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What if Indiana Jones, National Treasure, and a swoony rom-com had a bookish baby? That’s exactly what today’s episode delivers. I’m joined by Jo Segura, author of adventure rom-coms that bring danger, banter, and kissing back into the genre.

We talk about why Hollywood stopped making true adventure romances, how Jo blends real archaeology research with rom-com pacing, and why her heroines are always smart, capable, and never damsels in distress. If you love romance with puzzles, mythology, librarians, lost treasure, and external stakes that actually matter, this episode is for you.

Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura — Adventure Romance

Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura — Adventure Romance

The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura — Adventure Romance

Toe to Toe by Fallon Ballard — Contemporary Romance

Wedding Dashers by Heather McBreen — Contemporary Romance

What Is Love? by Jen Comfort — Contemporary Rom-Com

[00:00] Meet Jo Segura & the rise of adventure rom-coms

[01:30] Why Hollywood abandoned adventure romances

[03:00] Real archaeology vs movie myths

[05:00] Researching Aztec culture, the Amazon & Greek mythology

[07:00] Librarians, archaeology & problem-solving heroines

[09:00] Writing capable women (no damsels allowed)

[10:30] What Jo reads while drafting romance

[12:30] Romance & thriller recommendations

[14:30] Where to find Jo online

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