Name: Ralie Sutton's review of Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura
Item: Raiders of the Lost Heart
Rating: 1.5
Author: Ralie Sutton

Jo Segura

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.

Raiders of the Lost Heart

Ralie Sutton

entertaining at the very least (group read this on an archaeological dig)

tianna

I liked the theme a lot! But the first half was more entertaining than the second. I got a bit bored in the end 

Marie

big ab

i was excited to fulfill my indiana jones kink, but sad to say, this was incredibly painfully bad and not even in a fun haha kinda way.

This was such a fun read! i loved the explorer/archeologist theme as it was super different and fun. there were times it was cringey, but over all enjoyable. definitely will be reading Jo’s sequel!

star girl✨

did not hit for me :/ super cheesy and actually did not think the main characters suited each other at all 

*Go on a fun romp through the jungle with this adventurous RomCom*

I love adventure. Whether it is set in the past, present, or future, whether on this planet or another, if the story sounds like a grand adventure, I’m in. 

 promised an explosive enemies-to-lovers romance set against an Aztec archeological dig. Add in a main character who was a badass Latina archeologist and I was eager to read this one.

Interestingly, this is the third book I've read this year inspired by "Indiana Jones" and/or "The Mummy" but resulting in very different stories. Personally, I would compare this book more to "Romancing the Stone." Which brings me to my first point: 

based on the comparisons, I expected there to be a supernatural element to 

 And first, story hinted that there would be. I don’t think explaining will really be a spoiler, so here it goes. Corrie was described as having an uncanny ability to know where artifacts are hidden which is attributed to an ability to commune with the land or her ancestors. This was brought up several times throughout the story, so I kept expecting something to come from that… but nothing did. I also thought there would be something supernatural about the dig sight – supernatural traps, cursed objects, or something along those lines. Now, the story did work fine without the supernatural, but I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I hadn’t been fruitless waiting that part of the story to kick in.

The story was told in past tense and dual POV from close third person view of Dr. Socorro “Corrie” Mejía and Dr. Ford Matthews – two archeologists who have been rivals since college. Corrie a sassy, go-getter who was passionate about her work and about being supportive to other women trying to make it in a male-driven field. Ford on the other hand… well, despite some good qualities, it was a good thing Ford's POV was included because if I'd read his jerkish behavior without the inner monologue of him kicking himself for always saying the wrong thing, I would not have liked him in the slightest. Even with that, there were times when he was too much of an ass. His insecurity, selfishness, emotional immaturity, and the way he lashed out were turnoffs. 

I also strongly dislike secret keeping as a plot device.

 I never enjoy secret keeping as a relationship roadblock because the inevitable trainwreck makes it hard to get invested in their relationship. If there is a secret, then you know the person keeping it will delay telling it, it will come out anyway at the most inopportune time, and that it will lead to extra, exhausting drama.

As I mentioned, this was an enemies-to-lovers story. Though they started off with immature bickering (rather than the witty banter that I prefer), I did end up invested in their relationship. And the steamy tension that built up. And despite some yellow flags from Ford, I did like the two of them together as a couple.

I would have liked more historical information about the Aztecs. I fully understand why the author made up the warrior for whose body they were searching. But there was a missed opportunity to add in general information about Aztec history. In the author’s note, Segura said she didn’t want to weight down the story with dry details, but I think a little more could have easily been incorporated into the narrative without stalling the story. But then again, I am a super nerdy person who researches things for fun, so I doubt other readers would agree with me.

On the opposite side, the story could have used more action. There is a little bit in there. Enough to keep it from being just a character-driven story. But I think this was another area where the movie comparisons led me to have a different expectation.

 It was a solid debut novel and provided a nice, adventurous escape. I hope Segura writes more novels along this vein. I look forward to reading them!

Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars

Colleen

4 Stars

*Go on a fun romp through the jungle with this adventurous RomCom*


I love adventure. Whether it is set in the past, present, or future, whether on this planet or another, if the story sounds like a grand adventure, I’m in. Raiders of the Lost Heart promised an explosive enemies-to-lovers romance set against an Aztec archeological dig. Add in a main character who was a badass Latina archeologist and I was eager to read this one.


You chased that group of thieves in Belize. Stole back that jade necklace from those crooks in Panama City. And then there was that time you outran the jaguar in the Amazon—


Interestingly, this is the third book I've read this year inspired by "Indiana Jones" and/or "The Mummy" but resulting in very different stories. Personally, I would compare this book more to "Romancing the Stone." Which brings me to my first point: based on the comparisons, I expected there to be a supernatural element to Raiders of the Lost Heart. And first, story hinted that there would be. I don’t think explaining will really be a spoiler, so here it goes. Corrie was described as having an uncanny ability to know where artifacts are hidden which is attributed to an ability to commune with the land or her ancestors. This was brought up several times throughout the story, so I kept expecting something to come from that… but nothing did. I also thought there would be something supernatural about the dig sight – supernatural traps, cursed objects, or something along those lines. Now, the story did work fine without the supernatural, but I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I hadn’t been fruitless waiting that part of the story to kick in.

The story was told in past tense and dual POV from close third person view of Dr. Socorro “Corrie” Mejía and Dr. Ford Matthews – two archeologists who have been rivals since college. Corrie a sassy, go-getter who was passionate about her work and about being supportive to other women trying to make it in a male-driven field. Ford on the other hand… well, despite some good qualities, it was a good thing Ford's POV was included because if I'd read his jerkish behavior without the inner monologue of him kicking himself for always saying the wrong thing, I would not have liked him in the slightest. Even with that, there were times when he was too much of an ass. His insecurity, selfishness, emotional immaturity, and the way he lashed out were turnoffs. I also strongly dislike secret keeping as a plot device. I never enjoy secret keeping as a relationship roadblock because the inevitable trainwreck makes it hard to get invested in their relationship. If there is a secret, then you know the person keeping it will delay telling it, it will come out anyway at the most inopportune time, and that it will lead to extra, exhausting drama.

As I mentioned, this was an enemies-to-lovers story. Though they started off with immature bickering (rather than the witty banter that I prefer), I did end up invested in their relationship. And the steamy tension that built up. And despite some yellow flags from Ford, I did like the two of them together as a couple.

I would have liked more historical information about the Aztecs. I fully understand why the author made up the warrior for whose body they were searching. But there was a missed opportunity to add in general information about Aztec history. In the author’s note, Segura said she didn’t want to weight down the story with dry details, but I think a little more could have easily been incorporated into the narrative without stalling the story. But then again, I am a super nerdy person who researches things for fun, so I doubt other readers would agree with me.

On the opposite side, the story could have used more action. There is a little bit in there. Enough to keep it from being just a character-driven story. But I think this was another area where the movie comparisons led me to have a different expectation.

Despite some critiques, I did enjoy Raiders of the Lost Heart a lot. It was a solid debut novel and provided a nice, adventurous escape. I hope Segura writes more novels along this vein. I look forward to reading them!


RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 5 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars

Raiders of the Lost Heart is the book I didn't know I needed! But OF COURSE a Lara Croft x Indiana Jones inspired romance was going to the perfect adventure romance. Rival archeologists working together on a potentially history-making dig (forced proximity), mutual pining, cutting banter 😈, heart-pounding adventure, and twists and turns to keep me on my toes. And so funny! 🤌💋 I LOVE how badass Corrie is while still having insecurities. It's easy for characters to either feel one-dimensional or over the top caricatures, but both Corrie and Ford felt grounded and realistic. All in all this was a refreshing read at every turn.

Emma

Raiders of the Lost Heart is the book I didn't know I needed! But OF COURSE a Lara Croft x Indiana Jones inspired romance was going to the perfect adventure romance. Rival archeologists working together on a potentially history-making dig (forced proximity), mutual pining, cutting banter 😈, heart-pounding adventure, and twists and turns to keep me on my toes. And so funny! 🤌💋 I LOVE how badass Corrie is while still having insecurities. It's easy for characters to either feel one-dimensional or over the top caricatures, but both Corrie and Ford felt grounded and realistic. All in all this was a refreshing read at every turn.



Ralie Sutton &
Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura

Reviews

Join the club

Ralie Sutton &Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura

Reviews

Join the club

Ralie Sutton &
Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura