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The Vessel Trilogy #1

Forged in Fire

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Genevieve Drake has never been the helpless kind of girl, has never needed to be rescued. That is, not until her twentieth birthday when some dude nearly chokes her to death in an alley and a hot stranger splits the guy in half, rips a monster from inside, and incinerates it into ash.

The hot guy? Jude Delacroix—Dominus Daemonum, Master of Demons. Now her guardian, whether she likes it or not.

But she’s seriously beginning to like it.

The dude choking her? One of many demons from the underworld trying to abduct or kill Genevieve. As the prime target of the demon prince, Danté, she has no problem accepting Jude’s protection.

Why Genevieve? She’s a Vessel, one born to serve the Light but can be corrupted and used as a weapon for darkness. She had no idea this world even existed. Now, she just wants to survive it.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2015

215 people are currently reading
3749 people want to read

About the author

Juliette Cross

51 books4,681 followers
For upcoming news and releases, sign-up here: http://eepurl.com/XeKIn

JULIETTE is a multi-published author of paranormal and contemporary romance, including the best-selling STAY A SPELL series. As a native of Louisiana, she lives in the heart of Cajun country with her husband, four kids, and sundry animals. When she isn’t working on her next project, she enjoys binge-watching her favorite shows with her husband and a glass (or two) of red wine or whiskey.

Follow JULIETTE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliettecro...

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Follow JULIETTE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Juliette__Cross




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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,030 reviews25.3k followers
July 31, 2017
This fabulous series is being re-released today with a brand new publisher and a brand new cover. Isn't it beautiful?! So, if you haven't had the pleasure of starting this series yet, today is the day! Don't miss this!

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Forged in Fire is book #1 in The Vessel Trilogy by Juliette Cross. If you follow me on Goodreads you may have noticed my gushing over both Soulfire and Windburn of the Nightwing series by Juliette. So of course I was ecstatic to get started on her new series. But I was not prepared to be bowled over yet again by this author’s ability to plunge me into a completely new world and to get completely submerged in it. To fall in love with the characters so completely. This book is different, for me anyway, because it had such a poetic feel to it. The words seemed so lyrical. I could not turn the pages fast enough. So, gushing complete, let me tell you a little bit about it.

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Genevieve Drake lives in New Orleans and it is her twentieth birthday. She and her roommate/best friend, Mindy, are going out to a club to celebrate. This night, though, would most definitely not turn out the way she imagined and her life would forever be changed. Genevieve is attacked by some very sinister beings and is saved by an oh so steaming hot rescuer. He literally cuts open her attacker and pulled out some sort of demon and turned it into ash!

“Are you kidding me? In the past twelve hours, I’ve been groped by a red-eyed demon on a dance floor, nearly strangled to death in an alley, watched an actual demon being pulled from another man’s body, and now I’ve been casually informed by my new stalker, a Donimus whatever, that I’m like chocolate cake to every demon alive and all of them want a piece of me.”

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On this night, Genevieve discovers that on her twentieth birthday, she has awakened. That she is a Vessel. She can either serve the light, or be taken over by the dark princes of the underworld and used to commit horrible atrocities whenever they wish. There are two such demons who want her. One, Dante, that wishes to control her, and one, Bamal, that wishes to kill her.

“If I could possibly swallow everything Jude had told me, I had several issues to consider. One-I was a Vessel, some mystical thing I’d never heard of before in my life. Two-demons would be hunting me and soon. Three-my new would-be protector was probably the hottest man alive.”

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Enter Jude Delacroix, Dominus Daemonum, Master of Demons, and Genevieve’s new protector. No Vessel currently living has been able to escape being taken over by a dark prince. He is determined that Genevieve will not. But Genevieve is not taking the danger she is in as seriously as she needs to and protecting her is becoming tougher and tougher. The more time he and Genevieve spend together, though, the more the bonds between them strengthen and soon change. His feelings towards her grow from protector to love.

“You are mine, Genevieve. And I will have you.”
“I will keep you close and warm, and you will be my light.”


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Jude and others like him are becoming more and more convinced that Genevieve could possibly be the Vessel spoken of for centuries in a prophecy. A prophecy that speaks of a woman, a Vessel, that will tip the scales one way or another in the war between the hosts of heaven and hell. Could Genevieve be this Vessel?

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This book was just unbelievable. I loved Genevieve’s strength and Jude, sigh, well, you get the picture. There is so much more to learn about this world and luckily it won’t be long until book two comes out. There just aren’t enough words to express how much I love all of Juliette Cross’s books. She has fast become “that” author for me that I know, before I even start the first page, that the book will be a wild and wonderful ride full of steamy romance, wonderful characters and epic action. So I encourage you to try any one of her books. You won’t regret it.

“Mea luna in tenebris,” I whispered to my reflection. My moon in the darkness. And he was my guiding star.”

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Profile Image for Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads).
775 reviews1,266 followers
January 29, 2022
I just finished Juliette cross Forged in Fire! It was Awesome! This world of demon lords and demon hunters is action packed with great characters like Jude the dark and sexy demon hunter who's sent to protect the new vessel from becoming a pawn in one of the dark princes hands.And Genevieve are heroine and the new vessel is a tough bad ass chic who knows how to take care of herself but when she is attacked by demon after being at a club with friends she soon finds out that knowing a few self defense moves and having a quick mouth and really good comebacks isn't enough to protect herself from evil. When the sexy guy who she made eye contact back at the club jumps in to save her from the demon and later tells her that more demons on the way her world will never be the same. The chemistry between Jude and Gen is hot and theirs a couple of very steamy scenes between these two. I loved both these characters so much! Their equally likeable and each bad ass in their own way. Also some really great secondary characters like George head of the demon hunters and sexy as sin! And the beautiful,smart,funny and tough Kat! Can't wait to know more about this female demon hunter. And with villains like the evil Dante who see's himself as every girls dream,when in all reality he's a fucking nightmare and a storyline that is interesting this is a must read. Juliette Cross is a amazing writer and her storytelling and humor in her books always keep me coming back for more. So if you like hot sexy demon hunters who carry a big.... Sword then this is your read. Until next time Luv's💕💋
Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews738 followers
July 31, 2017
5 - "You'll be the death of me.." Stars!

I cannot seem to get enough of Juliette Cross’ writing at the moment, so when the opportunity arose to read The Vessel Trilogy, I grabbed it with both hands and went and hid with my Kindle.

Now LIVE! -

Amazon US –

Forged in Fire – http://a.co/ewWoI5R
Sealed in Sin - http://a.co/8ZbQiLG
Bound in Black – http://a.co/6KPAYGo

Amazon UK –
Forged in Fire – http://amzn.eu/dzwgc5p
Sealed in Sin - http://amzn.eu/1BZHFnd
Bound in Black – http://amzn.eu/iQqTyXg



My love affair started with all things paranormal and otherworldly when I read Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but it took hold like an addiction when I read the Twilight saga, so when I say I got the same chills from reading Forged in Fire as I did when I started Twilight you can understand just how good I think the first book in this series is.



Did I mention that it’s about Angels and demons… Well it is and that just flipped my enjoyment levels even higher. Because Jude Delacroix; Dominus Daemonum a Master of Demons is a guy you aren’t going to forget in a hurry.

"I don't mind bearing a small burden of hell, since it's giving me another chance at heaven..."

Genevieve Drake, took a little longer to warm too, and I think this is mainly because the author did such a good job at showing her immaturity at the beginning of the story, but you also see how much she grows through the progression of the book, and I actually liked her snarky sass once she had sorted everything out in her head. This is a twenty-year old woman who is given an awful lot to absorb and deal with in a very short space of time, and she does it pretty well.

No matter his dark allure, something about him made everyone step clearly out of his way… he emanated an aura of back-the-fuck-off wherever he went…

The stage has been set, lots have questions have been answered, a load more have been raised and are waiting for answers, and Gen and Jude as well as a great cast of secondary characters have also been fully introduced, I cannot wait to see where the adventure takes me in the rest of the books.

"Even ageless life is too short to live halfhearted."

ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,379 reviews896 followers
January 19, 2022
Wow, this was one thrilling ride! Filled with so much action, drama, suspense and thrills, I never knew which way to look for where the bad guy was going to come next!


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On Genevieve’s twentieth birthday the world as she knows it is suddenly and terrifyingly changed before her eyes. The man at the center of her new world is a demon hunter and the things he slowly teaches her are things straight out of a nightmare. As the target of a high demon, Gen is struggling to learn how to utilize the new powers that are a part of the new her. With Jude’s help she hopes to survive but as events slowly begin to unravel it becomes apparent that even he may not be able to save her.


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I loved both Gen and Jude. Their pasts, although so many centuries between, are eerily similar but they have both been scarred down to their souls by it. As they forge a united front they grow closer to each other and yet the dark powers that threaten Gen keep them from moving forward in the direction they both desire. Jude was exactly as I would imagine a demon hunter would be…had I ever thought to imagine one. What he takes upon himself in a fight for justice is unique and horrifying but the fact that he faces one of the worse his kind could endure in order to help Gen made me love him even more. Gen, with her background in self protection, is not a wilting flower. Despite the extremes she is experiencing daily now, and the human struggles of remaining sane in the face of them, she stays strong and continues to grow in strength. I loved the hard and soft sides to her.


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This has some world building – in today’s world but with powers and beings that exist outside our realm – that painted a wonderfully dark and grim picture of those things we might sense but never see. The secondary characters are excellent and add so much depth to the story. The steam is low although there is definitely chemistry between Gen and Jude. This ends in what felt like a happy for now style although it’s safe to say this couple are definitely a couple. I’m very curious to see what happens from this point onward.

Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Profile Image for Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin.
3,633 reviews11.6k followers
October 29, 2015
http://melissa413readsalot.blogspot.c...

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Genevieve (Gen) Drake is a really cool, snarky character that I liked right off the bat. She is funny, she works for her dad at his Karate dojo and she's a Vessel... a what? Yeah, seems like when you turn a certain age you might just be a Vessel. They tend to have certain gifts but I changed my mind on telling you what they are, you will just have to read the book! :) Anyway, I love her snark in the book.

Carol giggled. I wanted to slap the blonde right off her. Wouldn't take much since she dyed it like once a week.

Gen is out with her best friend and roommate Mindy at a club to celebrate Gen's b-day. She comes across some freak who tries to kill her and then tall dark and bad-ass Jude Delacroix (Demon Hunter) takes said person out. And not on a date!

Over some time Jude explains to Gen what she is and there is so much to what she is that it takes quite some time to explain it all with the help from some others, Kat and St. George, but that's later on. Jude starts training her along with Kat on how to use her powers.

Back tracking a little, the first time Gen got to see Jude in all of this glory was when she closed down the dojo for the night and got jumped by some demons, it seems a demon prince, Dante, wants her for his own. I'm not telling you why either.. anyhoo.. so Gen leaves the dojo and this is her take on Jude in action :)

A sudden high-pitched scream drew our attention. Behind him, there was Jude, in all of his masculine glory, holding a long sword thrust deep into the chest of Pit-Bull boy. Wait, a sword? What century was I in?

I am in love with Jude and so is Gen after a bit. He rides a motorcycle or whatever he wants really and he is yummy!

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They all have to try to keep Gen safe and fight the jerk demon that wants to take her. It seems that Gen is a very strong Vessel and doesn't need as much help as one would think after she starts learning.

I can't wait to read more about these two and their love, it's a burning love and they need to get on with it :) I could feel the love and um.. stuff lifting right off the pages!



This is the second book I have read by this author and I like her writing style so it's not going to be the last that's for sure! Fin....

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Profile Image for Naomi 🐨.
89 reviews15 followers
August 15, 2015
First Read: February 2015
Re-reading now to follow on to books 2 & 3 :)

I absolutely adored Forged in Fire!!!! Juliette Cross has created such original worlds with characters that have captivated me :) I love Gen's strength and stubbornness and the depth of Jude's love for Gen leaves me breathless... Simply just cannot wait until Book #2. Have pre-ordered Sealed in Sin :) so now to counting down the days!
Profile Image for Nicola.
1,390 reviews287 followers
July 21, 2018
Full review of the trilogy HERE and fear not, no spoilers.

description I want you daily, nightly, repeatedly, constantly, forever.

description

description
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews631 followers
December 19, 2017
Of course Genevieve expected her twentieth birthday in New Orleans to be a little crazy, after all she was with her best friend, Mindy! She wasn’t expecting this birthday to change her life, or what she thought was her life, nor did she expect someone to attempt to end said life. Enter Mr. Mysterious, Hot and Deadly to come to her rescue and lead her down the rabbit hole of Holy Crap revelations…Demons? A Demon Prince? And what exactly is a Vessel and how did Genevieve become one?

Jude Delacroix has the answers, but is Genevieve ready to listen and learn when just being in this guy’s presence sends her libido into overdrive just when she learns she must be untouched, and pure of soul, sometimes life isn’t fair, but demons don’t play by any rules and Dante will stop at nothing to possess her, body and soul. All she has to do is earn one black mark on that pearly white soul and she is toast…unless Jude can keep the minions of hell at bay.

Juliette Cross’ FORGED IN FIRE is more than a great start to another Cross series, it is a fabulous start! Be prepared to jump in with both feet, feel the flames of more than just Hell, because there is some heavy smoldering going on between Jude and Genevieve and it is electric! But, there are secret pains, failures and the need for self-redemption, as well as “the rules” that Jude must follow and more than once he will leave Genevieve dazed and panting for more.

Great attitude, great characters, great pacing and what a storyline! Juliette Cross and her magic pen once again writes us into a world of darkness, danger and passion. Safe to say, none of us had such a life-changing twentieth, but thanks to Juliette Cross, Genevieve did and we got to share it all!

Trilogy: The Vessel Trilogy - Book 1
Publisher: Entangled: Select Otherworld (July 31, 2017)
Publication Date: July 31, 2017
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 345 pages
Available from: AmazonBarnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Jenn (The Book Refuge).
2,667 reviews4,489 followers
January 27, 2022
*I was provided an ARC of this title by the author to review. Full disclosure, I am good friends with Juliette.*

I was excited to read the revised version of Juliette Cross' first ever novel. I haven't read many Demon romances before and this one is a great start to the series. There was something very nostalgic about reading this book. It gave me a lot of feels that books I read as a teen did. But with the spice that we deserve!

This trilogy will all be about Genevieve and her hot new guardian, Jude. Who at the beginning of this book explains to Genevieve that everything she assumed was true about herself is a lie. And there are rules she must follow to keep herself from becoming a weapon to a great evil. She needs to learn to control the new powers she will be coming into as a Vessel and keep herself from being wielded by someone else.

While the danger intensifies, so does the chemistry between Jude and Genevieve, things only get more complicated. There are some great twists and turns that they have to navigate and this is only the beginning.

This was a bit of a slow build, since this is only 1 of 3, but my curiosity is peaked and I am intrigued enough to continue. There was also some steamy promises that were made to me and I demand to see their conclusion! Haha!

4/5 stars
2 on the spice scale (but there is more to come for sure)
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,712 reviews1,123 followers
February 5, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.



Forged In Fire is the first book in the Vessel trilogy and was just published this past week and is also the rerelease of this book that this author is putting out. Even though I like the older covers (but these books haven’t been accessible in other formats other than physical) so I think the author wanted to get them in ebook format but also I believe this trilogy being republished is also longer in length so she probably has added content to it which is really neat. I have so much respect for this author and even though I haven’t had the chance to read too much of her work, I have adored each and every book I have read from her so far. I was pulled right into the story here and it was a wild ride of paranormal fun. It is a very unique type of setting, I would say this is a paranormal new adult and so fantastically written. You just get drawn into the characters so well and I related so well with the heroine. She has a core of steel but has such a kind personality as well. She will stand by those that she loves deeply and I love how she is so open about her love for Jude. She just accepts what she feels for him, and there isn’t unnecessary drama in this book which I respect so much. The heroine gets thrown in a crazy life, when she learns of who she is and that she will be hunted by demonkind. But Jude becomes her protector and teacher in this new life. And the chemistry was off the charts, but there is also such a vibrant emotional attachment to their connection that just had the story be packed with so much depth here. I was so curious about this connection and see how its built in the rest of the trilogy and no pair cliffhanger which I enjoyed. I was really worried about that but it ended with an HFN, I am nervous about book two because please no love triangle but we shall see what Juliette Cross implements there. I really can’t wait to see the growth and journey that Genevieve will go on here. If you are looking for a unique paranormal romance trilogy that features one epic journey with one pairing, you definitely need to grab this one up. No worries book 2 is releasing this Monday and book 3 releases on the 14th of this month. It’s a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day and will knock your socks off.

Overall I found Forged In Fire to be an enthralling, dynamic love affair that sets your spirit on fire with core feminine strength, a fierce protector, and a romance to deliver in all the feels that captures the essence of the beauty of love ….

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Profile Image for Juliette Cross.
Author 51 books4,681 followers
Read
July 8, 2017
Greetings, paranormal readers. What can I say about Gen and Jude? Other than the fact they are both near and dear to my heart, I have a wish or two for you when all is said and done.

While filled with sinister demons, otherworldly creatures, and one too many trips to the underworld throughout the trilogy, I hope this story resonates with you on the most human level. One where redemption is possible, where forgiveness is given with an open heart, and where love--true and unconditional love--can and does conquer all darkness.

Merged review:

Super excited to get this series back on the shelves! Coming back July 31, 2017!
Profile Image for Crystal's Bookish Life.
1,026 reviews1,783 followers
February 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this! What a treat to read one of my favorite authors debut book. I definitely read this through the lens if my 2014 year old self who THOROUGHLY enjoyed new adult paranormal romances. I loved the world building here, loved the concept of our heroine as a vessel who had the possibility to be corrupted for evil. Loved the demon slaying hero too.

The banter and comedy landed perfectly and I just overall had a great time reading this. It reminds me of the feeling I get when watching Vampire Diaries except less broody but just as sexy. Very, very fun, lots of nostalgia for this book. Reminiscent of early JLA books but better!!
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,002 reviews798 followers
January 8, 2022
Forged in Fire is the first book of Genevieve and Jude's story.

I loved Jude. He's this intense man who is more than human, older than you could possibly imagine, and incredibly powerful. His intensity towards Genevieve shows there will be some pretty hot times to come.

Genevieve started out a bit bratty but she is a college student and her world just changed drastically on her 20th birthday. I can't wait to see how much Demon butt she's going to kick in the next couple of books.

There is a lot to learn in this first book and it was just starting to really get good when book one ended. Genevieve has come into her powers as a vessel, her relationship with Jude is starting to heat up and I'm curious where the story will head in the next book.

Profile Image for ❤️Emma Book Lover ❤️.
558 reviews303 followers
January 29, 2022
4.5 stars

Re-release of FiF with a new awesome cover is going to be available on February 1st!!

Demons, angels, paranormal romance at it best? great world building , JC brilliant writing style? New Orleans setting? COUNT ME IN 💛

Genevieve Drake learns on the night of her 20th bday that life as she knew it is about to end and that she is to become a vessel. She can serve the light or she can become a pawn of darkness.
Enter Jude Delacroix, Dominus Daemonum, Master of Demons who is sent to protect the vessel aka Genevieve. One word for Jude:swoon!
Their path is full of danger and obstacles but as they forge an united front they grow closer together and a team.
This two have some really strong chemistry and sexy scenes. The plot is solid and thrilling and action packed, not one dull moment.
The stage has been set so now Im looking forward for more of this couple that’s for sure.

As always a pleasure to read Juliette Cross♥️

ARC provided by the author in exchange of a honest review.
Profile Image for Sylvia.
678 reviews118 followers
January 27, 2016
Why in the world did it take me so long to read this book?!
Time and time again I stumbled across Forged in Fire through the GoodReads feed with members rating it highly and I'm always thinking, 'this would be a great paranormal romance to get stuck into.' But, alas, I never did until now. And boy, am I glad I did. This book was everything I ever wanted from a PNR and more. It was dark, and juicy, and edgy, and sexy and sensual.

Forged in Fire is definitely a unique spin on demons and bad-ass hunters, set amongst the backdrop of the beautiful and haunting city of New Orleans. A place I've only ever read about or seen in the movies.
The moment you begin on this dark journey, you are immediately thrust into this world of war being waged between good and evil. Those fighting are Masters of Demons, hunters who have for centuries protected humans and cast the spawns of the devil back to hell. One in particular, Mr Sexy, Mr Makes-You-Quiver-in-Places-You-Never-Dreamt-Of, Jude Delacroix. Oh this being! *throws hand against forehead in such a flutter* Every time his name graced the pages of this paranormal story, I felt him whispering against my ear, making me breathless. This man was just this fiery energy that engulfed our unsuspecting and very kick-ass heroine, Genevieve Drake, oh and me too. *hehe* Their chemistry was electric and the tension between these two was palpable.



Everything and everyone was getting in their way, especially The Dark Prince himself, Danté. He wanted Gen for himself and he would stop at nothing to make her his bride. You see, Gen is a Vessel, born to serve the light, but if tainted, can be swayed into the darkness to do the bidding of evil. Something Gen did not ask for and Jude would forever protect. These encounters with Danté left me feeling stained and I often shuddered every time he presented himself to Gen, yet delighted when he did. It's sick, I know, but that's what brilliant writing does. Juliette Cross absolutely reels you into this gothic world and demands you pay attention to these characters. You become wholeheartedly invested in their story and what happens to them. You actually begin to feel as they do, and want as they do. Just magnificent.

I can't wait to step back into this world and continue on to see how this story unravels. Will Gen harness all her power and embrace the light or will she waver, sinking into the darkness? Will Jude continue to protect Gen at the cost of everything or will the despair of all lost souls shadow him completely? I'm going to find out…to be continued.
Profile Image for Iris Hunter (InstagramREADS).
696 reviews80 followers
April 28, 2015
Great start for a first book of this new Trilogy. I really loved Genevieve’s strength and Jude. There is so much more to learn about this world and luckily book 2 is already published and book 3 that will be released this July in my mailbox.

For my first book of Juliette Cross I have to say they are highly addicted. And I really have to check out the other books she has written. As soon as we finish this mazing trilogy of course.

So I encourage you to try any one of her books. You won’t regret it.
Profile Image for Ursula.
603 reviews185 followers
April 15, 2018
I had my reservations, initially. Too many pop culture references and the heroine seemed a bit young (at 20) for a demon hunter hundreds of years old.
Well, she was young. But feisty. And sweet. And kind. And he was gorgeous. And vulnerable. And smexxy.

The story, the world-building, the demons, the angels, the whole shebang was actually pretty good and I was really enjoying it by the end.

Am I going to finish the series? You bet. Got to get past all that unresolved sexual tension and defeat those demonic monsters!
Profile Image for Rachel.
405 reviews69 followers
July 28, 2017
Yes it was just as awesome as expected. Bought this on a whim for $1.99 and love it. I freakin love new adult fantasy when it is done right and this is it. There are no explicit scenes just some steamy makeup sessions and a few creepy encounters with the villain. The story was completely captivating and I totally caved and already bought the next book... My tbr shelf just keeps growing larger and larger.

Before Reading: OMG this sounds awesome!
Profile Image for Lucina.
874 reviews71 followers
March 30, 2018
4.5 stars

This was a nice mash-up between The Mortal Instruments and Constantine spiced up with bits of Harry Potter, but thus it lacked new ideas. And I really wanted Jude's POV to get a better understanding of his feelings, I liked him but he remained an enigma and this made me question their feelings, because honestly, why did they fall in love!?
Profile Image for Beth.
3,102 reviews301 followers
November 23, 2025
Thrust into a world of good and evil, Genevieve Drake was ill – prepared to face the creatures that will be hunting her...Demons. Little did Genevieve know she was going to become a vessel. Now she must do all she can to choose light over darkest, when the road to the light is much harder and has never been successful before. Oh, of course some have chosen light, but it always leads to their death.

Help comes in one very hot package, but Genevieve isn't sure she can trust it when he is shrouded in so much mystery.

Juliette Cross has woven a magnificent new paranormal tale. We are brought into a world that lays right beyond the normal humans perspective or should I say ability to believe true. The ultimate battle is coming and I can't wait to see what happens next.

I do know this review is a little early, I normally don't post reviews less than 1 month prior to the release date but the publisher requested feedback by September 8. This is definitely a book that should be added to paranormal | urban fantasy fans 2015 reading list.

I received this ARC copy of Forged in Fire from Samhain Publishing in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication January 27, 2015.
Profile Image for Rhenna Morgan.
Author 29 books1,067 followers
June 29, 2015
I have a new favorite author!!! I can't tell you how giddy I was to stumble on to this lovely book and can hardly freakin' wait to get my hands on the next in the series. The heroine is younger than I normally read, but the way she was written I truly didn't care. The hero is oh-my-freakin'-God hot, and the angst/struggle the two of them have to face together is just perfect. It's going to be an on-going story between the same couple for 3 books, so obviously everything isn't sweetly tied up in a bow at the end of this one, but it's definitely a happy for now I could work with.

Seriously, I'm so damned giddy to have found this author. I can't wait until the holiday weekend so I can splurge on everything else she's got. Such a lovely voice and amazing descriptives. If you're ready to escape and immerse yourself in a damned good story, snap this one up.
Profile Image for Rosanna Leo.
Author 40 books832 followers
January 24, 2016
This book ticked so many of my paranormal romance boxes. Hunky hero, fun heroine, delicious villains (yes, I sort of loved Dante, as much as I shouldn't) and a fast-paced story. Throw in some wonderful biblical imagery and a nod to famous artwork and this reader is a happy camper. This was my first book from Ms. Cross but will certainly not be the last. Very enjoyable. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Cheryl La Pa.
395 reviews66 followers
February 6, 2016
Loved it! I was lured into Genevieve's world where she has to balance trying to live a normal life while dealing with demons and demon hunters. And Jude is smoking hot! I'm so ready to dive into Book 2.
Profile Image for Sláinte Wanderlust.
892 reviews386 followers
July 23, 2015
An almost insta love which I never grew to understand, an annoying protagonist who I never liked, a stupid & too easy ending and it seems YA to me though I think its meant to be new adult or adult paranormal = not winning ingredients for a good book.
I recommend that you give it a miss.
Profile Image for Diane (Books and Tequila Blog).
1,518 reviews72 followers
January 23, 2022
Forged in Fire is the first book in a paranormal trilogy. It sets up a world without feeling like a ‘set up’ story.
When Genevieve turns Twenty she comes into her power as a “Vessel” but also becomes the target of demons she didn’t even know existed.
It is Jude Delacroix’s mission to protect Genevieve and help her discover her powers, but he also has to fight their strong and dangerous attraction to each other.

“I like your name for many reasons.”…
“Because it is your name, the name of the woman who shines a light in my darkness; the woman who will save me from my worst enemy, despair; the woman who currently holds my jaded heart in her very lovely hands.”

I loved this story and can’t wait to dive into the next part of the trilogy!
-5 Stars-
Profile Image for Melliane.
2,073 reviews350 followers
January 3, 2015
3.5/5

Mon avis en Français

My English review

I am always intrigued about novel with demons and this one looked really interesting with such a synopsis. Also, I did not know about the author and it seemed perfect to discover her. In the end, even if the idea is not very original for the story, and that I’ve already read another one in the same style, I spent a great time with everything and I am very curious to discover the second volume now.

Genevieve has always been a girl like the others although she has gone through many obstacles to get there. But the day of her twentieth anniversary, her life is turned upside down when a demon tries to kill her at the exit of a nightclub and that she is saved in extremis by a terribly attractive man. But now she is going to be projected into a whole new universe of which she knows nothing about. She discovers that her world is ultimately governed by a hierarchy of demons and she remains the key to a mystery surrounding it. Thus Gen will have to partner with her savior Jude, teaming up with him and trying to survive the influx of demons after her. Some seem to want to kill her at any cost, while others are trying to kidnap her. Jude is determined to save the woman whatever might happen and to be present at her side. But now, Gen will have to make choices, she will have to open up to new beliefs, new people, and even confront her past that she tries to overcome for a while.

It was a very good novel and it’s true that I was very curious to see what Gen was going to decide to do throughout the story. Her choices are very limited and all are waiting to see her next actions. The relationship developing between her and Jude is also very touching. It evolves over the chapters, the two not knowing very well how to behave with each other to finally create something tangible. But it is true that Jude hides many secrets and we have to wait before getting to identify some little things about this character even if there is still much to discover. But he will not be the only one to help her and Jude’s friend, Kat, will also be there to teach her to survive, to help her manage the changes and to support her. A fresh note is significantly brought by Gen’s best friend who is a young woman full of life and carefree. It was nice to discover her. But of course, we also have some bad guys, some still relatively unknown, other pretty terrible but one thing is for sure, I’m curious to see what the second volume has in store for us now.

I enjoyed discovering the world and the hierarchy that the author has created in her book and although as I said everything is not really innovative, I had a great time and I look forward the following book now.
Profile Image for Stacy.
1,335 reviews61 followers
April 4, 2015
I have found that you can't go wrong with anything from Juliette Cross. I have enjoyed her characters, her writing and the great worlds that she has created for her stories.

I really liked Gen. She had a great personality, is easy to like and really stepped into her new life. Jude is a bad boy and very protective of his new charge. You can definitely feel the romantic connection between the two.

The secondary characters are just as important to the story. There is a great pace set from beginning to end. Book two has a lot to live up to!

* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Megan.
408 reviews
February 7, 2017
This book too me out of my book slump! I loved everything about this book. I couldn't put it down. Gen is sassy, a smart mouth, funny...and Jude is domineering, funny, sarcastic etc...and the supporting characters were great also. I can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Julie Reece.
Author 7 books374 followers
April 27, 2016
Wow and double wow. The writing is romantic and picturesque with a romance that leaves you begging for more. Loved this, so glad there's more to come!
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