emmasbookdiary's review against another edition
fast-paced
5.0
I loved all the books in this trilogy but this one is my absolute favorite!đź’— I adored Luke and Damaris and their sweet love story!Â
It was so hard to put this book down. There was plenty of action and just the right amount of romance. I also loved the faith content so much!Â
 In conclusion, I LOVED the last book in this series!
It was so hard to put this book down. There was plenty of action and just the right amount of romance. I also loved the faith content so much!Â
 In conclusion, I LOVED the last book in this series!
sstarr87's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
awenrich's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jbro12's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
scottishpixie26's review
4.0
A great conclusion to this series.
While slightly predictable, this book had a good story and great characters. It was nice learning more about Preach.
While slightly predictable, this book had a good story and great characters. It was nice learning more about Preach.
melmo2610's review
5.0
Karen has penned another fantastic story as per her usual. I have read every book Karen has released and her books ALWAYS get a 5-star rating from me, due to the way she writes stories I love. Her stories have the perfect mix of romance, a great storyline, humorous moments and perfect endings. This story was a great read/listen for me. I have been waiting for Preach's story for quite a while and it was well worth the wait. Damaris was a great match for him and I definitely loved her as a character. The mystery in the story was enjoyable and there were some pulse pounding moments for sure! Another one destined for a spot on my keeper shelf, along with anything Karen writes!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and also purchased my own Audible copy. All thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and also purchased my own Audible copy. All thoughts are my own.
livefrommylibrary's review
4.0
I appreciate that Karen Witemeyer's books are always solid and well-written. She is a consistent 4-star author for me! This volume is certainly no exception. Themes of family, grace, patience, self-control, loneliness, grief, and growth all join this western adventure-mystery as this Horseman takes on a solo case of missing cattle and gets a bit more than he bargained for! It was an enjoyable, easy read with a good bit of Scripture seamlessly woven in. KW does better than most at making it feel like the Scripture belongs in the text alongside the characters. I'll definitely be back for more as soon as KW has a new release for me to read!
I'm afraid this may be the last Horseman novel, as I'm not aware of any remaining Horsemen with stories to tell. I'm a little sad about that, as this has been one of my favorite series from KW so far. But I'm sure the next release will help me get over it.
I'm afraid this may be the last Horseman novel, as I'm not aware of any remaining Horsemen with stories to tell. I'm a little sad about that, as this has been one of my favorite series from KW so far. But I'm sure the next release will help me get over it.
naomisbookshelf's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
5.0
In Honor’s Defense is an amazing final book in the Hanger’s Horseman trilogy. I love Luke aka Preach as he discovered Damaris and Nathaniel. They were wonderful characters to watch as they grew into a family through trials and hardships. Luke struggles with them and it made the story so much stronger. I loved the mystery, the undeniable attraction and the heart of family. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. It was so engaging! This is another strong series by Karen Witemeyer and I look forward to rereading the whole series from start to finish in the future.Â
I received an arc via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review but I did purchase a copy for myself and I read from the published version.Â
I received an arc via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review but I did purchase a copy for myself and I read from the published version.Â
heatherwoodauthor's review
4.0
I really loved the characters in this one. I guess I'm a sucker for two people who feel unwanted falling in love and also for brotherhood stories, where men with different personalities bond. I'm not as into the "someone has to almost die at 90%" scene, but that's not a strike against the author, because I guess people like that.
The Christian faith is normalized in this series... by that I mean, the characters pray and quote scripture like the everyday thing that it is.
These were my first Witemeyer books, and overall, I liked them.
The Christian faith is normalized in this series... by that I mean, the characters pray and quote scripture like the everyday thing that it is.
These were my first Witemeyer books, and overall, I liked them.
melissasbookshelf's review
5.0
“You might be a little rough around the edges, Luke Davenport,” she said, stepping close enough to lay her palm lightly on his chest, “but in here beats a noble heart.”
Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite historical romance authors! She creates such memorable characters and amazing stories filled with romance, inspiration, and plenty of action and adventure. I’ve loved this Hanger’s Horsemen series and In Honor’s Defense has to be my favorite of all. Reformed bad boys make the best heroes and Luke aka “Preach” definitely fits this bill. Wielding scripture as easily as he wields his fists, he’s never one to back down from a fight. So when he’s hired to find some cattle rustlers, he goes out on his own without his beloved Horsemen brothers to solve the mystery. Rescuing Damaris, the nearby neighbor, from a cellar, and her nursing him after he is brutally attacked takes him on a journey where he learns the true meaning of love and home.
I loved the romance between Damaris and Luke. Watching both of them grow and change was enjoyable and inspiring. I adored Luke! He’s never had a real home. Enduring turmoil, anger, and violence, he escaped at a young age only to fight in brutal battles in the army. He doesn’t feel worthy of love, until he meets Damaris. I loved the way he treats Damaris and really listens to her. While not the most physically attractive woman, she has all the things that matter most and that Luke longs for.
Damaris often feels invisible and insignificant. When Luke comes into her life, he really “sees” her and appreciates her many talents (other than cooking) and her ability to make him feel the love of home and family. It was fun seeing her become more bold and daring after she meets Luke. Damaris’ nephew Nathaniel is a troubled 14 year old boy who’s lost his father and mother. Still angry over his father’s death, Nate feels that steadying hand from Luke he so desperately needs which Damaris has struggled to provide. I loved watching these three become a real family.
Along with the heartfelt romance, there’s a mystery to be solved and danger is never far behind. Not only are there cattle rustlers, but someone is after Damaris’ and Nathaniel’s land and is willing to kill to get it. As Luke continues to heal, he vows to do everything in his power to keep them safe, but will his efforts be enough?
This story had me hurriedly flipping those pages to see what happens next. The villains are particularly nasty. Fans of historical romance, especially westerns, will love this! I enjoyed the spiritual messages subtly woven in to this romantic, action-filled story. The characters are endearing and it was fun to see all the Horsemen together again and also Dr. Jo! It can definitely be read as a standalone, but those who have read the previous books in the series will especially enjoy this! Highly recommend! Thanks to the author and publisher for a complimentary advanced copy of the book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite historical romance authors! She creates such memorable characters and amazing stories filled with romance, inspiration, and plenty of action and adventure. I’ve loved this Hanger’s Horsemen series and In Honor’s Defense has to be my favorite of all. Reformed bad boys make the best heroes and Luke aka “Preach” definitely fits this bill. Wielding scripture as easily as he wields his fists, he’s never one to back down from a fight. So when he’s hired to find some cattle rustlers, he goes out on his own without his beloved Horsemen brothers to solve the mystery. Rescuing Damaris, the nearby neighbor, from a cellar, and her nursing him after he is brutally attacked takes him on a journey where he learns the true meaning of love and home.
I loved the romance between Damaris and Luke. Watching both of them grow and change was enjoyable and inspiring. I adored Luke! He’s never had a real home. Enduring turmoil, anger, and violence, he escaped at a young age only to fight in brutal battles in the army. He doesn’t feel worthy of love, until he meets Damaris. I loved the way he treats Damaris and really listens to her. While not the most physically attractive woman, she has all the things that matter most and that Luke longs for.
Damaris often feels invisible and insignificant. When Luke comes into her life, he really “sees” her and appreciates her many talents (other than cooking) and her ability to make him feel the love of home and family. It was fun seeing her become more bold and daring after she meets Luke. Damaris’ nephew Nathaniel is a troubled 14 year old boy who’s lost his father and mother. Still angry over his father’s death, Nate feels that steadying hand from Luke he so desperately needs which Damaris has struggled to provide. I loved watching these three become a real family.
Along with the heartfelt romance, there’s a mystery to be solved and danger is never far behind. Not only are there cattle rustlers, but someone is after Damaris’ and Nathaniel’s land and is willing to kill to get it. As Luke continues to heal, he vows to do everything in his power to keep them safe, but will his efforts be enough?
This story had me hurriedly flipping those pages to see what happens next. The villains are particularly nasty. Fans of historical romance, especially westerns, will love this! I enjoyed the spiritual messages subtly woven in to this romantic, action-filled story. The characters are endearing and it was fun to see all the Horsemen together again and also Dr. Jo! It can definitely be read as a standalone, but those who have read the previous books in the series will especially enjoy this! Highly recommend! Thanks to the author and publisher for a complimentary advanced copy of the book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.