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Everything is a lie.

Sam has spent the last six months sorting through plots against the people she cares for most. Learning who to trust—and who to kill. And just when she thought she had it all figured out, the good guys separated from the bad, her world is upended.

Ea’s vessel has been revealed.

The equinox is coming.

Sam knows it’s up to her to stop what’s coming—and who is bringing it. If she doesn’t, the goddess inside her will take over, erasing what’s left of Sam’s sense of self. In fact, Hina’s already struggling for dominance.

But how can Sam possibly battle evil itself when her heartbreak is so great she can’t even heal Alex when he needs her most? Sam needs time. And time is the one thing she doesn’t have.

Alex is struggling to heal and to help Sam stay grounded. But he’s got his own mystery to solve. A secret about himself and his past that he doesn’t even know exists. Together, they’ll battle demons inside and out.

Alex isn’t who he thinks he is. Sam isn’t the only one who was chosen.

301 pages, ebook

Published July 13, 2017

121 people are currently reading
135 people want to read

About the author

Heather Hildenbrand

175 books1,443 followers
Heather Hildenbrand lives in coastal Virginia where she writes paranormal and fantasy romance with strong-willed heroines and dark, grumpy heroes who’ll burn the world down for their mate. Her most frequent hobbies are cuddling with her giant goldendoodles, riding country roads on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, and avoiding killer slugs.

You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com.

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5 stars
133 (61%)
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58 (26%)
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22 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews52 followers
August 31, 2017
Defiance (Heart Lines Series Book 5) by Heather Hildenbrand DEFIANCE by Heather Hildenbrand is an exciting addition to the Heart Lines Series. Sam’s story continues where book 4, IMBALANCE left off.  Sam discovered who Ea’s vessel is.  She is fighting over control of Hina and needs to prepare for the equinox.  Meanwhile, we discover what Alex’s role is in these events.  This contemporary urban fantasy is suitable for new adults.
 
DEFIANCE is thrilling and full of twists.  Alex and Sam have numerous trials and tribulations to overcome.  They discover interesting facts.  They learn things about themselves.  They face more than anyone should have to.   They are strong characters that you cannot help but like and admire. 
 
Heather Hildenbrand does an amazing job keeping this series fresh, exciting and believable.  She is a creative story teller and skilled writer.  I am highly anticipating book six, EMERGENCE.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nisareen.
458 reviews13 followers
January 18, 2020
“Sam has a great power inside her, but she hasn’t harnessed it. The goddesss is taking her over. Eventually, Sam will disappear. Unless the ceremony is performed.”

Sam and a wounded Alex escape and seek refuge with Jin, who helps to remove the bullet inflicted by RJ/Ea. As a result of the chaos and betrayal of the last 24 hours, a part of Sam has shut down and withdrawn into herself and Hina is dominant. Jin warns Alex that Sam’s power is unstable and unless they perform the ceremony that will root Sam and merge her magical side to her human self, she will lose herself when Hina emerges.

With the loss of Indra, his acolyte, RJ must now merge with Ea and intends to use an energy point, Mount Shasta, to do so. Time is now of the essence for Sam.

With CHAS compromised, Edie returns and off the record, provides a safe house for Sam and Alex to reunite with the rest of the gang in Half Moon. They are shocked to find Koby in a trance and Brittany explains that its Sushna’s doing. Apparently, Indra survived the shooting and the Witherer showed up at the hospital, offering to broker a deal with CHAS for the return of her daughter. In return for information on Ea, Cordelia agreed to hand Indra over. Sushna cunningly locked the information inside Koby who hasn’t ate, slept or spoken a word since that night. Sushna’s parting shot was that only the goddess could access the information.

Shocking revelations come to light when Sam accesses Koby’s mind. Sam sees a vision of RJ, killing his family in a blood sacrifice to Ea. More importantly however, she sees the fateful meeting between Alex and his mother with Sushna. Koby regains his senses once Sam completes her task but Sam must now reveal to Alex what she saw in her vision of his mother.

“Your mother didn’t die from over or under using magic, Alex. She sacrificed herself in order to allow someone else’s merge to occur. Yours.”

Alex is stunned to learn that he has magic but has no inkling of what those abilities are. Realising the answers lie with Sushna, Sam and Alex confront her. Sushna offers to provide answers in return for them taking Indra back with them. Alex is reluctant to do so but Sam agrees. Sushna reveals how his mother knew about the upcoming war between Ea and Hina. That Sushna had offered her great power in return for Alex but that she turned her down. When Sushna set out to kill her, she sacrificed herself to protect Alex which in turn led to Alex’s own merging. Alex’s blood is a conductor that will temper Sam’s merge and stop her from being lost.

When RJ puts a spoke in their plans to use witches to help Sam to merge, Alex turns to an unlikely ally for help - Indra. Indra agrees to help but at a price, that Alex kill her or allow her to die when they don’t need her anymore. Alex agrees but can Indra be trusted or is this another trap laid by Sushna?

Defiance is the fifth and penultimate instalment of the Heart Lines series. This was the most intense instalment of the series so far and the most important in terms of plot development. Defiance picks up after the events of Imbalance in which RJ was revealed to be Ea’s vessel. CHAS descended on the scene and captured Brittany and Breck. RJ shot Alex as he tried to get away with Sam. Luckily Safar intervened and helped them get away from RJ. Sam and Alex turn to Jin for sanctuary and as Sam’s powers become increasingly unstable, they find themselves in a race against time to merge her magical self with her human self.

Alex’s past, his mother’s sacrifice and the nefarious attempts by Sushna to kill him over the years came as shock, as did the revelation that Alex has magic in his blood. However, it did go a long way to explain how he was able to survive two venomous werewolf infections. The character development between Sam and Alex was exceptional in this instalment. Sam in particular, despite her turmoil at the start, finally makes peace and puts her trust in Hina prior to the merging ceremony. She even leaves letters for her friends in case she doesn’t make it.

Indra’s character has intrigued me the most from the start. Complex, charismatic, the perfect villainess but it was in this instalment that she really shined. Her scenes with Alex were powerful and resonated with me on an emotional level.

This was a solid addition to the series and due to the emotions inflicted as a result of the death of a character and the way it was written, its my favourite instalment so far. The author has set the scene nicely for the final instalment of the series and it promises to be spectacular.

I received an advanced free audible copy of Defiance that was narrated by Kelly Pruner who made it easy to differentiate between the different characters.
Profile Image for Charlotte Lynn.
2,231 reviews62 followers
July 17, 2017
Sometimes a series can get dragged on too long…. The Heart Line Series should go on forever. This is book 5 in a series that must be read in order and each book is equally amazing. Heather Hildenbrand is phenomenal. The characters are fun, entertaining, and wonderful. I need to know what happens with Sam and Alex. I am invested in the characters and the storyline.

Defiance picks up exactly where the last book, Imbalance, left off. Sam and Alex have been attacked, are running away from EA, and Hina is becoming stronger. The paranormal aspect is amazing, yet believable. I like that most of the characters are trying to live a normal life yet have special powers that keep them from truly being normal. It is also wonderful how much these characters protect each other. Even when the world is against them they work together to keep everyone safe.


I love that there is no lap in time between books. The storyline continues and the books are release in a reasonable timeframe. This is a series that has to be read in order and I definitely recommend starting with book 1 and moving right along. The good news is the first 5 are available now so you can binge read them all.

Thank you Heather Hildenbrand for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lizzy.
202 reviews
May 7, 2024
Time for the showdown? Nope, not yet.

The more time that passes, the more Sam stresses that she's not going to be able to heal the wolves after all. Hina is slowly taking over and Sam doesn't know if she'll be able to hold her back much longer. Alex is trying to help but the more time that passes the more he thinks he's out of his depths. Going for help brings the two to Gin's door. Someone Alex visited as a child with his mom. And now he's back with more questions he hopes Gin answers. But it's not Gin that's their saving grace. There they meet Safar, who helps them heal and gives them hope. She has unique gifts that she can use to help Sam with the merge. Just as Sam and Alex think they have a handle on the situation, they get thrown for a loop again and have to rely on someone neither one trusts and Alex despises. But in the end, it's her that has the power to turn the tide, if Alex can keep his promise. With the showdown looming and the merge on the horizon, it's time for Sam to get it together. The end is a stunning combination of love, trust, and magic. With a twist. I enjoyed this so much, that I recommend it wholeheartedly. Can't wait for the conclusion, so on to the next story. Enjoy!
482 reviews7 followers
July 14, 2017
Defiance is the fifth book in the Heart Lines series by Heather Hildenbrand and it's another great read. It starts right off from where book four ended and we get swept straight back into the story like we've never been away. I'm loving this about the series, it's very easy to get caught up in the story and feel like you're there. Heather Hildenbrand is great at describing her characters and places that I can easily visualise it all and feel part of the characters lives.
Throughout this series so far the author has really pulled at my emotions. This book was no different and I felt that the action was ramped up a notch, ready for the finale in what I'm suspecting will be the next and last book in the series. I've grown to love the characters in these books but I'm looking forward to them finally being able to reach their conclusion and get the ending they need.
This is another five star read for me from this author and I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing all the loose ends tied up. A recommended read from me.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
July 13, 2017
Somewhere along the line I thought how in the world will this author keep this going for 5 plus books and have the story be strong, well needless to say from the ranking she has succeeding in not only keeping it steady but stepping up her game. The story is solid, with the twist and turns the betrayals and the lies and half truths man this author has skillfully put it all together and it works. Dang it it works so well.

You can't put the book down because you will miss something forget the fact that it wont advance without you it just feels like you can't stop, even though I did want to throw a rock at Alex's head at one point and say 'duh'. Yes there are some bone chilling moments and yes just some of normalcy but it all works. Awesome sauce I can't wait to see what she pulls out what must be the final book I can hardly wait.
Profile Image for Tabi Ann.
1,102 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2017
Another Must Read

Another wonderful rollercoaster ride leaving you screaming the next book will be out when again? You want to read these books because you enjoy andventure and you want to see the bad guys lose and the good guys win. But who are the good ones and who are the bad. The whole ride threw this series it leaves you guessing.

But you continue to read because you love the guessing game. You want to see if you can figure it out. Is this person going to help us or stab us in the back? This books leaves you guessing until the end. One emotional ride that you will love, I guarantee. Bring along the Kleenex and the popcorn and prepare for a sleepless night cause you won't want to put it down.

Until Next Time... Tabi
Profile Image for Courtney (Bookish Blonde Barista).
621 reviews
July 14, 2017
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
Another great book from the amazing Heather Hildenbrand. This is one of those books that you will not want to set down once you start reading so prepare to be smitten with Alex and Sam once again.
I am so in love with this series! Ugh finally Alex and Sam are back together and yet they somehow get some alone time in. Ugh (heart fluttering). Then they have the go go go parts which is most of this book as there is not much time before the equinox. OMG! The ending was great not a huge cliff hanger per say, but you still want to know what will happen next!
If you have not started the Heart Lines Series yet, I highly recommend you start it now! Don't tell Heather but I like this series more than the Dirty Blood Series.
Profile Image for Kelly Mccurdy.
899 reviews38 followers
August 30, 2017
~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~

Just when you think a series can't get any better, Heather decides to say challenge accepted! This series is getting better and better with every installment! I don't think I had any fingernails left after I was finished reading this book. Sam knows what she has to do, but there is something missing. Alex has secrets that he really doesn't know about. The continuation of this series is ramping up for something huge!!

I don't know who would be able to put this book down. I know I couldn't! From start to finish I was enthralled and captivated. The only time I put down this book was when I was completely finished. I didn't want it to end!
Profile Image for Michelle Clem.
73 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2024
Speechless!😶

This book was pure power all the way thru!! If you haven’t read the previous books, you’re gonna be pretty lost cuz there’s a LOT that goes into this epic tale. The author has truly painted a masterpiece…to that, I say, “Well done, Ms. Hildenbrand!” And “Thank you” for this gem of a series!! I believe there is one left, which has my heart aching already for the hole these characters and this story will leave. But that’s how you know it’s a helluva good book/series. Thanks for keeping me on the edge of my seat while I laugh, cry and have mild anxiety over how things will come together!! I hope you enjoy this book, this series, as much as I have!!
Profile Image for Fawn Michaels.
Author 2 books9 followers
July 8, 2017
Ahh!!! So much happening!!! Its unreal!!! Between Sam and Alex being on the run, meeting back up with Breck and the gang! Everything in between and after ohmylanta!!!! Craziness!!!!! I absolutely love this book and this whole series is mind blowing amazing, awesome sauce!!! I can't wait to read the next book!!! I need it like yesterday!!! OHMIGOD!!!! Heather you are absolutely brilliant!!! Thank you for letting me be apart of your team and to be able to experience this epicness of goodness!!!!


I voluntarily agreed to read this book and this is my honest review!!!
Profile Image for Heather De Los Reyes.
429 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2017
These suspense books kill me!!!

The end of the last book nearly did me in but oh man the suspense she put us through at the beginning of this one was so so good! As always the author's writing is amazing and so perfectly descriptive. She allows me to put faces and places to her words. I can get lost in her books and this series has been an adventure. Things are really heating up in this book, trying to figure out Ea and Sam losing her magic was an interesting twist. This book is exciting, and so completely worth reading!
234 reviews
December 19, 2017
My Goodness, this has been such an awesome series.

You never know who is good, who is bad or even who should be bad but are actually good!

I have loved the whole series and this just caps it off.

It keeps you on your toes AND guessing the whole way through. Just when you think you know what is next....Wrong, Terrific.

Heather Hildenbrand has done an amazing job here. I just can't imagine how hard it is to write a 5 book series AND still keep you guessing the whole way!

I can't wait to find out what is next from this author.
Profile Image for April.
3,185 reviews14 followers
January 8, 2020
Sam needs to merge with Hina or lose herself possibly forever. She and Alex are together on the run from CHAS. They get help from Jin, Safar, Harold, Brittany and Breck.
There isn’t a huge amount of forward progress for the series, but Sam does figure out the merge in spite of obstacles.
I do like this series, but I have two problems with it - language in the form of the F word when other descriptors are present and describe the situation just fine and the lack of progress. I’m not sure this series needed six books.
Profile Image for Wendy Thorpe.
97 reviews22 followers
July 13, 2017
This is my second favorite book in this series. Heather is a phenomenal writer and this book really shows her talent as a writer. She is weaving this series so well I can see many new books coming from the series. The characters are so exciting, frustrating and loveable.  The action and twists are wonderful. This is a 10 star read. I can't wait for the next book. Keep it up Heather, you just keep getting better and better.
Profile Image for Amy Bright.
60 reviews
July 15, 2017
Loved this book!

Defiance is a 5 star for sure! I was originally given a copy of the book,by Ms Hildenbrand, for an honest review. I can honestly say this is my favorite out of the series,so far, and I hope that #6, the next one, won't be the last. I love this series, with Sam, Alex and even RJ. You have to have antagonists to your protagonists, to make up the stories. Please read this and see what I mean. ☺
498 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2017
Compelling urban fantasy

Sam is a witch with the moon goddess waiting within her to melt the two into one entity. Alex is a guardian who is in love with Sam. RJ is a witch that has accepted the sea god and is out to kill Sam. Being this is fifth in the series the author does an excellent job keeping you grounded in the series. Well-written with well-developed characterization. Adult readers due to sexual and violent content.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
439 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2017
I have to say this one is even better then the last one. Now it is book 5 in the set! It will keep you on the edge of your pants .. and at time .. you will wish you where not wearing any as it gets hot in more then one way.

It is pumped full of action in both messy bloody battles and sexy devoted love! This author has tossed in all kinds of twists for you that will have you coming back for more each and every time!!!
Profile Image for Tracy D..
364 reviews54 followers
June 19, 2019
Keeps getting better.

I'm really enjoying this story. It flows really well going back and forth between Alex and Sam, our H and h. It was action packed and suspenseful, which kept the pages turning. I'm desperately hoping for spin-offs for certain characters. Or at least cameos. This author is very talented. Although there are some mistakes I've caught that seem to be autocorrect type issues, with a better/ larger team these books could be perfect. Still I give it 5 stars.
Profile Image for Barbara Marie Warner.
1,615 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2022
A Witch's Prophecy ( Witches of Half Moon Bay Book 5)

WOW 😖🙃😮😕 Not sure how to explain how much this series gets better and better with each book... The team just keeps going through so much, what a page turner this book has been, and to think - all because of jealousy over his own son... Magic everywhere - Alex has slot going on and Sam needs to learn what to do next.... On to last book 5 !!! Definitely recommend this book and series!!!
1,162 reviews
July 13, 2017
Defiance (ARC) by Heather Hildenbrand: ***** fast paced read that I couldn't put down!
This story is well written containing drama, suspense, magic, danger and passion. Much is resolved but I can't wait for the next book/series finale for the epic conclusion! Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for J.A. Cintron.
Author 3 books25 followers
August 30, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review and it doesn't change my opinion in any form.
Welcome back to another episode of The Shady lines series... Where the dumbass aka Alex is redeeming himself-ish. Sam is becoming a kickass woman and Rj you little shit. This book has killed me and I need the next one now!!!! Also everyone is a shady person and I only trust Brittany aka my waifu.
Profile Image for literaryobsessed_.
539 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2020
Interesting

Glad to see Alex finally listening. I feel like most of this book was people telling Alex how to do something and Alex not wanting to listen. Feels like weve been here before.
2,668 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2024
It was pretty good but also kinda confusing in a few spots. But over all is was interesting 4 Alex 2 find out the truth after all these yrs about himself. Sam has 2 merge with the goddess but can she b4 all he'll breaks loose? Read and find out.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
92 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2017
Wow

Amazing as Always! I love love love this series, Sam and Alex are to die for. I CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 6!
Profile Image for Melony Paradise.
Author 16 books101 followers
August 3, 2017
Intense!

This book was just so intense! So much happened that kept me on edge the whole time. That ending really threw me for a loop. Can't wait for the next book!!!
17 reviews
August 16, 2017
Sometimes a little unclear on the magic but so engaging. I hate the cliffhanger endings in this series! Ready for the finale!
101 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2018
Exciting! I was really surprised at Indra. Her involvment changed the whole book and I was really surprised about her role. Character growth was perfect
Profile Image for Jo.
551 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2020
Favorite Quote:
“I swear it. You tell me what to do, who to kill, where to go, and I’ll do it. For you, I will always fight. You’re our leader, but you’re not alone. You will always have me.”

Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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