Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!
I LOVED this book!
Rune and Gideon are enemies, who should be lovers, caught in a high- stakes power struggle between witches and witch hunters.
The goth Bridgerton (with guns!) vibe is opulent and interesting, and I found myself deeply invested in the characters. Rune is a refreshingly real heroine, and Kristen Ciccarelli gives Gideon and Rune smokin hot chemistry. Most importantly, Gideon is sexy AF.
At times, I caught myself thinking this book was predictable, but the ending blew me away.
I will totally be reading the sequel!

I think this is my favorite witch x witch hunter fantasy and romance I've ever read?? this was so good and so addictive I loved every character no matter how imperfect they were there were absolutely not perfect characters in this book and I loved it. the magic system is so interesting to me, I easily became obsessed with it as well as Alex and Gideon Sharpe god I loved them so much the pair of brothers were the complete opposites of each other but I grew to love them both the same. I need the next book in my hands already this was so intense I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

thank you so much Wednesday books for an e-arc of this phenomenal book! all opinions are my own

This was a great fantasy book and I look forward to seeing where this series is going! The ratio of plot to spice was perfect and it was everything I love reading in this genre.

Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Romantasy, while one of my favorite genres, is also a genre that is very hit-or-miss for me, as I'm particular about the quality of writing and balance of romance and plot. "Heartless Hunter" was PERFECT and hit the nail RIGHT on the head for me. Everything about this book was a 'yes' - the high quality writing, the balanced pacing, the angsty enemies-to-lovers romance, and the richly detailed world were all top-tier. 10/10 would recommend!

In a society that reviles witches - that had a recent revolution in which the trio of Witch Queens were killed, in which witches are searched out and executed - Rune is a witch, unbeknownst to all but her two closest friends. More than that, Rune has devoted her life to helping other witches escape before the Blood Guard (witch hunters all) can find them and execute them simply for existing. Rune is hiding in plain sight, an undiscovered witch who turned her own grandmother in to the Blood Guard, at her grandmother's behest, so that her grandmother didn't have to watch Rune be executed alongside her.

Witchcraft, in Rune's world, is performed with blood - usually the blood of the practitioner, which leaves the witch with silvery scars everywhere she's cut herself for blood. But Rune, knowing that such scars could reveal her secret, uses only menstrual blood, her own and that of her best friend, Verity. Alex, the third member of their trio, is male, and therefore not a witch - it's never stated directly, but since it is stated that the onset of a witch's powers occurs at first menstruation, it's implied that only women are witches in this world. Still, Alex would never betray Rune, even though his brother is a captain in the Blood Guard, and a notorious witch hunter, one who was instrumental in the revolution two years previously that ousted the Witch Queens.

This is a convoluted story, with a mystery at the heart of it - well written, although the foreshadowing meant that the unveiling of the mystery was less of a shock that it was likely intended to be. I look forward to the sequel. Recommended for teens and adults.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I don't know what it was but I couldn't get into this one. I felt like there were a lot of things that weren't quite cohesive and didn't make sense. I might try to read again in the future.

3.5 Stars

The thing about this book is that it has a good premise, but questionable execution. I like the concept that there were witches and witch hunters in the whole battle of what may be good versus evil (all about perspective). Most of the characters were likable and had their ups and downs. I totally understood why the characters were the way they were. Their motives were super clear. However, as I’m reading the book, I noticed a bunch of things that were questionable or didn’t really make any logical sense. There were things that happen that I couldn’t believe someone was able to get away with or I could see the big reveal early on so the climax wasn’t as shocking as I would have hoped.

Let’s start with Rune. She is supposed to be the Crimson Moth who has been saving witches for years now, helping them escape persecution. The only thing about Rune is that I find it hard to believe that she has been able to get away with being the Crimson Moth and hasn’t been captured yet. I just find it hard to believe that she is as capable as her reputation has promoted her to be. She has really great motivations, but I just didn’t believe she could pull it off. She makes questionable choices and fell for a trap way too easily. Maybe if we saw her help a witch escape at the beginning of the book, it would be more believable. Overall likable character but I’m just questioning her capabilities.

With Gideon, he is very determined to destroy all witches that are left in this world, and I completely understand why. He, along with his family and others, have suffered really greatly at the hands of one of the witch queens. I felt incredibly sorry to hear about what happened to him and his family. It’s absolutely horrible. I find him capable more so than Rune. I do like his character, but just questioning his relationship with Rune.

Rune and Gideon have a very complex and complicated relationship from the start. Their entire relationship is built on lies and deceit. Everyone has mentioned that there is a love triangle, which I don’t consider it to be a love triangle. Rune’s relationship with Alex is definitely one of kindness, care and friendship but I don’t think she loves Alex like that. He is just the safer and easier choice. Alex is a great character beside one incredibly stupid thing he did (trying to avoid spoilers). The thing about Rune and Gideon‘s relationship is that it moved too quickly and was a little unbelievable. I just wished their relationship wasn’t as rushed and I probably could’ve enjoyed it more so but it just seems to be kind of hurried and unbelievable how fast it went from lies to love.

The world building was very minimal. It was a battle versus good versus evil, witches vs witch hunters, but nothing really beyond that. There wasn’t a lot of magic just brief discussions about the different levels of spellcasting and some spellcasting, but was hoping for a little bit more magic. I know Rune’s skills are minimal but was hoping for a little more. Maybe in the next book?


Ending was a little too rushed for me, but I might possibly pick up the next book to see what happens next. Overall, I liked this book but felt there were some issues that I couldn’t ignore. Romance was okay but rushed and poisoned from the start with the lies. I hope to see more magic and some characters get their just desserts. I think I felt for the characters so I enjoyed the book more so but just some things weren’t working for me.

*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Wow, I completely ate this book up! I knocked it out in 2 days and would dive right into the next if I could. This was a fun and well-written book.

Oh wow, Heartless Hunter? I tore through that book and loved every bit! It's got this enemies-to-lovers thing going on between a witch and a witch hunter. Picture forbidden romance, slow burn, and a bit of possible betrayal. This book really sent me on a rollercoaster of intense emotions. I went from so happy to crying.

As the story unfolds, it makes you think about right and wrong. Rune and Gideon are on different sides for good reasons, and it's interesting to learn about their pasts to understand them better. Rune's secret vigilante life adds an incredible layer, watching her try to save witches without blowing her cover. Picking a side is tough because both characters make a good case.

The relationship between them is well-done. You get into their heads and feel what they want and need. The forbidden love thing is intense, giving you those good ol' goosebumps. Their love story stands out amid all the danger, keeping you hooked. I was rooting for them.

The plot has twists that keep you guessing and wanting more. It's not predictable, and that's what makes it exciting. The ending is satisfying, but you know there's more to come. It sets up for a sequel or series, and I'm excited to see where the characters go next.

If you like a mix of adventure, fantasy, and romance, this book is a winner. It's fast-paced, thrilling, and has that touch of forbidden romance. I recommend it for a good, fun read. I truly believe that this will be a standout book next year. I can't wait for the next one!

Thank you Wednesday Books and St. Martins Press for sending over this digital ARC my way.

OKAY I LOVED THIS INJECT IT IN MY VEINS. A true enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies story that had me rooting for both Gideon and Rune. I am devastated that I will have to wait so long for book two, because the ending was so painful. 10/10 highly recommend!

This is going to be 'It' book of 2024. Believe me.

This book has a unique plot, interwoven with a great fantasy setting, strong characters, and insanely good chemistry. On top of that, as a lifelong The Scarlet Pimpernel fan, the author does an excellent job paying homage to the classic.

We start with Rune, a vapid socialite in the morning who moonlights as the daring Crimson Moth at night, saving poor innocent witches from being executed. However, the witch hunting guards are becoming more, and more cautious of her escapades, and her job is becoming ever so dangerous, especially since she is suspected of being the Moth by none other than the captain of the Bloodguard: Gideon Sharpe.

Get close to Gideon to access Bloodguard secrets, get close to Rune to see if she is the Moth, these two circle each other in order to complete their goals. And, I tell you, when these two were together it was literal fire. I loved, LOVED these two trying to one up each other, while simultaneously fighting their feelings, knowing the other is a dangerous person who would turn on them without any remorse.

While the chemistry is great, the character themselves are even better. Rune is a fantastic FMC! she is funny, loyal, but most importantly: human. She isn't perfect, but she does what she can to atone for her past mistakes. She is a really complex character, and I loved her vulnerable moments, especially where Rune wonders who the real her is. She is a very relatable character, and a well written one to that.

Gideon, the MMC, is the older brother of Rune's bestfriend, and at first comes across as a ruthless, cold witchhunter who wants nothing more than to torture anyone remotely resembling a witch, but the more one learns about him, the more they realize just how tragic his life is. Broken due to an horrible past he endured while trying hard to be there for his family, Gideon has faced hardships, and his POV made me so sad at times. Gideon deserves a HEA with Rune more than anyone else in this book.

The other characters are also interesting, and hold on their own. From lifelong friends who are hiding secrets, to villains who are morally grey, on top of being paired with the magical vibes from classical books, makes this book one of the best reads of 2023/2024 for me.

I cannot wait to own my own hardcopy of this book!


Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read a copy of the book voluntarily so I could review it. All thoughts and opinions provided in this review are my own.

This was so good!!!! I loved the tension between Gideon and Rune and their 'push/pull' relationship. I found the world building and hard magic system were well done and very creative. There were a few twists that I expected near the end but the relationship between the FMC & MMC kept me eagerly reading through chapter after chapter.
I'm super excited for the next book in this series :)

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this book in return for my honest opinion!

This book was so good at capturing and holding my attention; I think I finished in 2-3 sittings!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

The first aspect that I really loved was the witches magical being tied to blood (their own, others giving willingly, or others taken without permission). It was unique and straightforward enough that I was intrigued without being overwhelmed. Secondly, I *love* the hunted/hunter trope, and this one is crafted perfectly with extreme forced proximity, hidden identities, and fake dating. Both Gideon (captain of Bloodguard/hunter) and Rune (secret witch/Crimson Moth who helps witches escape captivity) circulate in the same circles (Rune’s best friend is Alex, Gideon’s brother) and are both on missions that require them to cozy up to the other. Neither expected to catch ‘real’ feelings, but alas, here we are, LOL (wink, wink). Can a connection founded on secrets, lies, and betrayal last? The last 30% of this book was so fast with non-stop action, reveals, and twists. It absolutely ends on a cliffhanger that sets up a perfect duology. I can’t wait to read the next book!

*True Enemies to Lovers
*Fake Dating/Courting for a Mission
*Love Triangle (Forbidden as Brother’s Best Friend)
*Revolution
*Political Posturing within High Social Society Balls/Events
*Fashion Focus (Dressmaking/Tailoring background, and one incredibly hot measurement taking scene)

-Good story overall.

-I know Rune and Gideon are supposed to be enemies and there’s supposed to be angst. Show us how the characters feel more with actions and less with the same words and thoughts being repeated.

-Chapter 45 and Gideon’s “near death” experience that makes Rune and Gideon suddenly admit their feelings is anticlimactic.

-Favorite parts: Chapter 11-Rune drinking her own enchanted wine. Chapter 18 & 19-Gideon fitting Rune for the dress. Chapter 22- scene where Rune is almost caught by Gideon's set up to catch the crimson moth.

-LOVED the ending. Can’t wait for the next book.

This was fantastic. Finished in two days and got me out of a huge reading slump. Definitely looking forward to the second book!

This was a really fun read!

For the most part I really enjoyed every aspect of this book. The witchy vibes were there, the true enemies to lovers vibes were there, the hunter/hunted vibes were there. I loved our two MCs and getting to learn about thier stories/motivations as to who they were and why they do what they do. I think I would have liked to see more of Rune doing more Crimson Moth activities to really sell that aspect of who she was, as well as more depth two her two best friends as they come to play pivotal roles in the story. Other than that, I had a great time watching the plot and Rune and Gideon’s relationship unfold. They felt like true enemies to lovers and I’m eager to see what happens with their relationship in the next book!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books, Kristen Ciccarelli, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A very predictable story with not enough fantasy and too much YA romance. I wasn't sold on their attraction to one another as the story progressed and none of the characters made a lasting impression. Despite my issues, it was a very fast and enjoyable read.

Who is the Crimson Moth? Gideon Sharpe has been hunting the witch for two years; she's been freeing captured witches and murdering others for their blood to cast spells.
Rune Winters is a vapid socialite more interested in fashion and parties than anything else. Or at least that's the perception Gideon has of her. Rune plays the role well, since she is the witch he's hunting. What happens if he discovers the truth?

I really enjoyed this book, good world building and enjoyable characters. Can't wait.to read the next and find out what happens with Rune and Gideon.

Thanks to NETGALLEY and Wednesday Books / St. Martin’s Publishing Group / Macmillan for eARC

Plot: 4
Characters: 3
Writing Style: 4
Cover: 5
Enjoyment: 3

▶ Told in third person POV by Rune and Gideon; Gideon chapters contain vulgarity.
▶ Warnings: Violent. Male rape. Branding. Torture. Suicide.
▶ Talks of menstrual blood FTW! Clever too, in that Rune uses it instead of cutting self, since blood is a requirement for this world's magic system.
▶ YA teens but seem like they're in their 20s. However, this book is one of those YAs that's hand-hold with the repetitiveness.
▶ We're told the romance is a slow burn but it's not? Seemed to move fairly quickly, IMO.
▶ There is sort of a love-ish triangle-ish?
▶ Good not great, fun, enough so to continue the series. Admittedly, for some reason, I kept accidentally confusing this with the show "Blue Eye Samurai", LoL

Thanks to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for the chance to read an ARC of this upcoming release in exchange for an honest review! This book was 4.5 stars for me! This is the story of Rune, a young witch, forced to hide who she is due to the hunting of her kind. This book has wonderful fantasy aspects, a nice magic system, forbidden love, adventure, and some plot twists I didn't see coming. Hopefully there will be more of this series to come so I can find out what happens in this world next!