3.25⭐

LIKED:

- The setting and the infusion of Irish lore. More on the mythological aspects later, but I do think that Gilded Age New York is a really intriguing and enticing time period for a historical romance.
- I did like the characters. I thought they weren’t terribly grounded in many ways, but that’s fine. They’re not really supposed to be. Especially Rua
- I liked the dialogue between the two MCs. I wish we had more of it, honestly
- I enjoyed the prose. While slow at times, it flowed quite well and made it a pretty quick read for me (I’m a very fast reader so that may not be the case for everyone who picks this up - more on that later as well)
- The cover is really beautiful. My only critique on it is why they made Finn so scowl-y. It’s…a choice. - But it’s still gorgeous that aside
- The flashbacks were honestly the most interesting bits for me. I was usually pretty pleased to see those italics show up

LOATHED:
- Alright…my biggest gripe for this book is its marketing. Why is it being marketed as a fantasy first and foremost? The amount of actual fantasy in this book is next to nothing. There are some mythology elements, yes, but it’s not a fantasy or a romantasy. It’s a historical romance with some minor fantastical elements. That’s not to say that it BEING a historical romance is a bad thing, it’s absolutely not. I think it does quite a good job of being a historical romance. It not being a fantasy/romantasy/etc. IS going to disappoint people who are expecting more fantasy going in
- All that said, I was very disappointed SPECIFICALLY that I was promised Irish folklore and mythology in a fantasy setting and got barely a taste throughout the whole book. I am Irish and I know quite a bit about Irish mythology, so maybe for folks who are less aware this is enough. But there are are so many wonderful stories and characters and just bits of folklore in Irish mythology that I think I was just hoping for and never got
- The beginning is painfully slow to get into. Rua’s start is very confusing and questions to help you get into her headspace are not really written into her inner monologue. I’m not sure I have an answer as to how to remedy that, but this book didn’t pick up for me until like, nearly 20% of the book. Which isn’t great for the “average” reader
- The ending is very rushed. I liked it up until the last couple of pages, and then it’s just…done. That’s it. We get this culmination of everything that we’ve been asking questions about for the majority of the story and then…tada neat and tidy except not really don’t ask more questions everything’s fine

LONGED FOR:
- More Irish mythological elements
- More fantasy in general
- More flashbacks to connect the romance
- A more satisfying and less abrupt ending

Will I read the next one? : Maybe. Depends on the topic and if it’s actually a fantasy (I’m not the biggest reader of historical romance in general so that’s a me thing)

Unfortunately this book fell flat for me in every way.

The writing style was fine, but never managed to really suck me into the story. With the story set in the Gilded Age in Manhattan, I would expect a lot more flair and atmosphere, but unfortunately that never happens. The setting also never felt really fleshed out, the characters don't speak time appropriately nor do they really behave in the way I would expect.

Which brings me to my next issue: The characters just don't feel real. I can suspend my disbelief for a lot of things, but these characters never behaved like people. The protagonist is the worst offender by far. She doesn't want to be sent to the asylum, but all she does is antagonize the woman that thinks she is her daughter. Meanwhile Finn is portrayed like a saint of a person and honestly at some point I was just rolling my eyes at his inner dialogue. Holier-than-thou on a whole other level, but still does whatever all other rich people do because "he just has to".

I had high expectations for this one, as I actually love historical fantasy, but this was just really not it.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the e-arc.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Historical fiction, mythology, and romance is really a winning combination overall. The Irish mythology was a nice change (even if I couldn’t pronounce most of the Irish words) and was a really interesting turn. Rua’s memory loss was incredibly frustrating, which was the point, we (as the reader) know exactly what Rua knows and nothing more. The Morrigan was a nice touch and the realistic portrayal of womanhood during the 1800s was as well. Remember, they didn’t burn witches, they burned women.

That’s not to say that there were no issues with the book. The sentence structure at times felt choppy and repetitive, almost juvenile. I also think that the plot with Mara was left hanging, and the ending was rushed with Rua and Finn just barely riding off into the sunset together.

No spice, nice clean romance. 3.75 ⭐️ rounded to 4.

The Gods Time Forgot is what we get when Irish mythology collides with Gilded Age New York - a historical romance, enemies to lovers, fated mates story wrapped up into one. Manhattan, 1870. Rua knows only two things: her name, and that she has no memories. So when the wealthy Harrington family mistakes Rua for their missing daughter, Emma, Rua goes along with the charade, hoping for answers about who she really is. As she tries to blend into a society she doesn’t remember, she’s drawn to a firmly off-limits the Lord of Donore, a newcomer to Manhattan society who is somehow familiar to Rua.
This was an interesting take on what I'm used to in the historical romance world - it felt Bridgerton-esque but with an added touch of amnesia. "New money" trying to make their place in society only to be snuffed out by the snobby "old money" families, match making and courting and engagements that only serve to help the business, and then the outcast daughter that causes a stir at every event. Definitely loved Rua and Finn's interactions, only wish we had had more time with them together at the end.The pacing of the story was a little off for me - the beginning was so slow for me and by the end I wish we had had a few more chapters - there was so much build up in the last chapter alone and the ending felt a little abrupt, but maybe after I do a little research of my own into Irish mythology, it might make a little more sense. Definitely recommend this one if you like a little fantasy in your historical romance 
Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press, for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 Stars

All in all, I enjoyed the book. It does incorporate Irish lore, which I love, and the historical ambiance is set very well in the book. However, it is not a book I overall loved. It is definitely worth a read though.

The idea of a goddess with amnesia is such a great idea but the story didn’t pick up until about 70-80% into the book. The characters were likable and the setting was great. The Irish folklore, I think that was unique and not something I had read about before. Overall, I enjoyed the story and the characters

An Irish Mythology meets a Slow Burn Historical Romance Fantasy that you’re sure to love! Strong Female Character, Rua, unable to remember her past, wakes in a body not her own. We follow Rua unraveling her faithful bond to the Lord of Donore, Finn. Backdropped in the gilded age of 1870s New York, we, the readers, unravel at the hands of this fantastic historical romance fantasy, The Gods Time Forgot.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I was genuinely really excited about this book, and the beginning was promising. It started off a little rocky to me but I was very intrigued as to who Emma/Rua was and what (and why!) she couldn’t remember. But then it just went on and on and on and on….. the pacing was incredibly slow and unchanging. We would move locations, but nothing enticing would happen. Emma/Rua’s personality fell flat as well. By 60% in, I was shocked there wasn’t any more depth to her.

Well it kept going it kept going and it kept going and then BOOM really quickly it was the end. And I thought…. What????? The antagonist???? The reasoning?? The very basic love interest that lacked any real depth??? I was pretty disappointed.

The Gods Time Forgot is a historical romantasy that blends the lavish world of high society with a touch of magic, set in 1800s New York City. If you've ever imagined Bridgerton with a mystical twist, this might be the book for you. With its complex characters, rich setting, and a slow-burn romance, the novel has a lot to offer, even if it stumbles a bit in pacing and character depth.

The story follows Rua, a woman with no memory of who she is, but who is mistaken for Emma, a missing daughter from a wealthy family. Emma was ostracized from high society for dabbling in dark magic, and now Rua, as Emma, is forced to navigate the complex world of New York's elite, pretending to be someone she's not. This setup allows for some intriguing tension between Rua's sense of identity and her attempts to fit into Emma’s life.

Rua's journey to uncover the truth about herself and the magic that ties her past to the present is gripping, but what truly stands out is the romance with Finn Donore, an Irish immigrant trying to make a name for himself in high society. The attraction between Rua and Finn is palpable from the start, even though Finn repeatedly tries to resist the pull due to Rua’s infamous reputation. This creates an enemies to lovers dynamic, albeit with a bit of a twist. While the romantic chemistry is strong, I did wish for more of the tension that often makes this trope so satisfying. Finn’s attempts to keep his distance from Rua are quickly undermined by their undeniable connection, which, while cute, feels like it skips a few beats in building that dramatic push and pull.

Rua is a sharp-tongued, unbothered protagonist, which was fun to read at first. Her witty barbs aimed at Finn and the snooty members of high society bring much-needed levity to the otherwise high-stakes narrative. However, as the story progresses, Rua’s sharpness can become abrasive. Her character lacks depth at times, and though she's entertaining, she doesn’t always feel fully realized. A more fleshed-out backstory would have helped me connect with her on a deeper level. Mara, an important side character, is another example of this issue—her presence feels underdeveloped, and I found myself wishing there was more substance to her role.

Finn, on the other hand, is a far more engaging character. His internal struggle as an outsider trying to make his mark in high society is well done, and he feels more nuanced in comparison to Rua. His motivations and hesitations are more clearly defined, and I found myself rooting for him as he navigated the challenges of his new life and his growing attraction to Rua.

The pacing is another area where the book falters. The beginning hooks you in with Rua's mysterious past and the intriguing magic element, but the middle section of the book starts to drag. While the secrets and revelations eventually come to light, it takes a while for the plot to pick up steam. The slow burn is probably intentional, but for me, it felt a little too slow at times, with the tension between the characters and the larger mysteries not advancing as quickly as I would have liked. The writing can also be a bit choppy at times, which detracted from my overall immersion in the story.

The ending, too, left something to be desired. It feels somewhat abrupt, and while it ties up some loose ends, there’s a sense that the story isn’t quite finished yet. This could very well be setting the stage for a sequel, and I’m curious to see where the author takes the story next.

In conclusion, The Gods Time Forgot is a promising read for fans of historical romance with a twist of fantasy. The setting and premise are intriguing, and the romance between Rua and Finn has its moments. However, the pacing issues and lack of character depth in certain areas held me back from fully loving the book. It's still worth picking up, especially for readers who enjoy magical historical romances, but don’t expect it to fully sweep you off your feet.

The Gods Time Forgot is a novel set in the late 19th century New York where old money and new money collide. Emma is a girl of marriagable age with a crazy mother and no memory of her life before crawling out of a hellmouth in the countryside. Unfortunately, part of that memory loss is the fact that she isn't Emma, she is Rua, who looks almost exactly like Emma but is a different person stuck living Emmas's life. Enter Finn, a young Lord trying to build up his business so that he can help the less fortunate. Finn is supposed to be courting the perfectly respectable Annette, but can't help but be drawn to Rua.

Include some mysterious worshipping of the Morrigan and hints at old Irish Lore and we are left trying to figure out just who and what Finn and Rua are to themselves and to each other.

I loved this so much! The Irish mythology the enemies to lovers and the overall plot was just so excellent! I was drawn to the characters immediately and it was one of my favorite recent reads. Will 100% add to our library collection and will be recommending this to everyone.

3.5 rounded down to 3 stars

I had a pretty good time with this one, despite having some slight complaints about the pacing and the ending.

I loved(!!) the romance and the mythology weaved into the story. I felt like I could almost picture a world where these stories came to life, and that I was experiencing it myself. However, this immersion was slightly hindered by the fact that the pacing throughout the story was relatively inconsistent. Some parts felt too quick, some parts felt like they took absolutely AGES to occur. I think that this is definitely something that is learned with time, and I have no doubts that the author will improve on this in her next book (which I'll be sure to pick up).

However.... the ending was SO abrupt. I felt like suddenly I blinked and the story had ended, and I was like "Surely there's an epilogue or something to tie this up?" but sadly there was not. In the future, I think an epilogue would be a great benefit if the author foresees herself doing this style of ending again -- this just felt a little too sudden.

All my thanks to both Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read and review this ARC!

I originally saw a post about this book several months ago and saved the title to keep an eye on when it released. Because of that, I was so excited to have the opportunity to review it early through NetGalley.
I really liked the setting of this book, and how the reader drops into story along with Rua without any backstory. The timelines coming together and the two MCs realizing who they might be to each other was really fun along with the gilded age NYC setting.
I kept expecting the book to end on a cliff hanger setting up the next book, so was a little surprised and disappointed with the pacing at the end which left me feeling a little underwhelmed.
Overall, I LOVED the concept of the book and absolutely devoured it in an afternoon. I wish that the pacing had been a bit different.

The Gods Time Forgot was the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and a hint of magic. I found the main character, Rua, feminine rage to be exactly what I needed right now. She took the demure gilded age women and flipped the stereotype on its head. She does not bow down to misogyny and fights for the life she wants while figuring out details about the life she cant remember leaving behind. I really enjoyed this read!

3 Stars

The pacing of this book just kind off and I couldn't get into it as much as I had hoped. I found it to be so incredibly slow and I just wasn't interested for the majority of it. I am really disappointed because I really thought I would love this one.

The things that did work well for me was dialogue. I enjoyed the banter between the characters and the overall angst. I thought this was well done and it kept me reading.

I do think this author shows a lot of promise. I really look forward to see what else she writes because I do love a good banter and not every author can really pull this off.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

3.5 stars. I think that the author could have leaned more into the romance plot. This just not seem like that much of a romance novel to me.

I'm so glad others have enjoyed this book. I thought it was going to be right up my alley but it didn't turn out that way.

The beginning was definitely a hook, and I enjoyed a historical taking place in New York since so many focus on London. After the initial few times Rua was trying to get the hang of being Emma and dealing with society, it felt repeptitive. Go to a ball, run into Finn, a scene is made, everyone is mad at her, repeat. I felt the longing between Ruan and Finn, but felt Finn was a dissapointment. I struggled to get to the ending, and then didn't even understand it.

Everyone has different tastes and I'm sure others will enjoy this more.

This book swept me away to 1870s Manhattan, where gilded ballrooms hide secrets, and magic lingers just beneath the surface.

Rua wakes up with no memory of who she is, only to be mistaken for Emma, the missing daughter of a wealthy family. Desperate for answers, she steps into Emma’s life, navigating a world of high society, deception, and a mysterious Irish lord who feels far too familiar.

The historical setting was stunning. The Irish mythology woven into the story made everything even richer.

Rua’s journey was so compelling, balancing her search for the truth with the growing tension between her and Finn. And the banter was so good!

The worldbuilding was seriously phenomenal.

If you love romantasy with high stakes, a dash of mystery, and a setting that fully immerses you, this one is a must-read!

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove for this free ARC.

I completely forgot to write a review for this book, but I remember liking it. I loved the construction of the characters but I feel like there was something missing in the development of the story. Overall, it's a good 3 stars

The Gods Time Forgot is a fun mix of Bridgerton and Outlander, set in gilded age New York with Irish gods.

Overall, I had a fun time reading this! It was intriguing, unique, and romantic. I think having the right expectations is key before you go in. This is a romance with light fantasy elements, so don’t expect a lot of magic or fantasy. Most of the fantasy happens before the book starts and at the very end. The majority of the book is solidly romance with lots of ballgowns and tension.

Like I said, I really did enjoy this book for what it was. I will say the ending was abrupt and the historical events were pretty flat (simply thrown in but honestly this could’ve taken place in any 18-19th century ballroom; it wasn’t distinctly gilded age enough imo).

I would recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from this author!