There’s something utterly intoxicating about a romance that feels like a game of cat and mouse, especially when it involves witches, witch hunters, and a world steeped in blood and revolution. Kristen Ciccarelli’s Heartless Hunter is the kind of book that you open up intending to read for a few minutes and, before you know it, you’ve devoured the entire thing in one sitting. It’s full of intrigue, suspense, and enough romantic tension to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Heartless Hunter, an instant New York Times bestseller, is the thrilling first installment in Kristen Ciccarelli’s Crimson Moth duology. Known for her richly detailed worlds and heart-pounding romance, Ciccarelli doesn’t disappoint in this latest fantasy. Set in the aftermath of a revolution where witches are ruthlessly hunted, the story revolves around Rune, a witch hiding her identity, and Gideon, a notorious witch hunter. What starts as a ploy of manipulation soon becomes an intoxicating and dangerous romance that had me captivated from the very first page.
Plot Summary
At its core, Heartless Hunter is a tale of survival, deception, and forbidden love. Rune, a witch forced to hide her powers after a bloody revolution, leads a double life as the Crimson Moth, a vigilante who saves her fellow witches from execution. By day, she plays the role of a vapid socialite, blending into a world of decadence to hide her true identity. When one of her rescues goes wrong, Rune makes a bold move to throw the witch hunters off her trail: she decides to court the most feared of them all, Gideon Sharpe.
Gideon, on the other hand, sees Rune as nothing more than a symbol of the excess and superficiality he loathes. But when he discovers that the Crimson Moth is using Rune’s merchant ships to smuggle witches out of the republic, he plots to get closer to her by pretending to court her right back. What neither of them expects is the undeniable pull between them, or the realization that they are more alike than they thought.
The story builds with tension as Rune and Gideon begin to uncover secrets, not only about each other but about the very world they live in—secrets that could change everything.
Characters
Rune is the kind of protagonist that you can’t help but root for. She’s clever, fierce, and loyal to her people, despite the danger she faces every day as a witch in hiding. What I loved most about Rune was her strength. She’s not just physically strong; she’s emotionally resilient, too. Even as she begins to fall for Gideon, a man she knows could destroy her, she never loses sight of her mission. Her vulnerability, mixed with her determination, makes her a complex and unforgettable heroine.
Gideon, the witch hunter with a hardened heart, is just as compelling. At first, he’s a cold and calculating character, loyal to the revolution that stripped witches of their power. But as the layers of his character are peeled back, we see the man beneath the armor. His growing attraction to Rune challenges everything he thought he knew about witches, and watching his transformation was one of the highlights of the book. Their chemistry is electric, and the banter between them kept me grinning throughout.
The supporting cast, including Rune’s witch allies and Gideon’s fellow hunters, adds depth to the story. Each character feels fleshed out, and their roles in the broader political landscape of the republic help to build the tension that drives the plot forward.
Themes
One of the most captivating themes in Heartless Hunter is the exploration of identity. Rune is constantly torn between who she must pretend to be—a shallow socialite—and who she really is—a powerful witch fighting for her people’s survival. This theme of duality is echoed in Gideon, who must reconcile his duty as a witch hunter with his growing feelings for Rune, a woman he’s been conditioned to hate.
The book also tackles themes of trust and betrayal. Both Rune and Gideon are keeping secrets from each other, and the constant push and pull of their relationship is fraught with tension. Trust, in a world as dangerous as theirs, is a rare commodity, and Ciccarelli masterfully weaves this uncertainty into every interaction between the two leads.
Writing Style
Kristen Ciccarelli’s writing is lush and immersive. She has a gift for building tension—not just in the romance but in the broader political landscape as well. The revolution that serves as the backdrop for the story is intricately detailed, and the way Ciccarelli paints this world of bloodshed, magic, and intrigue pulls you in completely. Her pacing is excellent, too; the story moves quickly, but never feels rushed. The stakes are high, and each chapter leaves you wanting more.
What really sets Ciccarelli apart, though, is her ability to balance darkness with moments of tenderness and humor. The banter between Rune and Gideon is sharp and witty, breaking up the intensity of their circumstances just enough to make their growing connection believable and engaging.
Personal Reflection
What really drew me into Heartless Hunter was the slow-burn romance between Rune and Gideon. I’m a sucker for enemies-to-lovers, and this book delivered on every level. The tension between them was palpable from the moment they met, and I found myself eagerly awaiting each of their interactions. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “All monsters start as men, but some wear their hearts better than others.” It perfectly captures the moral ambiguity of both characters and the world they inhabit.
Another element that I loved was Rune’s dual life as the Crimson Moth. Watching her navigate the dangerous world of witch hunters while secretly smuggling witches to safety was thrilling, and I couldn’t help but admire her bravery.
Heartless Hunter is a beautifully crafted story that will appeal to fans of romantic fantasy, especially those who enjoy a good enemies-to-lovers dynamic. It’s a book full of heart-pounding action, complex characters, and a romance that feels earned and real. Kristen Ciccarelli has created a world that feels both dangerous and enchanting, and I can’t wait to see how the story continues in the next book. If you love witches, high stakes, and slow-burn romance, this is the book for you.
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Happy Reading,
Love,
Emma
EmmaCohan.com 
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