3.5 stars!

I actually enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Although I had a slow start with it, eventually the pacing picked up and the world-building started to make sense to me. Honestly what saved this from being a DNF was the romance, it was just very cute and quite enjoyable. The ending however was incredibly abrupt and I would have loved to see what became of our protagonists after the reveal.

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for an arc in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Any historical fantasy is my cup of tea, but I might be reading too many similar titles right now because I struggled to want to pick this up. While this isn't bad, it isn't overly memorable either. It just didn't add anything new to the genre, not that I think it was trying to. What I mean to say is... this is a classic case of "it's not the book, it's me".

Maybe I'll try returning to this at a later date since it sounds like it was written for me (and how GORGEOUS is the cover??), but for now I'll be DNF'ing to moving on to another title on my never-ending TBR. I'll definitely recommend this to my audience - especially fans of Outlander!

3.75/5 stars!

I enjoyed this one. The premise (particularly time travel, of any sort, throw in some fantastical elements and a romance and I'm sold) was right up my alley. I did find Act 1 a bit difficult to get grounded in thought. The writing was good, but some parts I felt were white room and moved a bit quick. I would have loved for the settings and atmosphere to be beefed up a bit more, but since this is also fantastical that might have been difficult to do in a world limit constraint?

Either way, if any of these tropes sound up your alley, definitely give it a go. It might also be good for someone who is interested in entry level fantasy or fantastical-historical sub-genres before going into something more detailed (like Outlander or A Discovery of Witches)

Thank you for the Earc!

I loved every single second of this book.

Rua and Fin have stolen my heart and this book just made it to the top 5 of my reads this 2024. I went into this story blind, the cover was enough to steal my breath away!

The story line was so refreshing, Irish folklore?!! Omg yes pls!! I have learnt so much and enjoyed the magic sooo much!!

The characters were all written to perfection and everyone had a role to play into the plot! The balls and dresses were ugh just divine and I ATE it up.

Okay my only problem is I NEED MORE OF THIS WORLD ASAP!!!!!

"The Gods Time Forgot" follows Rua, a woman with no memory, mistaken for a missing debutante in 1870 Manhattan. As she navigates high society and forms a connection with the mysterious Lord Finn, they uncover dark secrets tied to their pasts and ancient magic. This enemies-to-lovers romantasy blends Irish mythology with Gilded Age intrigue. The stunning cover immediately draws you in, and the story keeps you hooked with its twists and magical atmosphere—perfect for fans of "Outlander" and "Bridgerton" but with magic.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me an advanced eReader copy.

This was a standout fantasy romance. It's unlike a lot of what is out there right now and it was really refreshing. The setting is early 20th century New York, where new and old money are in a battle for the top of society. The descriptions of the city, the people, the gowns, the balls were rich and really emerse you in the book. There is also an element of mystery as we are introduced to Finn and Rua. I loved how the author developed their attraction, it wasn't insta-love but more subtle. It felt deeper because there are hints that in some way they have known each other for a long time.

My only knock is the ending felt a little abrubt. I felt it could have been given a little more room to breathe, but it was still satisfying. This is a great, fantasy stand alone that I think readers who enjoy regency, or gilded-age era settings are going to love.

I hope there are plans to release an audiobook version of this because I think the hearing the Irish dialects are going to add so much to the richness of the story.

The Gods Time Forgot is such a good book. I recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic, the story is immaculate.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this Arc!

Just an okay read for me. The premise was cool especially the mix of high society, memory, and mythology. But I found the writing hard to follow and get invested in, and was frustrated by the lack of explanation and through lines and connections in the story. There wasn’t enough there for me to really care.

Thank you for the E-Arc NetGalley.
This book was fun.
The writing style is easy to follow but also kept tension throughout most of the story. Rua/Emma has no memory of who she is and as she finds out she keeps getting herself into more trouble socially as she is already an outcast.
Finn wants to help her with her reputation but he finds himself more and more drawn to Emma but he can’t figure out why.
My favorite part was the historical and mythological aspects of the book.

I like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a read on this.

Welp. It was rough. It was like one thought running and running continuously - characters would be in different areas inside of a house without any action or description of how they got there. I felt like the character Rua and her situation was rushed from the get-go. Besides knowing that she has lost some memories, everything is very bland with her. Very point A to point B type writing. Nothing allowing you to understand who she is as a person. No real inner monologue or depth.

Finn had more depth than Rua, but still, the blandness of his character and the repetitive swearing / exclamations was strange to read.

I only made it 20% through and felt like this book required more editing and fluidity in the context. There is probably a story in here, but I'm too pressed to weed it out.

3.5/5 ARC Read - releasing April 2025, as always a special shout out and thank you to NetGalley! I was immediately drawn to this book due to the beautiful, stunning, gorgeous cover art. The story is set in the 1800s primarily, focused on Rya. All that Rya remembers is crawling out from the earth in the dark woods. No past memories, no idea who she really is - but the people who find her are convinced she is Emma. Inserted into Emma's life in high society, she feels wrong. Like nothing is familiar or hers. In time she starts to get memories of a past life, a time of gods, magic and guardians. She also meets Finn, who is also struggling to fit into high society as an Irish immigrant. Despite both their efforts, they are constantly drawn to each other. At the same time, Rya is trying to keep up her appearance as Emma and uncover the dark magic and secrets behind her life and current existence. Interesting plot, fantastic writing. I found the page quite slow, it dragged a little for me. I also found the end quite abrupt. I wonder if this is a set up for a sequel, it would definitely leave the door open for it.

The Gods Time Forgot is a deliciously romantic, fast-paced story filled with witty banter, Irish mythology and headstrong characters. It was everything I hoped for in a historical romantasy and more. I laughed out loud throughout much of the dialogue and was clutching my chest through the end. And that last sentence?! *chef’s kiss* I cannot wait to read everything Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez writes and would absolutely recommend this to readers who are fans of writers like India Holton, Heather Fawcett and Olivia Atwater!

The Gods Time Forgot is a historical romantasy that I would compare to Bridgerton if it were set in New York City and had magic.

Rua, the female protagonist, has no memories and finds herself being taken in by the Harrington family, who think she is their missing daughter Emma. Rua / Emma was a social pariah, and by proxy, made her family the subject of gossip and scrutiny too. Rua knows nothing about Emma other than that she was dabbling in some form of dark magic and had been expelled from school, thus scandalizing and alienating herself and her family from NYC's elite families. Her parents (especially the mother) make desperate strides to try and reaffirm their place in society, which is how Rua meets Finn Donore, a mysterious lord from Ireland.

Both Rua and Finn feel a magnetic pull towards each other. Finn is trying to establish himself in high society, so he tries to convince himself many times not to associate or be seen with Rua because of her awful reputation (which obviously doesn't quite go to plan). I loved the beginning stages of their relationship, where Finn tries to resist Rua, and Rua brushes him off. With this in mind I would lightly classify it as enemies to lovers, because there is a pull between them from the moment they meet which got rid of a lot of potential tension. I did enjoy their banter though.

Rua is very sharp-tongued and didn't hold anything back. She had many hilarious comments to Finn and to condescending high society members - she was truly unbothered. That said, she could be abrasive/irritating at times and there wasn't much depth to her character. Mara, an important side character, had barely any substance. But Finn was a much stronger, more captivating character in my opinion!

Another thing I struggled with was the pacing; the very beginning drew me in but it starts to drag shortly after. I think I struggled with the lack of information we get - the secrets start to reveal themselves eventually and the plot picks up as the book goes on but I think it took a bit too long in getting there. The writing was also a little choppy at times.

I didn't fall in love with this book, but it was a mostly enjoyable read - I just wasn't fully hooked. I think it's definitely still worth checking out for all historical romance fans looking for a magical twist.

Thank you so much to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this ARC! 📚

This was a great mix between historical romance and irish folklore!
I really loved the fact that the reader knows as much about the past and present of the main character as Rua herself. And Finn of course!
Through some snippets of memory they remember they get set on their course. But their love seems doomed from the start.
And Rua was such a great character! Who she really was kept shining through.
It took me a while to get sucked into it but once I was I was completely hooked. It's a standalone but it did have a bit of a sudden ending. Really enjoyed this one!

An amazing romantasy with hilarious banter. Rua and Finn's chemistry was perfect! I loved reading their interactions. I was extremely invested in the story, and i really enjoyed reading Rua's journey.

The Gods Time Forgot intricately weaves Irish mythology into the vibrant tapestry of Gilded Age New York, creating an enchanting tale that grips the heart. Rua, trapped between two identities, embarks on a poignant journey of self-discovery that resonates deeply. Her chemistry with Finn is electric, igniting a passion that transcends societal boundaries. As secrets unravel and memories resurface, the stakes grow ever higher, intertwining their fates in unexpected ways. This debut captures the essence of love and the complexity of identity with raw emotion, making it a must-read for anyone who craves a beautifully layered story of romance and magic.

Wonderful fantasy romance set to the sweeping and glamorous backdrop of the 1870s. Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez delivers a refreshing fantasy romance standalone about the power of love across time and against all the odds.

The story throws the reader into the middle of the action with the disappearance of Emma and Rua's first moments. As both Rua and the reader scramble to make sense of what is happening, you are sucked into the harsh and glittering world of Gilded Age politics, society, and intrigue. Rua does her best to play the role of Emma, but she is thwarted by many at every turn. At the same time, the reader meets Finn -- the dashing lord -- trying to make his way in American society. While there is a tinge of dislike between the two, they feel drawn to one another.

Sheridan Gonazlez does a wonderful job of sprinkling in this past moments of faint memories for both Rua and Finn. Together, the main characters and the readers piece together to the moments that lead to New York in the 1870s.

I really enjoyed Rua's rough and tumble attitude as she crashes through polite New York society. The dual POV with Finn adds a little extra as you see the world through his eyes. Sheridan Gonazlez sprinkles in some truly heinous individuals that will cross out duo from time to time -- one of them had been yelling had her underhandedness.

This is a truly fun standalone that will sweep you away from an afternoon and take you on a worldwind adventure of Irish mythology, romance, and the right touch of fantasy! I am excited to read more from this author!

This story was SO interesting! I was immediately hooked. Run’s entire journey was incredible. The mystery, trying to figure out what the heck happened and who she was while trying to act like Emma to survive. So interesting! The romance was also soooo perfect! 🤌🏾😍 I really loved this one! Can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy to reread!

I feel bad giving this a terrible review - I think that's more on my tastes than the actual book. Too much romance, not enough fantasy. I did find some of the characters really one note - I'm someone who loves morally grey characters, whether that's the lead or the antagonist. This was just kind of blah for me.

If you like the fae and romance, and the Gilded Age, maybe this is more your thing.

I was so thrilled to receive a copy of Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez's THE GODS TIME FORGOT. This sweeping, scintillating romantasy was a delight of banter, intrigue, and history. Rua and Finn's chemistry nearly set the book on fire. I loved every moment.