Raider’s of the Lost Heart
Raider’s of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura
Published in 2023
Main Couple: Corrie and Ford
The Story: Rivals from grad school, years later Corrie is brought onboard Ford’s archeological expedition in the Mexican jungle. Can they work through the animosity that’s plagued them for over eight years? Or is it just hiding something more?
The Sex: This was the sex positive book that got me through Dark December! Corrie is so confident in her sexuality. She knows what she wants, and isn’t afraid to ask for it. Ford finding her vibrator made me laugh out loud!!! May we all be as comfortable as Corrie when it comes to our communication around sex! Ford’s confession about his ex faking orgasms during their relationship hit so true. Poor Ford, for what that knowledge did to his confidence. Poor ex, for not feeling comfortable telling Ford for years. From what we see in this book, he would’ve gladly changed his technique if he’d been given the chance! Not that it would’ve saved the relationship, but no one should have unsatisfying sex. The communication around protection made me jump for joy. When Corrie and Ford get together, they realize that neither of them brought condoms to the jungle. So they spend a week getting to “know” each other in different ways before they show up in a supply delivery. It’s nice to celebrate the things we can do with our bodies that aren’t just penetrative sex. When thinking of the sex in this book, the word luxuriate comes to mind. Take that as you will.
Favorite Lines:
“She’d never want to hate-fuck someone so badly in her life.” Chapter 1 Jo Segura sets up such great inner monologues from the start
“Man up, Ford. It’s just a sex toy. Lots of women use them. Men, too.” Chapter 4 Ford’s clear discomfort with the proof of Corrie’s sexual confidence was a great comedic theme, and a nice change from the typically shown gender switch when it comes to comfort around sex.
“Smooth, with a little smattering of hai on his chest.” Chapter 9 Let’s celebrate that bodies look many different ways, and all of them are sexy.
“Because having to explain her sexual prowess wasn’t something she really cared to do. Not that she was ashamed of her sex life. Like she’d said, she was comfortable with her sexuality. And fuck those people who thought it was okay for men to sow their wild oats, but women who did were sluts.” Chapter 11 Preach!!!!!
“he and Corrie has enjoyed a private celebration later that night, complete with cunnilingus, blow jobs, and the best titty fuck he’d ever had.” Chapter 14 So many ways to satisfy a partner that isn’t penetrative sex!!!
“She inched toward the edge of the bed, then stepped off, moving closer to him and taking the condom from his hands. With delicate movements, she tore open the wrapper and unfurled the condom onto his chain cock, then backed up one the bed opening her legs wide for him. A sight that would forever imprinted in his mind.” Chapter 14 Contraception is sexy too!!!
Least Favorite Lines:
I didn’t have any.
Final Thoughts:
I’m not always a fan of the workplace romance situation because I think it promotes unhealthy power dynamics, but the animosity Corrie and Ford have towards each other make it clear from the beginning that Corrie doesn’t view Ford has any power over her. There’s a ton of side plot in this book. This was a story with a sprinkling of good sex. Loved the classic “one tent” trope. Watching the tension building between these two was *chef’s kiss* Celebrating BIPOC women in academia kicking ass in their chosen field is something I always want to read. Keep it coming!
Spice Level: 3
Kinks Explored: Vanilla. But fun. Welcome to the jungle.
Voices Heard: Corrie is Mexican.
Did I like it? So much fun!!!