Absolutely did NOT disappoint!! What a duet. Will for sure be a top read of the year 🖤 the two MC never left you bored. This is type of romantasy that keeps you foaming at the mouth and staying up late.

Thank you to St Martin's Press for sending me an advanced e-book of Rebel Witch in exchange for my review.

Rune Winters is back and if you recall how Heartless Hunter (Crimson Moth #1) ended then your remember we are standing at a cliffhanger of epic proportions.

If you have not yet read Heartless Hunter please stop here as I do not want to spoil anything in that book for you.

Rune has escaped from the island after it was revealed that her friend Verity was actually Queen Cressida disguised and she is now ready to take back the New Republic from the Blood Guard by any means necessary.

Rune is angry and hurt from being betrayed by Gideon and is ready to help get revenge on the Blood Guard as well, but at what cost? Is she really ready to sacrifice innocent people in order to bring back the reign of the cruel witch queen?

I loved this conclusion. It is exactly what I needed in a part two of this story. We have enemies to lovers, hidden identity, who did this to you, touch her/him and die tropes and it was so beautiful. I am sad to leave this world behind and I kind of hope there are future books set in this world because it was so magical.

Rebel Witch is now available at your local book seller or library

"How dare you touch her."
"At least she likes it when I touch her".

"You've pretended to be in love with her before. You can do it again. But there was that voice inside him again, small and insistent, begging to differ: how much did you really pretend?"

"Of all the boys in the world, why did she have to fall in love with one who could never, ever love her back?"

"It was so unfair, the way a single touch from him made her ache for more."

"I'm doomed, she realized. Gideon Sharpe will be the death of me."

"Live in the darkness too long, and eventually you won't recognize the light," he told her. "You'll become like the monsters you hate."

"The problem with love is the more you try to destroy it, the stronger it becomes."

"Because for the first in her life, she was completely herself. And that was worth everything. Even dying for."

I knew "Rebel Witch" was going to put me through it. From start to finish, the back and forth, the will they, won't they, the high-stakes fantasy was an addicting read. As much as I wanted to binge this one, I told myself to simply enjoy the ride and to not force the experience. Knowing this is the last book in the series, I wanted the chance to spend more time with Rune and Gideon. And yes, they put my emotions through it and the twists and turns were wild, but damn, this book was worth the wait.

My only beef is that the duology came to an end and now I have to live my life pondering what comes next for these fiercely wild and loveable characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review

3.5 Stars!

I just really love Rune and Gideon ok??

If you loved The Heartless Hunter, I have a feeling you’ll enjoy its sequel. This book had one of the strongest and fast paced openings of any sequel I’ve read. There are tropes and moments sprinkled throughout the story I think dedicated romance readers will adore, yet perhaps find slightly predictable but no less satisfying. I found the second half to be less structured and wish some of the storylines and characters that suddenly became important had been introduced sooner, and that we’d had a less abrupt ending. I also found the heroes to be stuck in situations (that they got themselves into ) where they managed to get out from with just a bit too much luck and mercy from potential antagonists, over and over. This is still a solid forbidden romance and magical duology, and if it’s right for you, I think you’ll enjoy it.

This was a cute ending to the duology. I’ll admit it took me a minute to get into it as the beginning was slow, but afterwards things picked up. I think it would have been better off if the author had shortened the beginning and expanded on the ending. Overall though it was highly entertaining and the romance was enjoyable (although I’d say some of the descriptions bordered on new adult and not YA). Rune and Gideon’s relationship and growth as individuals was well done throughout.

The perfect ending to an amazing series! I'm almost always disappointed in sequels to books that I absolutely loved. This one was everything I could want and more! I was ready to run back into this story from where it left on such a dramatic cliffhanger. Rune was so sure she made the right decision even though she sacrificed all she loved, and we see how her mind has changed with a mirror situation towards the end of the book. Rune grew as a character and when she lost herself, Gideon helped her. One of my favorite quotes

"I'm afraid I wont be able to put her back together."
"You can't put her back together. Only she can do that."

Finally a story where the heroine has to fix herself and not have a prince come help her save herself. I really appreciate Gideon overall in this book. This story was was about him as much as it was about Rune. He is the biggest cinnamon roll for Rune and wants to make the world a better place or her. The man can pine while hating the love of his life like no ones business. He really comes into his own and the emotional depth this character has just shows how truly talented this author is.
This world is interesting and keeps you engaged for sure. I didn't feel like I was getting lost or that the story was just constantly about pining for one another. I felt like we had a fully developed plot that also had a love story. In fact, you can argue that the their love story took a bit of a subplot during the middle. I appreciate the plot twist and the adventure I had while meeting new characters and older ones in new light. I wanted the heist along with the love and I felt like there was a good balance. All of that to say, if you loved the first book you will be so happy to continue the story and feel like the end leaves you with enough to be satisfied. While also opening the door for new opportunities with characters. I really hope Ciccarelli continues to write because you can tell this is her passion!

Happy Pub Day to the highly anticipated sequel to Heartless Hunter!

Rebel Witch was a great sequel to book one!
I love that the author didn’t keep our love interests apart for most of the book which I was worried about with the end of book one. Luckily we still get to keep the enemies to lovers vibes.

The yearning and forbidden love had me giggling and kicking my feet plus the jealousy on the boat was top tier.
The plot was fast paced and made it a quick enjoyable read! I think the action was balanced well with the tender moments of the story. I really enjoyed it!

This Tuesday is feeling a lot like a Monday so tell me something GOOD!

Thank you @stmartinspress for my advanced copy! Rebel Witch is out now!

I absolutely LOVED this and I’m so sad it’s over! I loved Heartless Hunter and somehow Rebel Witch was even better! I went through all the emotions and can’t wait to read it again. ❤️

⭐️ ya fantasy
⭐️ enemies to lovers
⭐️ cat and mouse
⭐️ slow burn
⭐️ ”my wife” 🔥
⭐️ Who did this to you?

rating: 5 stars
Twisting and addicting, Rebel Witch was everything I wanted and more from The Crimson Moth finale.

First of all, this book is ACTUALLY enemies to lovers. Rune and Gideon, the witch and the witch hunter, actually hate one another and are constantly confused by their attraction. Picking up not too long after the first book concludes, they’re eventually forced to pair up if they want a chance at their individual goals, and the slow burn is rekindled.

I enjoyed this book a whole lot more than the first! Heartless Hunter wasn’t bad, but something in Rebel Witch was electric. I never knew what was coming and was completely engrossed. We explore more of the magic system, dive deeper into the politics, there’s more tension and yearning….Kristen Ciccarelli wove together such an engaging story. I like the way it read quickly, but at no expense to the plot or character development. It felt like a new adult romantasy, so if that’s what you’re after, look no further.

Thank you Wednesday Books/St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

“You are far worse than a thorn in my side…You are a knife in my heart.”
In the romantic conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology, Rune and Gideon are once again at odds with each other. Rune is on the run from the Republic after Gideon exposed her as a witch. She’s forced to ally with Cressida Roseblood, the cruel former witch-queen who tormented Gideon. Cressida needs Rune if she wants to take back the Republic, but Gideon is determined to right his wrongs and defeat them both. He was deceived by Rune, and he is prepared to kill her in order to protect the world he built. However, Rune approaches Gideon with a deal that could benefit them both. They have to work together to accomplish their goals, and Gideon starts to realize his feelings haven’t disappeared. Now, he’s forced to choose between the girl he loves and the world he’s fought so hard to protect.

Rebel Witch is the perfect sequel to Heartless Hunter. It has been a long time since I have read a fantasy book that took my breath away, but Rebel Witch did. The Crimson Moth duology is one of the best YA fantasy series I’ve read in years. Oftentimes, books are marketed as enemies-to-lovers and slow-burn romances, but they fall short in execution. However, Ciccarelli makes you wait for it. Rune and Gideon were completely at odds at the beginning of Rebel Witch, and even when they worked together, there was this dark cloud of betrayal hovering above the two, waiting to rain down on them. I could feel the tension and yearning as if I was standing right next to them, which is the hallmark of a remarkably well-written romance. Both Gideon and Rune recognized the reasoning behind each other’s actions, even when they didn’t 100% agree with them. I felt like this was so important and ensured that they fell in love with the other’s true self, not an idealized version of them. I do wish the ending had been lengthened because the resolution seemed to happen quite fast. Other than that, I thought this novel was a masterpiece and a must-read for anyone searching for the perfect YA fantasy romance.

LOVE,LOVE,LOVE. Literally no notes. I am obsessed with this series, and I was so excited to get the ARC just days before release!!!

Thank you Netgalley for making my dreams come true!!!!!!

I will devour everything that Kristen Ciccarelli ever writes. Rebel Witch was everything I wanted and needed in a book right now and I want to wipe my brain and read it again for the first time right away. I literally just finished the last page 30 seconds ago. I loved Heartless Hunter and this was even better. The stakes were higher, the characters just kept getting better and better, and the story was just *chef’s kiss*. I just finished Onyx Storm before this and this was the only thing that stood up to it and held my attention. I read this in a day and could not be happier.

This has been one of my favorite series. This author gave exactly what I wanted from start to finish. There is a lot going one so be prepared.

There were times when I despised both main characters. Not them exactly, but choices they were making. I ground my teeth waiting for them to see that they loved each other. That they would do anything for each other. It didn't matter that they were so different. That they came from different backgrounds. Nor that one was a witch hunter and the other a witch. They still should be together.

What Rune and Gideon go through is a wild ride. He's determined to kill her even though he loves her. She is determined to escape no matter what her feelings for him are. Apart they are just two people but together they could be a force. A force to bring together the people they both love and care about. What will they decide to do. Will Gideon fall prey to the cruel witch again or will Rune be able to thaw his heart. Not that Rune is the cruel witch by the way....

This book was so good. It gave such emotion and feeling. A enemy to love to enemy back to love story. Yes it happened a few times but it's still so good. One to keep you turning the pages. To keep you on your toes. To hoping love can prevail.

Thank you #StMartin, #WednesdayBooks, #BOTM, #NetGalley, for this book. It's amazing.

I fell in love with Gideon (captain of Bloodguard/witch hunter) and Rune (secret witch/Crimson Moth who helps witches escape captivity) last year; Ciccarelli
*really* leans into a true enemies to lovers set up in this duology that is executed with perfection.
The second book picks up immediately after the big cliffhanger/plot twist, where the stakes are even higher. War is imminent, alliances are tested, and Gideon and Rune remain juxtaposed against one another with opposing missions. Can a connection founded on secrets, lies, and betrayal last? Can they potentially work together against a common threat?
Plenty of "I hate you, but I need to kiss you moments" , forced proximity/only one cabin on a boat, touch her (or him) and die, false pretenses, love curses, soul mates? and more secrets make this a delicious follow up to Heartless Hunter! Ciccarelli makes these two WORK for the chance at a potential HEA and I loved every second.

Wow, just wow!!! If work wasn't a thing I would've finished this ARC in one sitting.

The story picks up shortly after where we were left in Heartless Hunter(The Crimson Moth). The tension and internal dialogue(my favorite in any book because as someone with ADHD and anxiety I tend to have my own internal dialogue) of Rune and Gideon were perfect and spot on! And honestly, normally I hate a miscommunication troupe but this one was done effortlessly and perfectly. Because it's the best type that can actually happen in real life.

I did have a feeling about Rune being the lost Roseblood Heir and then when I thought it was immediately confirmed. I still gasped audibly. Gideon being all "my wife" on Rune, SWOON. The curse that Cressida left on him was just cruel and mean. But the fact that Rune found a way to reverse it and protect him, UGH LOVED IT.

Overall, this one I'm still thinking about even almost 3 weeks after finishing this ARC.

Thank you Wednesday Books for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What an incredible finale to this duology. Heartless Hunter and Rebel Witch will forever live rent free inside my head. Kristen Ciccarelli is a literary mastermind and I will not rest until everyone I know has read these books.

Exhilarating, high stakes, and a momentum that saw me to the end of this amazing duology.

Love triumphs all.

The pacing was amazing. Not a dull moment.
I was afraid the tension and mistrust would take up a chunk of the book but it was just a hint which was amazing.

I would definitely recommend this book. Often time witch hunter/ witch books fall short in the end but this was a spectacular conclusion. I wish there was MORE

I really enjoyed Heartless Hunter, so I might have set my expectations a little too high for this one.

Pros: I love the magic system, and the writing style is smooth and easy to read. The tension between the main characters was also a highlight.

Cons: The plot twists were so predictable that I was surprised the characters didn’t figure them out sooner. The ending felt rushed, and the epilogue didn’t add much for me. I’m also starting to think duologies just aren’t for me since I often find they wrap up too quickly.

Amazing! Even though I saw the plot twist coming U didn't care at all. The story was so good and the characters life on the page. Bravo.

This was the perfect wrap up to an amazing duology! I loved that the book started off so action packed, I was immediately sucked back into the world. So much happens throughout the story and it just kept me engaged the whole time. The ending was so intense but just wrapped up in the most perfect way!