My first thoughts after finishing this book are: this book is going to be a huge hit AND when does the next one come out because I want to read it right now! This book was sooo good! Gideon and Rune are a great enemies to lovers to ? I won’t ruin it for you but this book has some twists and it is fantastic! I loved the Salem witch vibes and the magic aspects. Overall wonderful book that had me engrossed from beginning to end! Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read an early release, I can’t wait for the next one to come out.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an ARC of Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

Let me start by saying I really was hoping to love this story but it was lacking in a lot of places.
I didn’t feel like the story or characters are very well developed. Also really dislike when two characters have this unrealistic “Instant Love” for each other. Nothing as to why or what attracts them to each other they just are.
This story had potential but fell way short for me!

loved the premise of this one but wish the execution had been stronger. it sometimes felt like pieces of the story were half developed, which made me wanting more throughout the book. the enemies to lovers trope was fun if that’s your thing and the ending sets it up nicely for a second book. overall it was a fun read but not earth shattering for me. thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this on.

Well, that will teach me to judge a book by its cover. I thought this would be a Mary Sue book through and through. How many enemies to lovers books are actually good? Well this one is. It’s good enough to make me regret requesting it as a Netgalley book because now I have to wait even longer for a sequel. And dear lord I hope there is one.

I like that the word feels full and well built, with a solid well defined blood-magic system (menstrual blood! Hell yeah!) and a believable and understandable history. I like the dynamics between the characters - Gideon, Alex, Rune, and Verity (+ supporting cast) make sense and that each character has their own personalities, weaknesses, and no deus ex machina nonsense. And I love that I can enjoy this as a 30+ year old and also recommend it to my 20-something sister, and potentially even to my 16yo sister in law. A little (loving) sexual descriptions, some implications of past trauma, but that’s pretty much it!

Recommended to all! I loved it! Unexpectedly!

Posted to Goodreads. Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday books in exchange for an unbiased review!

Definitely one of my favorite books that I read this year! This was such an action packed book and I can’t wait for the second book to come out! I really enjoyed how the use of magic had chain reactions/consequences, and how each character showed his or her own flaws throughout the story.

Thank you for the ARC of this book!

This book gave me exactly what I expected from a classic witch/witch-hunter, enemies-to-lovers story. With that being said, it accomplished what it set out to in an exceptional way. The worldbuilding, backstory, and magic system are well described and make a lot of sense. All the characters, including the more minor ones, are fully developed. Because the story is told from Rune's and Gideon's points of view, both of their perspectives are clearly laid out, and it is easy to see that they both have a point in what they stand for. I loved all the morally gray aspects and appreciated the overall maturity level of the major characters, which matched the high stakes nature of their setting. The pacing is pretty quick, and it all builds toward an explosive ending that perfectly sets the scene for Act Two of Rune and Gideon's story. I am excited (and nervous) to see what is next, as there were several twists and turns, and the plot could go literally anywhere from here. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories with witches, an enemies-to-lovers trope, and characters who may not be exactly who they say they are.

Thank you for the opportunity to read Heartless Hunter.
the witch and the witch hunter who you wish to put aside their differences. It doesn't seem to work that way for anyone.
It has a good storyline and plot. Very witcher vibes seemingly set in the Victorian period. something she is not.
Rune seems like a brash teenager in her outlook on life, pretending she is something she is not. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Overall this was a solid romantasy with an interesting magic system and a good romance. I loved how the magic had solid rules & consequences. I liked Rune's character a lot and her relationship with Gideon. However a few things weren't as good: it's very insta-love, there's a bit of a love triangle, and there's really not that much action/ magic use until the end. The relationship is the main focus, which was fine, but I was really hoping for a LOT more of the whole cat & mouse game between Gideon & the Crimson Moth. Overall though this book was good and I definitely think the sequel will be worth reading!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!
I LOVED this book!
Rune and Gideon are enemies, who should be lovers, caught in a high- stakes power struggle between witches and witch hunters.
The goth Bridgerton (with guns!) vibe is opulent and interesting, and I found myself deeply invested in the characters. Rune is a refreshingly real heroine, and Kristen Ciccarelli gives Gideon and Rune smokin hot chemistry. Most importantly, Gideon is sexy AF.
At times, I caught myself thinking this book was predictable, but the ending blew me away.
I will totally be reading the sequel!

I think this is my favorite witch x witch hunter fantasy and romance I've ever read?? this was so good and so addictive I loved every character no matter how imperfect they were there were absolutely not perfect characters in this book and I loved it. the magic system is so interesting to me, I easily became obsessed with it as well as Alex and Gideon Sharpe god I loved them so much the pair of brothers were the complete opposites of each other but I grew to love them both the same. I need the next book in my hands already this was so intense I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

thank you so much Wednesday books for an e-arc of this phenomenal book! all opinions are my own

This was a great fantasy book and I look forward to seeing where this series is going! The ratio of plot to spice was perfect and it was everything I love reading in this genre.

Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Romantasy, while one of my favorite genres, is also a genre that is very hit-or-miss for me, as I'm particular about the quality of writing and balance of romance and plot. "Heartless Hunter" was PERFECT and hit the nail RIGHT on the head for me. Everything about this book was a 'yes' - the high quality writing, the balanced pacing, the angsty enemies-to-lovers romance, and the richly detailed world were all top-tier. 10/10 would recommend!

In a society that reviles witches - that had a recent revolution in which the trio of Witch Queens were killed, in which witches are searched out and executed - Rune is a witch, unbeknownst to all but her two closest friends. More than that, Rune has devoted her life to helping other witches escape before the Blood Guard (witch hunters all) can find them and execute them simply for existing. Rune is hiding in plain sight, an undiscovered witch who turned her own grandmother in to the Blood Guard, at her grandmother's behest, so that her grandmother didn't have to watch Rune be executed alongside her.

Witchcraft, in Rune's world, is performed with blood - usually the blood of the practitioner, which leaves the witch with silvery scars everywhere she's cut herself for blood. But Rune, knowing that such scars could reveal her secret, uses only menstrual blood, her own and that of her best friend, Verity. Alex, the third member of their trio, is male, and therefore not a witch - it's never stated directly, but since it is stated that the onset of a witch's powers occurs at first menstruation, it's implied that only women are witches in this world. Still, Alex would never betray Rune, even though his brother is a captain in the Blood Guard, and a notorious witch hunter, one who was instrumental in the revolution two years previously that ousted the Witch Queens.

This is a convoluted story, with a mystery at the heart of it - well written, although the foreshadowing meant that the unveiling of the mystery was less of a shock that it was likely intended to be. I look forward to the sequel. Recommended for teens and adults.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I don't know what it was but I couldn't get into this one. I felt like there were a lot of things that weren't quite cohesive and didn't make sense. I might try to read again in the future.

3.5 Stars

The thing about this book is that it has a good premise, but questionable execution. I like the concept that there were witches and witch hunters in the whole battle of what may be good versus evil (all about perspective). Most of the characters were likable and had their ups and downs. I totally understood why the characters were the way they were. Their motives were super clear. However, as I’m reading the book, I noticed a bunch of things that were questionable or didn’t really make any logical sense. There were things that happen that I couldn’t believe someone was able to get away with or I could see the big reveal early on so the climax wasn’t as shocking as I would have hoped.

Let’s start with Rune. She is supposed to be the Crimson Moth who has been saving witches for years now, helping them escape persecution. The only thing about Rune is that I find it hard to believe that she has been able to get away with being the Crimson Moth and hasn’t been captured yet. I just find it hard to believe that she is as capable as her reputation has promoted her to be. She has really great motivations, but I just didn’t believe she could pull it off. She makes questionable choices and fell for a trap way too easily. Maybe if we saw her help a witch escape at the beginning of the book, it would be more believable. Overall likable character but I’m just questioning her capabilities.

With Gideon, he is very determined to destroy all witches that are left in this world, and I completely understand why. He, along with his family and others, have suffered really greatly at the hands of one of the witch queens. I felt incredibly sorry to hear about what happened to him and his family. It’s absolutely horrible. I find him capable more so than Rune. I do like his character, but just questioning his relationship with Rune.

Rune and Gideon have a very complex and complicated relationship from the start. Their entire relationship is built on lies and deceit. Everyone has mentioned that there is a love triangle, which I don’t consider it to be a love triangle. Rune’s relationship with Alex is definitely one of kindness, care and friendship but I don’t think she loves Alex like that. He is just the safer and easier choice. Alex is a great character beside one incredibly stupid thing he did (trying to avoid spoilers). The thing about Rune and Gideon‘s relationship is that it moved too quickly and was a little unbelievable. I just wished their relationship wasn’t as rushed and I probably could’ve enjoyed it more so but it just seems to be kind of hurried and unbelievable how fast it went from lies to love.

The world building was very minimal. It was a battle versus good versus evil, witches vs witch hunters, but nothing really beyond that. There wasn’t a lot of magic just brief discussions about the different levels of spellcasting and some spellcasting, but was hoping for a little bit more magic. I know Rune’s skills are minimal but was hoping for a little more. Maybe in the next book?


Ending was a little too rushed for me, but I might possibly pick up the next book to see what happens next. Overall, I liked this book but felt there were some issues that I couldn’t ignore. Romance was okay but rushed and poisoned from the start with the lies. I hope to see more magic and some characters get their just desserts. I think I felt for the characters so I enjoyed the book more so but just some things weren’t working for me.

*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Wow, I completely ate this book up! I knocked it out in 2 days and would dive right into the next if I could. This was a fun and well-written book.

Oh wow, Heartless Hunter? I tore through that book and loved every bit! It's got this enemies-to-lovers thing going on between a witch and a witch hunter. Picture forbidden romance, slow burn, and a bit of possible betrayal. This book really sent me on a rollercoaster of intense emotions. I went from so happy to crying.

As the story unfolds, it makes you think about right and wrong. Rune and Gideon are on different sides for good reasons, and it's interesting to learn about their pasts to understand them better. Rune's secret vigilante life adds an incredible layer, watching her try to save witches without blowing her cover. Picking a side is tough because both characters make a good case.

The relationship between them is well-done. You get into their heads and feel what they want and need. The forbidden love thing is intense, giving you those good ol' goosebumps. Their love story stands out amid all the danger, keeping you hooked. I was rooting for them.

The plot has twists that keep you guessing and wanting more. It's not predictable, and that's what makes it exciting. The ending is satisfying, but you know there's more to come. It sets up for a sequel or series, and I'm excited to see where the characters go next.

If you like a mix of adventure, fantasy, and romance, this book is a winner. It's fast-paced, thrilling, and has that touch of forbidden romance. I recommend it for a good, fun read. I truly believe that this will be a standout book next year. I can't wait for the next one!

Thank you Wednesday Books and St. Martins Press for sending over this digital ARC my way.

OKAY I LOVED THIS INJECT IT IN MY VEINS. A true enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies story that had me rooting for both Gideon and Rune. I am devastated that I will have to wait so long for book two, because the ending was so painful. 10/10 highly recommend!

This is going to be 'It' book of 2024. Believe me.

This book has a unique plot, interwoven with a great fantasy setting, strong characters, and insanely good chemistry. On top of that, as a lifelong The Scarlet Pimpernel fan, the author does an excellent job paying homage to the classic.

We start with Rune, a vapid socialite in the morning who moonlights as the daring Crimson Moth at night, saving poor innocent witches from being executed. However, the witch hunting guards are becoming more, and more cautious of her escapades, and her job is becoming ever so dangerous, especially since she is suspected of being the Moth by none other than the captain of the Bloodguard: Gideon Sharpe.

Get close to Gideon to access Bloodguard secrets, get close to Rune to see if she is the Moth, these two circle each other in order to complete their goals. And, I tell you, when these two were together it was literal fire. I loved, LOVED these two trying to one up each other, while simultaneously fighting their feelings, knowing the other is a dangerous person who would turn on them without any remorse.

While the chemistry is great, the character themselves are even better. Rune is a fantastic FMC! she is funny, loyal, but most importantly: human. She isn't perfect, but she does what she can to atone for her past mistakes. She is a really complex character, and I loved her vulnerable moments, especially where Rune wonders who the real her is. She is a very relatable character, and a well written one to that.

Gideon, the MMC, is the older brother of Rune's bestfriend, and at first comes across as a ruthless, cold witchhunter who wants nothing more than to torture anyone remotely resembling a witch, but the more one learns about him, the more they realize just how tragic his life is. Broken due to an horrible past he endured while trying hard to be there for his family, Gideon has faced hardships, and his POV made me so sad at times. Gideon deserves a HEA with Rune more than anyone else in this book.

The other characters are also interesting, and hold on their own. From lifelong friends who are hiding secrets, to villains who are morally grey, on top of being paired with the magical vibes from classical books, makes this book one of the best reads of 2023/2024 for me.

I cannot wait to own my own hardcopy of this book!


Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read a copy of the book voluntarily so I could review it. All thoughts and opinions provided in this review are my own.

This was so good!!!! I loved the tension between Gideon and Rune and their 'push/pull' relationship. I found the world building and hard magic system were well done and very creative. There were a few twists that I expected near the end but the relationship between the FMC & MMC kept me eagerly reading through chapter after chapter.
I'm super excited for the next book in this series :)

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this book in return for my honest opinion!