Usually I really like novels by Diana Cosby and I had this like forever on my kindle but I couldn't finish it at all. It just didn't work for me.

The Forbidden series from Diana Cosby is a must read for anyone who loves a book filled with Scottish history, angst, danger, great characters, and romance. The Knights Templar have always fascinated me, this series really stokes that curiosity, big time! Sit Aiden MacConnell, a Templar and one of The Bruce's warriors needs to masquerade as an enemy's man in order to infiltrate and gather information on a keep important to their cause. Lady Gwendolyn Murphy awaits her unwanted fiance unaware he is dead and is being replaced by one of her enemy. She has never met him, only knowing he is a callous man. To her surprise, he is not the cold, unfeeling man she expected.. Then the English came! You must read this book to experience their adventures from enemies to friends to much more. This series just gets better and better with each book. Already starting the next one.

Lady Gwendolyn Murphy’s fiancé has finally arrived at Latharn Castle, but she expects no joy in their introduction. Gwendolyn is well aware of Bróccín MacRaith’s cold reputation. Yet from first glance, she is drawn to the intimidating stranger. Impossible! How could she be dazzled by such a callous man?
This was a pretty good book that I really enjoyed. I liked the story and both main characters. I look forward to reading more from this author.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Lady Gwendolyn awaits, with no joy, the appearance of her fiancee at Lathar Castle. But while she expects to dislike the man she finds herself falling for him. Little does she know he is a Knight Templar pretending to be her bethroed and in fact her enemy and a man who has sworn his fealty to God and war. Women are not welcome.
However Lady Gwendolyn and the pretend Sir Aiden MacConnell, may find a way through to each other after all.

I always enjoy Diana Cosby's historical romances - especially her Scottish ones! And when she drew in the Knights Templar, I was hooked! A really emotional, sexy historical - another winner from Diana!

Great historical read. Lots of drama and intrigue, the chemistry is steamy and the story held my interest throughout. I loved it!

Aiden MacConnell is on a mission for Robert the Bruce to infiltrate Latharn Castle to obtain information of troops and the castle so they can over take the castle for Scotland. Aiden and his friends comes across a fallen soldier, Bróccín MacRaith whom he remembers from his childhood. Bróccín reveals he’s been betrothed to Lady Gwendolyn Murphy of Latharn Castle, Bróccín dies. Aiden decides to take Bróccín’s place and impersonate him to gain access to the castle.
Lady Gwendolyn Murphy’s fiancé has finally arrived at Latharn Castle and she’s already aware of his ruthless and cold reputation, but she doesn’t expect to be so drawn and attracted to the man she meets. Gwendolyn does not wish to marry again, but the King has decreed otherwise. Gwendolyn is as feisty as they come and she’ll defend her castle and people to the end, even from her soon to be husband.
Do to other circumstances Kate and Aiden find the wedding end up taking place much too soon and Aiden find himself married to Kate. Aiden is a Knights Templar, he has vowed to deny desires of the flesh, but Gwendolyn’s intoxicating beauty, intellect, and fortitude lures him into wanting the forbidden woman who has become his wife. Things turn complicated when the English come ashore and take over her castle; she and Aiden have to escape to safer territory all the while she doesn’t know her new husband is helping the English. Aiden choses to move forward with a life built on a lie and he risks everything for the one woman who has captured his heart. A great story with a twist of for both Kate and Aiden, will the lies and betrayal tear them apart or make them stronger as they struggle with hands of fate to find the love they both so desperately want and need!!! This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

Forbidden Vow by Diana Cosby

Forbidden Vow by Diana Cosby is a medieval romance set in Scotland in the early 1300s. Lady Gwendolyn Murphy has been left (both her husband and her father died) and has been ordered to marry another, Bróccín. She has heard he is a great warrior but a cold man. Bróccín was killed on the way to meet her, something she does not know. Sir Aiden MacConnell pretends to be Bróccín and shows up at her castle as her soon to be husband. Aiden MacConnell fights for the other side and is one of the Templar Knights. He figures he can gather information and leave before she figures out he is the wrong man. Nothing goes as planned and soon he and Gwendolyn are on the run.

The book was well written and seemed to follow the historical setting with its plot line. Gwendolyn was an interesting woman for her time, with her intelligence and fire. Her desire to help and care for the people in her village and castle showed her understanding of her role. I liked Aiden as he was so torn between his duty and Gwendolyn’s desire. Forbidden Vow by Diana Cosby was a good read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a once Knight Templar, now fighting for King Robert the Bruce in Scotland, named Aiden. He is put in a rather dicey situation as he is given a task by his king, but in order to achieve the end goal, he must take on the identity of an enemy.
Lady Gwendolyn is drawn into the plot, as she is the daughter of a deceased member of nobility awaiting the arrival of a future husband she’s never met, but to whom she has been “betrothed” against her wishes. Gwendolyn is a smart young woman, who doesn’t want a husband in the way of her plans to run her estate and village.
Gwendolyn believes Aiden is her betrothed, but Aiden is not exactly whom he appears. The real question becomes: is he really her enemy?
There is intrigue and heat to this story along with a descriptive narrative that makes the tale a real page turner. I am now looking forward to the next book!

In exchange for this ARC, I promised to give a fair and honest review. Death, duty, desire all come in to play in this story. A good read but not one that I couldn't put down from time to time. It was enjoyable though.

Forbidden Vow by Diana Cosby is book Three in the Forbidden series. This is the story of Lady Gwendolyn Murphy and Sir Aiden MacConnell. I have read the previous books (and loved them!) but feel this can be a standalone book if you choose to do so.
Aiden is pretending to be Bróccín MacRaith who is to marry Gwendolyn. But in reality he is a a member of the Knights Templar and her enemy. Aiden goal in pretending to be him is to get access to the Castle but when he meets Gwendolyn and learns that a marriage is to be almost imminently he is taken back. Gwendolyn is more than just beautiful she is a strong women who he is great attracted too. Never before has Aiden put personal pleasure or feeling before his work.
Gwendolyn isn't a shy maiden but a strong women who knows how to move in this powerful castle that she protects along with its people. Gwendolyn was resigned to this marriage with MacRaith knowing that it was one of business...but never did she know such strong attractions as she does now with her intended. But what will happen with the truth is found out?
Really enjoyed reading their story!

Sir Aiden McConnell is a supporter of Robert the Bruce in his bid to unite Scotland. In Forbidden Vow, he happens upon an enemy earl who lays dying.

Set in 1308, Scotland is in the middle of a war. Robert the Bruce wants to unite Scotland, Lord Comyn, with the support of the English, wants to rule it.

Aiden McConnell’s Mission is to evaluate the weaknesses of Latharn Castle, discover how many knights defend it and determine a point of entry. The Bruce will need this information for his upcoming attack.

Bróccín MacRaith, the Earl of Balfour, is on his way to Latharn Castle where he is to marry the lady who holds it. By decree of Lord Comyn, he is to take her to wife and protect the castle against Robert the Bruce.

Thinking that Aiden is also a supporter of Lord Comyn, he tells all and gives the decree to Aiden. Now Aiden has the means of gaining access to the castle by posing as the Earl.

Lady Gwendolyn Murphy has held Latharn Castle since her father’s death. He had promised that after her first marriage left her a widow, she would be able to choose her next husband herself but after the death of her father, Lord Comyn has other ideas.

The castle needs to be held against the enemy, how better to do that than to install a strong warrior as her husband? Although she is not happy with the decree, she will comply as a loyal supporter.

Steamy Romance

Even though their entire relationship is built on one lie after another, there is an unmistakable spark between the two characters. The author does a spectacular job of juggling the lies, the attractions, and the difficulties of Aiden’s moral dilemma.

I found the way the author dealt with the internal moral conflicts throughout the book to be fascinating. Understanding how the characters came to their conclusions on various matters seemed to make them more real.

This book was thoroughly enjoyable and I will definitely be reading more from author Diana Cosby.

Reviewed for LnkToMi iRead in response to a complimentary copy of the book provided by the publisher in hopes of an honest review.

Forbidden Vow by Diana Cosby is the first book I have read by the author. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of her work. Definitely an epic worthy novel. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Set in the turbulent years while Robert the Bruce fought to unify all of Scotland under his rule, this is a beautifully researched and well-written Scottish romance. Unlike many other authors, Diana Cosby doesn't go overboard with the Scottish accent, and the result is a smooth reading experience where I want constantly having to mentally translate the dialect as I read.

Gwendolyn is a charmingly feisty heroine, an excellent match for the former Knight Templar Aiden, and though they get off to the rockiest possible start where he not only enters her castle under false pretenses, but then marries her in another man's name, nothing feels too contrived for the sake of plot. Every action taken is what follows logically from what went before, with no suspension of disbelief required.

Though I found a few minor typos, this was an ARC and they may well have been corrected in the final version for publication. I'd highly recommend this one to anyone who likes their Highland romances well backed up with good research and excellent writing. Five stars.

The Knights Templar are a legend that transcends time and I can never read enough about. This was a time of turmoil and a fight for dominance in the world and Scotland was part of that fray.
Lady Gwendolyn of Latharn Castle is awaiting her betrothed Broccin MacRatith to arrive but does not expect to be happy. But the man that appears brings many surprises, best of all the attraction she feels!
Sir Aiden MacConnell, a knight Templar, poses as his friend Broccin who has unfortunately died, to gain access to her castle. He is her enemy and determined to obtain information for Robert the Bruce and take over the castle before others arrive to do the same. The castle location is strategic and important to the Bruce and Scotland.
But as fate would have it and often does, there is an attraction between the two that is very strong. Gwendolyn is a such a strong feisty woman and I could not help but admire her. Although they do marry, Aiden, being the man of honor he is, tries to resist Gwen due to them really being married under false circumstances.
What a wonderful journey with so many twist and turns that you cannot wait to read more and see how the romance between these wonderful characters ends!!

#3 in Diana Cosby's intriguing "Forbidden" series, it can be read as a stand alone. Templar Knights, misunderstanding, duplicity, a twist of fate, secrets, mistaken identity, conflict, and a beautiful love story brings forth an extraordinary, remarkable and inspiring journey for Lady Gwendolyn Murphy and Sir Aiden MacConnell.

Fast paced, well written with unpredictability, unique, charming and devoted characters. A storyline that will have your on the edge of your seat and turning pages. Once again, Ms. Cosby has captured my heart and forever held my heart in Scotland's conflict with the English.
I was amazed and thrilled with Gwendolyn and Aiden's journey to love, a bit of peace and this incredible but powerful love story. A most definite keeper. I absolutely adore this series and look forward to the next amazing adventure, Cailin's story is next. Strongly recommended for fans of conflict, romance, Scottish romance and Scottish Medieval history. An absolute delight!!

Ms Cosby does a masterful job of bringing together Knights Templar, Robert the Bruce, and hidden treasure in romantic Scotland in her Forbidden Series. A group of the Knights Templar fled France in advance of the dissolution of their order to find love and succor in Scotland. Aidan MacConnell is on mission to breach Lady Gwendolyn's castle when fate places her dying fiancé in his path. Soon Aidan shows up the castle disguised as the lady's fiancé along with his two knights for company. The rest is a tale worthy of telling. Gwendolyn is a feisty Scottish lady who knows her mind and is not ready to meekly submit to her affianced lord. Yet she is reluctantly fascinated by the man especially since circumstances have her wed to him without much ado. Even as she's not quite ready to be married she's still chagrined when her new husband resists her charms in bed even as he has no qualms about taking over the running of the castle.
Treachery has her castle breached and the two of them on the run fleeing from the English. As they deal with the perils of staying one step ahead of the enemy they find themselves coming closer together until all hell breaks lose when they end of in the Bruce's camp. Gwendolyn is definitely not a happy camper at being deceived and is determined to escape but she is well and truly corralled and married again by the king's blessing.
While the tale isn't spine tingling and adrenaline pounding it still has enough of an edge to keep you involved and vested in the outcomes. I'm a bit disappointed because some elements are repetitive but the author does a valiant job of keeping the story fresh. I'm intrigued to see how the rest of the knights will find their happily ever after.

Sir Aiden MacConnell, former Templar Knight and loyal warrior to King Robert is sent to take Latharn Castle from Lord Comyn's control. On the way to the castle, he finds Broccin Macraith, Earl of Balfour, dying from battle wounds. Broccin remembers Aiden from his youth and asks him to take a missive to his betrothed at Latharn Castle. The missive is a Godsend to Aiden, it will gain him entry to the castle. He will assume Broccin's identity, learn the secrets of the castle and when he leaves, he will send a message saying Broccin died in battle.

Lady Gwendolyn Murphy is not happy, she does not want to marry again. She married years ago to strengthen alliances for her father, but when she was widowed, her father assured her, she would be able to live her own life. But with his death, Lord Comyn has taken guardianship of her and is insisting she marry the Earl of Balfour, a man with a reputation of coldness and ruthlessness.

Aiden and Gwendolyn meet when her prized mare is struggling to birth her foal - Aiden steps in and saves both the mare and the foal. Gwendolyn is grateful, until she learns who he is. She bristles at his commands and informs him in no uncertain terms that until they marry - Latharn is HER castle and she does not answer to him!

Aiden is attracted to Gwendolyn, but he is on a mission, he must gain her trust to learn the secrets of the castle for King Robert. He plans to stay for only a few days and then he will ask the king to make sure Gwendolyn is taken care of. But when a missive from Rome arrives, calling the priest back to the Vatican, all his plans are destroyed! Lord Comyn was adamant that their wedding take place within a fortnight AND by the priest. With no other priest available, Aiden must marry Gwendolyn. He is not happy, but he will make it work - he will get the information he needs and then send a missive that he died.

Gwendolyn is confused, this warrior is not what she expected and when he refuses to consummate the marriage but feigns proof of her innocence, she begins to admire him. Before he shows the "proof" to her retainers, she tells him the truth, she was married before. As they are disposing of the "evidence" they see a fleet of English ships dropping anchor. It seems that Comyn has joined forces with the English to fight King Robert.

Aiden needs to get this information to the king and sends Sir Ronan and Sir Cailin out with the news. But when the Duke of Northbyrn double crosses Comyn, Aiden and Gwendolyn must run for their lives.

Aiden still hasn't told Gwendolyn who he is and when things between them become heated, he tries to put her off, he will not dishonor her. He will take her to the king and ask him to she her settled.

When Aiden is injured and Gwendolyn learns the truth, she is beyond livid. And when she meets with the king, she gets several more shocks - she is angry with herself for falling for Aiden. When the king offers to restore her as mistress of Latharn, she agrees to swear fealty to him. Then he makes another demand - she will marry Aiden, again, immediately.

Aiden tries to make things right with Gwendolyn, he promises to restore her castle to her and leave. Gwendolyn agrees to his terms, but isn't sure that is what she really wants. Yes, she is angry with him for deceiving her, but she also admires him. But after learning the truth of who he is and what he was, she won't press him to stay with her.

It seems like these two are destined to part, but when Sir Cailin intervenes and a near death experience forces Aiden to examine his heart, a HEA might just be possible.

This is a well written, fast paced novel with lots of action, secrets and betrayal. The chemistry between Aiden and Gwendolyn is apparent, but the love scenes are mild and few and far between. I enjoyed the book, but a couple of things seemed "off", first Aiden is a Templar Knight and has been since he was little more than a boy, but he seems very knowledgeable about intimate relations and second, the cover of this book is decidedly not medieval - normally I don't really care about the covers, but if someone was to look at this cover, there is no way they would know this book was a medieval, the gown the lovely model is wearing makes the book appear to be a regency era story.

I did enjoy this story and would recommend it, it is the third book in the series, but it could be read as a stand alone title with no problem.

Forbidden Vow by Diana Cosby
Forbidden #3

I really enjoyed this book. Why? I think it was a more believable historical romance than some and I really liked the characters.

Aiden MacConnell takes on the guise of a fallen enemy warrior so that he and his two companions can more easily scout out a castle for Robert the Bruce. He knew he would be pretending to be another man betrothed to the woman in charge of the castle but the surprise and rather immediate marriage that ensued did throw him a bit. As a man of honor he managed to maintain propriety but…just barely…and he is definitely attracted to her.

Gwendolyn Murphy is no shrinking virginal violet. Nope, she is adept at many things and handy with weapons of war. She wants what is best for those that serve her and ready, if not eager, to marry again. Aiden is not what she expected and as she gets to know him she begins to like then love him.

This story has a slow growing love, a fight, some running for their lives, more fighting and two marriages before the hero and heroine finally get their HEA. The main male characters appear to be Knights Templar who were not killed in France but instead made it away to protect the treasures of the Templars. I am not sure how many books there are in this series but look forward to reading the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books- Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

Publisher's Description:

In battle-torn Scotland, a castle’s mistress awaits her groom, a warrior she has never met . . .

Lady Gwendolyn Murphy’s fiancé has finally arrived at Latharn Castle, but she expects no joy in their introduction. Gwendolyn is well aware of Bróccín MacRaith’s cold reputation. Yet from first glance, she is drawn to the intimidating stranger. Impossible! How could she be dazzled by such a callous man?

Little does she know, Bróccín is dead. The man Gwendolyn believes to be her intended is actually Sir Aiden MacConnell, a member of the Knights Templar and her enemy, masquerading as the earl to gain access to the castle. His soul is dedicated to God and war; he has no time for luxuries of the flesh. But Gwendolyn’s intoxicating beauty, intellect, and fortitude lures him to want the forbidden.

With the wedding date quickly approaching and the future of Scotland at stake, Aiden gathers critical intelligence and steels himself for his departure, vowing to avoid an illicit liaison. But a twist of fate forces him to choose—move forward with a life built on a lie, or risk everything for the heart of one woman?

My Thoughts:

I love Diana Cosby books and have been reading them for a long time. That being said, this book felt like one I had already read from the start. Maybe I read and extended excerpt before reading it but it just felt like a repeat.
The book is well written though like everything I've ever read by her.
This Knights Templar novel from the Forbidden series is one that is unforgettable.
Lady Gwendolyn Murphy is expecting her betrothed Bróccín MacRaith's , a man the king has decreed she is to marry. The man who arrived instead is Sir Aiden MacConnell, a member of the Knights Templar and her enemy. He is masquerading as the earl, who is actually dead to gain access to her castle.
How will this end. Will Gwendolyn fall for this man?
I gave this book 4 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization. As I said I felt like I had already read this book before.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.