In Honor's Defense (#03 in Hanger's Horsemen Series)

I absolutely loved this book and it certainly did the rest of the series justice! I imagine this is the last book of a trilogy and it wound up nicely with the last of the horsemen finally settling down. It had the perfect meet cute in a spinster aunt being locked into a cellar by a very mischievious nephew, acting out on this occasion and many others after his father's untimely and suspicious death. Mystery abounds in this book as Luke Davenport works to uncover who is behind the cattle rustling and suspicious murder of Nate's father. I loved how Luke was the perfect role model for Nate (nephew) as he had had a similar troubled past. I also loved the strength and gumption of Damaris, Luke's perfect match!

I saved this book for a special day, and I wasn't disappointed when I started to read it. When of my favourite heroes that Karen writes are the quiet, tortured ones. This book had that, but the girl's character was also quiet and unsure. That wasn't Karen's usual combination, and I liked how they brought out the good in each other. Damaris is from the east and comes west to look after her nephew. Things don't go nearly as smoothly as she thought. First of all, the nephew is a teenager, angry and bitter and doesn't want her there. I loved the interaction between all three, Luke, Damaris, and the nephew. I missed that this book didn't have all the gang get together again. The captain shows up for a little while, but I missed having the other guys come. That being said, I didn't enjoy the epilogue when everyone is together again. That seemed to spring more questions rather than wrapping up the story, but to each their own. I enjoyed the rest of the story. If you have a problem with knife fights and blood, this might not be the story for you. There was a bit of that going on. But if you like quiet cowboys who bring out the best in quiet city girls and are kind to teenage boys who need some guidance with lots of 'who is the bad guy sabotaging everything', then you'll like this book.

This was a hard book to put down. I loved Damaris and her caring heart immediately. I loved her perseverance and passion. I loved following Luke's journey too as he really desires to serve too. It is a sweet relationship between them but a powerful journey for Luke, Damaris and Nate as they find their confidence in God and who he has made each of them to be. A really beautiful and satisfying third book of the series