I think this book is going to be wildly popular when it comes out. Obviously witch x witch hunter isn’t a new concept but the story line here feels very original. I could not figure out how this book was going to play out. It reads very YA and while I do like YA, I am surprised I liked this book as much as I did. The ending is pretty emotional and had a very “duology” feel for me.. as in little resolution but setting up for an big finish. Obviously being an uncorrexted ARC there is some editing needed, but I’m sure that’s will be ironed out and will only make this book that much better. I would like to see a little more world building, the magic system building was amazing and I really liked it. I just felt a little lost as to what kind of time period we were in.. needed a little more context maybe.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kristen Ciccarelli and St Martin’s Press for allowing me to read and review! Thoroughly enjoyed and not so patiently awaiting the next book

I'm actually shocked how much I enjoyed this.

Because I've been reading more bad ARCs than good lately, I anticipated this to be just as lackluster. But then I really started to get into the worldbuilding, the hard magic system, and the dynamic between the leads. This absolutely consumed me.

One thing especially that got to me was how morally gray the world was. The witches previously were the ruling class in this world until the common people usurped them via bloody revolution. In Rune's perspective, this revolution was a tragedy because it was the eradication of her people and her culture, but in Gideon's POV, we start to learn how oppressive they were to the common people, the cruelty inflicted upon him and some others (Only one other character is confirmed to have had a abusive relationship with a witch, but it's implied this was how it was generally between witches and non-witches before the story) being what drove the revolution in the first place. This was a interesting twist on their dynamic, because both have valid reasons for upholding/dismantling the New Republic. I only wish it was explored a little bit more, going further in depth of what the world was like before the revolution. I'm hoping it'll be explored more in the sequel, but what we got by itself got me hooked.

It is because of this worldbuilding that made Rune and Gideon's romance so good. Between the cat-and-mouse game they're playing and the genuine feelings they grow due to coming to understand why one hated the other, I actually found myself enjoying an enemies-to-lovers pairing, which is huge, considering my vocal distain for them in the past.

All in all, this is such a good read that'll sink its teeth in you. There is a lot of gore, self-harm (For magic purposes), and discussions of past sexual abuse, so if you are okay reading that, then I fully recommend you pick this up, as it could be a contender for being amongst the best romantasy books this year.

📖 Book Review 📖
Heartless Hunter (The Crimson Moth #1) by Kristen Ciccarelli
ARC - to be released 2/20/24 by Wednesday Books
Genre: Fantasy/YA/Witches/Romance/Magic

5 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸 out of 5

First off, thank you to @netgalley for allowing me to read this earlier than its published release date, in exchange for an honest review. I promise, it did not disappoint.

I’m proposing, right now, ON. BENDED. KNEE. This book just MIGHT be the new fantasy book of 2024….ummmm….hold up…I forgot SJM CC#3 book comes out the end of this month….sooooooo….ahem….ok. Quite possibly THE fantasy book #2 of 2024, behind CC#3. 😂 Sorry.

Anywayyyy….I binged this sucker so hard! 🍭 😂 Each chapter. Each PAGE had me turning for more and more. It’s got WITCHES. 🧙🏻‍♀️ Blood. 🩸 Murder. The likes of deceivery of levels I couldn’t even fathom. Thus, scheming and plotting. SO MUCH PLOTTING. Just a tad, eeny teeny bit of romance and a little bit of a love triangle.

First, you have Rune Winters, the main character. Our fearless (is she though?) and brave heroine. Then you have Gideon. The tall, dark broody Blood Captain (you’ll have to read the book to know what that’s all about). Alex, Gideon’s brother, and pining for so long for Rune’s attention and hand. 💍
Gideon is tasked with hunting down the Crimson Moth, who is a witch but also, one who is trying to save the witches from purging. (Read the book to know what that’s about, too!). Rune and Alex and the help of their friend, Verity, are so-called socialites but do they have something else up their sleeves?

I loved this book so much, as evidenced by my 5 star rating 😂🩸 and I cannot wait for book #2 to come out ASAP so I can binge read that one, too.

#netgalley #kindle #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #lovetoread #lovebooks #goodreads #fantasy #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #fantasy #heartlesshunter #crimsonmoth #kristenciccarelli

Ok but wait I love a good witchy romance with a side of spice and mystery. It’s also the start of a series which I love as well series books are always so rich in world building and fun. I love the idea of a witch vigilant that’s so cool and also very original.

I loved this story! It was fast paced and kept me turning the pages. I loved the suspense and character development. The slow burn was 🤌<chef’s kiss!>. I’m only bummed I’ll have to wait so long for the second book!

I absolutely adored this book! Enemies to lovers is always my favorite trope, and the relationship of convenience between the witch and the witch hunter in Heartless Hunter was done very well. I loved the chemistry between Rune and Gideon, and the inner conflict they both endured as they realized they weren’t faking their feelings for each other anymore. While I HATE that this ended on a cliffhanger, I am 100% invested and can’t wait for the next book to find out what’s next for them. Thank you to NetGalley and Kristen Ciccarelli for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

One of my first 5-star reads of 2024! I'm so thankful to have received an ARC for this through NetGalley! I went through all the emotions with this one and I just could not put it down!!
The magic system was very unique! I haven't read a book that has limits on a witches power like in Heartless Hunter. There were moments that I was on the edge of my seat with nerves and then I was giddy and kicking my feet for the romance! I loved being in both Rune's and Gideon's heads throughout their story and knowing what they were thinking/plotting. I still haven't gotten over the last few chapters and I cannot wait until I can my hands on book two!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved this book. IF you like slow burn, witches and witch hunters this is a must read. I can’t wait for book 2.

The Heartless Hunter is an exciting, romantic, and suspenseful story, with enthralling enemies-to-lovers tension.

Two years ago, the witch queens were overthrown, and witches were purged in a bloody spectacle. The witches that remained either went into hiding or fled. Rune is a young witch, masquerading as the Crimson Moth, a vigilante who rescues witches captured by the Blood Guard, saving them from a bloody fate. When an important witch is captured, Rune must decide how far she will go to rescue her. Gideon is the captain of the Blood Guard, and responsible for the assassination of two witch queens himself. He is deadly and dangerous, and has been hunting the Crimson Moth for months, hoping to catch her the moment she slips up. Gideon begins to suspect Rune is somehow involved with the Crimson Moth, or is a witch herself. Meanwhile, Rune, an eligible heiress, knows that the only way to free the witch is to get information on her whereabouts from the captain himself. The two pretend to court each other, both trying to uncover each others’ secrets, and hide their own motivations, while also desperately trying to not fall for each other.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a unique world with a clever magic system using spells and blood magic. I liked the checks and balances on the magic, and that the cost of doing powerful magic is steep. The book is told from Gideon and Rune’s perspectives, which was great. I really enjoyed seeing how they both rationalize their actions, focus on the duty at hand, while trying to ignore the fact that they are beginning to care for each other. Rune has secrets to hide, ones that will cost her life, and Gideon is the one she has to keep them from most of all. Both characters are morally grey, which lends a unique element to the story. The side characters were also really intriguing. Alex, Gideon’s brother, cares deeply for Rune and is the exact opposite of Gideon in many ways. Verity is a loyal friend who encourages Rune to practice her magic, but her past is traumatic and she has secrets to hide. Gideon’s accomplice, Harrow, kept me guessing the entire book, and I am still not 100% clear on her motivations or the role she will play in the rest of the story. The pacing and tension is very well done – I was constantly on the edge of my seat while reading. The ending is intense, and does leave you on quite the cliff. I am desperate for the next book already!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books for the electronic advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Whew. Five stars, five stars, five stars.

This book feels like it has it all. Magic and witches, secrets and deception vs truth, and emotions and tenderness. Following Rune, were emerged in a world of magic, witches and witches hunters and cat and mouse, creating an irresistible story for romantasy lovers.

I literally love Rune. I love her name, as well as her intelligence and independence. Her methods to weave, outsmart, and deceive are top notch. She uses everything at her disposal, from magic to strength to words. She’s not afraid to do what’s necessary, putting witches first and the laws (and her safety) second. Her relationships with her friends feel healthy and realistic, and each has their own unique voice. I never found Rune annoying or over the top, and I can’t wait to see more of her.

Ciccarelli really excels at both enemies to lovers and morally gray characters. Gideon is not a good person. He’s a witch hunter, and he isn’t guilty about it. Despite this, however, I can’t feel bad for him because he’s not a bad person. Him, alongside Rune, Verity, and other prominent characters have layers. Their emotions and pasts serve to explain their actions. Gideon and Rune, despite being opposites, explore empathy with each other. They are receptive to each other’s emotions, and despite doubts, secrets, and schemes, are unable to refuse each other. Their romantic scenes always seem to reveal tenderness, a true desire to understand and hear each other. The push and pull within the relationship is supremely well done—at the onset of the novel, they really were enemies. I loved watching the hatred slowly transition into something otherwise, but not at the cost of each character’s goals. Rune and Gideon still remained true to their desires (and therefore their deceptions), not succumbing to insta-love.

I loved loved loved the setting. It felt regency-esque with beautiful, high fashion and balls and socialite parties. Those aspects paired with the rich descriptions of urban settings creates a world that feels realistic.

Plot-wise, the book was fast moving, and there was truly never a dull moment. It flows smoothly, and the duo perspective between Rune and Gideon is really well done. Typically, duo perspective is iffy to me, but each character feels to have a different voice, perspective, and goal AND Gideon’s perspective is seen significantly less than Rune’s is. There’s one substantial plot twist that’s heavily implied, and I kind of wish it was more of a blindside. I also hope that in the future book, we see more about magic in terms of backstory/history of witches and magic, more magic from Rune, and an explanation about the witches’ ultimate goal. Despite this, however, I couldn’t stop reading.

Book 1 isn’t even officially released yet and I already need book 2. Highly recommend!

* I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to love and read this as it sounded up my alley and gave off Serpent & Dove vibes, but ended up DNFing due to SA

This was one of the most unique witchy books I've read. The magic and how they weird it was wild but in a good way. I do wish there had been a little more of an explanation on the magic system.
Rune was such a badass, the many faces she had to wear to be the Moth and nor get caught, was amazing. Gideon, I didn't like him very much in the beginning, the always finding something negative in what she said was really childish. But in the second half, I grew tk love him

The absolute chokehold this book had me for all those hours until I finished...and when I'd have to break to work the amount of time I'd be thinking about it...thanks for my new obsession.

Rune Winters. I loved all of her. Her as a secret witch. The Crimson Moth hiding in plain sight as a shallow aristocrat. The quick wit and intelligence. Her practically one track mind to save all the witches from the purge. Her absolute love for her friends.

Gideon. The blood guard witch hunter, one of the best. With a past that haunts him and continues to keep him focused on ridding his island of witches and of finding the Crimson moth.

I love how they both suspected one another the whole time of the lies the other held in. While a slow burn builds.

I'll admit I had some theories as to the witch behind the blood guard murders. And pleasantly surprised my number one suspect turned out to be...half right.

I'll just be over here counting the days until I can delve into this world again. Obsessing more like.

4.75⭐️

Look for a YA fantasy romance with a well established magic system? Heartless Hunter is for you!

Reading this book was such an enjoyable experience. It brought back nostalgia for YA books from 2010s. Easy to read & get lost in the characters/story. While the world isn’t terribly fleshed out, it didn’t distract from the story. Would love to see more of the world explained in the next book.

As I said, the magic system is well established. There are rules/limitations to the magic that make sense. Also some intriguing ways of how the witches magic works that destigmatize real life society standards.

If you love a true enemies to lovers (with also enemies again), the romance between Rune & Gideon will hit the spot. The duel POV was great way to tell the story of these two. At times I wasn’t sure if I was on Rune or Gideon’s side. The chemistry, banter, and angst between the two was phenomenal. With also a hint of a love triangle, how could you not fall in love.

All in all, I am so glad excited to see where the next book goes! I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

The story was an enjoyable read of a cat and mouse game between a witch trying to save her fellow witches and a hunter who won’t rest until all witches are killed. It jumps right into action with Rune carrying out her grandmother’s last wish, giving us a glimpse of the witch’s duty and how she works. I also find the backstory was done perfectly, at the right time and the right length.

It is a nice read if you’re looking for a light and easy read. Despite the high stakes of the situation, I don’t feel the tension nor sense of relief when Rune, the witch, is able to escape Gideon, the witch hunter, for one more day. Overall, the emotions felt flat to me.

Also, the pair are trying flirt with each other in order to learn the other’s secret. But the whole courting felt awkward and dry.

However, the magic system was well done and explained clearly throughout the book. Only the explanation behind casting scars should’ve been earlier rather than later.

In the end, Heartless Hunter is easy, light read if you love enemies to lovers with witches in the mix.

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t even know where to begin. This book was FANTASTIC. We’re not even a full month into the year and I’m already certain Heartless Hunter/The Crimson Moth will end up as one of my top reads of 2024.
I feel as though I may not do justice to this book in my review, so I’ll keep it fairly short. Bridgerton vibes but also not. Nina and Matthias vibes but also not. A witch and a witch hunter set in a regency-esque time. What more can I say, it was addicting.

One of the things I loved most about this book was that it wasn’t predictable and too easy for our main character. She had plans fail, things went awry, and things weren’t solved immediately after coming up with the solution, she had to work for everything she did and had to adapt to the curveballs thrown her way. I also appreciated how clever she was. There was romance but there was also self-awareness on her end of the precarious situation that she was in. Nothing was too easy or too quickly solved or too overdone and I thoroughly appreciated that. Nowadays there are too many fantasy romance books that consist of 2 things: extreme sexual attraction with no tension or build up, and conflicts that are solved instantaneously, despite them being initially presented as some huge obstacle to overcome. This book wasn’t like that in the slightest and I am so very glad that it wasn’t.

I also loved the interpersonal relationships throughout the book. It’s dual POV so you got to experience interactions from both Rune and Gideon’s POV’s. It was most interesting to see the difference between their interactions and relationships with Alex, Gideon’s brother, and Rune’s best friend. I adored Rune and Alex’s friendship.

Lastly, the ending. No spoilers but wow. I can’t pat myself on the back too much because I came to some realizations prior to their reveals, but only after they were very heavily hinted at, so I’m not quite as clever as I may wish. But I loved the buildup to the ending and overall did not expect it to go as it did.
Honestly, I can’t even believe this is a YA novel. While younger (teen+) readers can absolutely easily understand and enjoy this book, it felt like I was reading an Adult Fantasy Romance in the best way possible. (0.5 – 1 chili pepper in spice)

I guess the worst part about reading an ARC is not only is the book not even out yet, but it’ll be ages before the next book is even on the horizon. I am DESPERATELY awaiting the next book in the Crimson Moth series. Easy 5/5 stars, cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy when the book releases on February 20, 2024.

Kristen Ciccarelli's Heartless Hunter introduces a captivating romantic fantasy duology, immersing readers in the intense cat-and-mouse game between a witch and a witch-hunter. Set against a backdrop of opulence, secrets, and a haunting history, the narrative skillfully delves into the intricate dynamics of love and betrayal. With a flawless build-up, a captivating cat-and-mouse narrative, and a whirlwind of romance, the story seamlessly transitions between enemies and lovers. This enchanting and deeply romantic tale didn't just capture my liking; it made me fall head over heels for the book. Anticipating the sequel eagerly, I acquired my copy through NetGalley, courtesy of St. Martin's Press.

“The hunted had fallen for the hunter”


This book… this book is amazing. You quickly get caught up in the messy web of lies that is the growing romance between witch and wanted vigilante, Rune Winters, and notorious witch hunter and Blood Guard Captain, Gideon Sharpe. The lies and yet the honest, true feelings growing make this a page turner…. Knowing that they both are falling but one or the other could easily destroy what they’re developing by just speaking the truth. There are curveballs you don’t expect… you heart may break at the end but you’re left wanting more of Rune Winters. I loved this book but wish we got to see even more of Rune and Gideon together… I feel like we were JUST beginning to see who Gideon Sharpe truly was before he completely closes everyone out. We also were just beginning to see Rune put her own desires above her call to save other witches before things went badly…. I wish we could have see more of Gideon and Rune that way. My hopes for how this book may end were shattered and I’m dying to know what happens in the next book… will Rune remain with who she is at the end to be useful or will she try to make a stand for some semblance of virtue.

Heartless Hunter, by Kristen Ciccarelli, is a captivating novel. From the world building to the plot to the writing style, I was unable to put this book down until it was completely finished.

While I enjoyed this book, I did have some minor complaints related to the plot twist and the main characters. There’s a mystery teased throughout the plot, and without spoiling anything, half of the big reveal was too heavily foreshadowed for me. I would have preferred it to be more subtle, as the big reveal lost some of its impact. I also didn’t connect to the main characters as much as I wanted to; while Alex’s characterization was perfection, Rune and Gideon fell slightly flat for me.

On the whole, The Heartless Hunter is very well done, and I would recommend it to fans of Stephanie Garber’s Once Upon a Broken Heart series.

I received a digital Advance Reader’s Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 4.25/5 stars.

In this romantasy were set in a world with witches, in fact witches ruled the land with three sister queens. Until one day the people revolted against them slaughtering them to bring about a better world. Now witches are hunted down and few are left. We follow two different POVs throughout this book one of Rune, who is a witch in hiding as a socialite. She has been helping witches escape the hunters as the crimson moth. Our other pov is of Gideon he is a commander for the witch hunters and has been on the trail of the crimson moth. I loved the will they won’t they cat and mouse aspect between the two. Had some giddy moments that made it hard to put the book down. I also really enjoyed the magic aspect of this world being based around blood. There is multiple degrees of this magic system that I found makes it rather unique. Also it was darker than I was expecting it to be, which was a welcome surprise. I really loved this book had me teary eyed by the end of it. I can’t wait for the next book 🖤 A few tropes I noticed while reading :
Enemies to lovers ✨
Fake dating ✨
I would look up triggers / warnings before reading 🖤