*I received this book as a free eBook ARC from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for inviting me to read this book. *

When you open a book, you don't always know what is going to happen.

I have never read a book with elements of Irish mythology, I don't think I would've read this book had I not been invited to do so. I never would've known the gem that it is.

This story starts in a peculiar way. A young girl wakes with no memory besides her name and she is being forced to live the life of Emma. Emma who is a part of a wealthy family in the nineteenth century. But she knows the truth. She knows that her name isn't Emma. She is sure her real name is Rua, and she will find out who she truly is.

As her family goes to Manhattan for Emma's father's business, there she encounters the Lord of Donore (Finn). When she meets him, something odd happens. It feels like she knows him. Not as Emma but as Rua.

The writing style was remarkable. From the moment that I started to read this book, I could not put it down. It was fluid and the vocabulary was easy to understand even though it is based in the nineteenth century.

For the world building, I enjoyed it. It's not a huge one, and as a reader, you are getting the information as Rua does. It's a method of world building and information that I appreciate. You are getting the information at the same time as the main character does, so it's not difficult to understand, and not confusing at all.

The main characters, Rua and Finn, were likable from the start. I was entertained by the actions and the rage, the drama, the affairs. Everything. Their relationship was amazing, the built up was on point. It was perfect. The side characters were insufferable, but it was bearable because it was so fun to read the inner thought of Rua and Finn when there was some kind of interactions between them all.

For the Irish mythology, I am not an expert on it so I can only assume that it was done well.

1.75⭐️1.5🌶️

Memory loss
New York Setting
Dual POV
Irish Foldlore?
Irish immigrant MMC
Forced proximity

The cover of this book is gorgeous, but sadly, the story didn’t quite live up to it. The time period feels a bit unclear—likely sometime after the Revolutionary War in New York, probably before 1876, since Central Park is still wild and undeveloped. However, the setting has more of a Gilded Age vibe, which doesn’t really match the historical details.

The book also includes a lot of modern references that don’t quite fit the time period. It felt like the characters were living in a different world than the one described, which made it hard to fully immerse in the story. And just to clarify, I’m not talking about the mythical Irish folklore the plot is based on—those elements were fine, but the modern undertones threw me off.

The plot itself is filled with clichés, with situations piling up in a way that doesn’t always make sense. There are a lot of loose ends and plot holes that left me feeling frustrated rather than engaged.

While the main characters had potential, they were overshadowed by underdeveloped minor characters and unfinished dialogue that contradicted the characters’ arcs. Plus, withholding the full myth/fairy tale until the very end didn’t add mystery—it only detracted from the overall story.

Overall, it was a difficult book to get into.

Thank you NetGalley and Aclove Press for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

My very first book by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez and I loved it. The Gods Time Forgot had all the correct vibes, strangers to lovers trope or one can say not so strangers to lovers trope. Irish mythology tangled with 1870s New York era, it really had me hooked.

The banter between FMC and MMC was hot and spicy, and clever. It made me laugh and blush both at the same time. I hated Flossie and Mara both. Rua although wasn't my favourite but she slowly grew up on me. Finn was too good, but again ain't they all. Sigh!!!

It was frustrating at times to see women's predicament but I understood why it had to be like that. Still it got on my nerves. I feel the love seemed rather fast , easy and instant. Sometime should have been spent on developing their love story even more. That push and pull would have worked quite well. What disappointed me the most is the ending, which was abrupt and hasty and for such a powerful book made little to no sense.

Overall it is quite well written, the prose was wonderful and enjoyable. I just wish it had been better executed.

Thank you Netgalley and alcove press for the wonderful ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Everything about this book, from the setting, the time period, the characters, was so immersive. I really enjoyed it the whole time and devoured it within days. As a debut, I think it was fantastic. Rua, as a main character, was so good at being so many different things to different people but as you read it you always knew who she really was. Similarly with Finn, as the MMC, it was so nice to get his POV as well and also I enjoyed that it was in third person but a very readable third person, which can be a fine and difficult balance sometimes.

The slow burn was indeed slow but in the most satisfying way. We got to feel all their raw emotions and love for each other in a world and time defying way. I would love if this was part of a series, but where it left off still felt like an acceptable ending for a stand alone. It definitely had a bit of an outlander vibe to the whole story but again in the best way. I thoroughly enjoyed this and have already recommended it to friends.

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really lovely read! I wish it weren't being compared to A Fate Inked in Blood because I think it's significantly more nuanced and better written - the way the mythology is woven in is fantastic. Will definitely be recommending to my mythology-fan bookclub!

Thank you Alcove Press & NetGalley for a chance to read this ARC!

I really enjoyed this! The story takes off running from the first page, and I didn't really want to put it down until it was over.

I would've liked to read less about time in Manhattan (and the EVIL, vapid girls there - good GOD), and more about Rua/Finn discovering who they REALLY are/their history.

Also that ending was ABRUPT and not the most satisfying - I feel like there must be more? ....Right? There could be a whole other book that does a deep dive of Rua & Finn, and what comes next for them.

Overall, a pretty good read (and I hope we get another book!)

3.5 stars

I want to thank Alcove Press for offering me an Advanced Reader Copy of this novel through NetGalley!

I had seen a small snippet of The Gods Time Forgot on TikTok as well as its prompt (gilded age New York meets Irish mythology) and was instantly hooked. Upon starting the novel, however, I felt a little lost at first: mostly because the Irish mythology wasn't present in the way I had expected. However, I think this picked up significantly throughout the novel and it was incredibly interesting and refreshing to learn the stories of a different kind of mythology than seen often in the media (greek, roman)

The writing was overall incredibly good--often with ARCs there are still little typos or missing punctuation or smasll mistakes on sentence level. However, with this novel that was not the case at all, and I thought that the writing was clear and well-structured. It had the exact right balance of description and balance in order to always keep the reader hooked.

The plot itself was a little predictable based on the title, but the ending really redeemed itself in that it took a few twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. However, I think more extensive flashbacks would have given the reader/me more of a connection to the previous timing. I also would've loved to see more of Badb's character, and felt as if Mara's connection to the Mórrigan could have been explored more, although I definitely think something sapphic was going on between her and Emma, just saying!

Overall, I enjoyed this book but it unfortunately wasn't my favourite plot-wise. I would however definitely still pick up the author's next book.

4⭐
No 🌶️

The perfect escapism I needed right now. If you loved the Luxe series with the big dresses on the cover in the 2000s, this is the adult romantasy high drama society meets Irish mythology story that you'll get sucked right into.

Thus was so unique and a breath of fresh air in romantasy! I did think there were a few issues with pacing and plotting in the middle which made the book feel drug out a bit, but overall a fun read!

The Gods Time Forgot by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzales is such a fun mix of Irish mythology and Gilded Age New York! It starts a little slow, but once the story gets going it is a fun read! This is written in third person POV and the gilded age is after the Bridgerton regency era, but has a similar vibe, This book is full of secrets, magic, and tension. Rua and Finn’s chemistry has classic forbidden “we shouldn’t, but we can’t resist” energy—and the mix of dark magic with high society drama is unique. If you’re into romantasy like Outlander or A Fate Inked in Blood, you’ll love this one!

Thank you for the opportunity to be an ARC reader!

This book had me hooked from the very first page!

We start with Rua, our main character, who's in this totally atmospheric, mysterious situation. She has no memories, doesn't know who she is, and is suddenly thrust into this whole new world. Talk about a gripping opener!

But here's where it gets really interesting - the story takes a sharp turn from this eerie, mysterious vibe to the glittering world of New York high society. It's like stepping from a foggy moor into a glitzy ballroom!

Rua's struggle to fit into this new world while trying to piece together her identity is absolutely captivating. You can feel her desperation to belong and her fear of being sent to a sanitarium if she doesn't measure up. It's nail-biting stuff!

Now, let's talk about the romance. It's a slow burn with a delicious tension between Rua and Finn, her love interest that's part forbidden romance, part fated love, and maybe even a dash of second chance? It's utterly swoon-worthy.

What really sets this book apart is how it blends mystery, romance, and societal drama. One minute you're trying to unravel the mystery of Rua's past, the next you're navigating the treacherous waters of New York's elite, and then you're swept up in a heart-fluttering romantic moment.

I will say, I was hoping for a bit more of a dramatic showdown at the end. It felt like things wrapped up a little too neatly for my taste.

Overall, I like the retelling of the Fates (Irish myth), historical references to NY society, and the mystery surrounding Rua. If you're into Myth retelling with romance, "The Gods Time Forgot" is definitely one to add to your TBR pile.

Thank you, Alcove Press and NetGalley, for my free book.

I had a really difficult time connecting to the characters and every time I thought the plot was going somewhere, it twisted in a pretty unsatisfying way. Overall, not my favorite!

I really enjoyed this book! I think the aspect of this story was something new that I haven’t really been reading lately. I found myself to slowly fall in love with the characters. At first, I did feel a bit disconnected from them but they found their way into my heart. I would definitely recommend to my friends!

This was a fast and pleasant read. I particularly liked the witty and tense banter between the two main characters but also the setting of 1870 Gilded Age Manhattan high society dynamic. Every over character was purposely infuriating in the way they treated Emma/Rua who is amnesic after a nigh in the woods/meddling with dark magic.

The MMC is full of spunk and grit even when literally everything and everyone is out to get her or set her up for failure. That was a little heavy and triggering in ways but she kept her spirits up.

The premise and even the resolution at the end we exciting and satisfying, however not much happens in the story. The loss of memory storyline took up too long to sort out and the goddess plot line was under-developed sadly -- a missed opportunity for the ending to expand the world and tie all the different elements/aspects of the main characters... unless this isn't a standalone and that was a choice. I gave it 4 stars because I liked the writing, the characters, and have hope this story continues.

The first thing that caught my eye about this book was its breathtaking cover art—absolutely stunning! The story is set primarily in the 1800s and centers on Rua. She has no memories of her past, only the vivid recollection of clawing her way out of the earth in a dark forest. When she’s discovered by others, they’re certain she’s Emma, someone they know. Rua is thrust into Emma’s life in high society, but nothing feels right—nothing feels like hers.

As the story unfolds, Rua begins to recover fragments of memories from a past life—a time filled with gods, magic, and powerful guardians. Along the way, she meets Finn, an Irish immigrant who, like her, doesn’t quite belong in the rigid structures of high society. Despite their best efforts to keep their distance, the two are inexplicably drawn to each other. Meanwhile, Rua must maintain the facade of being Emma while unraveling the truth about the dark magic and secrets surrounding her life and identity.

The plot is intriguing, and the writing is beautifully done. However, I did find the pacing a bit slow in places, and the ending felt somewhat abrupt. It makes me wonder if this book is setting the stage for a sequel—it certainly leaves room for one!

I liked the slow burn romance but found the plot/ storyline repetitive.
75% into the book before anything really starts to happen that’s related to Irish mythology.
I enjoyed the Irish mythology aspects that come in about 90% into the story. But overall the story is predictable and the ending felt a little rushed.

The Gods Time Forgot promises an interesting premise of lost memories, Irish mythology, and star-crossed lovers, but bad pacing, a tedious FMC, and an abrupt ending brought the whole story down.

The Gods Time Forgot tells the story of Rua and Finn. Rua wakes up covered in blood as she crawls out of a hole in the ground, with no memory of who she is or how she got underground. Mistaken for the daughter of the wealthy Harrington family, Rua plays along to find out who she is and what happened. Her plans are derailed when she meets Finn, an Irish immigrant lord and the number one bachelor of the debutante season. Finn is determined to make his way in New York society so he can fund his charitable pursuits, but he dislikes having to play society's games. When he hears rumors of the wild Harrington daughter, he vows to steer clear, but one look at Rua awakens lost memories and a bond neither can deny. As their pasts begin to awaken, Rua and Finn are forced to deal with the pressures and dangers of nineteenth century New York society while fighting their attraction and facing the brutal truth of their returning memories.

I really wanted to like this book. Irish mythology is so interesting and less popular in books, and the star-crossed lovers aspect seemed exciting. The story started off great--Rua clawing herself out of the ground, finding herself covered in blood, then washing off in water than burned anyone else who touched it--was both macabre and fascinating. The relationship between Rua and Mara seemed intriguing, and Rua's efforts to blend in while trying to figure out who she is seemed like it would be a hard mission. Finn's POV provided a nice counter--he had his own mission and was willing to play games to earn a name in society, even though he didn't care for said games. And the sparks between the two of them--woo! It was all adding up.

But then the first 2/3rds of the story was basically Rua being opinionated and brash and definitely not keeping a low profile to try to pretend to be Emma. I appreciated the ways she broke the typical debutante mold at first, but then it got very repetitive, and I just keeping thinking that this would be the final thing that got Rua sent away. I liked the trappings of the New York Gilded Age--Rua's dresses in particular were described beautifully--but it wasn't anything special. Finn didn't want to be drawn to Rua because it ruined all his careful plans, but he couldn't help himself, and then he kept making bad decisions because of lOvE. And while I liked the scenes with the two of them, I never felt like they fully received the consequences they deserved for their bad decisions.

And so the story played out more like Bridgerton than a historical romantasy until the last third, when Rua and Finn really start remembering and piecing things together. I liked learning more about the mythology and about Rua and Finn's true identities and was just generally excited to see how their love would play out. The ending was building up to some big conclusion and then it just...stopped? Like, the story just ended suddenly, and not even on a cliffhanger. It was just the end without any real resolution or hints of things to come and I was left questioning the entire book.

I don't know that I'd really describe this book as fantasy; it reads much more as a historical romance that the author decided need some fantasy to make it relevant in today's publishing world. And that's a shame, because the mythology is interesting and had a lot of promise. Ultimately, this isn't the book for me.

This book was a journey for me - it felt a bit slow to start, but once I was thoroughly in it, I was IN. IT. I felt the societal pressure inflicted on the characters so acutely and while I wished there had been more fantastical elements and answers to my questions incorporated into the finale, I was completely engaged and I can’t wait for more!

This was different. In a good way. Rua's journey was unlike that of which I've read before. I enjoyed this.

A dark fantasy novel with solid worldbuilding and characters. Rua doesn't really remember much, but she's pretty sure she's not Emma Harrington. Unfortunately, with no other options, she submits to the ruse of being Emma to buy herself time to figure out what she really is. It's either that or the Harringtons are going to lock her up in a madhouse, a fate almost worse than death. She teams up with businessman and immigrant Finn and together they slowly untangle the magical mystery of who Rua is and what really happened to Emma Harrington.