A King's Ransom

When archaeologist Catalina Rivera unseals an ancient Inca aryballos, she discovers the legendary Derrotero de Valverde—directions to Atahualpa's lost king's ransom. Backed by her wealthy, controlling patron Phillip, she hires rugged guide Eric Shade to lead an expedition into the treacherous Llanganati Mountains. As danger mounts—quicksand, cougars, mudslides, and betrayal—Catalina discovers her own strength, questions her sheltered life, and finds unexpected passion, even as jealousy pushes one man toward murder.

• A real historical legend—the lost ransom of the Inca king Atahualpa—drives a page-turning fictional treasure hunt.
• A love triangle in the deadliest jungle on earth: the controlling millionaire versus the rugged guide.
• A woman's journey from sheltered dependency to fierce self-reliance, tested by quicksand, cougars, and betrayal.
• Indiana Jones-style adventure with a clean romance for readers who want thrills without explicit content.

Perfect for an adult reader who enjoys fast-paced treasure-hunt adventures with a clean romantic subplot in the vein of Indiana Jones or Clive Cussler-lite.