Overall I thought this book was a super fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed getting both perspectives of the witch/witch hunter. The plot was very fast paced. The characters were relatable and well developed. The biggest negative for me was that the major plot twist was predictable. I think I figured it out within the first 25% of the book. It was still very enjoyable and the ending of the book definitely set up nicely for a sequel. I’ll definitely look forward to continuing this series

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martins Press, and Wednesday Press for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of “Heartless Hunter: The Crimson Moth: Book 1” by Kristen Ciccarelli. Rune is a secret witch forced to pose as a vapid socialite by day to protect her alias and true intent. At night, she is the Crimson Moth, an avenger who attempts to free incarcerated witches. Rune's best friend and protector is Alex; however, his brother, Gideon, is hell-bent on persecuting all witches because one devastated his life when he was younger. Rune and Gideon play a cat-and-mouse game and pretend to court each other. Unfortunately, things go awry, and danger is right around the corner.

Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. The novel's end packed a wallop, and now I anxiously await Book 2 for a resolution. "Heartless Hunter" is a story of action, magic, passion, and betrayal. The chemistry between Rune, her friend, Alex, and his brother, Gideon, was off the charts. I was pleasantly surprised that this book, which has a publication date of February 20, 2024, was so engaging.

Dangerous, regal, romantic: these are the first words that came to mind when I came to review this book.

Small summary: From the very beginning, we are shown a world where survival for witches is no guarantee. Rune, a young witch, is trying her best to rescue captured witches to keep them from being executed. Her two sidekicks, Alex and Verity, are there to help her, but Rune does the actual rescuing and is the elusive Crimson Moth that the Bloodguard can't seem to catch. Stuck on a rescue, Rune decides to get close to Gideon Sharpe, the Bloodguard's best witch hunter, to gain information, but Gideon starts to court Rune in hopes to find information about the Crimson Moth. And as they get closer, Gideon starts to suspect Rune IS the Crimson Moth, and she knows it too.

Takeaway: This story is a beautiful double cat-and-mouse game where it's extremely fun to watch them deceive and fall for each other. The whole time you are just waiting for the ball to drop, secrets to be revealed, true feelings to be exposed, and relationships to flourish or faulter.

What I loved: I loved the characters of this story. Gideon and Rune were likeable and I loved how they played with each other. And besides one glaringly big secret between them, they were surprisingly honest with each other. Alex was another character I really enjoyed. Although we don't see him the whole time, I really came to care for him like I did Rune and Gideon.

I really enjoyed the unique world. The way things were described made me think Bridgerton-ish era and the way magic was used was described pretty well.

Fast-paced plot. There really wasn't much down time in this story and that really kept me engaged and needing to flip to the next page.

What confused me: While I loved the 19th century, I felt that some things Rune did didn't necessarily fit the time period that was being described. I think we could use some more world-building and an understanding of how witches changed the era.

Two things at the end (vague for spoilers) left a wrong feeling with me. Gideon tells a coworker that he will do something to prove Rune's innocent or guilt and while I don't think he meant it, just the fact that he said he would at all makes me pause. The second thing has to do with what happened to a side character. It felt like it just happened to make things untangle easier in the long run, or to add more to the story. It just didn't feel like it fit.

Overall: my favorite YA Romantasy book of the year! I wish I already had my hands on the sequel and I will definitely be recommending this book. I'm excited to see how book two will play out and I think this book sets book two up so that it could be spectacular.

*Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for the arc*

This book kept me guessing all the way up to the end. I loved the enemies to lovers aspect, with a little bit of a love triangle thrown in there too. This book definitely gave me Belladonna vibes but make it witchy. It was dark and mysterious which I absolutely loved and needed. The end left you wanting more and is a great setup for the next book. I cannot wait to see what Rune is up to next!

4.5 stars, 8.43 on CAWPILE

Thank you to netgalley for an arc for review!

I loved reading this book. I had such a great time. The magic system was well thought out and easy to follow, the tension in the world especially between the witches and the hunters was great too.
This story felt to me to be more romance, with that plot taking more of a place of prominence than the fantastical elements and plot, but I didn’t mind it.
This was truly enemies to lovers done right!!

While I did thoroughly enjoy the read, I didn’t give five stars because I did call the twist fairly early. I wasn’t sure if the author wanted that to happen or not.

Also the resolving of that … little issue…. was heartbreaking. Kristen, why??

Overall, very much enjoyed!

I really loved this one! Recently I've been avoiding YA fantasy, so I'd been wary of starting it, but now I hate myself for avoiding Heartless Hunter for so long. Because it was AMAZING! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I read the entire thing in one sitting, which is saying a lot because I've been in the reading slump to end all reading slumps. Seriously, this was amazing. It was very reminiscent of Serpent and Dove, but that didn't bother me. I loved the dynamic between Gideon and Rune. Their chemistry was so tangible, so fiery. They were enemies to lovers done remarkably well. I didn't love the love triangle, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Really, my only problem with Heartless Hunter is that I have to wait a year for Book 2!

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

A witch and the witch hunter, each thinking they are in control of a situation when neither is. The witches used to rule, but then there was a revolution and all the witches were killed, violently. The guard hasn't stopped hunting them down, though, and any they catch are killed immediately, no questions asked. This is the world Rune finds herself in when she comes into her powers, but she doesn't just hide out, thinking only of her own safety. She makes it her mission to use the wealth that was her grandmother's before she was dragged off and killed to help other witches escape before they, too, are killed. She is the masked vigilante who has come to be called the Crimson Moth. Gideon is the brother of one of Rune's best friends, and just happens to be the witch hunter who has been tasked with finding the Crimson Moth. They each start out using the other for information, but what happens when the feelings they are both feigning start to become real?

This was such a good book! It was a very quick read because I didn't want to put it down once I started reading it. The characters were well written and fully fleshed out, and the world building was phenomenal.

All in all, this was a great book and I can't wait to read the second book in the series when it comes out!

5/5 stars

*** I would like to thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and Kristen Ciccarelli for the opportunity to read and review this ARC..

A fantastic witch story. It is full of great twists and turns. Loved the characters of Rune, Gideon and Alex. Can’t wait for book 2!

Anything this author writes is magic every time. I just loved this book. It was written so beautifully. I would recommend this book in a heart beat.
10/10

I'm so angry. Angry that I have to wait for the second book until who knows how long! In all honesty, I loved this book. Its cliched but I really could NOT put it down. I want to know more about Rune and Gideon. I want to know more about the Reign of Witches and what's going to happen now. Kristen Ciccarelli, PLEASE hurry with the sequel!

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

SCREAMING. CRYING. THROWING UP. 2024 hasn’t even happened yet, but I already know this is going to be one of the hottest reads of the year.

Shamelessly and much to the dismay of my family, I spent all of Christmas following Rune and Gideon (whose namesake I hated till this book) in this TRUE enemies-to-lovers saga. These characters are actual enemies, and the hatred plays such a large role in their histories and lived experiences that it’s definitely something that can’t be ignored or solved with simple puppy love. And make no mistake, their chemistry was F L Y I N G off the pages. I love the complexity and depth of their relationship—'Heartless Hunter' made me feel like I was reading about enemies who just happened to have a dash of romance (which I absolutely LOVE); the plot wasn’t strictly driven by their blooming romance.

Full of twists and turns that I truly didn’t expect, along with a REALLY good helping of angst, the plot was well-paced and kept you in your seat from start to finish. And can I just say that the build-up to the height of the plot was CRAZY, so intricately crafted and unexpected that it felt like I got the breath knocked out of me. I also wasn’t expecting the regency/Bridgerton-esque background to have such a big impact on the plot, but it was so important for the angsty ambiance and elegant atmosphere.

And man, can we just talk about the creativity and genius that went into the magic system??? Kristen Ciccarelli really went in and crafted a unique universe of witches and witch hunters in which no side had true power over the other, but there were still powerful, supernatural characters. I also think what makes this story so special is that I truly feel like no character is morally superior. They are all unique with separate principles and integrity, making the actions of certain characters unexpected but so fun to follow along with. The wit and banter of the characters really elevated the story and made it so enjoyable, despite the very intense topics and, at times, history.

Now, *takes deep breath*, THAT FREAKING ENDING!!! I was destroyed—absolutely destroyed—by that ending. I have no words and no clue what to say because MY HEART IS BROKEN AND I AM FOREVER IN PAIN. I fear that I may be in a literary coma until Book 2 comes out—I still have no clue what to do with my hands because I JUST CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT GIDEON’S PROMISE AHHHHHHH. It may just be my Roman Empire because of how many times I recite it in the mirror.

This was such a spectacular start for the duology and I honestly don’t even know where the story goes from here, but I AM SO EXCITED. If you’re even questioning reading this book, you 1000% NEED TO—there’s nothing like it, and you most definitely don’t want to miss out.

3.5 rating. This was a wonderful story of witches, magic, enemies to lovers, friends, forbidden love, betrayal, and just an enjoyable ride. This is set in a world where witches were once royalty and are now outcasts and hung for being born, as well as anyone who sympathises with them. Our main character, Rune, is hiding in plain sight as a dull socialite who despises witches and even turned in her own grandmother, but what they don't know is that she's one as well. She attends the social parties, but also helps other witches to escape imprisonment in the dark of night with the help of friends. One of those friend's brother, Gideon, is on the hunt for this witch they call the Crimson Moth, not realizing how close she is. This was a fun read and I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

My first thoughts after finishing this book are: this book is going to be a huge hit AND when does the next one come out because I want to read it right now! This book was sooo good! Gideon and Rune are a great enemies to lovers to ? I won’t ruin it for you but this book has some twists and it is fantastic! I loved the Salem witch vibes and the magic aspects. Overall wonderful book that had me engrossed from beginning to end! Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read an early release, I can’t wait for the next one to come out.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an ARC of Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

Let me start by saying I really was hoping to love this story but it was lacking in a lot of places.
I didn’t feel like the story or characters are very well developed. Also really dislike when two characters have this unrealistic “Instant Love” for each other. Nothing as to why or what attracts them to each other they just are.
This story had potential but fell way short for me!

loved the premise of this one but wish the execution had been stronger. it sometimes felt like pieces of the story were half developed, which made me wanting more throughout the book. the enemies to lovers trope was fun if that’s your thing and the ending sets it up nicely for a second book. overall it was a fun read but not earth shattering for me. thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this on.

Well, that will teach me to judge a book by its cover. I thought this would be a Mary Sue book through and through. How many enemies to lovers books are actually good? Well this one is. It’s good enough to make me regret requesting it as a Netgalley book because now I have to wait even longer for a sequel. And dear lord I hope there is one.

I like that the word feels full and well built, with a solid well defined blood-magic system (menstrual blood! Hell yeah!) and a believable and understandable history. I like the dynamics between the characters - Gideon, Alex, Rune, and Verity (+ supporting cast) make sense and that each character has their own personalities, weaknesses, and no deus ex machina nonsense. And I love that I can enjoy this as a 30+ year old and also recommend it to my 20-something sister, and potentially even to my 16yo sister in law. A little (loving) sexual descriptions, some implications of past trauma, but that’s pretty much it!

Recommended to all! I loved it! Unexpectedly!

Posted to Goodreads. Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday books in exchange for an unbiased review!

Definitely one of my favorite books that I read this year! This was such an action packed book and I can’t wait for the second book to come out! I really enjoyed how the use of magic had chain reactions/consequences, and how each character showed his or her own flaws throughout the story.

Thank you for the ARC of this book!

This book gave me exactly what I expected from a classic witch/witch-hunter, enemies-to-lovers story. With that being said, it accomplished what it set out to in an exceptional way. The worldbuilding, backstory, and magic system are well described and make a lot of sense. All the characters, including the more minor ones, are fully developed. Because the story is told from Rune's and Gideon's points of view, both of their perspectives are clearly laid out, and it is easy to see that they both have a point in what they stand for. I loved all the morally gray aspects and appreciated the overall maturity level of the major characters, which matched the high stakes nature of their setting. The pacing is pretty quick, and it all builds toward an explosive ending that perfectly sets the scene for Act Two of Rune and Gideon's story. I am excited (and nervous) to see what is next, as there were several twists and turns, and the plot could go literally anywhere from here. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories with witches, an enemies-to-lovers trope, and characters who may not be exactly who they say they are.

Thank you for the opportunity to read Heartless Hunter.
the witch and the witch hunter who you wish to put aside their differences. It doesn't seem to work that way for anyone.
It has a good storyline and plot. Very witcher vibes seemingly set in the Victorian period. something she is not.
Rune seems like a brash teenager in her outlook on life, pretending she is something she is not. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Overall this was a solid romantasy with an interesting magic system and a good romance. I loved how the magic had solid rules & consequences. I liked Rune's character a lot and her relationship with Gideon. However a few things weren't as good: it's very insta-love, there's a bit of a love triangle, and there's really not that much action/ magic use until the end. The relationship is the main focus, which was fine, but I was really hoping for a LOT more of the whole cat & mouse game between Gideon & the Crimson Moth. Overall though this book was good and I definitely think the sequel will be worth reading!