In a society where witches are hunted, socialite Rune must hide her magic. She portrays the Crimson Moth and rescues fellow witches from horrible fates. To save them, she courts the ruthless witch hunter Gideon Sharpe for information, but soon romance blossoms and changes both of their lives. A gripping read filled with magic and romance, _Heartless Hunter_ is a fantasy novel that I could not put down.

Woah! "Heartless Hunter" took me by surprise. I was not at all prepared to read this cover to cover in one sitting, but I did just that because I had to know what happened! I was immediately drawn in by the two main characters as they are clearly on different sides, but for similar reasons. This builds a delightful tension that Ciccarelli employs throughout the book. My only regret is not having access to the second book right now!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was SO GOOD I couldn't put it down (not that I'm at all surprised, Kristen Ciccarelli is one of my absolute favorite authors). It was one of my fastest reads this year. When I read the first chapter I knew the voice was pulling me in, in a way that few voices do. I love the spin on the fake dating trope that it includes, plus enemies to lovers, swoony romance, and the super fun cat-and-mouse dynamic. I can't wait for book 2!!!

This one was just fine to me. It was super predictable, had confusing character development, and just didn’t really hold my attention super well. That being said, it was just mildly enjoyable. I think the concept has a lot of potential, and some of the characters really flew off the page. I don’t think I’ll be reaching for the next one when it comes out, but wouldn’t be avoiding it either.

Kristen Ciccarelli's "Heartless Hunter" was a sneaky read; for as (figuratively) slim a book as this is, it takes it time reeling you in, luxuriating in the slow unraveling of world-building details. Yet, despite this, the plot still manages to move at a fairly brisk pace, keeping you locked in. The setting has a slight Russian revolution lean, but as seen through a fantastically magic looking glass, with overthrown Witch Queens instead of a Tsar. I was surprised by how eagerly I await the sequel now, having finished the first. Would recommend.

The concept introduced in the summary sounded so interesting and for the most part, this book delivered on it. Although I had trouble with the pacing of the book, especially in the first third, I found that the tension between the two main characters kept driving the plot forward. I especially liked how both characters knew each other were the enemy, and had moments of doubt that they could outwit the other. The romance did feel a little forced, as did the love triangle which was obvious from the start, but the story overall wrapped up well enough that it makes me want to continue the series.

The magic and world-building was done well and I didn't feel too lost by what was going on, and the use of scars was an interesting concept. I only wish that one of the side characters didn't push the male main character into trying to sleep with the female main character so often; it got really uncomfortable and I can't tell if this was the author's intention.

Overall, 4 stars and would love to continue this in the next book.

IT'S A SCARLET PIMPERNEL RETELLING. What more do you need?!

I devoured this pacey, clever romantasy in one sitting--ending way too late at night haha. It was so similar to The Scarlet Pimpernel, which is one of my all-time favorite stories, but with tense cat-and-mouse game bound up with a delightfully layered romance. Rune's character was fabulous--so unique and full of personality--and Ciccarelli gave such glorious depth (and pain agh) to Gideon. The magic system was incredibly well-developed, and I loved the lore woven into the story.

If anything, I really could've done without the way that the witches get their blood--heh. And I'd categorize it more as NA than YA, for sure, but would definitely recommend to older readers/lovers of romantasy.

So grateful to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc--I'll be ordering a copy!

Thrilling, intense, heartbreaking… this is sure to be a fantasy romance hit in 2024. This is upper YA that some may want to consider NA; it isn’t spicy, but the subject matter is mature (references to sexual assault, torture, drugs, etc.).

It is easy to have empathy for Rune and Gideon, but these are true enemies-to-lovers, and to see their tale unravel is both gripping and gut-wrenching. Usually with these types of books, I find myself siding with one character over another, but this time, I feel for both side and their perspectives. I’ll be here awaiting the sequel with bated breath.

The writing is great; I previously loved Edgewood by the author, if you’re looking to bide your time with another book.

Story: 📖📖📖📖📖
Spice: N/A

On the surface Rune Winters pretends to be a ditzy, gossipy socialite who condemned her own grandmother to death by the hands of the witch hunting Blood Guard. Behind closed doors she’s the savior/hero to a community of witches. She is the Crimson Moth. Despite what the elitist socialites believe Rune to be she’s a sly and cunning woman with a sharp mind and penchant for wreaking a little havoc that will do any and everything to protect witches. Gideon Sharpe on the other hand, is the captain of the Blood Guard whose claim to fame is catching and putting to death hundreds of witches across the land. He finds himself entangled in a cat and mouse game while trying to prove Rune Winters is the infamous Crimson Moth.

This tension filled story is quite charming and takes you for a cheeky little ride.

Character development is super huge here! Kristen did a great job in creating well rounded characters who have some flaws… and quite a few of them at that. Dynamic and thoughtfully drawn up characters help create beautiful(or messy depending on what you’re into) stories and worlds.

I can’t wait for the next one.

"Isn't that the point of art - to tame the monster in us?"

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

TW: addiction, blood, child death, death, death of a loved one, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, fire/fire injury, genocide, gore, grief, injury/injury detail, medical content, physical abuse, rape, self harm, sexual assault, sexual content, sexual violence, torture, violence.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and I am devastated to be rating it this low.

Reviewing ARCs, especially negatively reviewing ARCs, is always a bit of a challenge because I'm unsure how much to say without accidentally giving too much away. Which means I am reduced to being vague and my thoughts may not come out clearly, but I'll try my best.

First, I want to say that this should not have been a YA novel. It felt like NA, it felt like it had been written for a NA audience, and the timeline simply doesn't make sense if all of the characters are in the YA age range. I will be shelving it as NA, despite the fact I know that's not what it's being listed as.

Beyond that, still trying to stay as vague as possible, I was bothered by the entire plot. So much of the premise revolves around an SA victim being pressured into sleeping with someone to properly inspect their body; while this is met with discomfort, it's still a sizable portion of the book and never truly condemned.

I felt the relationship between the two MCs was forced and toxic in a way that was completely unnecessary. As well as the way things were... propelled forward by the end of the book, felt cheap and predictable. I was able to guess the plot from the very beginning off of a very minor detail and was really let-down to find out that I had been correct.

There are many other things I could say, but as this is an ARC, I don't want to go any further. I will say, this is not a terrible book. It is tropey and very flawed, but I believe people will enjoy it so long as it finds the right audience. I just... I still can't help but wishing the entire plot had been different.

All in all, this is like a witchy Bridgerton (the comparison makes sense in my head) and if you've read this review and it still sounds like something that would interest you, please go for it.

I'm extremely grateful for the ARC and wholeheartedly wish I could have loved this even half as much as I wanted to.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for an eARC of Heartless Hunter!

Enemies to lovers, a witch and a witch Hunter, secrets, lies, and betrayals. I couldn’t put this down once I started reading! I’m already itching for the next book. Highly recommend!

I'm so glad I got this as an ARC. It's a great story and I can see it taking over BookTok in the spring! The stakes are so high, I was worried for the FMC from page 1 all the way through the end. I desperately need book 2 ASAP. The book is fast paced with a lot of action interspersed between the more character driven scenes. So it is the type of book that is hard to put down. And there are some really good twists, many I started to anticipate but not to their full extent.

I do with there had been more world building but I think a lot of things are being set up for the second book to explain. I need more info on who is the New Republic, what the world off of the island is like, and why do they have electricity and guns but no cars or other tech. The magic system is really unique-- it's based on blood and scars to TW for that.

And I'm on the fence about the MMC. I was hoping to see more character development for him but in the end he reverts to what he knows, violence and hatred.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for providing an eARC of this book!

Perfect witchy vibes for spooky season! I am looking forward to Rune’s adventures continuing in the next installment. I hope the author will dive even deeper into these characters’ pasts and we get an even better idea of their lives. I felt like I knew then, but I want to know more.

Mystery, murder, deception, a love triangle, and witchcraft. Everything flows together so well and I love when there’s plot twists you can’t predict at the beginning of the story. I can’t wait to see what Rune does next.

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this story before it’s published!

I devoured this book. Heartless Hunter is a Witch/Witch Hunter, enemies to lovers, Mr and Mrs Smith vibes.

Thank you to St. Martin's Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this book. The chapters were short and fast paced so it was an easy read. I love the trope of trying to manipulate the other for information, but ~definitely~ not falling in love in the process. I loved how they outwit each other. I loved everyone and I trusted no one.

My only critique is while I understand Rune's solution to casting.... it really took me out of the story and kinda made me laugh thinking about it. iykyk

I would not be surprised if this book blew up when it comes out. I will definitely be reading the second book.

Heartless Hunter, by Kristen Ciccarelli, book #1 in The Crimson Moth series. Witches, Cat and Mouse, Enemies to Lovers, and dual POV.

I rate this a 4.5 (5 stars)

Wow. I absolutely devoured this book, I couldn’t put it down. The female main character, Rune, is a witch vigilante who has many identities: Crimson Moth, who saves witches from prosecution and being purged and High class Socialite, who turned in her own grandmother to the guard. Gideon Sharpe, captain of the guard and has spent two years hunting the Crimson Moth, and will do what it takes to find her.

I can not wait to continue this series. I have a few questions that I hope will get answered, before the purge how was the witches magic used, was there a purpose? Who took over after the Queens death, who is the New Republic?

The negative part is I have to wait even longer for the second book!

Thank you, NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Heartless Hunter was such a ride!

I absolutely loved reading it. The short chapters provide excellent pacing. Nothing is super drawn out, everything leads to immediate action. Which I loved.

A big problem I have in romantasy can be that one of the love interests isnt developed enough. They just love because they do. But here I really felt the emotions from both pov characters. My little angsty heart loved Gideon's internalized criticisms of himself. I loved how he was trying to overcome these emotional barriers on top of the plot barriers keeping them apart.

About the 65 percent mark I realized where the ending was heading and then I was just along for the ride. I loved the climax. And the angst leading to the climax. There was so much to root for!

Im definitely impressed and excited for the world to read this series. A perfect YA Romantasy.

ARC review
5⭐️ for Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
Just finished this book yesterday and it has been on my mind ever since. It’s an enemies to lovers, dual point of view fantasy, following a witch and a witch hunter. I loved the blood magic system, even with the eyebrow raising method of the MC acquiring it. 🤭It was unexpected and clever. The characters and relationships felt well developed and the slow burn was perfection. The ending was twisty and gut wrenching. When I reached the end I kept staring at the page hoping for more! This one comes out in February 2024 and I highly recommend grabbing Heartless Hunter
Thank you for the opportunity to read this Netgalley ARC

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli was such a surprising read for me. It was enemies to lovers done right with an incredibly unique magic system and twists that I never saw coming. I absolutely loved it and was wowed from the first chapter.

One thing I really enjoyed about the world the author created was how she handled the magic system. I appreciated that there were consequences to using magic—that it wasn’t just an endless supply of power and that sacrifice had to be made to access it. It made it feel more authentic and you never knew if it was going to solve the problem or cause another.

I gave this book a five-star rating because it was non-stop action, well-written, and the author did a fantastic job of pacing the information she revealed without leaving the reader lost or confused. I would highly recommend you add this to your 2024 tbr, you won’t regret it!

The story captured my interest pretty quickly. I was concerned about it being considered a YA title since I usually don’t like that genre. But aside from our heroine being a bit ditzy (although probably just young) for being an undercover heist queen, I was rooting for Rune and her relationship with the witch hunter, Gideon, developed nicely. The action definitely kept me reading to find out how all would resolve itself. I can’t wait for the next book!