didn’t mean to do it.” The fact that he has the audacity to use HER dissertation to guide this treasure hunt (before she was even getting any credit for the hunt) and to keep saying he’s in charge and to even slightly balk at her wanting her name first on all of the discoveries—when this is her LIFE’S work—is just flat out nasty of him.
Like yay let’s have sex! after he reveals how he got a coveted fellowship bc he was dating the daughter of the professor was just not sexy I’m sorry. He felt bad but like not bad enough to recommend her for the position. He also claimed he wanted to be dating her at the time he took the position. So yeah I’m not a fan of this weird person who happens to be the hero.
And all of this made me not really like Corrie bc she forgave him so fast and just got over it bc she wanted to bang him? More power to her for getting that orgasm but man he got the first sexual play (blowjob) and I really didn’t want him to come until like 90 percent whilst on the brink of physical pain. In the third act, she also went back to him RIGHT after he revealed his horrid actions to her because she was “drawn to him” and I’m sorry but FUCK THAT. This book needed MORE of a third act breakup. Like different continents. Think Pangea.
Where’s the her knife to his throat moment? Where’s that fire between them? Where’s the action and adventure? Where’s the romance? Because this book succeeded only in being a bit slow—until it flew absolutely off the rails at around 80%—and having a hero who was severely lacking in hero material. Maybe the author didn’t really like him either bc giving him the name Ford was REALLY setting him up for failure. Like. No one is writing “Love You” on their eyelids for him. And if they are, it may be a hostage situation and you should call immediately for help.
It just felt like the book tried really hard to make me not like him, only for the book to not really try to convince me to like him. And it really felt like the only redeeming thing the author could think of was giving Ford a mother who was (at times on page) dying of cancer so we could understand why he stole all of this from Corrie (he needed money). I just didn't enjoy that. Yes, I want him to have the money! But his privilege started long before her diagnosis so it just wasn’t balanced and also felt icky the way he went about everything.
On that note, it was also very heavy laden with grief and cancer (parent) content. Please take extreme care if cancer is a trigger for you as this book is probably just not the right fit. The book does end though with his mother alive and receiving good treatment, but be warned! Heavy topics aren’t a bad thing, but it was just not what I signed up for with a title and cover and blurb like that. It needed way more action, because it was hot, but the heat never went anywhere.
~Main spoilers below~
And to round it all out, the third act was absolutely heinous. He fully admitted he learned from his nepo connections that the investor was going to HIRE CORRIE FOR THE DIG SO HE CALLED THE INVESTOR AND CONVINCED THE GUY TO HIRE HIM INSTEAD AND TO PAY HIM ONE MILLION DOLLARS. He, a white man, attempted to steal an egregious amount of money and success from a Latina woman who he’d already been screwing over for years. This dig was literally the culmination of her life’s work and he stole it and had the audacity to hire her on as someone working under him.
Sweet baby Jesus, and then there was the blackmail that would further compromise her reputation—because she’d been constantly sexualized and slut shamed throughout her life and career. So of course let’s throw naked blackmail pictures into the mix. And BUT of course HE SLUT SHAMES HER DURING THEIR FIGHT*.
He then keeps going “I knowwwww I’m selfish” “I knowwww I’m the worst” “how can you stand being next to me” and I’m like YEAH but you should also know how to be SILENT. It seemed very pity party disguised as remorse. The book then tried to convince me he never undermined her career again, but I simply cannot believe that. She literally couldn’t either! She was suprised he gave her credit 😭 like…
Sorry for yelling. I’m so angry right now and probably will be forever. Maybe when I’m feeling generous I’ll reflect on the things I liked about the book—bc I had a goodish time for the first halfish—but today is simply not that day. I will say that if you still want to read the book, the audiobook was great. I loved the narrator.
I can say now though that I did like the writing, so I will read more from Segura. The teaser at the end (I think it was a teaser at least) sounded fun, because despite everything I went through, I am still desperate for a diverse Indiana Jones esque romance novel. It was evident that this book could’ve been that, so I still have hopes.
⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
*Regarding the slut shaming, here’s the section for those curious:
[“Ford, there are other ways to get money. Once word gets out about this dig, our reputations will be that of money-hungry gravediggers. No one in the professional archaeology world will respect us after this.”
“What do you care about those people? They don’t respect you anyway.”
Thwack! Corrie’s open hand flew out and smacked Ford’s face as tears rolled down her own. Cheap. He’d made her feel cheap. Confirming all the whispers and crass jokes made about her all these years. Except she wanted to believe Ford was different. That he saw her for more than that.]
To note, he claims after this that he didn’t intend to invalidate her feelings or make her feel like the others (re: slut shaming), but I take all that with a grain of salt. I’ve also seen people take issue with Corrie slapping Ford, while I didn’t even initially clock that it happened. I wanted to include that in the scene above too, so you can gauge how you feel!
Thanks so much to PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
October 5, 2023
Ok.. did anyone think Raiders of the Lost Heart wasn't going to be an adorably adventurous rom-com? 🌴🌅🐍🗺️🦜🔦 If you loved Fools Good, National Treasure, or any of the Indiana Jones movies - you'll love this! P.S. Just enough adventure that I think even a guy would love this rom-com!
THOUGHTS:
- First, I'd like to point out the author's sensitivity to the cultural/heritage/customs of the ancient peoples being discussed. Even though this wasn't all about the Mexican people - in many ways, Raiders of the Lost Heart felt like an 'own-voices' read, and I loved that!
- Women in STEM: So much of the academic sphere is dominated by men, who historically have been the only ones to have access to academic institutions. I always remind myself when I read these kinds of books about women in any circle of academia that isn't considered 'womanly' - how hard our feminine predecessors had to fight to be there. So often, their work is maligned or even stolen... and don't get me started on not being invited to express opinions on the subject they've dedicated their whole lives to studying!! But Raiders of the Lost Heart does an incredible job painting our heroine, Corrie, as a fierce warrior who isn't letting anything stand in her way!
- Adventure Level: When I say the characters get to be adventurous, I really mean that!! I could picture this whole book in my head! As a history lover myself, it was so fun to read that perfect mix of romance surrounding the discovery of preserved artifacts! I also really do think a guy could read and love this. The smchmex scenes are even written in some instances from a man's POV sometimes.
NOTES:
- Enemies to lovers
- Feminist themes
- Mature romance - we're talking two hotties in their early 30s doing the academia life. Smart people with big dreams and big goals past the 'bloom of youth'!
- Fast read (I read it in 2 days!)
- would be a REALLY great audiobook
- HEA Ending - desperately hoping there will be a book two!
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (short spurts of conversation about d!ldos lol)
- CWs: None
Update 10-5-2023: Finished this morning!
I really can't explain how excited I am for this one!! I LOVED Laura Croft Tombraider movies for years! And to experience it as a romance? Heck yes!!!
Update 10-2-2023: Just Started!
**Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
href="https://www.instagram.com/southern.la...Find Me On Instagram 🦋 || More Bookish Thoughts & Reviews Here 🖤
THOUGHTS:
- First, I'd like to point out the author's sensitivity to the cultural/heritage/customs of the ancient peoples being discussed. Even though this wasn't all about the Mexican people - in many ways, Raiders of the Lost Heart felt like an 'own-voices' read, and I loved that!
- Women in STEM: So much of the academic sphere is dominated by men, who historically have been the only ones to have access to academic institutions. I always remind myself when I read these kinds of books about women in any circle of academia that isn't considered 'womanly' - how hard our feminine predecessors had to fight to be there. So often, their work is maligned or even stolen... and don't get me started on not being invited to express opinions on the subject they've dedicated their whole lives to studying!! But Raiders of the Lost Heart does an incredible job painting our heroine, Corrie, as a fierce warrior who isn't letting anything stand in her way!
- Adventure Level: When I say the characters get to be adventurous, I really mean that!! I could picture this whole book in my head! As a history lover myself, it was so fun to read that perfect mix of romance surrounding the discovery of preserved artifacts! I also really do think a guy could read and love this. The smchmex scenes are even written in some instances from a man's POV sometimes.
NOTES:
- Enemies to lovers
- Feminist themes
- Mature romance - we're talking two hotties in their early 30s doing the academia life. Smart people with big dreams and big goals past the 'bloom of youth'!
- Fast read (I read it in 2 days!)
- would be a REALLY great audiobook
- HEA Ending - desperately hoping there will be a book two!
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (short spurts of conversation about d!ldos lol)
- CWs: None
Update 10-5-2023: Finished this morning!
I really can't explain how excited I am for this one!! I LOVED Laura Croft Tombraider movies for years! And to experience it as a romance? Heck yes!!!
Update 10-2-2023: Just Started!
**Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
href="https://www.instagram.com/southern.la...Find Me On Instagram 🦋 || More Bookish Thoughts & Reviews Here 🖤
January 4, 2024
**Many thanks to Catherine Barra at Berkley and Jo Segura for an ARC of this book provided via NetGalley! Now available as of 12.5!**
Corrie Mejía has always had to fight just a LITTLE bit harder to be taken seriously in the archeological space...but then again, she's never backed down from a fight. As a real-life Lara Croft of sorts, those around her tend to be gobsmacked by her curves and don't often give her the credit she deserves for her sharp mind and eagle-eyed prowess as an archeologist. When Corrie is presented with an opportunity to lead a dig deep in Aztec territory and uncover not only relics, but remains of her Aztec warrior ancestor Chimalli, Corrie is nothing short of ELATED. This is the dig that will finally take her career to new heights, and to cap it off, this is an all-expenses paid trip: who could ask for more!?
But Corrie quickly learns she's going to have to share the spotlight with the WORST possible person she could dream up: her irritatingly handsome former grad school rival, Dr. Ford Matthews. The two have been steadily avoiding each other in their post-grad lives...ever since a night in the library and a near kiss that somehow still haunts them both. Now forced to co-lead the dig, they grit their teeth and put their heads down, hunting for the remains of Chimalli, each with their own motivations...and more than a LITTLE sexual frustration. But as the days pass, these two discover more than just treasures from the past: there's a thief at their camp who is aiming to claim the remains of Chimalli for their very own...but who? Can these current rivals and former friends put their heads together, suss out the villain, AND make the discovery before the camp erupts into chaos? And more importantly...can they manage to stay OUT of each other's hot, steamy tents late at night? Or will the wild jungle and old feelings stoke a fire that never TRULY stopped burning?
Going in, I had no idea how I'd feel about a romance like this one: while I'm always game for a story sent in a fun location (especially one like this that feels so at home with Tomb Raider, The Mummy, and of course, Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark), I had my reservations about this sliding into silly and unbelievable territory, where the resulting story felt less like a fun adventure and more like a mere backdrop for just another enemies-lovers tale.
Well in this case...Segura took the best elements of ALL of these sources of inspiration, tossed in fun and lovable characters, sprinkled in some mystery and heart, and added a HEFTY dose of spice to taste...and the result was a zesty and flavorful dish that would best even the most TALENTED chef's jambalaya!
First off, Corrie and Ford's dynamic was INSTANTLY believable. Their sniping was never malicious but felt truly rooted in their past and their competitiveness. At the same time, Segura made the PERFECT choice to let us dive into the situation fully from both perspectives: she made FORD the second narrator in this book. This might seem like such a small point, but I honestly almost breathed a sigh of relief when I saw we were going to hear directly from Ford throughout the entire journey, rather than just learning about him through Corrie's lens and POV. Not only did this help to flesh out his character, but we got to hear HIS innermost worries and his tortured inner battles, and this also helped to ramp up the tension as we heard BOTH perspectives while also exploring the different facets of each lead.
And then there's the spice... Let's just say I tend to be more of the mind that any open door can be closed at SOME point during the proceedings and I usually don't read anything I'd describe as incredibly racy OR raunchy. Raiders manages to toe this line VERY carefully, getting a bit R+ rated in parts, but never getting too intrusive, gross, or graphic. Plenty of spice, but luckily it's all presented in context and rather than coming across as gratuitous, serves to demonstrate just HOW hot these two get for one another...and how those long lonely nights in the jungle might have you missing the contents of the Nightstand (or some of them anyway! 😂🛌)
The emotional pay off and the wrap of the 'whodunit' were probably the weaker points of the novel, in that there was a bit of Scooby Doo-esque villainy going on and also a soap-opera worthy dramatic fake out towards the end BUT with all that being said, this was still a fun romp, and the ending set the scene nicely for the next adventure, if Segura feels like taking our mighty adventurers out for another expedition (as it were). 🛫
And if I have anything to say about it?
I'd definitely order my next 'meal' from Segura with one vital spice...a heaping spoonful of "Corrie"-ander! 🌶
😉
4 stars
Corrie Mejía has always had to fight just a LITTLE bit harder to be taken seriously in the archeological space...but then again, she's never backed down from a fight. As a real-life Lara Croft of sorts, those around her tend to be gobsmacked by her curves and don't often give her the credit she deserves for her sharp mind and eagle-eyed prowess as an archeologist. When Corrie is presented with an opportunity to lead a dig deep in Aztec territory and uncover not only relics, but remains of her Aztec warrior ancestor Chimalli, Corrie is nothing short of ELATED. This is the dig that will finally take her career to new heights, and to cap it off, this is an all-expenses paid trip: who could ask for more!?
But Corrie quickly learns she's going to have to share the spotlight with the WORST possible person she could dream up: her irritatingly handsome former grad school rival, Dr. Ford Matthews. The two have been steadily avoiding each other in their post-grad lives...ever since a night in the library and a near kiss that somehow still haunts them both. Now forced to co-lead the dig, they grit their teeth and put their heads down, hunting for the remains of Chimalli, each with their own motivations...and more than a LITTLE sexual frustration. But as the days pass, these two discover more than just treasures from the past: there's a thief at their camp who is aiming to claim the remains of Chimalli for their very own...but who? Can these current rivals and former friends put their heads together, suss out the villain, AND make the discovery before the camp erupts into chaos? And more importantly...can they manage to stay OUT of each other's hot, steamy tents late at night? Or will the wild jungle and old feelings stoke a fire that never TRULY stopped burning?
Going in, I had no idea how I'd feel about a romance like this one: while I'm always game for a story sent in a fun location (especially one like this that feels so at home with Tomb Raider, The Mummy, and of course, Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark), I had my reservations about this sliding into silly and unbelievable territory, where the resulting story felt less like a fun adventure and more like a mere backdrop for just another enemies-lovers tale.
Well in this case...Segura took the best elements of ALL of these sources of inspiration, tossed in fun and lovable characters, sprinkled in some mystery and heart, and added a HEFTY dose of spice to taste...and the result was a zesty and flavorful dish that would best even the most TALENTED chef's jambalaya!
First off, Corrie and Ford's dynamic was INSTANTLY believable. Their sniping was never malicious but felt truly rooted in their past and their competitiveness. At the same time, Segura made the PERFECT choice to let us dive into the situation fully from both perspectives: she made FORD the second narrator in this book. This might seem like such a small point, but I honestly almost breathed a sigh of relief when I saw we were going to hear directly from Ford throughout the entire journey, rather than just learning about him through Corrie's lens and POV. Not only did this help to flesh out his character, but we got to hear HIS innermost worries and his tortured inner battles, and this also helped to ramp up the tension as we heard BOTH perspectives while also exploring the different facets of each lead.
And then there's the spice... Let's just say I tend to be more of the mind that any open door can be closed at SOME point during the proceedings and I usually don't read anything I'd describe as incredibly racy OR raunchy. Raiders manages to toe this line VERY carefully, getting a bit R+ rated in parts, but never getting too intrusive, gross, or graphic. Plenty of spice, but luckily it's all presented in context and rather than coming across as gratuitous, serves to demonstrate just HOW hot these two get for one another...and how those long lonely nights in the jungle might have you missing the contents of the Nightstand (or some of them anyway! 😂🛌)
The emotional pay off and the wrap of the 'whodunit' were probably the weaker points of the novel, in that there was a bit of Scooby Doo-esque villainy going on and also a soap-opera worthy dramatic fake out towards the end BUT with all that being said, this was still a fun romp, and the ending set the scene nicely for the next adventure, if Segura feels like taking our mighty adventurers out for another expedition (as it were). 🛫
And if I have anything to say about it?
I'd definitely order my next 'meal' from Segura with one vital spice...a heaping spoonful of "Corrie"-ander! 🌶
😉
4 stars
January 4, 2024
When it revealed the heroine packed a vibrator and lace bra for her archeological dig in the jungle, I knew this book was going downhill for me.
Initially I really liked the bickering between Corrie and her rival Dr. Ford Matthews, but the sexual tension felt very forced and oddly placed. It was laughable at times. The romance relied so heavily on their physical attraction. It was too much for me.
I picked this up hoping for an adventurous romance, something unique. And I will say, I did like the trek through the Lacandon Jungle searching for a prized artifact. But unfortunately it was greatly overshadowed by the lust between Corrie and Ford.
(heat level: multiple open-door scenes, explicit details)
Initially I really liked the bickering between Corrie and her rival Dr. Ford Matthews, but the sexual tension felt very forced and oddly placed. It was laughable at times. The romance relied so heavily on their physical attraction. It was too much for me.
I picked this up hoping for an adventurous romance, something unique. And I will say, I did like the trek through the Lacandon Jungle searching for a prized artifact. But unfortunately it was greatly overshadowed by the lust between Corrie and Ford.
(heat level: multiple open-door scenes, explicit details)
July 11, 2023
cute as heck and perfect for fans of indiana jones and the mummy
thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for providing this review copy
thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for providing this review copy
February 7, 2024
I foresee divorce
September 25, 2024
Unfortunately, this Adult Romance was way more ewww than awww for me. As in, a complete cringefest.
I am sooooo glad it's over!!!
Let's start with what I liked. The cover is adorable. It immediately made me what to pick this one up. I love the colors and how cute both of the characters look. It's also giving strong adventure vibes.
I also enjoyed the very beginning of this story. I appreciated how quickly it kicked off. The author didn't waste any time with filler stuff. We're immediately swept away with Corrie as she's pulled into an expedition in Mexico.
Also, I do tend to really enjoy the academic rivals-to-lovers trope and it seemed obvious that's where this was going, which I was excited to see play out.
Very sadly, this is where my likes end. I won't give you the full list of dislikes. I'm nothere to be salty looking to turn anyone off from giving this book a shot, but I do like to keep it real with my personal reading experiences in my reviews.
After the successful set-up, nothing really happens. I was waiting for something to happen, something more than pointless bickering between our mains. Then they started hooking up and I WISHED WITH ALL MY HEART we could go back to nothing happening.
The steamy bits are soooo not to my tastes. I was legit yelling, ewwwwwww, at my audiobook and I'm not even joking. I wish I was. Descriptors like 'lapping' --- just don't and I def don't want to hear about smooth, VEINY skin.
Before y'all come at me, it wasn't just the steamy bits though, although that was huge part of it. I also hated both of the main characters.
Corrie was so annoying and I was beyond sick of hearing about how hot her body was and what horrible problems that caused for her. Her stunningly jaw-dropping double-Ds and taut ass had plagued her her whole life. Poor thing.
Ford was a jerk, who would fly off the handle over nothing and I detested the way they interacted with one another, both when they were fighting and then when they were all over each other. It was completely cringe. There's honestly not a better way to describe it.
Uneventful, lackluster, boring, icky and disappointing. Clearly, not a new favorite, but alas, I am moving on and will wrap this up with the same thing I say every time I write a not so positive review:
Just because this didn't work for me, doesn't mean it won't work for you. There's a Reader for every book and book for every Reader. If this sounds good to you, check it out. If you love it, please come back and tell me how wrong I am!
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I never give up on an author after one try, so would consider picking up more from Segura.
I am sooooo glad it's over!!!
Let's start with what I liked. The cover is adorable. It immediately made me what to pick this one up. I love the colors and how cute both of the characters look. It's also giving strong adventure vibes.
I also enjoyed the very beginning of this story. I appreciated how quickly it kicked off. The author didn't waste any time with filler stuff. We're immediately swept away with Corrie as she's pulled into an expedition in Mexico.
Also, I do tend to really enjoy the academic rivals-to-lovers trope and it seemed obvious that's where this was going, which I was excited to see play out.
Very sadly, this is where my likes end. I won't give you the full list of dislikes. I'm not
After the successful set-up, nothing really happens. I was waiting for something to happen, something more than pointless bickering between our mains. Then they started hooking up and I WISHED WITH ALL MY HEART we could go back to nothing happening.
The steamy bits are soooo not to my tastes. I was legit yelling, ewwwwwww, at my audiobook and I'm not even joking. I wish I was. Descriptors like 'lapping' --- just don't and I def don't want to hear about smooth, VEINY skin.
Before y'all come at me, it wasn't just the steamy bits though, although that was huge part of it. I also hated both of the main characters.
Corrie was so annoying and I was beyond sick of hearing about how hot her body was and what horrible problems that caused for her. Her stunningly jaw-dropping double-Ds and taut ass had plagued her her whole life. Poor thing.
Ford was a jerk, who would fly off the handle over nothing and I detested the way they interacted with one another, both when they were fighting and then when they were all over each other. It was completely cringe. There's honestly not a better way to describe it.
Uneventful, lackluster, boring, icky and disappointing. Clearly, not a new favorite, but alas, I am moving on and will wrap this up with the same thing I say every time I write a not so positive review:
Just because this didn't work for me, doesn't mean it won't work for you. There's a Reader for every book and book for every Reader. If this sounds good to you, check it out. If you love it, please come back and tell me how wrong I am!
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I never give up on an author after one try, so would consider picking up more from Segura.
May 10, 2024
So, am I in a reading slump or am I just picking bad books? What is going on
December 11, 2023
Well this sucked. It’s all marketing. It’s all lies. If you like the mummy, you won’t like this. If you like action, adventure, and a love story, you won’t find it here. Nothing fucking happens. It’s boring sitting around most of the time.
The very little action/adventure that happens in this book happens at 92% in and is over by 94%. And it was infuriating, the h is a badass the whole book but is relegated to damsel when something actually finally happens.
You never even really find out why the knife they are looking for is so important. There could have been an interesting mummy style history of the knife and finding clues and solving a centuries old mystery. But nope.
The H is the biggest problem in the book. His personal problems take centre stage. He is the literal worst. The shit he pulls, his fucking white man privilege is all over this thing and he never has to reckon with any of it. The h forgives him immediately and that made me dislike her.
The book also keeps reminding us how cool and badass the h is. But we never actually see it. She just tells stories about her previous badass adventures, it’s almost as if the writer thought that instead of writing an action adventure they would just let you know the characters were capable of it. Just not in this book.
Fuck this book. I just wanted a fun action adventure romance. This sucked. I imagine the rating will only be going down. The publisher is making a huge mistake lying about the contents of this book.
The very little action/adventure that happens in this book happens at 92% in and is over by 94%. And it was infuriating, the h is a badass the whole book but is relegated to damsel when something actually finally happens.
You never even really find out why the knife they are looking for is so important. There could have been an interesting mummy style history of the knife and finding clues and solving a centuries old mystery. But nope.
The H is the biggest problem in the book. His personal problems take centre stage. He is the literal worst. The shit he pulls, his fucking white man privilege is all over this thing and he never has to reckon with any of it. The h forgives him immediately and that made me dislike her.
The book also keeps reminding us how cool and badass the h is. But we never actually see it. She just tells stories about her previous badass adventures, it’s almost as if the writer thought that instead of writing an action adventure they would just let you know the characters were capable of it. Just not in this book.
Fuck this book. I just wanted a fun action adventure romance. This sucked. I imagine the rating will only be going down. The publisher is making a huge mistake lying about the contents of this book.
July 22, 2024
So, I am actually really mad at whomever decided to market this book as Romancing the Stone/Indiana Jones because it was neither of those things. Those are adventure stories with lots of action: this was a boring archeological dig where not much action (other than sexual) happens.
I think this book had a lot of potential, and Jo Segura is a decent writer, but this story itself and the execution of the plot was lackluster. We had two such great characters that had decent chemistry (aside from some ick sex scenes, at least ick to me) and yet the actual story was not good! How do you take the really cool story of what these characters were looking for and then make it boring, I don't know. But after not much happening throughout 80% of the book and then a super-dramatic over the top turn in the last 20% is what brought the book down from 3 to 2 stars for me.
An ALC was provided via the Librarian ALC program at Libro.fm
I think this book had a lot of potential, and Jo Segura is a decent writer, but this story itself and the execution of the plot was lackluster. We had two such great characters that had decent chemistry (aside from some ick sex scenes, at least ick to me) and yet the actual story was not good! How do you take the really cool story of what these characters were looking for and then make it boring, I don't know. But after not much happening throughout 80% of the book and then a super-dramatic over the top turn in the last 20% is what brought the book down from 3 to 2 stars for me.
An ALC was provided via the Librarian ALC program at Libro.fm
September 22, 2024
Latine Heritage Month
Cuter than anticipated, but not without its problems. I tried to go in with just vibes, as I needed a lightish romance after some of the heavy stuff I've been reading.
Corrie is an archaeologist that isn't taken seriously because (1) she's a woman, (2) she's Latine, and (3) and she has big boobs. The latter are mentioned a little more frequently than necessary. A magazine photoshoot is mentioned.
I won't go through the ins and outs of why I'm tired of white love interests, and while Ford was mostly fine, there were still some moments where I was like, "WTF?!"
Those are my complaints, but I swear, I truly did enjoy this. It's wonderful to see a BIPOC woman in a role usually only seen for white men. I love Young Harrison Ford (I actually also love Old Harrison Ford), but some diversity is needed in this industry, film portrayal or not.
It gets spicy, and I loved every second of it. I also love how before it got spicy, they talked about sex, and how a lot of their past sex was mediocre. We do not talk about mediocre sex enough in books. Look, I'm all about escaping, but can we also be real?
The mystery and adventure part of this was less exciting to me than the romance, because that isn't what I was here for, but I still enjoyed following along until about the 90% mark. The reveal was a little meh, and so was the resolution.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
Cuter than anticipated, but not without its problems. I tried to go in with just vibes, as I needed a lightish romance after some of the heavy stuff I've been reading.
Corrie is an archaeologist that isn't taken seriously because (1) she's a woman, (2) she's Latine, and (3) and she has big boobs. The latter are mentioned a little more frequently than necessary. A magazine photoshoot is mentioned.
I won't go through the ins and outs of why I'm tired of white love interests, and while Ford was mostly fine, there were still some moments where I was like, "WTF?!"
Those are my complaints, but I swear, I truly did enjoy this. It's wonderful to see a BIPOC woman in a role usually only seen for white men. I love Young Harrison Ford (I actually also love Old Harrison Ford), but some diversity is needed in this industry, film portrayal or not.
It gets spicy, and I loved every second of it. I also love how before it got spicy, they talked about sex, and how a lot of their past sex was mediocre. We do not talk about mediocre sex enough in books. Look, I'm all about escaping, but can we also be real?
The mystery and adventure part of this was less exciting to me than the romance, because that isn't what I was here for, but I still enjoyed following along until about the 90% mark. The reveal was a little meh, and so was the resolution.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
December 9, 2023
This was so fun! I was so ready for Romancing the Stone and Indiana Jones inspired romance and this definitely had those vibes. While it was as adventurous as those, I loved how the hero and heroine were on an archeological dig trying to find an artifact the heroine has been looking for for a decade. Ford and Corrie have a history, so when she arrives adn realizes he's leading the dig, she isn't happy. I really loved the push and pull between them, though the heroine did get to be a bit much with how crass and open about sex she was. The hero would just make an innocent comment and she'd be all obsessed with having sex with him. I would have liked it toned down a bit, but there was definitely an undeniable attraction between the two that had them always coming back to each other for more.
I do wish the side characters, villains, and red-herring characters were fleshed out a bit and some of the commentary the author was trying to address was stronger. But overall, I loved the setting of this and thought the story was so fun!!
I do wish the side characters, villains, and red-herring characters were fleshed out a bit and some of the commentary the author was trying to address was stronger. But overall, I loved the setting of this and thought the story was so fun!!
December 9, 2023
Honestly the more I think about this book the more frustrated I get. There was so much potential for this idea. But having a white man directly undermine a Latina woman’s career is icky.
Idk I just felt like Ford’s character was just kind of…messily written? He didn’t even grovel. Like come on🙄
Corrie is a huge badass and I adore her. She deserved better than Ford. I said what I said.
Idk I just felt like Ford’s character was just kind of…messily written? He didn’t even grovel. Like come on🙄
Corrie is a huge badass and I adore her. She deserved better than Ford. I said what I said.
December 4, 2023
3.5 stars - There's a lot in here that worked for me in terms of tropes (actual hate to love due to a history of professional rivalry) and set up. Lara Croft and Indiana Jones go on an adventure & fall in love? Sold! I did think this was kind of uneven in its execution, which kept me from fully getting into the flow, and I think some of the underlying issues (e.g. the ethics of archaeology by Americans in Mexico, the dynamics of the hero's privilege relative to the heroine by virtue of gender & ethnicity) were kind of brought up but not fully resolved.
Still I love an adventure romance and I want more books like this out there
Still I love an adventure romance and I want more books like this out there
June 26, 2024
If you're looking for an entertaining escape to a steamy tropical locale for the summer, this is the perfect book to pick up. Not only do you have adventure, intrigue and drama, but the chemistry makes the Mexican jungle even hotter. Besides a strong and brilliant female lead character, with the archaeologists in this book, you have a story that's a cross between Romancing the Stone and Indiana Jones. Who knows, it might even make you want to give the profession a try.
I highly recommend this book if you want an action-packed getaway. It's truly a fun vacation packed in a story... the perfect excursion.
-Jennifer K
I highly recommend this book if you want an action-packed getaway. It's truly a fun vacation packed in a story... the perfect excursion.
-Jennifer K
January 27, 2024
This book was a disrespectful waste of my time. I didn’t want to DNF it because I hoped somewhere within, that my anticipation would be paid off. Reader, it was not.
For a book that I was anticipating and so excited for, this was a let down. I wanted to like it so bad, and I wanted to enjoy the adventure of it, but there wasn’t really much adventure in it. This book fell flat with regard to the excitement and adventurous life that we are told Dr. Socorro Mejía lives.
We’re told that she’s a super badass and daring archaeologist who is the “real life Lara Croft,” but we only get one measly glimpse of that and it happens at the scene with the waterfall.
I get that it’s supposed to be romance, but all there was is pining from both sides while the MMC keeps really awful secrets from her while pursuing her sexually and romantically.
This leads me to Ford fucking Matthews. I HATE this man with a burning passion. Like there is nothing that gives me the ick more than a WHITE MAN who undermines, steals from, and puts their own selfish needs over those of a hard working and deserving woman of color. Like there is no justification that would get me to ever forgive a man who did that to anyone, let alone sleep and fall in love with him.
Like I get it, his mom is sick, but like that doesn’t make his needs and accomplishments more important than Corrie’s.
Ford is terrible, Corrie and him should not have gotten together at all, like he really stole a job from her that involved HER LIFE’S WORK and only brought her onto the job because HE COULDN’T DO IT. AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS ACCEPTABLE TO DO SO UP UNTIL THEY STARTED FUCKING LIKE NO ABSOLUTELY NOT. I don’t care that he gave her the lead archaeologist credit in the end, his actions and selfishness throughout the book while sexualizing the fuck out of her in his mind ruined any little respect I could have had for this man at all.
It might have been better for his perspective to have been left out of the book altogether, then maybe I wouldn’t hate it this much.
For a book that I was anticipating and so excited for, this was a let down. I wanted to like it so bad, and I wanted to enjoy the adventure of it, but there wasn’t really much adventure in it. This book fell flat with regard to the excitement and adventurous life that we are told Dr. Socorro Mejía lives.
We’re told that she’s a super badass and daring archaeologist who is the “real life Lara Croft,” but we only get one measly glimpse of that and it happens at the scene with the waterfall.
I get that it’s supposed to be romance, but all there was is pining from both sides while the MMC keeps really awful secrets from her while pursuing her sexually and romantically.
This leads me to Ford fucking Matthews. I HATE this man with a burning passion. Like there is nothing that gives me the ick more than a WHITE MAN who undermines, steals from, and puts their own selfish needs over those of a hard working and deserving woman of color. Like there is no justification that would get me to ever forgive a man who did that to anyone, let alone sleep and fall in love with him.
Like I get it, his mom is sick, but like that doesn’t make his needs and accomplishments more important than Corrie’s.
Ford is terrible, Corrie and him should not have gotten together at all, like he really stole a job from her that involved HER LIFE’S WORK and only brought her onto the job because HE COULDN’T DO IT. AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS ACCEPTABLE TO DO SO UP UNTIL THEY STARTED FUCKING LIKE NO ABSOLUTELY NOT. I don’t care that he gave her the lead archaeologist credit in the end, his actions and selfishness throughout the book while sexualizing the fuck out of her in his mind ruined any little respect I could have had for this man at all.
It might have been better for his perspective to have been left out of the book altogether, then maybe I wouldn’t hate it this much.
March 4, 2024
Listen, I definitely have some quibbles with this book, but in general it was just a whole lot of fun and I'm feeling more gracious because of it. Raiders of the Lost Heart is a romance novel set at an archaeological dig between rival archaeologists. Dr. Ford Matthews is brilliant but uptight and privileged. Dr. Socorro (Corrie) Mejia is beautiful, smart, saucy, and known for her wild adventures. But now they're working together on Corrie's dream project involving Aztec remains in Mexico and the long-existent sexual tension between the two is ramping up...
I'll be honest, I'm not 100% sold on Matthews as a love interest. He somewhat redeems himself, but he is pretty insufferable and does some terrible things. I'm not convinced their relationship would be healthy in the long term and there are definitely some toxic elements. Additionally, I didn't always love the ways that the characters physical attractiveness was described. Calling the heroine thin but not too skinny and curvy? Yeah, I get that it's a Lara Croft insinuation but the phrasing discounts wide swathes of the population who fail to achieve some assumed perfection. This is far from the only book that does stuff like this and it could be worse, but it bugs me and I do think it's worth pointing out.
That said, I generally had a good time with this. It's a fun romp with interesting twists and I would love to see more archaeologists in romance. I'm glad I picked it up!
I'll be honest, I'm not 100% sold on Matthews as a love interest. He somewhat redeems himself, but he is pretty insufferable and does some terrible things. I'm not convinced their relationship would be healthy in the long term and there are definitely some toxic elements. Additionally, I didn't always love the ways that the characters physical attractiveness was described. Calling the heroine thin but not too skinny and curvy? Yeah, I get that it's a Lara Croft insinuation but the phrasing discounts wide swathes of the population who fail to achieve some assumed perfection. This is far from the only book that does stuff like this and it could be worse, but it bugs me and I do think it's worth pointing out.
That said, I generally had a good time with this. It's a fun romp with interesting twists and I would love to see more archaeologists in romance. I'm glad I picked it up!
January 22, 2024
You don't understand, I have been waiting my whole friggin' life for a book like this, and then this is what I get...I can't believe it. Then again, after seeing Lauren Asher doing F1 romance I can pretty much believe anything.
So I listened to the audiobook, but I don't think I would've had a better time with this if I hadn't. It just seems like the writing style is one of those that irks me, maybe it'll improve with each consecutive book, maybe it won't.
The characters were so annoying and unlikeable, especially Ford. The more I listened to, the worse he got. And I'm supposed to be cheering for him because he has a sob story background??? I THINK NOT.
He literally stole Corrie's work, and didn't want to admit to it until the very end when all was said and done, and Corrie, being struck by the love bug & bad taste decides to forgive him for it because the sex is good...NO!!! EW!!!! YOU CAN DO SO MUCH BETTER CORRIE, LISTEN TO ME!!!!! FREE YOURSELF FROM THAT EVIL MAN!!!!!
What also bugged me is how immature their banter was for their age, it felt like it was all "boobs boobs boobs" or "dick dick dick", their whole attraction was based on the physical level and I never felt like it progressed further than that despite how hard the book tried to convince me they were ~in love~.
The steamy scenes were cringy too, though I'd imagine they'd be less so if you actually liked the characters.
The lack of archeology is evident, that was why I wanted to read the book. This is more of a standard romance with a jungle background setting than an archeology romance if that makes sense. If you wanted something like Indiana Jones, based on the title and cover, you won't find that here!!!
You know what else? Poor Corrie didn't stop getting sexualised throughout the book, it rubbed me the wrong way. Especially because she didn't want to be seen that way, but was portrayed like that, and the other characters wouldn't let her breathe.
So yeah this was disappointing, but it opened the doors for someone to write an archeology romance that will work for me. I'd even be open to giving this author another shot in the future, maybe.
So I listened to the audiobook, but I don't think I would've had a better time with this if I hadn't. It just seems like the writing style is one of those that irks me, maybe it'll improve with each consecutive book, maybe it won't.
The characters were so annoying and unlikeable, especially Ford. The more I listened to, the worse he got. And I'm supposed to be cheering for him because he has a sob story background??? I THINK NOT.
He literally stole Corrie's work, and didn't want to admit to it until the very end when all was said and done, and Corrie, being struck by the love bug & bad taste decides to forgive him for it because the sex is good...NO!!! EW!!!! YOU CAN DO SO MUCH BETTER CORRIE, LISTEN TO ME!!!!! FREE YOURSELF FROM THAT EVIL MAN!!!!!
What also bugged me is how immature their banter was for their age, it felt like it was all "boobs boobs boobs" or "dick dick dick", their whole attraction was based on the physical level and I never felt like it progressed further than that despite how hard the book tried to convince me they were ~in love~.
The steamy scenes were cringy too, though I'd imagine they'd be less so if you actually liked the characters.
The lack of archeology is evident, that was why I wanted to read the book. This is more of a standard romance with a jungle background setting than an archeology romance if that makes sense. If you wanted something like Indiana Jones, based on the title and cover, you won't find that here!!!
You know what else? Poor Corrie didn't stop getting sexualised throughout the book, it rubbed me the wrong way. Especially because she didn't want to be seen that way, but was portrayed like that, and the other characters wouldn't let her breathe.
So yeah this was disappointing, but it opened the doors for someone to write an archeology romance that will work for me. I'd even be open to giving this author another shot in the future, maybe.
December 5, 2023
This one was aiming at "fun" but didn't quite get there for us. We wanted it to be either MORE bananas in the Indiana Jones/The Mummy style: curses, artifacts that melt your eyes, scarabs that come alive... or more realistic. As it is, the book focuses a lot on academic rivalry that ends up focusing on the reality that Ford has benefited from a lot of privilege as a white man that he hasn't acknowledged or pushed back on, and that Corrie, as a latina and a woman, has been struggling with for her entire career. Obviously this is an important theme, but we're not sure a book of OTT opposites attract (she's the Lara Croft/Indiana Jones "by the seat of her pants" archaeologist while he's a "by the books" kind of guy) is the right place to delve into it.
We want to highlight our favorite parts: really liked that the archaeological dig took place in Mexico! The sex is STEAMY and not just because they're in the jungle. There's an "only one tent" sitch that worked really, really well for us.
On paper, this should have been made for us. In reality, we were left disappointed.
44-Word Summaries:
Meg: If you’re gonna give me academic rivals to lovers, please don’t make the “rivals” actually the FMC being way better than the MMC and him not realizing his privilege until Too Late. I couldn’t just enjoy this with righteous anger burning in my gut.
Laine: Corrie has justified reasons for hating Ford for his personal crusade against her career, and she only knows about some of them. Ford's got a mom with cancer and the accompanying financial problems. This book wishes it were an adventure movie with more camping.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
We want to highlight our favorite parts: really liked that the archaeological dig took place in Mexico! The sex is STEAMY and not just because they're in the jungle. There's an "only one tent" sitch that worked really, really well for us.
On paper, this should have been made for us. In reality, we were left disappointed.
44-Word Summaries:
Meg: If you’re gonna give me academic rivals to lovers, please don’t make the “rivals” actually the FMC being way better than the MMC and him not realizing his privilege until Too Late. I couldn’t just enjoy this with righteous anger burning in my gut.
Laine: Corrie has justified reasons for hating Ford for his personal crusade against her career, and she only knows about some of them. Ford's got a mom with cancer and the accompanying financial problems. This book wishes it were an adventure movie with more camping.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
November 30, 2023
Raiders of the Lost Heart is a fun adventure romance about two rival archeologists who are on the same dig and eventually fall in love. While trying to find Chimalli's, an Aztec warrior, resting place, they get involved with mysteries, robbers, and their years-long sexual tension.
I enjoyed this book so much. It was fun, entertaining, and I've been wanting to read more adventure romances because they seem to provide action-packed moments, suspense, and lots of swoony moments with a happily ever after. I don't know why I expected more action though in this novel? lmao like it does have some, but the blurb made me believe that it'll be like Indiana Jones or maybe even Tomb Raider. Those have like tons of action. But this is more like the dig, the camp, and their relationship. It does have its adventurous and danger moments but they aren't as big as I initially thought!
Still, it was entertaining and if Jo Segura ever thinks about making this a series where we see Corrie and Ford going on epic adventures around the world and getting involved with more msyteries, I'm game. Like I would definitely read that!
You will love this book if you love:
- academic rivals
- hate to love
- only one tent
- "I've been in love with you since college"
- funny moments
- she's the adventurous, legendary archeologist who fights jaguars and steals back necklaces x he's the rule follower who doesn't ever do things without thinking about it 100333884 times
I enjoyed this book so much. It was fun, entertaining, and I've been wanting to read more adventure romances because they seem to provide action-packed moments, suspense, and lots of swoony moments with a happily ever after. I don't know why I expected more action though in this novel? lmao like it does have some, but the blurb made me believe that it'll be like Indiana Jones or maybe even Tomb Raider. Those have like tons of action. But this is more like the dig, the camp, and their relationship. It does have its adventurous and danger moments but they aren't as big as I initially thought!
Still, it was entertaining and if Jo Segura ever thinks about making this a series where we see Corrie and Ford going on epic adventures around the world and getting involved with more msyteries, I'm game. Like I would definitely read that!
You will love this book if you love:
- academic rivals
- hate to love
- only one tent
- "I've been in love with you since college"
- funny moments
- she's the adventurous, legendary archeologist who fights jaguars and steals back necklaces x he's the rule follower who doesn't ever do things without thinking about it 100333884 times
December 11, 2023
All I wanted was a fun book, but I got this annoying/frustrating book. Whoever said this has mummy vibes has watched that movie with eyes closed.
August 28, 2024
might raise the rating after more thought idk, i had fun reading this, it was a good experience reading this on my cruise but the third act breakup pissed me off, it wasn’t bad or anything it’s just been so long since i’ve read one that i just got annoyed
January 13, 2024
(1.5, im rounding up because im about to be brutal)
I may be a bit harsh in this, but as the year comes to a close and we turn to 2024, I'm learning to be more frugal with my reading time and my attention. I do not have time for mediocre or bad romances! The market is saturated and I need to dedicate my attention to the good ones. So let me save you, dear reader, the time and let you know that just because there's an Ali Hazelwood quote on the cover, this story, unfortunately, is not worth your time.
Raiders of the Lost Heart presents a vibrant cover with two extremely hot archaeologists on the cover tempting you into what seems to be a steamy, adventurous, and romantic romp of a story. We have Drs. Mejia and Matthews, former school rivals (former crushes?) who hate each other now but end up on the same dig to discover a lost tecpatl of Aztec legend. As Corrie and Ford work together to discover the correct dig site, the hate turns into lust and.... allegedly love (side eye). But Ford is keeping secrets and Corrie is jaded from their history.
Here's the real truth of it all: these were some of the least likable characters I have read about in a looooong ass time. And when I say that, I mean that there's a clear sense that you're actually supposed to like them, to root for them, as this is a rom-com. The issues included: Ford actually stealing this job from Corrie, Ford continually acting like a know-it-all macho man who mansplains this dig to Corrie (this dig is literally directly based on her dissertation), Corrie being mean and hating Ford because they liked each other and almost kissed and then he kissed someone else, a white man undermining a latina woman over and over again and we’re supposed to love him by the end? It was just a lot of back and forth, a lot of bickering that I was being TOLD was sexual tension. Then some sex. Then after spending zero time showing the reader that Ford and Corrie starting to like each other instead of treating each other like shit, they confess their love for one another.
And then it ACTUALLY had action for the last 20 pages. I just felt the plot was so bland and then bolstered by the absolute fuckery of a relationship it was a really hard read. For how many references this book made to some famous action-adventure archaeology media (Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider), the book was severely lacking any excitement. The only things were a slightly rough raft ride and an almost snakebite.
Segura clearly tries to tackle some really important details (the sexualization of Latinx women and the perception that women in male-dominated fields are less intelligent), but actually fails to engage with these topics with any real nuance. In fact! She even goes so far as to have Ford acknowledge a joke sexualizing Corrie by saying "That one's actually pretty good." HUH? And then in the 3rd act breakup/fight, Ford SLUT SHAMES Corrie and Corrie SLAPS FORD when she's offended by what he says. And I'm supposed to just let that be okay? To make matters worse, the dialogue was so supremely stilted and unnatural. In addition to lots of gen z/millennial slang thrown in that was just awkward and dissonant with the rest of the book's style.
There's so much here that was entirely offputting to me. I try my best to give debut authors a little bit of grace, but between the awful male lead, the caricature of a female lead (she brought lace panties and a vibrator to the jungle for a dig), the bland plot, the lack of action, the stilted dialogue, the MMC playing into sexist jokes and the FMC slapping the MMC, I couldn't find it in me to enjoy much, if any of this book.
I may be a bit harsh in this, but as the year comes to a close and we turn to 2024, I'm learning to be more frugal with my reading time and my attention. I do not have time for mediocre or bad romances! The market is saturated and I need to dedicate my attention to the good ones. So let me save you, dear reader, the time and let you know that just because there's an Ali Hazelwood quote on the cover, this story, unfortunately, is not worth your time.
Raiders of the Lost Heart presents a vibrant cover with two extremely hot archaeologists on the cover tempting you into what seems to be a steamy, adventurous, and romantic romp of a story. We have Drs. Mejia and Matthews, former school rivals (former crushes?) who hate each other now but end up on the same dig to discover a lost tecpatl of Aztec legend. As Corrie and Ford work together to discover the correct dig site, the hate turns into lust and.... allegedly love (side eye). But Ford is keeping secrets and Corrie is jaded from their history.
Here's the real truth of it all: these were some of the least likable characters I have read about in a looooong ass time. And when I say that, I mean that there's a clear sense that you're actually supposed to like them, to root for them, as this is a rom-com. The issues included: Ford actually stealing this job from Corrie, Ford continually acting like a know-it-all macho man who mansplains this dig to Corrie (this dig is literally directly based on her dissertation), Corrie being mean and hating Ford because they liked each other and almost kissed and then he kissed someone else, a white man undermining a latina woman over and over again and we’re supposed to love him by the end? It was just a lot of back and forth, a lot of bickering that I was being TOLD was sexual tension. Then some sex. Then after spending zero time showing the reader that Ford and Corrie starting to like each other instead of treating each other like shit, they confess their love for one another.
And then it ACTUALLY had action for the last 20 pages. I just felt the plot was so bland and then bolstered by the absolute fuckery of a relationship it was a really hard read. For how many references this book made to some famous action-adventure archaeology media (Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider), the book was severely lacking any excitement. The only things were a slightly rough raft ride and an almost snakebite.
Segura clearly tries to tackle some really important details (the sexualization of Latinx women and the perception that women in male-dominated fields are less intelligent), but actually fails to engage with these topics with any real nuance. In fact! She even goes so far as to have Ford acknowledge a joke sexualizing Corrie by saying "That one's actually pretty good." HUH? And then in the 3rd act breakup/fight, Ford SLUT SHAMES Corrie and Corrie SLAPS FORD when she's offended by what he says. And I'm supposed to just let that be okay? To make matters worse, the dialogue was so supremely stilted and unnatural. In addition to lots of gen z/millennial slang thrown in that was just awkward and dissonant with the rest of the book's style.
There's so much here that was entirely offputting to me. I try my best to give debut authors a little bit of grace, but between the awful male lead, the caricature of a female lead (she brought lace panties and a vibrator to the jungle for a dig), the bland plot, the lack of action, the stilted dialogue, the MMC playing into sexist jokes and the FMC slapping the MMC, I couldn't find it in me to enjoy much, if any of this book.
January 11, 2024
Sometimes it’s not the patriarchy. Sometimes you’re just a terrible archeologist with terrible taste in men.
August 30, 2024
DNF - 74 pages (20%)
August 8, 2024
The mmc is a douchebag, and he knows it. This guy not only steals the job from the fmc but also uses her dissertation as teaching material and as a dig guide without her knowledge. Then only brings her on to the said stolen job once he is in trouble, but keeps her in the dark about the situation and keeps throwing the “I’m the boss card” in her face when she challenges his wrong decisions. He only comes clean about everything in the end when everyone’s career and reputation are on the line. I literally could go on about how he’s constantly sexualizing her and doesn’t have a redeemable quality or moment. But mostly I’m surprised at how the author thought readers would swoon over a guy named Ford.🤢
Mmc issues aside, this book is all sex, no romance, with some plot built around them screwing each other around the jungle. All the action and adventure that I was expecting only occurred within the 80% mark and felt rushed. I’m going to round this to ⭐️⭐️⭐️ because I really enjoyed the last 20%, the banter was good, and I enjoyed her writing style, but something was missing to tie it all together to make a great or even good story.
Mmc issues aside, this book is all sex, no romance, with some plot built around them screwing each other around the jungle. All the action and adventure that I was expecting only occurred within the 80% mark and felt rushed. I’m going to round this to ⭐️⭐️⭐️ because I really enjoyed the last 20%, the banter was good, and I enjoyed her writing style, but something was missing to tie it all together to make a great or even good story.
April 26, 2024
I went into this book blind, and it was okay. I liked the premise of hunting for artifacts (like Indiana Jones) and the adventure seeking aspect. Corrie and Ford’s characters were good for the first half of this book. But after the halfway mark I felt like all Ford seemed to like Corrie was the physical attraction. But maybe it seemed that way because of the other stuff Ford was dealing with in his personal life. Also I wish the author leaned in more with the person sabotaging stuff.
October 11, 2023
When I first saw the cover and heard the premise, I was in love. An Indiana Jones mixed with Lara Croft adventure, rivals to lovers, and all kinds of academic and archeological fun.
I DNFed at 41%
I think this had such potential, but the characters just let it down. Not only was I bored, but the characters were mean to each other, and the love interest was the worst kind of moron: a vindictive moron. He was arrogant (not in a fun way, but in an 'I had everything I could ever want, and it's been taken away from me, so I'm taking it out on everyone...especially the person I stole the job from'). He doesn't give the main character credit as an academic, even though she is the expert on the historical figure he is trying to find, constantly denies her talent, her intelligence, her abilities, and denies her credit (in the first 40%!). There is a lot of manipulation, lying, and the dynamics and reasoning behind those dynamics made me feel uncomfortable and angry.
To be fair, maybe this all gets resolved in the second half of the book, but I could not take the idea of finishing it.
Also, those little things that take you completely out of the story? Mine was the description of utterly smooth, silky legs in the middle of the Mexican jungle, after days of hiking and sweating and camping, and the presence of a lacy, frilly, unsupportive bra and adult toy in the middle of the jungle (charger? batteries? Also, maybe your chest should be strapped down if you're doing Lara Croft-esque shit? Don't your boobs hurt? If you're wearing shorts in the jungle, are there ticks? Snakes? Bug bites?...I have so many concerns). It was also pretty corny and just...not funny.
Maybe people do bring that kind of stuff camping, maybe it was just for the humor aspect, but I was not amused.
NetGalley gave me an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
I DNFed at 41%
I think this had such potential, but the characters just let it down. Not only was I bored, but the characters were mean to each other, and the love interest was the worst kind of moron: a vindictive moron. He was arrogant (not in a fun way, but in an 'I had everything I could ever want, and it's been taken away from me, so I'm taking it out on everyone...especially the person I stole the job from'). He doesn't give the main character credit as an academic, even though she is the expert on the historical figure he is trying to find, constantly denies her talent, her intelligence, her abilities, and denies her credit (in the first 40%!). There is a lot of manipulation, lying, and the dynamics and reasoning behind those dynamics made me feel uncomfortable and angry.
To be fair, maybe this all gets resolved in the second half of the book, but I could not take the idea of finishing it.
Also, those little things that take you completely out of the story? Mine was the description of utterly smooth, silky legs in the middle of the Mexican jungle, after days of hiking and sweating and camping, and the presence of a lacy, frilly, unsupportive bra and adult toy in the middle of the jungle (charger? batteries? Also, maybe your chest should be strapped down if you're doing Lara Croft-esque shit? Don't your boobs hurt? If you're wearing shorts in the jungle, are there ticks? Snakes? Bug bites?...I have so many concerns). It was also pretty corny and just...not funny.
Maybe people do bring that kind of stuff camping, maybe it was just for the humor aspect, but I was not amused.
NetGalley gave me an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2023
How does a professor at Yale make such unresearched dumbass decisions?
Full review below
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Full review below
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
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