The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura

The Lust Crusade is my first Jo Segura novel, and wow—consider me officially converted. I’m diving into her backlist the second I catch my breath because the way she builds character, tension, and emotional depth is impressive. This book is smart, fast-paced, and full of heart, and it delivers a romantic adventure that actually feels earned.

We meet librarian Daniela Guiterrez as she takes a solo trip to Greece. She’s grieving, floundering a little, and trying to reconnect with the love she lost—Dr. Theo Galanis, her brother’s best friend and the man she’s loved forever, who was presumed dead after an archaeological expedition went sideways. Dani is a little chaotic and extremely put together at the same time, and her vulnerability hits hard in the best way.

What she didn’t expect?

Accidentally booking herself onto a “silver singles” tour and ending up paired with Harold—a delightful, retired partner in crime. What she absolutely didn’t expect? Seeing Theo alive.

Theo has spent the past year trapped by artifact smugglers hunting for the Eye of the Minotaur, a priceless gemstone tied to a centuries-old mystery. He’s exhausted, cornered, and desperate. The moment he sees Dani, he thinks he finally has a chance to break free—but of course nothing goes as planned.

When a lie turns into a “we’re engaged” cover story, Dani and Theo are thrown into a high-stakes race across Greece. They’re solving clues, dodging criminals, and running on adrenaline and a very messy, very unresolved history. And yes, the lack of communication between them is real—but it makes sense. It’s rooted in fear, trauma, and the choices that tore them apart in the first place.

Dani’s arc is one of my favorites this year.

She’s questioning everything—her worth, her role in her family, and the life she thought she wanted. But even in the uncertainty, she knows who she is. Watching her reclaim that confidence is incredibly satisfying.

Theo is the definition of quietly falling apart. He looks steady from the outside, but he’s been carrying guilt and grief for far too long. When the truth behind his disappearance comes out, it adds real weight to their reunion and reinforces that he’s just as flawed as anyone else.

Their back-and-forth feels grounded. Their chemistry is strong. The emotional payoff lands. And the adventure? It’s fun, engaging, and well-paced, with just enough danger to keep you flipping pages without sacrificing the romance.

If you love:

• second chance romance
• brother’s best friend
• forced proximity
• fake engagement
• adventure romance with a mythological twist

…this one should be on your TBR ASAP. The Lust Crusade is entertaining, heartfelt, and surprisingly thoughtful, and it absolutely kept me locked in from the first chapter.