This book is the fifth book in the Forbidden Series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I found the first chapter was a little long but I know it's because it's laying some of the groundwork about our characters. After that, this book moves at a quicker pace.
Ronan is a Knight Templar. He's had a rough upbringing that led him to the brotherhood and swearing to never return to Ireland. Now he is being sent by his King to escort a nobleman and his daughter, Lady Lathir, back to his homeland.

Lathir has no plans to marry after the death of her betrothed. Attacked at sea, Ronan and Lathir are forced to rely on each other for survival and find themselves forming a tender bond.

This is pretty much a clean romance. Our Lady and Knight don't kiss till somewhere after 50%.
There were some emotional moments there at the end. Especially when it seems like they wouldn't end up together.

Now to go read some more from this author!

This ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington

I knew from previous reads that Ms. Cosby is an amazing writer, but I think this is my fave so far. I loved that Lathir is determined, stubborn, independent, and not in an insufferable way either, she is courageous and can take care of herself knowing the use of a blade. As I read the story I fell in love with her more and more. With Ronan was insta love for me, his quiet command, loyalty, powerful without being overwhelming, his soft heart. They are quite a match, but their road to HEA is hard and life threatening. The ending though steals the show, I can't tell you because it would be a spoiler but... Many wrongs are righted leaving me with a happy heart. WOW I am still grinning even hours after it. It was perfect.

Forbidden Realm by Diana Cosby is a love story set in 1308 Scotland and Ireland, home of the Knights Templar's and Robert the Bruce. Ronan is a Knights Templar and Lathir is the daughter of a powerful Irish Lord. Together they travel from Scotland to Ireland to recover templar weapons that will aid The Bruce in his bid to legitimize his hold on the Scottish throne. Their ship is attacked by English en route and Lathir's father, Lord Sionn is taken prisoner by an enemy. Together Ronan and Lathir must safely reach her family home, gather allies, and save Lord Sionn before it's too late.

I love a good romance just as much as the next person, but this tale fell flat for me. The storyline is promising, a rough and tough warrior who has no time for love or romance falls madly in love with a stubborn and capable woman - there are pirates involved, enemy's, plot twists, and drama. What the story lacks is finesse and believability. The writing is choppy, the storyline is abrupt, and the big "plot twist" can be seen from 100 pages away. Even the romance portion of the story was one-dimensional. I expect a good romance to illicit at least a few "aww" moments or some warm-and-fuzzy feelings, but this tale, while promising, just doesn't deliver.

Now that I've got my emotions under control, I can write a review! Wow, what an ending to this story, I was bawling but in a good way! lol I've always loved reading about the Knights Templar so this book has that added bonus.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ronan and Lathir's story, it's quite an adventure they find themselves in and there's never a dull moment. My heart just ached for Ronan and the more you learn of his past, the more you want to just hold him!! In spite of his childhood horrors, he's grown into such a wonderful and caring man who will do anything to help protect those he's told to protect. Lathir is my kind of heroine, so strong and has a mind of her own, as well as being very stubborn as Ronan learns! lol The two of them together are just so perfect but of course nothing ever goes as planned so be prepared to find yourself unable to put the book down!

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

DNF
Found the read too historically technical. I did think it would be more of a medieval romance. The author seems very knowledgeable of English/Scottish history.