I admit I had certain expectations going into this book. I liked the first half -- I didn't mind the historical fiction aspect of this story and the fantasy element was very interesting, too. The second part of the story wasn't bad, either. The romance was long awaited and I I knew this was going to have some spice in it, slow burn as it was. And maybe that's where it became a little abrupt for me. The change from a gripping fantasy historical fiction to spicy fantasy romance just happened all at once, and Damien's perspective was now in play. I loved the first-kiss scene though, but after that it felt like the author was rushing to the end. But-- maybe that's how it was meant to be. The twist at the very end of the story has me enchanted and really tied it all together. So, all in three stars and a well- deserved the extra half-star. Which I never do, by the way.