We chat with author Jo Segura about her debut novel Raiders of the Lost Heart, where rival archaeologists must team up on a secret Aztec expedition, or it could leave their careers—and hearts—in ruins.
Hi, Jo! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m Jo! I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and my Swedish Vallhund, Henrik. I’m originally from Ohio, and even after almost two decades away, you can still hear it in my accent. A few of my favorite things are fall, puzzles, Survivor, soup (pho and menudo are my faves), and all chips. I’ve never met a chip I didn’t like. I suppose it also goes without saying that I love books, ESPECIALLY romance.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve loved reading and writing books for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first “book” when I was in maybe the first grade, called “The Dog and the Dog in the Pet Shop,” though that one was really just a ploy to convince my parents to get us a dog. But the library has always been one of my favorite places, and there is always, and I truly mean always, a story to be written in my head.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: The Wee Kitten Who Sucked Her Thumb
- The one that made you want to become an author: Matilda, by Roald Dahl
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Yellowface, by K.F. Kuang
Your debut novel, Raiders of the Lost Heart, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Adventurous. Steamy. Mysterious. Banterful. Lush.
What can readers expect?
A true enemies-to-lovers romance, complete with lots of banter, only one tent, and open-door intimate scenes, with a strong Latina main character and an Indiana Jones-inspired hero. But just to be clear, she’s the star of the book.
Where did the inspiration for Raiders of the Lost Heart come from?
I’ve always been a huge fan of the adventure movie genre, so when someone tweeted asking about what profession people wished they saw more of in romance novels, I responded with “archaeologists.” But a few days later I kept thinking about it and wondered, “Hmm… what if I actually wrote that?” I pictured Lara Croft and Indiana Jones on an archaeological dig together, butting heads and each trying to win the glory. Raiders unfolded from there.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Corrie is my favorite character I’ve ever written. She’s such a brilliant, passionate, adventurous, and fierce archaeologist, pushing boundaries in a male-dominated world. But not only that, she’s out there searching for her ancestor’s remains, which gave me an opportunity to explore the Aztec civilization and create a fictional Aztec warrior. Corrie and her history really embodied everything I wanted in a main character.
This is your debut published novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
It’s been a whirlwind! I’d written Raiders during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) back in 2020 while I was searching for an agent with a different manuscript. About a year later, I sold Raiders in a two-book deal, and the excitement for my adventure romance has been incredible. People were clearly craving the genre. I’ve connected with so many readers, librarians, booksellers, and other authors over these last few months, and I’m so grateful for everyone’s support. At first, it seemed like I’d have to wait forever for my book to come out, but now that pub day is here, it feels so fast! Every day there’s something new, and I’m having a blast.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on edits for book 2, another adventure romance set in the same world as Raiders (and with a few familiar faces *wink wink). I’ve also got some fun book events in 2024 all over the country. Check out my website and social media for more details!
Lastly, are there any 2024 releases that you are looking forward to that our readers should keep an eye out for?
Hands down, What is Love? by Jen Comfort. It’s an enemies-to-lovers Jeopardy-inspired romcom, and it’s hilarious. There are so many books I’m looking forward to in 2024, though. A few others include, Isabel and the Rogue, by Liana De la Rosa, Bride, by Ali Hazelwood, Love and Other Conspiracies, by Mallory Marlowe, and When I Think of You, by Myah Ariel.
