In Honor's Defense is the third book of a series, but each book can be read as a stand alone. I recommend reading all three of this wonderful series! This one is the story of Luke, also known as "Preach". A man that has struggled through his childhood not knowing what love should be, or how it could be. He left his abusive father and joined the army, then as time went on he joined his dearest friends to form "Hangar's Horsemen" a group of men that were almost lawmen, helping people that had no help. Damaris is a very shy and timid woman that has been often forgotten by her family and usually hides in the background of any group of people she happens to be a part of. After meeting Luke in an unusual way, she begins to become a bit bolder. Herr brother dies, and she is left to keep charge of her fourteen year old nephew in Texas, which is more challenging than she expects. There are two that are after the land that her brother left for his son, and she is determined to keep it for him. The other men have different ideas. After attempting murder of the boy, they eventually manage to take Damaris from a train and kidnap her to a cabin in the woods, and try to get her to sign the sale papers for the land, yet she still refuses.to sign them. Can Luke and the other horsemen rescue her in time?

An exhilarating series conclusion from Karen Witemeyer! In Honor’s Defense wraps up the Hanger’s Horsemen series in a satisfying, romantic way that will definitely appeal to lovers of historical romance. I was intrigued by Luke from book one, and it was great to finally get his story. His depth of character was explored very well. I also related intensely to Damaris; at times it felt like I was reading my own thoughts. Readers will also love seeing beloved characters from the rest of this series!

I can’t wait for Witemeyer’s next story—it’s always a tough but worthwhile wait between her books. I highly recommend all of them. 4.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My personal favorite in the series!
Luke's story was one I was looking forward to reading the most in this series.
I really enjoyed seeing his perspective and his outlook on life change over the course of the story.
Delmaria was a great character, I personally loved seeing a character like her. She is a female character you don't see often in fiction anymore. She is so relatable though. While she has remained in the background in life she really gets a chance to shine in this story where her personal strengths are shown as well as her humanity.
This book had the classic "feel good " western vibe that is a trademark Karen Witemeyer story.
If you are looking for an enjoyable ride with romance and rustlers and maybe another foe, grab this one!
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions are honest and completely my own.

I just finished Karen Witemeyer’s In Honor’s Defense and I’m basking in the glow of happiness from this final chapter of the Hanger’s Horsemen series.

Damaris Baxter dropped everything to move to Texas to raise her orphaned nephew, but fourteen-year-old Nathaniel might be more than she bargained for. Luke Davenport might have had a rough life, but all his skills and experiences are about to come together to be the difference between life and death in a battle to protect the woman he’s coming to love.

This story had everything I’ve come to expect from a Karen Witemeyer book. There’s a reason why Karen’s books are some the most re-read on my favorites shelf. The blend of lovable characters put through the wringer, pulse-raising action/suspense, and heart-felt romance keeps me pushing through chapter after chapter, regardless of what life says I should be doing instead.

There was something infinitely endearing about Luke. We don’t know too much about “Preach” coming into this final book because he plays his cards close to the vest. I never expected his heartbreaking backstory or the surprising reason he started memorizing scripture in the first place. But what I knew I could count on was Karen finding him the perfect match in the most unlikely of places. Damaris has always considered herself invisible, but when Luke really sees her, she’s helpless to stop his invasion of her heart. She’s his perfect match- they intricately balance and complete each other. Their romance is so rewarding! And I loved Nate’s character. Everything about him felt like a completely authentic teenager and he brought out a lot of smiles from me while I was reading!

Then there’s the twists and turns in the plot! Okay, you expect some things to happen based on the synopsis… but I sure do love when a book delivers conflict in a way I didn’t expect. There were several times where I found something resolved in an unexpected way and then I was thrown for another loop in a direction I never saw coming.

This conclusion was everything I wanted it to be and more. It’s always the joy of a series to be reunited with beloved characters, and a fitting epilogue was icing on the cake.

Do yourself a favor and saddle up for this fantastic conclusion to the Hanger’s Horsemen series. It’s an enjoyable ride!

I’m so honored to have gotten an early copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House for review. My opinions are my own.