If you're looking for the perfect romantasy, look no further! Heartless Hunter delivered everything I crave-magic, danger, and a romance that had me completely hooked from the start. This book had me blushing, gasping, and gripping the pages with every twist. It’s fast-paced, character-driven, and completely addictive.
Summary spolier free
Rune Winters is a witch in hiding-a death sentence in the New Republic, where witches are hunted and executed in the streets. After watching her beloved grandmother murdered by the ruthless Blood Guard, Rune has been fighting from the shadows as the infamous Crimson Moth, a vigilante dedicated to protecting witches from the Republic’s brutal laws. But when her world collides with Gideon Sharpe, the Republic’s most feared witch hunter, things get complicated.
To save herself and others, Rune hatches a dangerous plan: seduce Gideon, gain his trust, and use him to take down the Blood Guard from within. But what happens when the game stops feeling like a game? And what if the man she's meant to manipulate isn't as heartless as he seems?
If you love:
✔️ Witches x witch hunter
✔️ Enemies to lovers (like actual enemies, not just snarky rivals!)
✔️ A messy, emotional love triangle
✔️ Forbidden magic
✔️ Morally grey characters with tragic backstories
...then you need this book on your shelf.
Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4/5) Heartless Hunter delivers!
Heartless Hunter is exactly what I crave in a romantasy-high stakes, sizzling tension, and characters I can’t get enough of. From the moment I picked it up, I was completely hooked by the witch vs. witch hunter dynamic, the forbidden magic, and the morally gray choices that kept me flipping pages late into the night.
While the worldbuilding is light, the story’s fast pace and character-driven plot more than make up for it. The romance? Utterly addictive. The tension? Off the charts. And the ending? Let’s just say I’m relieved I waited until the next book was out!
1. The Characters Steal the Show
This book is character-driven in the best way. Rune, Gideon, and Alex (Gideon’s brother and Rune’s closest friend) are all deeply flawed, beautifully messy, and utterly engaging. Their dynamic make the book impossible to put down!
- Rune Winters -Rune is everything I want in a protagonist—strong, fierce, cunning, and kind. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to survive in a world that wants her dead, even if it means walking the dangerous line between predator and prey.
- Gideon Sharpe - Swoon. Gideon had me kicking my feet with his broody confidence, sharp wit, and deeply buried trauma. He’s everything you want in a morally grey love interest, and his chemistry with Rune is EVERYTHING!
- Alex Sharpe - Sweet, loyal, and willing to do anything to protect Rune, Alex was the unexpected heart of the book. He was the purest character, and I absolutely adored his unwavering love for Rune.
2. The Love Triangle Is Actually Good?!
I know, I know-love triangles can be hit or miss. But this one worked. Gideon and Alex are polar opposites, but both truly love Rune in their own way, and I was so torn between them. The tension, longing, and heartbreak felt real, not just thrown in for unnecessary drama.
3. The Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Is Chef’s Kiss
So many "enemies-to-lovers" books barely commit to the enemy part, but not here. Rune and Gideon actually want each other dead-which makes their slow-burn attraction that much more intense. The way they constantly outmaneuver each other in their cat-and-mouse game kept me on the edge of my seat.
The romance is forbidden, full of lingering stares, tense conversations, and moments of undeniable connection. It’s the kind of relationship that builds until it finally ignites, and I was obsessed.
4. The Worldbuilding is Light, but It Works
If you love rich, immersive fantasy worlds, this might not be your favorite. The worldbuilding in Heartless Hunter is minimal, but honestly? I didn’t even care. The book is so fast-paced and the story is so mesmerizing that I barely noticed the lack of deep lore. It keeps things simple, letting the characters and tension drive the plot.
5. The Ending Destroyed Me (In the Best Way)
No spoilers, but I am unwell. The final chapters left me reeling. I am so glad I waited until the sequel was out because if I had to suffer through that cliffhanger without immediate answers, I would have lost my mind.
Final Thoughts: Should You Read It?
YES! Heartless Hunter is everything I wanted in a romantasy: high stakes, sizzling romance, intriguing characters, and a plot that won’t let you go.
It’s fast, fun, and filled with tension-the kind of book you binge in a single sitting because you need to know what happens next. While Rune’s character didn’t fully meet my expectations, Gideon and Alex more than made up for it. If you love witches, morally grey love interests, forbidden romance, and cat-and-mouse dynamics, this is 100% for you.
For those worried about the triangle, don’t be-it gets resolved by the end of the book in a satisfying way.
If you loved Heartless Hunter, here are three books you should read next:
The Foxglove King
by Hannah Whitten
✔️ Forbidden magic
✔️ Morally gray characters
✔️ Political intrigue & romance
✔️ A heroine navigating dangerous alliances
This lush, gothic fantasy follows Lore, a girl who can wield death magic, as she’s forced into the royal court and a tangled web of secrets, power, and attraction. If you loved Rune’s struggle to balance survival and rebellion, The Foxglove King will be right up your alley.
The Serpent & the Wings of Night
by Carissa Broadbent
✔️ Enemies-to-lovers
✔️ Deadly competition
✔️ A heroine fighting for survival
✔️ Dark and swoony romance
Like Heartless Hunter, this book is filled with high-stakes tension, an unforgettable romance, and a protagonist who refuses to back down—even when falling for her enemy could be her downfall.
One Dark Window
by Rachel Gillig
✔️ Atmospheric, eerie fantasy
✔️ A heroine with forbidden magic
✔️ Slow-burn romance
✔️ Found family & rebellion
If you enjoyed Rune’s dangerous double life and the blend of magic, mystery, and romance, One Dark Window delivers all that and more with an intoxicating mix of gothic vibes and a unique magic system.
Which of these are you adding to your TBR? Or do you have a recommendation for me? Let’s talk in the comments!
