I enjoyed this more than I expected to! It's a relatively predictable fantasy, written in a YA style, but some of the content is not appropriate for YA, especially towards the end. I've seen it listed as YA in some places, but I believe it is meant to be an adult book. Fans of Defy the Night will probably love this, I found myself comparing aspects of the two books.

It was a fast paced and exciting read, even though I was able to predict quite a bit of the end. Sometimes seeing if your predictions are right is what makes it fun to keep reading. I likely wouldn't re-read, but I will keep an eye out for the sequel when it comes out.

The characters had good chemistry and reading their internal struggles were described well to understand motivations without feeling stuck in a character's head for too long.

Some things to be aware of if you're squemish or otherwise concerned about content:

The magic system is blood based. There are some descriptions of bloody scenes/murders for the sake of this blood magic. There is also the use of menstrual blood for this magic which was kind of gross to me.

There is an explicit sex scene towards the end and lots of comments about sex and using it as a tool to get information throughout. I wouldn't recommend this book to teens despite the YA writing style.

“𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀-𝘁𝗼-𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝗰𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶’𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘆.”

I loved it! For me, it was exactly what it was supposed to be, but I’m easy to please when it comes to #romantasy. Give me a sexy MMC, a steamy game of cat & mouse, & a little magic and I’m all in! If the story hits, the sexual tension is well executed, and there’s enough high-stakes to keep me interested, rest assured I read and enjoyed it.

“𝙍𝙪𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧. 𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙬, 𝙩𝙧𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙛 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩.”

I would compare the plot/story level to that of the Letters of Enchantment and Belladonna YA fantasy series in both style in storyline. Letters of Enchantment in the way I was absolutely invested in the main characters from start to finish, and Belladonna in the dark, yet whimsical vibes it gave.

“𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙂𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙤𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙖: 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙡-𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧-𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙝𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝.”

The book ended on a cliffhanger that has me more than happy to read the next book; it will be a duology. This was a fun YA fantasy with depth, a captivating magic system, and very well executed romantic storytelling. What more can you ask for in romantasy?

This is the first book in the Crimson Moth duology. I was sucked into this new world. I immediately wanted to know more about Rune, the main character, and her backstory. And we meet Gideon early on and their enemies vibe is intense. I loved the cat and mouse courtship that had real vibes and cold strategizing all mixed together. And the side characters... they were so well fleshed out, and I wanted to know all of their secrets too. I enjoyed the storyline too. There was definitely a plot with lots of action the balanced well with the banter and character development. For me this was the whole enchilada. I'm counting down until the next one.

Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy. All opinions are my own.

Excuse me, I’m obsessed! I literally could not put this story down!! Everything from the cat and mouse relationship between witch and witch hunter, a small love triangle between brothers and our brave, formidable Rune, a found family, and the sloooooow burn feelings it was impossible not to race to the end of it!

This is squarely in the new adult genre and as a 31 year old, I had no issues with the writing at all - it was a dream to read through! The setting of a more modernistic regency era was such a joy to read while also leaning more realistic within the ways women lived their lives. Women were studying in college, they owned their own estate, rode horses in the streets without escorts, there were still balls with dancing ribbons and suitors but you could kiss a boy without spinning out of control from shame. A total breath of fresh air to the regency setting!

I really loved the use of magic in this story and the world building around the magic system was done so well and effortlessly, it was a joy to learn about. Blood magic by using menstrual blood <spoiler>to stay scar-less</spoiler>?! (For those quesy about blood, there is no in-depthon page collection, just mentions that it is the source.) I certainly haven’t seen menstruation as a magic source before and so unashamedly. In a time where women are embracing our flows more openly, I wish I had a book like this when I was a new adult.

And the ENDINGGGGGGGGG. AHHHHHHH! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK ASAP!

Thank you to my husband who endured my squeals and giggle outbursts while reading this one! And thank you to Netgalley and the publishers who gave me early access to review it and fall in love with it!

4.25⭐️

What a wonderful start to a duology. Witches are hunted relentlessly after the abuse of power of the former witches who ruled the small island. Heartless Hunter follows Rune Winters, a witch in hiding posing as a loyal citizen. She proved herself by being forced to betray her grandmother, the woman who raised her and a powerful witch to the new regime in exchange for her own life and safety.

Rune has taken up the mantle of The Crimson Moth, a vigilante attempting to save witches from persecution and death on their island, sending them away to hide in safety. In order to further her goals of saving witches in her land, Rune is pushed to seduce Gideon, the captain of the Blood Guard witch hunters for information.

Gideon and Rune make a perfect enemies to lovers couple, with secret motivations and a fast paced, dangerous game of cat and mouse. I loved the twists when they were so close to finding the other, but they were able to evade just enough to stay safe. This is 100% a romance forward book, plot takes a mild secondary spot in my eyes. If you're looking for something very plot-heavy, this isn't it.

The mild love triangle of (Gideon's brother) Alex x Rune x Gideon was alright. I just don't think I care for "best friend has been in love with me forever" trope.

The cliffhanger at the end destroyed all of the trust and emotions that Rune and Gideon had built for each other. So I'm definitely excited to see how they deal with that tension in the next installment.

🟥 Witch x Witch Hunter
🟥 Creative Magic System
🟥 Slow Burn
🟥 Dual POV
🟥 Enemies to Lovers
🟥 Very Mild love triangle
🟥 Both Main characters dealing with different ✨trauma✨
🟥 Cliffhanger ending 🙈

US Heartless Hunter = UK The Crimson Moth - still very confused about the decision to rename the US release and I don't quite care for that.

Thank you to NetGalley & Wednesday books for an eARC of Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli.

super fun and intriguing read with a plot jam packed with twists, betrayal, secret identities and forbidden romance. I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait for the sequel!

I really enjoyed this book. I finished it in 4 hrs, I couldn’t put it down! I really like the tension between the fmc and mmc. I did have a point towards the end of the book that I didn’t like the choice/choices the fmc, which made me want to put the book down. Overall I really liked the book and can’t wait to read the second book. #Netgalley

3.5 stars rounded up! Full review coming soon to YouTube with book clubs questions :)

I really liked this book and the dynamic even though it was a little more young adult than I hoped for!
The plot was great, easy to follow, had fun twists and turns.
Characters were phenomenal IMO. there weren't too many and each character was described, developed really well

Kristens writing was really good too! I didn't plow through this book like I thought I would, but it was just such a great easy read with still so much drama. I will absolutely be reading this whole series.

Thank you to Kristen, NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!

The last 100 pages of this were WILD.

I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and the depth of each character! I found Rune to be really inspirational as she balanced being both powerful and vicious while also being extremely feminine and often seen as a mindless socialite but she’s rarely consciously using this societal contradiction to manipulate people.

The magic system in this was a great balance of familiar and original! It felt easy to adapt to and follow while still causing me to gasp every so often!

There were plot twists and points that I had anticipated early on and others that completely caught me off guard and keep me turning the page last into the night! The ending had me feeling a bit uncomfortable with everything Rune knows and the choices she has made in the cliffhanger but I’m eager to see how everything comes together and moves forward in the next addition!

So good! This is the type of YA that I would re-read over and over again when I was a youngin and YA was at its peak. It's an addictive fast paced read that is impossible to put down. Alex is such a sweetheart 🥺 and I love that Gideon is badass and strong but is also a fashion designer at heart-what a cutie (I swooned over the dress scene). And holy cannoli that ending!!!
The romantic tension was palpable, and even though I wasn't a huge fan of the love triangle (and wished Alex stayed a friend) it was still so evocative. Which is honestly so impressive that even though it's obvious who she's going to end up with, the tension with both is still amazing and made me hold my breath. This book had me in my feels- eyes teary (against my will! I was holding it back but Alex's death got me), chest aching, and heart pounding. It's the kind of book that changes your whole mood and I was genuinely walking around happier whenever I was able to pull myself away for a break to eat. And I mean pull myself away literally because it was so hard to stop. It was just so fast past and addictive that I found it hard to even take a breath. I was legit hot and sweating from how much my heart was racing and how invested I was.
I give extra kudos when books are exceptions to things I typically don't like (the way the love triangle was portrayed and especially the way it was resolved) so bonus points for Kristen Ciccarelli for pulling this one off so well I can't even be mad.
The twists were predictable (but still fun) and yes, the confession was a bit much but I am so here for it. I also actually liked the idea of period blood magic. Because why is menstrual blood seen as "dirtier" than normal blood? It feels like a reclaiming that she's able to harness its power for magic. I’m assuming it doesn’t coagulate bc of *magic* lol

Heartless Hunter is the first book in a new YA fantasy series. There are some romantic elements, but relatively tame and virtually clean. I originally had this tagged as romantasy, but I'm backtracking on that now. I'll go with dark fantasy as there are definitely violent and dark themes involving witches and those who pursue and kill witches.

The worldbuilding is sound, with plenty of room for further development and reveals. The complexity is in line with an intended YA audience. I would have enjoyed it more with some deeper characterization and backstory; however I felt the writing style was sound and easy to read. I figured out the where it was going about halfway in. Minor plot resolution at the end, but for sure this story carries over into further books. 3.5 stars rounded up. Gorgeous cover art.

Thank you to Wednesday Books via Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

If you love the forbidden romances, like Serpent and Dove, Heartless Hunter is definitely a book for you. Very interesting and new magic system revolving around the ones powerful and ruling witches unravel in this book, love to learning how the magic system worked and getting more and more details throughout the story.
Rune is a witch, but no one knows it. She’s hiding in plain sight, pretending to despise which is and their magic after she turned in her grandmother. By night she’s the Crimson moth trying to save her fellow witches. Hot on her trail are the winch hunters - lead by Gideon, who absolutely despises witches. Absolutely loved the forbidden romance and their chemistry. Some great twists and turns I wasnt expecting that really makes me itch for book 2!
Don’t want to give too much away about the characters and their motivations because learning what causes them to act the way, they are, was some of the best parts of the story. Definitely recommend!

Thank you netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have a feeling that this is going to be one of the top fantasy romances of 2024. This had every element a romantasy reader loves. The tension, the slow-burn, the enemies-to-lovers storyline. This is going to be a new favorite for many, including myself.

I started reading Heartless Hunter yesterday, and I've got to say, it was quite the ride. Ciccarelli has a knack for weaving tales that are both intricate and immersive, and this book was no exception.

The story's blend of vengeance, love, and redemption really hit the mark for me. I was particularly drawn to the emotional depth and the twists that I honestly didn't see coming. There's something about the way Ciccarelli crafts her characters—flawed, complex, and straddling the line between hero and villain—that really resonates.

That said, it wasn't a perfect read. I noticed some pacing issues. There were moments when the story seemed to drag a bit, which pulled me out of the experience from time to time. But when the plot picked back up, I was right back in, hooked on the unfolding drama and the richly detailed world.

For anyone who loves fantasy that doesn't shy away from darker themes or who appreciates characters with real depth and moral complexity, "Heartless Hunter" is definitely worth checking out. It's a story that lingers, challenging your perceptions and leaving you pondering long after the last page.

Thank you SO much for the ARC, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press! I have a feeling that this will be one of my very favorite books of the year. It has everything that I’m looking for in a book - likable characters, a compelling plot, twists and a budding romance. I cannot wait for the rest of this series! 10/10 book!

Read if you like:
𐀔 true enemies to lovers
𐀔 witches/witch hunters
𐀔 hidden identities
𐀔 forbidden love
𐀔 high-stakes story

Oh how this one completely pulled me in! I was absolutely immersed in that story from the first page to the last one. It's one of those books where it literally hurts to wait for the next one (what am I supposed to do with my life now?). It was addictive and the world-building was easy to follow and made up for such an interesting story with all its history. I just loved everything about it, it was a beautiful story with just enough fantasy, mystery and a romance like I absolutely adore.

The attraction between our two main characters was palpable and with all the faking and scheming, it was just the best to watch them try to resist it. Knowing everything that was going on in both of their lives made it all the more interesting considering they are true enemies and have such reasons to be. They both have a pretty big backstory and it is kind of impossible to not love them right away and want them to be happy after all that happened (even though we can tell that it will be a long way before that, *tears*).

The alternating POV made it easy to understand where they are coming from, why they act a certain way and the struggles they are going through with all that is happening and forcing them to do things they might not be okay with. Danger is everywhere and it made for such a page-turner story. Ciccarelli kept us on the edge of our seats and all the while she still was able toconvey a narrative full of emotion and sweet moments as much as heartbreaking ones.

It's dark, it's romantic, it's full of magic, tension and mystery, truly captivating. Definitely recommend this one!

Thanks to the author, Wednesday Books and NetGalley for my eARC. All opinions are my own.

The hype about this one is real!!

Slow burn, enemies to more, forbidden romance. What more could you ask for?!

It leaves you hanging for book two!

Heartless Hunter is one of those books that I can see taking BookTok by storm. It's got a lot of tropes to love--forbidden romance, enemies/rivals to lovers, hunter x hunted, secret identities, and just a hint of spice that makes this the perfect read for those not yet ready for full-on ACOTAR but craving a little something more than fade to black.

I think the romance between Rune and Gideon is compelling, and I love that their "enemies" part works on multiple levels. High society girl Rune thinks Gideon is the coarse and heartless brother of her best friend, Alex, and Gideon thinks Rune is an air-headed socialite; BUT their secret identities of witch (Rune) and witch-hunter (Gideon) also clash, and I loved that. The worldbuilding is intriguing, and I loved the complicated politics and identities that the characters all have to navigate.

That being said, for me, it felt a bit flat. It may be because I've read a fair bit of romantasy and YA, so a lot of the plot points felt very predictable, and the writing style wasn't something I particularly connected with. It was fine, but I was looking for a bit more of that heat and that spark, and it felt (to me) like we were being told, rather than shown, the connection between Rune and Gideon. I would have also loved a bit more interiority on both Rune and Gideon. The beginning also had a fair bit of info-dumping that did tend to fade away once we got into the middle (which read rather smoothly); however, this is pretty on par for a lot of YA romantasy, so again, definitely a me thing!

If you like all of the above tropes, I can see this book being a runaway hit!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Kristen Ciccerelli for granting me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I was given an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli is the first book in the Crimson Moth Romantasy series. Rune is a witch hiding her identity as she tries to save as many other witches as possible under the moniker Crimson Moth. Gideon is a witch hunter whose family has been deeply impacted by the former witch royal family and vowed to destroy every last witch and Crimson Moth. Rune and Gideon play a cat and mouse game as Rune courts Gideon to get information and Gideon tries to find out if she’s the Moth he’s looking for.

I was into this concept from the moment I found out about it. I love enemies-to-lovers, I love it when love interests share a trauma that is two sides of the same situation, I love Romantasy and powerful women, I love cat and mouse games, and I love denial of attraction.

Gideon comes from poverty while Rune comes from quite a lot of wealth, but Gideon is a captain of the Blood Guard, which gives him a lot of respect in the new government, and Rune has to pretend to be shallow about her interests to hide her true motives. There’s miscommunication on the romance end because of their very different backgrounds and specific situations but they’re each other’s intellectual equals as they try to outwit each other.

Content warning for mentions of sexual assault

I would recommend this to readers of Romantasy, fans of enemies-to-lovers, and readers looking for a steamy witch x witch hunter book.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli in exchange for an honest review. This was an amazing book one of The Crimson Mother's Series. I wasn't sure what to expect and I got hooked on Rune and her quest to save the witches. Then there's the question of which brother to choose, the witch hunters, and no one is who they seem. I really liked this book.