If something sounds too good to be true, it's probably because it is—at least that’s what Dr. Socorro “Corrie” Mejía has always heard from her abuela. Still, when she is suddenly presented with the opportunity of a lifetime—the opportunity she has been working for her entire career— Corrie can’t help but get her hopes up. To find the remains of the great Aztec warrior, Chimalli, and his tecpatl sacrificial knife, would prove what Corrie has always known: that despite her reputation (though she really is a total badass), she is in fact a respectable and knowledgeable archeologist, and that Chimalli is her ancestor. Though the offer comes shrouded in mystery, Corrie takes a leap of faith and heads to the Mexican jungle, prepared to lead the expedition that will change her life.
Upon arriving Corrie realizes her intuition was correct and she has made a horrible mistake. Not only is she not leading the expedition, which started months before she even received an invitation, but the lead is her dangerously handsome and totally hateful long-time nemesis, Dr. Ford Matthews. Adding this to the list of things Ford has mercilessly taken from her, Corrie is ready to take the next flight back home, but after some convincing, Corrie agrees to join the team.
“Raiders of the Lost Heart is a perfect romcom; the conversation between these enemies-turned-lovers is adorable and heartfelt and the subplots are just as exciting. I was especially surprised by the thoughtful, and even playful, approach Segura takes on some deep and serious topics. ”
For Ford, having Corrie around isn't much better, he knows just how much he’s hurt her in the past, and how much more hurt she’d be if she found out just how easily he stole this project from her. But with his mother in the hospital, he has little choice but to lean on Corrie to make the dig work. After a rocky start, they begin to open up and learn to trust each other. From there, it isn't long before they give in to the mutual attraction that has always driven the hate and constant competition between the two. As if hiding a budding relationship is not enough pressure—not that either of them is sure this could be called a relationship—they soon realize artifacts are missing, and now they must find the thief and keep their discoveries safe.
Raiders of the Lost Heart is a perfect romcom; the conversation between these enemies-turned-lovers is adorable and heartfelt and the subplots are just as exciting. I was especially surprised by the thoughtful, and even playful, approach Segura takes on some deep and serious topics. Throughout the novel, Corrie and Ford have some meaningful conversations on the loss of a parent, the patriarchal practices of a male-dominated field, and the effects of embracing one’s sexuality.
This novel is definitely a must-read. Personally, I hope to see more of the Adventures of Badass Mejía and Weak Sauce Matthews, as Corrie would call it.
Photo: © Sean Hoyt
USA Today bestselling author Jo Segura lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and doggo, who vies for her attention with his sweet puppy dog eyes whenever she’s trying to write (her dog, that is… though sometimes her husband, too). Her stories feature strong, passionate heroines and draw upon aspects of her life, such as her love of good food, her Mexican heritage, and her fascination with archaeology. When she’s not writing you can find her practicing law, shaking up a mean cocktail, or sitting out on the patio doing Buzzfeed quizzes (though she doesn’t care what the chicken nugget quiz said–her favorite fruit is not banana).
Alejandra Cid is a proud Angeleno, a product of Southeast LA. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California from which she earned a B.A. in Narrative Studies and a M.A. in Literary Editing and Publishing. Alejandra loves all things fiction, but is especially drawn to romance, women's fiction, and short stories. She is interested in storytelling, the (positive) power of social media, and creating accessible, inclusive, and engaging spaces..
