Heartless Hunter is a masterful blend of fantasy and adventure, showcasing Ciccarelli's talent for storytelling. It’s a compelling read that will resonate with fans of the genre and leave them eagerly anticipating what comes next. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an immersive and emotional journey through a beautifully crafted world.

This gave me Batman gender bind vibes.

Witches are banned. Rune is a witch in hiding. Because of her past she is well off in society and uses that power to give her to help other witches escape from an oppressive society that hunts them down. While trying to help her grandmothers best friend escape she uses the head witch hunter to find out information. Only problem is she starts to fall for him.

This is obviously going to be a series and I can’t wait to find of what happens next.

4.5/5⭐

I loved this so much, it was everything I wanted it to be. It sucked me in right away and it's been a long time since I've been so immediately immersed in a story. The witchy fantasy vibes were perfect, the magic system was fresh and a little dark, the characters were complex and interesting, and it was all just so good. Enemies to lovers isn't even one of my favorite tropes but I guess it is when it's done so well like this?? I need to look for more witch/witch hunter romances because the cat and mouse forbidden thing going on here was peak tension and I loved it.

I highly recommend this, it's one of my top books of the year for sure!

I was in a fantasy mood and this one has been on my TBR since it was published and WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG.

It’s been a while since I read a witch type fantasy and I thoroughly enjoyed this.

The deception, the games, the wittiness… I was captured from the very first chapter.

I could not put this book down and even read it in the parking lot before my kids swim class lol.

I also totally didn’t expect to be BAWLING like a big fat baby last night at 10pm. I was not prepared!

If you like:
⚠️Love Triangle
⚔️Enemies-to-Lovers
🧕Hidden Identity
🧙🏻‍♀️Witch/Guard 🗡️
🌹Fake Courting (but they both don’t know each other is faking it)
🔥 Slow Burn

I truly can't believe I put this off for so long. This is everything I've ever wanted in a witch/witch hunter romance. I will be crying until I can get book 2 into my hands.

updated edit:

✨ Romantasy
✨ Witches / Witch Hunter
✨ Love Triangle (kinda)
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Best Friends Brother

Okay FINE you got me, this book was 100% worth the hype. I got this as an ARC, then I bought it on audible, then I bought it as my BOTM. And I JUST started reading it the other day, so knowing all of that, I REALLY wish I had read it when I first got it. The magic, the history, the romance, the friendships, the plot twists. This was so freaking good and I am so happy I read it. And side note, not normally a love triangle kinda reader, but this one ends up being resolved by the end so I wasn't too put off by it, hence the 5 star review still.

This was fast-paced and delicious - perfect for fans of The Serpent and the Dove, and >The Dagger and the Flame. This is a dark romantic fantasy set in a world where witches are persecuted and hunted. Our protagonists are a vigilante witch, who hides in plain sight, living as a vapid heiress; as well as a brooding and brutal witch hunter soldier, who has a very personal reason to hate witches. Their romance starts as one of convenience - they each need information that the other has, and the best way to get it is to get close to each other. Predictably, they start to surprise each other, and discover there are real people behind each of their (respective) masks, and soon, real feelings start to arise.

This was genuinely, a lot of fun. I finished it in one day, and cannot wait until the next book (especially after THAT ending!!!).

This book isn't groundbreaking - but the chemistry was palpable, and there was a lot of promise on the table for what's to come in this series. There were some narrative decisions that felt surprising, and out of character - namely [the Cressida and Alex of it all (hide spoiler)] - and I felt like that could have been handled in a way that felt more effective and true-to-character. As it was, it came across poorly fleshed out, and out of character, and I felt like it took away from what was otherwise a really compelling character and plot twist.

Ultimately, this was exactly what I was looking for: Romantic, tense, toe-curling, dark, and smart - and I cannot wait for book 2!

(Dates read: 24-26 Jan)
This was a fantastic reimagining/inspired by the Scarlett Pimpernel book! It’s use of fake dating, enemies to lovers romance, and love triangle I thought were done very well for a YA romantasy about a witch falling for her witch hunter. 💔

I found Rune to be a very believable double-life character for a young woman. The survivor’s guilt spurs her on to help more and more witches from being hunted and killed by the very man she ends up falling for. While some of her decisions did end up being a bit rash in some situations, I still felt like Ciccarelli did a great job portraying this woman as she struggles to balance her double life as a valid socialite and vigilante. 🩸

Gideon as a second POV provided both an interesting complexity to the book as well as a great foil to Rune. While she is outgoing, he’s a bit of loner but for good reasons. His trauma dedicates a lot of his decision making, and I found him to be a tragic antihero like character. Adding his POV into the mix also created a great contrast between the two as they attmept to outplay each other only to hard core fall for each other. . . That and also shows how they really are clueless to each other’s attraction to the other. 🔫

The plot itself was done very well as it did leave me quite surprised with its major plot twist towards the end, and the magic system complex enough to be unique, but not over the top and poorly developed as in some books I’ve read this last year. I did find myself enjoying the game Rune and Gideon were playing with each other, and I will miss their banter with each other. Definitely can’t wait for the sequel! Definitely for readers who love enemies to lovers with great banter, and witch and witch hunter characters/love interests!❤️

A bit thank you go out to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for accepting my request to read in exchange for an honest review. And to the author, Ciccarelli, for making such a great story! 🔪

Overall: 4.5/5 ⭐️

The world building in this book was super different and I very much appreciated that since the witchy book world is so over saturated. Rune is a strong FMC that does what she hasn’t to to stay alive and to protect those she loves. Parts of the book dragged a bit and I feel like there was big build up in the end but the ending felt rushed. Like I read the whole bunch and they waited till the very last hand full if chapters to end the book. Just left like it could’ve been shorter. But I do like the characters and the character development.

3.5 ⭐️

Overall, I was entertained throughout the book, but I did find myself getting bored at times. I had to suspend my disbelief quite a bit with this one. I also had to keep from shouting at the MMC and FMC in the middle of the night when they inevitably did something not in character for them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

Readers who enjoy historical fantasy, period romance, and dark mysteries might enjoy The Heartless Hunter (also published as The Crimson Moth). According to the author, this genre-bending Young Adult fantasy is inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel except the aristocrats have been swapped with witches who perform blood magic. Our main character is Rune, the beautiful, shallow belle of the ball who is secretly the Crimson Moth, the vigilante helping witches escape. Gideon is the surly but handsome officer assigned to find the Crimson Moth and bring her to justice, and his hate for witches comes from his dark past. When her grandmother’s old friend, Seraphine, is presumably arrested and imprisoned, Rune is determined to find and free her. Through her friendship with his brother Alex, Rune tries to get close to Gideon to get information from him. When Gideon discovers that Rune is connected to a case of escaped witches, she becomes the top suspect in his investigation. This cat-and-mouse romance feels familiar but not stale, and the dual perspective point of view was convincingly crafted, with distinct voices and enough intrigue to keep me turning pages. The pacing was balanced, with enough plot twists to keep the pages turning and emotional, reflective beats to engage the reader. I also enjoyed the cast of characters, each distinct with individual backstories and motivations. I think it’s worth discussing some of the content that might be disturbing for young readers or those sensitive to certain topics. These topics include self-harm, scarring, violence, sexual assault, and PTSD. The book takes a darker turn in the later chapters and sensitive readers should be aware. The blood magic, backstories and antagonists are darker than the beginning chapters and the book ends on a cliffhanger. I think this is part of the charm of the book and I am looking forward to the next installation!

This book was amazing. I was sucked in at the very beginning and it still has not let its hold on me go. Don't wonder if you should read it, you should!

Heartless Hunter was such a fun book that captivated me from start to finish. I saw so many raving reviews for this one and it did not disappoint me at all. It was a great mix of suspense, romance, and fantasy in such an interesting way. The world drew me in immediately, Ciccarelli created such a vivid picture of this world and these characters I really did feel transported into this book.

One of my absolute favourite moments in this story was when Gideon sews Rune a dress. It was such an unexpected moment, but it was so sweet and tender it really made me swoon and giggle.

The plot is fast-paced with plenty of twists that kept me on the edge of my seat, and the character development is both nuanced and compelling. If you love immersive fantasy with real emotional depth, this could be the book for you!

Loved this book, and cant wait for the next one. I was lucky enough to get the special edition from Fairyloot and it looks amazing on my shelf.

I really enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read more by this author. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the chance to read.

Heartless Hunter by Kristin Ciccarelli is an enthralling tale set in a world where witches have lost their power and are now being hunted down and purged. The main protagonist, Rune, finds herself entangled in a dangerous mission to rescue arrested witches before they meet their fate. As she navigates this perilous task, she must also grapple with the looming threat posed by Gideon Sharpe, an unyielding witch hunter who also happens to be the brother of her best friend.

The book is a riveting journey through a fast-paced drama that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Gideon, despite his role as a formidable witch hunter, exudes a swoon-worthy charm that added depth to the story. His character is a delightful blend of sweetness and complexity, making him a compelling MMC that had me both giggling and blushing along the way.

What amazed me the most was the unexpected twist in the ending that left me eagerly anticipating the sequel, Rebel Witch. For anyone who loves a captivating blend of romance and fantasy, I highly recommend delving into the enchanting world of Heartless Hunter.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

WOW this book was amazing. It's classified as YA but doesn't read as such. The tension between Rune and Gideon is so good and once the secrets start being revealed you will require book 2 immediately.

Mark this one as next on your TBR if you love books about witches with twists and secrets on every page.

Cannot recommend this one enough and am so glad I waited to read until I had book 2 in my hands!

thanks to NetGalley for the eARC

⭐️=1.25 | 😘=4 | 🤬=1 | ⚔️=4 | 15/16+

summary: witch hunter (love interest) is tracking down our main character (a witch who goes saving other witches from the witch hunter) but then they fake date to like investigate?? idk

thoughts: this was a rough ride.

so. things I liked.

- it’s inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel! love that story. I’ve always thought it would be a great fantasy novel. (note: I do not think this is a great fantasy novel)
- the FMC uses her menstrual blood for magic and it also hides that she is using magic so it’s very clever and resourceful. idk I think that’s cool.


things I didn’t like

- basically… everything else??

- I don’t love the love interest at all for several reasons—he is super super traumatized and has some reasons for hunting down witches, but in the grand scheme of things they are not justifiable! he is killing women. that’s his thing. that’s why he and the FMC are “enemies” like he’s literally trying to kill her and that’s not?? hot?? he’s too unstable to be considering romance right now? like go to therapy first so that you have a chance of establishing a healthy relationship!! and then maybe fall in love with someone u haven’t tried to MURDER!! thanks!!

- also the fake dating each other thing was just 😭 truly infuriating to read. like he’s so embarrassingly attracted to her and can’t stop staring at her legs and also it’s constantly mentioning their size difference and how he’s gigantic and she’s tiny and I find that funny in Ali Hazelwood books but here I just wanted to throw up??

- also: THE BROTHER. for the entire book the love interest’s brother is totally on our FMC’s side and supports her and is gentle and kind and also strong and oh yeah he’s also MADLY IN LOVE WITH HER so I ask you all today why why WHY he is not a viable love interest and/or THE love interest?? “Alex was constant and safe. Gentle and kind” so fall in love with HIM you DUMMY!!!!!!!!!!! girl!!!!!!!!! he treats you well and is super sweet???? hello ?

- so I called the “big twist” a little over halfway through the book. I was not gasping and screaming at the 93% mark, I was rolling my eyes at the 56%. just so annoying. like of COURSE the girl best friend is the witch who traumatized the love interest in disguise dndjwkamd

anyway. I did not like this. in case it is unclear.

YA fantasy romance is always a hit at my library. I will definitely be purchasing this and adding to recommendations.

One of my top reads of this year! A super easy 5 stars. I could not put this one down. I somehow was rooting for every single character and was so captivated by the plot. I loved the way the MFC had to make an incredibly hard choice between what’s safe and right and what her heart wants to do. I cannot wait for the sequel to release — I need to know what happens next right now!!!!!!