The concept of the story was very intriguing to me. I was excited to see where the story would go and how it would evolve. The setting was cool, reminiscent of Bridgerton but set in NY, it had all the making for an amazing read. The banter was bantering and the passion between the two MCs was everything but sometimes I felt like some situations were repetitive, not giving us anything new to drive the story further. Also the ending felt a little abrupt ?
All in all I am happy to have read it as an ARC reader (thank you Netgalley)

I did enjoy this book and the elements of folklore and mythology in this case were unknown to me. This did make me want to learn more. The story itself is well constructed but perhaps the pacing felt a little off. The ending did feel a little unsatisfying, a sequel perhaps ?

I wanted to like this book more than I did. I liked the idea of linking it to Irish folklore and the play on the amnesia trope. It started strong and then dragged until about 70% in. The MMC became insufferable. The ending felt incredibly rushed and incomplete.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Young lady, your behaviour is abhorrent," the man said.
"What is abhorrent, sir, is that you had the nerve to say something so stupid so loudly."

Thank you to NetGalley, Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez, and Alcove Press for the E-ARC!

I'm not usually one for anything in the Historical Fiction genre, but seeing the hype around this book, I really wanted to read it. I'm glad to say it surpassed my expectations, keeping me hooked and eager to follow Rua and Finn's journey.

What really drew me into this story was the mystery around it. Although I feel like it's easy enough to figure out who Rua was before she lost her memories, what made me want to keep reading was the how and why. The mysteries surrounding why she awoke in a hole in the ground, what had happened to the real Emma, why Finn seems familiar, was so engaging.

Rua as a character was spectacular. Awoken in a world she doesn't remember, and being called by a new name, she's forced to integrate into the high society. Even with this though, Rua never loses who she truly is, not letting everyone's expectations of her change the way she speaks or acts, and especially not letting arrogant men say what they want about her.

The only complaint I do have is the ending. Minor spoiler (so only read if you wish to) but it felt so open-ended. I do hope this means there's a sequel, but I can't find any information on one.

I don't want to say much about this book, since the mystery in it is so compelling and something you need to read for yourself. All that to say though, I would highly recommend anyone who likes a Fantasy / Historical Fiction book, with some romance, to pick this up!

This book had such a hold on me. I was gripping my ereader in anticipation on what would happen next. I was ready to throw things at people who dared to disturb me while reading. This was a beautiful historical romance with fantasy inspired by Irish mythology.

This book was quite boring and then ending was wildly unsatisfying. I’d say the last 25% was the most exciting, but not worth slogging through the first 75%. I wanted to love this book so bad but I just did not care about any of the characters. I finished it because I received a review copy, but probably would not have otherwise.

This was cute, it was a fun little read I love fairytale ans myth retellings so it was fun to explore a story I never heard of before. It was fun to see the Irish mythic characters and the change in their personality. I also really like rua and finn’s relationship and that rua refused to fall into the trope of caring about keeping her body doubles life in order she wasn't Emma so she wasn't going to pretend to be when it no longer suited her. I also liked Finn he was an interesting character and it was fun to see a bit of Irish American history through him. Overall it was a fun little historical romance. Historical fantasy is one of my favorite genres I need more historical fantasy recommendations

Honestly, I picked this book mostly for the title, that really appealed to me. It had something mysterious to it and I was keen on discovering what it was. Thank you Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez, it delivered.

I love mythology in the broad sense, but I am by no mean a specialist and clearly, Irish myths were kind of a blind spot (a.k.a. the Gods time forgot...). Meaning, I was as puzzled as Rua when some words were mentioned.

Rua comes out of a Hellmouth in the garden of the Harrington's property, with no knowledge of her prior life and an uncanny resemblance to the Harrington's heiress, Emma, who has gone missing. While everyone thinks she is in fact Emma, she is trying to fit in her world, while searching for her true identity. But Emma did not make it easy for her, disappearing after creating a terrible reputation for herself, making her some kind of an outcast for the good society. Despite it all, Rua's path crosses the one of Finn, a wealthy Irish man, keen to make it big in New York.

At the beginning, I was annoyed with Rua's reactions, always at odds with everyone and not understanding how it would be in her best interest to just lay low for a bit. Knowing the final revelation, it makes all sense and is totally fitting with her character.

I liked the change of perspective between her and Finn the description of the attraction radiating between the love interests. I could not always understand Rua's decisions and reactions, which left me disappointed here and there. All in all I was pretty hooked though.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC copy!

3.75 stars- I was very excited to be given the opportunity to read this book, as anything surrounding Irish lore is so special to me. This was such a pleasant read, and the mythology buffs would be sure to enjoy this story as well! The surprising twist to Rua's identity and the events of the final few chapters did bring up the rating of the book for me. I loved the bits of flashback scenes included but would have loved a little more pining. Overall, I did enjoy the story and would absolutely love to read more from the author!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me early access in exchange for an honest review!

I didn't really vibe with this one. It was written okay. The plot was okay. The characters were "just okay" etc. You get the idea. Nothing stood out to me, and everything was similar to things I've read before. It sort of felt like a shell of a novel. There's a great idea in there, behind this, but it got lost up until the very end.

I think the main issue is suffers from is pacing. We spend too long saying and doing the same things, back and forth with the drama, etc. and nothing changes. Then when we start seeing the bigger picture, it's too quick, then it's gone. I wish there was more to it to make it unique.

So overall, 3 stars from me!

Rua awakes as someone else entirely with no previous memories and is forced to participate in high society where everyone looks down on her, making her position harder than she anticipated.

Rua is an amazing character! The scenes concerning society were so intriguing since you got to see how Rua navigates such an unknown playing field. Also, the romance between Finn and Rua was so fun to read about and the best part was the dual POVs that allowed me to look into both minds. I do believe that Finn was a much more interesting character than Rua since I think fleshing out Rua a little bit more would've equaled out my favorability between the two. Additionally, the ending was extremely rushed and it felt like the problem wasn't entirely solved. I am left with a few questions :P

Other than the rushed ending, there was definitely something missing though I can't pinpoint exactly what it was. I'm not sure if it's because I just wanted more of everything--high society, mythology, magic, mystery--but still highly recommend.

I'm also so interested in what else Gonzalez has in store for us!

Thank you Netgalley!

⋆⋆⋆½ — a rollercoaster of emotions. in that my feelings toward this book went up and down every other chapter.

i was slow to warm to this because the writing style wasn't my favorite, but rua shines regardless. because of her, i did enjoy this up to about 70% (the down part of the rollercoaster is whenever finn showed up. hate him). she's a truly witty and intelligent character, and even her stubbornness was endearing. usually, the idiotic ya lead who doesn't listen to anything or anyone would be insufferable at best, but rua was super fun to read about. i can't say i ever liked finn, though. he was a loser from the first time he opened his mouth, and pushy and stalkerish (in my personal opinion, not to the degree of being a criminal or a freak) to boot, but idk, some people like being pursued, so if that's your thing, tune in. while i didn't care for him by himself, their relationship was nice. it's one of the better written instalove tropes, i feel, since i actually didn't dislike it. they went slowly, even though though they immediately felt a pull towards each other, and it was mostly banter as they built their relationship, so there was proper development in the first 70%. what happened after that? well. this takes place in 1800 something, and finn knows for a fact what his pursual of rua (without offering marriage) will do to her, and he's still pushy and intense and insufferable about it. rua encourages him half the time, but even when she tries to say no, he's always in her personal space. it's uncomfortable. and at 95%, a certain action of rua's is revealed that ruined all the previous goodwill i had for her. usually, this action would make me like her more, if anything, and she does this twice before in the story and i liked it then, but the context of what she does this specific thing for is just. weird. for a man??? really??? i know she's a [redacted], and they don't have morals, but that was so embarrassing. especially when the man in question is finn. you could find his twin, probably three of them even, on every corner in new york. whatever, i guess.

to summarize, i don't like heterosexual romance and what it does to women.

I definitely get the outlander vibes of this book, which I love. The romance is top tier and the banter is fantastic. The pacing for me was a bit slow, however it did keep my attention throughout the whole book. It really made me appreciate how much more women have today than they did in the 1800s.

I was instantly intrigued by the description of the book. With time travel, Celtic mythology, the Gilded Age in New York, and magic, how could you not be?

I found The Gods Time Forgot to be a medium paced, mysterious fantasy romance. I really enjoyed the inclusion of Irish lore and mythology, in fact I wanted more!

The beginning of the story started off strong instantly pulling me with the mystery of why Ria was where she was and what had truly happened to her prior. From there I found the world building and character development to be good overall. I did wish for a bit more fleshing out of side characters that I found to have a more important role near the end.

As a romance read I truly enjoyed the angst, tension, and banter between the FMC and MMC. I could feel the chemistry they had with each interaction.

Overall I did enjoy the story, though the ending did feel abrupt and left me wanting more. 4/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez for the opportunity to read this ARC!

I absolutely adored The Gods Time Forgot. I devoured the book in 2 days. I have ordered it for our library and I’m very excited to see our readers enjoy it as much as I did!

If you are looking for a can’t out down 5 star read look no further!

Wow, what a ride! The Gods Time Forgot is one of those books that sweeps you up and doesn’t let go until the very last page, and even then, you’ll probably need a moment to recover. Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez has crafted a world where ancient gods collide with modern life, blending mythology, mystery, and a hefty dose of heart-pounding action.

The story follows Maya, a fiercely determined archaeologist with a penchant for trouble, as she uncovers a hidden world of long-forgotten gods who aren’t quite as dormant as history books would have us believe. When a centuries-old prophecy ropes her into a battle between deities vying for power, Maya has to decide whether to save humanity or leave us to fend for ourselves. No pressure, right?

The world-building is chef’s kiss - detailed without being overwhelming. Gonzalez nails the balance between mythological intrigue and fast-paced storytelling. Maya is an absolute gem of a protagonist: relatable, snarky, and totally out of her depth, yet somehow still pulling through. One-liners like “I didn’t sign up to be a god’s chew toy” had me laughing out loud, even during tense moments.

If I had to nitpick, the pacing wavers a little in the middle, but the explosive finale more than makes up for it. Fans of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods or Madeline Miller’s Circe will feel right at home.

Do yourself a favour and pick this one up, you’ll be hooked!

4.5 stars!

Firstly, I would like to thank the author and Net Galley for an ARC.

I devoured this book in just a few days. I must say it was an enjoyable read especially for someone who loves a historical background in stories.

It's certainly a story I would fanboy over in my teenage years! So if you're really into fast-paced, high-action historical romantasy, this is the book for you!

The Gods Time Forgot by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez is an atmospheric, romantic, and spellbinding tale that seamlessly blends historical fiction with fantasy. Set in a richly detailed 1870s Manhattan, the novel offers readers a taste of high-society intrigue and ancient magic, all wrapped up in a gripping mystery. With its glittering ballrooms, dark secrets, and slow-burn romance, this story captivates from the very first page.

Rua is a compelling protagonist—complex, resourceful, and quietly defiant. Her amnesia could have made her feel passive or reactive, but instead, she approaches her strange circumstances with curiosity and grit. Pretending to be the long-lost Emma Harrington isn’t just about survival—it’s a chance for Rua to discover who she really is. The tension of balancing her masquerade with the pursuit of her true identity adds an extra layer of suspense, especially as her memories begin to reveal unsettling fragments of something otherworldly.

Finn, the enigmatic Lord of Donore, is a fantastic counterpart to Rua. He’s burdened by societal expectations and his own mysterious past, but he’s drawn to Rua in a way that feels both inevitable and tragic. Their chemistry crackles with unspoken questions and barely restrained longing. Finn’s wariness, born from centuries-old secrets, makes their connection all the more tantalizing. The push-and-pull dynamic between them is charged but never rushed—Sheridan Gonzalez lets their relationship simmer, heightening the stakes with every glance and forbidden conversation.

The historical setting is meticulously crafted, evoking the grandeur and constraints of Gilded Age New York while seamlessly weaving in elements of dark magic and forgotten gods. The glittering world of wealth and manners is both a gilded cage and a battlefield for Rua, whose unfolding memories suggest she may belong to a world far older—and more dangerous—than anyone suspects. The eerie sense of something ancient lurking just beneath the surface of the city adds a haunting, almost gothic quality to the narrative.

The fantasy elements are unveiled gradually, with tantalizing hints of a mythology that feels original and expansive. The idea that Rua’s identity and Finn’s past are tied to ancient gods and forbidden magic keeps the mystery alive. The slow reveal of Rua’s memories is handled well, though some readers may find the pacing in the middle sections a bit slow as the story builds toward its climax. But once the revelations begin to fall into place, the story takes on a breakneck pace that will have you racing to the end.

If there’s a minor drawback, it’s that some of the supporting characters, particularly members of the Harrington family and New York’s elite, feel underdeveloped compared to the richness of Rua and Finn’s arcs. Their motivations sometimes feel more like plot devices than fully realized personalities. However, this doesn’t detract much from the central narrative, which remains firmly anchored in Rua’s search for truth and the slow unraveling of her connection to Finn.

At 4 stars, The Gods Time Forgot is a glittering and gritty romantasy that lingers long after the last page. Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez masterfully balances romance, mystery, and magic, crafting a world where nothing—and no one—is what they seem. Fans of lush historical settings, star-crossed lovers, and tales steeped in forgotten lore will be enchanted. Rua’s journey is as heartbreaking as it is empowering, and the final revelations promise a sequel that could delve even deeper into the worlds both mortal and divine.

This book was right up my alley with the regency setting and the mythology but for some reason something was missing! I still can’t put my finger on it but for reason I wasn’t enthralled with the book. It took me a while to get through, maybe it was the pacing that was weird? But the banter was fun, I liked the concept a lot, and Emma/Rua and Finn as characters were good! I think maybe I needed more depth to feel connected to them truly, there was just a lot between the past and the present and none of it really made me feel immersed in their lives unfortunately.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Rating: 3 stars

This historical romantasy novel tells the story of Rua, a young woman found in the woods with no memory of her past. She is taken in by the wealthy Harrington family, who believe her to be their daughter Emma. As Rua navigates her new life, she must contend with the pressures of high society and the secrets surrounding her true identity.

The novel has a unique premise, incorporating Irish lore and historical ambiance. The author's depiction of wealthy society in the past is good, with vivid descriptions of settings and characters. The side characters are particularly well-written, with some being despicable.

The romance between Rua and Finn, a lord from Ireland, is a central part of the story. While their relationship develops quickly, it is still enjoyable to read. However, some readers may find it takes a while to become invested in their story.

The pacing of the novel is somewhat uneven, with a strong beginning and a slower middle section. Some scenes could have been summed up more quickly, and additional context about the characters' histories would have been helpful.

Overall, this is a unique read, particularly for fans of historical romantasy and Irish lore. While it may not be perfect, it is definitely worth checking out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.