We chat with author Kristen Ciccarelli about Heartless Hunter, which is a steamy game of cat and mouse between witch and witch-hunter, played out against a backdrop of opulence, secrets, and bloody history.
Hi, Kristen! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! I write romantic fantasy and my books have been translated into over a dozen languages. Before writing books for a living, I was a baker, a potter, an NGO worker, and a bookseller. I write my books from a garden shed, often at 4am before my toddler wakes up.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
We didn’t have many books in our house growing up, so I used to beg my mother to tell me made-up stories. I loved stories so much, I was terrified I’d never learn to read. In grade school I’d tell my friends fantastical stories to keep them entertained while we worked on class projects. Reading and writing (especially fantasy) was my favorite form of entertainment growing up.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Morgan and Yew (one of those Serendipity books)
- The one that made you want to become an author: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia McKillip
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
Your latest novel, Heartless Hunter, is out February 20th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Bloody, forbidden, romantic, breathless, adventure.
What can readers expect?
A fast-paced adventure full of forbidden magic and deadly romance between a clever witch and the young man who’s hunting her.
Where did the inspiration for Heartless Hunter come from?
I’ve been in love with The Scarlet Pimpernel since childhood. A few years ago, after binging the books, the film, and the show, I was still craving more Pimpernel. So I asked myself: What if I wrote my own gender-swapped version? And instead of French aristocrats, what if witches are hunted down and purged? That was the birth of Heartless Hunter.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved writing the protagonist, Rune Winters. She’s a clever heiress and a witch hiding in plain sight. She pretends to be a shallow, airheaded socialite in order to survive, and deceives those around her so she can glean the intel she needs to rescue other witches.
What’s next for you?
I’m finishing up the sequel to Heartless Hunter (just waiting on line edits from my editor). I had so much fun writing the first book, and the second was even more of a wild ride. I can’t wait to see what readers who love Heartless Hunter will think of the sequel. Stakes are raised, new alliances are forged, professions of love are made, and someone important dies. 🙂 It’s a fun time.
Lastly, are there any 2024 book releases that you’re looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to Lore of the Wilds, A Fate Inked in Blood, and Faebound.
