initially, i was intrigued by the mysterious premise of heartless hunter with the fmc being one of the only witches left. but the plot and chemistry of the characters seemed to get flatter the farther i read. the story just got less interesting due to the lack of development. i think rune & her backstory deserved much more attention because, atleast for me, she lacked personality. also, the magic system, which was what i anticipated most, told more than it showed. still, i was entertained while reading the story despite the minimal development.

if ur into reading a fast-paced romantasy with witches and witch hunters, this is for u!

many thanks to st. martin's press and netgalley for the arc.

4.5

Ok wow that was quite enjoyable read, the book is definitely a guaranteed page turned with the plot laced in tension and cat & mouse chase. The Witch/witch hunter books don't often work for me because I find that the tension collapses as soon as they fall in love with each other but this aspect is absolutely handled well in Heartless Hunter, two characters from two completely different worlds and perceptions that result in their moral ambiguity because of their separate experiences from what each other consider to be evil. It is so hard for a reader to take a side because both of their pain seem valid and you are just there witnessing everything that is happening with anxious nerves not knowing which way the story is going to turn

I loved the magic system, it was quite fascination even though at times I wasn't sure I was understanding it correctly, it makes sense as you keep reading. I enjoyed the friendships that stood the test of times and the angsty forbidden romance, I seriously flew through the book and I am sure so many people are going to enjoy this book. I did see the twists coming and yet I thought they were executed really well, the ending was kind of jarring like you know it needs to happen yet you can't believe it really did. I am really excited to see how the series develop, if my inkling is correct next book is going to be even more fun. I definitely recommend the book if you enjoy fast paced witchy fantasies with betrayals and double identities

Rating: 3.5 stars

This book has such an interesting premise and I was addicted right from the start.

I’m honestly impressed at how engaging this book was. I kept wanting to pick it up to find out what happens next and I ended up finishing the book in less than two days. The highlight for me was seeing Gideon and Rune trying to deceive each other. They were both very clever and I was eager to find out which one of them would end up outwitting the other. They had excellent banter and chemistry.

There were also so many twists and turns throughout the story. I can’t believe this a duology because I have no idea how the author will wrap up this story. There is so much potential for the next book. I mean that ending sets up so many exciting things.

However, the biggest downside for me is that there is a love triangle, which I wasn’t expecting. I absolutely dislike that trope and it’s made even worse that the two men vying for the female lead’s heart are brothers. Both of the love interests were great which made it even more difficult for me to figure out who to root for. Both of them brought out different sides to Rune and I honestly could have seen her with either of them.

Overall, if you love slow-burn enemies to lovers, I would highly recommend giving this a try.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, the author Kristen Ciccarelli, and Netgalley for providing me the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Release Date: 20 February 2024

BRIEF SUMMARY: Witches have been dethroned, stripped of their wealth and power, and hunted down for execution. Rune Winters lives as a good citizen in plain sight while hiding her identity as not only a witch but also the Crimson Moth, an infamous individual who helps remaining witches escape to safety. With the help of friends, Rune continues evading capture while searching for a woman her deceased grandmother told her to find. In the meantime, witch hunter Gideon is on the Crimson Moth’s trail. When these enemies’ paths collide, we get lots of sparks and betrayal.

Heartless Hunter is a solid romantasy read. The pacing and prose are both smooth. The romance delivers the angst. Both main characters have conflicted hearts and mixed loyalties. There's even a little spice (as well as other mature themes and content), which made me think the book falls more into New Adult than the YA category.

I found the story fun and intriguing, if a bit tropey and predictable. Rune lives as a popular aristocratic socialite, taking us to glitzy Bridgerton/Regency balls, but also has her daring alter-ego. If you’re an epic fantasy reader, this is not one you should read for deep worldbuilding or inventive magic. However, I did enjoy the world-building elements that borrow small details/vibes from the French Revolution.

My only caveat to recommending and/or a negative criticism is the witch/witch hunter romance dynamic. The romance puts together the mmc who murders/brutalizes people of the group (i.e. witches) of which the fmc is a part. I did feel a little uncomfortable and did not root for them to be together because of this. On the other hand, the real world does not contain magic, witches, and witch hunters, so I could still appreciate the drama and greater plot of the story. Please be aware in case this relationship dynamic triggers/disturbs/angers you. I'd also like to note that the mmc does not change, widen his worldview, or redeem himself over the course of the book. The book indicates that this conflict will remain at the forefront of the series--or at least the next book.

From the moment I started reading this book, I was instantly transported into a world of captivating storytelling. The author's ability to grab my attention from the very beginning was truly impressive. The characters were so well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. The plot was filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly devouring each chapter. The writing style was engaging and descriptive, allowing me to vividly imagine the scenes and settings. I found myself completely immersed in the story, unable to put the book down. It left a lasting impression on me long after I turned the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the chance to read and review this e-ARC!

The story of Heartless Hunter has a Machiavellian feel to it. It’s reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes vs Moriarty: the game of cat and mouse, but with a darker fantasy twist.

Rune Winters is a young socialite with a secret that could get her killed. She’s a witch who spends her days attending luncheons and opulent parties with wealthy aristocrats but spends her nights moonlighting as a vigilante, known as The Crimson Moth, who rescues witches from the purge. Until one botched rescue leaves her in desperate need of intel. Information she surmises she can only get from one prominent source: Gideon Sharpe. The Captain of the Blood Guard whose sole purpose is to hunt down witches. And also happens to be the older brother of her best friend. Gideon has been trailing after The Crimson Moth for two years and had made it his life’s mission to capture the person who continued to thwart him. And after information comes to light that several escaped witches have potentially been smuggled aboard merchant ships belonging to Rune Winters, he believes he may have finally cracked his case and inserts himself into her social circles amongst the vapid aristocratic society. But as the two rivals go toe to toe, feeding off of one another while trying to outwit the other, the lines become blurred.

The pacing of the book was a little slow at first, with a steady middle, and a quick end that leaves you at the precipice of a cliff, looking out into the distance wanting more. But when the book begins, it feels like being inserted into a story that’s been running for an hour and you missed the intro. Eventually we find out that Rune/The Crimson Moth and Gideon Sharpe have been playing their game of cat and mouse for nearly two years but don’t quite get the luxury of establishing all that tension beforehand. We arrive in the middle, having to deduce it ourselves. However, once the story and characters begin to flesh out, it continues to gain traction rather steadily. The side characters contribute much to the story, each brimming with their own voice and distinct complexities. The world is fairly immersive with quite a few dark undertones lingering at the surface.

Once Rune and Gideon begin their dance, each wondering who the other really is under the facade, do we begin the very slow burn romance. I didn’t quite feel their connection until later on, when their moments together became more vulnerable. Gideon’s backstory is incredibly emotional and it was nice to see that the MMC had so many layers to be peeled back. Both Rune and Gideon’s connection evolved as the story progressed so when the shoe finally dropped, it really stung.

The ending is a whole whirlwind. So much happened in a short span of time that leaves you gawking like a fool wondering if that could possibly be all there is when you hit that last page. And because of that, and my interest being peaked for the second book, do I round up to 4 stars. I would’ve liked to have seen a bit more of the cat and mouse game between The Crimson Moth and Gideon, before they began to play the new courtship game. To really see the lengths they’d gone to outwit the other and how high stake the journey had been for Rune. But that’s just my preference. And aside from that, the story has an incredible amount of intrigue, especially the established magic system. And the fact that all the characters have such a distinct voice and familiarity to them as the story continues and you can’t help but grow to love them. All of that makes me look forward to the next installment.

The cover is gorgeous. I found the writing heavily narrative, which I don’t enjoy. The amount of exposition was extremely high and I didn’t find myself caring about any of it. I stopped after chapter 2 (5%). For those who enjoy/don’t mind heavy exposition, it will probably fall somewhere in the 3 to 4 star (liked it) range for audiences.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers for providing an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

1.5/5 stars.


The premise of the book intrigued me and I was really looking forward to reading a tension-filled enemies-to-lovers romance. The book proved to be very disappointing. Up until the halfway point of the book, it seems like all the FMC’S “fondness” for the MMC comes from her being physically attracted to him. I get that the romance can’t start occurring too quickly but it almost feels like the author was so focused on created sexual tension that they forgot about romantic tension, or that it even exists. There were also some surprisingly dark themes in this book that made it feel more NA rather than YA and they kinda of came out of nowhere. I thought the SA storyline was unnecessary and it was even worse since people would try to force the victim into sleeping with someone else “for their job”. It was uncomfortable and got glossed over too easily.

I also really hated the love triangle (just a personal hatred of mine) especially since it was between brothers because the book wasn’t really advertised as having one. On the other hand, I enjoyed the way that the dialogue and banter was written between the characters.

With all that being said, I can’t say a small part of me isn’t curious to see what happens to the characters in the following book.

Crush my heart and soul why don’t you? I received an ARC of Heartless Hunter via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review... This book was a beautiful and emotion filled roller coaster. I am so ready for book 2. Rune is a girl who struggles to hide her true self but wants to discover who she is when she’d not hiding. Rune and Gideon have fabulous chemistry, but I couldn’t help rooting for Alex. I love them both! Not to mention a love triangle that will leave you in pieces. The tension and suspense of Rune and Gideon’s relationship is gut twisting in the best way. I just need them to trust each other fully and my heart will finally find peace! The dual perspective is perfectly balanced. Ciccarelli is a master of creating full characters, each with a vibrant personality. I would have loved to see more clashing of the guards and Rune’s comrades in a social setting to up the stakes. In a small way the ending is a let down because their goal at the beginning of the book sets you up for the heist of the century that never comes to fruition. But that’s another Ciccarelli trait, you never know how things will play out! World-building could have been a bit more clear. Overall an excellent read! I can't wait to read the final version. Book two is going to be a must read!

Thank you NetGalley and to the publishers for this ARC!

Heartless Hunter started off promising: a slight Robin Hood vibe, witch-hunters, and the classic enemies to lovers trope. The story progressed and there were many plot holes. The characters were flat. I would have loved to have seen Alex have more of a main role rather than the "best friend who is in love with the main character and likes to play the piano." I had many problems with this book.

I ate this up, literally. It took me about a day to finish but i read it SO fast. I do think the first two chapters were slow and I did not really get what was happening but after the fourth chapter i loved it I LIVED for the dual POV, my FAV thing ab this book. The ending killed me, am so excited for the second book bc i need to know what happens now.

A game of cat and mouse meets witch and witch-hunter that will have you on the edge of your seat wondering who you can trust!

Rune, the witch vigilante, fights for justice each night after a day of indescribable loss that changes her life forever. Her disguise as a vapid socialite is convincing and seems to thwart maybe all but one witch hunter. The back and forth between Gideon and Rune’s investigations is clever and fast-paced.

Heartless Hunter is full of mystery, clever plotting, and a romance with undeniable chemistry. The complexity of emotions that the protagonists face and conflicts between what and who they love and what they believe in will leave you on the edge of your seat! My only complaint is I wish it were longer.

This one had me tripping over pages to read faster! This world of witches isn't one you've read before.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, & Wednesday Books for the eARC!

I read this nearly in one sitting, it was so damn good. If you like a world where the lines of good and evil are blurred, but its the people rather than groups that are to blame for the atrocities, then this is a book for you. After an ending like that, I can't believe I have to wait for another to come out before I know how this is going to go.
I won't say that the reveals weren't predictable, but neither were they obvious from the beginning. Only, that once you know...you know! I won't spoil anything here by revealing too much. BUT I was certain I knew who was going to die in order for the main character to grow and the person who is supposed to be dead but isn't...it was a bit obvious WHO that someone was revealed to be. Those are my only critiques.
I absolutely love that witches aren't just written as supernatural/magical being, there is a clear set of laws and blood fuels their magic. Without shedding the blood and receiving a cool silver scar for their trouble, there is no magic. Not only that but it is clear that different blood (old, fresh, given with permission or taken by force) wields different results. ...and the relationship between Rune & the Sharpe brothers. DROOL!!! This isn't your typical triangle, but there was always the potential of one. Still, there is a very clear winner of Rune's heart, and don't I just love the bad boy. It was a very satisfying enemies to lovers journey...but that isn't the end. Enemies to lovers to enemies, anyone? I know its not just me who craves that angst. SO SATISFYING!!!!
I can't wait to read the next one, so please write fast Kristen Ciccarelli and please edit faster Wednesday Books.
Click the BUY NOW & enjoy!!!!
NO REGRETS!!!!

I’m highkey obsessed! I went into this blind after being sent an ARC and it exceeded my expectations by far. Such a good enemies to lovers / witch vs. witch hunter story. The relationship between the two main characters, Rune and Gideon, was so deliciously tension filled. I loved them both, they each have their secrets and dark histories and are trying to put on a brave face for the world. The best part? They’re both using the other for their own ends, but of course it completely backfires and they start to fall for each other. The dual POV is so good and really makes you understand their motives and why they are the way they are.

This honestly had me hooked front start to finish, so much action and so many twists! The ending was really exciting and heartbreaking and has me wanting the next book now. I’m going to be anxiously waiting to see what comes next for Rune and Gideon. Highly recommend this if you like witchy books and a well executed enemies to lovers romance!

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

I went into this book blind not really knowing what to expect — and I could not have been more blown away.

I was captivated from the very beginning with the beautiful writing and intriguing premise with flawless execution. The pace is fast and filled with so many unexpected turns.

We follow the seemingly superficial socialite Rune Winters, a witch who had to sacrifice her own Grandmother in order to protect her identity and set herself up to appear loyal to the anti-witch Republic. She has been undercover as the Crimson Moth ever since helping set free the witches that are being captured. She has so much more depth to her than she ever lets on. Her best friends, Alex and Verity, have been by her side supporting her in this endeavor as best they can.

Alex’s brother Gideon is a Blood Guard who captures and kills witches with a smile on his face — he’s been hunting the Crimson Moth. When the latest witch goes missing, Rune must devise a plan with the help of Alex and Verity to seduce Gideon in order to get some intel to save the next witch.

We are given a dual POV which gives us lots of dramatic irony and interesting perspectives. Gideon and Rune are enemies who are playing with one another’s hearts in order to get the information they need. If Gideon ever found out that Rune was the Crimson Witch, he’d kill her in a heartbeat. This game of cat-and-mouse they play is so satisfying — reminiscent of another one of my favorite series: Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin.

This book was so hard to put down - I wanted to know what was going to happen next! This novel is packed with action along with so many unexpected twists and turns. I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I ached - the emotional rollercoaster was never ending. The characters are so lovable and addicting - your heart goes out to all of them. Alex was such a pure character with a heart of gold - loyal to both his witch hunting brother and his witch best friend. Gideon, despite his hard exterior, breaks down some walls and gets vulnerable through his chapters and gives us insight into why he had to turn into such a brute. And of course Rune, our beloved MC, she gets more complex as the story goes on and it’s impossible not to fall more and more in love with her. She’s brave and self-sacrificing - missing her Grandmother so much and not wanting her death to have been for nothing.

I am so incredibly grateful to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. My only complaint is that I’m ready for the sequel now!!! I can hardly wait to find out what happens next, I’m so invested in this series. Thank you to Kristen Ciccarelli for putting her effort and energy into this masterpiece, I’m already excited to reread it. This is one of new favorite books.

Its giving vampire diaries love triangle BUT with witches and witch hunters😉
I did enjoy the plot of this book and the magic was super easy to understand. The brothers love triangle with rune was perfection and i in fact did not see the ending coming at ALL. I am excited for book 2 this is a great story!
Magic, witches, brutes and betrayals what more could you ask for!

𝘠𝘈 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 • 𝘋𝘶𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺⁣
𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 • 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 • 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩y
𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘯 • 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 • 𝘋𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘖𝘝
𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊 • 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: 20 𝘍𝘦𝘣 2024

Read this if you love a good regency + witchy romantasy combo. Rune Winters is upper class, high society: hostess to lavish balls, masked costume parties, gossip and suitors, while hiding a double identity. Gideon Sharpe is a formidable soldier from the other side of the tracks, who now ruthlessly hunts witches as a Captain of the Republic.

Although the story follows a predictable enemy to lovers arc, this is not without suspense and some surprises that set up book 2. I enjoyed the spell complexity levels and the concept that wielding greater power comes at a cost.

The characters have good development even if extremely vanilla. Both leads are pretty insecure, tracking with YA. There’s delightful slow burn tension and a couple closed door scenes. The world building is easy to grok, focusing more on the romance than the backstory. I wanted more closure & less cliff hanger at the end, but this seems to be a marketing ‘feature’ of most romantasies now… Extremely bingeable, quick read.!

Prepare for a fast-paced adventure that will take your breath away. This is a page-turner that blends excitement, forbidden romance, and intriguing world-building seamlessly. The author's ability to weave these elements together creates a narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.

The forbidden romance between the two main characters is electric, giving me goosebumps with each stolen glance. Their love story is a compelling force in the midst of danger, making it impossible to put the book down.

The world-building was awesome. The author has crafted a unique and immersive world that is both vivid and thought-provoking.

With unexpected twists and turns, the plot keeps you guessing and hungry for more. The story's unpredictability adds an element of excitement and ensures that you're never quite sure what will happen next.

The ending, while satisfying in its own right, leaves you with the knowledge that the characters have many trials to overcome. It's a brilliant setup for what promises to be an engaging series or sequel, and I can't wait to see where the author takes these characters next.

In this book, you'll find a delightful mix of adventure and romance that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment. Highly recommended for those who love a fast-paced, thrilling read with a touch of forbidden romance.

Thank you NetGalley for this Arc!!
This is literally a prefect read for cat and mouse duet. Especially if you want it to continue into the next book!

The world building was charmingly detailed. I can still picture it. You honestly didn’t know which side to stand on. Freeing Witch’s or being a Witch Hunter because the Author did such a great job at getting you to be truly stuck in the middle.

Our FMC, Rune, is a Uppity Socialite by day and a Witch Rescuer by night. Playing the part is hard, but knowing who to trust is even harder. Especially when in come Witch Hunter, Gideon. She wants to use him for information awhile he wants to investigate her. But you know how these things go ;)

Oh my goodness!! When I tell you I am obsEESSED!!! It is one I want to read again and again! I will definitely be buying a copy! I loved the enemies to lovers to enemies again! It’s one of my favorite tropes and it was done so well here! I