ARC Review: The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura

The Lust Crusade
Author: Jo Segura
Publication: Berkley (January 13, 2026)

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.

My Thoughts: Dani Guiterrez decides to take a trip to Greece to memorialize her lost friend Theo Galanis who was an archaeologist who disappeared more than a year earlier. Dani has been in love with her brother's best friend Theo for years. Now, she has to find a way to get over him and move on with her life. 

But Theo isn't dead. He's been kidnapped by a man who wants him to discover the missing Eye of the Minotaur. The main problem with this is that the Eye is mythological. Theo did write a story about it which was published in a children's magazine. But the story was based on stories his grandfather told him when he was a child.

When Dani spots Theo and his captors at Knossos, she is determined to rescue him. She ends up captured herself and now the two of them have only six days to recover the eye before something fatal happens. 

Eluding the villains, finding the jewel, and falling in love have a six day deadline.

This is a "best friends to lovers" story that would be solved a couple of hundred pages sooner if the main characters would just talk to each other. Simple misunderstandings have been magnified by time into major misunderstandings. 

Both characters are interesting people with both strengths and flaws. The story complete with over-the-top villains was fast-paced and engaging. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.