Book 1 Hanger’s Horsemen Series
Synopsis
Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger’s Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler’s bullet leaves one of them at death’s door, they’re the ones in need of saving.
Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she’s not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger’s dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine’s respect, and when she hears of her brother’s abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.
Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything–even his team–to save her.
Details
- Title: At Love’s Command
My Thoughts
If you’re like me, it’s nice to know that the first book in a new series is a stand-alone with all loose ends tied up. This is a complete story, yet after reading it you will want to read the next.
When Matt takes one of his men to be treated by the closest doctor, he’s completely surprised to find that Doctor Jo is a Josephine, not a male. And Josephine quickly catches his eye when she proves to be different than the other ladies that he’s familiar with. She has a mind of her own and isn’t afraid to share it.
When she finds out that Matt is part of the Hanger’s Horseman. She seeks his help in freeing her brother from his kidnappers. But that’s not the end, she insists on coming with the group. But not just any group, this is a group of men dedicated to doing good without killing. Yes, they have to use guns, but they don’t shoot to kill.
So we’re set up with a little romance, some good guys and western villains, and a few surprises in between. Things that make up a good book.
What Concerned Me
Nothing about this book was a concern.
What I Liked Best
Each one of the characters was more than a name, they felt like people to grow with and care about.
- Jonah Brooks was a buffalo soldier with the 10th Cavalry that served with Matt on numerous reconnaissance missions when stealth had been required. He had a talent for making himself invisible and was a great marksman.
- Luke Davenport, better known as Preach, was a corporal who had been with Matt for nearly a decade. He was known for hand-to-hand combat and was the best swordsman Matt had ever seen. Luke was always quoting Scripture which earned him the name Preach. His Scripture was always fitting and seemed to help keep the group grounded.
- Mark Wallace came to Matt as a flamboyant kid with a talent for horsemanship and a reckless craving for adventure. But with Matt’s guidance, Mark became a man that they depended on.
- Matt Hanger was sick of war, though he’d been the captain of the 7th Cavalry, training men only to watch them fall on the battlefield was more than concerning. Sick of right and wrong blurring into a muddy mess until he no longer knew on which side he stood, he founded Hanger’s Horsemen. A famed foursome who took on problems the law either couldn’t or wouldn’t handle.
- Dr. Josephine Burkett is a special woman who knows who she is and isn’t afraid to be herself.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and there were times that I couldn’t turn pages fast enough. I would easily follow this series due to the good writing and believable cast of characters.
My thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for this book and the ability to post a review of my opinion of this story.
Rating
About the Author
Karen Witemeyer (www.karenwitemeyer.com) offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.
