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

I liked this book. I liked the fact that the main heroine did not want to get married, where in that time period most of the women wanted to get married. I liked how the author twists and turns the plot to make you wonder and entertains you in such a way that the historical romance becomes a delight!

This was my first book for this author and I must say I was impressed. The historical setting was perfectly set up, the imagery was out of this world. This book is about a man who resigned himself to be a warrior and a woman who doesn't want to marry. This story had the perfect amount of steam and suspense.

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’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.

This was a story set in Medieval Ireland, which is a change for me. Normally, Medieval stories are set in either England or Scotland. The heroine in this story was travelling with her father, and he was wanting her to agree to become betrothed again since it was two years since her fiance's had died. The hero is travelling with at the behest of his king to get the arms her father had stored for them. The ship they are travelling in is attacked, her father kidnapped, the ship is set on fire and they are left for dead. What an active beginning. But it wasn't. The book moved very slowly. The characters were riddled with angst. When a character made a decision there was too much explanation before and after the decision or action was taken. I, as the reader, felt the author was trying too hard to be descriptive and this caused over writing. The book did not go as smoothly as it could have. There were many chances where the characters were discussing, repetitively, items that took too long. There were many times conversations took almost a chapter, and they didn't need to be. I really wanted to like this book. In fact, after I read it, I skimmed through it again, skipping the areas I feel weren't necessary, and it was a better read. The premise of the storyline is original and believable. The grammar and spelling are correct and the way the characters speak seems consistent with the time period. I would give this book a 3.5 stars, or recommend to read with reservation.

Having not read any books by this author previously, I went into reading with an open mind and no idea of what to expect. Once I finished reading, what I found most interesting was that I was left with the impression that it was quick read, even though the book is over 350 pages long. I blew through it! It was gripping, engaging me in both the action of the time period and the lives of the characters living within it. While I am not overly familiar with the medieval era, and therefore have little knowledge of the history, I found myself thoroughly intrigued by the goings on. Definitely need to add more medieval romance to my to-read list!

A former member of the Knights Templar, Sir Ronan O'Connor is dedicated to serving King Robert the Bruce and faithfully protecting those in his care. The last thing he needs is a distraction in the form of Lathir McConaghy, the daughter of an Irish nobleman and a fierce warrior in her own right. Their first meeting does not go well, and their acquaintance is rocky in the beginning. However, when the ship taking them to Ireland is attacked and Ronan and Lathir find themselves left for dead, their differences must be put aside in order to survive. They grow closer by necessity but soon find comfort in each other. But Ronan is a simple knight and Lathir a noblewoman, and neither are meant to be together.

Ronan and Lathir were very well matched! Ronan was tough and loyal, with no time for games or love, but Lathir brought out the softer side. He looked to protect her not as his charge but as his equal. She demonstrated to him how she could protect herself and fight alongside him, and as time passed, they relied greatly on each other. It was a partnership, which was probably quite rare in those days. Lathir was feisty and confident, and she gave as much as she got, which endeared her to me quickly. She wanted to protect those she loved, but she wasn't going to be stupid in doing it. Every time I thought there might be a TSTL moment coming soon, she would be reminded of logic and would make the right decision. Very refreshing, that.

Since this is the 5th book in the series, I have some reading to do! Can't wait to learn more about the medieval time period.

**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**

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.

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.*

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

Their first meeting is definitely not something for the poets to write about. Their covert hostility creates a distance between them until they find themselves on board her father's ship sailing to Ireland. Things get a lot more complicated when they are attacked at sea and barely escape with their lives.
Another exciting chapter in the Forbidden series as the Scottish Lords who once served as Knights Templar return to Scotland and now serve Robert the Bruce and rediscover their ancient lands and titles.
Ronan O'Connor had vowed never to return to Ireland but cannot refuse his King's command. Lathir McConaghy is a warrior woman trained in combat. When an attack at sea leaves them the only two survivors on her father's ship they barely make landfall alive. Fortunately for them they are rescued when they make landfall and find a way to safely make their way to Lathir's father's lands. 
Of course all this proximity has changed things up and their close companionship and strong chemistry has forged a strong relationship between the two.But as it turns out, unbeknownst to her Lathir is betrothed and her future husband awaits her at her home willing and able to join his army to hers and set out to rescue her father who has been captured by the English during the sea battle. Ronan is a honorable man and is willing to walk away and put his life on the line for his lady.
A fast moving exciting story with a lot of delightful curves and crosses to keep it all exciting and interesting. Definitely a winner.

An Irish orphan abused as a child, Rònán 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, Rònán 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 a 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.

I wanted to care about Ronan and Lathir, but I struggled. Loved learning more history of the Bruce. Loved Lathir caring for a broken Ronan...but the story didn't spark for me. I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

Sir Ronan O'Connor has decided that he will never marry as he has dedicated his life to the Templars but can a journey to Ireland change that? He has been sent by King Robert to find more supporters to help against the English but nothing goes to plan. Firstly he has made a bad first impression with Lady Lathir and King Bruce thinks that they will make a fine couple, that is the thing that he wants. The journey doesn't go according to plan as they are attacked and Lathir's father is taken and they are left at sea. They make it to shore where they are saved by Tighearnan who offers them shelter while Ronan heals. Little do they realize that he will play an important role in their quest to find her father. But what will happen on the trip to Lathir's home, will they make it back in one piece? Will they be able to be together at the end? But their happiness is dashed when they find out that she is promised to another. There is nothing that they can do but to carry on finding her father. Ronan can't believe that after everything that they have been through this is the end. But will this change the course of their destiny? Will he be able to continue on his fight for King Bruce and leave Lathir behind? A great read full of adventure. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.

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.

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Forbidden Realm
Forbidden #5
Diana Cosby
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sir Ronan O'Connor was orphaned at a young age. His childhood was full of brutality and loneliness. He finally found the solace he was searching for when he joined the Knight's Templars vowing he would never ever return to Ireland at any time. But now he is on a mission for King Robert the Bruce and he has to go back to his homeland weather he wants to or not. He sends Ronan to transport a cache of armaments. He is also tasked with protecting an Irish nobleman and his daughter, Lathir McConaghy.

Lathir has lost her betrothed in battle, and has her heart locked up tightly. Until an attack at sea forces her and Ronan much closer then she would have thought possible. As close as they are Ronan finds it very hard to answer Lathir's questions without revealing too much information so they instead they reach a tentative peace.

In a time filled with strife and uncertainty who will triumph in the end?

Diana Cosby is brilliant. This is my favorite book out of all of the forbidden books. Ronan was such a decent man and Lathir was the perfect heroine. She was strong and feisty in her own right and stared down any opponent without fear. I was rooting for this couple from the get go and I was so happy with how the book ended. Everyone deserves their own happy ever after. Ms. Cosby I was utterly enchanted with this book and I can't wait to read the next new book you write.

I had fun reading the story and appreciated the well researched historical background.
It's an engrossing and entertaining story, well written and with a cast of interesting characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.