#HeartlessHunter:⁣
⁣
Thank you @wednesdaybooks @prhaudio partner for my gifted copies.⁣
⁣
I loved this magical place and the work they were in. There were so many different laws and regulations, I was enamored by it. I found Rune to be such a great FMC, and I couldn’t help but continue to cheer her one. She basically was living with Vigilante Shit Taylor Swift on repeat. I loved the ending and cannot wait to see Rune run this world. ⁣
⁣
Audio was phenomenal. Grace Gay did such a good job. I was on the edge of my seat listening while driving (and it wasn’t because traffic is trash) just hoping Rune would be successful and not get caught. ⁣
⁣
My biggest gripe is Gideon himself. The beginning I really liked him, but as the story went on, I couldn’t connect the two. I found it odd to go from one tip of the triangle to the other in less than 24 hours, but what do I know. I also had a few issues with how he wanted to prove Rune wasn’t a witch, when it was the same action that drove him to taking substances until he was incoherent. ⁣
⁣
Overall, I really enjoyed Heartless Hunter/ Crimson Moth. I love a good book 1, so I am hoping for a good character arc in book 2. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Rune! Out now!⁣
⁣
QOTD: What’s for dinner?

Thank you to netgalley for providing me with this arc!!

Loved. Loved. Loved!!! This was such a stellar YA romance book. I love when YA books lean into romance unapologetically, especially in a fantasy setting. Romance mixed with action mixed with heartbreak? Well that’s just a good fantasy series in the making. After reading Night of the Witch last year, also a witch vs witch hunter, I was desperately seeking another book that would hit similarly to it and this one really nailed the tropes being presented.

4.5 star rating - Heartless Hunter is the first in the new Crimson Moth series about a witch in hiding and a witch hunter, taking place on an island two years after a revolution overthrew the witch sister queens. This is an upper-YA/new adult novel written in 3rd person/dual POV, with the characters between 18-20 years old and open door, low description spice. Perfect for those who enjoy a best friend's older brother love triangle, fake courtship, secret identities, blood magic, gaslamp fantasies. The romance develops slowly, with both of the main characters starting a courtship to uncover the other's secrets, but finding out they have more in common that they first realize and reluctantly falling during their cat-and-mouse game. There are some exciting twists, and you're never really sure who can be trusted. The book ends on a small cliffhanger with the plots mostly resolved, and I can't wait to see how it picks up in book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin Books for providing this eARC for my honest opinion.

I LOVED THIS BOOK.

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an eARC. All thoughts are my own.

Rune is a witch hiding in plain sight, and she is also the Crimson Moth, who is helping witches escape to safety. The Crimson Moth is being hunted by the Blood Guard, led by Gideon, who is the brother of Alex, her best friend and conspirator in her Crimson Moth missions.

Rune decides to get close to Gideon for information and Gideon decides to court Rune with his own secret intentions. Enter fake dating without calling it as much and high-stakes action as they try to put their individual missions before the palpable attraction between them.

The thing I love about fantasy is that when a publisher promises “enemies to lovers”, I know they’re going to actually be enemies. And Heartless Hunter is a great example of that. A romance between a witch and a witch hunter? Yes. Undeniable attraction but he also wants to imprison you for existing? Yes.

I had so much fun reading this and bullying, I mean influencing, friends to read it and tell me all their thoughts as they hit the twists. I will be impatiently waiting for book two because that ending was EXCELLENT.

This book has:
- twists that made me gasp
- enemies to lovers romance that made me swoon
- action galore
- an ending that left me begging for book two in the best way

I devoured this book !!!! It was so good ! I highly recommend this book to all the Enemies to Lovers fans ! I read this in less than 48 hours, that's so much I was invested in this story.

Thank you so much @wednesdaybooks for this digital ARC for an honest review.

This book is an ode to the Enemies to Lovers fans out there ! The rivalry, the hate, the slowburn, the way they each think they are manipulating the others, the way each of them isn't sure if the other one is lying or telling the truth, it was just spectacularly written !

The characters were amazing. Strong but flawed and the dual point of view makes you fall in love with each of them and you just can't choose your favorite. Each point of view is valid.

Add to that, Witches, witch hunter, rebellion, love triangle in a Regency era setting and you have every ingredient to fall in love with this story.

Read if you love ;

✨ Enemies to Lovers ;
✨ Witches ;
✨ Rebellion ;
✨ Spying ;
✨ Love triangle ;
✨ Slowburn ;
✨ Regency Era.

*I received this book free from the NetGalley on behalf of St. Martin's Press.*

The synopsis for this book definitely does it justice. Heartless Hunter is an adventure that drew me in from the beginning. 

Rune is a heartbroken woman who had to watch her grandmother be purged, and in the two years after, she'd led a double life. One as a gossiping socialite who liked to attend parties, in order to get the intel needed for the other...the witch, who hid her identity to help save herself and other witches from being purged as well. 

Gideon lost his family to the witch queens, all except his little brother, Alex. He'd almost lost himself too, until the uprising. He'd helped to slay two of the queens, the youngest one his brother went after. Gideon was a witch hunter now, and he was after the Crimson Moth. He thought she was a killer who rescued witches. But he had it all wrong. The killer and the rescuer were two different people.

Alex had been friends with Rune for a long time. He discovered she was a witch the same night she did and instead of turning her in, he helped her. He didn't believe all witches should be killed. He helped her to save them. Of course, she loved him like a brother, and he was in love with her. When Gideon started courting her, he knew there had to be an ulterior meeting, but she wouldn't listen.

Rune tried to use Gideon for information, and Gideon tried to discover Rune's secrets to see if she was the Crimson Moth, but as secret personas fell away they both fell hard for one another. Though, when you've survived what they have it doesn't make trusting an easy thing, especially when jumping to conclusions is much easier.

This book is an intriguing story that captured and held my attention through to the very last page. A page that left me wanting more. So much happens, there are murders, conspiracies, betrayals, secrets, and it's all mixed with love and romance. I cannot wait for the sequel.

I could not put this down! It was one of the best books that I have ever read and I wish it would have been longer. The characters have great arcs and it's great! The only part that I had an issue with is the blood, but I'm not that type of person anyways.

This book was pretty crazy!

It is told from two point-of-views, Rune and Gideon. Rune is a witch in hiding and Gideon is out to hunt down witches and those who sympathize with them. Each wants info and they only know of one way to get it by courting one another. It was a fun trope for this book especially when you add the enemies to lovers aspect! Their courting does start early on, but the pacing was really off for me and my interest wasn’t really piqued until about the 25% mark. I’m glad I stuck with it because it got a lot better and the action quickened its pace. At that point it was hard to putdown.

There is a bit of a love triangle and I did like it. It wasn’t overly crazy and when a love triangle has to do with brothers it is one of my favorite tropes! The only problem I had with this one was that the resolution came by the end of the book and it felt underwhelming.

The romance was good and slow. The courting helped with this. There is a lot I have to say about it because of the cliffhanger, but I will keep that to myself for now, haha. I’m not sure where any of it will go until book two but I am quite curious.

When it comes to the political intrigue I feel like its easy to see similarities between our own world. There are corrupt people on both sides and sometimes it is hard to see through it all. Lesser of two evils is definitely present and Gideon has to deal with this as a Captain Guardsman and having a past with the witches. His story is just heartbreaking and I really felt for him.

Overall, this was great! I can’t wait for book two!

I really enjoyed this book! It got off to a slow start, so I was a bit iffy at first, however it does pick up rather quickly. Loved the witch/witch hunter perspective and it goes to show that even though there are two opposing factions, neither one is inherently good or evil. A great "enemies to lovers" story with high stakes, twists and turns, Very well written. Will definitely read on in the series, as well.

I have not been this conflicted with a love triangle since The Hunger Games. This book was INCREDIBLE.

Witchy & magical plot ✅
Enemies to lovers ✅
Pining & passion ✅
Deception, lies & unexpected twists ✅
Ending that’s going to keep me up at night? ✅

Omg. I don’t think I have enough good things to say about this dystopian + paranormal witchy tale that’s full of action, twists, and fiery romance! I have never been so torn between love interests & I adored the main character Rune. She is clever, she is cunning, and she’s one bad witch! 🔥

Rune Winters is a witch hiding in plain sight in a world where witches are hunted and murdered. She not only hides in plain sight, but she is the elusive “Crimson Moth” who saves witches from being executed right under The Republics nose. When The Republic captures a witch that she promised her grandmother she’d save, Rune has to collude with one of The Republic’s biggest witch hunters and plans to make him fall for her in order to save that witch. Meanwhile he suspects she’s the Crimson Moth and he plans to make her fall for him. 😱

What ensues is a passionate & dangerous enemies to lovers tale that is unlike any I’ve read before. This is young adult & an absolute BANGER. I mean the twists at the end?! Blown away. I’m left with so many questions and I have no idea where the next book is going to take me, but I cannot wait for the sequel!

🎧 I listened to a lot of this on audio and Grace Gray was a joy to listen to!


Thank you Wednesday Books, NetGalley, and PRHA for free ARCs & ALC!

Heartless Hunter was such a good book! Rune and Gideon are both well-developed, compelling characters that left me feeling so satisfied in all of their interactions.

There is witty banter, sass, plots (and sub plots) as Rune and Gideon each try to outsmart the other and achieve their individual goals, while also trying (and faaaiiillllling) to not fall in love with each other. The secondary characters (I'm looking at you Alex and Verity) also not only help drive the plot forward, but also add levity and depth to the story.

Rune was such an amazing protagonist - she's a secret witch caught in a world where being a witch is punishable by death. Instead of using the protection that her grandmother gave her and living a life of luxury on her estate, she risks it all to save witches and try to fulfill her grandmothers last wish. The face she presents to the world is a mask she wears for protection, but underneath it she is a strong, fierce, spirited protector who is trying her best to better the flawed world she lives in for the witches still in the New Republic.

I also really liked the magic system Ciccarelli developed for her witches. It was a unique take on how magic is used, the effect on the body, and how it was turned from something of beauty to then identify witches when the witch queens were brought down.

This was my first read by this author and I instantly connected to the way she writes. It’s YA, so it’s all very easy to read. But even for YA, I felt that Ciccarelli’s very good at writing a story with both well-written plot and character development. It’s not always easy to do both.

Heartless Hunter was darker story about a man who hunts witches believing they’re all evil and a young woman, who saves her fellow witches, knowing they’re not all the evil that everyone believes them to be.

There was once a time when witch queens reigned and witches roamed freely; feared and revered all at the same time. However, after an uprising against the witch queens, there are new rules. The most basic: All witches, and their sympathizers, must be captured and killed.

For Rune, this started with the murder of someone close to her. And now she takes it upon herself to free those witches that are captured by witch hunter, Gideon.

Oh but things aren’t so simple. Rune, in her quest to find a missing witch, decides to get closer to Gideon to garner information. And this is where things get tricky. The two of them don’t always fully trust each other but that doesn’t mean that feelings don’t start to form.

I really enjoyed the build up of Rune and Gideon’s relationship and each of them being confronted with opposing viewpoints. Each of their prejudices are challenged by the other and it forces the two to grow, evolve. However, because this is a series, there’s quite the cliffy at the end and it served to leave me completely wanting more of their story.

The magic system was original and one of the things I liked most about the story. The characters are grey–just how I like them. I can’t wait to continue on with Rune and Gideon.

4🌟
1 🌶️

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli was a fast-moving novel of intrigue and slow-burn romance, with a side of a love triangle and betrayal. The magic system was unique, and how witches performed their spells was intricate and captivating. The story of the undercover witch, Rune, who is on a mission to save witches from the hands of the vicious Witch Hunters (who do some rather brutal and gruesome executions). The dynamic of the relationships between Rune, Gideon, and Alexander (brothers) is fraught with conflicting emotions, suppressed desires, and loyalty for a friend for years. All of this swirls around a society that seems to be caught in a strange also-steam punk time of aristocracy, poverty, class divisions, and promises of the "Goodfellow" for an equitable society, but that remains the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. Vaguely reminiscent of the Russian Revolution, where the ruling class was killed so that the people could "reign," the reality is never like the promises. In the midst of all this is the Crimson Moth, who can free witches and ship them off to safety. The crimson moth is the symbol left behind in her spells. It is a loose retelling of the Scarlet Pimpernel, but this book has left doors open as the adventure continues. This story building was complex, and I am curious to see where the author takes it beyond this point. The pacing was medium to fast, with surprises all along the way. I highly recommend this book.

(4.5/5)
This book hit all the must-haves on my romantic fantasy checklist: magic, slow burn spice, great character development, intrigue, and lots of angst. I took a half star away because the beginning was a bit slow for me, but it definitely picked up. This is definitely a fantasy with romantic elements and NOT a fantasy romance. But it's got a gothic vibe, which makes it feel a little more sinister, and I loved it!

The storyline is threaded with political intrigue and emotional tension between the characters - not just the MCs, but all of them. Secrets lurk around every corner and it's impossible not to let your mind get carried away, wondering who to trust and who may not be who they seem.

The last 15-20% of this book was an emotional whirlwind - some things I saw coming, and a few I did not. I couldn't have put the book down then if I wanted to, I was so emotionally involved and full of adrenaline. This book does end on a big cliffhanger, as this is part of a duet, but I am definitely looking forward to what's in store for the next one.

My thoughts are my own and spoiler free.

This book had me enthralled and it wasn’t just the narrator Grace Gray either, but she did do an amazing job at capturing the authors novel that I highly recommend if you like audiobooks to give this one a shot!
Back to the story, the character building, the romance, the twists and turns. I did not see this coming and I usually had a good sense of the what ifs. I’m blown away with the writing and flow of the plot.

I need book 2 ASAP.

The attraction Rune and Gideon have for each other is undeniable; the only problem is Rune is the Crimson Moth that Gideon is searching for to kill. Gideon's younger brother Alex is also in love with Rune and Rune's best friend. Gideon has to set all that aside to fulfill his duty as part of the Blood Guard. It is the Blood Guard's job to find and purge all witches for the New Republic. Rune has fallen for the person that is hunting her.

Heartless Hunter, by Kristen Ciccarelli, is a gripping tale of love, duty and sacrifice. Can two people from different backgrounds and beliefs, who shouldn't be together, overcome? Gideon and Rune both believe they are doing what is right, Gideon is hunting witches for the good of society. Rune, a witch herself, is trying to save as many witches as possible. People do not deserve to die because they were born a witch. Not all witches are evil and crave power. Not everything is as black and white as Gideon wants it to be. What is more important, family or duty? Right vs Wrong? Alex protects both the people he loves, regardless of who they are or their beliefs. Gideon has a job to do and so does Rune. Will love win out or will two people destined to be together, let duty get in their way?

I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait to find out how this duology ends. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read Heartless Hunter. Definitely a book I will be buying for my bookshelf.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for Goodreads! I LOVED this book! It’s a very quick read, and if you enjoyed the Serpent & Dove trilogy, you’ll like this, because it had very similar vibes. Magic, witches, enemies to lovers, forbidden love, best friend’s brother…this has truly so many great tropes and it was done very well! And I loooved Gideon 🥹 he’s such a sweetie and even though he was hunting Rune he treated her so well (the flower?? the DRESS??). Also, his character was totally giving Rhys and Amarantha vibes 👀😭 I wish we got more of his POV! I partially guessed the main twist, but not all the details, and the last ~50 pages had me STRESSED. I need the next book immediately, which is unfortunate because this one literally came out today 😅 I have so many questions I need answers to! This is such a great new fantasy series!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read before pub day! HEARTLESS HUNTER is out now!

Heartless Hunter is the story of a charismatic witch and a determined witch hunter. Rune is a young heiress to the outside world, but secretly she is the Crimson Moth. The Crimson Moth is known for freeing witches and Rune’s greatest secret is that she is one. When a rescue does not go to plan, Rune is forced to court Gideon, a well-known witch hunter. As they get to know each other, Rune must use all her skills so that Gideon never sees the witch beneath her mask. As the stakes rise, Gideon and Rune start to fall for each other…

Heartless Hunter is one of my new favorites of 2024! Rune is such a strong character who is determined to protect her people and honor her grandmother. I appreciated how clever Rune was about getting the blood she needed for spells. Gideon is equally as determined to protect his brother and gain revenge on the witches who hurt him in the past. I loved the banter between Gideon and Rune! Gideon and Rune have a steamy romance filled with tension and longing. Ciccarelli excels at creating moments of passion between them. On paper they are two people who should never be together, yet they find themselves in love against all odds. Along with romance, the complex politics and excellent twists make this impossible to put down. I cannot wait for book two!!

Readers who enjoy Shelby Mahurin, Renée Adieh, and Holly Black will enjoy Heartless Hunter. If you seek enemies-to-lovers, steamy romance, and creative magic then you need to check out this book.

Thank you to Kristin Ciccarelli, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc.

Once again, enemies to lovers has me by the throat. Rune and Gideon are sworn enemies, witch and witch hunter. Gideon suspects that Rune is the notorious vigilante witch he has been hunting for two years and sets out to prove it by courting her to get close. Rune needs information that Gideon has to free more witches from the Blood Guard's clutches so she entertains him as suitor to earn his trust. But what neither of them counted on was falling in love. This is a riveting story of secrets, betrayal, and falling in love with the one person you know you shouldn't.

I loved this book. Rune is driven by her own guilt and need to make a difference for her people who are being ruthlessly slaughtered left and right. She will do anything to get more witches to safety including getting in the good graces of her worst enemy (and best friend's brother, ifykyk). I was so stressed reading about how Gideon slid back and forth between suspicion and trust, between his heart and his loyalty. Every second, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and for Rune to be found out. I was suspicious of everyone around her as the story went on and now I have so many theories and questions. I can't wait for the next book.

Heartless Hunter is an excellent new fantasy romance that will appeal to fans of the Throne of Glass series and Divine Rivals (as just a few examples). Rune has been masquerading as an upstanding citizen in a republic that hunts down witches, while hiding the fact that she is, in fact, a witch herself. She uses her access to the upper echelons of society to find and rescue other witches who have been captured by the Blood Guard. One of the leaders of the Blood Guard is Gideon--the brother of Rune's best friend--whose main priority is capturing the "Crimson Moth" who has been helping witches escape. Gideon suspects Rune's true identity and pretends to court her to gather intel. Rune, on the other hand, realizes that Gideon is on to her, but turns the situation to her advantage by using Gideon for her own intel gathering.

The plot moves quickly, and I especially liked that both Rune and Gideon realize early on that they were using each other rather than having it be one-sided. This raised the stakes right away and added to the tension. I also liked that this was not a straightforward good vs. evil dynamic between the witches and the New Republic. The old regime of the witch queens did horrible things, as shown through Gideon's traumatic flashbacks. The New Republic, likewise, in trying to eliminate all witches was brutal and violent. Through their faux-turned-real relationship, Rune and Gideon come to undertsand the other side's positions (to a certain degree), but the fundamental gap between them seems insurmountable.

There are a lot of fun twists and turns in the story and a major cliffhanger ending. This is definitely leaning towards YA, though there is one somewhat vaguely worded sex scene. I am looking forward to reading part 2 of this duology!

Thank you to Wednesday Books/St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!