Book Review: Heartless Hunter: The Crimson Moth: Book 1 by Kristen Ciccarelli

Book Review

Dec 23

**Author:** Heartless Hunter
**Publisher:** Wednesday Books
**Genre:** Teen & Young Adult Fantasy Romance
**Tropes:** Morally Gray Hero, Cat and Mouse, Enemies-to-Lovers, Secret Identity
**Spice Level:** Low
**My Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
**Fable** | **Goodreads**
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The Plot in Four Sentences:

A lethal hunter, tasked with a dangerous mission, crosses paths with a clever vigilante who threatens his carefully guarded heart. Their initial clash sparks with tension as shared secrets and shifting loyalties blur the line between duty and desire. Through forced proximity and unexpected alliances, they create a connection that puts them both in unimaginable danger. Ultimately, love collides in a showdown that tests their bonds and redefines what it means to survive.

“She was like a deer making eyes at the wolf that wanted to eat her for lunch.

Stupid deer.”

**What I Loved about Heartless Hunter:**

Chemistry between the morally gray hero and a heroine who won’t back down.
A perfectly paced slow-burn romance that kept me on edge.
High-stakes action sequences that blended seamlessly with emotional depth.
Lush, immersive world-building that pulled me into the danger and intrigue.

**Considerations Before You Read Heartless Hunter:**

The slow-burn romance, while satisfying, can feel protracted for readers who crave instant passion or faster-paced love stories.
Some plot twists might feel predictable for readers well-versed in fantasy romance tropes.
This is the first book in a series, and while it sets the stage beautifully, you’ll be left wanting more. Luckily, the second installment is already available for preorder here. The second book, Rebel Witch, will release on February 18th, 2025.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)

Heartless Hunter delivers an absorbing mix of danger, passion, and emotional turmoil, making it nearly impossible to put down. The tension between the leads and the beautifully depicted world combine to create a story that lingers long after you turn the last page. If you love enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn fantasy romance with characters who challenge each other—and the world around them—this is the book for you.

“And after we’re done fighting, I’ll take you to bed, and we’ll reconcile. In fact, I think we should fight every day just so we can make up every night.”

Suzy Frigo