Stories featuring the Knights Templar are among my favorites. Forbidden Knight takes place in Scotland after the dissolution of the Templars by King Phillip of France. The second book in the Forbidden series, it can be read as a standalone. However, I suggest read the first book, Forbidden Legacy since it gives the background of the Templars and their journey to Scotland. I loved this book as much as I loved the first one. It is rich with wonderfully strong, likeable characters, fast paced action, and danger. Most of all it is a story of forgiveness and redemption. Both main characters have reason for their guilt, feeling responsible of the deaths of loved ones. Sometimes it takes a wounded heart to find and heal another wounded heart. This series is for anyone who loves medieval Scottish storylines. I am greatly looking forward to reading the next one, Forbidden Vow, already loaded and ready to go.

Sir Thomas MacKelloch finds an intruder lurking around King Robert Bruce’s camp. Mistress Alesone MacNiven is appalled at her father’s plan to marry her off to a nobleman to thwart King Robert Bruce. She’s determined to avoid her father’s plans at all costs.
This was an emotionally charged book for those that like historical romances. The heroine is strong and brave for everything she’s been through and how she refuses to be another stereotypical female for that time. Thomas wasn’t too bad, but got a little on my nerves. The book did drag a bit but overall it was a good read. I recommend.

Forbidden Knight by Diana Cosby is a sweet little Scottish Medieval Romance, short enough to read in an afternoon, long enough to be chockful of action. Mistress Alesone MacNiven is under the protection of the rightful King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce, when she comes across a group of men on horseback. Not sure if they pay allegiance to Bruce or his mortal enemy, Lord Comyn, she sends a masterful warning shot with her arrow, barely missing the heart of Sir Thomas MacKelloch. Leary of each other's intentions, Thomas binds the maiden to keep her from escaping so he can verify her story of being the King's healer. Once truths are revealed, the two find themselves on the way to safety in Avalon to avoid a disaster which would tear Scotland apart. Each has a series of secrets which affect their outlook on life and both feel a growing affection which doesn't fit into either of their future plans. The road is not easy, not just because of the tough terrain, but also because the enemy is on their tail, and anyone who helps them also becomes a target. While this Medieval tale is full of violence, it is tempered with love as Sir Thomas and Alesone both attempt to reconcile their pasts. Although this is Part 2 of the Forbidden Series, you don't need to have read the plot of Book1 to gain an understanding of the moral codes of the times.

Although well written and despite the exciting fight scenes, there was a little too much repetition in the intimacy department as the two lovers agonize over their feelings and despair that this is a romance which can never happen. With a lot of teasingly passionate moments, in the end there's a nice twist which promises a happily ever after in spite of their doubts. The historical background regarding the Knights Templar and the strife over who will rule Scotland is an added plus.

Three and a half stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This review also appears on my blog, Gotta Read.

Alesone has grown up thinking she was a by-blow of Lord Comyn and cast out to live with the local healer Grisel Buchanan. When Grisel is killed Alesone finds herself alone and on the run. Grisel had given her a ring that belonged to King Robert and Alesone is on a mission to find him for protection.

Alesone,among all her accomplishments as a healer, is remarkable with a bow and arrow and quite capable to handle herself with most weaponry. King Robert welcomes her and accepts her offer as a healer.

It is on a trip to gather herbs she meets Sir Thomas MacKelloch a displaced Knight Templar. When Thomas sees how proficient she is with a bow he suspects her to be an assassin. When he returns her to camp Robert explains her position I the camp.

Soon after King Robert learns of an attempt by Lord Comyn to apprehend Alesone and barter her in a marriage for gold.
Robert charges Sir Thomas to deliver Alesone to a safe castle. It is on this journey Thomas is injured and Alesone care pulls him through. The closeness they experience begins and feelings of love emanate.

The plot of Thomas reconnecting with his family after a tragedy that occurred years before is quite touching and the revelationof Alesone's true father was something the reader could not have suspect. I enjoyed this story. The depth of these character and the masterful way the author wove the tale was excellent.

There have long been rumors that a large percentage of the Templar treasure made its way to Scotland when the Templars were brought down by the treachery of Phillip of France. Ms. Cosby has woven these tales into her Forbidden series and crafted compelling love stories of the Templar knights as they assimilated into Robert the Bruce's army and helped him to succeed to the throne of Scotland.

Mistress Alesone is dispatched under Sir. Thomas MacKelloch's escort for both her safe keeping and to ensure that she can't be used as a pawn to turn the tide of war against the Bruce. Under attack they barely make it to the safety of a monastery with Sir Thomas gravely injured. As it turns out Sir Thomas is not merely a simple Templar knight he is an Earl. When a dare ended in tragedy his guilt took him away from home and family and while he's found some measure of peace and grown into a formidable soldier his guilt still haunts him.

Alesone being the bastard daughter of the Comyn feels responsible for rescuing one of the Bruce's knights and causing her guardian's death. She's a formidable warrior herself having trained as an archer as well as being a healer trained in the healing arts and use of herbs. Her handsome escort causes her heart to flutter and when they both arrive at Thomas's childhood home she attempts to repay his safe escort by encouraging him to re-forge a relationship with his grieving father and older brother.

This is a well paced story that beautifully blends in fiction into history into a love story for the ages. I can't wait to see all these Templar knights who forsake love and family find it against the brutal back ground of one of the bloodiest periods in Scottish history.

Diana Cosby comes across as a Scottish historical romance author who seems to know her stuff verra, verra well, folks. That is saying something coming from me, because this reviewer usually just glosses over historical aspects and only focuses on the main couple’s romance. She writes in such a way not only do I stay engaged, but I find myself wanting to know more about the ever feuding past between the countries of Scotland and England.

Alesone, the heroine, was pretty awesome here. She definitely had me at hello. A verra sassy, feisty, bonny lass with a backbone and a bow with arrows to back it up. Oh, yeah, let’s not forget the numerous hidden daggers she carries on her, as well. What can I say? That is my kind of girl! She was quick on the draw to fight off the bad guys and just as equally swift to come to the rescue of the good ones. Throw in the fact she was an experienced healer, and we’ve got a heroine that is impossible not to love.

A Doubting Thomas this particular Sir Thomas was not. Loyal to the core, he would give his very life to uphold the Knights of the Templar’s code of honor and help Robert the Bruce in anyway possible. Well, except when it came to whether he should pursue his ever growing attraction/feelings for Alesone, that is. No marriage for him was the mantra he kept repeating to himself. Fortunately, for us his heart did not get that message. Yeah, this guy did protest too much and vice versa. You see, he was not alone in his thinking. Alesone also had her reasons why she was reluctant to give into their attraction and enter the bonds of matrimony, as well.

With family drama on both sides, this knight sure had a knack for putting his foot in his mouth. Alesone stayed strong though, and for the most part I admired how she stood up to him and made him confront the past he had been running from and ultimately look forward to a future with her.

So if you are up for a “I want what I think I can’t have” Scottish romantic tale with lots of intrigue, drama, danger, and a love that won’t be denied, you might want to consider this one, my fellow Scottish romance book-loving friends. You’ll likely really like the twist regarding Alesone that comes at the end, too.

The door is clearly left open for Aiden, the next Templar Knight sure to fall on the sword of love as he meets his love match in the next upcoming sequel.

Title: Forbidden Knight, Series: Forbidden (Book 2), Author: Diana Cosby, Pages: 234, stand-alone but part of a series, good guy hero loyal to King Robert the Bruce, sassy/feisty/can fight like a warrior heroine, not a couple until nearly the end, a few VERY steamy scenes, HEA, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama, daughter of the enemy, some violence.

Book 1 - Forbidden Legacy, Pages: 348, 8/16/16 (Catherine & Stephan)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1723740104?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
Book 2 - Forbidden Knight, Pages: 234, 6/6/17 (Alesone & Thomas)

(This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, Barnes & Noble, and Edelweiss.)

Publisher's Description:
“Diana Cosby is superbly talented.” —Cathy Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author

Deep within Scotland, a healer and a warrior join forces to protect Scotland’s future . . .

There is an intruder in the woods near King Robert Bruce’s camp, but when Sir Thomas MacKelloch comes face-to-face with the interloper, he is shocked to discover his assailant is a woman. The fair lady is skilled with a bow and arrow and defiant in her responses. The wary Knight Templar dare not allow her beauty to lower his guard. Irritated by his attraction, he hauls her before his sovereign to expose her nefarious intent.

Outraged Sir Thomas dismissed her claim, Mistress Alesone MacNiven awaits the shock on the arrogant knight’s face when he learns that she has told the truth. But it is she who is shocked, and then horrified, as it is revealed that her father, the king’s mortal enemy, has betrothed her to a powerful noble, a deal that could jeopardize the king’s efforts to unite Scotland. Robert Bruce orders Sir Thomas to escort Alesone to safety. As they embark on a harrowing journey through the Highlands, Alesone tries to ignore her attraction to the intimidating warrior, but as she burns beneath Thomas’s kiss she realizes this fearless knight could steal her heart.

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

My Thoughts:

Forbidden knight is another fine example of Ms. Cosby's excellent writing style. It is book #2 of this series which although containing some characters in common, can easily be read and enjoyed as standalone titles.
I have read both books in this series and enjoyed each one equally.
Sir Thomas is another of the Knights Templar. Like his friend Stephan he desires no bride. That is until he meets Alesone. She is like no other woman he has ever met and Thomas finds himself drawn to her in spite of his vow to never wed.
Alesone is equally drawn to this fearsome knight.
Will the attraction of these two for each other heal the rift caused by her supposed father or will it tear them apart?
I found this title more engrossing and entreating than the first book in this new series, Forbidden Legacy. There is most certainly a higher sensuality rating.
I gave this wonderfully written book a 4.75 of 5.0 star rating for character and storyline development and a sensual rating of 4.25 of 5 flames.
The sensual nature of this book is much more heated and an essential element to this story.
I received a complimentary digital ARC via .NetGalley from the publisher to read. This in no way affected my opinion b of this title which I read voluntarily read and reviewed.

Alesone Macniven is a healer, taught her trait by Griselle, the woman who brought her up when her mother died. When Griselle dies she entrusted Alesone with a ring and send her to King Robert Bruce’s camp. Alesone tell the King Lord Comyn is her real father, but no one knows his a sworn enemy is her father. Knight Templar, Sir Thomas MacKelloch comes face-to-face with an assassin; he is shocked to discover his assailant is a woman claiming to King Robert Brue’s healer. Alesone finds out that her father, the king’s mortal enemy, has betrothed her to a powerful noble who could jeopardize the king’s efforts to unite Scotland. Robert Bruce orders Sir Thomas to escort Alesone to safety. During their harrowing journey through the Highlands Alesone tries to ignore her attraction to the intimidating warrior. The sparks fly and the passion flares between Thomas and Alesone. She knows she’s in danger of losing her heart to the fearless warrior. Thomas seems somewhat cruel to Alesone and at times he tries pushing her and his growing feelings away. A truly captivating story with romance, adventure and intrigue along with some Scottish history. This is my honest opinion of this eBook I voluntarily from the author and Net Galley.

What a beautiful tale! It’s set in Scotland in the late fall/winter 1307, Robert the Bruce is fighting for Scotland’s freedom. Alesone meets Sir Thomas when some untimely circumstances force her to flee for her life from King Roberts encampment.

Alesone is a wonderful character. She’s intelligent, stubborn, and a bad@ss archer. She is also a gifted healer. But her past has left her with emotional scars.

Thomas is determined, intense and compassionate. He’s also stubborn, which in his case holds him back when he desperately needs emotional healing. Like Alesone, he also has emotional scars, but he has to fight to overcome them. The only way for him to beat his inner demons is to face them head on...

The book has great pace and depth, plenty of action, and a bit of romance.The characters have great chemistry and they really came alive in this story. It’s a great read!

Author Diana Cosby’s books take the reader deep into minds of conflict, most of their inner conflict is as intense as danger from without. Her writing style, descriptive scenes in historical settings put me on site experiencing the history of the time. Additionally, her special characters make her a go-to favorite of mine. This is the third series Cosby is writing. If you haven't discovered her work until now, you have two other fantastic series to read -- The MacGruder Brothers and The Oath Trilogy.
I read/reviewed book one. If you haven't read it, stop a moment and read my review of Forbidden Legacy. The link is above the Publisher’s Summary. It will explain some of the background of the Templar Knights, why a select few are in Scotland, why the Knights find themselves no longer in Brotherhood. These are trying times for the Templar Knights who had given their lives to protect the weak and wrongly accused, finding themselves now wrongly accused, and used as pawns. Will the goodness of these men find their places of happiness outside the Brotherhood?
Templar Knights have a moral compass, one strong and unbending with phenomenal weaponry skills, and acute minds. They are chaste men who live much like monks within the Brotherhood.
Sir Thomas MacKelloch has lost his compass. He can’t go home to his family, nor back to a Brotherhood which no longer exists. He’s full of guilt for the accidental death of his beloved brother, many years back. He dared his brother to fight with swords in a dangerous setting; he fell into a raging river. Thomas had been a young man at the time, just become a squire. It changed his life. The Brotherhood had been a place of satisfaction, but never one to be happy. Once his mission for the Templar's was completed he decided he would join his sword with Robert the Bruce.
Alesone had been brought up by a healer, and is grieving for her death – her father’s men killed her. They found her dear friend through an action Alesone did as a healer. She’s not only grieving, but has lots of guilt. She is a kind and gentle woman, yet quite capable of taking care of herself with her skill with a bow, arrow and daggers. She’s also a woman of determination, fortitude, inspiring trust and loyalty from those who meet her.
They both are broken, bleeding with guilt and sorrow, not aware happiness can be obtained.
A life alone. A life without a bond. A life buried beneath service to others.
Thomas is attracted, but knows he cannot offer anything to the woman. Alesone is attracted, but knows she cannot provide him the kind of home he should have. She is running from her father and until he’s dead, she must keep on running. Thomas hesitates to commit to anything other than friendship. But his thoughts tell us differently. Then his actions follow suit, yet his mind is blasted stubborn. God’s teeth, man, get some bollocks! Well, you see, they made me a wee bit frustrated!
These two are so back and forth with their feelings, at a point, I wanted to just shake the daylights out of them both. When one decided they might have a chance together, the other withdrew. Then feelings were hurt and explanations needed to be made. Ugh! Couldn’t they see they were meant for each other?
Cosby brings all this turmoil to a blissful end when Thomas and Alesone finally accept what their hearts tell them. You’ll love the battle scenes of danger with Alesone right in the thick of it, the love scenes of passion and tenderness, and the scenes of forgiveness. If you’re like me, you’ll certainly shed a few tears. I'm looking forward to continue the series with the other Knights Templar, who, too, will find their true love and happiness.

Diana Cosby continues with the second book in the series from Forbidden Legacy we continue with Forbidden Knight.

Alesone MacNiven has a secret and is on the run she's looking for King Bruce's protection but she's mortified that if she tells him of her secret he will refuse her. To her shock he accepts her and offers protection in return she will tend to the healing for she's also a healer and a pretty good archer, in return She swears fealty to him. When she's brought before him as a traitor by a Knight who has sworn to defend his King. Sir Thomas MacKelloch is shocked that Alesone has been declaring her innocence all along.
But when Alesone's secret comes to light that she's the illegitimate daughter of the enemy Thomas is convinced she is a spy. When her father wants to use her as a pawn to further his position with the French Alesone would rather die than let the man who has committed so many murders use her. The King entrusts her to Thomas to bring her to safety.
For Thomas and Alesone their travels are full of danger and peril, although Thomas doesn't trust her he feels attracted to her and as the travel they get closer and Alesone realizes that Thomas has scars of his own and before they can get closer he needs to heal the scars that run deep in his soul. Can they help heal each other before the enemy gets to them? After all the greatest healing comes from love.
A wonderful story very well written, the characters have some challenges to go through and they suffer Diana Cosby puts them through their paces and they come out better for them. Loved the descriptive sceneries the feeling of danger kept me turning the pages till the last page. I highly recommend this book and every single one that Diana Cosby has written they are marvellously written and will definitely not disappoint!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion.

'Forbidden Knight' by Diana Cosby is book Two in the "Forbidden" series. This is the story of Sir Thomas MacKelloch and Alesone MacNiven . I have read the other book in this series but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Alesone has come to King Robert for safety and work as his healer. Alesone has pledged her loyalty to King Roberts even though her father, Lord Comyn is a sworn enemy. Alesone wants nothing to do with her father nor his schemes to take down King Robert. One day while out to far looking for herbs Thomas finds her, and thinking she might be an assassin he takes control of her. Thomas is returning to King Roberts after being away so is unaware of Alesone loyalty standing...and doesn't trust a women who almost sent a arrow through his heart. But Thomas learns she is working for the King and that now the King wants Thomas to escort her to a safer location. The King has learned that Alesone father has set up a marriage for Alesone that would hurt his Crown. So Thomas agrees to take her to safety but is hurt along the way but Alesone saves him.
Thomas is living with the guilt that he feels he was the cause of his brother's death. So Thomas has cut ties with his family years ago and taken a stand to not get emotionally attached to people it seems. Alesone too is feeling guilty on the death of Grisel who was the only person to ever care for her. So they both have a lot to overcome before they can even come to terms with their feelings. Thomas did seem to be somewhat cruel to Alesone at times to push her and his growing feelings away. But love can grow in the hardest of places!
Forbidden series:
Forbidden Legacy, Book 1
Forbidden Knight, Book 2
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Forbidden Knight ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ written by Diana Cosby

Alesone has grown up thinking she was a by-blow of Lord Comyn and cast out to live with the local healer Grisel Buchanan. When Grisel is killed Alesone finds herself alone and on the run. Grisel had given her a ring that belonged to King Robert and Alesone is on a mission to find him for protection.

Alesone,among all her accomplishments as a healer, is remarkable with a bow and arrow and quite capable to handle herself with most weaponry. King Robert welcomes her and accepts her offer as a healer.

It is on a trip to gather herbs she meets Sir Thomas MacKelloch a displaced Knight Templar. When Thomas sees how proficient she is with a bow he suspects her to be an assassin. When he returns her to camp Robert explains her position I the camp.

Soon after King Robert learns of an attempt by Lord Comyn to apprehend Alesone and barter her in a marriage for gold.
Robert charges Sir Thomas to deliver Alesone to a safe castle. It is on this journey Thomas is injured and Alesone care pulls him through. The closeness they experience begins and feelings of love emanate.

The plot of Thomas reconnecting with his family after a tragedy that occurred years before is quite touching and the revelationof Alesone's true father was something the reader could not have suspect. I enjoyed this story. The depth of these character and the masterful way the author wove the tale was excellent.

Alesone MacNiven is on her way to see King Robert Bruce of Scotland. She comes across a Knight Templar, Sir Thomas MacKelloch. After she nearly puts an arrow into Sir Thomas, she gains his admiration as he is later sent as a bodyguard with Alesone to a safe castle, away from English soldiers. Sir Thomas and Alesone brave the cold and English knights to make their way to safety. An interesting story with a little romance and a great battle scene at the end. I really enjoyed this plot and recommend the book to lovers of historical romance in Scotland.

Forbidden Knight by Diana Cosby will be available on June 6, 2017 by Lyrical Press/Kensington Books. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

I received a copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Alesone is on her way to see King Robert Bruce. The woman who raised her has been killed by the enemy so she has fled. Her guardian gave her a ring and told her to bring it to King Robert and he would help her. The King has agreed to help her and since she is a healer, he is allowing her to stay at the camp.

Sir Thomas is on his way to the King's camp when he comes upon Alesone. Thinking she was out to hurt the King, Thomas brings her back to camp only to find she was telling the truth.

Then Alesone's truth comes out. Thomas finds out that she is their enemy's illegitimate daughter. The King knew and believed in her loyalty to him but Thomas isn't so sure. Her father, Comyn, wants her caught so he can marry her off to one of Prince Phillips (of France) constituents to ensure his position with France. Alesone would rather die. The King asks Thomas to take Alesone to safety.

As Thomas and Alesone travel, danger follows them. Thomas is very distrustful of her at first but Alesone finally gets him to talk some. Thomas has his secrets also; he has guilt and is determined to make himself suffer for all his life.

Can they get to safety?

I have to say, I totally LOVED this story. Once I started reading I didn't want to put it down. The writing flows so nicely and I saw the characters come to life once some of the stories were told.
Both characters, but especially Thomas, had so much healing to do before he could go on with his life. Tragedy tore a family apart but it warmed my heart to see them heal. Alesone and Thomas also suit each other very well. This is a must read!

FORBIDDEN KNIGHT by Diana Cosby

Capture the moments of life and hold them near your heart

Sir Thomas MacKelloch has served his King Robert of Scotland loyally and without question since he was a young man running from the chaos he had created in his family. Thomas self-punished himself for his poor decisions and reckless abandonment costing the family so dearly. When tasked with the charge of a fierce and determined Alesone, a woman he can barely tolerate the matter goes from horrid to unacceptable quickly as she is as stubborn as she is beautiful. He is told she is the daughter of their sworn enemy but she must be treated with care and protected as a friend to the rightful King. Thomas learns that she was cast aside as an infant and only now is of need to by her horrid father for political gain. Thomas may say he does not care about Aleson but with each moment they are together he must school himself to remember he lives to serve and his duty now is to protect and deliver Aleson to a safe location not love her.

The problems mount fast as Thomas is injured by those that seek to capture Alesone at any cost with alternative decisions and actions put into place. Alesone is able to take control and provide healing attention to Thomas and get him to the monastery where he spent much time reflecting on his sins and praying for his future success. What Thomas never expected to see was his father at his side begging for him to come home and be reunited with the family that remains. Thomas fears his prior transgressions are a remaining issue, but his father reassures Thomas that nothing he has done or will ever do could stamp out the love a father has for his son. With Thomas and Alesone traveling to his home, a declaration of fealty is made, not to the man Thomas expected his father would support but to King Robert creating another battle ground that Thomas knows will be a hard fought victory.

As the days pass from one onto another Thomas and Alesone share childhood secrets, silent embraces, and sweet kisses by the firelight. Never expecting to find anyone that would be his match or a true companion Thomas is taken aback by this fierce woman who shows him what strength and wisdom can add to a relationship. When all the questions are answered Thomas and Aleson realize the way to live in the present and build a future together is by facing the past and releasing the demons that bind you to it.

When I envision the perfect historical romance story I always know where to look first by picking up anything written by Diana Cosby. Ms. Cosby always writes with the perfect mixture of suspense, intrigue, and romance that complete every reader’s wish list.

Part of an overarching series using the backdrop of the Templar's dissolution to follow the romantic fates of the knights and their attempt to keep treasures out of French hands. This is a good Scottish highland romance, with family tragedy, hidden parentage and hot scenes.

I really liked this book. It is an emotionally charged book that is centered more on the hero than the heroine. It is a little light in the romance department, but it is a beautiful story nonetheless.

Alesone is a woman on the run, she is trying to escape her father, Lord Comyn, who plans to use her as a pawn to over throw King Robert. Alesone is loyal to Robert and wants nothing to do with Lord Comyn.

Sir Thomas is a displaced Templar Knight, who is on his way to join King Robert, when he comes across Alesone, who shoots an arrow at him, narrowly missing his heart. She claims to be the king's healer but Thomas doesn't believe her. He thinks she is a spy assassin and thinks she is just bluffing about her relationship with the king.

When the plot Alesone's father has concocted is revealed, the king charges Thomas with seeing Alesone to safety. Thomas is not pleased about this turn of events, but does as the king bids. When he is injured, Alesone saves him and finds them shelter. When Thomas wakes, he recognizes the owner of the cottage they are in and discovers he is near his childhood home.

Sir John, the owner of the cottage, has Thomas and Alesone taken to the nearby monastery for further help. Once there Thomas' past comes rushing back and he is confronted with old friends, family and heartache that he has spent years running from.

Thomas' father comes to claim his son and Thomas is reluctant to go home, but knowing that Alesone's safety is paramount, he agrees. Alesone has tended Thomas and they have grown close, she doesn't expect anything will come from their time together, but she is beginning to fall in love with him and wants to help him heal, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. Alesone has been alone most of her life and has recently lost the only person she had ever considered family. She blames herself for Grisel's death and can understand Thomas' grief - but she can't understand his refusal to rejoin his family.

Alesone is a beautiful person, both inside and out and my heart broke for her, she has lost so much and when she begins to open herself up to Thomas, he repeatedly shuts her out. I understood his reasons, but he was really awful to her, maybe not on purpose, but he hurts her again and again. The healing of Thomas takes time and he doesn't make it easy - he has judged himself unworthy of forgiveness or of love and no matter what anyone says, he won't change his mind. Alesone along with his friends and his father really have their work cut out for them convincing Thomas to accept their love.

I thought the book was well written, but it did drag a little bit in the middle and Thomas' reasons for not acknowledging his feelings for Alesone started to get old and tired. But once he begins to forgive himself and accept that he deserves happiness, the story picks up. I enjoyed his bumbling attempts to explain himself to Alesone. The heat factor in this book is rather low, there are some love scenes and they are well done, but not steamy. There are a few battle scenes, but nothing horrifically violent or gory. There is also a twist at the end, that I never saw coming, but was delighted by on Alesone's behalf.

In the end, I really liked this book and I would be happy to recommend it. It is the second book in the Forbidden Series, but it could be read as a stand alone title with no problems.