Thank you to Wednesday books for sending me the Netgalley widget of Heartless Hunter for me to read and review! This review is entirely my own thoughts and opinions based on the unfinished advanced digital copy of Heartless Hunter provided to me by the publisher.

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Heartless Hunter is a breath-stealing, thrilling Fantasy Romance of the hunted and the hunter, their dangerous cat and mouse game, and the dangers of emotions tangling into the mix. It's a story written to set you on the edge of your seat through the whole read, watching with utter fascination as the Rune and Gideon fall prey to another hunter—their own emotions.

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My Thoughts:

This story kept me thoroughly anxious from start to finish, I'm not kidding. Rune is the kind of main character I generally dislike. The kind that are so guilt ridden that they continue to put themselves in harms way in foolish attempts to absolve themselves of their "sins", even when better, healthier paths exist. But then we wouldn't have a thrilling tale to read if they did so, here we are. Gideon, however, is fantastic. Grumpy curmudgeon that I'm pretty sure gives the absolute best cuddles. His conviction of hunting down witches is understandable, especially once he opens up to Rune and reveals his history with the former witch queens. Together, their cat and mouse game and reluctant falling in love made for a tense read where Rune was one wrong move away from being caught and purged.

The writing was fabulous. Ms. Ciccarelli is an excellent storyteller. Despite the slow start to the book, she kept a tense atmosphere that perfectly fit the high stakes Rune was gambling with. And it was that tension that kept me turning the pages. Worldbuilding wise, Ms. Ciccarelli kept things simple, allowing for the tale to focus more on Rune and Gideon's romance, and allowing the reader to learn of their world through their actions, thoughts, and dialogue. It was well done and kept me purely focused on their romance and the mysteries surrounding Gideon and Rune.

All in all, this was a wonderful story that I'm so happy to have in my collection. I would highly recommend this for any fans of Romantasies, especially those that enjoy a good dark fantasy.

Wow I flew through this book, it’s was simply amazing. It gave me the same feels as serpent & dove but even better!! I can’t wait to learn more about this world and our main characters!

I cannot recommend this book enough if you love a good enemies to lovers to enemies? A witch and a witch hunter!!

This was a fun, quick, read about a witch, Rune, who lives in a world where witches are outlawed. She spends her time rescuing witches and ends up falling for a captain who is hunting her. Warning that it ends on a bit of cliffhanger. Definitely in the romantasy realm, and a slower-burn enemies-to-lovers. I didn't love the leading guy, and the world-building was a bit thin, but I did like the fact that the main character had to deal with some moral quandaries. Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC.

Okay if you throw regency romance, witches, witch hunters, and a whole lotta mystery into a blender you get Heartless Hunter(aka it’s SO good). The last 10% had me ready to throw my kindle out a window (I know I know it’s the first of a series I should have expected it) and by that I mean hand over the next book IMMEDIATELY.

This book has basically everything I enjoy: witches, scheming, romance, and a great plot twist. Also, I adore a duology- I think it's the best multi book format because it allows for so much action to be packed in! I already ordered a physical copy for myself and my mom because I know she'll enjoy it!

Thank you for the ARC!

This is a pretty solid Romantasy. It’s very much in the same vein as Serpent & Dove- which I really enjoyed, but HH didn’t feel as YA to me as S&D. If you like enemies to lovers, slow burn, cat and mouse, witch and witch hunter vibes- this is right up your alley. The world building isn’t overly complex, the characters are strong and the storyline had me hooked from the beginning. I really liked Rune. She’s a badass little vigilante trying to save her fellow witches while also trying not to fall for Gideon, captain of the witch hunting Blood Guard. Saucy. The last few chapters legit had me shook and after that cliffhanger, I am reallyyy looking forward to book 2.

Witches versus witch hunters. Some rivalries never grow old for me, and this is one of them. When people speak of enemies to lovers, this is what comes up in my mind. This is the type of rivalry that makes the enemies to lovers trope absolutely shine with brilliance.

It also generally just makes for great stories.

Heartless Hunter isn’t lacking in a great story, even if it isn’t breaking too much new ground. Heck, this book even has a nominal (keep that word in your mind) love triangle and I wasn’t hating it too much (and I hate love triangles).

I read Ciccarelli’s Edgewood when it came out and was heavily impressed with her world building and magic system. It’s the same here: Ciccarelli has a great creative talent and it makes her world building glimmer from the costuming to the very ground on which the characters stand, yet she isn’t tempted to let all that sumptuous world building leak through her prose, for which I’m very grateful. We get what we need in the important moments, when the costumes and imagery are important, but our author knows when these details need to take a backseat. The magic system is clever too, with the unique witch marks, the kind of blood spilled for each spell, and the fact each witch leaves behind a unique cast mark when the spell is done.

The book could’ve been an absolute delight if I had liked either one of the main characters. I didn’t feel like we really knew the whole measure of either of them. I didn’t feel connected to them. I didn’t like how either of them went about what they were doing and I really didn’t like Gideon near the end. I can’t agree with a lot of choices either of them made. It’s a little hard to fully enjoy a novel when you don’t connect with it fully.

I bet I’ll end up reading the next book because I need to know how this ends, but I don’t know if I’m going to need to own this series. I do recommend the read though, because it’s pretty good.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Book Series/Fantasy/Romantasy/Fantasy Series/YA Fantasy/YA Romantasy

My favorite book I've read so far this year. This book took no prisoners. Never read a book so fast . I'm not a big fantasy reader butt I could not put this book down. Highly Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. I can not wait for book two.

I was in a reading slump and this book pulled me out of it. This book was everything that I wanted “Serpent and Dove” to be. So while I didn’t find the idea unique, I loved the execution.
I loved all the characters and really liked how they were fleshed out and how their past impacted their future. And I really loved the main relationship. Just the whole premise of it had me squealing. It was just such a fun dynamic to read. I think the authors choice to have them know each other as children really was a fantastic decision and helped root their early interactions and not feel too “insta-love” considering they were enemies.
I really enjoyed the pace of the novel - until the end. I thought the story was rolling along well and then everything happened so fast. I wish the last maybe 15% could have dragged out longer and had more time in the characters emotions. Rune’s 180 flip between brothers would have felt better if it had been stretched out more.
But overall, can’t believe not only do I have to wait for this book to be released but I also have to wait for the sequel.

Do not underestimate this author. This book was exquisite and very enjoyable! I simply cannot stop thinking about it.

The book is well written which makes it super easy to read. Anyone that finds themselves in a reading slump should pick this up! I could not put this book down and the story was very intriguing. I personally have a hard time understanding magic systems in a lot of books but I felt like the author did an amazing job at describing/explaining everything. This book is all about friendships, betrayal, love, magic and healing. I cannot wait for everyone to read it!

I LOVED this! There was a quality to the writing that was so approachable and easy to binge. I liked the simplicity of the magic system (it made sense and wasn't so complex that you couldn't imagine how it worked), and the dual POV approach. The pacing was good, the tension was great, it felt believable, the witch twist was a bit predictable (the signs were not so subtle) but still super fun, and aspects of the ending were gut wrenching. I'm glad this is going to be a series because I'm excited for what's next!

For a fun fantasy read that's not trying to be overly complex, but still has stakes, a great plot, and engaging characters I recommend picking this up.

Heartless Hunter is the first book in a new duology by Kristen Ciccarelli and I'm here for it. I LOVED this book and can't wait for the second book in the series so I can see how everything ends up for this cast of characters.

Rune is our fmc and she has been living a lie. Due to a revolution, things changed drastically for witches and instead of being powerful rulers, they are now hunted and destroyed. In Rune's world, she grew up amongst witches, specifically the woman who raised her when Rune's parents died. When the inconceivable happens and her guardian is captured, Rune steps into a new role. Spoiled debutante during the day and Crimson Moth, a vigilante witch rescuer by night. Because of her reputation, she is being hunted by the worst witch-hunter of them all - Gideon Sharpe...who just happens to be the brother of her best friend and co-conspirator.

I love Rune. She is a character that is in a tough position. She holds herself accountable for the death of her guardian and is willing to do whatever it takes to get (or feel) some sort of absolution. And if that means she puts herself at the heart of the danger to save others, she will do whatever she needs to in order to save as many as she can. Because of that, she decides the best way to get the information she needs is to get closer to Gideon but what she doesn't know is that he has his own agenda.

Gideon...what to say about him. He has a past and that has truly shaped who he is today and the feelings he has about witches. I'm not going to say much here but his main motivation is to do whatever it takes to capture and destroy the Crimson Moth and he has his suspicions Rune's involvement.

The tricky part to all of this is that Rune and Gideon are definitely attracted / drawn to one another. And as they learn more about each other and their feelings for one another change, things shift. But the question still remains around whether they would be able to understand (and even live with) who they both truly are.

I loved the cat and mouse feel to this story. There are secrets they are keeping from one another and as the reader you have a perspective that they don't so when things come to a head, it's not so much a surprise that it did as much as how it all comes together and how things close out. There is definitely a bit of a cliff on this one but I wouldn't necessarily use that as an excuse to push this one out. I thought the story was so well done that I won't be mad about doing a re-read prior to the next book's release.

If you're looking for a new YA series that has magic, romance, secrets, and solid characters, consider picking this one up.

A truly fantastic read, I could not put it down. The book had a well thought out magical system that was interesting to follow as it was reveled. It also did a remarkable job of showing us (and making us FEEL) the two sides of a very bloody conflict. There are truly two sides to every story and this book actually shows you them. BRAVO!

Now to the unforgettable characters:
Rune is such a complex girl with so many issues I could understand if she just STOPPED (and I mean stopped just everything), but she picks herself up, does what must be done (in her mind) and continues on trying to do the best she can while dealing with the societal regime around her.
Gideon is so driven and focused (and yes we do learn why and it is totally understandable and relatable) yet so in dearly vulnerable in moments that you truly see the man he would have been if life’s circumstances had not steamrolled him.
Their Cat and Mouse game is written so well you feel like you are there watching it all in real time.

The character development was top tier, with internal monologues explaining motivations for actions without going overboard and overdoing. And the raw emotion leading up to the cliffhanger-esque ending has me checking the internet for an update on WHEN the second book will be out!!

The supporting cast of characters are also so well developed as opposed to so many times in a book where they are used as mere plot points. Alex, Kestrel, Seraphine, Harrow and so many more that I want more details about (maybe more books in the future?).

My ONLY even somewhat negative criticism is actually a spoiler SO I can’t mention it here (I know - what a tease) but I will say ….. Why Kristen Ciccarelli, WHY?
OH and is the next book out…..how about now. I can’t wait to read the conclusion of this story. ARG I hate waiting. I normally don’t read a story (especially a series) until I know it is finished, so take this as the highest praise I can give. I am not sorry I read this even if it will now weigh on my mind until the sequel can be downloaded right to my kindle!!!

And my final words…. If only fools believe in happy endings… call me a fool because I am desperately hoping that somehow there will be one to this impeccably crafted tale.

This book will be VERY popular. Just I didn’t like it.
I received ARC and had very high expectations. I love reading about witches and this cover stole my heart. Just look at this cover… so promising and beautiful.
But it had few moments that made me give 2.5 stars. Period blood in vails for spells… it was disgusting. All world building reminded me of Bridgertone and I can’t stand this TV show. MFC loves fashion … it sounded like I’m back in 2000’s. Romantic relationships weren’t deep or believable and made me feeling that I don’t really care what will happen to the main couple.
If you read this moments and thought - nothing wrong in it, then you will love this book.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an E-Arc of Heartless Hunter which was such an anticipated read for me. This comes out on the 20th of February.

The cover drew me in from the beginning, and it did not disappoint, this was a 4 star read for me. This is the story of Rune, our FMC, who is a witch but she has to hide the fact that she is, and nobody knows except for her friend Alex. Then we have our MMC, Gideon, who is a witch hunter and Rune's best friend's brother. I loved the interconnected dynamics between the characters and the internal struggles that they deal with while navigating in this world. This is giving classic enemies to lovers which is my absolute favorite, and I think it did this well. If you like fake dating and slow burn romance you will love this one! The banter and tension was great in most parts and kept me invested in the story and I could not put it down. I was definitely kicking my feet and giggling in some parts. And the plot twist at the end! So good. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Romantasy. I cannot wait for the second book!

Talk about a cat and mouse game as the hunter and the witch try to outwit each other in a high stakes game playing for their lives.

There were definitely some regency moments which I love - I’m all for regency romance. While this book is noted as YA, this is definitely more aimed for upper YA/NA given the spice. There were some moments where the characters who are in their super late teens/early 20’s act like adults and some moments where they were very young adult-ish.

I enjoyed the moments where they tried to outwit each out only to fall into each other’s trap. The plot was top-notched in that regard. It’s so fun to see them falling deeper as they get closer and ultimately fall for each other. I just wish there was a tad more banter and interaction between them since there was what I felt like insta-love. Hence, the one star less.

The worldbuilding here is wonderfully done. I love the small blurbs where chapters provide background on the type of spells that exist, the history of blood witches and why the revolution exists. The balance between fantasy and romance here was well done. There was more than meets the eye which ultimately comes into fruition in the climax and the ending of the story ... .that cliffhanger, though….

ARC provided by NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for my honest review

I really enjoyed Heartless Hunter: a witch vs. witch hunter romantasy with slow burn romance, a bit of a love triangle, tension, con-artistry, and the obvious: witches. The characters are each thier own version of morally grey.

This is an excellent book for anyone wanting to start their fantasy-romance era: I found the story and world-building easy to follow and was immediately sucked into the story.

I'm excited for and will definitely read the second book in this duology!

What a fun read!

This book was not really what I was expecting, but that was honestly okay. This book was a fresh, fun, and an easy read.

I really enjoyed the magic system in this book. It felt very unique, and it worked well with creating a conflict device. The main character was enjoyable, and I liked getting to read from both of their POVs. The twists at the end were very unexpected which I rather enjoyed how surprising they were.

My biggest issue I would say was the romance. It lacked a little in my opinion. I wanted more fire, more intense brooding and banter. The ending of this book definitely gives me hope that this dynamic will be built up further in the next book, so I'm hopeful for more in the coming sequel.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It was fun, and I think a lot of readers will enjoy this title. Big thank you to the author, Netgalley, and the publisher for an opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5/5

I thoroughly enjoyed this story!

Rune Winters is a popular socialite who also happens to be a witch, but she lives in a place where a revolution is happening and people finding out you’re a witch is punishable by death. And to top it all off, she’s a vigilante by the name of the Crimson Moth saving other witches from death under the revolution.

While searching for one witch in particular, Rune cozies up to Gideon Sharpe—a witch hunter seeking the true identify of the Crimson Moth—in hopes of gaining intel to save the witch she’s seeking but soon, the lines start to blur with Rune and Gideon.

This story is a romantasy worth reading. It has enemies to lovers, lies, betrayal, a love triangle and it was interesting! Once I got into the groove of reading it, I really wanted to know what was going to happen next.

I honestly can’t wait to see where this series goes because I wasn’t disappointed with this first introduction to the Crimson Moth.

I felt pretty conflicted about this one. It has good bones and the potential to be something really great. I applaud Ciccarelli’s use of foreshadowing because it was clear that all of the twists were planned and executed well. And I thought the twist on blood magic had some interesting potential.

Unfortunately there was a severe lack of character development and that was a huge disappointment especially considering where some of the characters started. It also happened to take just about every pet peeve I have about YA enemies to lovers fantasy and smoosh them all into one book. (Very open door romance in a book that is being marketed for grades 7-9, constant reminders that he is huge and she is tiny, and all of the romantic development hinges on how hot they think the other is - just to name a few.)

Honestly, it has all the ingredients to be a hit though so I am sure I'll be in the minority and there will be a lot of love for it. If the second book were already out I might consider reading it but I doubt I'll be interested by the time it does publish.