4.6 (45 ratings)

Dark Witch (Heartstone Academy Book 1)

Name: Dark Witch (Heartstone Academy Book 1)
Rating: 4.6 (45 reviews)
Author: Becky Moynihan
ISBN: B0FTYBVDL6

by Becky Moynihan

witches

About this book

Exiled for half her life, Winter never expected an invitation to Heartstone Academy. This brutal, elite institution for witches and warlocks is a pressure cooker of lethal magic trials and cutthroat social hierarchies. For a disgraced outcast harboring a dangerous, hidden secret, graduation is not just a challenge; it is a fight for survival against peers who would rather see her destroyed.

At the heart of her misery is Thorne Hudson, the academy’s most ruthless and powerful warlock. Their dynamic is a masterclass in enemies-to-lovers tension, fueled by a volatile history and a mutual, simmering animosity. Thorne holds the key to Winter’s past, and because he knows her darkest secret, he is the one threat she cannot afford to ignore.

As the academy’s deadly trials push them into forced proximity, the line between hatred and obsession blurs. This dark, spicy paranormal romance delivers a slow-burn intensity that will keep you breathless. If you crave high-stakes academy settings, forbidden love, and shocking twists, Heartstone Academy is your next obsession. Dive into this atmospheric, devious world where magic is lethal, and the most dangerous thing on campus might just be the person you are dying to hate.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0FTYBVDL6

Reader Reviews

Dark and Devious , Loved it

April 30, 2026

Winter has nightmares so vivid they feel real. She lives with her grandmother in a Victorian manor, and the atmosphere is beautifully described. The imagery in this book is incredible and really pulls you into the story. Winter is a witch, as is her grandmother, and I loved the extended opening that leads into her acceptance to the prestigious Heartstone Academy. The mention of magical trials immediately had my attention. Despite a strong sense of foreboding, Winter is determined to attend the...

Dark and Devious , Loved it

April 30, 2026

Paranormal academic romance

April 30, 2026

This is book one of the Heartstone Academy series. It’s a dark, steamy, paranormal academy romance. You’re drawn right away into the mystery that the story unravels chapter by chapter. Amazing world building that is detailed and imaginable. Fascinating characters that are well developed and diverse. This is a fast-paced intriguing read! I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. )

Love it!

May 8, 2026

Dark Witch: Heartstone Academy book one is set within the same universe as A Touch of Vampire and The Wolves of Midnight series, so the moment I knew of this book’s existence, I knew I had to read it as I absolutely love the other two series. Dark Witch embraces darker/heavier themes than the previous series mentioned above, touching on Winter’s isolation as the community outcast, the extreme bullying by her classmates, and her own self-loathing toward her magic and its capabilities. My heart...

Another amazing book

April 30, 2026

Omg this book is so good. No spoilers here, but I was on the edge of my seat, couldn’t put it down. I love the female lead character and I wanted to go give her a hug so many times. The male lead is impressive, and I have a feeling there are many more layers to him to come. It does end with a cliffhanger, so if you are the kind of person who hates that, wait for the next one to come out. I’ve been worrying about how things have been left, and am ready to go do some rescuing of my own at this...