“Diana Cosby is superbly talented.” —Cathy Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author 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 … 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?
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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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.
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.
I love series and this is the latest in Cosby’s Forbidden series. As always, wonderful characters and a deep and satisfying plot.
Good and quick read.
In Medieval times life is a struggle for survival of the fittest, and power mad leaders destroy lives to win wars. It’s easy for an honest knight to get caught up in a mess partly of his own making. Aiden has gotten himself into a pickle when he veers off the planned path of his ordered mission. In doing so he disrupts the life of Lady Gwendolyn, who becomes an innocent pawn in his game of deceit. But through surmounting problems the power of love breaks through. I enjoyed this story very much and I know others will too. It earned 5 stars.
Good
Interesting plot.
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!
I read this as an arc on Netgalley which affected my review in no way at all.
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!
I just finished the new book, Forbidden Vow, and I love it! Diana Cosby always seems to fill her novels with an extremely tangible array of emotions as well as paying strict attention to detail, which helps me visualize the story and characters more easily. I never dreamed I’d need to have my tissues handy for this one, but I certainly did. Brilliantly written story with well crafted characters and an intriguing, mesmerizing plot that keeps you turning page after page. Hopefully you have read books 1 and 2 in this series already, but if not, after reading this one you will most likely wish to go back and read the others as well. Fabulous series and easy to recommend this one!
#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 mist definite keeper. I absolutely adore this series and look forward to the next amazing adventure, Caitlin’s story is next. Strongly recommended for fans of conflict, romance, Scottish romance and Scottish Medieval history. An absolute delight!!
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
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, least 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!!
PS Isn’t this cover amazing?
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.