In Honor’s Defense

In Honor’s Defense is the third and last book in the Hangers Horsemen series, and while it is more fun as part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Luke aka Preach is the only Horseman left standing after the others settled down. He has a wild streak and just can’t be happy just taming horses, so when a call comes for the Horseman to find some cattle rustlers, he goes solo to see what he can find. And oh boy does he find something when he stumbles unto a woman and her orphaned nephew…

Damaris has left her entire life behind to move to Texas and take care of her late brother’s orphaned son Nathaniel, a stubborn 14 year old who refuses to listen to her and is stuck in his grief. And when he pulls a prank that is a little bit too far and Damaris gets sorta rescued by this handsome cowboy, her life might turn upside down. Also because Nathaniel is convinced his father has been murdered… and more trouble is closing in. The perfect job for a Horseman, even if he finds himself a little bit too drawn to the distraction that is Damaris.

I have to say, I absolutely love the chemistry between Damaris and Luke! They seem total opposites, but they match so well, and we discover some similarities too, which made it even more perfect. Damaris is a very insecure woman, as she seems invisible to the world, even to the ones that love her. She’s very good at hiding her true self and describes herself as plain and boring, but she is anything but boring. She is very smart and has so much love and care for everyone, and when someone has faith in her she finds her inner strength which was great to see! Luke has some wildness to him, but secretly longs for a family life like the other Horsemen have. He isn’t even opposed to a doily or two, which is an enviable quality in my opinion. But his traumatic history is hindering him from finding happiness, as he is afraid he’ll end up like his dad, even though he can quote half the Bible he has trouble believing that God forgives him and cares for him. He recognises a lot of himself in Nathaniel, and their budding friendship is great to see!

Also, there is little time for romance, as trouble is coming, and he has to find out who’s behind this, and if Nathaniel is right about his dad getting murdered. The first half of this book is more focused on the characters themselves, that was my favorite part, where the second part is more action. That keeps you engaged the entire time, and you really want to keep reading, you need to know how it ends! I love how the other Horseman are in this book too on the background, but you can really feel the support they give, how they are still close. The finale was epic and I loved it! Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite authors (I’m a big fan), and this newest novel didn’t disappoint at all, it was amazing! I’m really sad this series is over, I love these rugged cowboys.

I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley, but it hasn’t influenced my opinions.