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Onyx #0.5
A Fate In Moonstone
She was promised to one brother… but fate had other plans.
Everything I knew changed when two brothers entered the kingdom.
One was bred for court, with a devilish smile that would charm anyone out of their dress.
The other was bred from battle, with a cursed and dangerous power that topples armies.
I was promised to marry the former.
Prince Tor is kind, and I could easily spend my immortal life with him.
But fate had other plans.
Rune.
Despite our growling and painful attempts to stay away from each other, the pull between us is impossible to ignore.
Unfortunately, falling for the wrong brother is the least of my problems.
A quiet war brews beyond the palace walls while an enemy hiding in the royal shadows poisons my kingdom from within. His corruption threatens my people, my family, and everyone I love.
As devastating truths come to light, I discover that saving them may require the ultimate sacrifice.
One that could cost me my future, my memories, and the life I've fought to protect.
I just hope they'll forgive me if I survive.
~~
Before the Apocalypse, before Sapphira saved the world, there were two princes and a forbidden romance that started it all. This is that untold story.
A Fate In Moonstone is perfect for readers who love
Fated Mates
Forbidden Love
The Wrong Brother
Werewolf Snuggles
Yearning
Primal Sniffing
She Stabs Him
*This is a prequel and not required to read A Secret In Onyx.
Please note there is no spice in this book or in A Secret In Onyx, but there are open door spicy scenes in the rest of the series.
Everything I knew changed when two brothers entered the kingdom.
One was bred for court, with a devilish smile that would charm anyone out of their dress.
The other was bred from battle, with a cursed and dangerous power that topples armies.
I was promised to marry the former.
Prince Tor is kind, and I could easily spend my immortal life with him.
But fate had other plans.
Rune.
Despite our growling and painful attempts to stay away from each other, the pull between us is impossible to ignore.
Unfortunately, falling for the wrong brother is the least of my problems.
A quiet war brews beyond the palace walls while an enemy hiding in the royal shadows poisons my kingdom from within. His corruption threatens my people, my family, and everyone I love.
As devastating truths come to light, I discover that saving them may require the ultimate sacrifice.
One that could cost me my future, my memories, and the life I've fought to protect.
I just hope they'll forgive me if I survive.
~~
Before the Apocalypse, before Sapphira saved the world, there were two princes and a forbidden romance that started it all. This is that untold story.
A Fate In Moonstone is perfect for readers who love
Fated Mates
Forbidden Love
The Wrong Brother
Werewolf Snuggles
Yearning
Primal Sniffing
She Stabs Him
*This is a prequel and not required to read A Secret In Onyx.
Please note there is no spice in this book or in A Secret In Onyx, but there are open door spicy scenes in the rest of the series.
Unknown Binding
About the author
Jessica Florence
44 books620 followersJessica Florence writes the stories that her fellow nerds yearn for.
From Superheroes to Sexy Truckers, Jessica is known to give readers unique tales of hope where love conquers all. Stories that melt away reality and take you on a journey with the characters. If escapism is what you are looking for, then look no further. Jessica is the Queen of weaving the tales you may not normally pick up but find yourself not being able to put down.
Jessica’s always had a love of reading, and her love of books lead her to start writing in the 9th grade. She quickly learned that storytelling was her passion. Inspired by movies, music, and her personal life she writes like it’s the very air she breathes. Through her writing it’s evident that she lives for the stories she creates.
Jessica resides in North Carolina with her daughter, husband, and various animals. She loves to be outside, write in her hammock, and collect tea mugs.
CONNECT WITH J-FLO:
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jessicaflorenceauthor
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/authorjessicaflorence
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/florencejess
➜ WEBSITE: www.Jessicaflorenceauthor.com
From Superheroes to Sexy Truckers, Jessica is known to give readers unique tales of hope where love conquers all. Stories that melt away reality and take you on a journey with the characters. If escapism is what you are looking for, then look no further. Jessica is the Queen of weaving the tales you may not normally pick up but find yourself not being able to put down.
Jessica’s always had a love of reading, and her love of books lead her to start writing in the 9th grade. She quickly learned that storytelling was her passion. Inspired by movies, music, and her personal life she writes like it’s the very air she breathes. Through her writing it’s evident that she lives for the stories she creates.
Jessica resides in North Carolina with her daughter, husband, and various animals. She loves to be outside, write in her hammock, and collect tea mugs.
CONNECT WITH J-FLO:
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jessicaflorenceauthor
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/authorjessicaflorence
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/florencejess
➜ WEBSITE: www.Jessicaflorenceauthor.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 24, 2026
This was honestly a difficult review for me to write because I did finish the book, and there were genuinely a lot of things I enjoyed. I think my biggest struggle was simply staying completely invested from beginning to end and sometimes a book can have so many elements you appreciate, yet something about the overall reading experience just doesn't quite click personally.
I think this was one of those reads for me.
First, I really enjoyed the writing and prose. There was something beautiful about the way the story carried its atmosphere, especially with the tension surrounding the kingdom and the feeling that there was always something darker happening beneath everything happening at court.
The story gradually reveals that the danger isn't simply waiting beyond the palace walls, but is much closer than anyone realizes, and I enjoyed watching those layers unfold.
The FMC was definitely a highlight for me. She felt different, and I found myself much more connected to her perspective and journey than I expected and being promised a future with one brother while finding herself drawn toward the other created an interesting emotional conflict, especially because Rune is basically the exact kind of complication nobody needs when they're already trying to survive a growing threat.
You have Tor, the charming prince who seems like someone she could genuinely build an immortal life with, and then there's Rune, who brings an entirely different kind of energy. Their attempts to keep their distance only make that pull more complicated, and I enjoyed seeing that tension develop alongside everything else happening within the kingdom.
And then we have the twists.
Those definitely kept me turning the pages. Just when I thought I had a better understanding of what was happening, another piece of the puzzle would shift with the growing threat, the corruption hiding within the kingdom, and the truths surrounding the people she loves gave the story some really interesting stakes. I especially appreciated how the story pushed the FMC toward increasingly difficult choices where protecting the people and future she cared about could potentially cost her something deeply personal.
That emotional element was probably one of my favorite aspects because the consequences weren't simply about winning or losing. There was the possibility of losing memories, sacrificing the future she thought she wanted, and potentially giving up pieces of herself along the way. I could appreciate what the author was trying to build emotionally, and there were moments where those stakes really landed for me.
But here's where my personal reading experience comes in.
As much as I appreciated the writing, characters, romantic tension, and twists, I still felt like there was a little something missing for me. I can't even pinpoint exactly what it was, which makes this review harder because I don't want to make it sound like the book did something wrong. It genuinely feels more like a matter of personal connection.
There were moments when I was completely curious about what would happen next, but there were also times when I had to push myself to stay engaged. I think I wanted that feeling of being completely consumed by the story, and for me, it never quite reached that point.
And honestly, that's the weird little gamble we take as readers.
You can recognize the beautiful writing, appreciate the characters, enjoy the twists, and still realize that the story didn't quite become your story.
That doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it to the right reader. In fact, I can absolutely see this being a book that someone else becomes completely obsessed with. If you enjoy fantasy romance with complicated relationships, dangerous powers, hidden threats, secrets within the kingdom, and characters being forced to make painful sacrifices, there is plenty here to enjoy.
For me, this was simply a case of appreciating a book without forming that deep connection I was hoping for and I think that's okay because not every book has to become a favorite to still have something worthwhile to offer.
I think this was one of those reads for me.
First, I really enjoyed the writing and prose. There was something beautiful about the way the story carried its atmosphere, especially with the tension surrounding the kingdom and the feeling that there was always something darker happening beneath everything happening at court.
The story gradually reveals that the danger isn't simply waiting beyond the palace walls, but is much closer than anyone realizes, and I enjoyed watching those layers unfold.
The FMC was definitely a highlight for me. She felt different, and I found myself much more connected to her perspective and journey than I expected and being promised a future with one brother while finding herself drawn toward the other created an interesting emotional conflict, especially because Rune is basically the exact kind of complication nobody needs when they're already trying to survive a growing threat.
You have Tor, the charming prince who seems like someone she could genuinely build an immortal life with, and then there's Rune, who brings an entirely different kind of energy. Their attempts to keep their distance only make that pull more complicated, and I enjoyed seeing that tension develop alongside everything else happening within the kingdom.
And then we have the twists.
Those definitely kept me turning the pages. Just when I thought I had a better understanding of what was happening, another piece of the puzzle would shift with the growing threat, the corruption hiding within the kingdom, and the truths surrounding the people she loves gave the story some really interesting stakes. I especially appreciated how the story pushed the FMC toward increasingly difficult choices where protecting the people and future she cared about could potentially cost her something deeply personal.
That emotional element was probably one of my favorite aspects because the consequences weren't simply about winning or losing. There was the possibility of losing memories, sacrificing the future she thought she wanted, and potentially giving up pieces of herself along the way. I could appreciate what the author was trying to build emotionally, and there were moments where those stakes really landed for me.
But here's where my personal reading experience comes in.
As much as I appreciated the writing, characters, romantic tension, and twists, I still felt like there was a little something missing for me. I can't even pinpoint exactly what it was, which makes this review harder because I don't want to make it sound like the book did something wrong. It genuinely feels more like a matter of personal connection.
There were moments when I was completely curious about what would happen next, but there were also times when I had to push myself to stay engaged. I think I wanted that feeling of being completely consumed by the story, and for me, it never quite reached that point.
And honestly, that's the weird little gamble we take as readers.
You can recognize the beautiful writing, appreciate the characters, enjoy the twists, and still realize that the story didn't quite become your story.
That doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it to the right reader. In fact, I can absolutely see this being a book that someone else becomes completely obsessed with. If you enjoy fantasy romance with complicated relationships, dangerous powers, hidden threats, secrets within the kingdom, and characters being forced to make painful sacrifices, there is plenty here to enjoy.
For me, this was simply a case of appreciating a book without forming that deep connection I was hoping for and I think that's okay because not every book has to become a favorite to still have something worthwhile to offer.
September 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Fate in Moonstone by Jessica Florence is the prequel novel to The Onyx Trilogy. It is all forbidden love with a stabby princess and growly- broody-cursed MMC.
Overall I really enjoyed A Fate in Moonlight. The tension as well as the magic was unique. Princess Sapphira has a sapphire gemstone core that allows her to borrow or mimic the magic of anyone she touches. Only royals have gemstone cores. For the sake of her kingdom she is being courted by Prince Tor but it’s his brother, Rune who she has an instant and undeniable chemistry with. Ahhh Rune my tortured soul prince- insert dreamy eyes! He was completely swoon worthy MMC in my book. From page 1, they meet and it is instant. Not instalust but more insta-tension. They are drawn to each other, to the fight they see in each other.
This pacing of this book moves. There is no lead up, Florence dumps us into the thick of it and builds the world around us. I frankly love the pacing and find it perfect for a prequal. Though I wish I knew the reading order. Should I have read the trilogy first???
When time allows I do plan on reading the Onyx Trilogy. I'm curious and have so many questions!
This prequal had no spice but the author has stated there is open door spice moving forward in the trilogy.
Thank you to the author and MTMC Tours for providing me an ARC copy for review.
A Fate in Moonstone by Jessica Florence is the prequel novel to The Onyx Trilogy. It is all forbidden love with a stabby princess and growly- broody-cursed MMC.
Overall I really enjoyed A Fate in Moonlight. The tension as well as the magic was unique. Princess Sapphira has a sapphire gemstone core that allows her to borrow or mimic the magic of anyone she touches. Only royals have gemstone cores. For the sake of her kingdom she is being courted by Prince Tor but it’s his brother, Rune who she has an instant and undeniable chemistry with. Ahhh Rune my tortured soul prince- insert dreamy eyes! He was completely swoon worthy MMC in my book. From page 1, they meet and it is instant. Not instalust but more insta-tension. They are drawn to each other, to the fight they see in each other.
This pacing of this book moves. There is no lead up, Florence dumps us into the thick of it and builds the world around us. I frankly love the pacing and find it perfect for a prequal. Though I wish I knew the reading order. Should I have read the trilogy first???
When time allows I do plan on reading the Onyx Trilogy. I'm curious and have so many questions!
This prequal had no spice but the author has stated there is open door spice moving forward in the trilogy.
Thank you to the author and MTMC Tours for providing me an ARC copy for review.
August 15, 2026
"You feed her fire..and bask in her flames"
"..Whenever you are faced with a decision that must be made, ask yourself which answer makes you the person you wish to be."
This author NEVER disappoints, and this book was absolutely no exception! I could not put it down. The heart, emotion, and angst were woven together beautifully.
One of my favorite parts was getting to learn more about Nyx. Nyx is the ultimate best friend!
This book seriously tugged on my heartstrings, and I loved every second of it.
Honestly, I wish I could take a Magic School Bus style field trip straight through this author’s creative mind, because the imagination and world-building are truly on another level.
Another incredible read from an author who continues to amaze me!
"..Whenever you are faced with a decision that must be made, ask yourself which answer makes you the person you wish to be."
This author NEVER disappoints, and this book was absolutely no exception! I could not put it down. The heart, emotion, and angst were woven together beautifully.
One of my favorite parts was getting to learn more about Nyx. Nyx is the ultimate best friend!
This book seriously tugged on my heartstrings, and I loved every second of it.
Honestly, I wish I could take a Magic School Bus style field trip straight through this author’s creative mind, because the imagination and world-building are truly on another level.
Another incredible read from an author who continues to amaze me!
September 12, 2026
This was fun! The revelations were interesting. We have a family full of secrets, drama, and magic. I wish this had gone just a little slower. I needed more information about the magic system. I wanted to really learn the ins and outs of it. Along with the world. I wish we could have built on that more in this book. While I loved the relationship that was built, the heat they had I also wish they had had a slower pace. The writing was wonderful and I was engaged in what was happening I just felt a little rushed in each chapter.
I definitely want to read what happens next though! These characters are interesting and there are things hidden ready to be discovered.
I definitely want to read what happens next though! These characters are interesting and there are things hidden ready to be discovered.
September 18, 2026
Hi everyone!
First, I should mention that this is the #0.5 book in the Onyx series.
The protagonists are Sapphira and Rune. And yes, two polar opposites become the perfect couple. It feels as though their meeting was fated and their relationship inevitable, while the attraction between them melts even the coldest heart.
The world-building and plot are truly unique. The story’s development offers depth, magic, fantasy, plot twists, and adventure.
Finally, the author’s writing style is delightful, captivating, thrilling, fast-paced, and enchanting.
Many thanks to the author and MTMC Book Tours for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
First, I should mention that this is the #0.5 book in the Onyx series.
The protagonists are Sapphira and Rune. And yes, two polar opposites become the perfect couple. It feels as though their meeting was fated and their relationship inevitable, while the attraction between them melts even the coldest heart.
The world-building and plot are truly unique. The story’s development offers depth, magic, fantasy, plot twists, and adventure.
Finally, the author’s writing style is delightful, captivating, thrilling, fast-paced, and enchanting.
Many thanks to the author and MTMC Book Tours for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
August 15, 2026
This story was so good! I couldn’t put it down and now I needd to know what happens next!!
It was filled with action, secrets, plot twists, an fmc who will give up herself to save her kingdom and a mate who would burn the kingdom to keep her safe!
I loved the chemistry between the mc’s and who doesn’t love fated mates! Even when they meet in the most unlucky circumstances.
I can’t wait for the next book I am hooked!
It was filled with action, secrets, plot twists, an fmc who will give up herself to save her kingdom and a mate who would burn the kingdom to keep her safe!
I loved the chemistry between the mc’s and who doesn’t love fated mates! Even when they meet in the most unlucky circumstances.
I can’t wait for the next book I am hooked!
August 30, 2026
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Sapphira and Rune. There's so much tension between them, and I already know I'm going to need more of these two.
While this prequel isn't packed with nonstop action, I think it does exactly what it needs to. It introduces the world, the characters, and the political dynamics of the Onyx Series without feeling overwhelming.
I'm glad I read this first, and now I can't wait to dive into the main story!
While this prequel isn't packed with nonstop action, I think it does exactly what it needs to. It introduces the world, the characters, and the political dynamics of the Onyx Series without feeling overwhelming.
I'm glad I read this first, and now I can't wait to dive into the main story!
September 9, 2026
This one missed for me. Sapphira meets her main male love interest in chapter one and her betrothed just a couple chapters later, from there, the whole plot is predictable. Beyond "Rune is scarred and banished" and "Tor is kind," there wasn't much to either brother, so I never felt an emotional connection to the pull between them, and the fated-mates stakes fell flat.
September 17, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! The angst, the forbidden tension, the chemistry and Rune... that broody, dangerous, tortured energy had me in a chokehold. I loved the magic, political intrigue, and slow building tension between Sapphira and Rune. And this prequel did a great job of introducing the world while leaving me desperately wanting more. I need to read the Onyx Trilogy immediately!
September 22, 2026
This was such an energetic prelude to a fantasy series and I cannot wait to find out what happens next in this world 💎
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews