But the book had too much historical content that took me out, to quote Fated Mates podcast "fossils" (and I LOVE history). The plot seemed more convoluted than necessary, the romance fizzled into black scenes and off the page, and the last three chapters ruined the entire character development.

I have never sided with a Villain/Hero so quickly and was annoyed with the Heroine the entire time.

I don't know. With each book, the author is trying to do more, but at the same time, the books have fallen flat for me. I enjoyed the first.