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. ( )

#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 ( )