I LOVED this. Gideon is the love of my life - we love an angsty king - and I loved Rune's sense of purpose. Their separation was inevitable, but I honestly was getting so upset about it. The story gripped me from the very beginning, and I was so surprised by how much I loved this. I need book two ASAP, and, honestly, I may reread this sooner rather than later to annotate.

This has received a lot of attention and should probably be purchased by libraries Serving teens. I don't think it is well written and likely will fade with time but by the time it needs to be repurchased the interest will have faded too.

* I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I wish I could have gotten to this book sooner rather than later, but life happens. Heartless Hunter was definitely worth the wait, and it lived up to all the hype! I just loved this one! It was fast paced, and it kept me on the edge of my seat.

The chemistry between Rune and Gideon was sizzling. There was so much angst, and I was here for it!

If you love enemies to lovers, a slow burn romance, magic, and a game of cat and mouse then this one is for you.

Highly recommend! I can’t wait for the sequel, Rebel Witch. I think Kristen is going to destroy me!

Wowowow this was delicious.

I intentionally waited until closer to the release date of book two to read this one and it obviously wasn't close enough because I need answers ASAP after that chaotic ending.

Similar vibes to the "Serpent & Dove" series but the characters and the tension in Kristen Ciccarelli's writing is just so, so good. A beautiful plot centered around a tragic romance, what more could you ask for from a romantasy novel?

It's been a while since I have read a fantasy book that has grabbed my attention like Heartless Hunter did. The world-building is done so well with such a unique magic system. This is what an enemies-to-lovers romance should be like in all fantasy books. The plot is full of tension, twists, heart-pounding moments, and an ending that will leave you with the worst book hangover. Do not miss this one!

So good! Will definitely recommend it to my followers. The writing is amazing and original. Great characters and kept me thoroughly entertained. Thanks for the arc!

I cannot believe I put this book off for as long as I did! It was incredible! Action-packed with a tension-filled romance and a fun mystery. I was hesitant because it is YA and sometimes those characters can be a little young for me but our main characters are on the older side of YA and I did not find them immature at all. I really enjoyed the writing. It was fast-paced and engaging. I thought the character development was well-done and I can’t wait to read the second book when it comes out! Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

OKAY SO I LOVED THIS.

I’m honestly so surprised at myself for waiting so long to pick this up. It’s got so much going for it: witch x ditch hunter, blood magic, rebellion, underground fighting against the institution that is working to eradicate witches. I loved Rune as a character, I felt like I saw some of myself in her. She is a badass witch working nearly alone against the world, but she’s also… just a girl. She’s soft and fluffy in some moments, and stumbling over herself in others. She seems so be fearlessly fighting the establishment, but she actually does carry her fear close to her chest and her heart on her sleeve.

Come the end of this, I’m still so unsure what to think of Gideon. I spent so much of this story trying to figure out the mystery (which completely surprised me, I didn’t see the twist coming until maybe 30 pages before it became very evident what had happened.) I didn’t know where Gideon fit, and I was afraid to trust everyone around him as well as around Rune. The pair have absolutely swoon-worthy and stunning moments together, and I felt their tension deep in my own heart. What with everything that has happened, I have no idea how to tie them back together in the end, but I feel hopeful that the author will do it justice.

Thank you so much to Wednesday books and NetGalley for this eArc. I can’t wait to start Rebel Witch!

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy of this book. Book was fine, really good if you like the genre! I would read more from this author.

I was so excited to read this one due to surrounding excitement but it just isn't for me. As an adult I should just know at this point that I can no longer connect with some YA titles.

I listened to this book on audio and I enjoyed the story. I was hesitant at first related to how the magic system was used by the main character but I wasn't bothered by it and found that it was actually a smart way to get around the restrictions. There were some of the twist and storyline that I didn't expect. I also enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters and their journey of discovery about themselves and their world.

5/5 stars an amazing read with gripping plot twist. I felt like I was biting nails on some parts. I would recommend this fantasy read to everyone

Good fantasy novel

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this review copy and the opportunity !

I loved this book! The deceptive fake romance with Gideon, the witch hunter in the Blood Guard, so Rune could continue to do what she thought was right. Witches once lived a prosperous life of luxury and power until the Blood Guard took over and started to purge every witch they found, including her Grandmother. Her goal to help her fellow witches from a brutal death, was well planned. At night Rune became the Crimson Moth and dodges danger to help witches escape death. All of the close calls and the constant threat of being caught kept me on the edge of my seat. This was a quick read for me because I could not put it down. I had to know what would happen next....until the end. There were some plot twists and unexpected situations. The addition of Alex, Gideon's brother, further complicates the plot by adding a love triangle. That ending though....I absolutely do not know what I am going to do while I wait for Book 2. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves witches, magic, betrayal, love triangles, dedication, and plot twists!

Thank you Kristen Ciccarelli and St. Martin's Press for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

2.5 - 3 Stars
“You are everything I thought you were,” she told him.
“And you,” said Gideon, voice quiet, “are nothing at all like I imagined you’d be.”

I have to agree with Gideon on this one. Heartless Hunter is a YA fantasy romance that was nothing at all like I imagined it to be. Disappointing.
It's really is a promising story but with some missed opportunities.

World Building and Plot:
*Heartless Hunter offers an intriguing plot premise and is brimming with potential.
*The world building was poor for this being a world with witches and blood magic.
*I wanted more depth in the world building and magic system.
**The cat and mouse dynamic between Rune and Gideon was the only thing that kept the story moving.

MMC & FMC:
*Rune and Gideon were shallow.
*There was no depth for substance to them.
*Rune had little personality and I felt almost zero connection to her. I didn't find her one bit relatable nor captivating.
**However, Gideon had a little more depth compared to Rune, but that's only by a fraction.

The Ending:
The ultimate cliffhanger .......................Nicely played Kristen!

This novel wasn't as great as I expected, and to be honest I think was a bit overhyped.
I don’t see seasoned romance or fantasy readers being enthralled by this.
***HOWEVER I do see Heartless Hunter as a beginning/starting place in fantasy romance books for young adult readers.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Here's hoping Book #2 Rebel Witch is more developed!

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to netgalley for the copy.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! It hooked me from the first chapter. Some twists I picked up on early and some I had to reread to make sure it was real. So fun!

Although, the constant mention of period blood gave me the ick.

I loved all the things about this story, except that I have to wait to get more! This was action packed and full of heartbreak, magic, betrayal, misdirection, danger, romance... All the things I want from a book wrapped in a very pretty package. While this is listed as YA, keep in mind this is YA like SJM is YA, so there is definitely adult content and I would only recommend it for an older YA reader or adult.

An intriguing story in a richly imagined world with a unique magic system.

I’m not usually a fan of enemies to lovers, but I had heard good things about Heartless Hunter and the concept was so interesting I wanted to give it a shot, and I’m so glad I did.
I loved the concept of the magic system and how it was woven into the world. The recent history is similarly important to the plot of the story, as it impacts every character’s perceptions of those around them.
The relationship felt realistic and developed in a way that I enjoyed. I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope, but I can understand why it was utilised her, and it was done effectively.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Heartless Hunter, and excited for The Rebel Witch!

This is what I mean when I say I love enemies -to-lovers. This is also the exact flavor of "love triangle" I'm okay with. Add in fake dating and magic and a wonderful plot, and you've got the perfect book for me. Don't give me anything else.
I adore this story and these characters. Gideon Sharpe has my whole heart and can take my soul if he wants it. Dramatic? Maybe. But it's how I feel.
Ciccarelli drew me in from the very first chapter, and despite the craziness of life, I still flew through this, and even sacrificed sleep to devour it. You know the book is good if I sacrifice sleep (because sleep is one of my favorite things)
I need book 2 immediately.
This is as close to a review as I can get at the moment. Maybe I'll come back and add more, or maybe I'll just leave it as this crazy rambling mess.
5/5 stars, I'm broken in the best way.

Amazing. No notes.
A witch hunter and a rebel witch, both trying to outwit the other.

Spending her days pretending to be nothing more than a vapid young socialite, Rune spends her nights as the Crimson Moth, a witch vigilante who rescues her kind from being purged. When a rescue goes wrong, she decides to throw the witch hunters off her scent and gain the intel she desperately needs by courting the head guard himself.

I love this book! It’s perfect for fans of Serpent and Dove but with a Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibe. The romance was fabulously done. Gideon and Rune were captivating every time they were on the page. I also love how the author trusted the audience to make their own conclusions when it came to the twists in the story. There were enough clues to put stuff together about the betrayal and rise of Cressida, but it was still shocking when we found out she killed Verity. I can’t wait for the next one with that cliffhanger!