The Lust Crusade
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
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 danger: falling in love for real.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Segura concludes her Raiders of the Lost Heart series (after Temple of Swoon) with this slow-burning but action packed adventure rom-com set in Greece. It opens with librarian Daniela "Dani" Gutierrez attending a memorial service for her brother's best friend (and her lifelong crush), Theo Galanis, who went missing a year ago while on an archaeological expedition. When Dani takes a solo trip to Greece, however, she runs into Theo, who is very much alive. He's being held hostage by artifact smuggler Pierre Vautour, who is seeking a gemstone known as the Eye of the Minotaur. When he was first captured, Theo lied and told Pierre he was engaged, in a play for sympathy. Now, when his captors come upon him with Dani, they assume she's the fiancee, and she gets sucked into the madness. Given less than a week to find the gemstone, they set out on a desperate quest, all while faking a romance. Dani's spunkiness and Theo's stubbornness complement each other well, and once they get together the sex scenes sizzle. The path there occasionally drags, however, as the pair tiptoe around their feelings. A rushed ending leaves some subplots unaddressed, but the hunt for the gem is entertaining and the leads' sparky banter adds levity. The author's fans will be pleased.
