I really wanted to like The Gods Time Forgot, but it fell flat. I have been following the author on tik tok for a year or so now where they’ve been excitedly talking about the book and it sounded like something I would love. Unfortunately, I had many issues with the execution of the story and how it all came together.

The goofy, gimmicky regency era drama did NOT mix well with the dark, fantasy lore in my opinion. I loved the dark side of this book but the weird backdrop setting of Bridgerton esque silly regency drama felt so misplaced compared to how this novel eventually ended.

The book is written in a way that expects the reader to be knowledgeable about Irish mythology when the reality is, most readers will be going into this without a clue (I am one of those readers. I personally felt the name drops and the lack of explanation OF the mythology until the 85% mark itself was a huge set back for this book. This also ties into my issues with the visions/dreams of our main characters “other lives”. They are dropped on us randomly throughout, and often enough the characters react with one sentence and it’s never really discussed / talked about/acknowledged in depth by our MCs. This book would have benefited from us learning things AS the story was told. It would also have been so much more realistic to showcase Rua’s curiousity as to what was happening to her throughout the story, because you’re telling me your conscious is dropped into someone else’s body, you have no memories, they’re calling you some other girls name, and you’re NOT desperate for answers? You just go along with the dumb regency drama? Also why did Finn rarely comment on any of his visions/dreams? We could have benefited from him mulling over what he saw in relation to his heritage and knowledge of his own mythology. TL;DR I personally wish the lore and mythology was sprinkled better throughout the book and earlier on for readers to be better immersed in the worldbuilding and lore.

Honestly my issues with this book are very similar to the ones I had with Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven. If you’re going to write a story that features past lives and their love story….do make sure to show us that love story and that chemistry rather than just shoving two characters together who are instantly infatuated with one another. With The Gods Time Forgot I would call it a slower burn, but I don’t feel these characters really got to know each other on anything other than a superficial level, which took away from the romance for me.

And the ending of the book….was so…confusing. A big jumbled mess where no one’s actions made any sense. I feel like the author is showing us a scene but we aren’t given the full context of what’s happening. If this is supposed to be a standalone, that ending makes no sense and is so unsatisfying.

I genuinely feel like this story will find its readers, but for me there was simply a massive disconnect. The best way I can describe it is that I felt like I wasn’t in on the joke, all the information was kept from me, even until the very end.

Thank you to Kelsie and the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced ebook of this highly anticipated read!

The premise of this book is so intriguing, it had so many aspects of mythology and the gilded age time period that I really enjoyed. I liked Rua’s character, Finn was so swoonworthy, and I felt the other characters rang true to the time period and societal level at which it is set. Also, the writing was very well done and truly painted a picture of the setting and the people within them that immersed you in the text.

I wish the mystery was a bit more hyped up, there just wasn’t as much alluding and flashbacks and foreshadowing or clues to really grab my attention and make me want to solve it. However, I still enjoyed how it all shook out and did find myself surprised! It was just a bit slower in the beginning and I had a hard time picking it up sometimes.

This book surprised me in that way where I closed it and sat there blinking at the ceiling, not quite ready to re-enter real life. It took me a minute to find my footing in Rua’s story (which makes sense, considering she doesn’t know where or who she is either), but once the threads began to pull tau, Finn appeared, and the tension between them began to spark—I was hooked.

The premise itself is gripping: a girl with no memory mistaken for a missing debutante, an unsettling family legacy, a city glittering with corsets and secrets, and a stranger who feels dangerously familiar. The amnesia trope made it hard for me to settle in at first (I’m someone who likes to know things), but the slow revelation of Rua’s identity, paired with the unraveling of myth, society, and magic, kept me turning pages faster than I expected.

This book has such a strong sense of place. Gilded Age New York feels vivid and detailed. But what really made it stand out to me was the way the fantasy elements slowly wove themselves into the story. As Rua’s memories start to come back, you realize there’s something much older and stranger going on, something rooted in myth and magic. It’s a mix of historical fiction and fantasy that honestly shouldn’t work as well as it does, but somehow it really does.

I do wish the ending had given me just a bit more. Not because it wasn’t good—it was—but because the world and characters deserved a little more space to breathe before the curtain closed. The scope of the mythology, the weight of the memories returning, the emotional payoff between Rua and Finn—it all felt like it needed a second act. A duology might have let that depth unfold more naturally, more powerfully.

Still, The Gods Time Forgot is beautifully imagined, emotionally resonant, and rich with myth and memory. It asks what we owe to the people we used to be, and what we’re willing to risk to reclaim our story.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just know it asks a bit of you in the beginning—but if you stay with it, it gives back.

If you like your romantasy with mythology, mystery, and morally complicated memory loss—this one’s for you.

Thank you NetGalley & Alcove Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Gods Time Forgot is a romantasy set in the Gilded Age of New York City following Rua (Emma) and Finn, and is a debut novel for Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez. Emma finds herself one day wedged in a hole in the ground and when she finally is able to crawl free she has no memory of anything that has happened prior to that moment. Upon her entrance back above ground, confused with what is going on she attempts to jump in a pool of water that is considered cursed, because no one can touch it without serious injury. She however, can freely touch it. That's not the only thing special about the water though, while in the water Emma is able to see very vivid memories of things that have happened to her in her present life. Leading her to now realize her name isn't Emma, it's Rua. But she quickly learned that insisting she wasn't Emma and is in fact Rua was the worst thing she could do, unless she wanted to be taken to a mental institution. She had to play the part and just hope she could hold out to find out the truth of what was going on.

After leaving the countryside for the city, Rua runs into Finn unexpectedly at her fathers construction site. Finn is charming and polite, and the Lord of Donore. He is instantly drawn to Rua with a small hint that he has met her before but not sure where. Each time they run into each other in social events, Finn's feelings towards Rua grow stronger potentially ruining the name he is trying to build for himself. Finding their pull to each other stronger than ever, time is quickly running out to untangle the past and figure out the future.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me with an eARC. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

The gilded age with flashbacks to Irish mythology are the themes for this story. Emma,a daughter of new money industrialists,is lost in the woods and returned with no memories. Before long we find she has been replaced by a warrior goddess, Rua, on a quest which she can no longer recall. Although she does know she does not fit into polite society or belong to this social climbing family. When she meets the Irish Lord Finn Donore, Rua begins to have haunted dreams and a feeling they have met before.
I’m not quite sure how I felt about this story. It had lots of yearning but little spice and seemed to veer between Bridgerton and Outlander but not as satisfying as either. It also has an abrupt ending which I felt could have been fleshed out or alluding to a sequel. But for the most part it does hold your interest and I certainly wanted to see where the story went. Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press.

In 1870 Manhattan, Rua, who has no memories, is mistaken by the wealthy Harrington family for their missing daughter, Emma. She adopts the identity, hoping to uncover her true past while navigating a society she doesn't recall. Rua is inexplicably drawn to Finn, the Lord of Donore, who is new to Manhattan and feels a strange familiarity with her. As Rua's memories resurface, revealing a world of dark magic, both she and Finn must unravel ancient secrets to uncover their intertwined pasts and secure their future in a society where appearances are deceiving.

This book was incredibly intriguing, and the first few chapters had me hooked. However, the pacing slowed dramatically for about half of the book, which made it feel a bit sluggish despite containing vital plot points. Once the story picked up again, it became really enjoyable. I loved the mystery surrounding the characters and how we discovered information alongside them.

Regarding the characters, I adored Rua's sharp tongue and her fearless attitude, which added great banter to the story. Initially, I didn't like Finn because he never stood up for Rua, but as the story progressed, his behavior started to make sense. The banter between Finn and Rua was fantastic. Overall, it was a good and enjoyable read, and I would recommend it.

Rating: 4/5
Spice: 1/5

Tropes:
Amnesia/Confusion
Irish mythology
Slow burn
Enemies to Lovers?
Banter

Thank you so much Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez, Alcove Press, and Net Galley for a chance to read this arc. All thoughts are my own.

3.5!

~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.~

The Gods Time Forgot is more of a historical romance with bits of fantasy. I fear the term 'romantasy' is just being thrown around too much. The beginning of this book was so good, I was immediately immersed in the story and world. The society in which Rua is trying to be a part of was so believable, I enjoyed all the parties and events. However, this also made the pacing quote slow and the romance non-existent in places. I enjoyed the Irish mythology as I'm not very familiar with it but the ending seemed so so rushed and certain events very unexpected. There could have been another chapter or two to wrap things up considering the slow pace for 90% of the book and the last chapter seemed to go way too quickly.

I do wish we got a bit more romance between the two before the ending, i know why we didn't but i just found it a bit hard to believe?

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for this earc!

***ARC received from Rising Action Publishing Co and NetGalley, opinions are all my own. Thank you!***

This book balances mythology and the rigid structure of the gilded age of New York. The Irish mythology is more of a backstory than the main story, this is definitely more about the structure of society and how it treats outsiders. Both Rua and Finn despite having the outward appearance of belonging they are mostly outsiders, welcome only because they have what mattes, status but more importantly, money. Rua is outspoken and that makes her odd while Finn is Irish dealing with the prejudice of the time. While I wished the mythology had been better fleshed out I did like how the author handled this historical aspect. It felt real, the rigid nature of what was proper, what good girl were allowed and not allowed to do. Rua is an absolute outsider to this and has to figure it out as she goes.

Character wise I really liked Finn and Rua, even liked all the backstabbing ladies of the era. Yes they are horrible but they are ruthless in keeping the outsider from taking their place. Is it a bit stereotyped, yes but it is to be expected from these type of characters and I didn’t hate them. They create conflict and have a balance compared to Rua who is learning the game. They know it, they have perfected it and I can’t help but be a little you go girl, get your place in society. Especially when you consider this is what they have been raised to be, there is nothing else for them in this time.

I honestly did enjoy the romance in this book. Although it is labeled as an enemies to lovers Finn and Rua aren’t really enemies, at most they are slightly annoyed at each other and their occasional inability to be honest with each other. Its a slow burn as Finn wants to establish his place in society by marrying the woman that will benefit his business ventures while Rua is begrudging going through the process while trying to figure out who she is.

One complaint I have is with pacing. There are times where it feels like the books is starting to meander around while major plot points still haven’t been discussed yet. Which means that a lot is crammed into the last few bits of the book making the last few pages not just the third act way to heavy. Too much happens right at the end and causes everything to feel way too rushed. I wish that this had been spread out a little bit more. There are already quite a few outside forces keeping Finn and Rua apart that could have been easily been used to cause some conflict. Speaking of conflict it never has any threat over the story because it happens right at the end. If the book had allowed this information to be brought forth sooner it would have created a more stronger conflict but because it just comes and goes so quickly there is no weight to it. I was never left feeling like the characters were in any danger, there are no stakes. Which can be fine at times but this book felt like it was building to something bigger than what we got only to just abruptly end.

Other than some of the issues with the pacing right near the end I found this a fun and easy read. I enjoyed both Rua and Finn and found myself deeply rooting for them and wanted nothing more than a happy ending for them.

I have so many thoughts and feelings about this book, but I’m not totally sure where to begin… first, I’ll say that this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025 and I was so excited to receive an ARC of it, so thank you Kelsie and thank you to NetGalley. Now, for my honest review. I won’t give much plot, as you can read the description for the book, but I’ll give my honest thoughts here ☺️
There’s a lot to like about this book. If you like descriptive, glittering imagery descriptions, you’ll love the way all of the high society parties and activities were described. It’s very classic novel. The pining and slow burn was definitely slowly burning- I mean at times I wanted to knock some sense into Finn, but at others I could tell he felt trapped that he couldn’t act on his feelings. And I really do think there were some excellent characters in the wider group of society.
Now, there’s a bit I was let down by. The greatest of all was the ending- both the final conflict being sort of rushed to be created and fixed solely in the final 2-3 chapters, and the sort of “happy” ending after our main characters reunite. It just felt so sudden, and I wanted more. The other bits were how things felt disjointed due to us being kept in the dark, particularly when it came to the business stuff between Emma’s and Annette’s dads. Also, her mother was like the worst. I mean even for 1800’s forceful mothers looking for a match, she was nearly abusive at times and just plain dumb and pathetic at others (I guess more of a character flaw maybe?). I was hoping for her downfall to occur.
There were some major plot points I didn’t like- how could Finn be blackmailed about Rua being in a bad part of town without those people showing their hand that they set her up? Also As someone who only knew *of* the Morrígan but knew little of the other religion/mythology that inspired this story, I think there were just enough pieces to keep me confused- the ríastrad, for example, I had no clue about.
Anywhoo, I still think this is a very unique story and I loved reading something inspired by something other than other common fairytales. It was good, I just wanted mote in some ways, but a solid 3⭐️ read for sure!

I thought the premise of this was interesting and loved the Gilded Age setting. For most of the book it felt more like historical fiction with elements of fantasy, rather than romantasy, but that worked for me. Toward the end there was a strong change in tone and it ended quite abruptly. I feel like a sequel would really help and I would likely rate it higher if the story were to continue.

In 1870, Rua finds herself with no memories, and everyone believes she is Emma, the eldest daughter of a very wealthy family. Finn, the Lord of Donore, is an Irish Lord moving in New York social circles and meets Rua, finding himself drawn to him and feeling like he has met her before.

3.5 stars rounded up.

3.5 ✨

I had a great time reading this and I really loved the Victorian era vibes combined with the fantasy element!
What to expect:
🐦‍⬛ Victorian New York
🐦‍⬛ Irish Mythology
🐦‍⬛ Gods & Godesses
🐦‍⬛ Balls & Gowns
🐦‍⬛ High Society
🐦‍⬛ Mystery
🐦‍⬛ 3rd person narrative but from both main characters POVs

𝑹𝒖𝒆 was an interesting and strong character! She found herself bound in another life and as an outcast in the socialite circles of New York she endured a lot of difficulties. We see the cold relationship with her mother and the social standards she had to keep up with as well as woman's role in society at this time!
Our MMC, 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒏, is an Irish wealthy immigrant who tries to establish his presence in New York by making an investment in an new Hotel. His path will cross with Rue's and then, amongst the frenzy of matchmaking by the era's standards, secrets will start to unfold between them!

Now to more of my thoughts! I feel like I needed more from this book, maybe a sequel? I'm not sure, but I felt that some parts were underdeveloped or not properly touched upon. I must say at this point that I quickly saw where the story goes and guessed the plot twist but this didn't affect my reading experience overly negative. I feel like I wanted to see more on to how Finn appeared in New York at the first place and also a bit more on the past.
The writing was ok, the only think I noticed in one chapter is the constant use of the word Rue in the beginning of each paragraph, as it was used consecutive more than nine times to begin the sentence in this chapter.
I would still recommend this book for a quick, atmospheric read especially if you like the tropes I listed above!

The Gods Time Forgot is a romantasy set in Gilded Age New York where our leads, FInn and Rua, are the mortal reincarnations of Irish gods. As they make their way through high society in Manhattan, they have to fight their growing attraction to one another as well as the feeling that they've met before....


This premise had me so intrigued and somehow I ended up bored to tears by the end of the book. I am aware that this was an ARC that I read and I'm hopeful that it went through several stringent rounds of editing as they were desperately needed.

How do you make reincarnated Irish gods in Gilded Age NYC boring? Just how? So many of the scenes were repetitive that I found myself skimming the text just to get to the next chapter. None of the characters acted like actual human beings and were instead caricatures of various archetypes: 'bitchy controlling mother', 'the rich mean girl', 'the corrupt businessman', etc. The plot barely existed and seemed more like random events strung together with a hope and a dream. And there was no satisfactory conclusion, the book just ends and the final scene made no sense even in the context of the bare bones plot.

I wanted to like this but I feel the author needs further development of their writing skills prior to attempting another novel.

Reviews going live on Goodreads, Storygraph, Fable, and Tiktok on 4/6.

This book has a fascinating premise and some genuinely striking moments, but it doesn’t quite stick the landing. The worldbuilding is imaginative, and there are flashes of brilliance in the writing, but the pacing feels uneven, and some of the characters never fully come to life. It's clear the author had big ideas, and while some of them hit, others get lost in a tangle of exposition or underdeveloped subplots. Still, there’s enough here to keep you turning the pages, especially if you’re into Irish mythology and the Gilded Age, but it just might leave you wishing for a little more.

The Gods Time Forgot is a unique fantasy romance combining Irish mythology and the glam of Gilded Age New York.

Emma Harrington has been recently rescued after disappearing from her home. Unfortunately, since her disappearance, she has no memories of her life. She feels not at all like Emma, and instead like Rua, with glimpses into a mysterious past. When returning to New York City, she is expected to uphold all the rules of high society. Lord Finn Donore is trying to gain a foothold in New York, and making just the right acquaintances is the way to secure his reputation. When his business practices bring him in contact with the beautiful and mysterious Miss Harrington, Finn must put his personal preferences aside for the sake of his business. But the parent can’t seem to stay away from each other, and when they both start having visions of the past, they can’t help but wonder if they are reliving moments of another lifetime. With reputations on the line and a mysterious connection that cannot be ignored, will Finn and Rua give into temptation or will they be held back by high society’s rules?

This was a really intriguing and well written fantasy romance. I loved the gilded age setting, along with the mix of Irish mythology. The story was really intriguing, and despite my initial hunch, Rua’s lost memory made her somewhat of an unreliable narrator, the story kept me guessing. I like to see the relationship between Finn and Rua develop - there was great banter and tension. At times I felt the story moved a bit slower than I would have liked, and the end moved a bit too quickly. But in general, I thought this was an interesting story and was enjoyable. If you like the society and season vibes of Bridgerton, but would like more of a fantasy spin on things I would definitely recommend this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and to Alcove Press for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own..

The Gods Time Forgot by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez is an enemies-to-lovers historical romantasy that intertwines Irish mythology with the Gilded Age of New York. This debut novel by Sheridan Gonzalez features compelling characters, feminist themes, and sultry romance, creating an imaginative blend of Irish mythology and historical fiction that is sure to captivate readers.

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!

i absolutely loved this irish folklore/mythology inspired time travel romance, but i can understand why some people may not have enjoyed it.

i found the reasoning for rua’s and finn’s time traveling a little unclear, especially because it was explained very nearly towards the end of the book, but overall this was an enjoyable read!

i truly enjoyed the banter between rua and finn, and also highly enjoyed the insight to some irish folklore!

as for the narrators — they did a fantastic job! they truly helped transport me to the respective time periods

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.
Finn is new to this side of the Atlantic and knows that the best way to fit in as Lord of Donore is to make friends in high places and play by the rules of society. He knows he shouldn’t become involved with a mysterious, recently missing debutante, but he’s intrigued by Emma Harrington, and Finn has an uncanny feeling that this isn’t the first time they’ve met.
With societal pressures mounting on both sides, Rua is determined to discover the truth about the missing Harrington daughter and her own past. But when her memories begin to return, they’re of a world far stranger than New York and traced in dark magic.
As ancient secrets unfurl in Rua’s memory, Rua and Finn are forced to uncover the mystery of their past and try to save their future.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this digital e-arc.*

My expectations didn’t live up to the synopsis and no one is more sad than I am.

The premise and Rua as a character were really intriguing. Her and Finn and have magnetic pull towards each other nearly immediately. I also loved Finn.

My main challenge with this one was the pacing. It really dragged for me. It’s also more of a historical romance with magical realism than a true fantasy, which was disappointing to me.

Thank you so much for an arc and a chance to read this early.

Scheming, manipulation, intrigue and historical romance abound in The Gods Time Forgot.. The pace was a bit off in parts and the ending rather abrupt, but perfect for fans of the enemies to lovers trope.

3.5/4

Okay, so the pacing was a little all over the place. The banter at the beginning was so strong, and then it kind of got lost when the drama took over. But honestly, the story is so unique, and I had to know what happened next. It’s got that Irish mythology, amnesia, historical romance vibe that totally gave Bridgerton energy which I loved. Even with the pacing issues, I was hooked and really enjoyed the ride.

Thank you Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!