A game of cat and mouse meets witch and witch-hunter that will have you on the edge of your seat wondering who you can trust!

Rune, the witch vigilante, fights for justice each night after a day of indescribable loss that changes her life forever. Her disguise as a vapid socialite is convincing and seems to thwart maybe all but one witch hunter. The back and forth between Gideon and Rune’s investigations is clever and fast-paced.

Heartless Hunter is full of mystery, clever plotting, and a romance with undeniable chemistry. The complexity of emotions that the protagonists face and conflicts between what and who they love and what they believe in will leave you on the edge of your seat! My only complaint is I wish it were longer.

This one had me tripping over pages to read faster! This world of witches isn't one you've read before.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, & Wednesday Books for the eARC!

I read this nearly in one sitting, it was so damn good. If you like a world where the lines of good and evil are blurred, but its the people rather than groups that are to blame for the atrocities, then this is a book for you. After an ending like that, I can't believe I have to wait for another to come out before I know how this is going to go.
I won't say that the reveals weren't predictable, but neither were they obvious from the beginning. Only, that once you know...you know! I won't spoil anything here by revealing too much. BUT I was certain I knew who was going to die in order for the main character to grow and the person who is supposed to be dead but isn't...it was a bit obvious WHO that someone was revealed to be. Those are my only critiques.
I absolutely love that witches aren't just written as supernatural/magical being, there is a clear set of laws and blood fuels their magic. Without shedding the blood and receiving a cool silver scar for their trouble, there is no magic. Not only that but it is clear that different blood (old, fresh, given with permission or taken by force) wields different results. ...and the relationship between Rune & the Sharpe brothers. DROOL!!! This isn't your typical triangle, but there was always the potential of one. Still, there is a very clear winner of Rune's heart, and don't I just love the bad boy. It was a very satisfying enemies to lovers journey...but that isn't the end. Enemies to lovers to enemies, anyone? I know its not just me who craves that angst. SO SATISFYING!!!!
I can't wait to read the next one, so please write fast Kristen Ciccarelli and please edit faster Wednesday Books.
Click the BUY NOW & enjoy!!!!
NO REGRETS!!!!

I’m highkey obsessed! I went into this blind after being sent an ARC and it exceeded my expectations by far. Such a good enemies to lovers / witch vs. witch hunter story. The relationship between the two main characters, Rune and Gideon, was so deliciously tension filled. I loved them both, they each have their secrets and dark histories and are trying to put on a brave face for the world. The best part? They’re both using the other for their own ends, but of course it completely backfires and they start to fall for each other. The dual POV is so good and really makes you understand their motives and why they are the way they are.

This honestly had me hooked front start to finish, so much action and so many twists! The ending was really exciting and heartbreaking and has me wanting the next book now. I’m going to be anxiously waiting to see what comes next for Rune and Gideon. Highly recommend this if you like witchy books and a well executed enemies to lovers romance!

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

I went into this book blind not really knowing what to expect — and I could not have been more blown away.

I was captivated from the very beginning with the beautiful writing and intriguing premise with flawless execution. The pace is fast and filled with so many unexpected turns.

We follow the seemingly superficial socialite Rune Winters, a witch who had to sacrifice her own Grandmother in order to protect her identity and set herself up to appear loyal to the anti-witch Republic. She has been undercover as the Crimson Moth ever since helping set free the witches that are being captured. She has so much more depth to her than she ever lets on. Her best friends, Alex and Verity, have been by her side supporting her in this endeavor as best they can.

Alex’s brother Gideon is a Blood Guard who captures and kills witches with a smile on his face — he’s been hunting the Crimson Moth. When the latest witch goes missing, Rune must devise a plan with the help of Alex and Verity to seduce Gideon in order to get some intel to save the next witch.

We are given a dual POV which gives us lots of dramatic irony and interesting perspectives. Gideon and Rune are enemies who are playing with one another’s hearts in order to get the information they need. If Gideon ever found out that Rune was the Crimson Witch, he’d kill her in a heartbeat. This game of cat-and-mouse they play is so satisfying — reminiscent of another one of my favorite series: Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin.

This book was so hard to put down - I wanted to know what was going to happen next! This novel is packed with action along with so many unexpected twists and turns. I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I ached - the emotional rollercoaster was never ending. The characters are so lovable and addicting - your heart goes out to all of them. Alex was such a pure character with a heart of gold - loyal to both his witch hunting brother and his witch best friend. Gideon, despite his hard exterior, breaks down some walls and gets vulnerable through his chapters and gives us insight into why he had to turn into such a brute. And of course Rune, our beloved MC, she gets more complex as the story goes on and it’s impossible not to fall more and more in love with her. She’s brave and self-sacrificing - missing her Grandmother so much and not wanting her death to have been for nothing.

I am so incredibly grateful to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. My only complaint is that I’m ready for the sequel now!!! I can hardly wait to find out what happens next, I’m so invested in this series. Thank you to Kristen Ciccarelli for putting her effort and energy into this masterpiece, I’m already excited to reread it. This is one of new favorite books.

Its giving vampire diaries love triangle BUT with witches and witch hunters😉
I did enjoy the plot of this book and the magic was super easy to understand. The brothers love triangle with rune was perfection and i in fact did not see the ending coming at ALL. I am excited for book 2 this is a great story!
Magic, witches, brutes and betrayals what more could you ask for!

𝘠𝘈 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 • 𝘋𝘶𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺⁣
𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 • 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 • 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩y
𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘯 • 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 • 𝘋𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘖𝘝
𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊 • 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: 20 𝘍𝘦𝘣 2024

Read this if you love a good regency + witchy romantasy combo. Rune Winters is upper class, high society: hostess to lavish balls, masked costume parties, gossip and suitors, while hiding a double identity. Gideon Sharpe is a formidable soldier from the other side of the tracks, who now ruthlessly hunts witches as a Captain of the Republic.

Although the story follows a predictable enemy to lovers arc, this is not without suspense and some surprises that set up book 2. I enjoyed the spell complexity levels and the concept that wielding greater power comes at a cost.

The characters have good development even if extremely vanilla. Both leads are pretty insecure, tracking with YA. There’s delightful slow burn tension and a couple closed door scenes. The world building is easy to grok, focusing more on the romance than the backstory. I wanted more closure & less cliff hanger at the end, but this seems to be a marketing ‘feature’ of most romantasies now… Extremely bingeable, quick read.!

Prepare for a fast-paced adventure that will take your breath away. This is a page-turner that blends excitement, forbidden romance, and intriguing world-building seamlessly. The author's ability to weave these elements together creates a narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.

The forbidden romance between the two main characters is electric, giving me goosebumps with each stolen glance. Their love story is a compelling force in the midst of danger, making it impossible to put the book down.

The world-building was awesome. The author has crafted a unique and immersive world that is both vivid and thought-provoking.

With unexpected twists and turns, the plot keeps you guessing and hungry for more. The story's unpredictability adds an element of excitement and ensures that you're never quite sure what will happen next.

The ending, while satisfying in its own right, leaves you with the knowledge that the characters have many trials to overcome. It's a brilliant setup for what promises to be an engaging series or sequel, and I can't wait to see where the author takes these characters next.

In this book, you'll find a delightful mix of adventure and romance that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment. Highly recommended for those who love a fast-paced, thrilling read with a touch of forbidden romance.

Thank you NetGalley for this Arc!!
This is literally a prefect read for cat and mouse duet. Especially if you want it to continue into the next book!

The world building was charmingly detailed. I can still picture it. You honestly didn’t know which side to stand on. Freeing Witch’s or being a Witch Hunter because the Author did such a great job at getting you to be truly stuck in the middle.

Our FMC, Rune, is a Uppity Socialite by day and a Witch Rescuer by night. Playing the part is hard, but knowing who to trust is even harder. Especially when in come Witch Hunter, Gideon. She wants to use him for information awhile he wants to investigate her. But you know how these things go ;)

Oh my goodness!! When I tell you I am obsEESSED!!! It is one I want to read again and again! I will definitely be buying a copy! I loved the enemies to lovers to enemies again! It’s one of my favorite tropes and it was done so well here! I

I really enjoyed the start of this new series and am excited to read what happens next. The ending had me on the edge of my seat and I loved and understood both Gideon and Rune and their history.

Thank you for the early copy!

i dont even know what to say except 😍! really loved it. i think everyone will love this book it’s literally soo so so so good!!

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli is a thrilling and
immersive story that combines elements of enemies-to-
lovers, forbidden romance, and witchcraft. Set in a world
where witches are hunted and persecuted, the book
follows the charismatic protagonist, Rune Winters, who
leads a double life as both a society heiress and the
vigilante known as the Crimson Moth. The intricate
character development and morally complex portrayals
make this story a standout in the genre.
One notable aspect of Heartless Hunter is the presence
of a well-crafted and balanced magic system. The
prevalence of checks and balances, as well as the
consequences of wielding powerful spells, adds depth
and realism to the story. This innovative approach to
magic sets the book apart in the realm of YA/NA fantasy
and demonstrates the author's creativity and attention to
detail.
With its fast-paced plot, intense cat-and-mouse scenarios,
and a tantalizing romance, Heartless Hunter is sure to
satisfy fans of fantasy romance. The chemistry between
Rune and Gideon, the hunter determined to capture the
Crimson Moth, is electric, and their relationship unfolds in
a captivating manner that keeps readers on the edge of
their seats. This book is an exciting start to what promises
to be a captivating series, and readers will eagerly
anticipate the next installment. It's is a fast-paced and
enthralling tale that weaves together elements of fantasy,
romance, and suspense. Kristen Ciccarelli's skillful
storytelling and intricate world-building create an
immersive reading experience, while the complex
characters and forbidden romance add depth and
intensity to the narrative. Recommended for fans of
fantasy romance and anyone seeking a thrilling and
unpredictable journey.

The central romantic relationship was well drawn and compelling and theoretically, I could see the scarlet pimpernel and revolution-era France inspirations working well to give both protagonists a genuine stake and side. I think, though, the class conflict that was hinted at meshed poorly with the "only women are witches" traditional structure and that blend muddied both the world-building and sympathy for Gideon, who was otherwise very compelling. The ending as well fell apart for me, as did the character of Alex. All that said, I could see myself recommending this to someone looking for a new romantasy series.

This book started off strong for me, especially with how easily accessible the world building is. The political intrigue and forbidden romance hooked me immediately. However, about halfway, the book started to fall a little flat for me. I especially wanted more from the final conflict. In terms of plot, it felt rushed and underwhelming outside the romance. The plot twist, too, didn't surprise me or satisfy me in the way I wanted. Even still, if you're looking for your next enemies-to-lovers, romantasy book, I would recommend giving this one a try. It's a duel-POV, forbidden romance that promises a pining next installment with an added layer to Rune and Gideon's relationship.

Thank you NetGalley for this eGalley in exchange for an honest review!

This scintillating forbidden enemies to lovers romance between witch and witch hunter should be up next in your romantic fantasy stack!

Rune Winters adored her grandmother who raised her and also happened to be a witch. After the witch hunters purged her, Rune vowed to protect the rest of witch-kind as best as she could. As she inherited her grandmother’s fortune, she plays a socialite by day and the Crimson Moth witch vigilante by night with the help of her close friends Alex and Verity. But the witch hunters are hunting the Crimson Moth and trying to uncover her identity. And first in line is Gideon Sharpe, Alex’s brother.

So Rune and Gideon find themselves in a cat and mouse game. She’s falling for him even though she knows he’s hunting her secret witch identity. He doesn’t know if she’s a witch or not, but does know that she’s the perfect match for him. Together, they navigate the twists and turns of this incredible story that make you root for their forbidden love and anxiously await the sequel!

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books/St. Martin’s Press for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you @netgalley for giving me the chance to be an early reader on @kristenciccarelli ‘s CRIMSON MOTH (UK Title)/HEARTLESS HUNTER (US Title), due to hit the shelves on 2/20/24 (US) and 2/29/24.

I really enjoyed this Scarlet Pimpernel meets Serpent & Dove mash up. Inspired by the classic about a rogue undercover operative who rescues members of the aristocracy from the guillotine during the French Revolution, CRIMSON MOTH/HEARTLESS HUNTER, imagines a society where a corrupt Witch Queen aristocracy was overturned by the people in a revolution that now pits Witchhunters against Witches. Rune is a secret witch who uses her status as the revolutionary darling who turned in her own grandmother to be purged in order to rescue witches as the Crimson Moth. Gideon is the witch hunter who slaughtered the reigning Witch Sister Queens after enduring years of abuse and trauma at their hands. What ensues is a game of cat and mouse, as Witch and Witch Hunter seek to seduce the other in order to gain intelligence for their opposing sides.

The romance is steamy, which will make this either very much your thing or not. The main characters are 18 and 19, so this book falls into the category of older teen or new adult. I had my doubts, frankly, when I started reading as to whether I was willing to fall for the concept, whether it would be too campy, etc. What I found was that this book gets better and better as it goes on, with an epic conclusion that left me desperate to read the next one.

(I will say though that I prefer the UK title and cover)

This book is such a refreshing take for the romantacy genre. Sure, a lot of our beloved tropes are there but it has a new and fresh spin on things. Rune is cunning and sly and I am utterly obsessed with her. Heartless Hunter grabs you from the beginning with the high stakes and takes you on an absolutely wild emotional roller coaster unlike any other book I have read in the genre.

For me as a reader I have to be involved in understanding a main characters motives. Who are they? Why do they they do the things that they do? Rune's story fulfills all of that need for me. She has deep secrets that guide the way she moves through the world. I don't want to say too much as it is much more fun to find out for yourself - but I highly recommend anyone who loves witches, secrets and fantasy to pick this up!

Heartless Hunter is the first in a planned fantasy romance series, and it definitely checks all the boxes for a gripping read where the fantasy world is immersive and the romance is *chef's kiss*!

So much danger that you can't look away or put the book down! This tale pits a witch against a witch hunter - their dislike toward each other is only matched by what they feel toward themselves. Both have so much fear and regret, both have turned away from their families ... both feel that the future rests in their hands. And yet Rune and Gideon find a suitable match in each other. - once their bias is stripped away, their motivations are not so different. While becoming close through deceit, each trying to infiltrate the group they are against, their chemistry is undeniable. Could they be wrong about each other? Could they change each other's point of view? This is high stakes subterfuge, where the victory of one means death for the other. This is not your typical enemies-to-lovers tale. This slow burn eventually explodes like a powder keg, leaving Rune and Gideon emotionally bare at the end ... the same can be said of the Revolution. This book ends with the explosion: Rune against Gideon, Witches against Witch Hunters, and the grounds are shifting. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Heartless Hunter was a fun, witchy read. These is an enemies to lovers situation taking place amidst a world where witches are hunted by the Blood Guard.

Rune Winters is herself by day and The Crimson Moth by night. She works to rescue witches from being purged.

This is the first book in a duology and it does end on a cliffhanger.

Thank you for the e-arc Wednesday Books. All opinions are my own.