Danger, mystery, romance with a demon hunter. This is book 2 in the Dominion Series. But I have only read this one as a standalone. This book is about choices and which side to be on during an apocalypse and taking the chance on someone to love. It is fast paced and interesting on the war between angels and demons. I would recommend this book but will read the 1st book. I look forward to seeing what other books are available.

**I received this book from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have a friend who has been telling me I need to read Juliette Cross for quite some time now. After my berating I caved and instead of starting from the beginning, I jump in with both feet and start in the middle with Hardest Fall. I will officially own my stupidity and concede to my friend that she was right. Ms. Cross is AWESOME! and so is her book.

Oh wow! There’s no slow build up here. This story starts out explosive and keeps it coming the whole way through. Bone and Xander. Demoness and dark hunter. You would think these two on the opposite sides would be against each other. Bone, however, is neutral between the battle of dark and light catering to those who purchase her wares regardless which side they fight on. All that comes crashing down when a dying Xander is brought to her workshop. Her forge isn’t the only hot thing because there is an instant connection between them and Lordy do things sizzle!

Their romance aside, the story itself is outstanding. Filled with action and suspense, this story even offered up humor within its darkness. The characters are fun and surprising. I mean, coming on - demon rock stars with the lead singer Axel. Hello G’N’R! If I wasn’t already hooked on the story for Bone and Xander, that right there would have drawn me in. As expected, there is an epic battle with an edge of your seat build-up that kept me from putting this book down. This book really has the whole package and I knew right away, there was no way I was going to be able to put down. That’s okay, sleep is over-rated anyhow.

There are pros and cons of jumping into the middle of a series. Pro: you get to find out if a story really can carry itself and work as a stand-alone. In this case - yes. Cons: You’re left with questions but there is enough information provided that your imagination can fill in the gaps. Again, yes. However, my linger questions I know are getting the better of me. Namely about Xander and the rest of the demon hunters. I know I’m going to have to start from the beginning. The only question is, do I start at the beginning of the Dominion Series or do I go even further back and start with the Vessel Trilogy. Seeing as I must wait for the next book to come out, guess I’ll just have to suffer and start with the trilogy. Such a hardship to endure, reading more of Ms. Cross’ books. LOL!!!

Stars: 5

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hardest Fall is book two in the Dominion series by Juliette Cross.

You do need to read the series in order; because of the overall arc plot happening.

I really like Juliette Cross and her writing, but this time around I couldn’t get into the novel. I had trouble with, book one, the Darkest Heart and so, I wasn’t sure book two was going to work, but I wanted to give it a try.

I ended up DNF’ing Hardest Fall at 20%. I just wasn’t invested nor did I feel anything for this story. I also couldn’t remember or connect to the world. It had been a long time since I read Darkest Heart and things weren’t coming back to me. Also I think my main issue is the world. It’s apocalyptic and I’m not a fan of that type of world. As for the romance, Bone and Xander have this attraction and the author did a good job pointing it out right away, but I wasn’t connecting to it.

I did want to like the Dominon series; because it’s got angels, demons, magic, action, romance, and kick-ass heroines’s and bad-ass hero’s, but unfortunately, Hardest Fall was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.

Rated: DNF 20%

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

4+ Stars!
Hardest Fall is the third Juliette Cross book I have read in as many weeks. I can see why Sparkles is quick to pick up every new release and she is now rolling her eyes reminding us that she has been singing her praises for some time now!

A desperate plea for help brings Bone and Xander together. She agrees to heal Xander and from the moment he is well enough to realise his surroundings he is instantly aware of his attraction to her. The feeling is mutual but whereas Xander is open to what he feels, Bone is determined to not go there.

Bone is renowned for her weaponry craftsmanship. She’s a mysterious character that impressed me from the moment I came across her in the Darkest Heart. We learn there’s a lot more to her solitary persona as the story unfolds. Her ability to make a difference through her singing and compassionate nurturing soul along with her want to keep her stance of not becoming involved in the ongoing fight for control added to her appeal.

Xander took a lot more convincing to impress me. While they had undeniable chemistry, I had hoped for someone more than him. Initially he appeared to be out of his league. Before I knew it I had accepted his place in her life and it became more about Bone letting down her guard.

Xander challenges Bone on her neutrality stance. It takes an innocent child to slowly sway her thinking. I found a lot of the story predictable but it didn’t detract from the story. The pace, action and ever looming danger kept me turning pages and smiling when I discovered I was right in my predictions.

Nothing is black and white in the new world they find themselves in. Past characters add a good level of familiarity without detracting from the main characters. Music references add a fabulous dimension, so much so that I had to stop to listen to Ciara’s version of Painted Black.

You won’t want to miss The Hardest Fall if you like strong heroines and action packed paranormal romances where the moral lines are blurred

Hardest Fall is the second book in the Dominion series. The Dominion world is a spin-off from the Vessel trilogy. I am completely in love with the world and characters Juliette Cross has created.

Bone is a very strong and independent character. Having not taken sides in the apocalypse, she crafts magical weapons for anyone who comes calling, if they pay her price. When demon prince Rook comes calling, he asks her to manufacture something she knows is sinister and could very well cause complications. She’s a demoness with a conscience and when she finally realizes Xander is her match, it makes their situation perilous. If Bone doesn’t do Rook’s bidding and he finds out about her attraction to Xander, all bets are off and Rook will strike at what makes her the most vulnerable – love.

Xander is a great match for Bone even though he’s a demon hunter and she’s a demoness. Xander meets Bone upon being gravely injured. As George’s brother, George and Dommiel know straight away who has the best change of saving Xander. They take him to Bone, who absolutely does not want to heal him – causing a lot of friction at the beginning. What entails is a wonderful romantic novel that engages, enrages, and pulls on so many other emotions of the reader.

Hardest Fall is indeed just that, specifically for Bone. A fabulous tale, the story unfolds at the perfect pace, includes a unique storyline, has interesting characters; both good and bad, and intense chemistry between Bone and Xander. I enjoy visiting this world and these characters.

I’ve no read a Juliet across novel before and now it will not be the last. This story based or gargoyles is simply amazing. The world that has been created Is vividly depicted. Filled with memorable characters and a story line that makes you eager for more.

With both an alpha-hole hero and a badass heroine, I freaking loved Hardest Fall. It got off to a slightly slower start than I expected but then the pace picked up and I was in my paranormal action packed happy place. I can't wait to see what comes next from Ms. Cross.

I really enjoyed Xander and Bones story - they were interesting characters who were so suited for each other. I loved that they seemed very different to start with but as the story progresses you realise just how very alike they are and I was rooting for their happy ever after. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat and waiting with bated breath to see just what was going to happy. A fantastic, well written story that I would highly recommend.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Darkest Heart. Hardest Fall is a companion novel that was equally entertaining. It had the recipe for an engrossing paranormal romance. Hardest Fall tells the story of Xander, a demon hunter, and Bone, a powerful magical weapons forger. When Xander is hurt in a battle, he is brought to Bone's doorstep so she can help heal him. The two don't initially get along, but they can't resist the intense chemistry they share. Xander was a cocky, self-assured flirt and Bone was a great match for him with her independence and her boldness. I enjoyed the romance between the two, especially the back and forth between them. It also helped that Juliette Cross can write some deliciously steamy scenes. The main conflict revolved around Rook, a demon prince, asking Bone to create a weapon that could potentially destroy the world. Bone and Xander why exactly he needs such a powerful weapon. Throughout their journey, they get to know each other and fall in love. Hardest Fall was a fun and sexy read! I hope we get more books in the series.

What a follow up to the first story in this terrific new series by a fabulous author. Dommiel was so dominant I really didn’t pay much attention to the other supernatural studs in the first story. How did I miss the beautiful Xander? But the real star of this story is the mysterious Bone. I wish she had been featured on the cover. She’s a beauty that Xander wants to make his own but she not an easy catch. She’s something different that’s fallen from Heaven with special talents that the demon prince, Rook wants for his own use. But he has to go through Xander and the rest of the good guys and gals. As the war between Heaven and Hell escalates this author gives us another fantastic battle with casualties and triumphs. I loved the hate/like relationship between Dom/Blackheart and Xander/Goldilocks. A little levity amidst all the danger and fighting. I love this series, the superb writing and the spectacular characters. I look forward to the new installment. This author gives us something different and absolutely delicious in a crowded paranormal genre. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

Hardest Fall is the second book to Juliette Cross's Dominion series. I read the first book last year, but need to make time to type up my review for it finally. My 9-5 job at the time was at full-swing with different projects preventing me from typing up my review. I enjoyed the book, so I need to find time to type up my review finally. I may end up re-reading the book, especially after getting my fix of Anya and Dommiel in the second book. I love it when previous characters show up in other books.Although, now I have my favorite characters in the series after reading this book because I got to dig deeper into Xander and Bone after reading Hardest Fall. Both characters have dark pasts, and they have consistently been reliving those dark pasts. Xander ends up on death's door at the beginning of the book and Bone ends up saving him. She has to when he's brought to her table. Now, Xander is transfixed to Bone and wants more of her, especially with what side Bone is on in the fight between good and evil. Unfortunately, Bone doesn't want anything to do with the demon hunter. Bone is a demoness, and she forges weapons for both the demon hunters and demons, but she chooses to stay neutral. Although, now she has the demon princes at her door to forge a weapon that could change everything and she is hesitant to do it, especially since she had a relationship with one of them. She knows they are up against something and now she may need to choose sides.No more going into the story though because I don't want to give anything away. What are the things I enjoyed about the book? I loved how Juliette dived into both characters pasts and how we found out how Bone became fallen and how Xander became a demon hunter. Readers will also find out something even darker about Xander. He's come along way though. There are also some very dark twisted moments between Bone and the evil Demon Prince Rook, who she had a relationship with and I couldn't stand in the story. He was sick and twisted, and his brother was very sick and twisted too. Ugh! I'm so glad Bone ended up with Xander in the story. They were meant for each other. There were some very steamy moments between the two characters. I loved these together. The ending was very twisted at moments, and I had a feeling, what Rook was up to with his weapon.One of the many reasons why I decided to read the Dominion series was I love books that have Fallen Angel/Demon characters. They have been some of my favorites to read in the Paranormal Romance genre. I also was intrigued by the synopsis by the books. The Dominion series happened to be the first books I happened to read by Juliette Cross. I'm going to fix that by picking up her other books too to read.
Story Rating: 4.5 stars
Steaminess Rating: 4 stars
Standalone or part of series: Second book in the Dominion series.
Do I recommend this book?  Yes.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Instant-Love; Dual POV; Apocalypse (Dystopian); Angels/Demons
Hero: Demon Hunter; Alpha; Dark Past
Heroine: Demoness; Seraph; Kick Ass; Loner

This is my very first Juliette Cross book and it won't be my last! In fact, I already purchased Darkest Heart, the first book in the series, so I will start reading it soon! I seriously finished this book early this morning so it's pretty much fresh on my mind!

I can't get enough of Bone and Xander! I mean, how badass is the demoness Bone? Also, Xander reminds me of my favorite historical romance heroes! 😍 all the love for this couple!

And did I ever mention that the chemistry between Xander and Bone is 🔥🔥🔥🔥! I mean, I could feel the crackle every time these two are together! The secondary characters are also fully fleshed out which adds to the story.

I don't read a lot of apocalypse romance but I have to say, this subgenre is slowly becoming a favorite! There is just something about angels and demons that captivates me.

Juliette Cross has written another exceptional paranormal romance with a good plot. I liked the progression of the story. Enjoyed learning about the characters.

This was a good read! She had a vampire series that I really like, so was wondering if I would like this as well, and I definitely did!

Hardest Fall by Juliette Cross is Book 2 of the Dominion Series. While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. This was the first of the series I read and I had absolutely no problems whatsoever in following the story.

Ms. Cross never fails to deliver and in her typical fashion, she brings her A-game with Hardest Fall. This is a unique story that sucks you into a vivid world that is defined and solid, and incorporates engaging characters and paranormal goodies aplenty.

Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.

In the apocalypse, demoness Bone is determined to stay neutral. Formally a Seraph, after falling from grace, Bone wants nothing more than to work with her element—metal—and make weapons for anyone—good or bad—who is willing to pay the price.

When wounded demon hunter Xander is brought to her for healing, Bone taps into the true power of her Seraph song for the first time in a while to save his life. Xander immediately knows there’s more to Bone’s story than meets the eye, and he’s determined to get her to see that she needs to fight on the side of good.

When Bone is commissioned by a demon prince to forge a powerful mysterious artifact, she begins to look at the atrocities happening around her, and realizes that sometimes it’s not a simple thing to remain outside of the conflict. Maybe it’s time for Bone to put her past behind her and fight for the future.

I really liked the easy way Juliette Cross has with unfolding the story. I hadn’t read the first book in this series, but I had no problem starting with book two and completely enjoying myself.

I liked Juliette Cross’s spin on the whole angel/demon mythology. Typically, angel is equated with “good” and demon is equated with “bad.” That’s not necessarily the case here, and especially when we’re talking about Bone, a former Seraph. Her backstory is complex and just because she’s a demoness now doesn’t automatically mean she’s evil. I enjoyed the nuances between the good versus evil trope and the hint that readers are given that a certain character who seems to be on the bad side of the apocalypse could have their own possible redemption in the works. I think it’s always interesting when authors explore the alternative sides of characters, or the shades of gray, and I think Juliette Cross has done that really well here.

I also thought that the idea of Bone remaining neutral was an interesting commentary. The commission from the demon prince to make an artifact that will give him unknown power, forces Bone to question her stance. Sometimes trying to stay out of a situation only enhances the wrong side’s goal as Bone quickly finds out. Sometimes, you are forced to choose a side, sometimes you can’t be left to wait in the shadows.

Xander is a big proponent of getting Bone to choose. I like the way that it’s handled by the fact that there’s no blame, or shaming, put on Bone for her decision to remain neutral. Xander’s main concern is just showing her what’s really going on out there during the war because, along with being neutral, Bone has, for the most part, sequestered herself away and almost tried to hide from the complete truth of how things have been playing out because it reminds her a lot of her past. I like that Xander sees the goodness in her when she doesn’t see it within herself. This scenario is very vice versa as Xander, too, has a past for which he’s still atoning. Although I’ll say that there is definitely more focus placed on Bone.

Hardest Fall feels like a straight-forward paranormal romance story, but with a powerful underlining message about getting involved in the good fight.

Once again Juliette Cross has written a book that is passionate, emotional, intense, and gripping, with a hero worthy of falling in love with and a heroine you just can't help but respect and admire. Well done, Ms Cross.

Hardest Fall by Juliette Cross is the third book in the Dominion Series. I've been a follower of this world since the original Vessel Trilogy; Xander is one of those characters that is always making his presence felt but hasn't really had the chance to shine. Regardless, I always knew that under his cynicism and snark beat the heart of a true romantic; that when he fell, he would fall hard. I was so glad to be right!

Watching Xander and Bone's relationship unfold was a thing of beauty. Unlike Dommiel, Bone did not need to seek redemption, not really. Instead, she had to develop self-awareness, self-belief, and commitment. Let's face it, even her ‘fall from grace' wasn't even a committed act, instead you are given the image that she didn’t actually ‘fall’ simply shrugged her shoulders, muttered ‘meh’ and walked away! To accept herself she had to come to the realisation that neutral really wasn’t a position, and to really live she had to commit to a side. Of course, Xander (and Dommiel) help her with that.

As always from this author, world building and characterisation was on point. Honestly, I’d expect nothing less at this stage! Cross' characters are always well developed, and love'em or hate'em, the emotions they evoke are always genuine. What I find refreshing is that this author doesn't rely on the use of angst or drama to motivate the characters. Of course, it's there, this type of story would be pretty bland without dramatic elements, but the story is strong enough to not have to rely on it to artificially create tension or the climax. For example, in one of the pivotal moments, when that thing happens with Bone (no spoilers, when you read it you’ll know!) Xander does not automatically doubt Bone’s loyalty, instead holds firm to his belief of her goodness. In many series, this forced doubt by the hero would be used to create an artificial dramatic element, for it not to occur was a breath of fresh air.

In my (very humble) opinion, Hardest Fall, should not be read as a standalone. The world of the Dominion series is highly complex. There is simply too much backstory for the first time reader to fully appreciate the world and its characters. I would think to read this book in isolation would be a frustrating and confusing experience.

This is in no way a negative, so many series are comprised of a series of standalone stories; there may be an overarching plot and character crossovers, but each story is complete. Not so much here, yes the individual couple’s stories are resolved, but there is just so much more to the plot than the individual relationships, and that is what moves forward and develops from book to book. To fully appreciate the nuances of the story, I’d recommend reading at least the original Vessel Trilogy, which gives the background to the story and allows the reader to get a grasp of the world from the beginning. Also, the Vessel Trilogy was so good, why would you want to deprive yourself of it?

Juliette Cross has done an amazing job in the Hardest Fall in bringing Xander fully into the light. I’d recommend this series to anyone who has enjoyed the previous books, and if you haven’t read them yet, now is the time to start!

The apocalypse has never been so appealing nor has it been as exciting as it is in this newest Dominion novel. Bone and Xander are two strong, captivating characters that demand readers’ attention as they try to get along long enough to discover just what the demon prince, Rook is up to. Their mission however is hampered by the sizzling chemistry that burns hot between them and which readers can feel flowing from the pages as Bone struggles to remain indifferent and neutral which has lots of turbulent emotions flowing throughout this rocking romance.

The fast pace of this story ensures that readers remain glued to the pages as the thrilling suspense builds and adrenaline pumping action draws readers deeper into this exciting and dangerously alluring apocalyptic world. There is certainly never a dull moment to be found as surprising twists keep everyone hopping and exciting events takes readers on a thrill ride as Bone and Xander set off to kill a demon or three and possibly save the world as they know it. This series is a brilliantly creative world of a war between angels and demons in an apocalyptic setting that readers can easily imagine, so beware that reading this story will take readers on an exciting journey from neutral territory, to the light side and the dark side, on stage and to a masquerade ball that readers don’t want to miss.

After loving The Deepest Well and Darkest Heart I expected to love Hardest Fall, particularly as I was already half way in love with demon hunter, Xander before even starting.

“A demoness who heals demon hunters. That’s something new.”

Each time I’ve picked up a book by Juliette Cross, I’ve devoured it like a starving woman and there’s no denying this had all the elements for a great read—a fallen angel, a witty British demon slayer, places I’m familiar with and a heavy presence from all the characters I’ve grown to love in the previous books. Yet this took me three days to read and the only thing I can attribute that to is the pacing with little urging me on until past the 60% mark, which was when everything fell into place, the action kicked off and the devouring commenced.

“Death is beautiful. But life is beautiful, too, darling.”

I liked Xander and Bone but sadly never fell totally in love, living more for the moments when we were treated to Xander’s hilarious banter with Dommiel and scenes featuring my beloved Uriel. Xander’s Britishness felt overplayed at times by the over use of the word bloody (we Brits are, and rightly so, known for our love of that particular curse word but you can have too much of a good thing) although he does say all the right things and Bone threw me for six as she was so difficult to form any opinion of until the later stages when she very much came into her own.

“No matter that I’d given up on the world. On hope. My angel was still there, whispering to me in small, subtle ways.”

Such is life that even your faves don’t hit the jackpot for you every time; it doesn’t mean you won’t be queuing for the next book or not recommending because believe that’s not the case and I’ll be all over Uriel’s book. And whilst I may have been a little disappointed, there was still some beautiful writing, atmosphere and fantastic action scenes, particularly in that second half, all of which reminded me why I fell in love with this series in the first place.