(3.5) Give me all the forbidden romances please! A witch and a witch hunter? Freakin sold. I was so excited to receive an e-arc of this and dove straight in. I was hooked almost immediately. Rune is a witch, but no one can know. And Gideon is a witch hunter that she hates for multiple reasons, and well, he’s not really her biggest fan either. I enjoyed the writing, the dual POV, the magic system, and the overall danger. It’s a bit of a slow burn, which I enjoyed. I do have a few issues with it mainly being the repetitiveness and ongoing back and forth both our mcs do that just seemed to drag out the story unnecessarily. I’ll mention another down below as it is kind of spoilery but I want to mention this, this book does not read as YA to me. There are some down right bloody descriptions and gruesome events that really took it out of the YA category for me. Which is fine, I just want readers to know beforehand. The overall mystery and plot had me very curious and has me on edge for book 2 so I already can’t wait for that to come out whenever that may be.

Tropes:
-forbidden romance
-enemies-to-lovers
-secret identity
-different worlds
-dual POV



*potential spoiler*

My biggest issue with this book is the side character basically insisting that Gideon sleeps with Rune to make sure she isn’t a witch? And him agreeing? Just feels icky to me.



Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the really access!

4.8 rounded up to 5/5

"Heartless Hunter" by Kristen Ciccarelli is a spellbinding journey into a world where magic and political intrigue collide, and the lines between love and betrayal become perilously blurred.

Set against the backdrop of a post-revolutionary society, the novel introduces Rune, a witch forced to conceal her true identity in a world where her kind is hunted and persecuted. The narrative skillfully weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and political drama, creating a rich tapestry that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The slow-burn romance and enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Rune and Gideon are executed with finesse, adding depth and complexity to their characters. The checks and balances in the magic system contribute to the story's authenticity, preventing the narrative from relying on convenient and plot-thickening magical interventions.

The world-building, while compelling, could benefit from further exploration, especially regarding the purpose and significance of witches in the society depicted. Nevertheless, the fast-paced adventure and the continual sense of mystery and suspense make for a gripping read.

Ciccarelli's writing keeps the reader guessing, and the satisfying yet tantalizing ending leaves them eager for more. The novel strikes a delicate balance between resolution and the promise of future developments, making it an excellent starting point for those new to the fantasy romance genre.

In conclusion, "Heartless Hunter" is a captivating and well-crafted tale that seamlessly blends magic, romance, and political intrigue. Kristen Ciccarelli's storytelling prowess shines through, making this novel a compelling addition to the fantasy romance genre.

Loved this book! The storyline was amazing and I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the chase between Rune and Gideon. I loved the world and the characters and the suspense of the backstory as I watched the story revealed. The only thing I didn’t like is that it’s over and all I want is to read more.

Fantastic book. Fantastic start to a series. I cannot wait to read more.

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

Full review to come closer to pub date (on Feb. 20) or after I reread this book - yeah it was that fun!

Thanks to NetGalley for the early advanced reader copy.

I had a ball reading this enemies to lovers, witchxwitch hunter slow burn. Can’t wait for the sequel!

This was a great young adult fantasy book with an interesting magic system, compelling characters and unexpected twists and turns. If you like a page turner, enemies to lovers with forbidden love this book is for you! A big thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC- I can't wait for book 2!

A witch saving witches from the evil hunters, hiding in plain site as the aristo fop, a female Zorro! High adventure and intrigue, secrets and betrayal, conspiracies and manipulations. The truth often hidden, lies seeming to be truth, but which is which - and love elusive and lost. Great fantasy adventure, to be continued ...

I really enjoyed this book! Who doesn't love reading about witches and witch hunters? Ciccarelli is a master at world building and creating well-developed characters. I loved the alternating POV of the main characters. The plot was full of action, suspense, romance, and betrayal. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

'"Sparing the life of someone you hate doesn't make you weak," she said. "It makes you better than the rest of us."'

It's been a long time since I've read a book this addictive. I picked it up, intending to start the first chapter, and set it down seven hours later, having finished the book. "Heartless Hunters" has a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, a soft magic system, and plot twists you won't see coming. If you're looking for an action-packed romantasy like "Across a Star-Swept Sea" by Diana Peterfreund, you'll love this book!

Part of what made me love it is the characters. Rune is a strong female protagonist who tries to save other witches from the witch hunters. She's clever, resourceful, and determined to do the right thing. That's not to say she doesn't falter or make mistakes, but she always finds a way to adapt her plans and stay true to her morals. She's one of the most realistic and likable characters I've come across this year.

And then there's the Sharpe brothers. For once, I didn't know which love interest to root for. Both brothers are equally compelling, and I like how they complement Rune's personality in different ways. This is one of the only times I've enjoyed a love triangle in a book. I don't know what dark magic Kristen Ciccarelli used to bewitch me, but it worked.

Finally, I have to talk about the plot twist. I had a hunch around the 60% mark, but I was still blown away when it came true! I can't wait to get my hands on a printed edition of this book so I can reread it and search for the clues.

And on that note, make sure you pre-order your copy of this book! It comes out on February 26th, 2024, and it isn't a story you want to miss. I'm rating it 5/5 stars and placing it among my top five fantasy books of the year!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher; all opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for an E-ARC of this book.

Before I get into my review, I want to say that I think this book should not be in the YA category. It should be NA. I understand that the MFC is 18 and that technically falls into YA. The prose is also like YA. However, there is one sexual scene that I do not think is vague enough, and the overall content is too mature. I do not feel comfortable recommending this to minors, but I would recommend it to adults.

I think many romantasy lovers will enjoy this book. The plot is very interesting. The story is full of intrigue, deception, and dangerous games between the main characters. It doesn't take long to pull you in.

I think better world-building could have added more to the story. There was entrancing (and heartbreaking) lore about the history of the country and the main characters, but it fell a little short for me. Descriptions were there, but I think they could have had more depth.

The dual POV definitely added to the story. Both the MFC and the MMC are smart and cunning. I love how the MFC takes action to help other witches escape without expecting anything in return. However, I would still consider her morally gray, because of some of the things she does. The MMC is also morally gray. He is your usual brooding and ruthless male that can be expected in romantasy, and his backstory is very sad and heartbreaking, explaining to the readers why he does the things he does. The MFC also has a sad backstory that explains how she came to help witches escape death, but the MMC's history is ALOT. Although I like both of the characters individually, I don't think I like them together despite the intrigue of him being a witch hunter and her being a witch after getting to know them.

The book has one thing that may make you love it or hate it: a love triangle. I don't want to go into detail, so I won't spoil it, but I think this particular love triangle was weird. The order of certain events within it just didn't sit right with me. Also, the person who was obviously not going to end up with the MFC was actually my favorite character. I loved him so much.

The book has some plot twists, a couple of which I predicted, and a couple I didn't. I think the pacing was a little slow in places and fast in other parts of the book. However, it had just enough action to keep me turning the pages.

Like I said in the beginning, I am not going to recommend this to minors, but I think adults can enjoy it. I can see this book becoming pretty big. It wasn't my favorite for a few reasons mentioned above. However, I am 100% sure that other readers will fall in love with it.

Ugh this book. THIS. BOOK. I don't know what Kristen Ciccarelli put into this book, but it is addictive. If you like slow burn enemies-to-lovers, this book will be your jam. If you like books about witches and witch hunters, and want a really cool magic system, this book will be your jam. There's just something so good about a "I shouldn't want you but I do" romance, and this one does not disappoint. The angsty slow burn romance was IMMACULATE. It had me blushing, grinning, and swooning. There was kind of a love triangle, and I honestly felt bad for both of the guys. Alex was so sweet and honestly seemed like a perfect little golden retriever of a boy; he seems like the RIGHT choice for Rune, the safe choice. But Gideon had my heart. He's brutish and very determined when it comes to his job (the captain of the witch hunters), but when we learn more about him, he is SO SWEET and has had such terrible luck in his past and I just want a happy ending for him. There are aspects of Rune that I really enjoyed. I love how clever and cunning she is, and the fact that she takes it upon herself to be the witches' vigilante savior. Pretty badass. But her choices with her love life had me cringing. *SPOILER ALERT* She said she was in love with Gideon, but then overheard him saying terrible things about her and breaks it off with him (which honestly, YGG, I would too). But then she goes running to Alex, and he tells her he loves her and wants to marry her, and she accepts??? Noooooo girl, noooo. The plot twist felt a bit predictable but made it no less enjoyable to read. And the ending had my jaw on the floor. I want, need, would sell my kidney for book 2. I need more of these characters and this world, and I need to know what happens next. Thank you so much to Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

This book absolutely took me by surprise and enchanted me. I. ATE. IT. UP. First of all, the plot was so clever and well-done. And when you have such a clever plot, the writing better deliver... and this absolutely did! Every character had a discernable reason for their actions and motivations. You could relate to why they were doing what they did, even when each character was at-odds with each other.

Gideon and Rune... wow I loved them. I loved that Gideon truly started as indifferent/distant to her and they built a relationship from the ground up. I also loved that they knew they were each playing each other. They weren't stupidly blind to each other. It made it feel so real.

The ending was great and it sets up perfectly for the conclusion to the duology. I cannot wait to get my hands on it!

First of all, I just have to acknowledge that mouth-wateringly gorgeous cover! It's just so very pretty!

Based on the fact this is described as a romantic fantasy, I'm a bit surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Many of that subgenre that I've tried have been vastly underwhelming if not outright awful.

There was one instance where I felt Rune acted out of character and there was a plot thread that bothered me a bit concerning an abuse victim being encouraged to do something pretty unhealthy. The reason it didn't bother me more though is that it wasn't presented as being the right thing to do, or that the encouragement to do it was healthy, even though there wasn't an acknowledgement of it being unhealthy.

And that segues into my favorite thing about this book and that was the characterization. If you like morally gray characters, you'll like the characters here. They have their convictions and act to support those, but they also struggle with those actions, questioning whether the ends justify the means.

The romance had too much insta-lust and equated physical attraction and passion to love, which I dislike. But the fantasy romances I've tried and that seem to be successful and popular do the same, so apparently I'm in the minority with that gripe.

My true rating would probably be 3.5, but I'm rounding up.

Thank you to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for this early review copy.

I liked this book overall, my biggest issue with it is that it really felt like it should’ve been an adult title. I felt like a lot of things were held back or limited so they could fit this in the YA genre and that made it difficult for me to get through. Still a good book but I felt like it would have been so much better as an adult title.

I've tried to read witch-related books in the past, and they've never really worked for me, but my god I'm glad I gave this one a chance. This made me think that perhaps the issues I had with past books with this topic had more to do with world-building and the overall story rather than witches themselves. This book had a strong voice right away, and the more I read the more I fell in love with the characters. This definitely had 5-star potential, but my circumstances hindered my ability to be fully immersed (the joys of being in academia). That last 25% though, my god I was on the edge of my seat, Up to that point, I thought I knew where the plot was headed, but some of the plot twists really through me for a loop. Safe to say, I cannot wait for the next installment

The world-building and magic system were a highlight for me, it was such a unique twist on the classic witch stereotypes and tropes, and it made for some really interesting challenges for Rune to overcome. Her solution to needing blood for magic was honestly what sold me into picking this book up. Not only was it incredibly clever, it also portrayed such a needed message around destigmatizing menstruation as well. Just the link to witches and menstruation in general made my gender studies major heart very happy.

The depth of the cast of characters was so captivating, and I really enjoyed slowly uncovering more of their backstories. You could really see the further you went along how much the events of the revolution really shaped and motivated many of the characters' actions. It was also so interesting how Rune and Gideon were so opposite on the surface, but so much of their hurt was similar, and you could really see how they were compatible as a couple. Their experiences, much like a lot of the other elements of this book, were very real and moving, but not in a way that felt like it was for shock, or overly graphic and upsetting. It balanced that line beautifully, and in turn, it hit all the more.

Thank you NetGalley, publisher, and author for this arc!!

I read this in basically a day. I was hooked from the beginning! I love books about witches, but I felt that sometimes they all blur together. But I think what stood out the most, was that the main character's character had two sides. Being an heiress and a witch vigilante was a very fun take on keeping her hidden witch identity. I loved the characters, especially the love interest and her best friends. Verity was such an unsuspected surprise honestly. Towards the end I started getting suspicious, but it didn't occur to me that she was evil until the last few major scenes. What I liked about her and Alex's relationship, was that it felt very genuine and real. I liked how Rune accepted Alex's feelings for her and didn't just feel like she was settling, but truly envisioning a healthy and loving relationship with him. On the other hand though... she didn't have that same chemistry as she did with Gideon. Now Gideon... I love everything about his character. You could see how he changes throughout the book. I did love his POV's too. The relationship between Rune and Gideon is one of my favorite character relationships now. Though they are both playing a game against another, I love how their relationship just naturally evolves. The betrayal of both at the end felt so real and I am very much looking forward to them in the second book.

As far as the world building and setting, I really enjoyed the layout and scene that Kristen Ciccarelli gave us. The world building was light, which I feel like for these types of novels, it's perfect. Sometimes when you focus on the lore and the setting too much, you start to lose your characters in it. I want to know more about the Royals and how the witches are going to overturn everything. Having Rune leave with the other witches gave me so much anxiety because I'm very curious to see how she is going to interact with Cressida. One question that I do have, is this the only island or location that views witches the same way? It seems that Alex made it clear that Rune wouldn't have to hide. I hope to learn more about how witches are viewed in other parts of the world, or at least places that are near them.

This book was so amazing! The story was very unique and it drew me in to the world. The world building was amazing.

I am still trying to process the end of that story. I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m curious, and I can’t wait to keep reading this series!

Rune Winters, an 18 year old witch, has a secret identity known among the community as The Crimson Moth. 2 years ago, witches and witch sympathizers were killed off by the Blood Guard, and continue to be as they are caught. The Crimson Moth saves these witches and sends them to the mainland to live peaceful lives that would have otherwise been stolen from them.

Runes best friends, Alex and Verity, are the only two who know her secret. Enter Gideon - Alex’s older brother, Blood Guard, her enemy, and also the one who can give her the most insight to imprisoned witches.

Gideon knows Rune as the rich shallow socialite that his brother is in love with. When a close friend suggests Rune may be the Crimson Moth, Gideon decides he needs to get as close as possible to uncover her secrets.

Can they keep it in their pants and keep their missions at the forefront of their minds? I think you know the answer.

Heartless Hunter is a cat and mouse enemies to lover story. It follows the same plot line as any EtL story but the main character start their courtship with the goal to gain information. The magic system is based on blood use, and gets a bit cringe. The characters have depth and stakes are both high if either one gets caught in their subterfuge
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Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own

The premise of this story is deceptively simple. Witch and witch hunter pretend to court one another each with their own motivations and deception. Except it turned out to be so much more. The worldbuilding and magic system were great. The characters are fleshed out.

This was a delight to read. Rune and Gideon are such perfect opposites to one another, and their attraction makes sense. It’s definitely enemies to lovers-esque but it actually feels pretty authentic. The two characters hide what they should from one another, but are also vulnerable to each other. I really think the characters shined in this book. The supporting characters and the protagonists. I could not put this book down. The end was fantastic. I’m already waiting for book two.

4.5/5 stars

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

It's not often that you see a true love triangle in fiction these days, much less one that's pulled off as successfully as Cicarelli's love triangle in Heartless Hunter. Sure, we all know that romance conventions demand witch Rune and witch-hunter Gideon are fated to follow an enemies-to-lovers path by the end of the series, but along the way they have to deal with Rune's deep friendship with Gideon's seemingly apolitical pianist brother, who loves both Rune and Gideon desperately (not to mention Gideon's own love for his brother). Not only that, but each character has a genuinely believable reason to be at odds with one another, making them sympathetic even as they attempt to destroy (and woo... but mostly destroy) each other. It is this tangled web of relationships that drive the plot on both a political and emotional level, with suspicion, twists, and turns along the way. An excellently plotted novel, 5/5 stars!