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 … 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.
more
So, so good. I loved the plot and characters. Well done. I can’t wait for the second book in June!!!
Oh, I love Hanger’s Horsemen! What a great bunch of guys Karen Witemeyer created for this series, and I can’t wait for more. The heroine for Matt, the leader of the group, is perfect, witty, and brave while the storyline is an action-packed adventure. I love how everything is tied up well with a solid transition but not end to the group and relationships are healing yet not perfect, but I can’t wait to see what is in store for the rest of the guys.
I couldn’t help but think of Matthew Hanger as a bit of a Matt Dillon hero. I loved him right from the start! And when he meets Doctor Joe? Priceless! Karen Witemeyer always draws me in to her westerns with her wit and swoon-worthy cowboys. And her heroines are always ready to save themselves, although they usually let the hero help in the end. Ha! I love that this series follows a group of men who travel wherever they’re needed to protect folks. Great start to a new series and I’ll look forward to the next one!
I loved this book. Loved the banter between the characters and it was a very interesting story that kept me entertained. First book I’ve read by this author but won’t be the last.
Karen Witemeyer has a new series, and the first book in Hanger’s Horsemen, At Love’s Command, bodes well for its success. Of course, it’s well worth picking up the book just to stare at that gorgeous cover.
After the massacre at Wounded Knee, Army Captain Matthew Hanger tries to atone for his failure by leading a team of benevolent mercenaries made up of a handful of men under his command. Think a Texas, 1890s version of the A-Team.
When one of his men needs a doctor, he’s pointed to the nearest town and to “Dr. Joe,” who turns out to be Dr. Jo(sephine) Burkett. Spoiler – sort of: It’s pretty much love at first sight, which was my only negative. The story contains a much higher percentage of action than romance, so I found their “love” to be more practical/believable if termed as intense attraction.
Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced, exciting story. Matthew is smart and brave, yet he isn’t overbearing. Jo is confident and loyal, even when the latter isn’t deserved.
I give At Love’s Command a hearty thumbs up and 4.8 stars.
Another winner from Karen Witemeyer! Set in Texas in the 1890’s, At Love’s Command follows the adventures of four ex-cavalrymen turned benevolent mercenaries, Hanger’s Horsemen, whose mission in the author’s words is “protecting the innocent and righting wrongs.” The well-crafted, action-packed plot flows at a fitting pace with a few surprises along the way. The characters are well-developed, believable, and memorable. The comradery of the men demonstrated by humorous banter, teasing, and fierce loyalty and the sweet romance between Captain Matthew Hanger and Dr. Josephine “Josie” Burkett add to the depth and enjoyment of the read. Historical detail evidencing extensive research and expressive, descriptive language puts you at the scene! The strong faith element including scripture and spiritual truths of God’s providence in the lives of the Horsemen is woven beautifully into the narrative. This is one of the best books I have read this year, and I highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This is a clean, wholesome story. It has romance and action.
What first drew me to Karen Witemeyer’s novels is her excellent character development and the way she incorporates romance and adventure with a touch of wit. She’s becoming one of my go-to authors. Can’t wait for the next book in the Hanger’s Horsemen series. I highly recommend all of her books.
This is book one in the Hanger’s Horsemen series. I look forward to reading more from this series. Karen Witemeyer has a fun, spunky, detailed writing style. If you enjoy historical romance books you will like this one.
We are introduced to Hanger’s horsemen in this book with the main focus being on Capitan Matthew Hanger. When Matthew meets the beautiful independent Dr. Josephine Burkett their worlds are forever changed.
I was given a complementary copy of this book for my honest opinion.
Best book I’ve read in a long time. I would highly recommend it! You won’t regret it.
At Love’s Command
Hanger’s Horsemen #1
By Karen Witemeyer
Matthew Hanger and his men are ex-cavalry and they have survived the horrors of war. Together they are known as Hanger’s Horsemen and they hire themselves out to help the innocent when Texas’s lawless run rampant. They have been hired to stop rustlers who are causing no end of grief in Purgatory Springs. But when one of his men takes a bullet Matthew knows help must be swiftly procured.
Fortunately for Hanger’s Horsemen, Purgatory has Dr. Joe practicing. What Matthew didn’t expect was Dr. Joe to be a beautiful, stubborn woman. But Dr. Josephine Burkett is more than competent in her work at saving Wallace’s life. And he never expected anyone to touch his heart the way Josephine Burkett has done.
The rustlers, that the Horsemen have been hired to stop, aren’t about stop anytime soon. Worse they seem intent on taking down the Burkett family. Josephine’s brother Charlie is taken by the rustlers and a ransom is demanded of their father. Josephine turns to Matt and his men to help her bring her brother home. When their rescue goes wrong, Matthew is left with a decision that he never thought he’d be in – one that finds his head and heart at odds with one another.
At Love’s Command is the first book in a new series by Karen Witemeyer. This book is a historical romance and is set in 1890s Texas. The writing is excellent as the characters have several facets that make them more than mere words upon the page. The pacing is good, no lagging so interest never wavers. There is a little violence but overall I would say that this is a gentle, clean read. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and wouldn’t mind making a return trip to visit with them again in the future.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion all thoughts expressed are my own.
I’m a fan of those larger-than-life cowboy hero types, and this book sure delivered! Adventure, danger, romance, and subtle humor set in the rustic western wilderness. Matthew and Josephine are an interesting couple, and despite their very different backgrounds, they share some important things in common. They have compassion for others, keep calm under pressure, and have the determination to accomplish what they set out to do. Josephine’s very proper and intelligent manner of speech took a little getting used to, but it quickly became an endearing mannerism in Matthew’s eyes. They are quick to admire each other in their intense circumstances, and I enjoyed reading as they worked together to save her brother from the unsavory characters he has fallen in with… and from himself. Matthew’s crew of Hanger’s Horsemen has a variety of characters and I’m looking forward to more adventures with them!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Matthew Hanger does not see himself as a hero. Thirty-seven years old, he gave up army life after failing to be able to prevent a massacre at Wounded Knee Creek and feeling sick about it. With three of his closest buddies, he becomes the leader of Hanger’s Horsemen, seeking to help those in need of justice and becoming legends in the process. Doctor Josephine Burkett is twenty-eight and has worked hard to establish a practice in a world where a woman doctor is a novelty. Intelligent, spunky, and confident, she’s come to be content with her singleness, finding satisfaction in her medical career. Then she meets the Horsemen. Neither Matt or Jo is looking for romance, but when he starts calling her Josie, I knew he was a goner. Though he is a bit rough around the edges and a man of few words, he chooses them wisely and speaks from the heart. He is a man of great character and one who can be depended on. I also liked the rest of Hanger’s Horsemen: Mark Wallace, the charmer who is the youngest of the group and whose injury necessitated their meeting Dr. Jo; Jonah Brooks, the keen-eyed sharpshooter who is slow to accept others but loyal to his brother Horsemen; and big man Luke Davenport, also known as “Preach” who always has an appropriate Bible verse for each situation and whose eyes dance with laughter at times. I liked that the faith of the characters was normal and real, not at all contrived just because the book is Christian fiction. Karen Witemeyer’s books always make me smile. I am delighted that this is the first book in a series. I’m very much looking forward to reading more books about these men and Dr. Jo.
At Love’s Command first grabbed my attention with its cover. After all what red blooded girl can resist a handsome cowboy and his horse? My familiarity with previous books from Karen Witemeyer sealed the deal for me. I have enjoyed each and every one of the books I’ve read by this author and have found them to be the perfect blend of action, danger, humor, romance, and faith, almost always with a western setting. And I do love a good historical western romance.
I am quite happy to say that At Love’s Command thoroughly met my expectations. In fact it may have been Witemeyer’s best book yet (and I have loved most of them). With a strong and determined lady doctor, Josephine Burkett and one of the manliest heroes yet, Matthew Hanger, this book took me on an unforgettable adventure where the unexpected lurked around every corner. Any example would give away too much and possibly ruin the fun for other readers.
Josephine and Matthew were the perfect pair, both giving as good as they could take and the dialogue between them was witty and near perfect in my opinion. I loved how protective Matthew was toward Josephine although for the most part she was pretty capable of taking care of herself. I also enjoyed getting to know other members of Hanger’s Horsemen and look forward to read their own stories in future installments.
If you enjoy a good historical western romance, do not delay in grabbing a copy of At Love’s Command for yourself. I do not think you will be sorry.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
Matthew Hanger may have been a hard-fighting cavalry officer in the later 1800s, but he has a caring heart and a solid urge to do what’s right. When he meets up with Dr. Josephine Burkett in a Texas town, the course of his life is changed. This exciting tale has an Old West flavor, with horses playing a vital role. Of course, there are gun fights, but the author focuses more on the compelling characters than on the blood and injuries. Several characters learn lessons about overcoming their troubled pasts by the time the fast-paced story winds down. I think this intriguing novel may be one of the author’s best. If you love historical fiction, you won’t want to miss this. I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Karen Witemeyer can be counted on for several hours of enjoyable historical fiction. At Love’s Command, #1 Hanger’s Horsemen, is no exception. Captain Matthew Hanger and 3 other men are so disillusioned with the atrocities of victory at Wounded Knee (1890) that they leave the military and join to form a vigilante service to solve crimes the local lawmen can’t. But this group, Hanger’s Horsemen, agrees not to use their guns to kill unless absolutely necessary.
This is the story of how Matt Hanger and Josephine Burkett meet. This novel proves that adage, “There’s somebody for everyone.”
Matthew seems so grief and conscience-stricken that he is only able to be a commanding military figure, kind and caring to his comrades, but otherwise without emotions or entanglements. He just isn’t the type to go soft in the head over some female.
It takes someone like Jo who isn’t cowed by his “I’m in-charge” demeanor, but who is also abundantly capable in her field to catch his attention. While I appreciated Matt’s growing admiration for Jo, I felt like her lack of listening to him at times could have been downright dangerous. I wanted her to respect him a little more in his area of expertise. Just my opinion.
I look forward to reading the stories of the other Horsemen, but especially Jonah, who is a man of color. He already promises to be a very unique and interesting person, who might educate a few of us.
Another point of interest in the novel for me is the faith element. It is an integral part, without being drawn-out or preachy. Just shown as the basis for life.
Redemption and growing up are also themes of this book, thank goodness. Our God is a God of second chances, but sometimes it is hard to know if you dare trust a promise-breaker again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. These are my own thoughts, voluntarily submitted.
I love Karen’s books and have been a fan for many years. But most of all, I love the redemptive stories she writes. None of us are perfect, we ALL have things in our past that we regret, cringe over, or wish we could erase. Forgiveness and redemption are beautiful and Karen portrays these with skill and humility. The hero – Matthew – has quite the redemptive story here and I highly recommend this book!
This is a series that I look forward to reading. The problem is that this is the first book and I have to wait for the next installment.
Matthew Hanger is a great character. He has a strong sense of loyalty and right vs. wrong. He knows how it feels to follow orders when they are against his character and convictions. I loved how he took the sorrow and the shame and turned it around to fight for those who are in need of a hired mercenary. The good thing is that he’s a mercenary with a conscience. He does not shoot to kill, just shoot to stop. His band is made up of men with integrity, that is the reason that you can’t help but love them.
Doc “Jo” is a woman Dr in the frontier (yay)! She is not afraid to help those in need and chase down the men who are holding her wayward brother for ransom. She is also a woman of compassion and faith. <3
This novel is so much fun to read.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Hanger’s Horsemen are motivated, haunted, and united by the tragedy that brought them together. These chivalrous knights of Texas follow a high code of honor, justice, and mercy. Matthew Hanger is a natural leader and driven protector with sacrifice and loyalty running through his veins.
I adore Dr. Josephine Burkett’s spunk and determination. Excelling in a profession dominated by men requires plenty of both. Her relationships with the men in her life are plenty complicated but it’s hilariously obvious that she is completely unprepared for a distraction from her single-minded professional focus.
Loaded with witty banter, a clever action-packed chain of events, and of course, plenty of shootouts, At Love’s Command is quite possibly my favorite Karen Witemeyer story yet and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
At Love’s Command kicks off Karen Witemeyer’s new Hanger’s Horsemen series. The novel certainly felt like a Western with the outlaws, shootings, and amazing heroes. In between the action and suspense, the story was peppered with bits of humor, spiritual lessons, and witty banter between Josie and Matthew. Unfortunately, I had a hard time engaging with the story. It didn’t hold my attention the way I expected it to. As I pondered why, I realized it came down to several situations and attitudes that worked out conveniently well for the characters and lacked natural repercussions. Not every situation fell under the “too-easy” umbrella and I appreciated the themes about trusting God and surrendering to His will.
I’ve expressed my thoughts, but I recognize that some readers may be looking for a lighter read and will find At Love’s Command enjoyable. It is likely the novel will appeal to readers who have previously enjoyed Karen Witemeyer’s stories.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.