This is book 3 of the Forbidden series by Diana Cosby featuring Aiden, one of the disbanded Knights of Templar who is still on a mission of serving his liege and Scotland no matter the price or consequences. He’ll see Robert the Bruce reunite all of Scotland even if it means giving his own life in the process.

Gwendolyn becomes an unexpected casualty of this conflict when deceit becomes the only ploy to obtain reconnaissance information vital to Robert the Bruce’s mission.

With back and forth from being stand-offish to pulling each other close, these two destined to be together lovebirds are tested time and time again as enemies close in and as they struggle with their own internal conflict towards one another.

Gwen certainly had the right to be furious over Aiden’s deception. In his defense, he felt he had no choice and had hoped to be in and out before anyone knew what was up. However, it was still disheartening to know he knew Gwen would be left grieving in one form or another.

This author has proven once again she knows this era. Immersing readers with authentic details and a believable cast of characters, she tends to always keep me fully engaged until the very end. Here’s to hoping you’ll feel the same.

Title: Forbidden Vow, Series: Forbidden (Book 3), Author: Diana Cosby, Pages: NL, stand-alone but part of a series, on opposing sides romance, deceit turns to love, some violence, strong feisty heroine, comes to his senses hero, no love triangle, no cheating, no OW/OM drama.

Book 1 - Forbidden Legacy
Book 2 - Forbidden Knight
Book 3 - Forbidden Vow

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

A true romance. Wonderfully, formulated and great development of characters. The story seems simple a young woman destined to marry a man she hasn’t met a callous gentleman. He however, unknown tho her is dead and another has come in his place. But, not to marry her but for other reasons. After meeting life happens.

Author Cosby takes us into a world of turmoil, danger and passion. Lady Gwendolyn expects to be just a pawn in a man’s world, but surprisingly finds her betrothed doesn’t seem to live up to his reputation of being cold and ruthless.

Before either can catch their breaths, they are married. Sir Aiden never meant for his ruse to go so far. He is, after all, a Knight Templar, a man who lives his life of honor.

Lady Gwendolyn knows she must acquiesce to the marriage, but she doesn’t have to like it. She’s a strong-willed, determined woman, very capable of fending for herself. Yet, this man simply attracts her and shows a side of himself she can’t reconcile with her previous understanding of the man she was to marry.

Sir Aiden, impersonating Bróccín MacRaith, is good and stuck with the marriage. He figures he can at least keep her innocence intact, until he is lost in battle and ‘dies’. That’s his plan, at least.

When Latharn Castle is overtaken by the English shortly after Sir Aiden gets married, she and Sir Aiden escape together. Both of them are in a perilous situation, at the same time, very drawn to each other.
The situation gets more convoluted as the author very eloquently takes us into the wilds, hiding from the pursuing English. The couple fight the urge for intimacy, at least Sir Aiden does! Lady Gwendolyn thinks she’s married, but she isn’t because Sir Aiden falsely uses Bróccín MacRiath’s name and timely death to his advantage to gain entry to Latharn Castle and marries under a false name. Lady Gwendolyn wants him to bed her and can’t understand why he keeps avoiding it. This is eye-rolling stuff!

Although lots of suspense, there is considerable humor to the situation. Sir Aiden is taking them to Robert Bruce who we found out in the previous book of the series, he, too, is a Knight Templar, as well as King of Scotland. However, he is Gwendolyn’s enemy. Yes, it is convoluted, but it makes such an exciting tale. You will like the surprises!

I’ve really enjoyed this series. I like how Cosby takes the event of the escape of the Knights Templar from France’s history providing us how they must have felt and what had to be done for the treasures they kept safe. Take time to discover this author, an author who loves Scotland, and who provides just plain good entertainment.

What an awesome story.

I started to read this book and actually put it down. For some reason reason I could not get into and decided to wait. When I finally did pick it up again I was hooked.

I loved the story! It has been a while since I have read a nice medieval romance story that keeps you entertained and makes you keep flipping the pages. Aiden and Gwendolyn had really good chemistry and while it did seemed that she got into him pretty quick, I was able to overlook it as I was pretty engrossed in the story telling.

I was fascinated with the Knights Templar's background, and how the author tied in Robert the Bruce to the story. The mystery of the hidden treasure was pretty interesting.

I did seemed like it ended pretty quick. Almost a bit rushed in the end, like the author wanted to be able to go into more depth of the upcoming battles, and the struggles that Aiden and Gwendolyn would need to overcome in order to be happy, but was not able to. I wished she would have taken more time to develop the story, but I can understand the need to be able to trim it down. It was still a very enjoyable ride and I was certainly not disappointed!

I voluntarily read a copy of this book through Netgalley. The story revolves around King Robert and his quest to unite Scotland and the nobles who secretly aided him. Unknown to Gwendolyn, her father was one of these nobles and was believed to have been murdered because of this. Aiden is sent on a mission to try and determine English strongholds and encounters Gwen. The books involves murder, individuals who are not who they claim, English invasion, treachery and loyalty. The book is well written and I would highly recommend it for a great read.

Interesting story if you’re interested in the time period of Robert the Bruce, or Knights Templar. I’m not interested in either. The H and h are both great characters, but they just didn’t seem to pursue their interests in each other. Both felt the chemistry, but neither spoke of their feelings or attraction. There were a few passionate moments, but weren’t really compelling moments. The story is well written, just not for me.

This is the first I’ve read by Diana Cosby and I found it enjoyable. She gives writes a true historical focusing on Robert the Bruce and the Knights Templar. Her story line is strong with deception, mystery, battles, royal intrigue. However, I felt she introduced a few characters then forgot about them.

Aiden is on a mission for King Robert. Scope out Lathern Castle and bring back information needed for a successful siege.
Lady Gwendolyn awaits the arrival of a fiancé she doesn’t want. However, Lathern Castle needs the protection her groom will bring since Robert the Bruce is nearing the keep. Lady Gwendolyn will sacrifice all to keep her people safe.
A twist of fate throws Aiden in the path of Lady Gwendolyn’s wounded groom, a childhood friend. With his friend dying, Aiden swears to deliver a warning to Lady Gwendolyn. Fate has blessed Aiden and he assumes the dead grooms identity. Fate does not however, prepare him for Lady Gwendolyn. Can he complete his mission without involving the spitfire of the keep? Will their politics keep them apart? Will Aiden allow his past to deny him a future? Will love be enough?

By Diana Cosby

Lady Gwendolyn Murphy's fiance has finally arrived at Latharn Castle and she is not happy at all. Gwendolyn is well aware of Broccin MacRaith's cold reputation however from the first glance, she is drawn to the intimidating man. How is this even possible? How could she even be dazzled by such a callous man?

Little does she know, Broccin is dead. The man that Gwendolyn thinks is her intended is actually Sir Aiden MacConnell, a member of the Knights Templar and her enemy, pretending to be the earl to gain access to the castle. As a member of the Knights Templar Aiden's soul is dedicated to God and war which means he has no time for luxuries of the flesh. But he hadn't counted on Gwendolyn's intoxicating beauty, intellect, and fortitude luring him to want the forbidden.

Now with the wedding date quickly approaching and the future of Scotland at stake, Aiden has to gather critical intelligence and get ready to leave without getting too close to Gwendolyn or getting caught. But a twist of fate forces him to choose. Will he move forward with a life built on a lie, or will he risk everything for the heart of one woman?

Diana Cosby's writing is incredibly fantastic. Her stories sweep me away to a time long gone. Her characters come to life and pull you in so that you feel what they feel and you see what they are seeing as if you are right there with them. The Knights Templar are utterly fascinating and Ms. Cosby mixes together the perfect amounts of history and romance so that the story never bores you. I found this 3rd installment to be the best so far and I look forward to reading the next book when it comes out as well.

What will you sacrifice for a future filled with love?

Lady Gwendolyn Murphy of Latham Castle has had to fight for every ounce of freedom she has gained since the death of her father and husband. From her father she inherited his estate and the ability to care for herself, her tenants, and all perils of living in worn torn Scotland. With this independence gained Gwendolyn does not wish to marry again, but she must as the writ of the union and her future husband have been decreed and are on their way. What Gwendolyn does not know is that her intended died in battle and another man, Sir Aiden MacConnell is going to use the decree to gain access to her castle and gain knowledge for his liege Robert the Bruce against their enemy. Aiden never means any harm to Gwendolyn so when he finds himself married to her that was never the plan, nor was having to face the truth but both are staring at him now. Aiden is a loyal and dedicated fighter for the way of life he loves in Scotland and when instructed he has always been a good soldier, but is what he is doing now more than should be expected?

As if the marriage is not complication enough the English have come ashore and taken over Gwendolyn’s stronghold, and she with Aiden must escape and get away to safer territory all the while Gwendolyn never knows that Aiden is neither her intended husband nor that he is loyal to The Bruce and has sworn himself to a higher order with the Knights Templar. The Knights Templar has always served the greater good with chastity and dedication to restoring Scotland and its rightful King on the throne. Right now the only thought Aiden has are about Gwendolyn’s safety and the trip they take through the enemy territory has them taking more than one dangerous plunge into waters they know are unchartered. Gwendolyn is strong and a woman that speaks her mind and when she finds she has been deceived by Aiden her only thought is how many ways she could hurt him with her prized dagger. However, yet another union has been decided and Gwendolyn must once again marry Aiden but at least this time with his real identify. Regardless of her feelings toward him it is the only way to restore her home back to her and help to rebuild what she treasures. Aiden has promised a separate life if that is what she wants, but while hurt and distraught Gwendolyn is not sure that is what she desires and fears the deep feelings she has for Aiden may be real and not wishful thinking.

With a plan in place to retake her castle and Aiden having been restored to his rightful title the two of them learn to ease the pain and chip away at the fortress they have built between them. Gwendolyn will ride with Aiden and his soldiers to force the English from her home and restore the long lost treasures to their rightful owner. As Aiden tells her of his childhood and the torment he has suffered at the hands of those less than kind, Gwendolyn and her anger seem to melt away and when she fears that he is lost to her forever the agony pushes her to even stronger feats of action to save her life and the love she does not want to lose.

What readers dream about in a happily ever after romance, Diana Cosby writes with grace, style, and a true appreciation for the written word.