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Fossil Feud
The hunt for fossils—and love—is on in this steamy, STEMinist romance about two paleontologists who join forces to prevent a fraudulent dinosaur discovery, but accidentally dig up feelings for each other along the way.
Renegade paleontologist Ripley Adams is this close to digging up a fossil treasure and vindication. She’s spent the last three years in academic exile after her ex-boyfriend stole her work, betrayed her trust, and broke her heart in one fell swoop. If she can unearth a complete specimen of her newest discovery—a never-before-seen missing link between dinosaurs and birds—it will put her back on the map and finally restore her ruined reputation.
But when unfairly hot Oxford professor James Smithson crashes Ripley’s dig site, she realizes she’s not the only one searching for redemption in the Montana dirt. James is convinced a splashy new fossil is a fraud, and he needs Ripley’s help to prove it. She’d tell the buttoned-up Brit where to stick his suspicions, but the fake fossil is eerily similar to hers . . . and the fraudster is her ex.
The race is on to reveal a T-rex-sized discovery. Polar opposites Ripley and James will have to find common ground if they’re going to take down a hoax that could ruin them both. And as they dig deeper into their unlikely attraction, Ripley’s excavation boots won’t be the only things getting a little dirty. . . .
Renegade paleontologist Ripley Adams is this close to digging up a fossil treasure and vindication. She’s spent the last three years in academic exile after her ex-boyfriend stole her work, betrayed her trust, and broke her heart in one fell swoop. If she can unearth a complete specimen of her newest discovery—a never-before-seen missing link between dinosaurs and birds—it will put her back on the map and finally restore her ruined reputation.
But when unfairly hot Oxford professor James Smithson crashes Ripley’s dig site, she realizes she’s not the only one searching for redemption in the Montana dirt. James is convinced a splashy new fossil is a fraud, and he needs Ripley’s help to prove it. She’d tell the buttoned-up Brit where to stick his suspicions, but the fake fossil is eerily similar to hers . . . and the fraudster is her ex.
The race is on to reveal a T-rex-sized discovery. Polar opposites Ripley and James will have to find common ground if they’re going to take down a hoax that could ruin them both. And as they dig deeper into their unlikely attraction, Ripley’s excavation boots won’t be the only things getting a little dirty. . . .
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 28, 2026
About the author
Maggie North
3 books397 followersMaggie North writes deeply emotional, strangely hilarious novels about introverts at the end of their [expletive] ropes, STEM, Canada, and other overlooked, underrated things you'd love to discover. She enjoys being autistic a lot more since her diagnosis as an adult. She lives in Ottawa, Canada with her spouse, The Kid, and a rotating cast of hypoallergenic aquarium friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 807 reviews
July 28, 2026
RAWWWWRRRRRRRR! THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING!
I’m obsessed with this book. This is a dinosaur-loving romance readers wet dream in book form.
Seriously. Whats better than two idiot (complementary) paleontologists falling in love during a dinosaur bone dig!
This book is sweet and swoony. The characters are perfectly flawed with emotional depth for days. The prose is gorgeous and utterly quotable. The side characters attempt to steal the show (complementary). The character growth is top tier. It is just SO FREAKING GOOD!
He is so down bad and would do anything to help her succeed! Everyone deserves a supportive down bad man like James Smithson!
She is wounded and flawed and watching her character growth was almost as good as watching these idiots fall in love.
DID I MENTION THE DINOSAURS! because… DINOSAURS!!!!!!!!
(brace yourself this is a long list…)
Whats to love…
- STEM romance
- SLUTTTTTTTTTTTYYYYYY MMC
- slutty little glasses
- Slutty thigh tattoo
- Slutty forearms.
- slutty little glasses
- slutty little hands
- slutty little accent
- slutty little bike shorts
- lovable af side characters
- found family
- “just for the summer” agreement
- beautiful prose
- HE TIES HER SHOES
- mommy trauma (complicated family dynamics)
- coming into your own/learning to love yourself so you can love others.
Honestly I could probably keep going and give you a million reasons you should read this but instead I’m just going to say GO READ THIS RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
🌶️- a few open door scenes. I really loved the way the author did these. They are explicit but not overly so (if that makes sense). I’d let my teen niece read this!
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Dell for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
I’m obsessed with this book. This is a dinosaur-loving romance readers wet dream in book form.
Seriously. Whats better than two idiot (complementary) paleontologists falling in love during a dinosaur bone dig!
This book is sweet and swoony. The characters are perfectly flawed with emotional depth for days. The prose is gorgeous and utterly quotable. The side characters attempt to steal the show (complementary). The character growth is top tier. It is just SO FREAKING GOOD!
He is so down bad and would do anything to help her succeed! Everyone deserves a supportive down bad man like James Smithson!
She is wounded and flawed and watching her character growth was almost as good as watching these idiots fall in love.
DID I MENTION THE DINOSAURS! because… DINOSAURS!!!!!!!!
(brace yourself this is a long list…)
Whats to love…
- STEM romance
- SLUTTTTTTTTTTTYYYYYY MMC
- slutty little glasses
- Slutty thigh tattoo
- Slutty forearms.
- slutty little glasses
- slutty little hands
- slutty little accent
- slutty little bike shorts
- lovable af side characters
- found family
- “just for the summer” agreement
- beautiful prose
- HE TIES HER SHOES
- mommy trauma (complicated family dynamics)
- coming into your own/learning to love yourself so you can love others.
Honestly I could probably keep going and give you a million reasons you should read this but instead I’m just going to say GO READ THIS RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
🌶️- a few open door scenes. I really loved the way the author did these. They are explicit but not overly so (if that makes sense). I’d let my teen niece read this!
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Dell for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
August 5, 2026
╰┈➤ 𝟺.𝟻 ✰ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ
❝"if ყoυ ᥱvᥱr ᥒᥱᥱd mᥱ— iᥒ ᥲᥒყ ρᥣᥲᥴᥱ, ᥲt ᥲᥒყ timᥱ, from ᥲᥒყ distᥲᥒᥴᥱ— ყoυ ᥒᥱᥱd oᥒᥣყ ᥲsk for mᥱ, ᥲᥒd i wiᥣᥣ fiᥒd ყoυ, riρᥣᥱყ."❞
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
”If you ever need me— in any place, at any time, from any distance— you need only ask for me, and I will find you, Ripley.”
i love when characters have more unique jobs, it was so refreshing following two paleontologists. James and Ripley were both equally great characters, but for different reasons. Ripley was so easy to root for, she’s someone who had to work harder to get where she is now in a male dominated field. i respect that she didn’t waver from her goals, her struggles to form connections made her eventual bond with James more special.
speaking of James, he’s got to be one of the sweetest mmc’s I’ve read about. that man doesn’t have a single malicious bone in his body, would do anything for Ripley and moves in complete selflessness. he had the opposite conflict to Ripley when it came to his job— being forced into it, when his true passion was actually art. i was so happy to see James assist Ripley on getting revenge on her ex that stole her work / credit.
the actual plot with them searching for the dinosaur bones was so much fun too, i loved reading about the dig site and Ripley’s crew. the engraving that James did on that one rock towards the end too? bye he’s such a cinnamon roll. this was an easy read that i finished basically in one sitting, the romance was everything!
➛ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Random House / Ballantine for the arc, all opinions are my own.
i love when characters have more unique jobs, it was so refreshing following two paleontologists. James and Ripley were both equally great characters, but for different reasons. Ripley was so easy to root for, she’s someone who had to work harder to get where she is now in a male dominated field. i respect that she didn’t waver from her goals, her struggles to form connections made her eventual bond with James more special.
speaking of James, he’s got to be one of the sweetest mmc’s I’ve read about. that man doesn’t have a single malicious bone in his body, would do anything for Ripley and moves in complete selflessness. he had the opposite conflict to Ripley when it came to his job— being forced into it, when his true passion was actually art. i was so happy to see James assist Ripley on getting revenge on her ex that stole her work / credit.
the actual plot with them searching for the dinosaur bones was so much fun too, i loved reading about the dig site and Ripley’s crew. the engraving that James did on that one rock towards the end too? bye he’s such a cinnamon roll. this was an easy read that i finished basically in one sitting, the romance was everything!
➛ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Random House / Ballantine for the arc, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
Give me alllll the hate to love science romances! The heroine is excavating a fossil and needs funding to complete her project of a potential new species of a flying dinosaur. But her reputation was tarnished when someone tried to claim she stole their work, when she very much did not, so our hero comes in and promises he'll find funding. They were adorable together and I really loved how brooding and damaged our hero was!
The ending gave me movie vibes with how the characters had to overcome the final villain and I thought it was so fun! Definitely check this one out if you want a hero who has been pining for years and a fossil loving cast of characters!
Give me alllll the hate to love science romances! The heroine is excavating a fossil and needs funding to complete her project of a potential new species of a flying dinosaur. But her reputation was tarnished when someone tried to claim she stole their work, when she very much did not, so our hero comes in and promises he'll find funding. They were adorable together and I really loved how brooding and damaged our hero was!
The ending gave me movie vibes with how the characters had to overcome the final villain and I thought it was so fun! Definitely check this one out if you want a hero who has been pining for years and a fossil loving cast of characters!
Want to Read
July 29, 2026This showed up at my doorstep today, I must have won it?
Looks cute. Thanks Goodreads <3
Looks cute. Thanks Goodreads <3
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Maggie North, Dell, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
5 / 5 ⭐️
2 / 5 🌶️
I looooved this book. It was such a refreshing take on a STEMinist type of romance! If you enjoy Ali Hazelwood's work, fossils, and/or academic rivals to lovers romance, then I highly recommend this one!
Ripley Adams is our FMC, who is just trying to make a name for herself in the paleontology world! I felt that she was such an intelligent, strong-hearted FMC. She was wronged by another paleontologist (who happens to also be her ex!), and she is very determined to make everything right. I loved her character so much!
And don't even get me started on the MMC.... Holy.
James. Smithson.
World renowned paleontologist. Just comes waltzing up to her dig site. On a horse.
What an entry!
I LOVED James. He was witty, charismatic, and so very swoon-worthy. Dear God. That man was one of the highlights of this book for me!
I also loved the side characters! Cara is a sweetheart and must be protected at all costs.
The tension between them was impeccable. I ate it all up. Left no crumbs.
In all, this book felt like such a breath of fresh air. Highly recommend!
♡ pre-read ♡
y'all. i wanted to be a paleontologist when i was a kid. this book called to me. SOOOO excited to start this one!
5 / 5 ⭐️
2 / 5 🌶️
I looooved this book. It was such a refreshing take on a STEMinist type of romance! If you enjoy Ali Hazelwood's work, fossils, and/or academic rivals to lovers romance, then I highly recommend this one!
Ripley Adams is our FMC, who is just trying to make a name for herself in the paleontology world! I felt that she was such an intelligent, strong-hearted FMC. She was wronged by another paleontologist (who happens to also be her ex!), and she is very determined to make everything right. I loved her character so much!
And don't even get me started on the MMC.... Holy.
James. Smithson.
World renowned paleontologist. Just comes waltzing up to her dig site. On a horse.
What an entry!
I LOVED James. He was witty, charismatic, and so very swoon-worthy. Dear God. That man was one of the highlights of this book for me!
I also loved the side characters! Cara is a sweetheart and must be protected at all costs.
The tension between them was impeccable. I ate it all up. Left no crumbs.
In all, this book felt like such a breath of fresh air. Highly recommend!
♡ pre-read ♡
y'all. i wanted to be a paleontologist when i was a kid. this book called to me. SOOOO excited to start this one!
July 4, 2026
3.5 🌟
This was cute! We have two paleontologists who end up working on the same dig (he joins her), and their prickly behavior at the start mellows out to a comfortable courtship. Ripley is finding a bird dinosaur but she loses funding due to her ex-boyfriend who stole her paper and essentially ruined her phd candidacy claiming he’s found one first. Smithson shows up at her dig and says “hey, Will is lying and committing fraud and I need you to help me prove it”, so they start working together on finding proof but also getting her Dino ‘Beauty’ out of the ground. Slowly, they realize the other has feelings but neither will admit to it, so there’s some push and pull, but all’s well that ends well, and they make it out on the other end side by side. I really liked the conversations about their personal/home lives and struggles; I had the most fun when they were working on the dinosaur excavation and finding proof of Will’s lies; and I thought they were cute together, if not a bit awkward, but in a nerdy way. Such a fun time! 🦕
Thank you to Terrace PR for the eARC!!
This was cute! We have two paleontologists who end up working on the same dig (he joins her), and their prickly behavior at the start mellows out to a comfortable courtship. Ripley is finding a bird dinosaur but she loses funding due to her ex-boyfriend who stole her paper and essentially ruined her phd candidacy claiming he’s found one first. Smithson shows up at her dig and says “hey, Will is lying and committing fraud and I need you to help me prove it”, so they start working together on finding proof but also getting her Dino ‘Beauty’ out of the ground. Slowly, they realize the other has feelings but neither will admit to it, so there’s some push and pull, but all’s well that ends well, and they make it out on the other end side by side. I really liked the conversations about their personal/home lives and struggles; I had the most fun when they were working on the dinosaur excavation and finding proof of Will’s lies; and I thought they were cute together, if not a bit awkward, but in a nerdy way. Such a fun time! 🦕
Thank you to Terrace PR for the eARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
i am this book's number one fan and i can't wait until people fall in love with the badass that is ripley adams and her beloved mr. darcy-esque mmc, james smithson. with found family shenanigans and a scene in the rain that i will forever be thinking about, this book is a delight.
early copy was accessible to me as i work at PRH. all opinions expressed are my own.
early copy was accessible to me as i work at PRH. all opinions expressed are my own.
March 8, 2026
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. all opinions are my own.
move aside everyone, there’s a new yearner in the house and his name is james smithson.
guys. YOU GUYS. oh my god?!?! this book was truly perfection and i was genuinely not expecting it. i was expecting this to be good, but this was amazing and is now one of my favorite romance books of all time.
like how could you not love james? he’s a tall british scientist who looks like clark kent, wears glasses, is also an artist, AND has a thigh tattoo?!?!???? (also he calls ripley “my darling” and now i genuinely understand why people swoon).
i LOVED ripley so much and i loved her character growth throughout the story. she was hurt and (understandably) has a lot of baggage but she was also determined and capable and so smart and caring. I simultaneously want to BE her but also be her best friend.
the romance was, to me, quite literally perfect. the banter was well written, the tension built up perfectly, the yearning (from both sides might i add!!) was incredibly well done, the spicy scenes were so authentic and tender. AH it was just so so good!!!!!!
i absolutely eat up when the MMC is down horrendously bad for the FMC and james was literally pathetic so i obviously devoured this. he would go anything for ripley and he was so TENDER and SWEET and i was kicking my feet giggling the entire time.
the paleontology elements of the story were so so interesting to me and i greatly enjoyed that aspect of the plot. i cried real tears when certain things (no spoilers) happened regarding their fossils and it felt like i was part of their crew.
overall, this was a fantastic STEM romance perfect for summer (and fans of jurassic park hehe) that was filled with yearning!!
move aside everyone, there’s a new yearner in the house and his name is james smithson.
guys. YOU GUYS. oh my god?!?! this book was truly perfection and i was genuinely not expecting it. i was expecting this to be good, but this was amazing and is now one of my favorite romance books of all time.
like how could you not love james? he’s a tall british scientist who looks like clark kent, wears glasses, is also an artist, AND has a thigh tattoo?!?!???? (also he calls ripley “my darling” and now i genuinely understand why people swoon).
i LOVED ripley so much and i loved her character growth throughout the story. she was hurt and (understandably) has a lot of baggage but she was also determined and capable and so smart and caring. I simultaneously want to BE her but also be her best friend.
the romance was, to me, quite literally perfect. the banter was well written, the tension built up perfectly, the yearning (from both sides might i add!!) was incredibly well done, the spicy scenes were so authentic and tender. AH it was just so so good!!!!!!
i absolutely eat up when the MMC is down horrendously bad for the FMC and james was literally pathetic so i obviously devoured this. he would go anything for ripley and he was so TENDER and SWEET and i was kicking my feet giggling the entire time.
the paleontology elements of the story were so so interesting to me and i greatly enjoyed that aspect of the plot. i cried real tears when certain things (no spoilers) happened regarding their fossils and it felt like i was part of their crew.
overall, this was a fantastic STEM romance perfect for summer (and fans of jurassic park hehe) that was filled with yearning!!
August 14, 2026
had a grand ole time reading this. perfect for my Ali Hazelwood fans; loved how sweet the MMC is, fantastic banter, and my first paleontology romance hehe
August 7, 2026
refreshingly well written! flirting with five stars
safety:
h: her ex is the main antagonist, but there’s no residual feelings. some vague details on other partners.
H: his ex shows up pretty far in which was a surprise, but it ended up being brief and not dramatic. it’s revealed that he broke up with her when he met h (3 years before the story starts) and presumably has had no other partners since then.
safety:
h: her ex is the main antagonist, but there’s no residual feelings. some vague details on other partners.
H: his ex shows up pretty far in which was a surprise, but it ended up being brief and not dramatic. it’s revealed that he broke up with her when he met h (3 years before the story starts) and presumably has had no other partners since then.
July 4, 2026
low-key obsessed with Ripley & James 🥹
this very much had Ali Hazelwood vibes and I was very much here for it 🙌🏼
full RTC 💜
thank you Ballantine and PRH Audio for the ARC & ALC, all opinions are my own.
this very much had Ali Hazelwood vibes and I was very much here for it 🙌🏼
full RTC 💜
thank you Ballantine and PRH Audio for the ARC & ALC, all opinions are my own.
March 2, 2026
Really cute STEM romance between two paleontologists
Montana in the summer. Searching for dinosaurs. A hot British professor begging her to help him take down her ex. What’s not to love?
Montana in the summer. Searching for dinosaurs. A hot British professor begging her to help him take down her ex. What’s not to love?
July 5, 2026
Thank you to PRH for the arc! Dare I say we may have a new STEM romance icon in the making? Maggie North did an absolutely wonderful job at making something I personally don’t care about seem fascinating. Dinosaurs have never been my thing and even then, she made the idea easy to digest, and super high stakes. Like there genuinely is a whole other world out there…
Anyways! Wonderful romance. Another great book boyfriend for the booktok community to sink their teeth into, another swoon-worthy love confession to make even the darkest nights bright as well. Just an overall, well-paced, will they/won’t they, romance that I think anyone could find something to like about it.
Only reason it’s not 5 stars is more of a me thing and less of a book thing. I wasn’t in the mood for a contemporary romance but guess what? This book doesn’t care if you want to read one or not. It’s so good that you will have an enjoyable time that doesn’t feel painful even if you’re not down for a contemporary romance. Mood readers I found your kryptonite!
Anyways! Wonderful romance. Another great book boyfriend for the booktok community to sink their teeth into, another swoon-worthy love confession to make even the darkest nights bright as well. Just an overall, well-paced, will they/won’t they, romance that I think anyone could find something to like about it.
Only reason it’s not 5 stars is more of a me thing and less of a book thing. I wasn’t in the mood for a contemporary romance but guess what? This book doesn’t care if you want to read one or not. It’s so good that you will have an enjoyable time that doesn’t feel painful even if you’re not down for a contemporary romance. Mood readers I found your kryptonite!
May 16, 2026
4⭐️
thank you dell romance and maggie north for an e-arc of this book 💗
MOVE OUT OF THE WAY, WE GOT A YEARNER COMING THROUGH 🥵 man is there anything better than a down bad man? like fr guys, holy toledo. thank you dr. james smithson for getting your phD in yearnology, you’re doing us all a favor 🤭 this book was SUCH a fun time and you bet your ass i was giggling and kicking my feet through out most of it! also i love dinosaurs like crazy so hallefreakinglujah, i never knew i needed a book like this in my life
another aspect i enjoyed about this book was the STEM romance was in full force. i’ve never read a book regarding paleontology but did i learn and educate myself through the power of google? you bet your ass i did! ripley was also a great mmc, i loved her passion towards her field and her friends. she had so much tenacity towards a field that did her dirty and she is better than i bc i would’ve left that shit high and dry!
the side characters rounded out the story as well. matteo’s arc?? CRAZY. okay mr. college student, who would’ve expected that esp from his intro? but will however, i hope every steps he takes has a lego embedded in his shoe. <3
thank you dell romance and maggie north for an e-arc of this book 💗
MOVE OUT OF THE WAY, WE GOT A YEARNER COMING THROUGH 🥵 man is there anything better than a down bad man? like fr guys, holy toledo. thank you dr. james smithson for getting your phD in yearnology, you’re doing us all a favor 🤭 this book was SUCH a fun time and you bet your ass i was giggling and kicking my feet through out most of it! also i love dinosaurs like crazy so hallefreakinglujah, i never knew i needed a book like this in my life
another aspect i enjoyed about this book was the STEM romance was in full force. i’ve never read a book regarding paleontology but did i learn and educate myself through the power of google? you bet your ass i did! ripley was also a great mmc, i loved her passion towards her field and her friends. she had so much tenacity towards a field that did her dirty and she is better than i bc i would’ve left that shit high and dry!
the side characters rounded out the story as well. matteo’s arc?? CRAZY. okay mr. college student, who would’ve expected that esp from his intro? but will however, i hope every steps he takes has a lego embedded in his shoe. <3
June 23, 2026
This is such a fun STEM romance! The characters are complex and are easy to love! This book has the most unique book setting! I’ve never read any romance with paleontologists before but now I’m gonna be on the lookout!
I loved James and Ripley as characters! They were so well thought out and were interesting characters outside of their relationship! I thought James was such a sweetie and I loved how down he was for Ripley!
I highly recommend picking this book up once it’s released!
Read if you like!
🦖 Women in STEM
🦕 Rivals to Lovers
🦖 Paleontology
🦕 Found family
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I loved James and Ripley as characters! They were so well thought out and were interesting characters outside of their relationship! I thought James was such a sweetie and I loved how down he was for Ripley!
I highly recommend picking this book up once it’s released!
Read if you like!
🦖 Women in STEM
🦕 Rivals to Lovers
🦖 Paleontology
🦕 Found family
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 3, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ (rounded up) I LOVED THIS!!! I haven’t read a good STEM romance since Ali Hazelwood’s STEMinist novels and this filled the void 😭 I loved the characters and the yearninggggg omg. The yearning was so good and I appreciated that we got to know the characters on a deeper level before things started to escalate. This was perfect 🦕✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
****Many thanks to Netgalley, Ballantine and Random House for an advanced eArc in exchange for my honest opinion****
When I tell you I needed James POV I really NEEDED James POV.
A solid 3 star book. I do love learning about certain fields through books and Paleontology is one of those really interesting reads. I almost really wish we had more moments out in the field, it is one of the things that lost traction as the romance came into play.
The first 30% had me HOOKED. Then I found myself losing interest until about 70%, and then it picks back up until the end.
Ripley was okay? I didn't fully hate her but I didn't fully like her. She felt a little cardboard cutout. I wish she would have been more geeky about her bird theory. I would have enjoyed learning more about the niche she was in, maybe get some flashbacks to why she wanted to go into Paleontology besides just a sentence in two different sections of the book where she mentioned it's because of her dad. She already has the mother issues, let her pick her career like the big girl she is and not have it reliant upon her dad's "missed" opportunity.
James was also a cardboard cutout, just in the British variety. Handsome, tall, rich, good at drawing etc. I think its downright CRIMINAL we did not get this man's POV. I will never forgive Maggie for that. With it he would have become a more living breathing character, I NEEDED to know what this man saw in Ripley. I wanted to read about their supposedly 90 second first encounter, what was going on inside his head, what things he liked and eventually loved about Ripley, how he saw her, his urge for him to help her get the funding for the dig and protection against Will.
I truly wish that Ripley and James had been true enemies to lovers. I would have loved to seen their arguments morph into bantering, into laughing into love. I think that would have helped with the pacing of the book immensely. Because for about 40% it's just Ripley's POV of lusting after James, BORING.
It could have been worse but it definitely could have WAY better! It deserves the 3 stars for the buried (pun intended) opportunities.
When I tell you I needed James POV I really NEEDED James POV.
A solid 3 star book. I do love learning about certain fields through books and Paleontology is one of those really interesting reads. I almost really wish we had more moments out in the field, it is one of the things that lost traction as the romance came into play.
The first 30% had me HOOKED. Then I found myself losing interest until about 70%, and then it picks back up until the end.
Ripley was okay? I didn't fully hate her but I didn't fully like her. She felt a little cardboard cutout. I wish she would have been more geeky about her bird theory. I would have enjoyed learning more about the niche she was in, maybe get some flashbacks to why she wanted to go into Paleontology besides just a sentence in two different sections of the book where she mentioned it's because of her dad. She already has the mother issues, let her pick her career like the big girl she is and not have it reliant upon her dad's "missed" opportunity.
James was also a cardboard cutout, just in the British variety. Handsome, tall, rich, good at drawing etc. I think its downright CRIMINAL we did not get this man's POV. I will never forgive Maggie for that. With it he would have become a more living breathing character, I NEEDED to know what this man saw in Ripley. I wanted to read about their supposedly 90 second first encounter, what was going on inside his head, what things he liked and eventually loved about Ripley, how he saw her, his urge for him to help her get the funding for the dig and protection against Will.
I truly wish that Ripley and James had been true enemies to lovers. I would have loved to seen their arguments morph into bantering, into laughing into love. I think that would have helped with the pacing of the book immensely. Because for about 40% it's just Ripley's POV of lusting after James, BORING.
It could have been worse but it definitely could have WAY better! It deserves the 3 stars for the buried (pun intended) opportunities.
July 15, 2026
I love a STEM romance but this one didn’t wow me, sadly! It was ok but I found it rather surface level and predictable.
I do feel like the third person narrative was partially the reason that I struggled to connect with the characters and that is definitely a me problem.
The author constantly highlights the MMCs “British”mannerisms which felt so forced to me and as a British person, they were often misplaced and based on stereotypes rather than who British people actually speak/act which I really struggled with.
However, I liked the paleobiology aspects and how passionate Ripley was about her line of work. I could tell the author has put a lot of research into this subject matter and found it very interesting. It’s also really made me want to rewatch Juarssic Park.
However, I’m not sure I’ll be in a rush to pick up another Maggie North book after finishing Fossil Feud.
I do feel like the third person narrative was partially the reason that I struggled to connect with the characters and that is definitely a me problem.
The author constantly highlights the MMCs “British”mannerisms which felt so forced to me and as a British person, they were often misplaced and based on stereotypes rather than who British people actually speak/act which I really struggled with.
However, I liked the paleobiology aspects and how passionate Ripley was about her line of work. I could tell the author has put a lot of research into this subject matter and found it very interesting. It’s also really made me want to rewatch Juarssic Park.
However, I’m not sure I’ll be in a rush to pick up another Maggie North book after finishing Fossil Feud.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
So good. So fun. And such an original concept!
A STEMinist romance about paleontology?? Immediately yes and this absolutely delivered.
I loved how fresh and unique this story felt. Fossil hunting, academic drama, professional betrayal, and romance all woven together in a way that felt smart, engaging, and genuinely exciting. Ripley is a fantastic heroine, brilliant, determined, and deeply wronged and rooting for her to reclaim both her work and her confidence was incredibly satisfying.
James was the perfect foil: buttoned-up, frustratingly attractive, and exactly the kind of rival-turned-ally that makes for delicious tension. Their chemistry sparked from the moment they teamed up, and the banter, forced proximity, and shared mission kept things moving at a great pace.
The plot itself was just as compelling as the romance. The fraud storyline added real stakes, and I loved how the science and emotional arcs complemented each other instead of competing for attention.
Smart, steamy, and refreshingly different, this was such a win for me. If you’re craving a romance with a truly original theme and strong STEM vibes, this one is a must-read!
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for the ARC!
A STEMinist romance about paleontology?? Immediately yes and this absolutely delivered.
I loved how fresh and unique this story felt. Fossil hunting, academic drama, professional betrayal, and romance all woven together in a way that felt smart, engaging, and genuinely exciting. Ripley is a fantastic heroine, brilliant, determined, and deeply wronged and rooting for her to reclaim both her work and her confidence was incredibly satisfying.
James was the perfect foil: buttoned-up, frustratingly attractive, and exactly the kind of rival-turned-ally that makes for delicious tension. Their chemistry sparked from the moment they teamed up, and the banter, forced proximity, and shared mission kept things moving at a great pace.
The plot itself was just as compelling as the romance. The fraud storyline added real stakes, and I loved how the science and emotional arcs complemented each other instead of competing for attention.
Smart, steamy, and refreshingly different, this was such a win for me. If you’re craving a romance with a truly original theme and strong STEM vibes, this one is a must-read!
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for the ARC!
July 27, 2026
Hold on to your butts friends, because this is going to be a long review, and if you get that movie reference you’re my people. 🫶🏻
I have been obsessed with dinosaurs for the longest time and have always made little notes in my phone when a book mentions any sort of dinosaur reference, whether that’s a chapter header, a hilarious dino joke, a Jurassic Park reference, or even a mention of a stuffed animal dinosaur. It’s a tiny detail that always makes my heart tremendously happy when I find it in that moment. So when I saw the cover of this book and that it combined two of my lifelong loves; romance books and dinosaurs, I knew I was going to absolutely demolish this book.
I read this cutie pootie in under 24 hours and was immediately captivated from start to finish. The book does a great job of immersing you in the world of all things paleontology, but in a humorous and understandable way. I felt like I was on the dig site myself with the crew. I also was unaware of what “dig fever” was. 😆 Such a funny part of the book. I was so invested in Ripley finding her bird and the drama with her ex. Plus, I ate up her and James’ one night lock in at a museum scene.
Speaking of James, our mmc. He has officially joined one of my fav mmc categories known as men who are bright green flags. While he makes some questionable decisions at times, his intentions were always good. This man and his slutty lil glasses were the king of yearning…like yearn baby yearn. 🤣🤣🤣 I loved every little moment where he let Ripley see behind his calm, collected exterior. He was layered like the best onion. I loved seeing Ripley lower her walls and let people in. Her relationship with her dad was so heartwarming and hilarious at times. Both of them total keepers. Random side note, I totally pictured James as Jonathan Bailey as an introspective British version of the character he plays in Jurassic World Rebirth. Not sure if that’s accurate, but I’m going with it. 😂🤣
I also really loved the dig site crew. It was such an adorable found family of misfits. Their shenanigans and banter were everything. I bet the dig site would have the best adult summer camp vibes.
Plus, this book had so many dino puns, jokes, and Jurassic Park references that my lil heart almost couldn’t take it.
Maggie North, you “Clever Girl.” Thank you for writing the dino-inspired romance of my dreams. I freaking loved this book so much. I could seriously keep rambling.
All the stars friends, and a new addition to my top 3 fav rom-com reads of all time.
Thank you so so much Dell Romance for the gift copy.
I have been obsessed with dinosaurs for the longest time and have always made little notes in my phone when a book mentions any sort of dinosaur reference, whether that’s a chapter header, a hilarious dino joke, a Jurassic Park reference, or even a mention of a stuffed animal dinosaur. It’s a tiny detail that always makes my heart tremendously happy when I find it in that moment. So when I saw the cover of this book and that it combined two of my lifelong loves; romance books and dinosaurs, I knew I was going to absolutely demolish this book.
I read this cutie pootie in under 24 hours and was immediately captivated from start to finish. The book does a great job of immersing you in the world of all things paleontology, but in a humorous and understandable way. I felt like I was on the dig site myself with the crew. I also was unaware of what “dig fever” was. 😆 Such a funny part of the book. I was so invested in Ripley finding her bird and the drama with her ex. Plus, I ate up her and James’ one night lock in at a museum scene.
Speaking of James, our mmc. He has officially joined one of my fav mmc categories known as men who are bright green flags. While he makes some questionable decisions at times, his intentions were always good. This man and his slutty lil glasses were the king of yearning…like yearn baby yearn. 🤣🤣🤣 I loved every little moment where he let Ripley see behind his calm, collected exterior. He was layered like the best onion. I loved seeing Ripley lower her walls and let people in. Her relationship with her dad was so heartwarming and hilarious at times. Both of them total keepers. Random side note, I totally pictured James as Jonathan Bailey as an introspective British version of the character he plays in Jurassic World Rebirth. Not sure if that’s accurate, but I’m going with it. 😂🤣
I also really loved the dig site crew. It was such an adorable found family of misfits. Their shenanigans and banter were everything. I bet the dig site would have the best adult summer camp vibes.
Plus, this book had so many dino puns, jokes, and Jurassic Park references that my lil heart almost couldn’t take it.
Maggie North, you “Clever Girl.” Thank you for writing the dino-inspired romance of my dreams. I freaking loved this book so much. I could seriously keep rambling.
All the stars friends, and a new addition to my top 3 fav rom-com reads of all time.
Thank you so so much Dell Romance for the gift copy.
August 10, 2026
Ross Gellar would ✨️a d o r e✨️ this book
Thank you @dellromance @prhaudio + @maggienorthauthor for the #gifted copies. Extra special love for @just_talking_to_my_shelf & @bookswithnopictures for hosting. [Pub Date: OUT NOW]
💭 Thoughts: I came for the paleontologists but I left with a ✨️girl crush✨️
This book is so special because of Ripley. I want to be her when I grow up. She is the kind of character I want to be in all books to inspire women & girls. She is fierce. Shes determined. Shes hardworking. She is strong. I admire characters the never back down especially when it comes from adversity from a man. I seriously respect everything she did at the end to fight for equality in science. It was one of my all-time favorite endings in a romance book.
I love when authors give us unique romances! Fossil Feud is the perfect story it youre looking for something different. I learned so much about digging for fossils, dinosaurs, etiquette when it comes to academia, how hard being in the paleontology field is and how rewarding it is to find something great.
Maggie absolutely nailed this story. I will forever swoon when it comes to rocks [IFYKYK] Get yourself this book! It will have you kicking & squealing like delighted little girl.
🎧 Mia Hutchinson-Shaw is a lovely narrator. Her voice is easy to listen to. It feels like she's an expert at producing stories because her pacing, tone and emotion fit this romance well. I would 100% recommend any audio narration she does because it was a 10/10 experience.
🦖 Read if you love:
▫️ Slutty Little Glasses
▫️ Women in STEM
▫️ A fierce FMC
▫️ Fighting for Women in Science
▫️ Rivals to Lovers
▫️ A British MMC
▫️ Slutty Little Art Skills
▫️ Dinosaurs, Duh
▫️ Found Family
▫️ Slutty Little Tattoos
▫️ One Spicy Night in a Museum
Thank you @dellromance @prhaudio + @maggienorthauthor for the #gifted copies. Extra special love for @just_talking_to_my_shelf & @bookswithnopictures for hosting. [Pub Date: OUT NOW]
💭 Thoughts: I came for the paleontologists but I left with a ✨️girl crush✨️
This book is so special because of Ripley. I want to be her when I grow up. She is the kind of character I want to be in all books to inspire women & girls. She is fierce. Shes determined. Shes hardworking. She is strong. I admire characters the never back down especially when it comes from adversity from a man. I seriously respect everything she did at the end to fight for equality in science. It was one of my all-time favorite endings in a romance book.
I love when authors give us unique romances! Fossil Feud is the perfect story it youre looking for something different. I learned so much about digging for fossils, dinosaurs, etiquette when it comes to academia, how hard being in the paleontology field is and how rewarding it is to find something great.
Maggie absolutely nailed this story. I will forever swoon when it comes to rocks [IFYKYK] Get yourself this book! It will have you kicking & squealing like delighted little girl.
🎧 Mia Hutchinson-Shaw is a lovely narrator. Her voice is easy to listen to. It feels like she's an expert at producing stories because her pacing, tone and emotion fit this romance well. I would 100% recommend any audio narration she does because it was a 10/10 experience.
🦖 Read if you love:
▫️ Slutty Little Glasses
▫️ Women in STEM
▫️ A fierce FMC
▫️ Fighting for Women in Science
▫️ Rivals to Lovers
▫️ A British MMC
▫️ Slutty Little Art Skills
▫️ Dinosaurs, Duh
▫️ Found Family
▫️ Slutty Little Tattoos
▫️ One Spicy Night in a Museum
March 5, 2026
« Love knows no time. My bones will find yours. »
I loved this!!!! First of all, how cool is it that the author is an anaesthesiologist?? I love me a good STEM romance and this hit the spot. This is definitely a book to pick up for this summer, as the protagonists have a « just for the summer » fling.
I loved Ripley, the fmc, she’s resilient, and stands for herself. I related to her VERY hyper-independent behaviour and she also had people-pleasing tendencies.
James…what a pathetic yearning man.
I really enjoyed the political subtext whether it was about mansplaining, misogyny in STEM or even the colonialism of Native American lands.
Maggie’s writing was beautiful, it’s at the crossroads of practical scientific writing and poetry which is, again, right up my alley. There were so many innuendos, and references to earlier quotes in the book. I’m definitely going to look into the rest of her books.
Here’s some of the quotes I highlighted:
« Life finds a way. »
« She writes professional emails without using a single exclamation mark. »
« If you ever need me—in any place, at any time, from any distance-you need only ask for me, and I will find you, Ripley. »
If you enjoy having trope lists, here’s one for this book:
- found family
- he has glasses he takes off to kiss her
- academic rivals (kind of?) to lovers
- workplace romance
- third act breakup
- slutty thigh tattoo
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
I loved this!!!! First of all, how cool is it that the author is an anaesthesiologist?? I love me a good STEM romance and this hit the spot. This is definitely a book to pick up for this summer, as the protagonists have a « just for the summer » fling.
I loved Ripley, the fmc, she’s resilient, and stands for herself. I related to her VERY hyper-independent behaviour and she also had people-pleasing tendencies.
James…what a pathetic yearning man.
I really enjoyed the political subtext whether it was about mansplaining, misogyny in STEM or even the colonialism of Native American lands.
Maggie’s writing was beautiful, it’s at the crossroads of practical scientific writing and poetry which is, again, right up my alley. There were so many innuendos, and references to earlier quotes in the book. I’m definitely going to look into the rest of her books.
Here’s some of the quotes I highlighted:
« Life finds a way. »
« She writes professional emails without using a single exclamation mark. »
« If you ever need me—in any place, at any time, from any distance-you need only ask for me, and I will find you, Ripley. »
If you enjoy having trope lists, here’s one for this book:
- found family
- he has glasses he takes off to kiss her
- academic rivals (kind of?) to lovers
- workplace romance
- third act breakup
- slutty thigh tattoo
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
July 20, 2026
If you are a fan of Ali Hazelwood and her STEM romances, you will love this book. Ripley is uncovering a new fossil and only has weeks to get it out of the earth. She is low on funding and is about to lose it all when James Smithson steps in. He wants to help. He has ulterior motives, as he knows that her ex is lying about his find and he wants to prove it, but Ripley isn't so sure that is all that is going on here.
Ripley plays things close to the chest and James keeps inching his way closer and closer to her, but last time she opened up she got destroyed. Her ex took her project and took all the fame, leaving her with nothing.
You can tell from the moment that James comes into the picture that he is in awe of Ripley, which wasn't what I was expecting. I expected more of a feud, like the title, but even though it was all from her POV you could see the pining. I did enjoy this book beecause it had a lot of the things I love. I was smitten with James and honestly, he was the best part of the book for me. When you read it, you will understand. Just trust me. I felt for Ripley and loved her relationship with her dad and friends.
Ripley plays things close to the chest and James keeps inching his way closer and closer to her, but last time she opened up she got destroyed. Her ex took her project and took all the fame, leaving her with nothing.
You can tell from the moment that James comes into the picture that he is in awe of Ripley, which wasn't what I was expecting. I expected more of a feud, like the title, but even though it was all from her POV you could see the pining. I did enjoy this book beecause it had a lot of the things I love. I was smitten with James and honestly, he was the best part of the book for me. When you read it, you will understand. Just trust me. I felt for Ripley and loved her relationship with her dad and friends.
July 27, 2026
4.5⭐️ stem romance with paleontologist and the most down bad mmc! Loved every single second of it and I fear I might start hyper fixating on fossils now.
If you’re a fan of the love hypothesis you need to read this stem romance! Also because:
- He saw her for 30 seconds and hase thought about her for 3 years
- They get locked inside a museum overnight and end up hooking up
- He’s British, has slutty little glasses, and calls her darling
Everything about this book had me sat and unable to look away from the page, the romance was perfect, the little found family on the dig site was everything!! The plot involving the fossils was so interesting and had me so invested. Truly loved it!!
Thank you Ballantine books for the advanced copy!
If you’re a fan of the love hypothesis you need to read this stem romance! Also because:
- He saw her for 30 seconds and hase thought about her for 3 years
- They get locked inside a museum overnight and end up hooking up
- He’s British, has slutty little glasses, and calls her darling
Everything about this book had me sat and unable to look away from the page, the romance was perfect, the little found family on the dig site was everything!! The plot involving the fossils was so interesting and had me so invested. Truly loved it!!
Thank you Ballantine books for the advanced copy!
February 18, 2026
I LOVEDDDDD this book. I say this a lot BUT one of my absolute favorites of this month and the year so far. I ate this up so fast and immediately wanted more.This is a STEMinist romance about two paleontologists (YES DINOSAURS) who team up to stop a fraudulent fossil discovery, and of course end up accidentally digging up feelings along the way. And it’s the perfect mix of smart ,steamy,funny,satisfying.We follow Ripley Adams, a renegade paleontologist who’s been stuck in basically academic exile for the last three years after her trash ex-boyfriend stole her work, ruined her reputation, and broke her heart. She’s so close to proving herself again by uncovering a huge discovery a missing link between dinosaurs and birds and if she can pull it off, it could change everything for her career.James Smithson, an unfairly hot Oxford professor who shows up at her dig site like he owns the place. He’s convinced a new fossil making headlines is fake, and he needs Ripley’s help to prove it. Ripley is obviously NOT thrilled about this British man barging into her life but the more they work together, the more the tension turns into something else 👀And on top of the romance, there’s actual plot!! There’s a race to expose the hoax, the ex is involved, the stakes are high, and the chemistry is so good. Like, this book is giving: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, polar opposites, competent woman in STEM getting her moment, and a man who is DOWN BAD.Also the writing made me laugh, the banter hit, and the romance was everything I could have asked for in a romance book.
If you want a romance with dinosaurs, revenge, and two nerds falling hard? Read this immediately. One of my top reads for sure. 🦴🦕 🦖
If you want a romance with dinosaurs, revenge, and two nerds falling hard? Read this immediately. One of my top reads for sure. 🦴🦕 🦖
July 22, 2026
One thing I loved when I was little and still love today was dinosaurs and paleontology. I always found it, egyptology and space so fascinating. It is another reason I was always huge Jurassic Park fan. Speaking of which I love the Jurassic Park references in this! Maggie North is defiantly a Clever Girl! In Fossil Feud we have Ripley and she was wrongfully accused of basically stealing her ex-boyfrind's work....see it was the other way around. Her ex stole her work and said it was him and since then she has been exiled from the community. Now she is on a dig and trying to prove that there is a link between dinosaurs and bird and when the professor she wanted help from to prove that shew as telling the truth pulls up to her dig trying to get her help proving that the specimen that has come about is a fraud they end up working together to prove once and for all that her ex is the fraud.
I love a women in stem and this was right up my alley. I loved Ripley, she is strong and she won't give up. I love how they bring about issues that still happen in all fields today that still when something is brought up a man is usually believed over a woman. This especially happens in scientific fields of study and it happens here. We also had it happen in another recent release from Chelsea Cuarto when her character had a PhD and they wouldn't call her Dr and referred to her as Miss even though she was the smartest person in the room.
I loved James. I loved their chemistry together. I will say the paleontology of it all was absolutely my favorite part of it all. I loved how this wrapped up especially it does have a third act break up but I love how they come back together and I love how they get back and Will! I think it was well written I hope Maggie North writes more like this I would totally read them!
Thank you to Dell for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love a women in stem and this was right up my alley. I loved Ripley, she is strong and she won't give up. I love how they bring about issues that still happen in all fields today that still when something is brought up a man is usually believed over a woman. This especially happens in scientific fields of study and it happens here. We also had it happen in another recent release from Chelsea Cuarto when her character had a PhD and they wouldn't call her Dr and referred to her as Miss even though she was the smartest person in the room.
I loved James. I loved their chemistry together. I will say the paleontology of it all was absolutely my favorite part of it all. I loved how this wrapped up especially it does have a third act break up but I love how they come back together and I love how they get back and Will! I think it was well written I hope Maggie North writes more like this I would totally read them!
Thank you to Dell for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 28, 2026
This was a really good read. I really liked that the dinosaur plot was kept up throughout the book and even wound into the HEA. I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys romance and dinosaurs.
April 27, 2026
Wow wow wow is all I can think - a yearners dream and combined with dinosaurs you’re joking! Two well thought out main characters who are paleontologists falling in love while they search for fossils together such an incredible concept! The tension, the chemistry, the connection was paramount it was insanely beautiful - two incredibly flawed people in their own povs being able to learn who they are themselves and love themselves in order to love each other? A million times sign me up!Overall this book astounded me and shocked me and embraced a beautiful story. Easy 5 stars from me! A massive massive thank you to Dell Romance and NetGalley and of course Maggie North for this incredible arc! 🦕🫶🏼💫
July 15, 2026
This was nerdy, witty, swoony and perfectly adorable.
James Smithson, the sweet, anxious, talented man that you are. Brilliant and charming. Clark Kent but make him into dinosaurs. Draws NSFW dragon shifter character art. Sexy little: glasses, forearms, thigh tattoo. Deeply, adorably obsessed with her.
Also BRITISH. British, people. He calls her “My darling” and I swooned every single time.
Every other bit of this book worked too. Ripley is a dream STEMinist, go-getter FMC. I loved the touch of #MeToo that came into her story and how she fought back against the men who have stolen from her and silenced her.
Also:
☀️Sweaty at a summer dig site in Montana vibes
🦕 Specimens that themselves feel like characters, that you’ll root for
👟 He ties her shoes is a new thing I did not know I would be into but oof
📚 A full cast of characters at the dig that you’ll love
🦖 The perfect touch of Jurassic Park references
✍🏻 Draw me like one of your dinosaurs
🪨 Open door spice but with the tension, I thought it hit as hard as more adult reads
Just a pitch perfect summer romance. This book made me want to be back in Oxford, in a museum, talking paleontology and anthropology and all of the other -ologies.
🎧 Mia Hutchinson-Shaw is a tour de force in this solo narration. She nails Ripley and the side characters but James in particular? The aristocratic drawl, the LONGING? So so good. Definitely a great one for your ears!
Thank you Dell and PRH Audio for the ARC & ALC!
James Smithson, the sweet, anxious, talented man that you are. Brilliant and charming. Clark Kent but make him into dinosaurs. Draws NSFW dragon shifter character art. Sexy little: glasses, forearms, thigh tattoo. Deeply, adorably obsessed with her.
Also BRITISH. British, people. He calls her “My darling” and I swooned every single time.
Every other bit of this book worked too. Ripley is a dream STEMinist, go-getter FMC. I loved the touch of #MeToo that came into her story and how she fought back against the men who have stolen from her and silenced her.
Also:
☀️Sweaty at a summer dig site in Montana vibes
🦕 Specimens that themselves feel like characters, that you’ll root for
👟 He ties her shoes is a new thing I did not know I would be into but oof
📚 A full cast of characters at the dig that you’ll love
🦖 The perfect touch of Jurassic Park references
✍🏻 Draw me like one of your dinosaurs
🪨 Open door spice but with the tension, I thought it hit as hard as more adult reads
Just a pitch perfect summer romance. This book made me want to be back in Oxford, in a museum, talking paleontology and anthropology and all of the other -ologies.
🎧 Mia Hutchinson-Shaw is a tour de force in this solo narration. She nails Ripley and the side characters but James in particular? The aristocratic drawl, the LONGING? So so good. Definitely a great one for your ears!
Thank you Dell and PRH Audio for the ARC & ALC!
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