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Dirty Blood #5

Broken Blood

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I thought watching my Werewolf boyfriend get arrested for murder was the worst experience of my life. But then I was knocked out and dragged off to a cell of my own by the very people who were supposed to protect me from danger.

I thought being held prisoner in solitary confinement for weeks on end was the worst experience of my life. But then a visitor came, and I realized I’d been wrong all along. There are worse things than torture and death. Much worse.

He wants my blood. More than that, he wants to get into my head. To use my bond to control his army, to wipe the world clean of anything with dirty blood. I can’t let that happen, but if I don’t he’ll kill every single person I’ve ever cared about — beginning with my Werewolf pack.

The prophecy said I would have to make an impossible choice, but I must be doing this wrong — so far every choice I’ve made has only led to more pain and danger and death. Hunters are pitted against Werewolves and I’m alone in my war against Gordon Steppe. I can’t fight him off anymore; all I can do is try to keep him out of the important places. And I’m failing at even that.

I thought the demons were out there, clearly marked and clinging to the shadows. But they’re not. The monsters are within the ranks of those sworn to protect. The enemy is among us.

322 pages, ebook

First published March 6, 2015

271 people are currently reading
575 people want to read

About the author

Heather Hildenbrand

175 books1,445 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Marla.
1,284 reviews244 followers
March 16, 2019
This was such a good series! There was so much going on. I went through a lot of emotions while reading it. And I had to read the books back-to-back to find out what was happening. They flowed seamlessly from one to the other like one giant book.
Profile Image for Kami Dodson-Perry.
721 reviews24 followers
March 16, 2017
We left off in book 4 where Gordon Steppe wants Tara for questioning and the hybrids are scrambling for survival.

Everyone with fur or associated with anyone with FUR is on the run from CHAS. They want to kill anyone not on their side.

Tara gets questioned (that’s what we are going to call it). Tara is imprisoned and Steppe wants her ALPHA power. Most of the hybrids have been killed. Her friends are MIA. Tara is unsure how to get out of this mess.

Alex is awake but Tara is not sure what is going on or even what day it is.

Last Tara knew Wes was being arrested and people were being harmed.

Gordon want Tara to bond with him so he can control his army. He wants to eradicate all werewolves and hybrids “Dirty Bloods”. Tara knows the prophecy said she has to make a choice but is this the choice to make. Letting Gordon in her head will be the hardest thing she has ever done. Tara is not sure she can keep him out of her thoughts and still protect her loved ones.

CHAS is dirty and they have to be stopped the question is how do you stop a POWERFUL man like Gordon Steppe when you and everyone you love has been made out to look like the bad guys. How do you show the world the truth when there is no proof? How to you overthrow a man who controls and makes the rules? Tara will have to figure this out in order to bet Gordon Steppe and protect her family, friends and the world from Steppe’s power.

This is a good ending to the series. When you finish the book you feel an accomplishment and closer.

***SPOIL ALERT***

Tara escapes and teams up with her friends and family. They take Gordon out of power and a secret is uncovered about Cord that will change the destiny, power, and leadership of CHAS. The leaders of The Cause will be passed on to the younger generation and Tara’s CHOICE is made. A peace treaty is offered to any and all how wish to join regardless of werewolf, hunter or hybrid. Everyone has a choice and it is not forced.

Rating 3 ½ stars
Profile Image for BabyMooSaysWhat .
199 reviews30 followers
September 7, 2015
Anticlimactic

After absolutely falling in love with this series, I was definitely pretty disappointed with how this one seemed to just flatline. It definitely wrapped up the series and answered all the questions left, but it was kind of boring.

Such a shame, considering how much I enjoyed the first four books.
Profile Image for Gracie.
289 reviews8 followers
September 6, 2022
So faced paced and funny, and wrapped up the series well! 5/5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Rabid Reader.
959 reviews16 followers
March 7, 2018
A brilliant end to an excellent series. The author keeps up the suspense, adds in some great twists and then pulls everything together to form a satisfying end. The narration is excellent and the voices she does for the characters fit perfectly. I love all the characters in these books and I am happy that there is some wiggle room left to allow more stories in this world in the future
Profile Image for Maghon Thomas.
1,542 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2015
So, everyone knows I’ve been a stalker for Ms Heather. In her own faulting, she encouraged it LOL and on top of that, I got to meet her, she came to Nola and we had a lovely lunch, gave her big hugs, and then tell her how much I love her hahahaha Now, that’s she’s giving me the ending to my probably favorite series of books, I’m pretty sure I can say that, I have a lot of things to say. And shockingly, I seem speechless when I try to say them. So, heads up, there may be some spoilers with things I’m about to go on about :) First, I am still officially Team Alex. I think I always will be. BUT before someone throws something lethal at my head, I am also Team Wes—FOR TARA!! Her and Wes really do fit so damn well together. He has redeemed his stupid, especially in this book. He finally admits that he needs to treat Tara as an equal and nothing less. And he’s just lovable ok. Come on, everyone loves this damn dude! Me included. But I will always be Team Alex. He will always be my broken bad boy who is too bad ass not to love. And hey, he’s freaking HAWTER than I know what to do with :) Now, with that said, I am thanking every star, Heather, and anyone who will let me thank them, because if you didn’t know this, I’m pretty sure my begging is the root, we are going to get a spin off. Yes, you heard me. We will see these characters again. No, Tara and Wes will NOT be the main stars but they will be around. And ALEX BETTER GET HIS OWN DAMN STORY… Ok, trying not to threaten here. LOL And one more thing…. Way to give me the most epic ending. We get happy times. I believe that the characters in this whole series have earned it!

I love when a series finishes and the ending and wrap up leaves you so satisfied, not missing anything, and it’s a bittersweet but epically awesome moment. I am pretty sure I cried just a little bit with the last words. It is NOT the first or even tenth time I cried for these books. I reread this series multiple times. This one may be the hardest one to read. Things are falling apart, everyone is in a state of down fall, and things don’t look like there’s a way out or up. But of course Tara is kick ass, she always has been.

So, I gotta say, I’m terribly impressed. Characters that I haven’t been happy with have surprised me. Other characters I loved have given me hope. And most of the first half of the book is almost depressing. We knew Tara was gunna have to do a big face off with Gordon Steppe. I was not prepared for something so hard. But no worries. Tara finds a way, she always does. And it’s not some big crazy thing. It’s her team, her family, her friends, surrounding her, helping her, which always makes victory just all that much sweeter. And guess what, I’m ok with some of those deaths :). And holy shit batman, CORD! So, I didn’t really like her, but I felt for her. Now, I think I love her. Let the bad-assery begin!! And Cambria—the real Cambria must be smiling like a fool with her character’s turn out—but the character Cambria, I can only say I am over the moon with her turn out. Like seriously happy. And to Derek, Logan, Tara’s mom, grandmother, Jack, Fee, freaking Kane, the mean girl who turned into a friend, and the professors, and those werewolves who maybe weren't major in the whole series, but who have had some path with this ending…. Well played Ms Hildenbrand, well played!

If you haven’t read a book by Heather, I do believe you are missing out. She has a magical way with words. But mostly, it’s how much she puts into her characters that do it for me. You know, with Linc and Ven, there’s just as much charisma and depth and emotion as with Tara and Wes. That would be her other totally awesome series :) There is no other way to say this, other than to say I think you should read this series, especially for ALEX, because I am understanding that I'm not the only one who loves him, but any of her books in general. And if you met her, you’d know she’s just as awesome in person as she is behind those words. So with that, I don’t think there could ever be enough stars, paws, claws, for a rating. But 5 PAWS it is, because this has been one of the best rides! I’m so glad I accidentally picked up book one on Amazon, read it, and I haven’t looked back since :) well except maybe when I reread Alex’s awesome parts hahahahaha!!!! Thank you ma'am for always giving me the awesome!
Profile Image for nightlyreadingheather.
757 reviews98 followers
March 12, 2015

I have followed Ms. Hildenbrand from the beginning and I am one of her number 1 fans! I love this series and honestly cannot get enough of the characters!!


I cannot believe that this is the fifth book in this series! In my opinion, this is the best one yet! (I think I say that about each one! LOL) For those of you whom have not read a book written by Heather or just have not read this one yet, be prepared to not want to put it down! This installment is filled with lots of drama, action & suspense! We also get to see some characters that we thought had been gone but SURPRISE they are back!!!


At the beginning of the book Tara is trapped in a cage left wondering what had happened to the rest of her pack and Wes.  I really felt like this:


travislol


I must start by saying that I am totally Team Alex. If you have not been introduced to Alex yet, then you need to start reading the first book in the series, Dirty Blood. Alex is awesome and I am always secretly hoping that Tara will give him a chance. It's not that I dislike Wes but I just adore Alex more:)


Tara is definitely a kick ass heroine. I love to see how much stronger she gets in each book from the small, frail girl that we had seen from the beginning.


If you have read the rest of books in the series, then you will not want to miss out on this one! OR, if you love werewolf stories, then this series is definitely for you!! I highly recommend it!!

Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews52 followers
March 21, 2015
Broken Blood (Dirty Blood #5) by Heather Hildenbrand Tara Godfrey is being held captive by Gordon Steppe who is trying to use her blood to form a werewolf army.
 
Broken Blood, the last book in the Dirty Blood series, was full of action and unexpected surprises.
 
My heart went out to poor Tara. The things the girl had to go through are crazy. Most people would not have the strength to endure her path. Gordon was really messing with her head – literally. I love that the story is told from Tara’s perspective. It makes you feel really connected to her. She showed tremendous growth throughout this series.
 
Tara’s great-uncle, Astor De’Luca cracks me up. He reminds me of Myrnin from Rachel Caine’s Morganville Vampires. I’m pretty sure it’s the whole mad scientist/bunny slipper thing.
 
Gordon Steppe is the poster child for evil mastermind. He definitely has lying and manipulation down. We learn an interesting Steppe family secrete in this book that becomes crucial to the story.
 
There was a ton of stuff going on in the plot that made the novel difficult to put down. The story was well-written and the perfect length and pace. Heather Hildenbrand did a fantastic job with all the details that went into this series. The story has a solid ending that I enjoyed.
 
I always find it sad when a series I like ends. It does make it easier knowing that there will be a spin off series featuring Sam coming out in 2016.
 
Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Andrea Heltsley.
Author 15 books325 followers
May 18, 2020
This final book in the Dirty Blood series picks up right where the last one ended. The action was non-stop from beginning to end. You will be on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what's going to happen next.

The characters were quirky as usual and I love Cambria. She's so unique. Of course, Wesley is my book boyfriend here. He's just so darn perfect. His love for Tara is unwavering.

As for some of the plot twists, I was disappointed about the situation that caused her to lose her memory. It just seemed like such a sad way for things to happen.

I liked how the problems were resolved and it was a satisfying end to the series. The last part with Tara and Wesley was a little frustrating since she has some business to finish. It would have been better if she could have ended the way Cambria did.

I don't want to give many spoilers, but overall, readers will be satisfied with the ending to this awesome series. This installment gets four stars for a great resolution to the story we've all loved so much.
Profile Image for Nicola.
71 reviews96 followers
April 18, 2015
I only just came across this series a few days ago, shocked I haven't heard of it before. I read the first book just randomly was looking for something to read then have read all 5 in a few days. I was addicted. Love love this book!! I love Astor and Cambria, the main characters Tara and Wes are easy to relate too. Just loved this series but don't want to say too much and give it away as I see none of my friend shave read it yet, all I will say is must read!!!
Profile Image for Brittany.
491 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2019
Peace

This was a decent series, I would recommend it for young teens. It started to loose my attention for book 4&5. I would of hoped for a three part series.
Profile Image for BlueBug.
895 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2018
This was such an exciting and unbelievable ending! I was entirely surprised by so much of it. I never suspected things would take the turns they did, and this final book in the Dirty Blood series was just as riveting as the earlier books. As much as I wanted to see some semblance of happily ever after for Tara and Wes, I wasn't quite ready to let go of these characters. I felt like I fought alongside them, and the journey was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time.

I never expected Tara to be captured by Gordon Steppe much less held as long as she was. The secrets and alliances, along with the betrayals, were mind boggling as much as they were frightening. It was difficult and heartbreaking to see the pain and torture so many endured, besides Tara, in this final piece to the story. I wondered how or if she was going to find a way out of the terrifying situation in which she found herself. Without those she loved surrounding her, she was on her own, left to wonder if they were even attempting to find her or rescue her. Would the fight for peace between the Werewolves and the Hunters prevail? Was there any chance Tara and Wes would have the happy ending they strived to gain?

Moments of the story were absolutely disturbing, especially the racism and undeniable disregard for life by the villains. But I loved Tara's strength and resolve given the terrifying circumstances of her imprisonment and the knowledge of what Steppe had in mind for the future. It was a lesson in the dangers of extreme power and the grit and determination of true heroes. This was a fitting end to the series, and I look forward to the reading the Alex's story because I just can't get enough of these characters.
Profile Image for Carrie.
2,529 reviews19 followers
January 22, 2019
We have finally reached the end of the series! While this is the end of the series, though, I feel like we are left with a few loose ends and questions still open, but maybe that’s just me.

As is typical for this series, there are a bunch of questionable decisions made along the way that confused and angered me, but if you push that aside, this was at least a solid conclusion to the CHAS storyline. We start the book in a very bad place. Tara is still confined by Gordon and being tortured/experimented on/imprisoned. There’s some old familiar faces that pop up all over the place in this story, so be on the lookout. Just when Tara thinks she may be making steps forward, layers of betrayal and loss send her back into a spiral.

Yes, after some doing, she finally gets out and is able to flip flop on her leadership position like your typical teenage girl. At least there is a little less of the love triangle to contend with, as that decision has long since been made and remade. There’s also a lot of blood bond talk that ends up coming and going with just as much ease as in previous installments. What things are thought to be huge deals end up being “meh” and then the things we thought would be easy end up being the showstoppers. Without giving away too much about where we end up, it’s clear at the end of the book that there’s still work to do (and romantic connections to follow-up on), but everyone is finally on a more definitive path in life. I’m happy Tara got here, but am also just as happy to no longer be in her head.
Profile Image for Nikki.
315 reviews12 followers
July 11, 2017
An Exciting Conclusion To The Series

Wow, I can't believe we have reached the end of The Dirty Blood series. Tara and Wes' journey for peace has concluded. It was action packed, pretty much from the start of this 5th and final book. There were some outright surprises and plot twists, especially for Cambria. I really liked her character, as a major secondary player in this story, she almost trumped Tara. She was an awesome side kick to Tara, and very well written. All the major characters were well written and well developed. This was my second favorite book in this series, book two was my favorite.

Overall, definitely well worth reading. If you have read all the books in this series, you will not be disappointed. All plot lines were concluded, leaving me with no outstanding questions. Some things were only alluded to, but that's as good as a conclusion. This was a page turner from start to finish. I do like a book that is easy to follow and fast paced, before you know it you have finished. What I got from this series, was all things are worth fighting for, if it is something you truly believe in. There will always be barriers to overcome, but that is part of life, and true friends will always have your back.
Profile Image for Lady.
1,185 reviews11 followers
April 27, 2020
Out Of Options

This series must be read in order. I can't wait to read "Remembrance"!


Every time Tara thinks the worst has happened somehow another worse thing happens. First Wes got arrested for murder and then she got knocked out and woke up a prisoner. Then she found out the people who were supposed to keep her safe were her jailers. Living in solitary confinement was bad. Finding out Gordon Steppe has an army of Hybrids and he is going to Blood Bond her in order to gain control over them is terrifying. Will his crazy plan work? How can she fight him when he is in her head? Is nothing sacred? How will she stay sane? Is there any hope for her? Can she save her friends? The two races? Her fellow Hybrids?
Profile Image for Kathy Mayer.
861 reviews9 followers
October 24, 2022
Not What I expected or anticipated.

For some reason this book seemed to drag on. There were times I even considered stopping. It just didn't hold my attention even though a ton of things happened. Tara manages to escape but she isn't completely free. You'll understand when you read it. It seemed I guess dry in places, for lack of a better word. Who would have thought they'd escape in a chartered bus? And then Benny shows up with another one later. How are they so easy to steal? Tara makes her biggest decisions in this book. Plus we learns being a leader doesn't mean you have to be the one leading everything!
Profile Image for Lizzy.
202 reviews
February 23, 2024
Awesome ending

For this group, a happy ending was never thought of or even believed. But that's exactly what they get. For Wes and Tara, being on the run's been wearing thin. Steppe's getting in everyone's head and all they can do is try to stay ahead of it. But when the Hybrids are in trouble, will she choose her pack or the love of her life? Why can't she just have them both? Is love even in the cards for her? This is a very awesome ending to a hang-on-the-edge-of-your-seat series. I love the way it all comes to a head and the way our heroes deal with it.
Had an amazing time reading this series. You won't want it to end. I know I didn't!
Profile Image for Courtney (Bookish Blonde Barista).
621 reviews
June 19, 2017
This was the last book in the Dirty Blood Series and I am sad to let it go. On the plus side, Heather Hildenbrand has another new series called the Heart Lines Series which is Alex's Story. Anyways, back to Broken Blood...

Gordon Steppe... Everything about him irritated and creeped me out. After reading this book, I now know why I didn't like him. Not giving away any spoilers... He is a large part of CHAS and they are corrupted with inaccurate facts. Who will be there to try to stop him? Well no one else other than Tara and Wes. Go get the book to read what happens from here.
Profile Image for Roxanne.
265 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2022
The Saga ends

Broken Blood was full of so many emotions. In the first third of the book I was feeling almost as despondent as Tara and I read it at a much slower pace. But, she can't stay captive forever and after that the story moves quickly. Multiple secrets are revealed, and the entire series makes sense and is wrapped up. Thankfully, The Witches of Half Moon Bay is a 6-book (plus novella) spin-off series of its own, and is my next to read. I'm not ready to let all of these characters go.
Profile Image for Pokelon.
77 reviews
September 14, 2024
The last 2 books of this series disappointed me, unfortunately. This one because of too many inconsistencies. For example, when did Vera actually die, and how can she possibly connect with her?
Why didn't she directly kill Gordon Steppe and Miles' mother? In the end, it didn't hurt her that much at all when Gordon got killed.
Also, why can't she feel George and his girlfriend anymore, when they weren't experienced on by Gordon?
I can go on and on, but it will just annoy you, so I will stop by saying this was a real let-down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Crystal Gray.
1,088 reviews33 followers
May 6, 2020
I don't know why, but I had a hard time getting into this one. I think it was 100% me since I listened to 1-4 in the audio box set. Getting in the mind set to actually read the last one. I was able to finish it quickly after getting half way through.

This ties everything together pretty well. Adds in some new people but concludes everything wonderfully. We are teased with a possibility of a book in Alex's POV but it's not necessary in my eyes.
Profile Image for Debra  (Dragon Nanny) Phiri.
1,614 reviews19 followers
May 27, 2020
What an amazing “conclusion “ to this series. It had all the action you could want, the love of family, old friends and new and it was able to answer lots of questions!

Throughout the whole series the pace has been great, the love with Wes and Tara was beautiful and real in a way that not everyone gets. Their friend bonds are also amazing and believable. It takes a true talent in an author to keep so many balls in the air and catch them all with grace!

Loved it from beginning to the end!
Profile Image for The Caffeinated Grimoire.
735 reviews5 followers
April 27, 2022
The End

This was a nicely wrapped up ending to the whole saga where all of Vera's cryptic visions finally came into play and were not in the way that Tara had first thought they were meant to be... I'm glad she finally understood her feelings for Alex were not in a romantic way that uncertainty had annoyed me the whole series and i always felt for Wes. .
Everything worked out in the end.
Enjoyed the read 👌
Profile Image for Melissa Klahre.
2 reviews
October 13, 2022
Loved, loved, LOVEDDDD!

I completed all 5 of the Dirty Blood books and loved them all. Very well written and the Audible was absolutely the best I've heard in very long time. The narrator was spot on with the voices and her ability to make the words come alive and sound real and not read like a robot. So whether you read these books or listen to them you definitely can't go wrong.
Profile Image for Barbara Marie Warner.
1,622 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2022
Broken Blood (Dirty Blood Series book 5)

I am so.happy for.this series, I loved how everything turned out exactly as it should be, everyone fighting for a right of right to live fairly and free !! Definitely recommend this book and series !! I cannot wait to start the next new series By Ms. Heather "Witches Call" and catch up with my favourite characters from this series!!!!. Just loved it!!
Profile Image for April Stacey.
436 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2019
As to see it go?????

The pain and laughter keeps the characters alive.
I admit the beginning of this book was slower than the rest, but not chapter 15 am the fast pace picks back up.
I was not a fan of the main male character but he makes up for it all in this book.
Tara and Wes really blossom into their roles. Jude loved it!!!
Profile Image for Netta Overhulser .
549 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2019
An exciting conclusion

I absolutely loved this series, and the ending is definitely not a disappointment! It's an emotional ride for Tara as she grows so much in maturity in this final book. Choices are made and more secrets are revealed. You'll love reading about your favorite characters and the struggles they are facing. Loved the HEA.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,510 reviews83 followers
November 16, 2019
This book picks up where the last one ended. It was such a great read. It’s a battle for Tara to keep Gordon out till the end of one of their lives!
It’s a great series and I also enjoyed the audiobook. It was fun to listen to. I enjoyed how the author wrapped things up nicely and left it open to possibly write another book.
Profile Image for Kimberly Cheeseman.
316 reviews3 followers
June 24, 2024
A terrific Conclusion to the 5 book series.
It did NOT feel rushed - plenty of excitement -and I love how the couples were pared up and there are no long drawn out sec scenes-but yet it showed progression in everyone’s standings with the council and with each other!

I loved it!!!

Also the Narrator was Extremely so much better then in the first few books!!!
Profile Image for April.
370 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2025
I think everything came to a nice conclusion. I was a bit disappointed that this one mentioned sex and had a crude joke or two as well. It was almost a completely clean series. I am glad it didn't actually go into detail about it though. It also seemed to have several typos that got left in this one and few strange scene transitions, but overall still very good writing and storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews

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