Title: The Lust Crusade
Author: Jo Segura
Series: Raiders of the Lost Heart #3
Page Length: 384
Pub. Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Publisher: Berkley
Synopsis: 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.
This trilogy has been so much fun, and I think The Lust Crusade is my favorite of the three. It was exciting and adventurous with great characters and a wonderful romance. I love that the series titles play off the Indiana Jones films. So clever! And it fits perfectly because these stories give me all the globe-trotting, treasure-hunting, chaotic vibes of Indiana Jones just with way more swoon.
The story follows Dani, a librarian who travels to Greece hoping for some kind of closure after Theo, her brother’s best friend and the man she’s secretly loved for years, was declared dead following an archaeological expedition gone wrong. Except, when she travels to Greece, she learns Theo’s not dead. He’s very much alive but being held hostage by artifact smugglers searching for a legendary gemstone, the Eye of the Minotaur. And before Dani can even process that Theo’s alive, she’s kidnapped too.
Dani is such a fun heroine. She’s book-smart, brave, and just chaotic enough to get herself in over her head. I loved that she’s a librarian who suddenly finds herself in the middle of an archaeological mystery in Greece. Minus the kidnapping situation, it would be a dream come true for her, considering she’s always wanted adventure but has yet to fulfill her dreams. And Theo. Love him! Let’s just say that “nerdy-hot archaeologist” might be my new favorite trope. The story actually has several tropes I love – only one bed, friends to lovers, fake engagement, and more.
Dani and Theo’s fake engagement is full of sexual tension and humor, but it also gives their long-buried feelings an opportunity to be explored. The chemistry between them is electric, but it’s also complicated. There’s this constant push and pull between what they want and what they think they can have, especially with their families in the background and the potentially deadly situation hanging over them. The danger they’re in only heightens their feelings, and I so rooted for them to find a way to safety and to be together.
I also loved the way Jo Segura wove Greek mythology and history into the story. The references to Minoan legends, ancient temples, and the myth of the Minotaur made the mystery feel rich and layered, while the descriptions of Greece made it sound so gorgeous even amid all the danger. It’s definitely a place I’d love to visit someday.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
- brother’s best friend
- forced proximity
- friends to lovers
- fake engagement
- only one bed
Soo… I got this as part of the Berkley underrepresented voices program and didn’t realize it was a trilogy. HAHA. Oh well.. hopefully, this kinda reads like a standalone in the series. I’m starting it tomorrow and I’m glad you enjoyed it!