“Diana Cosby is superbly talented.”—Cathy Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author For the price of honor, he must walk away from the woman he loves… Orphaned young, a childhood of loneliness and brutality led Sir Ronan O’Connor to join the Knights Templar and vow never to return to Ireland. But now a mission to transport a cache of Templar armaments for King Robert the Bruce forces the knight … knight back to his homeland. Under his protection on the journey is an Irish nobleman and his daughter, Lathir McConaghy. Trained in combat, Lathir will bend to no man . . . After the death of her betrothed in battle, Lathir guards her heart fiercely. Until an attack at sea forces her and Ronan to rely on each other for their survival. In the storm-filled days adrift at sea, a passionate bond forms between Lathir and the fierce warrior. In a realm torn by treachery and turmoil, they fight for their future even as secrets threaten to destroy their mission, and any chance at love.Praise for the novels of Diana Cosby “Cosby gives you it all—passion, danger, lush history and a touch of magic. Excellent reading.”—Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author “A sexy new voice in historical romance. Scottish historicals have a bright new star.”—Sandra Hill, USA Today bestselling author “Diana Cosby writes wonderful historical romance!”—Susan King
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When Sir Ronan O’Connor and Lady Lathir McConaghy meet for the first time – it is certainly not love at first sight. Ronan mistakes her for the wife of his former Knight Templar brethren, Stephan, Earl of Dunsmore, but soon learns that Lathir is nothing like Katherine. Lathir takes him down and proves that she is more than capable of protecting herself.
Ronan is in Scotland to meet King Robert and has been tasked with returning to Ireland with Lathir’s father, Lord Sionn and returning with weapons for the Scots king. They are not thrilled to learn that they will be traveling together – but when the ship is attacked and Lord Sionn is abducted – they will work together to first survive and then save her father.
Neither is looking for love, Ronan believes a family is not for him, raised by an abusive man when he was orphaned, he ran away and never planned to return to Ireland and when Lathir lost her betrothed two years ago, she never expected to find another man that captured her interest. But circumstances force them to rely on each other and they form a friendship that leads to the love of a lifetime.
This was a well written, fast-paced story with strong lead characters, secrets, heartache, sea battles, abductions, surprises, sacrifices, mild love scenes, a heartwarming secondary romance and a HEA that seemed impossible until it wasn’t. This is the fifth book in the Forbidden series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. While not as steamy as I usually like, I enjoyed the story and happily recommend to medieval fans.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Forbidden Realm (The Forbidden Series Book 5) by Diana Cosby is a fast paced, well written and well excuted story of love, treachery, the Knights Templar, danger, mystery, suspense and romance. While, book 5 in “The
Forbidden Realm”, it can be read as a standalone.
A fantastic story from the first page to the last page.
I enjoyed the conflict and turmoil.
Lathir McConaghy and Ronan O’Connor will definitely capture your heart.
Plenty of action, suspense, history, lush countryside, simply breathtaking scenes. The plot, characters, setting and romantic, will draw any Historical Romance reader into the FORBIDDEN REALM. Well done, Diana Crosby.
#NetGalley, #ForbiddenRealm, #Diana Crosby
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.”
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
At last my favorite Knight Templar, Ronan O’Connor, gets his own story. He has appeared in several other of the books in this series. As his brotherhood friends, one after the other find happiness in their soul mates, he feels more alone then ever. As an orphan, he has no family, those who raised him did so with brutality. As soon as he was able he left his native Ireland, vowing to never return. Eventually Ronan became a Templar serving King Robert the Bruce. Now his sovereign asks him to return to the land of his birth, to accompany and protect Lord Sionn and his daughter, Lady Lathir and transport a cache of Templar weapons sorely needed in King Robert’s fight for Scotland. The trip to Ireland was not an easy one. Their ship was attacked by the English, their men killed, Lord Sionn kidnapped, the boat sinking and put afire with the belief if anyone was left on board would soon be dead. However, Ronan and Lathir survive and are able to make it to Ireland. Their adventure is just beginning. What follows is a wonderful tale of survival, a dangerous rescue, disappointment, and elation. I have loved each book in this series and the characters developed by the author. I am very sad that this is the last in the series. I would have liked to see an epilogue to wrap up what happened with this group of characters. I will definitely miss them all. I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.
What happened to the Templar Knights when they were disbanded? Find out in this riveting read from Author Diana Cosby. She once again engages us ‘Highlanders’ in her Forbidden Series with FORBIDDEN REALM, book 5.
I’ve always enjoyed the setting that Diana Cosby writes her love stories. She brings out a bit of history not all historians agree upon in this series. The Templar Knights were of pure character coming from all walks of life. The order in France came under attack by France’s King Philip IV and were accused of heresy and were arrested. The few who were able to escape scattered, mostly to Scotland or Portugal. The Templar Knights were no more and many men were left to flounder without their anchor, taking up another life. I’m sure the Templars remained true to their natures and continued to help when fairness and justice needed their aid.
Notable Quote:
Naught about life was safe, there were no assurances, and ‘twas those who took the risks who carved their own destinies.
Cosby takes us into the lives of fictitious Templar Knights who made their way to Scotland after King Philip IV accused them of heresy. I always believe a good writer whose setting is of historical value will spur the reader to pursue their history education of that period to further learn about its impact on people’s lives. Cosby has certainly done that for me.
She weaves stories about characters in believable circumstances based on a historical setting. Her characters are richly textured, conflicted internally, and fully dimensionalized. They grapple with questions most of us readers do from time to time. What is the right thing to do for others? Am I good enough to pursue this relationship? What is more important, my happiness or another’s? Should duty to country trump duty to my own or to me?
I enjoy the pacing of her stories, along with the eloquence of many descriptive parts of the book. Note the following sentences:
Rónán inhaled the tang of salt-rich air as he looked westward. Across the calming sea, the tip of the sun glowed on the cloud-smeared horizon, the sky a blur of angry purples entangled with a mixture of orange and red.
…The soft slap of waves against the thin layer of ice upon the hull played in eerie harmony to the ghostly cries of distant gulls.
I have read the whole series. It is excellent entertainment completely enjoyable. If you haven’t started reading Diana Cosby, you’ll find she has written two other series, equally enjoyable. MacGruder Brothers and The Oath Trilogy.
A page-turning read in a compelling Scottish historical series. Diana Cosby is a must-read author for me. Ronan and Lathir’s story tugs at your heartstrings as these two overcome pain, sorrow, and heartbreak on their road to a satisfying happily ever after.
A romantic, action pact adventure across Scottland and Ireland following a former Temple Knight as he sets off to secure weapons for his King in the was against the English. An encounter at sea lives him fighting for survival with a woman who tempts him more than he ever thought possible. A life he never imagined for himself becomes all he can think of while they race against time to free her father and save themselves. It’s exciting, romantic and a great adventure!
Forbidden Realm by Diana Cosby is book 5 in the Forbidden Series. This is the story of Ronan O’Connor and Lathir McConaghy. I have read the previous books, but feel this can be a standalone book. Ronan was a orphan in Ireland so the start of his life was not good at all. Then he found and joined the Knights Templar where he has been a key part there. Now, King Robert the Bruce has tasked him with transporting Templar weapons from Ireland to Scotland along with transporting a Irish earl and his daughter Lathir. Lathir betrothed was killed in battle which has closed her off to love, or so she thinks. Lathir and Ronan did not start off on a good footing but once they start traveling they find that they have to work together to get safely to their destination. Which also ends up open them up to what neither thought they wanted…love. Enjoyed their story.
Sir Ronan O’Connor was an orphan, who had been brutalized by his caretaker. He had become a Galloglass, these were elite mercenaries. Then he had been invited to join the Templars. He finally felt a sense of purpose. He was Irish but he never intended to return. Now he helped “The Bruce”. They were fighting against Edward II. Even though he is still a child his advisors push to keep it going. Greedy, huh. King Bruce has sent him on a mission to go to Ireland with Lord Sionn and his daughter. Lord Sionn had a cache of Templar weapons and wanted King Bruce to have them to aid in his fight
Lady Lathir was a beautiful woman but also dangerous, she had been trained to bear arms and be good at it. Two years ago she had lost her betrothed. She could not bear thinking about another man to wed. One day she would inherit her home and felt she could do it alone. She had no siblings.
I really enjoyed this story even shed some tears. I found it sad in spots. It certainly kept my attention and I could not put it down till the end. There are a few surprises and it does end in a HEA. But what a tale. It is full of action, fights, and being wounded or dying. The characters were so strong and honest. I must admit I really got deep into this book. I can hardly wait for her next one.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Orphaned young, a childhood of loneliness and brutality led Sir Ronan O’Connor to join the Knights Templar and vow never to return to Ireland. But now a mission to transport a cache of Templar armaments for King Robert the Bruce forces the knight back to his homeland. Under his protection on the journey is an Irish nobleman and his daughter, Lathir McConaghy. After the death of her betrothed in battle, Lathir guards her heart fiercely.
This is the fifth book in the series & it had a slow start to set the scene & then the pace increased. I loved Ronan who despite his upbringing had grown into a honourable man, Lathir is a strong feisty woman & their attraction is apparent from the start, the road to their HEA is strewn with obstacles which made for a compelling read & one I found hard to put down
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
An Irish orphan abused as a child, Rónán O’Connor escaped and became a Templar Knight. After leaving France, he and other Templars pledged service to King Robert for Scotland. In the fight against the English, Rónán has been tasked in retrieving a collection of arms stored in Ireland and bring them back to Scotland. The beautiful Irish lady he meets and protects on the journey becomes more than he ever expected. Soon an alliance will divide them, but a secret may bind them.
A totally entertaining read with conflict, but above all a romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Sir Ronan O’Connor did not have an easy childhood as an orphan in Ireland. He found refuge and stability with the Knights Templar and determined never to return to Ireland. Now King Robert the Bruce has assigned him the task of transporting Templar weapons from Ireland back to Scotland to aide the king’s attempt to unify Scotland and stave off the encroaching English. The trip also sees him serving as protector to an Irish earl whose support the Bruce needs and his daughter, Lady Lathir McConaghy, a trained warrior in her own right.
Since her betrothed was killed in battle, Lathir has kept her heart close. But an attack at sea makes it necessary for her and Ronan to depend on each other to survive. The two quickly forge a deep bond during the struggles, but secrets threaten to destroy the tentative peace they’re forging, along with any chance they have of a future together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced and I couldn’t put it down. Though it was a bit lacking in steam, the nonstop action and shear charm of Lathir and Ronan together rather made up for that for me. I enjoyed the twist on the history of the Knights Templar and will read more of this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
ARC Provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
In the beginning of the book, I was drawn to the two lead characters, Ronan and Lathir. The writing focused on the two as they were on the journey to getting to know one another. I was able to visualize the love that was growing between the, while they fought to stay alive on the boat. Then when, Lathir took care of Ronan when she didn’t know if he would live or die. The action scenes of the book where good. Perhaps, maybe a little more detailed of the fighting with the characters.
I’m glad to see that there was a heroine that fought right by the side of her love interest. One of the things about the book that I found confusing is, Ronan spent his whole time denying to find a wife. He told everyone that he prefers to be alone. Then when Ronan and Lathir is standing together on a ship, Ronan tells Lathir that he can’t give her anything and that he can’t be with her.
Five seconds later, Ronan’s down on one asking her to marry him. There was a lot missing in the five seconds. To me the story was bland. I started detaching from the book when Ronan told Lathir was betrothed to someone else.
Now that I’ve got my emotions under control, I can write a review! Wow, what an ending to this story, I was bawling but in a good way! lol I’ve always loved reading about the Knights Templar so this book has that added bonus.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ronan and Lathir’s story, it’s quite an adventure they find themselves in and there’s never a dull moment. My heart just ached for Ronan and the more you learn of his past, the more you want to just hold him!! In spite of his childhood horrors, he’s grown into such a wonderful and caring man who will do anything to help protect those he’s told to protect. Lathir is my kind of heroine, so strong and has a mind of her own, as well as being very stubborn as Ronan learns! lol The two of them together are just so perfect but of course nothing ever goes as planned so be prepared to find yourself unable to put the book down!
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.