A beautifully done slow burn romance with a fantasy undercurrent.
There is so much that I loved in this story but a couple things that hold me back from a 5 star.
I thought the author wonderfully captured NYC Gilded Age in both its glory & its darkness. I was drawn instantly into the stories mystery of who Rua was- and her memories sprinkled throughout were enchanting.

The yearning & banter between Rua & Finn was amazingly done. I could not get enough of the two of them.
I am an absolute sucker for soulmates through time.


Now, I did wish there was more explored in concerned of the Irish Mythology- I feel like its mention more about than anything. At this moment the book is a standalone - and personally the ending was abrupt. If there were to be a second book I think I would have given this 5 stars. There was a continued threat that was not delivered ( Badb). I just wish there was a bit more to the ending that gives more closure & a little more of the fantasy aspects.

I think this is a classic romantasy book. It's nothing revolutionary, and the writing felt repetitive and plain at times. However, the plot was fast paced and immersing and I liked the main characters. The romance aspect was also good!

The Gods Time Forgot by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez is a unique take on the age-old star crossed lovers tale. Set in the Gilded Age of New York City and integrating Irish folklore, we follow Rea and Finn as they navigate worlds new and old and come to terms with their past and future. The premise is phenomenal, however the writing felt repetitive at times. Overall, I think any romantasy fan who picks this up will fall in love with our hero and heroine!

I love the premise of this book, but think some developmental editing was needed. In addition, there were so many historical inaccuracies that I wondered why the author chose to use gilded age New York as a setting instead of creating a world that was similar without the distracting issues for anyone who knows the period.

A lot of time is spent wondering why or how while reading. Moving one flashback to a prologue might have remedied this and had the reader feeling clued in earlier, though the main characters don’t remember those events. Even when the main characters remember, the reader is still left wondering about plot holes.

The use of Irish language is interesting, but some words are never defined and contextual cues don’t provide insight. It’s frustrating as a reader…especially as an Irish American! I genuinely wanted to know all those words!

Lastly, the relationship between Irish people and the British aristocracy is difficult and the Irish weren’t members of high society in the late 1800s. Making an Irish character a peer and giving them society status in gilded age New York made this hard to believe.

The Gods Time Forgot | ARC review✨

I really enjoyed @kelsiesheridangonzalez’s debut with this one! A perfect fantasy novel with Irish mythology and a wonderful plot. Great premise and a great execution-I love when characters lose their memory and have to figure everything out.
Four stars from me!

Thanks @netgalley for the chance to read and review this ahead of time!

Releases April 8, 2025✨

I don't really recall my feelings on this book aside from the fact that I was disappointed, particularly with the pacing/ending. I don't remember strongly disliking it or being excited by it. It was a bit of a slog, but certainly not crap enough to give 2 stars.

Where do I start? This book had the perfect recipe for me to sit and devour it whole heartedly in 7hrs.

The Gods Time Forgot is a standalone fantasy based around Irish mythology that has captured me heart and soul.

Following an outcast societal debutant who has amnesia in 1870's Manhattan, and a tall handsome Irish man, as they flirt, banter and stumble their way through a betrayal that traces back centuries.

There's slow burn, enemies to lovers, mythology, underlying magic, and the need to find one's self when you are being told to behave certain ways by an elite society.

The fantasy and mythology is seamlessly weave through this historical fiction, maintaining the characteristics of an 1870's Manhattan socialite society without anything feeling like it's forced or out of place.

I highly recommend reading.

I loved this book! The characters, the Irish mythology and lore woven into the story (thank you for the pronunciation guide, it was definitely needed), the slow burn romance, the mystery of it all were all incredible. The way Rua battles with her character versus the society she is dumped into was one of my favorite parts. My only gripe is I wish it had 2-3 more chapters to wrap up the book in a more satisfying way, as it stands it didn't feel finished since the final chapter ended so abruptly.

**Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to review. This book will be published on April 8th, 2025**

Thank you to Alcove Press for this e-ARC of The Gods Time Forgot. First, I would like to give a round of applause for the title, because it is spectacular. I love a good book title. However, Time forgot the gods and I am hoping they help me forget this book too. More than I have already anyway. I remember seeing the author's writing and querying journey on Tiktok some time ago and I was really rooting for her so I was excited to be reading this book early but I don't know if that excitement gave way to higher expectations that then hurt her in the end, because this book, while I believe she marketed it properly, just had some major issues. My main qualm is that it's marketed as a fantasy with some mythology and that's just... not present here. BUT I was still willing to give it a shot because this was the same issue I ran into with books like Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer but the relationships in that book and the plot saved it, so I was hoping that would be the case here for Sheridan Gonzalez as well. IT WASN'T. I see people really like the banter between our two main characters but it just felt so stilted to me. I think it was so forced and that maybe the author was hoping the vibes of the book would make up for how it felt like she had no control over the plot, characters, or whatever else was going on in this book. The only thing I knew about Rua and the only thing I truly remembered was that she was trying so hard to be different and memorable and I just couldn't get behind it. Nothing wrong with a character wanting to be different but the way Rua went about it just annoyed me. Maybe (and hopefully) it worked for someone else. And I just flat out didn't like Emma, which again, may be a me thing.

2.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Gods Time Forgot.

When Rua wake up, she only knows one thing: her name. Forced to live in a different world, Rua needs to remember who she is before it’s too late. While the past lives plot added a fun air of mystery, I found the pacing of this book to be extremely slow. I enjoyed the banter, Rua’s attempts at figuring out who she was, and the love story but the problematic pacing (extremely slow in the beginning, almost all of the plot happens in the last 30 pages of the book) made this a hard read for me. 2.5 stars rounded to 3 because the plot was intriguing

In her debut novel, The Gods Time Forgot, Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez crafts a mesmerizing tale where Irish mythology intertwines with the glamour and grit of Gilded Age New York. With its lush historical setting, tantalizing romance, and a twist of dark magic, this novel stands apart from others in the romantasy genre.

What Makes This Book Different?
Many books set in historical eras focus on the romance or societal drama of the time, but Gonzalez elevates this with a rich tapestry of Irish mythology. The Gods Time Forgot isn’t just a love story—it’s a story of identity, destiny, and the haunting power of forgotten gods. Readers should care because the novel explores universal themes of belonging and memory while immersing us in a fantastical version of the past.

The Plot: A Glimpse into Rua and Finn’s World
Set in Manhattan in 1870, the story begins with Rua, a woman who has lost her memory. Mistaken for Emma Harrington, the long-missing daughter of a wealthy family, Rua assumes the role in hopes of discovering her true identity. But blending into a life she doesn’t remember is anything but easy—especially when she crosses paths with Finn, the enigmatic Lord of Donore, whose arrival in New York society is as mysterious as Rua’s.

As Rua struggles to navigate societal expectations, her buried memories begin to surface, revealing an otherworldly truth connected to ancient gods and dark magic. Meanwhile, Finn, equally drawn to Rua and the secrets she holds, finds himself entangled in a web of love, danger, and myth. Together, they must uncover the truth about their intertwined pasts and the forces that threaten their future.

The Positives: Why You’ll Be Enchanted
Unique Setting and Mythological Depth:
The combination of Gilded Age elegance and Irish mythology is nothing short of captivating. Gonzalez excels at weaving the mysticism of ancient gods into the opulence of 19th-century New York, creating a backdrop that feels both fresh and immersive.
Compelling Characters:
Rua’s journey of self-discovery is both emotional and relatable, and Finn’s struggle between duty and desire adds layers to his character. Their chemistry is electric, their banter sharp, and their relationship develops with a slow-burn intensity that romantasy fans will adore.
Beautifully Written Prose:
Gonzalez’s lyrical writing brings Manhattan to life with vivid imagery, transporting readers from grand ballrooms to the shadowy corners where Rua’s memories linger.
High Stakes and Twists:
The gradual reveal of Rua’s connection to Irish mythology keeps the plot suspenseful and engaging. Each memory she uncovers brings new stakes, making the novel hard to put down.
Critiques: Where It Could Improve
While the story is engrossing, some readers may feel that the pacing in the middle slows as the narrative shifts between the societal drama and Rua’s growing magical awareness. A tighter balance between these elements could have maintained a more consistent momentum. Additionally, while the world-building is rich, certain aspects of Irish mythology could have been explored further to deepen the stakes tied to Rua’s past.

Final Thoughts
The Gods Time Forgot is an ambitious and enchanting debut that will appeal to fans of historical romantasy like Outlander and mythological tales like A Fate Inked in Blood. With its unique blend of mythology, romance, and mystery, it invites readers into a world where love and destiny are as timeless as the gods themselves.

If you’re looking for a novel that combines the glamour of the Gilded Age with the magic of forgotten legends, The Gods Time Forgot is a must-read. Rua and Finn’s journey will linger with you long after the final page.

Firstly I love this book cover omg!!
This is a historical romantasy with a vivid depiction of 19th century New York.
The banter, the longing, I LOVE IT!
This story really kept me on my toes and I couldn’t help but rush through it once I’d gotten started!

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to advance read.

Overall I enjoyed reading this debut. I wish there was a bit more mythological elements throughout the read however after reading this book I have become a bit more interested.

The beginning of the book felt a bit flat to me, it took me a bit to get into it. With that being said once you get through the beginning, it becomes rather interesting. The main characters banter was great. The ending, in my opinion, felt either rushed or like maybe the author didn't know how to finish the book.

I’m a sucker for mythology so I HAD to request this ARC of The Gods Time forgot

This story is a historical romance with hints of mythology and magic. It’s so vividly descriptive of the era it’s set in you feel like you’re in the period of the book, and evokes such strong emotions towards the characters and their actions.

Gonzalez was cooking when writing the banter between Finn and Rua because it had me kicking my feet.

This isn’t one you wanna miss! The Gods Time forgot is out on April 8th 2025.

I am rating this 5 stars simply because this book was PHENOMANAL. If you throw mythology into any story, I will probably love it immediately, but Irish mythology in Gilded Age Manhattan surrounded in mystery and forbidden love? Oh my god as soon as I was in, I was hooked. My one critique is the ending felt a bit rushed and cut off rather suddenly, but I think that just means I have to read it again! A stunning debut and I cannot wait for others to read it, to obsess over it just like me! Kelsie has become a must-read author for me in one fell swoop. PICK THIS UP IN APRIL, you absolutely will not regret it.

A book with Bridgeton vibes set in 1870s New York with a smudge of magic.

I actually liked the longing, the buildup of the romance quite a lot! The yearning for each other while trying to abide by the rules of high society really brought the banter. I also liked the originality of the Irish mythology and the mystery at the start of the book.

However, it felt like two complete different books tied together. For a big part, the middle, the magic / mythology aspect fades to the background in which it is just a historical romance. Nothing wrong with that, but going in I had a different expectation.

I received this eARC courtesy of NetGalley. Thank you for the review opportunity!

An amazing historical romantic fantasy with the some of the best banter I’ve ever read:) The book catches your attention from the very first word in chapter 1. I do wish there was a more fantasy element to the book but nonetheless it was great

I wasn't convinced of this as enemies to lovers. Finn is sympathetic to Rua from the start. Rua insists she dislikes him because... well it was never actually clear to me why she disliked him. She seemed to get worked up over how rude and dismissive he was when he'd said fairly normal things by my reading, and despite the fact that he was also—by her own admission—the only person who was nice to her at these events.

This book is set in 19th century New York, back when women in general didn't have rights, the poor are poor and the rich are wicked and could care less about everyone and everything else. Rua's family is about to become one of the Manhattan elite, but the problem is, she doesn't remember who she is and that whoever she was before, "Emma", she was pretty... problematic to say the least. Rua's fiery nature proves an obstacle to the Harringtons' plans to be accepted to the fold. And then there's the enigmatic Lord of Donore who she probably knows from *somewhere*...

First off, that cover? Gorgeous! It's got all of what the typical romance reader might want: enemies-to-lovers, yeaning, banter between the love interests. The worldbuilding of the setting was immaculate; the author did a great job reflecting on the social issues of that era and weaving it into the story.

Here's the not-so-great parts: I feel like the beginning dragged on for a bit too long before we got to anything exciting, and the ending felt too rushed and didn't solve everything. I only got morsels of the Irish mythology the book marketed, and that's only when I reached about 50% of the book. I didn't like Rua very much as she represented the stereotypical "I'm not like the other girls" trope, with her acting stubborn and difficult half of the time. It could've helped her if she kept her temper in check so that she could have time to figure out her past. That alone almost made me DNF. Then again I'm probably not the right audience for this book. Finn was a whole lot better though; I loved the complexity of his character and how he was the opposite of the New York elite he was trying to join so much.

The only other good thing in the story was the little twist at the near end that got me thinking "Say what now?". It got me good when I started questioning the signs of how everything came down to that moment. Saying more will warrant a spoiler.

I wanted so much to love this book, but alas it fell short from my expectations.

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I will never be over the banter in this book. Kelsie has a way of writing tension and yearning that is just truly an art. I am a huge fan of period romances and mythology and I think this book married the two in a really interesting and fresh way. Annette is one of the better villains I’ve read all year and I loved the juxtaposition of the human world often being as cruel as the world of Gods. The characters all sing in their own ways and I truly enjoyed my time with this story. Thank you for never giving up on Rua and making sure this story was told.