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Fossil Feud: A Novel
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Expected 28 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 15:49:37
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. . . .
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 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
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!!
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?
March 24, 2026
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.
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
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!!!
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! 🦕🫶🏼💫
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!!!!
March 11, 2026
SO, SO GOOD!! (Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book early.)
As a woman in STEM, it was so refreshing to see an author touch on the struggles that many women unfortunately face in this male dominated field. Talking about these struggles whilst also having a realistic yet resolved ending was even better. I cannot express enough how deeply I fell in love not only with Ripley but with James too! Such a beautifully written couple (and individual characters too) with conflicts that don’t make you want to rip your hair out.
This read was nothing less than great for me and I’m so glad I had the privilege to arc read it!! Paleontology has a special place in my heart, so this combined with amazing writing, a beautiful couple, and superb supporting characters makes this one of my favorite reads of the year! I cannot wait to read more by Maggie North! :)
As a woman in STEM, it was so refreshing to see an author touch on the struggles that many women unfortunately face in this male dominated field. Talking about these struggles whilst also having a realistic yet resolved ending was even better. I cannot express enough how deeply I fell in love not only with Ripley but with James too! Such a beautifully written couple (and individual characters too) with conflicts that don’t make you want to rip your hair out.
This read was nothing less than great for me and I’m so glad I had the privilege to arc read it!! Paleontology has a special place in my heart, so this combined with amazing writing, a beautiful couple, and superb supporting characters makes this one of my favorite reads of the year! I cannot wait to read more by Maggie North! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2026
Ripley Adams is a paleontologist who has left academia and moved into more independent, private, hands on avenues after being burned by her ex boyfriend, who was one of her peers in school. When she finds a groundbreaking specimen, she is ready for redemption as long as she can secure enough support and funding to completely unearth it. Suddenly and unexpectedly, James Smithson, a professor in the paleontology field, comes around, he brings a solution to all her problems, including a chance at future vengeance. In the past, he has disappointed her, so she remains hesitant about getting close to him and relying on him. She has to let go of the past and work cohesively with him on both of their redemption stories.
The biggest highlight of the book is the accuracy of the paleontology field and experience. While I am not a paleontologist or familiar with the ins and outs of the industry, North completely submerges the reader into this world. It feels realistic and well researched, with detailed attention given to everything from holotypes to the delicate use of a plethora of tools to uncover a dinosaur bone. I also really enjoyed how she emphasized that it is not easy to be successful in the field. There are multiple directions you can take after getting your PhD, whether academia, private industry, or even paths completely outside the field.
Where it fell short for me was how surface level it felt on other fronts, including plot, romance, and friendships. The story had a really strong foundation focusing on redemption for both main characters, but it ultimately felt underbaked. When Ripley and James agree to work together, the timeline of their plan becomes confusing. While there was overlap between their two goals, you could still clearly distinguish them, and the constant switching back and forth felt more disruptive than cohesive. I wish we saw more of Ripley’s inner thoughts, as this would have made her journey from lone wolf to team player feel more transformative. This also contributed to me not fully connecting with their romance. I cannot exactly explain it, but while their relationship made sense, it did not flow together as naturally as I expected.
Ultimately, the foundation of this book is fresh and original. I love a good STEM romance as a woman in STEM, especially when authors create strong female characters who are able to save themselves in unfortunate situations. Maggie North’s focus on the injustices of academia, especially toward the end, is so important in the male dominated field of science. I recommend this to readers who enjoy romance with a touch of Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones. Seeing the paleontological field brought out my inner child and made me very happy.
Thank you to Ballantine Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy!
The biggest highlight of the book is the accuracy of the paleontology field and experience. While I am not a paleontologist or familiar with the ins and outs of the industry, North completely submerges the reader into this world. It feels realistic and well researched, with detailed attention given to everything from holotypes to the delicate use of a plethora of tools to uncover a dinosaur bone. I also really enjoyed how she emphasized that it is not easy to be successful in the field. There are multiple directions you can take after getting your PhD, whether academia, private industry, or even paths completely outside the field.
Where it fell short for me was how surface level it felt on other fronts, including plot, romance, and friendships. The story had a really strong foundation focusing on redemption for both main characters, but it ultimately felt underbaked. When Ripley and James agree to work together, the timeline of their plan becomes confusing. While there was overlap between their two goals, you could still clearly distinguish them, and the constant switching back and forth felt more disruptive than cohesive. I wish we saw more of Ripley’s inner thoughts, as this would have made her journey from lone wolf to team player feel more transformative. This also contributed to me not fully connecting with their romance. I cannot exactly explain it, but while their relationship made sense, it did not flow together as naturally as I expected.
Ultimately, the foundation of this book is fresh and original. I love a good STEM romance as a woman in STEM, especially when authors create strong female characters who are able to save themselves in unfortunate situations. Maggie North’s focus on the injustices of academia, especially toward the end, is so important in the male dominated field of science. I recommend this to readers who enjoy romance with a touch of Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones. Seeing the paleontological field brought out my inner child and made me very happy.
Thank you to Ballantine Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy!
March 25, 2026
Rating: 4.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 2.75 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Random House for the ARC!
If you love Jurassic Park, romance, and British accents… you should IMMEDIATELY pre-order or buy this book.
As a STEM girlie, this one really hit for me. I’ve been lucky to work in a more women-dominated field, but that’s not the reality for a lot of women—and I felt Ripley’s struggles so deeply. The author did such a great job portraying that experience in a way that felt real and impactful.
ALSO… as an Alien lover??? The references had me squealing. The second I caught the first one, I was obsessed.
There were so many things I loved about this book—I flew through it and found myself genuinely excited to pick it back up every time I got home from work.
Blurb:
Renegade paleontologist Ripley Adams is on the verge of a fossil discovery that could redeem her career. After being exiled from academia when her ex-boyfriend stole her research, betrayed her trust, and broke her heart, she’s determined to prove herself. If she can uncover a complete specimen of her latest find—a missing link between dinosaurs and birds—it could restore her reputation.
But when frustratingly attractive Oxford professor James Smithson shows up at her Montana dig site, everything gets complicated. James is convinced a flashy new fossil is a fraud—and he needs Ripley’s help to prove it. She’d love to shut him down, but the fossil in question looks eerily similar to hers… and the fraudster? Her ex.
Ripley and James couldn’t be more different, but that contrast is what makes them work. They challenge each other, see through each other’s flaws, and ultimately bring out the best in one another. The character development is there, the romance is swoony and even the side characters were so good!!
Maggie North’s writing is beautifully descriptive, from the setting to the character dynamics. I was so immersed that I genuinely felt lost in the story in the best way.
Overall, if there is anything you can get from this review, just buy the book.
Spice: 2.75 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Random House for the ARC!
If you love Jurassic Park, romance, and British accents… you should IMMEDIATELY pre-order or buy this book.
As a STEM girlie, this one really hit for me. I’ve been lucky to work in a more women-dominated field, but that’s not the reality for a lot of women—and I felt Ripley’s struggles so deeply. The author did such a great job portraying that experience in a way that felt real and impactful.
ALSO… as an Alien lover??? The references had me squealing. The second I caught the first one, I was obsessed.
There were so many things I loved about this book—I flew through it and found myself genuinely excited to pick it back up every time I got home from work.
Blurb:
Renegade paleontologist Ripley Adams is on the verge of a fossil discovery that could redeem her career. After being exiled from academia when her ex-boyfriend stole her research, betrayed her trust, and broke her heart, she’s determined to prove herself. If she can uncover a complete specimen of her latest find—a missing link between dinosaurs and birds—it could restore her reputation.
But when frustratingly attractive Oxford professor James Smithson shows up at her Montana dig site, everything gets complicated. James is convinced a flashy new fossil is a fraud—and he needs Ripley’s help to prove it. She’d love to shut him down, but the fossil in question looks eerily similar to hers… and the fraudster? Her ex.
Ripley and James couldn’t be more different, but that contrast is what makes them work. They challenge each other, see through each other’s flaws, and ultimately bring out the best in one another. The character development is there, the romance is swoony and even the side characters were so good!!
Maggie North’s writing is beautifully descriptive, from the setting to the character dynamics. I was so immersed that I genuinely felt lost in the story in the best way.
Overall, if there is anything you can get from this review, just buy the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all, I would like to thank Ballantine and Dell Publishing, Maggie North, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I recommend this book if you:
🔹ever dreamed of becoming a paleontologist and/or are obsessed with the Jurassic Park franchise. The amount of detail and research that went into this was so evident from chapter one. I felt like I was on a dig site and being mentored right along with the other characters.
🔹enjoy academic rivals to lovers - I absolutely adored learning about the competitive nature of paleontology and it created a spectacular environment for the tension between our characters to develop and their chemistry be highlighted! The tension was so painstakingly phenomenal that I devoured this book in one sitting.
🔹enjoy strong FMCs. I was immediately completely and utterly enamored by Ripley. She might be my favorite FMC of the year. The way that she persevered through all the obstacles thrown at her, her sense of humor, her selflessness, and her unwavering hope was inspiring.
I went into this hopeful for a cute romance about paleontologists and my expectations were so far exceeded that I must say this book was an absolutely incredible journey from beginning to end. I could not put it down and stayed up far too late reading, but I just had to see how the story ended!
My favorite aspects of this novel were definitely the characters and the STEM world context. I already mentioned my complete adoration for Ripley, but James was also such an incredibly nuanced character. I loved the layers to his personality! Especially, the conflict he personified between the academics and the arts. The amount of times this man made me SWOON and the slow burn romance between these two was pleasurably torturous. Oh, and the banter. You know I am a sucker for good banter. I can vouch for the TOP TIER banter that had me giggling and kicking my feet.
All in all, please read this book! I will not be forgetting it anytime soon and I cannot wait to pick up my pre-ordered copy on release day!
I recommend this book if you:
🔹ever dreamed of becoming a paleontologist and/or are obsessed with the Jurassic Park franchise. The amount of detail and research that went into this was so evident from chapter one. I felt like I was on a dig site and being mentored right along with the other characters.
🔹enjoy academic rivals to lovers - I absolutely adored learning about the competitive nature of paleontology and it created a spectacular environment for the tension between our characters to develop and their chemistry be highlighted! The tension was so painstakingly phenomenal that I devoured this book in one sitting.
🔹enjoy strong FMCs. I was immediately completely and utterly enamored by Ripley. She might be my favorite FMC of the year. The way that she persevered through all the obstacles thrown at her, her sense of humor, her selflessness, and her unwavering hope was inspiring.
I went into this hopeful for a cute romance about paleontologists and my expectations were so far exceeded that I must say this book was an absolutely incredible journey from beginning to end. I could not put it down and stayed up far too late reading, but I just had to see how the story ended!
My favorite aspects of this novel were definitely the characters and the STEM world context. I already mentioned my complete adoration for Ripley, but James was also such an incredibly nuanced character. I loved the layers to his personality! Especially, the conflict he personified between the academics and the arts. The amount of times this man made me SWOON and the slow burn romance between these two was pleasurably torturous. Oh, and the banter. You know I am a sucker for good banter. I can vouch for the TOP TIER banter that had me giggling and kicking my feet.
All in all, please read this book! I will not be forgetting it anytime soon and I cannot wait to pick up my pre-ordered copy on release day!
March 4, 2026
5/5 ✨
Review of Advance Copy Received from NetGalley
Dinosaurs may be extinct but the tension is absolutely thriving.
Listen, I know archeology/paleontology may not sound all to thrilling. But this book makes it work, and I think I know why: it’s incredibly well-rounded. Not too heavy on the science, not too heavy on the romance, and packed with just the right amount of entertainment.
Ripley embodies someone who’s been burned but refuses to walk away from what she loves. While James is absolutely driven to do the right thing - even if it costs him is reputation. They’re tasked with navigating academic fraud, a race to unearth a beautiful fossil, AND their undeniable chemistry.
This is a perfect summer romance read, and I highly encourage anyone who’s even slightly interested to pick it up and give it a try.
I have to admit, a wave of nostalgia hit me while reading. My aunt and uncle are professors of anthropology, and I grew up fascinated by their work. I was always excited when they had another cool fossil to show off during visits. I truly appreciate the care and research poured into this story even more because of them; I can feel how much love the author put into it.🦕
Tropes
~ Crush to Enemies to Friends to Lovers (wild - stick with me here)
~ Western-esque vibes
~ Workplace romance
A special thank you to Ballantine, Maggie North, and NetGalley for this ARC.🫶🏻
Review of Advance Copy Received from NetGalley
Dinosaurs may be extinct but the tension is absolutely thriving.
Listen, I know archeology/paleontology may not sound all to thrilling. But this book makes it work, and I think I know why: it’s incredibly well-rounded. Not too heavy on the science, not too heavy on the romance, and packed with just the right amount of entertainment.
Ripley embodies someone who’s been burned but refuses to walk away from what she loves. While James is absolutely driven to do the right thing - even if it costs him is reputation. They’re tasked with navigating academic fraud, a race to unearth a beautiful fossil, AND their undeniable chemistry.
This is a perfect summer romance read, and I highly encourage anyone who’s even slightly interested to pick it up and give it a try.
I have to admit, a wave of nostalgia hit me while reading. My aunt and uncle are professors of anthropology, and I grew up fascinated by their work. I was always excited when they had another cool fossil to show off during visits. I truly appreciate the care and research poured into this story even more because of them; I can feel how much love the author put into it.🦕
Tropes
~ Crush to Enemies to Friends to Lovers (wild - stick with me here)
~ Western-esque vibes
~ Workplace romance
A special thank you to Ballantine, Maggie North, and NetGalley for this 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.
March 3, 2026
This book immediately hooked me and even though the middle dragged a bit, I still ate this up. Palaeontologist Ripley is on a mission to show that she didn’t actually lose it all when he ex was a shitty person, insert the best male love interest I’ve read since Adam Carlson and you have a summer romance book all about dinosaurs, finding yourself and the lengths one will go to for those they love.
Spoilers:
I just really enjoyed how Ripley HAD to get beauty out of the ground and how she was so obsessed with birds. As someone who likes modern birds, and dinosaurs, this was my book. Enter James and you get an artist forced into science and I think his character was well written on that aspect. Actually I think all the characters were well written and the silly little “heist” was good comedic relief with the heavier topics happening at that point.
The only thing I didn’t like is that she’s 28 years old but still acted like she was so young- the third act breakup isn’t necessarily bad, but it is something that could have been avoided if either of them talked about what Will did.
Spoilers:
I just really enjoyed how Ripley HAD to get beauty out of the ground and how she was so obsessed with birds. As someone who likes modern birds, and dinosaurs, this was my book. Enter James and you get an artist forced into science and I think his character was well written on that aspect. Actually I think all the characters were well written and the silly little “heist” was good comedic relief with the heavier topics happening at that point.
The only thing I didn’t like is that she’s 28 years old but still acted like she was so young- the third act breakup isn’t necessarily bad, but it is something that could have been avoided if either of them talked about what Will did.
May 10, 2026
4.5/5 stars rounded up, thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I didn't have a lot of expectations for this book going in as Maggie North is completely new to me and the book hasn't even come out yet. I just knew that it included fossils and had other good reviews. I was so so hooked on this book and it has really stuck with me since I finished it. This book is about Ripley Adams (fmc) and James Smithson (mmc), in which Ripley has a rivalry with James and he's had a crush on her for a while (her rivalry was very well deserved, and not so much as a rivalry as a grudge).
Aside from the swoony romance, in which you only see from Ripley's POV, it is made so clear through actual actions (*cough* other authors *cough*) how much James cares about Ripley, AND I unexpectedly felt like I learned quite a lot about paleontology. With lots of fun close group dynamic, main characters that each grow a lot in their respective ways and together, the sweet romance, I can not recommend this book enough and look forward to more from Maggie North.
I didn't have a lot of expectations for this book going in as Maggie North is completely new to me and the book hasn't even come out yet. I just knew that it included fossils and had other good reviews. I was so so hooked on this book and it has really stuck with me since I finished it. This book is about Ripley Adams (fmc) and James Smithson (mmc), in which Ripley has a rivalry with James and he's had a crush on her for a while (her rivalry was very well deserved, and not so much as a rivalry as a grudge).
Aside from the swoony romance, in which you only see from Ripley's POV, it is made so clear through actual actions (*cough* other authors *cough*) how much James cares about Ripley, AND I unexpectedly felt like I learned quite a lot about paleontology. With lots of fun close group dynamic, main characters that each grow a lot in their respective ways and together, the sweet romance, I can not recommend this book enough and look forward to more from Maggie North.
May 14, 2026
[4.25 ⭐️]
this was SO CUTE!!! i don’t know a damn thing about dinosaurs but i ate this up!! i loved our fmc ripley she was so funny!! going into this book i thought it was going to be an enemies to lovers based off the title but i was pleasantly wrong! there’s a little bit of that but overall the romance is a “workplace” romance! this also had a cute found family aspect of it as well! i grew to like each and every character!
i enjoyed reading about ripley’s past & what brought her here. i loved the relationship between her & her dad as well! she was such a bad ass character as well!! standing up for what is right even when the science world brought her down.
james is a british scholar who works for oxford in london! he’s described as a british clark kent and omg yessss !!! he was down BAD for the fmc and omg the endearments he used for ripley had me squealing hehe
thank you to netgalley & dell romance for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest opinions!!
💌 pub day: 7/28/26
this was SO CUTE!!! i don’t know a damn thing about dinosaurs but i ate this up!! i loved our fmc ripley she was so funny!! going into this book i thought it was going to be an enemies to lovers based off the title but i was pleasantly wrong! there’s a little bit of that but overall the romance is a “workplace” romance! this also had a cute found family aspect of it as well! i grew to like each and every character!
i enjoyed reading about ripley’s past & what brought her here. i loved the relationship between her & her dad as well! she was such a bad ass character as well!! standing up for what is right even when the science world brought her down.
james is a british scholar who works for oxford in london! he’s described as a british clark kent and omg yessss !!! he was down BAD for the fmc and omg the endearments he used for ripley had me squealing hehe
thank you to netgalley & dell romance for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest opinions!!
💌 pub day: 7/28/26
Read
March 13, 2026YES. Just yes. I have been waiting for this one since the announcement, and as a certified dinosaur girlie, I truly did not realize how much I needed this book until I was elbows-deep in it.
First of all? That title. 👏
Then the cover art?? 👏👏
Immediate obsession.
This was my first read from Maggie, and if Fossil Feud is my introduction, it absolutely will not be my last. I LOVE being a STEM romance reader. Give me smart women, niche science fields, and hyper-specific passion any day. I will nerd out proudly.
Ripley is that girl. A brilliant, slightly feral, running-out-of-time paleontologist trying to keep her summer dig alive despite lacking funding, backing, and patience. She’s sitting on a potentially career-defining discovery but the clock is ticking. Enter James, ridiculously attractive British academic from Oxford, who needs Ripley’s expertise.
Of course she has reservations. She’s been burned before, by a man and by the very field she’s devoted her life to. So trusting another polished academic? Hard pass. Except she doesn’t really have another option. So she says yes to his proposal… professionally. (At first.)
Watching these two freakishly intelligent, wildly competent, and equally stubborn humans work together was EVERYTHING. The banter? Elite. The tension? Delicious. The chemistry? Off the charts without ever losing that nerdy, academic edge. Rivals-to-friends-to-lovers in a STEM setting just hits different.
And can we talk about Clever Girl Fossils?? I am OBSESSED with this team. The side characters were not background noise, they were fully formed, lovable, chaotic gems. The found-family vibes were immaculate. Also, Ripley’s dad? Absolute baddie. The apple did not fall far from that fossil site, and I adored their relationship so much.
This book was smart, sexy, funny, and heartfelt all at once. I ate up every single page, every debate, every dig site moment, every smoldering glance over ancient bones.
I adored this STEM rivals-to-lovers romance and I will not be shutting up about it anytime soon.
Prepared to be sick of me, Maggie.
First of all? That title. 👏
Then the cover art?? 👏👏
Immediate obsession.
This was my first read from Maggie, and if Fossil Feud is my introduction, it absolutely will not be my last. I LOVE being a STEM romance reader. Give me smart women, niche science fields, and hyper-specific passion any day. I will nerd out proudly.
Ripley is that girl. A brilliant, slightly feral, running-out-of-time paleontologist trying to keep her summer dig alive despite lacking funding, backing, and patience. She’s sitting on a potentially career-defining discovery but the clock is ticking. Enter James, ridiculously attractive British academic from Oxford, who needs Ripley’s expertise.
Of course she has reservations. She’s been burned before, by a man and by the very field she’s devoted her life to. So trusting another polished academic? Hard pass. Except she doesn’t really have another option. So she says yes to his proposal… professionally. (At first.)
Watching these two freakishly intelligent, wildly competent, and equally stubborn humans work together was EVERYTHING. The banter? Elite. The tension? Delicious. The chemistry? Off the charts without ever losing that nerdy, academic edge. Rivals-to-friends-to-lovers in a STEM setting just hits different.
And can we talk about Clever Girl Fossils?? I am OBSESSED with this team. The side characters were not background noise, they were fully formed, lovable, chaotic gems. The found-family vibes were immaculate. Also, Ripley’s dad? Absolute baddie. The apple did not fall far from that fossil site, and I adored their relationship so much.
This book was smart, sexy, funny, and heartfelt all at once. I ate up every single page, every debate, every dig site moment, every smoldering glance over ancient bones.
I adored this STEM rivals-to-lovers romance and I will not be shutting up about it anytime soon.
Prepared to be sick of me, Maggie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2026
A romance between a free-spirited paleontologist and a buttoned-up Oxford professor, set at a dig site in Montana? Yes, please! A bit of revenge on her fraudster-ex who ruined her professional reputation while breaking her heart? Also, yes! 400 pages of yearning and longing and heartache and delight? Yes, yes, yes! The characters are smart and complicated and authentic, and feeling their attraction smolder and grow and burn bright is achingly beautiful. They have so much to overcome, from distance, to families, to achieving their goals, to trusting their hearts to another. This book is witty and clever, with even the fossils developing personalities of their own! But it’s how it made my heart feel that matters the most—and my heart was very pleased indeed. Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance reader copy.
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