Q&A: Jo Segura, Author of ‘The Lust Crusade’

We chat with author Jo Segura about The Lust Crusade, which follows 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.

Hi, Jo! Welcome back! It’s been three years since we last spoke for your debut! How have you been and what have you been up to?

I’ve been doing really well! This past year has been full of all so many fun and exciting book experiences all over the country, from romance book conferences to local book fests and conversation partner events. I even went to London for a book con, which was a first for me. It’s still hard to believe that the little girl who wrote a “book” about two dogs in a pet shop now gets to do this for a living.

Your latest novel, The Lust Crusade, is out January 13th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Tender. Secretive. Allegorical. Adventurous. Steamy.

What can readers expect?

Mythological beings. Secret societies. Forced proximity. Brother’s best friend. Fake Engagement. A tattoo with a hidden meaning. Books as a love language. “It’s always been you.” Only one bed, and they keep getting smaller.

Where did the inspiration for The Lust Crusade come from?

I’ve always been a huge Greek mythology nerd. Movies like Clash of the Titans, Hercules, and Jason and the Argonauts (I’m talking the old claymation movies) were staples in my household. But after I visited Greece on vacation a few years ago that this idea about a hunt for the minotaur popped into my head as I stared into the Grand Staircase at the Palace of Knossos. Eventually that idea morphed into an expedition searching for the eye of the minotaur, drawing upon my love for those old movies, but with romance. Because everything is better with a little romance.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

Honestly, Harold, Dani’s senior tour companion! If I had to choose one character to enjoy a meal with, I’d choose Greek salad and fries with Harold. I just loved the idea of Dani (someone who never left home even though she’s in her mid-thirties) finally taking a chance and setting out on a tour of Greece only to find that she accidentally booked a trip for retirees. Nevertheless, Dani and Harold form a fast friendship, and in just his brief moments on the page he manages to give her a new outlook on life. I love unexpected friendships and the idea of learning from those who have more life experience than you, and Harold provides that and a bit of humor.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

I’ve been pretty open about the fact that I went through a divorce while writing and editing The Lust Crusade. Not only was it challenging from the perspective that divorce is a very emotional experience, but specifically writing a romance was especially tough. I never had a moment when I thought I wouldn’t finish, but I definitely had times when I wasn’t sure I would finish by my deadline or whether the book would be any good. But ultimately, I believed in myself and I believe in love in all its various forms. I also believe in this book—I’m prouder of this book than I am anything else I’ve ever written. Writing romance isn’t something that I do because I have to. It’s something I do because I enjoy it.

With this being your third novel, what are some of the key lessons you’ve learned since your debut?

The most important thing I’ve learned is to trust the process. My audience will find my books, and my stories matter to them. It’s easy to get caught up in social media, reviews, ratings, and lists, but when a reader connects with your book, it’s so much more fulfilling than stats on a post. That connection is why I write.  

What’s next for you?

I’ll be heading on tour for The Lust Crusade and doing lots of events around the country and in the Seattle-area in January and February. I also just wrapped up drafting my fourth book, another adventure romance in the same world as the books in the Raiders series but this time without archaeologists. Instead, this one involves a kiss-cam proposal gone wrong, two journalists given a second chance, and a hunt for pirate treasure. And by just wrapped up, I literally mean I just sent it off to my editor an hour ago!

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?

So many! Fossil Feud by Maggie North. Find My Way Down to You by Julian Winters. The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren. The Bridge Back to You by Riss M. Neilson. Ancient History Between Us by Kaitlyn Hill. The Re-Do List by Denise Williams. In Every Possible Way by Alicia Thompson. I could really just keep going!

Will you be picking up The Lust Crusade? Tell us in the comments below!