4.75⭐️

Look for a YA fantasy romance with a well established magic system? Heartless Hunter is for you!

Reading this book was such an enjoyable experience. It brought back nostalgia for YA books from 2010s. Easy to read & get lost in the characters/story. While the world isn’t terribly fleshed out, it didn’t distract from the story. Would love to see more of the world explained in the next book.

As I said, the magic system is well established. There are rules/limitations to the magic that make sense. Also some intriguing ways of how the witches magic works that destigmatize real life society standards.

If you love a true enemies to lovers (with also enemies again), the romance between Rune & Gideon will hit the spot. The duel POV was great way to tell the story of these two. At times I wasn’t sure if I was on Rune or Gideon’s side. The chemistry, banter, and angst between the two was phenomenal. With also a hint of a love triangle, how could you not fall in love.

All in all, I am so glad excited to see where the next book goes! I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

The story was an enjoyable read of a cat and mouse game between a witch trying to save her fellow witches and a hunter who won’t rest until all witches are killed. It jumps right into action with Rune carrying out her grandmother’s last wish, giving us a glimpse of the witch’s duty and how she works. I also find the backstory was done perfectly, at the right time and the right length.

It is a nice read if you’re looking for a light and easy read. Despite the high stakes of the situation, I don’t feel the tension nor sense of relief when Rune, the witch, is able to escape Gideon, the witch hunter, for one more day. Overall, the emotions felt flat to me.

Also, the pair are trying flirt with each other in order to learn the other’s secret. But the whole courting felt awkward and dry.

However, the magic system was well done and explained clearly throughout the book. Only the explanation behind casting scars should’ve been earlier rather than later.

In the end, Heartless Hunter is easy, light read if you love enemies to lovers with witches in the mix.

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t even know where to begin. This book was FANTASTIC. We’re not even a full month into the year and I’m already certain Heartless Hunter/The Crimson Moth will end up as one of my top reads of 2024.
I feel as though I may not do justice to this book in my review, so I’ll keep it fairly short. Bridgerton vibes but also not. Nina and Matthias vibes but also not. A witch and a witch hunter set in a regency-esque time. What more can I say, it was addicting.

One of the things I loved most about this book was that it wasn’t predictable and too easy for our main character. She had plans fail, things went awry, and things weren’t solved immediately after coming up with the solution, she had to work for everything she did and had to adapt to the curveballs thrown her way. I also appreciated how clever she was. There was romance but there was also self-awareness on her end of the precarious situation that she was in. Nothing was too easy or too quickly solved or too overdone and I thoroughly appreciated that. Nowadays there are too many fantasy romance books that consist of 2 things: extreme sexual attraction with no tension or build up, and conflicts that are solved instantaneously, despite them being initially presented as some huge obstacle to overcome. This book wasn’t like that in the slightest and I am so very glad that it wasn’t.

I also loved the interpersonal relationships throughout the book. It’s dual POV so you got to experience interactions from both Rune and Gideon’s POV’s. It was most interesting to see the difference between their interactions and relationships with Alex, Gideon’s brother, and Rune’s best friend. I adored Rune and Alex’s friendship.

Lastly, the ending. No spoilers but wow. I can’t pat myself on the back too much because I came to some realizations prior to their reveals, but only after they were very heavily hinted at, so I’m not quite as clever as I may wish. But I loved the buildup to the ending and overall did not expect it to go as it did.
Honestly, I can’t even believe this is a YA novel. While younger (teen+) readers can absolutely easily understand and enjoy this book, it felt like I was reading an Adult Fantasy Romance in the best way possible. (0.5 – 1 chili pepper in spice)

I guess the worst part about reading an ARC is not only is the book not even out yet, but it’ll be ages before the next book is even on the horizon. I am DESPERATELY awaiting the next book in the Crimson Moth series. Easy 5/5 stars, cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy when the book releases on February 20, 2024.

Kristen Ciccarelli's Heartless Hunter introduces a captivating romantic fantasy duology, immersing readers in the intense cat-and-mouse game between a witch and a witch-hunter. Set against a backdrop of opulence, secrets, and a haunting history, the narrative skillfully delves into the intricate dynamics of love and betrayal. With a flawless build-up, a captivating cat-and-mouse narrative, and a whirlwind of romance, the story seamlessly transitions between enemies and lovers. This enchanting and deeply romantic tale didn't just capture my liking; it made me fall head over heels for the book. Anticipating the sequel eagerly, I acquired my copy through NetGalley, courtesy of St. Martin's Press.

“The hunted had fallen for the hunter”


This book… this book is amazing. You quickly get caught up in the messy web of lies that is the growing romance between witch and wanted vigilante, Rune Winters, and notorious witch hunter and Blood Guard Captain, Gideon Sharpe. The lies and yet the honest, true feelings growing make this a page turner…. Knowing that they both are falling but one or the other could easily destroy what they’re developing by just speaking the truth. There are curveballs you don’t expect… you heart may break at the end but you’re left wanting more of Rune Winters. I loved this book but wish we got to see even more of Rune and Gideon together… I feel like we were JUST beginning to see who Gideon Sharpe truly was before he completely closes everyone out. We also were just beginning to see Rune put her own desires above her call to save other witches before things went badly…. I wish we could have see more of Gideon and Rune that way. My hopes for how this book may end were shattered and I’m dying to know what happens in the next book… will Rune remain with who she is at the end to be useful or will she try to make a stand for some semblance of virtue.

Heartless Hunter, by Kristen Ciccarelli, is a captivating novel. From the world building to the plot to the writing style, I was unable to put this book down until it was completely finished.

While I enjoyed this book, I did have some minor complaints related to the plot twist and the main characters. There’s a mystery teased throughout the plot, and without spoiling anything, half of the big reveal was too heavily foreshadowed for me. I would have preferred it to be more subtle, as the big reveal lost some of its impact. I also didn’t connect to the main characters as much as I wanted to; while Alex’s characterization was perfection, Rune and Gideon fell slightly flat for me.

On the whole, The Heartless Hunter is very well done, and I would recommend it to fans of Stephanie Garber’s Once Upon a Broken Heart series.

I received a digital Advance Reader’s Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 4.25/5 stars.

In this romantasy were set in a world with witches, in fact witches ruled the land with three sister queens. Until one day the people revolted against them slaughtering them to bring about a better world. Now witches are hunted down and few are left. We follow two different POVs throughout this book one of Rune, who is a witch in hiding as a socialite. She has been helping witches escape the hunters as the crimson moth. Our other pov is of Gideon he is a commander for the witch hunters and has been on the trail of the crimson moth. I loved the will they won’t they cat and mouse aspect between the two. Had some giddy moments that made it hard to put the book down. I also really enjoyed the magic aspect of this world being based around blood. There is multiple degrees of this magic system that I found makes it rather unique. Also it was darker than I was expecting it to be, which was a welcome surprise. I really loved this book had me teary eyed by the end of it. I can’t wait for the next book 🖤 A few tropes I noticed while reading :
Enemies to lovers ✨
Fake dating ✨
I would look up triggers / warnings before reading 🖤

I didn't realize this was a YA novel when I requested it. I don't read YA much anymore, so I won't be reading/reviewing it. But I will suggest to the YA Librarian at the library I work at to purchase it for our collection.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. The following opinions are my own.

I was really looking forward to this book. Unfortunately I didn't realize it could potentially have so many elements that would not be for me. There is a ton of sexual assault content. Which was not something I personally want to read about. I'm sure others will be fine with it though.

The only thing more treacherous than being a witch is falling in love.

In the aftermath of a devastating revolution, witches have been diminished from powerful rulers to outcasts ruthlessly hunted due to their waning magic, and Rune must hide what she is. Under cover of night, as the Crimson Moth Rune works to free witches. When a rescue goes wrong Rune befriends the witch hunter Gideon Sharpe to gather intel and throw him off her trail. Both will find something they weren't looking for.

Heartless Hunter will play with your emotions the entire way. You won't find yourself going back and forth trying to decide whose side you're on because you'll want what's best for everyone. This is an enemies to lovers tale where both sides are right even when the circumstances aren't.

If this isn't a page turner I don't know what is. The cat and mouse game being played makes for some very exciting scenes. The magic is easy to understand and teases us with possibilities. The history of this world is just barely touched on but we can still fully grasp the situation. Every character is more than just an enemy or friend and could easily have their own story told.

I knew early on I was going to love this. You can see where things are likely heading and all you can do is turn the page carefully to see if the characters are going to survive. So much hope, so much heartache. Sweet moments in between that take your breath away. The Heartless Hunter has it all. The ending leaves you begging for more. Needing more. These characters can't be left adrift. There's so much more to the story. I can't wait to find out tne rest.

If you are looking for an enemies to lovers romantasy story with an interesting world and conflict, this may be the book for you.

Rune is a witch in a place where it is now forbidden. She doesn’t let this stop her from trying to help her kind in secret. Rune was a strong, interesting character with whom I found it easy to connect.

The novel is told in dual POV with the second being Gideon the witch-hunter. He is rigid in his beliefs and hate of witches which of course sets up the conflict between the two characters.

The supporting cast and character interactions between Rune, her friends, and Gideon are done very well. The story has twists and turns and a for me, unexpected ending that has me looking forward to reading book 2.

Wowie Kapowie I loved this book. Sign me up for the remaining books because I absolutely need to know what happens! I don’t know what’s happening to me but who is this girl over here reading romantasy?! Swoon. First let’s talk about the cover. It’s beautiful!🤩

Ok on to the book…Rune is a a witch that is hunted by the community she lives in. Ever since the revolution witches are hunted therefore causing Rune to hide her true colors….that is to everyone except one boy, her best friend. She pretends daily she’s normal but each night the Crimson Moth persona tries to help save witches from being killed. The problem with that is she cannot get caught and needs more intel. She decides to get close to Gideon Sharpe, Runes best friends brother, who will hunt witches with no remorse. They both suspect each other isn’t being truthful and what ensues is an epic game of cat and mouse. Runes best friend knows her true identity and she just walk the fine line between the two brothers. Sigh. What happens is two brothers both in love with the same girl. I don’t want to say more but you must read this book if you’re a romantasy lover. I loved loved loved this witch hunter, witch saver duo. THE entire book I couldn’t decide which brother I loved more and my heart literally broke at the end. 😭 Do yourself a favor and buy this book! You will not be disappointed.

Strong 3.5 stars...

Rune Winters is a young lady who likes to party, gossip, and flirt, but she also has a deadly secret: she is a witch. More than that, she is the Crimson Moth, a vigilante witch who rescues other witches when they are caught by the Blood Guard. Desperate for new, reliable information on the prison where the witch she is trying to save is being held, she decides to seduce Gideon Sharpe, the Captain of the Blood Guard, and older brother of Rune’s best friend. Gideon wants nothing to do with Rune, but when some clues point in her direction, he decides to court her, in the hope of discovering if she is the Crimson Moth.

The pace of this book is good, and it’s easy to fall into the story and read it quickly. The fact that both Rune and Gideon are lying to the other, but are also suspicious of the other’s true intention means that there are a lot of lies, scheming, and pretending to be what they think the other wants them to be. While I really liked this game of lies and deception, the big twists and revelations were a little predictable, and I was not really surprised by anything that happened.

I liked the magic system in this book, the witches need to use blood to do their spells, the fresher the better, but cutting themselves to use their blood for a spell leaves a silver scar behind, and the Blood Guard is on the lookout for anyone with such scars. The part of the world-building that I didn’t enjoy as much is the use of modern elements in a Victorian-style setting. It was jarring at times, for example, the main character is going to balls, wearing nice long gloves and dresses, but wearing a “lace bralette” underneath… Some words or actions just didn’t fit with the Victorian vibe, and I am not sure if it’s simply because it’s a more modern version of the usual Victorian setting, or if it’s a poor choice on the author’s end.

Rune was an interesting and well-developed main character. She pretends to be this shallow elite woman, but she is much more complex and layered than that. Sadly though, we don’t see much of her doing actual Crimson Moth work. It’s mostly about her planning, and trying to ensnare Gideon to gain intel on the witch she is trying to save, but there is only one scene where we see her being the Crimson Moth, in the middle of the action. I loved that scene, and it was probably my favorite moment in the book, so it is a little sad that there weren’t more of those action-packed moments. I do enjoy the scheming and lying, but it would have been nice to balance it with a little more action.

I never truly warmed up to Gideon. He has a dark, traumatic past with witches, and it spurred him to take part in the revolution that dethroned and killed the previous witch queens. Still, even if it’s said that he abhors some of his brethren guards more violent behaviors with the witches they capture, he is still a part of the purge that is still happening, years later. I think I didn’t really like him because he felt hypocritical, saying that it’s not acceptable for the guards to beat up witches with senseless violence, but still going around, capturing them and killing them with no trial, and for no reason besides the fact that they are witches. No matter if they committed atrocities or not.

The romance between Rune and Gideon was reminiscent of the one in Serpent and Dove, but it lacked the chemistry and delicious banter that Lou and Reid had. There was physical attraction between Rune and Gideon, and some sexual tension, but no real connection or chemistry. They were both playing a role at first, and it changed to true feelings, but I didn’t really feel that progressive change so it felt sudden and shallow even at times.

There is a kind of love triangle, in the sense that two men are attracted or in love with Rune, and she cares for both, but in different manners. I know that many are not fans of love triangles, so I wanted to mention it, but it doesn’t take much room in the plot, and there is not that much indecision on Rune’s part.

While it wasn’t my favorite witch book, it was still a good, enjoyable book, and I will read the sequel because it promises to be filled with more action, and hopefully some angst too, seeing how things ended up between Rune and Gideon.

This book made me forget I was reading. I was so engrossed the entire time, visualizing everything, it felt like a movie playing out before my eyes. Fast paced but never forfeiting tender moments and character development, I ate this book up. There were some minor issues I had (at times repetitive, questionable choices, convenient moments, I really don’t understand Harrow’s motive for THAT request), but they really pale against the completely engrossing story.

This is TRULY an enemies to lovers story. I was unsure if the journey to lovers would suffice given how much these two start against each other, but the author made it a very emotional and believable transition.

I’m still processing everything (I read 400 pages in two days) but let me just say if you’re a fan of fantasy romance, do yourself a favor and lose yourself in Heartless Hunter. I CANNOT wait until the conclusion!!

This book falls under the SMP boycott, so my review is withheld for now. Wednesday Books falls under this boycott as an imprint of St Martin’s Press

The entire concept of this book is fascinating. I think the author did an amazing job crafting an imaginative, immersive, and gut wrenching story (with a devastating cliffhanger)! I enjoyed this book so much. My only qualm is that I wouldn’t suggest marketing it as a young adult novel with so much spice. But that may be personal preference!

This book oh my... Rich in characters and story this book absolutely swept me off my feet! I loved Rune and her story and her determination to help other witches. And Gideon matches her perfectly even as a witch hunter. Their story was swoony and frustrating all at the same time! This was a fast paced read filled with so many emotions and such strong world building. By far one of the best fantasy books I've read in a long time. And that cliffhanger ending... Grrr! I want more!

I have no idea how this book crossed my radar, but I'm so glad it did. It was a fresh approach to the witch theme, focusing less on the spells a witch conjures, and more on the witches themselves.
How does one discover their power?
Who supports them?
Who wants to destroy them and why?

Most of this story takes place at a time when witches are believed to be the root of all evil. Did some witches become obsessed with power, take advantage of that power in a very bad way, giving all witches a bad name? Yes.
But our heroine, Rune Winters, is not a bad witch. Still coming into her powers, she is trying to right the wrongs that led to her grandmother's death. And while she has good intentions, it puts her in the crosshairs of a man trying to right his own wrongs, by ridding the land of all witches.

At first, I didn't care for Gideon Sharpe, head of the Blood Guard. However, with time, we get his story and why he hates witches so much. Everything made sense, and I actually felt myself siding with him. So where does that leave Rune? Stuck in a big clusterfuck, including a love triangle, which all comes to a head near the end of this book.

As book one in a series, this does end in a cliffhanger. There are so many open questions, and I'm eager to see where this story leads.

Witch lovers, make sure to add this to your TBR!!

Note: for fans of retellings, this is loosely based on The Scarlet Pimpernel.

First and foremost, I want to give the biggest thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

”She was drowning, and he was air. She hadn’t even realized how much she needed him until he was gone.”

The Heartless Hunter is a cat-and-mouse duet that will have you hooked from the start and I truly hope it receives the hype it deserves in 2024 because this book had me internally SCREAMING on all parts and ends on such a flawless cliffhanger. If you enjoyed Bridgerton and like reading bout witches, this book is for you because it is a perfect mix of the two.

Kristen Ciccarelli creates a story that surrounds two MCs with a dual POV, Rune Winters, and Gideon Sharpe. Rune is a ditsy socialite by day and a witch vigilante who protects witches from being captured and purged by night. Gideon is a witch hunter within the Blood Guard set on purging witches and finding the bane of his existence, the Crimson Moth. Finally, Gideon discovers intel of a merchant ship that smuggled two young witches out of the New Republic and it leads him to none other than Rune. The two MCs decide to court each other to use the other to their advantage. Rune, to use Gideon's position for intel to help her protect her identity and save more witches, and Gideon for wanting to catch the Crimson Moth. But what happens when the facade becomes real?

I am normally not one for YA novels, but Ciccarelli manages to write the book in a manner that does not make it feel as though it is shallowly written for high schoolers with cringy spice scenes that most YA novels have. My rating for spice level is 2/5 but I enjoyed the slow burn of The Heartless Hunter and hope to see more in the second book.

"It shocked her out of her stupor. Rune was no longer the mimic spider, luring her victim into a trap. She was inside her own trap . . . about to be devoured by her prey."

I wholeheartedly believe that Gideon Sharpe will be a 2024 favorite when it comes to morally grey boyfriends because he is a character that you will love to hate, but also want a happy ending for when you discover more and more about him. This enemies-to-lovers trope is such an unexpected but welcomed plot that keeps you on your toes and I am here for it. I also appreciated how many layers Ciccarelli gave the characters, rather than making them one-dimensional. The banter was exceptional and I was constantly on the edge of my seat from how fast-paced this book is. The amount of unexpected twists and turns leave you wanting more, especially the ending.

The Negatives: I do agree with other reviews that mention how the world-building could have been better, but I am desperately hoping we will see more within the next book. Ciccarelli focuses a lot on the characters, but I needed more in the plot because I have many questions. Specifically, why is it that witches are being purged only in the New Republic but live in harmony with others in Caelis? Are they truly accepted in other parts of the world? What are the power dynamics like among witches? Why mention Rune's merchant business but not explain what it entails? My only other qualm with this book is that it seems to lack diversity. Again, hopefully, this is something we will see within the second book, but I wish there had been at least some.

All in all, I do strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantasy novels and witches. I truly hope that Ciccarelli receives the hype and success she deserves from this book because it is such a wonderful story that I did NOT want to put it down and read the entire thing in one sitting. This book is dark, emotional, tense, and still manages to give you hope. I am thoroughly excited to see what comes next for Rune and Gideon!

*spoilers*


The plot, writing, and ending were good..

But I also don’t care for Gideon. I see his perspective but he’s giving …storm trooper vibes, idk. I empathize for his past and how he got to be so loyal to his position, but unlike Rune, I’m not so quick to forget what he has done in that uniform and what it stands for! I typically love a grumpy to everyone-but-her, brooding, dark haired love interest.. but I just wasn’t buying their relationship and didn’t develop a crush on him.. and book crushes are important.

The witch vs witch hunter storyline got away from itself, probably to develop the romance.. which happened REALLY fast, but despite my genuine sadness at the end.. I do like how it came back around tenfold in the end. I’m here for them being true enemies now. Not just by their titles and awkward history.. but after what happened in book one, it’s personal.

Rune might have been “more than meets the eye” but I still didn’t find her entirely likable. I spent a lot of this book thinking about how Rune is oblivious/doesn’t deserve Alex.. and I felt that way up until the last page. I am more devastated about him than she was. If Rune knew Alex was in love with her, but wasn’t interested at all… you have to respect thats her choice and you can’t force something that isn’t there. But to claim she NEVER KNEW ..never saw it.. girl, come on. But okay, he’s your best friend. He tried to put boundaries with her about his brother in multiple ways, which she disregarded. And then she’s immediately skinny dipping with his brother who she has exchanged minimal words with for years.. and none of them pleasant.. to like a week later being in love and losing her v sleeping with him? Even as a friend to Alex, she was being selfish and shortsighted for that.. no matter her ultimatum. He makes her feel safe, he’s her oldest friend, closest thing she has to family.. and yet she didn’t see him truly, when he is the only person who saw her truly. And that’s sad!!

Her unfair treatment of Alex + the instalove is really what’s holding me back from being a bigger fan of this book. Even in the end she’s like “Alex ☹️……so sad………………… I wish Gideon was here because without him hunting me I feel incomplete” like please be for real.

Will I read the next one? Yeah probably. I do want to know what happens next. Hopefully Rune grows up and Gideon is less of a boot licker.