Meet Luke and Damaris

by

In Honor’s Defense has officially released, and I’m so excited to introduce you to Luke Davenport and Damaris Baxter. If you’ve read the previous books in the Hanger’s Horsemen series, you will be familiar with Luke “Preach” Davenport. He’s the largest of the four, good with his fists, and deadly with a sword. He can quote scripture at the drop of hat, which is what earned him his nickname, yet there is a wildness inside him that drives him to seek danger. So when the rest of the Horsemen become domesticated family men, he’s left feeling on the outside.

When the brother of an old army buddy writes to ask for the Horsemen’s aid, Luke answers the call on his own, eager for a distraction and for the opportunity to feel useful again. He arrives in Madisonville, TX ready to curtail a gang of rustlers and ends up embroiled in a murder plot. His loyalties are tested when he meets an angry young boy with all the trouble-making tendencies he’d had himself at that age. Yet it’s the boy’s aunt who poses the most danger. Quiet and stealthy, she just might find a way to steal his heart.

Luke is a warrior, so when I first started looking for inspiration photos, I didn’t turn to Hollywood, I turned to the NFL. I based Preach’s appearance on a pair of football players–one from my generation (Howie Long) and one who is playing today (J.J. Watt).

I love strong, feisty heroines, yet I believe there are different types of strength. Damaris Baxter has a quieter strength. She’s introverted and shy, content to be invisible in most situations, yet she has a steel core when it comes to family. She will never give up on them and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe and heal their emotional wounds. When her brother dies unexpectedly, she travels to Texas to care for her nephew and does things for which she never thought herself capable.

Of all the heroines I have written, Damaris Baxter most mirrors my true self. She likes nothing more than to hide herself away with a book or a bit of needlework, my two favorite hobbies. Yet she is a nurturer at heart, and is just the woman our hero needs. Luke looks like a mountain of a man from the outside—tall, muscular, good in a fight—yet deep down he carries hidden vulnerabilities that convince him he is not worthy of being loved or having a family. Damaris is timid on the outside, but she is an emotional lioness. The two fit together perfectly, each having what the other needs to be whole.

Luke and Damaris seem to be stark opposites—he an adventure-seeking soldier used to solving problems with guns and fists; she a quiet, proper lady used to escaping problems with books and needlework—nevertheless, they share several core commonalities. They both seek belonging and family, they’re both grounded in faith, and they both have a strong, protective instinct toward those they care about. This core common ground is what serves as the foundation for their relationship.

Do you enjoy stories where opposites attract?

Do you relate more to:
Luke (a little wild, take charge, tough on the outside, soft on the inside, protective)
or
Damaris (quiet, bookish, nurturing, with an emotional strength others lean on)

Grab your copy of In Honor’s Defense today!

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40 thoughts on “Meet Luke and Damaris”

  1. I do like stories where opposites attract if they make sense as a couple. I’ve only read a few where they don’t, and this one sounds great.

    • Thanks, Janice! Having opposites usually makes for some fun banter and early sparks, but I agree that they have to make sense as a couple for the long term. Hope you get to enjoy Luke and Damaris!

  5. Karen, this is an intriguing premise. I love “opposites attract” stories.
    Jenna Coleman would make a perfect Demaris.

  6. Yes, I love opposite attract stories. The most awkward situations occur. So happy your book release day has arrived. Congratulations on a wonderful series.

    • Thank you, Kathy. Those opposites add some extra sparks, don’t they? I also find, at least in my mind, that they secretly admire the qualities the other possesses that are lacking in themselves, which adds the the long-term sustainability of the relationship.

  8. Oh, Luke and Damaris are wonderful characters, Karen! Multi-layered and conflicted and yes, quite opposite. Wow. Love, love.

    Congrats on the new release. I know it will do well for you!

  9. congratulations. I can relate more with Damaris. this sounds like such a wonderful book

  10. I do like reading books where opposites attract. I am also more like Damaris. Congrats on your new book, sounds like a great read!

  11. Even though I am a woman that loves God and where he has me.lol I am definitely more like Luke. It is so funny, but my husband is more more like Damaris. He stays to himself, and I like adventure and ready for action, but we both have a protective streak when it comes to family. So I love books that have opposites attract.

  12. This book was soooo good!! I can relate to Damaris, for sure! I’m going to hold you to a future book with Abner and Rawley, though!! I need more of Rawley! I can picture him as great hero, since he’s already showing signs in the books!!

    • I love it, Trudy! I can’t guarantee that future book will happen, but I’m certainly not ruling it out, either. What a fun one it would be. You never know. 🙂

  13. I would say I am a mix of both. I have the fire to tackle and the quietness to sit and listen. So excited for this book.

  15. I would have to relate more to Luke as in a number of ways he is nearly the image of my husband. He has never fought with a sword but the other attributes are very close. Generally I would tend to lean towards this type of man. Life can be very interesting when you do.

  16. Your book sounds like a great read, I love to read when opposites attract. I lean more towards Damaris. Thank you for sharing about your book and your book characters, Luke and Damaris.

  18. I can be either. I enjoy being by myself and reading, doing puzzles, etc. I am exhausted after legal cases, conferences, and ither social gatherings. At the end of the day I can’t wait to unwind. I’m also known for taking charge, dealing with emergencies (worked on the ambulance, in ERs, fire departments, etc. for about 5 years), those who know me know I’m a bulldog when it comes to enforcement, protection, and caring for coworkers, our organization, my beliefs, my friends, and my family. I am a very assertive, protective introvert.

    My parents are complementary. They really seem like two pieces that fit together to make a whole. I hope someday for something like that. I’d love to someday find a piece that makes me more whole. Excited to read the book. I literally own all of your books, and most in multiple formats. Love uplifting books after a stressful day. Good luck and thank you.

    • You definitely sound a lot like Luke, Kristen. With a touch of Damaris. When I go to writing conferences, I usually pay extra to have a room to myself because as much as I love connected with friends and business associates, I just need that quiet place to be alone to decompress. So I completely get where you are coming from. Thank you so much for being such a loyal reader!

  19. Happy book birthday!. Yes, I like it when opposites attract. I would say, I am more team Damaris. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.

  20. I have always been like Damaris but over the years have developed the qualities of Luke. I am now a good mix of both.
    Congratulations on your book release. There is now another wonderful series to binge read.

    • I know what you mean, Patricia. I’ve had to force myself out of my introverted shell over the years in order to be successful in work and writing. I think it’s good for us to stretch ourselves and break out of our comfort zones every now and then. Enjoy binging the Horsemen! 🙂

  21. I’m definitely more like Damaris. Very bookish and quiet.
    Loved this story! Excellent reading!

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