I DNF’d this novel. I wanted to enjoy but it was a bit too dark for me. I can see the appeal of this book for those interested in dark, horror YA with a hint of romance. Unfortunately, it was not cup of tea. I thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review.

I loved the concept of this book!!! I will be looking out for this author whenever she releases more work!

3.5 STARS
The synopsis of Kristen Ciccarelli’s Heartless Hunter promises high-stakes adventures and plenty of opportunities for sweet, sweet betrayal. I’ve been craving a witchy read for a long while now. However, I did have a few issues with this novel. First, the entire plot wouldn’t exist if the main characters just weren’t stupid. In fact, the writing often assumes the reader, too, is stupid. The author often over-explains, states the obvious, and repeats information too frequently. As for the characters, one in particular disappointed more than others. Gideon is not our typical beloved morally grey boy. He’s extremely prejudiced, dense, and has missed every potential redemption arc to the point where the plot has moved far enough along, and certain events would have to be reversed, in order for any future redemption arc to be feasible. Also, Rune and Gideon lack chemistry. However, a character I thoroughly enjoyed learning about was Cressida. She’s so intriguing and honestly, I’m on her team. Alex is the perfect character and deserves so much better! Moving on to the plot, while I’m all for exploring the limits of powers, Rune’s powers were so limited, it was hard to remember she was even a witch at times. If the main conflict in this society revolves around witches, the witchery should actually be of consequence. The plot twist had a lot of potential, but I’m glad I guessed it slightly before the reveal because it was poorly executed, and waiting for the reveal ended up being more thrilling. Overall, Heartless Hunter was a fast-paced, fun, addicting journey and it kept me entertained throughout which, ultimately, is all I’m looking for. Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review <3

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Format: ARC from St. Martin’s Press

If you are snoozing on this book, stop what you’re doing and bump Heartless Hunter up on your TBR! You don’t want to miss this thrilling new adult fantasy series from Kristen Ciccarelli.

It’s witch vs witch hunter in the Crimson Moth series that hooks you from the very first chapter and won’t let you go, even at the last page. Rune lives on a dangerous edge, playing society girlie during the day but acting as a witch vigilante at night, dubbed the Crimson Moth by the witch hunters she leaves foiled in her wake, none more so than Gideon Sharpe. When Gideon suspects Rune of being the identity behind the Crimson Moth, he infiltrates her social circle. Neither of them are able to resist the opportunity to pursue each other for their trade secrets; Gideon is after the Moth, while Rune is determined to find a way to free a witch in Gideon’s custody. The more time these two enemies spend together, they less they can deny their feelings for each other despite their differences. But while their relationship is unfolding, there is something sinister afoot in the New Republic that could put everything they are each working for in jeopardy.

Once I started reading, I could not put this down. The mystery, the intrigue, the side characters, the plot twists, the romance- it all adds up to a captivating story! Heartless Hunter is told by third person POV from the main characters, with the reader learning about the world through each character’s experiences- no reverse dramatic irony here. The underlying mystery was so well done in this book and kept me wondering who to trust right up until the end. I haven’t come across another story with a magic system like this one, but it was very easy to understand and I didn’t feel lost trying to understand the setting.

A note about the magic system- witches in this book must use blood, their own or otherwise, in order to produce magic, and stronger spells require more/fresher blood. Drawing blood for the purpose of magic leaves behind a silver scar, making most witches easily identifiable. In Heartless Hunter, witches are openly persecuted, with their scars used as evidence against them. Rune, who came into her magic after the revolution, uses… creative means to obtain blood for magic without leaving scars behind. This creativity could be off-putting to some readers. Additionally, I caution readers that there is lots of talk about blood, violence, and self-inflicted cutting in this book, though I wouldn’t describe it as overly gory overall.

You can find me twiddling my thumbs until the next book in this series comes out. Provided that you are not squeamish about blood, I highly recommend Heartless Hunter. I cannot wait to watch this book take off!

I made the foolish mistake of starting this book a little after midnight, telling myself I would only read for a little bit and I could always stop. That was a lie. Once I began, I didn't want to put it down, and I finally forced myself to at around 2 because I had to be somewhere in the morning. I loved this book. This is the type of enemies to lovers, cat-and-mouse game I want to read. The main characters I felt were well written, as was the romance. The way the Scarlet Pimpernel was adapted was genius, and I really enjoyed the world and history the author created. I am in desperate need of the next book and anxiously await my return to this story. (Side note: the US and UK editions have different titles, which is a bit confusing.) I'm sure there were flaws, but I enjoyed this book to much to even try to think of them or address them. This book reminds me why I love reading. It feels different than the fast-fashion-eque books I've seen pushed lately (though I'm sure it will still appeal to the same crowd). There were tropes without the book being catered to tropes. The side characters were good, though I'm excited to see them develop more. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go daydream about Gideon and Rune

Rating: 4/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

I won’t lie, it did take me about 3 chapters until I really got into this story, but wow, the moment I did it took off and I could not stop reading it. I do have to say that I am so excited for book 2, I just hope that I do not have to wait too long.

This book has everything I love: witches, witch hunters, enemies to lovers, slow burn and of course a love triangle. I loved the twists and turns and the level of deception that you will come across in the book. It makes it like a mystery but with so much more. I thought the magic system was something new and interesting. I loved that there was a give and take to magic and not just one person that could use all the magic, but all the witches do. I thought the author did a wonderful job with making sure the readers understood the magic system, but also the characters.

I thought the characters were well developed. Some more than others had more character development, but I think we will see even more development from them in the future. I really enjoyed getting to know and understand Rune more, and to see that she isn’t just there to screw with the ruling party, but she wants things to change. Mostly how witches are viewed and that not all witches want to rule with an iron grip but to have a change at freedom like everyone else. I thought, Gideon character was interesting, and in the best way possible. I loved that he was having a hard time with his feelings towards Rune but at the same time giving into them even if it was for “research to find out if she was a witch or not”. I found his story to be so heartbreaking and really helped the reader to understand his character more. I loved the cat and mouse game that those two played while trying to figure out everything they were feeling.

I want to say more but I will spill the beans and I don’t want to. I will warn you that this book does end on a cliffhanger and it’s one that will leave you wanting more and waiting for the next book.

This book is perfect for book lovers that enjoy YA fantasy, enemies to lovers, witches and witch hunters, romance, and heartbreak.

I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to review this book.

I loved this!! The perfect romantasy for anyone, whether you're new to the genre or read it a lot. I also felt like it was a super unique storyline with the witches, blood spells, crimson moth plot, etc. Lately some fantasies seem to all blend together and borrow each other's themes. I also appreciate that it wasn't 700+ pages! Very digestable and really enjoyable. So swoony too which we all love :) Highly recommend!

I can't get enough of the witch and the witch-hunter trope, but make the witch a witch vigilante who rescues her kind from persecution, and OMG, Heartless Hunter delivered! I not only loved the the push and pull between Rune and Gideon, but that ending! Let's just say it will have you primed to read book 2 fast!

Rune is a witch. Gideon is a witch hunter. Rune is trying to stay hidden in plain sight. Gideon is trying to flush out the elusive crimson moth. Each is playing each other in this case of cat and mouse, but who is the cat and who is the mouse? And what if the cat and mouse fall in love with each other?

As the starting book of a new series, I’m hooked.

Themes: 🧙‍♀️🩸🔪🖤

My thoughts: 😀🤩😎

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How refreshing — a true enemies to lovers fantasy story with life and death stakes!

Heartless Hunter is the perfect hunted/hunter, cat and mouse steamy game of secrets and mystery with some lovely romantic gestures sparkled in between ( he makes her a fabric flower and designs and sews her a whole gown for an event).
We have a captain of the guard MC who’s grumpy, dedicated to his cause and mission with the republic and a FC who pretends to be sunshine to hide her secrets and vigilante/rebel actions. What could go wrong?!

Thinking they’re both playing each other, they fall for each other… with fatal consequences.

I loved this book. Really satisfied with the end but also highly anticipating book 2.

I absolutely loved The Last Namsara so I leaped at the opportunity to read an early copy of Heartless Hunter.

And I was not disappointed.

I devoured this book. I appreciated that the magic system was not convenient but had real costs for those seeking power. I also appreciated that there were honestly no real "good guy" side in the world but a closer approximation of reality: people with power struggling for more power and hurting the people they are supposed to protect in the wake. Heartless Hunter pulled no punches in this aspect.

This one is a slow burn but some fun cat & mouse / enemies to lovers vibes. It ends in a brutal cliffhanger that left me with wondering where the heck this story is going to go.

Fans of witches/witch hunters, enemies to lovers, slow burn, and morally grey (at best) characters will enjoy this one.

I think it is marketed as YA but there are a lot of content and themes that feel more on the NA side. Check out content warnings if needed for safe reading.

This is a YA/NA romantasy about a witch and a witch hunter playing a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. I was on the edge of my seat each time they went toe-to-toe. The magic system was interesting, although I feel like there’s a lot that Rune herself doesn’t understand. Rune and Gideon both have deeply personal reasons for their actions and opinions. I’m glad they were both explored, especially Gideon’s past. One little detail that tugged on my heartstrings was the silk flowers, particularly as the story goes on and more is revealed about what they mean to Gideon.

I did have a few hangups. There were several plot holes (though it’s possible they could be resolved in the next book). My biggest issue was with the love story. I don’t think I’ve ever read a love triangle where I’ve rooted so hard for the other guy. I’m sure there are plenty of people who disagree, but to me Gideon was never the best choice. Overall though, this was a very engaging read and I’m very curious to see where the story goes next. Especially after that ending.

It took me a while to get into this but eventually the story did start to pick up. I enjoyed the angst between Rune and Gideon. Curious to see what comes next for them.

*4.75 rounded to 5*

Rune is your average ditsy socialite, throwing parties and herself at suitors. Or is that just what she wants you to think? In reality, she is known as the Crimson Moth, a witch helping other witches escape from capture and execution by the Blood Guard. She gets by with a little help from her friends Alex and Verity. She decides to fake date Gideon (Alex's brother who is high up in the Blood Guard) to get information about where the witches are being held. Gideon, who has his suspicions that Rune is the Crimson Moth, agrees to court her to find out if she is his elusive target. Feelings ensue.

This was so good! Such a fun time. You really experience every emotion as your reading. The plot twists! The ending! All the things! I can't wait to reread it knowing what I know now and keeping an eye out for clues. The second book can't get here fast enough!

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Kristen Ciccarelli for given me a chance to read this book early for a honest review.

Heartless Hunter is enemies to lovers book and it’s marketed for adults but I would certainly classify as YA. It has witches. witch hunters and romance. I’ve read many witch books and this really kept me interested and wanting more.

The characters were solid and Rune and Gabriel made this book. Their banter and underlying love keeps you rooting for them. I didn’t love how her monthly period was a big part of casting spells. This just didn’t appeal to me and honestly could’ve done without this in the book. I did enjoy how the spells were defined at the beginning of the chapters.

Kristen has certainly set this up to be a series. Hopefully in the future she will dive into more romance. Definitely interred in reading more about Ruin and where she goes from here

I Absolutely LOVED this book. I was worried about the end because I didn't want it to wreck me. It was both predictable and unpredictable. I knew where the ending was leading and who the culprit was, but then some other loops were thrown in for good measure. The pacing was perfect and nothing felt forced. I enjoyed the conflict in which both think they're playing a game against the other and outwitting one another. I do want to see where this goes because I was not expecting Rune to be forced to be where she is in the end. Now I want book two.

I do appreciate the unique way in which the magic system is presented. Blood Magic, but I love the limitation that is put on it in various ways - fresh vs old, willing vs unwilling, and much more. I'd love to see just how much this will develop.

4.25⭐️

Heartless Hunter is an engrossing enemies to lovers tale full of magic and intrigue, a witchy game of cat-and-mouse where everything is not as it seems and it’s harder and harder for our FMC Rune to know who to trust. I enjoyed all the world-building and the complex characters, and am quite eager to read the next chapter as soon as possible.

Thank you Kristen Ciccarelli, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is a little hard to rate. More than a 3, but less than a 4 so I’m just going to round up!

An intriguing romantasy (honestly I’m not even sure if we can fully call it a ROMANtasy, but I’ll go with it) involving a new political reign, hunted witches, and a full blown army of hunters.

I do really like the FMC and two MMCs (let’s hear it for Alex!!! I’ll reserve my opinion on Gideon for the sequel.) It ends on a cliffhanger so I feel like I can’t really form an opinion until I get some answers! There’s not much to say without giving out spoilers, but I’ll definitely be reading the second book!

*Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

this is my fault. I downloaded without thinking about it carefully. It's just not right for me right now. Thank you so much

This story was about a witch and a witch hunter who end up falling for each other and it was such an amazing story. I’ve already started recommending it to my friends. I cannot wait for the second book to release