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.