What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
3 days and 13:02:02
50 copies available
U.S. only
Fossil Feud
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
3 days and 13:02:02
50 copies available
U.S. only
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. . . .
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 28, 2026
About the author
Maggie North
3 books370 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews
January 11, 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.
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!
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!
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!!
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.
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?
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!
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!
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.
March 21, 2026
✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰
I’m at such a loss of words writing this review, i don’t know how i can convey how truly amazing and beautiful and incredible this book was.
There is quite literally nothing i would change about this book, the history of it, the poetic love confessions and the pure YEARNING you can feel through the pages, nothing will compare !!
James Smithson!!! MY MANNNNNN, i’ve said it once and i will say it a thousand times over about this man, I LOVE A HOT NERD!!!! He has glasses and is british and like dinosaurs what more could you ask for! But he’s so so much more than that, he yearns and cares for Ripley and will make everyone’s life better by reading about him!!!
Ripley is by babygirl and i love her and i would protect her with my LIFE and i need to give her a hug! And she’s so inspiring and i also wanna be her when i grow up, shes an icon, a diva!!
And the side characters were so amazing i loved them, all except one (im looking at you Will, i would push you into moving traffic!!) and they were so funny and i truly felt their personalities
This book gave me the type of dopamine hit that only caffeine on a sunny day can give me! It’s truly just that good!!!!!!!
Thank you so much to Ballentine and Netgalley for this arc ily!!!
I’m at such a loss of words writing this review, i don’t know how i can convey how truly amazing and beautiful and incredible this book was.
There is quite literally nothing i would change about this book, the history of it, the poetic love confessions and the pure YEARNING you can feel through the pages, nothing will compare !!
James Smithson!!! MY MANNNNNN, i’ve said it once and i will say it a thousand times over about this man, I LOVE A HOT NERD!!!! He has glasses and is british and like dinosaurs what more could you ask for! But he’s so so much more than that, he yearns and cares for Ripley and will make everyone’s life better by reading about him!!!
Ripley is by babygirl and i love her and i would protect her with my LIFE and i need to give her a hug! And she’s so inspiring and i also wanna be her when i grow up, shes an icon, a diva!!
And the side characters were so amazing i loved them, all except one (im looking at you Will, i would push you into moving traffic!!) and they were so funny and i truly felt their personalities
This book gave me the type of dopamine hit that only caffeine on a sunny day can give me! It’s truly just that good!!!!!!!
Thank you so much to Ballentine and Netgalley for this arc ily!!!
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!
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. 🦴🦕 🦖
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! 🦕🫶🏼💫
January 12, 2026
She’s a private paleontologist ousted from academia. He’s one of the most distinguished paleontologists in the world. On paper, they couldn’t be more different — but he needs her expertise to expose a fraud. And maybe, along the way, some feelings will surface as well…
Maggie North is a phenomenal writer. Women diagnosed with autism later in life seem to have a special knack for understanding human behavior, and Maggie’s insight shines through in her characters. As someone who masked for a long time myself, I felt an immediate kinship with her perspective. Her characters are always a little odd, a little out of step — until they find the right people and the right place for them. And it’s not just romantic connections she writes beautifully; her characters also find family, belonging, and a sense of home. That, to me, is Maggie North’s greatest gift. Her books are full of people who were misunderstood, overlooked, or misjudged — and finally, after so many false starts, find the people who see them for who they truly are. It’s quietly uplifting and deeply satisfying.
The story itself was fun and immersive. I loved the dig site setting — being outside, working together, uncovering history — it felt adventurous in a way that grounded the romance in a real, tangible world. James was sweet, honorable, and easy to root for, a perfect complement to Ripley’s guarded intelligence and wit. But the heart of the story is Ripley finally letting people in after years of hurt and disappointment. Watching her open up, trust, and accept connection felt genuinely moving.
This book isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about growth, trust, and finding the people and places that make life feel complete. Maggie North does this beautifully, with depth and warmth.
Thank you to Dell and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie North is a phenomenal writer. Women diagnosed with autism later in life seem to have a special knack for understanding human behavior, and Maggie’s insight shines through in her characters. As someone who masked for a long time myself, I felt an immediate kinship with her perspective. Her characters are always a little odd, a little out of step — until they find the right people and the right place for them. And it’s not just romantic connections she writes beautifully; her characters also find family, belonging, and a sense of home. That, to me, is Maggie North’s greatest gift. Her books are full of people who were misunderstood, overlooked, or misjudged — and finally, after so many false starts, find the people who see them for who they truly are. It’s quietly uplifting and deeply satisfying.
The story itself was fun and immersive. I loved the dig site setting — being outside, working together, uncovering history — it felt adventurous in a way that grounded the romance in a real, tangible world. James was sweet, honorable, and easy to root for, a perfect complement to Ripley’s guarded intelligence and wit. But the heart of the story is Ripley finally letting people in after years of hurt and disappointment. Watching her open up, trust, and accept connection felt genuinely moving.
This book isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about growth, trust, and finding the people and places that make life feel complete. Maggie North does this beautifully, with depth and warmth.
Thank you to Dell and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book immediately caught my attention because the blurb felt so unique. You don’t often see romance mixed with paleontology, excavation sites, dinosaurs and fossil fraud (yayx), so I was very, very curious and excited going in. It honestly gave me a bit of Night at the Museum (literally!) and Jurassic Park vibes, which made the whole setup even more fun.
Ripley Adams is a renegade paleontologist trying to rebuild her career after her ex boyfriend stole her research and destroyed her reputation. Three years later she’s doing private digs, hoping to prove herself again. Then Oxford professor James Smithson suddenly appears at her dig site asking for help investigating a suspicious fossil discovery that might be a fraud. Of course, the situation becomes even more complicated since Ripley had previously reached out to him after the scandal and he turned her down, believing the rumors.
I was very excited to see Ripley get a chance to clear her name and expose her scheming ex. The mystery around the fossils and the investigation aspect was definitely fun to follow. The setting, the digs and the paleontology angle really make the story even more entertaining.
That said, I did feel like a few elements could have been developed a bit more. The storyline with the ex and the fraud investigation started strong, but then it faded into the background for a while before returning near the end. The conference and the final resolution also felt a little flat compared to the buildup, like...come onnnn I'm curious...
I really liked Ripley as a character and enjoyed her determination, though I had a slightly harder time connecting with James than I expected.
Overall this was still a fun and refreshing romance with a very unique theme. I just wish some parts had been explored more.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC.
Ripley Adams is a renegade paleontologist trying to rebuild her career after her ex boyfriend stole her research and destroyed her reputation. Three years later she’s doing private digs, hoping to prove herself again. Then Oxford professor James Smithson suddenly appears at her dig site asking for help investigating a suspicious fossil discovery that might be a fraud. Of course, the situation becomes even more complicated since Ripley had previously reached out to him after the scandal and he turned her down, believing the rumors.
I was very excited to see Ripley get a chance to clear her name and expose her scheming ex. The mystery around the fossils and the investigation aspect was definitely fun to follow. The setting, the digs and the paleontology angle really make the story even more entertaining.
That said, I did feel like a few elements could have been developed a bit more. The storyline with the ex and the fraud investigation started strong, but then it faded into the background for a while before returning near the end. The conference and the final resolution also felt a little flat compared to the buildup, like...come onnnn I'm curious...
I really liked Ripley as a character and enjoyed her determination, though I had a slightly harder time connecting with James than I expected.
Overall this was still a fun and refreshing romance with a very unique theme. I just wish some parts had been explored more.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC.
May 18, 2026
2.5 stars, rounded up
As a dinosaur girlie in my formative years, I was excited to read a STEMinist take on paleontology. So much so that this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year.
Unfortunately, I didn’t like it as much as I was hoping to. That was largely due to the third person present tense which almost always keeps me detached from the action or characters. That happened in this book as well. I couldn’t keep the characters straight in my head at all, especially the side characters. The FMC was somewhat annoying at times as well. She was very wishy washy when it came to the love interest. I also found the drama with her ex to be over the top. He was almost a mustache twirling style villain.
I did like the dinosaur elements and the FMCs passion for them, but it seemed like the romance kind of took over the plot. There were also some humorous moments and references to Jurassic Park that were fun. That cover is adorable too.
My issue with the writing is a personal preference. If you don’t struggle with third person present tense, you’d probably like this one.
Thank you to Random House Ballantine for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
As a dinosaur girlie in my formative years, I was excited to read a STEMinist take on paleontology. So much so that this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year.
Unfortunately, I didn’t like it as much as I was hoping to. That was largely due to the third person present tense which almost always keeps me detached from the action or characters. That happened in this book as well. I couldn’t keep the characters straight in my head at all, especially the side characters. The FMC was somewhat annoying at times as well. She was very wishy washy when it came to the love interest. I also found the drama with her ex to be over the top. He was almost a mustache twirling style villain.
I did like the dinosaur elements and the FMCs passion for them, but it seemed like the romance kind of took over the plot. There were also some humorous moments and references to Jurassic Park that were fun. That cover is adorable too.
My issue with the writing is a personal preference. If you don’t struggle with third person present tense, you’d probably like this one.
Thank you to Random House Ballantine for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**Update**
I did not do this book justice with my original review 😭😭 I loved this book!! I loved Ripley and James as separate characters and as a couple. I have recently developed a love for science so it was so enjoyable to combine my love for science and romance in a book. And the yearning??? Byeee
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for this ARC! Let’s go steminists! If you love science and steamy romance like I do, this one is for you! This book was pretty different from what I read and I really enjoyed it! Join Ripley, James, and friends in their journey to uncover fossils while also discovering love and the other joys of life.
I did not do this book justice with my original review 😭😭 I loved this book!! I loved Ripley and James as separate characters and as a couple. I have recently developed a love for science so it was so enjoyable to combine my love for science and romance in a book. And the yearning??? Byeee
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for this ARC! Let’s go steminists! If you love science and steamy romance like I do, this one is for you! This book was pretty different from what I read and I really enjoyed it! Join Ripley, James, and friends in their journey to uncover fossils while also discovering love and the other joys of life.
May 19, 2026
This review and more can be found on my Bookstagram & Booktok @ Ambeeandink!
Thank you so much to Dell and NetGalley for the Review Copy of Fossil Feud!
TROPES:
❤️ He Falls First (& HARD)
🦖 Forced Proximity
❤️ Professor
🦖 Woman in STEM
❤️ Slutty Little Glasses (& Wrist Watch & Bike Shorts & Forearms)
🦖 Rivals to Lovers
It’s been days since I finished Fossil Feud and I genuinely have not stopped thinking about it once. This book clawed its way into my bones and set up permanent residency there. As someone who has been obsessed with dinosaurs and birds since childhood, this honestly felt like Maggie North reached directly into my brain and said “here, this one’s for you.”
Ripley Adams has basically been blacklisted from academia after her trash excuse for an ex accused her of plagiarizing, implied she slept her way through her PhD, and completely tanked her reputation. So now she’s out here running her own paleontology digs and thriving out of spite honestly. Then she uncovers what could be the fossil discovery of a lifetime. At the same time, Dr. James Smithson desperately needs her help because someone is trying to pass off what he believes is a fraudulent fossil and Ripley is basically the only person who can help expose it. Reluctantly, she agrees and chaos, science, yearning, and emotional damage ensue.
The TENSION in this book??? You could excavate it with a damn fossil brush. James was yearning so hard the entire book and Ripley really said “you’re gonna suffer first actually.” There were multiple times I was yelling at my Kindle for them to just kiss already because the chemistry was genuinely insane.
And the spice??? Maggie North wrote those scenes so beautifully. They weren’t overly graphic at all but somehow still incredibly intimate and emotional. Every scene felt purposeful and tied so deeply into the reality of Ripley and James knowing their time together was to be limited. It made everything hit ten times harder emotionally.
I also really loved how layered both Ripley and James felt. Their backstories added so much to why they approached life, science, and relationships the way they did. Maggie North gives you just enough to fully understand them without overexplaining every little thing and it worked SO well.
And Ripley’s ex??? That man had me ready to square up every time he appeared on page. The rage I felt was astronomical. Maggie North absolutely succeeded in making him the most hateable human alive. But the ending? The karma? Justice has been served. Also the award ceremony scene??? The DRAMA. The third act breakup had me sitting there in agony staring at my wall afterward. But the epilogue absolutely healed me because yes, I was fully sobbing by the end.
Overall, I genuinely cannot hype this book up enough. My dinosaur loving, bird obsessed little heart is so full. This was my first Maggie North book but it absolutely will not be my last. If you love hot British professors, academic rivals, men who yearn pathetically, women in STEM, worship energy, and slutty little glasses, Fossil Feud needs to be your next read immediately.
P.S. That museum scene??? Yeah. Maggie North knew exactly what she was doing there.
Thank you so much to Dell and NetGalley for the Review Copy of Fossil Feud!
"Under his eye, she feels beautiful and rare, worth preserving in strokes of bright color."
TROPES:
❤️ He Falls First (& HARD)
🦖 Forced Proximity
❤️ Professor
🦖 Woman in STEM
❤️ Slutty Little Glasses (& Wrist Watch & Bike Shorts & Forearms)
🦖 Rivals to Lovers
It’s been days since I finished Fossil Feud and I genuinely have not stopped thinking about it once. This book clawed its way into my bones and set up permanent residency there. As someone who has been obsessed with dinosaurs and birds since childhood, this honestly felt like Maggie North reached directly into my brain and said “here, this one’s for you.”
Ripley Adams has basically been blacklisted from academia after her trash excuse for an ex accused her of plagiarizing, implied she slept her way through her PhD, and completely tanked her reputation. So now she’s out here running her own paleontology digs and thriving out of spite honestly. Then she uncovers what could be the fossil discovery of a lifetime. At the same time, Dr. James Smithson desperately needs her help because someone is trying to pass off what he believes is a fraudulent fossil and Ripley is basically the only person who can help expose it. Reluctantly, she agrees and chaos, science, yearning, and emotional damage ensue.
The TENSION in this book??? You could excavate it with a damn fossil brush. James was yearning so hard the entire book and Ripley really said “you’re gonna suffer first actually.” There were multiple times I was yelling at my Kindle for them to just kiss already because the chemistry was genuinely insane.
And the spice??? Maggie North wrote those scenes so beautifully. They weren’t overly graphic at all but somehow still incredibly intimate and emotional. Every scene felt purposeful and tied so deeply into the reality of Ripley and James knowing their time together was to be limited. It made everything hit ten times harder emotionally.
I also really loved how layered both Ripley and James felt. Their backstories added so much to why they approached life, science, and relationships the way they did. Maggie North gives you just enough to fully understand them without overexplaining every little thing and it worked SO well.
And Ripley’s ex??? That man had me ready to square up every time he appeared on page. The rage I felt was astronomical. Maggie North absolutely succeeded in making him the most hateable human alive. But the ending? The karma? Justice has been served. Also the award ceremony scene??? The DRAMA. The third act breakup had me sitting there in agony staring at my wall afterward. But the epilogue absolutely healed me because yes, I was fully sobbing by the end.
Overall, I genuinely cannot hype this book up enough. My dinosaur loving, bird obsessed little heart is so full. This was my first Maggie North book but it absolutely will not be my last. If you love hot British professors, academic rivals, men who yearn pathetically, women in STEM, worship energy, and slutty little glasses, Fossil Feud needs to be your next read immediately.
P.S. That museum scene??? Yeah. Maggie North knew exactly what she was doing there.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fossil Feud is an utterly original, super fun and bingeable romance that absolutely consumed me. Fans of Jurassic Park and Night at the Museum, you will fall madly in love with this swoony book. I was looking for something fun, this delivered on every single front. As much as I had a blast reading this one there was also a lot of emotional depth, healing and growth throughout the novel that I highly appreciated. This book does not solely focus on romance, the plot is plotting and it is super fun to follow along. It added stakes to the story and made me even more hooked. Once the romance is thrown in it just adds another layer and makes it that much more enjoyable. What I have to applaud North for is her amazing research for this book, absolutely outstanding. The terminology, the dinosaur names, the history, the paleontology (which she took some liberties in), but ultimately everything felt so real and true to life.
Ripley & James are two highly flawed characters with a lot of baggage. They each bring their struggles to the budding romance but eventually learn to overcome them together. The blending of the spice which is not overly spicy with the plot, it was honestly perfection. I absolutely commend the author on how she approached the spicy scenes. It never overshadowed the plot but it made the relationship and physical part of their relationship evolve and feel authentic.
Overall, I loved how unique and fresh this story felt to me. It was so different from anything I've read before and I needed it. The fun I had reading this book will definitely be marked in my brain. Having read all of Maggie's books this is by far my favorite of hers. Her prose was beautiful, her storytelling skills immaculate and the originality of the storyline chefs kiss!
✨️ Thank you to @netgalley, @dellromance & @maggienorth for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ripley & James are two highly flawed characters with a lot of baggage. They each bring their struggles to the budding romance but eventually learn to overcome them together. The blending of the spice which is not overly spicy with the plot, it was honestly perfection. I absolutely commend the author on how she approached the spicy scenes. It never overshadowed the plot but it made the relationship and physical part of their relationship evolve and feel authentic.
Overall, I loved how unique and fresh this story felt to me. It was so different from anything I've read before and I needed it. The fun I had reading this book will definitely be marked in my brain. Having read all of Maggie's books this is by far my favorite of hers. Her prose was beautiful, her storytelling skills immaculate and the originality of the storyline chefs kiss!
✨️ Thank you to @netgalley, @dellromance & @maggienorth for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2026
In a world of Wills, find a James.
Okay, this own seriously brought back all of the dreams I had as a kid of being a paleontologist and unearthing fossils in my backyard.
Ripley (what a badass name btw) is fighting against a broken system in the paleontological world- thank you, patriarchy. But against all odds, she has still found a way to continue the work that she loves, until her lowlife ex decides he’s not quite done trying to steal her work and get all the accolades. I love the drive and determination Ripley has to stand up for what she knows is right. She has her moments, but she never lets it stop her.
And then there’s James. This uptight British bombshell who has held a torch for Ripley for YEARS. The yearning, the dedication, the desire to make all of her dreams come true. Is he perfect? No, but man, he sure does try his best. And we love him for it. He would move heaven and earth if he could.
Loved the cast of characters, the found family, the fun dinosaur facts, and the overall sentiment of eff the patriarchy.
Thank you to Ballantine for the early copy!
Okay, this own seriously brought back all of the dreams I had as a kid of being a paleontologist and unearthing fossils in my backyard.
Ripley (what a badass name btw) is fighting against a broken system in the paleontological world- thank you, patriarchy. But against all odds, she has still found a way to continue the work that she loves, until her lowlife ex decides he’s not quite done trying to steal her work and get all the accolades. I love the drive and determination Ripley has to stand up for what she knows is right. She has her moments, but she never lets it stop her.
And then there’s James. This uptight British bombshell who has held a torch for Ripley for YEARS. The yearning, the dedication, the desire to make all of her dreams come true. Is he perfect? No, but man, he sure does try his best. And we love him for it. He would move heaven and earth if he could.
Loved the cast of characters, the found family, the fun dinosaur facts, and the overall sentiment of eff the patriarchy.
Thank you to Ballantine for the early copy!
July 11, 2026
this was an absolute delight! this did start out a little slow for me, but around the 25% mark it really picked up and jack grew on me a lot. at first i was kind of weary of him, but the more i learned about him, the more i loved him. 🥹🦕 i really loved ridley from the very beginning! there was really good banter between ripley and jack that had me laughing out loud. i think that maggie did an amazing job portraying how misogyny affects women in male dominated fields and i think all women can relate to ripley. i will say, i think i would have rated this 5 stars had it been in first person, with dual pov. i think it would have added even more depth, tension, and yearning. however, this was such a fun read and one i found very entertaining while also having emotional aspects that drove this one home!
March 3, 2026
4.5 stars! Honestly if I wasn’t in a slump it would easily be 5 stars so that’s my fault. There’s nothing to hate. I felt connected to the characters and their story was so cute. I didn’t think a book about fossils and romance would make me cry but I did tear up a bit. Don’t worry tho it’s a happy ending. HIGHLY recommend! Best decision of my life.
June 29, 2026
If you’re a fan of The Love Hypothesis vibes, you’re going to love this one. It has everything I love in a STEM romance smart FMC, ambitious characters, forced proximity, and enough tension to keep me hooked.
Ripley is a paleontologist on the verge of making a career-defining discovery and securing a holotype, until she finds out someone else has supposedly uncovered something similar first. And of course, that someone is her ex-boyfriend, Will.
Determined to prove her discovery is the real deal, Ripley races to excavate her fossil before it’s too late. Along the way, she teams up with James (cue the drool), and together they set out to disprove Will’s findings.
I loved the mix of science, adventure, and romance in this one. The paleontology aspect felt fresh and fun, and the chemistry between Ripley and James kept me turning the pages. If STEM romances are your thing, definitely add this to your TBR!
Thank you Netgalley and Ballantine for early access of this book!
Ripley is a paleontologist on the verge of making a career-defining discovery and securing a holotype, until she finds out someone else has supposedly uncovered something similar first. And of course, that someone is her ex-boyfriend, Will.
Determined to prove her discovery is the real deal, Ripley races to excavate her fossil before it’s too late. Along the way, she teams up with James (cue the drool), and together they set out to disprove Will’s findings.
I loved the mix of science, adventure, and romance in this one. The paleontology aspect felt fresh and fun, and the chemistry between Ripley and James kept me turning the pages. If STEM romances are your thing, definitely add this to your TBR!
Thank you Netgalley and Ballantine for early access of this book!
June 11, 2026
This book is so good!!! Really funny, personable fmc, dreamy, British mmc. Women in STEM rep (as a former accountant which is math I always support). This felt realistic and funny but really emotional. Maggie’s writing is so gorgeous and fun. I think this should be at the top of everyone’s romance tbr!
Early copy was accessible to me as I work at PRH. All opinions are my own.
Early copy was accessible to me as I work at PRH. All opinions are my own.
May 15, 2026
ARC read!! Review is honest and voluntary!!
🌿🦕🌟
A DINOSAUR STEM ROMANCE?? Sign me up. Getting to read this book felt like Christmas morning for my eager romantic little heart.
I so enjoyed being able to read more into the world of paleontology and all of the crazy stories about frauds and fake discoveries!! The context of this book was so well done and reading about their dig site gave me life. Ripley and James really meshed well together and I enjoyed their work dynamic! 💚
🌿🦕🌟
A DINOSAUR STEM ROMANCE?? Sign me up. Getting to read this book felt like Christmas morning for my eager romantic little heart.
I so enjoyed being able to read more into the world of paleontology and all of the crazy stories about frauds and fake discoveries!! The context of this book was so well done and reading about their dig site gave me life. Ripley and James really meshed well together and I enjoyed their work dynamic! 💚
April 3, 2026
“love knows no time
my bones will find yours”
ARE YOU KIDDING????? FORREAL ILL CRY RN.
this was so much fun!!! i feel like everyone has to love dinosaurs, so this would be a good, interesting, quick read for anyone. i LOVE nerdy mmc’s with glasses & this one hit the spot 😮💨 james was obsessed from the get go & i ate it up. he was so sweet & gentle i wanted to just give him a big ol hug. also, he HAS A THIGH TATTOO!!!!!
our fmc ripley is AMAZING!! i love her!!! so smart & witty & resilient & i have a crush on her, too. i loved seeing her get (rightful) revenge on those that have wronged her. i would kill for u ripley adams.
overall, the banter, the tension, the yearning, I LOVED IT ALL. our little found dinosaur family was so cute 🥹 yall please pick up this book when it releases in july hehe. thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review via netgalley. all opinions are my own <3
quick mention: NO ONE IS ILLEGAL ON STOLEN LAND!!!!!!
my bones will find yours”
ARE YOU KIDDING????? FORREAL ILL CRY RN.
this was so much fun!!! i feel like everyone has to love dinosaurs, so this would be a good, interesting, quick read for anyone. i LOVE nerdy mmc’s with glasses & this one hit the spot 😮💨 james was obsessed from the get go & i ate it up. he was so sweet & gentle i wanted to just give him a big ol hug. also, he HAS A THIGH TATTOO!!!!!
our fmc ripley is AMAZING!! i love her!!! so smart & witty & resilient & i have a crush on her, too. i loved seeing her get (rightful) revenge on those that have wronged her. i would kill for u ripley adams.
overall, the banter, the tension, the yearning, I LOVED IT ALL. our little found dinosaur family was so cute 🥹 yall please pick up this book when it releases in july hehe. thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review via netgalley. all opinions are my own <3
quick mention: NO ONE IS ILLEGAL ON STOLEN LAND!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews