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Darkstone Academy #3
A Kiss of Roses & Moonlight
Tormented by a curse that thwarts love with pain, the Dark Fae Prince Gwydion and I must join forces to break the chains of his cruel fate.I arrived at Darkstone Academy for the Magical Arts as an indentured servant destined to slave away in the kitchens. I never imagined I was actually the lost Princess Jacinthe, second-in-line to the throne of the Dominion.This academy is a school for magical outcasts, and a battleground of political intrigue where human mages, diplomatic hostages, and supernatural beings coexist in a fragile harmony.Here, my unlikely allies— the fierce merman Lord Tama, the dragon Prince Boreas, the enigmatic Dark Fae Prince Gwydion, and the compassionate human Lord Ilhan—help me stand against those who seek to use me as a pawn in their power plays.But amidst this chaos, my heart yearns for one who is cursed to never know love. Prince Gwydion's Curse of Thorns, a sadistic legacy from the Dark Fae Court, threatens to tear us apart before our love even has a chance to bloom.As we strive to break this curse, Lady Erzabetta, the academy's cruel chatelaine, weaves her murderous web around us, jeopardizing everything we fight for.Unravel the mysteries of Darkstone Academy, where love defies dark magic and an unexpected princess is forced to confront a traitorous scheme. One-click to dive into an unforgettable world of magic, danger, and passion!
342 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2024
202 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Bliss Devlin
36 books78 followersBliss Devlin works in high tech, likes sushi (and sashimi), and doesn't much care for modern art.
Readers have praised her work as "...a sizzling combination of hot sex and super sweet romance."
She draws inspiration from a childhood spent reading fairy tales, myths, and legends, and an adulthood spent living and traveling overseas. When not writing tales of erotic adventure, she travels, bakes gourmet delights, and hangs out online with an amazing group of smart, funny, sophisticated people.
Readers have praised her work as "...a sizzling combination of hot sex and super sweet romance."
She draws inspiration from a childhood spent reading fairy tales, myths, and legends, and an adulthood spent living and traveling overseas. When not writing tales of erotic adventure, she travels, bakes gourmet delights, and hangs out online with an amazing group of smart, funny, sophisticated people.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 6, 2024
Great 3rd book!!!!
Spoilers!
I enjoyed this one. There was lulls that caused anticipation or what I like to call anxiety before it comes to a head before dying down again and building and building. It hurt to read if the forced separation of her “friends”. My heart broke for all of them because we got an in depth view while reading their points of views. It seems that Jacinthe, was publicly outed as the long lost princess by Rodrigo and his sister because he gave her the choice to marry him and secure his right to the throne or watch as each of her men are flogged and beaten in the courtyard in front of everyone. We get to read Rodriguez thoughts as well as his sisters and they are disgusting. Seeking approval from their uncle the escaped Duke of norhas, he’s trying to overthrow the Domina Regent Jacinthe. The main character Jacinthe grandmother. Tamas, the merman prince savagely rips out Rodriguez throat after Jacinthe lets her power free, it raged and freed all her men. His sister, I have colorful words to describe her but let’s just call her Unt. Takes control of the situation and Jacinthe basically bows to her demands of imprisoning Tamas and Boreas. It was hard to read about their longing. I imagined several scenarios that they could have tried but didn’t think of. They all always said they couldn’t reach anyone off the island but one of the other princesses from the same tribe as Gwydion fulfilled her bond promise to contact someone from her homeland in search of information on how to break Gwydions curse. Why didn’t they think to ask her to pass along a message to their prospective tribes? There were several times I wanted to bang my head on the table. The magical duel between Unt also known as Lady Ezeretta, the sister to Rodriguez, and Jacinthe was spectacular. I enjoyed how when push comes to shove, once Jacinthe reaches her breaking point, she explodes in unseen power. Proving she’s the long lost princess several times. I’m glad that Jacinthe doesn’t hold grudges against her fellow students, that bullied her in the first 2 books. She’s adamant she wants to complete her mage healing education. The worst part was the agreement she signed with Unt. Signed in blood, that she would marry Lord Fernin, the escaped Duke of Norhas son. Apparently he’s a sicko. So Unt is pretty excited at the prospect of causing Jacinthe more pain. Thankfully Unt releases the imperial hostages Tamas and Boreas also allowing more leniency to their “hostage” status alongside loosening the restraints on the other imperial hostages. We are starting to interact more with them in this book. Hopefully the dramatic entrance of the Duke of Norhas, (he interrupted the celebration feast of Jacinthe’s win the magical duel) has just as dramatic exit in the next one. I’m praying her soul bonds are her saviours, when that marriage contract comes up. Im hoping that a soul bond supersedes any kind of marriage contract. Overall I really enjoyed the book. Can’t wait for the next one.
Spoilers!
I enjoyed this one. There was lulls that caused anticipation or what I like to call anxiety before it comes to a head before dying down again and building and building. It hurt to read if the forced separation of her “friends”. My heart broke for all of them because we got an in depth view while reading their points of views. It seems that Jacinthe, was publicly outed as the long lost princess by Rodrigo and his sister because he gave her the choice to marry him and secure his right to the throne or watch as each of her men are flogged and beaten in the courtyard in front of everyone. We get to read Rodriguez thoughts as well as his sisters and they are disgusting. Seeking approval from their uncle the escaped Duke of norhas, he’s trying to overthrow the Domina Regent Jacinthe. The main character Jacinthe grandmother. Tamas, the merman prince savagely rips out Rodriguez throat after Jacinthe lets her power free, it raged and freed all her men. His sister, I have colorful words to describe her but let’s just call her Unt. Takes control of the situation and Jacinthe basically bows to her demands of imprisoning Tamas and Boreas. It was hard to read about their longing. I imagined several scenarios that they could have tried but didn’t think of. They all always said they couldn’t reach anyone off the island but one of the other princesses from the same tribe as Gwydion fulfilled her bond promise to contact someone from her homeland in search of information on how to break Gwydions curse. Why didn’t they think to ask her to pass along a message to their prospective tribes? There were several times I wanted to bang my head on the table. The magical duel between Unt also known as Lady Ezeretta, the sister to Rodriguez, and Jacinthe was spectacular. I enjoyed how when push comes to shove, once Jacinthe reaches her breaking point, she explodes in unseen power. Proving she’s the long lost princess several times. I’m glad that Jacinthe doesn’t hold grudges against her fellow students, that bullied her in the first 2 books. She’s adamant she wants to complete her mage healing education. The worst part was the agreement she signed with Unt. Signed in blood, that she would marry Lord Fernin, the escaped Duke of Norhas son. Apparently he’s a sicko. So Unt is pretty excited at the prospect of causing Jacinthe more pain. Thankfully Unt releases the imperial hostages Tamas and Boreas also allowing more leniency to their “hostage” status alongside loosening the restraints on the other imperial hostages. We are starting to interact more with them in this book. Hopefully the dramatic entrance of the Duke of Norhas, (he interrupted the celebration feast of Jacinthe’s win the magical duel) has just as dramatic exit in the next one. I’m praying her soul bonds are her saviours, when that marriage contract comes up. Im hoping that a soul bond supersedes any kind of marriage contract. Overall I really enjoyed the book. Can’t wait for the next one.
April 2, 2024
"A Kiss of Roses and Moonlight" is book three in the Darkstone Academy series, and it starts off right where book two ended on a cliffhanger. Even though it's been a while since I've read the second book, I have to say the storyline and the characters came back to me real quickly. That only happens when the story made an impression on me, and I even like it more the longer this series takes. It has a fascinating plot, with the Darkstone Academy being a tiny place in a much bigger fantasy world and I love how so many puzzle pieces come together on a small island like that, isolated from the world.
This third book focusses on Gwydion's curse and Jacinthe's growing powers, while the outside threats become clearer but also more dangerous along the way. Their isolation is fascinating, and really adds to the storyline for me, although I'm curious to find out what will happen when a few key characters will finally enter the scene. This third book isn't the end of the series yet, and even though the cliffhanger doesn't hold the same punch as it did at the end of book two, I'm still very excited to find out how the story will unfold in book four.
This third book focusses on Gwydion's curse and Jacinthe's growing powers, while the outside threats become clearer but also more dangerous along the way. Their isolation is fascinating, and really adds to the storyline for me, although I'm curious to find out what will happen when a few key characters will finally enter the scene. This third book isn't the end of the series yet, and even though the cliffhanger doesn't hold the same punch as it did at the end of book two, I'm still very excited to find out how the story will unfold in book four.
April 6, 2024
I received an arc and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5/5
The third book in the series and I am still in love with it.
It was definitely moving more fast pace and alot was happening and I did feel like there could have been more detail. The main "villains", especially lord roderigo, was killed with no true excitement built about it. Both the antagonists died within like 4 pages after it seemed like they were so powerful and would do something before they die. Just another very overpowered female main character, which I won't hate on because I do like a powerful female main character, but it did feel quite disengaging for one of her men just to claw at the neck and they died.
Also they were just focused on Gwynthions sex curse the entire time whilst they were being plotted on, yet somehow came out victorious?
Her men are all somewhat different, and Ilhan is still reluctant on joining the other 3 guys with Jacinthe. Overall, I do like it and would recommend, but I hope the next book has a better build up.
3.5/5
The third book in the series and I am still in love with it.
It was definitely moving more fast pace and alot was happening and I did feel like there could have been more detail. The main "villains", especially lord roderigo, was killed with no true excitement built about it. Both the antagonists died within like 4 pages after it seemed like they were so powerful and would do something before they die. Just another very overpowered female main character, which I won't hate on because I do like a powerful female main character, but it did feel quite disengaging for one of her men just to claw at the neck and they died.
Also they were just focused on Gwynthions sex curse the entire time whilst they were being plotted on, yet somehow came out victorious?
Her men are all somewhat different, and Ilhan is still reluctant on joining the other 3 guys with Jacinthe. Overall, I do like it and would recommend, but I hope the next book has a better build up.
December 8, 2024
Thrilling, Magical, and Left Me Wanting More!
Book three was absolutely incredible! The focus shifts to Gwydion, the dark fae, and the generational curse that looms over him, but this book delivers so much more. Jacintha continues to grow into her powers, and there’s an epic battle that tips the scales of fate in the right direction—only for a new, ominous threat to emerge.
I loved how the story wove together personal struggles, like Gwydion’s curse and Jacintha’s evolution, with larger, world-altering stakes. And Ilahn? I knew he wouldn’t hold out forever, which adds even more tension to the buildup for book four. Waiting until the end of the month for the conclusion is going to be so hard—I need to know what happens next!
This book was packed with action, drama, and emotion, keeping me hooked from start to finish. The twists and dark undertones were perfectly balanced, making it a solid continuation of the series. If you love intricate fantasy worlds with high stakes and unforgettable characters, you need to pick this up!
Book three was absolutely incredible! The focus shifts to Gwydion, the dark fae, and the generational curse that looms over him, but this book delivers so much more. Jacintha continues to grow into her powers, and there’s an epic battle that tips the scales of fate in the right direction—only for a new, ominous threat to emerge.
I loved how the story wove together personal struggles, like Gwydion’s curse and Jacintha’s evolution, with larger, world-altering stakes. And Ilahn? I knew he wouldn’t hold out forever, which adds even more tension to the buildup for book four. Waiting until the end of the month for the conclusion is going to be so hard—I need to know what happens next!
This book was packed with action, drama, and emotion, keeping me hooked from start to finish. The twists and dark undertones were perfectly balanced, making it a solid continuation of the series. If you love intricate fantasy worlds with high stakes and unforgettable characters, you need to pick this up!
August 14, 2025
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the previous 2. This one seemed to drag on. I didn't like how some chapters seemed to jump 2 days later or 3 days later. I get that time is carrying in but couldn't we have worked it into the chapters to start that time had moved like we did in the first 2 books. Also, we read from Lady Erzabetta's POV a lot more in this book and I didn't enjoy it as much. Granted we were able to understand why some things were done but I was expecting a redemption or something. This is the second book I have read this book from the villain's POV and I'm not sure I have liked it either time. It takes my perspective off from the main characters.
This story seemed to drag a bit more than the others and it took a while for them to find a cure for Gwydion. Honestly, it seemed the whole book was trying to save Gwydion and trying to take down Erzabetta. Why they didn't imprison Erzabetta in the beginning for what they did was my first question. Good book, just not as good as the other 2.
This story seemed to drag a bit more than the others and it took a while for them to find a cure for Gwydion. Honestly, it seemed the whole book was trying to save Gwydion and trying to take down Erzabetta. Why they didn't imprison Erzabetta in the beginning for what they did was my first question. Good book, just not as good as the other 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
Darkstone Academy – 1/5 Stars
I genuinely struggled to get through this series—not just once, but twice. First, I tried reading it. When that failed, I gave the audiobooks a shot once the full series dropped. I did make it further with audio... but honestly, reading it? Near impossible.
The concept had promise. Djinn and Mermen? Yes, please. I was excited for something unique and darkly magical. But what I got felt more like a watered-down young adult novel awkwardly pretending to be an adult paranormal romance. It didn’t work. At all.
The writing was rough—repetitive and juvenile. And let’s talk about the word “friend.” If I had a dollar for every time it was used, I’d have funded a better editor. That word is officially banned. You’ve used up the lifetime quota—for both of us.
The FMC? She’s officially on my “Worst Female Leads of All Time” list. Painfully frustrating and utterly unrelatable.
So yes, I got my refund on the audiobook. And no, I won’t be revisiting this one. Ever.
I genuinely struggled to get through this series—not just once, but twice. First, I tried reading it. When that failed, I gave the audiobooks a shot once the full series dropped. I did make it further with audio... but honestly, reading it? Near impossible.
The concept had promise. Djinn and Mermen? Yes, please. I was excited for something unique and darkly magical. But what I got felt more like a watered-down young adult novel awkwardly pretending to be an adult paranormal romance. It didn’t work. At all.
The writing was rough—repetitive and juvenile. And let’s talk about the word “friend.” If I had a dollar for every time it was used, I’d have funded a better editor. That word is officially banned. You’ve used up the lifetime quota—for both of us.
The FMC? She’s officially on my “Worst Female Leads of All Time” list. Painfully frustrating and utterly unrelatable.
So yes, I got my refund on the audiobook. And no, I won’t be revisiting this one. Ever.
April 7, 2024
It feels like every cliffhanger of this series leaves our FMC in dire situations, this one was bad, super bad. At the beginning were are smack in the face with a lot of secrets revealed. And after that, we see a new side to our FMC determined to achieve it all. This book brought a lot of emotions, I was crying, smiling (sometimes grinning0, screaming but for the most part I was mad!! This one is the third book and I can't wait to get my hands on the 4th (I know is going to be good). This book has it all action, fights, magic and spice!! What are you waiting for start the Darkstone Academy series today, you will not regret it "friend".
July 22, 2024
Meh not bad
If you forget about the characters for a moment, the plot and the setting didn't make sense. This freshman and three professors are never actually in the Academy and no one seems to notice or hold them accountable. Lol - this series is moving slowly and fast at the same time. This girl is getting all these revelations and issues on regular weekend?!?
The story itself is not bad but I cannot suspend reality because it just doesn't make sense. The MFC has a major reveal but forgets to mention the huge life-threatening event that happened right before it? I guess it will be a twist in the next book but it's rather just have a great story.
If you forget about the characters for a moment, the plot and the setting didn't make sense. This freshman and three professors are never actually in the Academy and no one seems to notice or hold them accountable. Lol - this series is moving slowly and fast at the same time. This girl is getting all these revelations and issues on regular weekend?!?
The story itself is not bad but I cannot suspend reality because it just doesn't make sense. The MFC has a major reveal but forgets to mention the huge life-threatening event that happened right before it? I guess it will be a twist in the next book but it's rather just have a great story.
August 1, 2025
My goodness! Action packed and insane. Theres a lot that transpired! Jacinthe is truly amazing! I admire her dedication and loyalty to her friends and her moral compass. Erzabetta was insane. And was so dangerous not only to those she deemed enemies but even her own allies. You can only rule with fear for so long before people turn. She deserved everything she got. What I love most is how Jacinthe handled everything. Shes not smug or cheering. She felt guilty but also understood what she needed to do. She didnt take joy in what happened. It makes me love and admire her even more. I have no idea what's going to happen now with the Duke, her mother, and the rest of the kingdom.
January 1, 2025
intensive read
Like a lot of these stories they are so filled with different characters that is sometimes hard to keep up . The story line was good, characters & sex were interesting but after finishing one of the books I had to read something else just to give myself something “ easy “ to read. Must read all 4 books definitely a second time.
Like a lot of these stories they are so filled with different characters that is sometimes hard to keep up . The story line was good, characters & sex were interesting but after finishing one of the books I had to read something else just to give myself something “ easy “ to read. Must read all 4 books definitely a second time.
May 8, 2025
DNF @ 72%
The truth is I wanted to stop reading after the first few chapters but I held hope that Jacinthe and the others will be more cunning and have a good plan against the Erzabetta but jeez I just wasted so much time.
She has a new status now and for all their combined powers, they don't know how to utilize their resources to solve their problems.
The truth is I wanted to stop reading after the first few chapters but I held hope that Jacinthe and the others will be more cunning and have a good plan against the Erzabetta but jeez I just wasted so much time.
She has a new status now and for all their combined powers, they don't know how to utilize their resources to solve their problems.
May 17, 2025
Truth and Honor
With many obstacles inherent way after being sold into services she finds out she is a lost princess within the enemy’s grasp, she is learning more of her powers and staying humble with her heart bound tow four men, she faces more obstacles than ever. Since book one, book three has redeemed this series.
With many obstacles inherent way after being sold into services she finds out she is a lost princess within the enemy’s grasp, she is learning more of her powers and staying humble with her heart bound tow four men, she faces more obstacles than ever. Since book one, book three has redeemed this series.
July 21, 2025
The book was okay but honestly it either goes too fast or too slow. The beginning was very quick and the ending as well but the middle drags on. Overall I don’t think it’s bad but it’s not my cup of tea. I will continue to read to see how the story ends but definitely not ACOTAR level when it comes to storytelling.
July 15, 2024
The fae prince, Gwydion, is just so cringe to me. Idk why. Im trying really hard to like him but...its just not working. Although, his curse was very interesting and horrifying I could not wait to see them succeed in breaking it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2025
A Kiss of Roses and Moonlight, the third book of the Darkstone Academy series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). This is a wonderful series with reals and twists to keep readers guessing. I'm enjoying the relationship drama, as well as the surprises this writer likes to spring.
January 18, 2025
By the third book it is beginning to feel like it is dragging on. I liked the story to start with but book 3 just dragged for me. I am not sure I will read the last one.
January 28, 2025
So much going on
So much treachery. But the bad guys got what they deserved. And the curse is finally broken. But of course that ending!
So much treachery. But the bad guys got what they deserved. And the curse is finally broken. But of course that ending!
February 3, 2025
I like the story so far but it continually looses momentum for me. It’s still good, but I find myself getting somewhat uninvolved with the characters and the story.
September 19, 2025
Dialogue is still stilted/not good. Story is starting to drag. Decent hook at the end of the book and I am curious about the story still. So 3.5?
January 28, 2026
DNF at 47%. I had spent enough time away from this series to forget that the main character is a Mary Sue. Thus, she is not only hard to believe but also deeply unlikable.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews