Life finds a way...
Fossil Feud
Romance
Dell
July 28, 2026
Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook
384
The hunt for fossils—and love—is on in this steamy, STEMinist romance about two opposing 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. . . .
New To Me Author!
“Fossil Feud” by Maggie North is a discovery I am happy to have made!
Maggie North is a new-to-me author, and I had no idea what to expect when I opened the book. I’ve seen friends rave about her previous novels, and after the enticing premise of rival fossil hunters on a dig, I couldn’t help but be intrigued. “Fossil Feud” is an exciting, unique take on contemporary romance and I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to go on this expedition-like adventure with Riley and the Clever Girl Crew. I knew I was going to love this book after the reading the author’s note. The last sentence hooked me:
“Lies, intrigue, money, and timeless discoveries . . . it’s all inside, and a lot of it is true! Happy reading, Maggie North”
STEMinist Romance
Man, do I love kissing books. I love a romance more than almost anything. That being said, the romance market is pretty saturated these days and authors have a challenge of finding a fresh take. I couldn’t be more pleased to see the direction Maggie North took while writing. Stay with me here, but “Fossil Feud” feels like a Jurassic Park mashup with The Mummy and National Treasure vibes. I think if you like any or all of those comps, you’re going to love this book.
Riley’s love of fossils and science comes from her father, and she’s determined to make something of herself on both of their behalves. North aims to make Riley an intelligent woman and doesn’t dumb her down for the sake of ease on page, nor does she have Riley compromise her beliefs when the potential for romance is on the horizon. I can’t tell you how much that means to me as a woman and a reader.
Opposites Attract
“Chill, Professor. Those—”
“I cannot chill, Ripley.” He throws up his arms. “I’m British, for f*ck’s sake. I need a plan. I need details. I need frauds to be identified and wrongs to be righted and for you to tie your bloody shoelaces so I don’t spend all day imagining you falling down that bloody damn canyon!”
James Smithson is the furthest thing from chill, while Riley is pretty much as American as they come.
These two together should NOT make sense, and on paper they are all sorts of wrong, but love rarely makes sense. All you really need is just one common goal, or one shared love to find yourselves on a more even playing field.
Against her will, a small flame leaps to life in her heart, the way it does when someone loves the thing you love.
Layers upon Layers
Emotional depth of parenting a parent, caring for others, personal and professional development in the face of deceit and lies. There’s a LOT going on throughout “Fossil Feud” to keep you invested. So much so, I continually found myself wanting more – more details, more answers, more resolution, more justice.
Grab your copy of “Fossil Feud” on July 28th and join us on the Clever Girl Crew. Beauty is waiting for you and life finds a way…
I’m Val, and I’m excited to share my love of books with you! I’m a sassy Sour Patch kid from New Jersey, dog mom to Chance the beagle, and much like the rest of the Hive, I’m a coffee lover (I think it’s a requirement to be here). The first book I remember reading voluntarily involved a boy wizard who lived in the cupboard under the stairs, and I’ve been chasing magic ever since. I love Happily Ever Afters, and I love love. My favorite genres are romance and rom-coms, fantasy, and young adult/new adult. If I’m not reading, I’m probably kayaking, watching the Great British Baking Show, or discovering a new craft beer.
