Veena’s review of Forbidden Vow (Forbidden Series, Book 3) by Diana Cosby
Historical Romance published by Lyrical Press 15 May 18
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 a mission to breach Lady Gwendolyn’s castle when fate places her dying fiancé in his path. Soon Aidan shows up at 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 loose when they end up 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.
Grade: C+
Summary:
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?
Other books in this series:
