Rebel Witch—A Dagger-Sharp finale to The Crimson Moth

It’s official: The Crimson Moth duology is one of my favorite series of the year. If Heartless Hunter hooked me with its secrets, slow burn, and dangerous chemistry, then Rebel Witch completely destroyed me in the best possible way.

This sequel takes the romance, the tension, and the emotional stakes to a whole new level. It’s all here: sizzling forbidden romance, high-stakes rebellion, richly layered characters, and the kind of magical world you never want to leave (but I also wouldn't want to live in it.

At a Glance

Romance Meets Rebellion

Gideon and Rune’s internal tug-of-war between love and loyalty was so well written. The angst, the betrayal, the yearning. It’s not just enemies-to-lovers. It’s enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers, and somehow Ciccarelli makes every shift feel earned, every moment between them charged with the weight of their past and the danger of their future.

This is slow burn at its most addictive—with just enough spice to leave you breathless. (Let’s just say: that one bathroom scene? Chef’s kiss.) The forced proximity trope is used perfectly, heightening both the tension and the intimacy. These two were never meant to fall for each other, and that makes their connection irresistible.

Favorite Quote

“I may not know Rune Winters, but I know the Crimson Moth. And she is no caged thing.”

Need I say more?

Characters That Cut Deep

Rune and Gideon are so deeply layered, I was completely hooked from start to finish. Their chemistry, their emotional wounds, their conflicting missions—it all builds to a climax that’s both satisfying and gut-wrenching. You feel the weight of their choices, and that’s rare in romance-fantasy duets.

The side characters, the world-building, the rebellion—it’s all woven seamlessly. The duology doesn’t just stick the landing; it soars.

Tropes & Themes

💔 Enemies-to-Lovers

🔥 Brooding MMC × Badass FMC

🧨 Witch × Witch Hunter

🛏️ Forced Proximity / One Bed

🧙‍♀️ Magic & Rebellion

👥 Reluctant Allies

💘 Slow Burn + Mutual Pining

❌ Miscommunication

🩹 "Who Did This to You?"

🕵️ Hidden Identity

🧵 High-stakes romance + emotional trauma

 🐱 Cat-and-mouse chase dynamic

Final Thoughts

Rebel Witch is a perfect conclusion to a duet that combines fantasy, romance, rebellion, and inner turmoil into a perfect mix. If you’re craving a completed, high-stress, emotionally rich fantasy series with sizzling tension, impossible choices, and one of the best executed enemies-to-lovers arcs I’ve read in a while—this is it.