A novel of discovery for our protagonist Molly and her reluctant suitor Josiah. Molly is a wife wronged by her husband, and newly learns of her innate ability for witchcraft. We follow Molly on her mission to becoming independent and how to master her craft. The romance between Molly and Josiah is strained under their disparate goals. However, the ongoing saga of the Elder Races continues in this new series by the incomparable Thea Harrison. I look forward to many new adventures in the Elder Races.

I'm not a fan of the angry and abusive hot guy gets tamed by love trope, but if you enjoy passionate love/hate romance, you'll enjoy American Witch. The crime plot was complex and thoughtful, but it is definitely a romance, so if you are going into this looking for a fun urban fantasy with a tough female protagonist (as I was) you'll be disappointed.

Well, that’s the last time I underestimate Thea Harrison! I did not have great expectations for this book, as I’ve felt Harrison’s most recent books have gone downhill. How ever, I’m happy to say that I was wrong. American witch was very engaging and just different enough from the norm in this genre so as to surprise. I did feel that the first half of the book was MUCH stronger than the second half, though, and actually I think this book should have been two separate books. The first half, where the heroine is let down by her husband, finds her power, meets the hero, dislikes the hero, has confrontation with husband, and begins to get to know the hero was amazing but felt rushed. I easily could have seen that part beefed up and made into its own entire book. The second half with the heroine fleeing, the big relationship reveal, the separation, and each character engaging in their power arcs followed by the action scene and reunion were also rushed and really should have been its own separate book. But, though it felt rushed, the two main characters were great, especially Josiah for the first 2/3, and the plot was engaging. I’m definitely ready for book 2.

What to Know:
- 18+
- Part of a series
- Paranormal Romance
- Trigger Warning Scenes for some (domestic violence)
- HEA

Along with being the first book in an all new trilogy, American Witch is also my first Thea Harrison book.
For a number of years, I've heard mentions of Thea Harrison's Elder Races series and seen many recommendations urging readers to read the books but I'd never really felt the urge to read them before - that's definitely changed now.
When I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of American Witch from the publisher via Netgalley, I didn't know quite what to expect.
So I dove into reading American Witch without any preconceived notions or expectations and was very pleased with what I learned.
Thea Harrison writes very well.
She knows how to draw a reader into the story and keep them enthralled, turning page after page in an effort to know more.
The characters are charismatic, the scenery vivid and the worldbuilding spectacular.
Admittedly, it did take me a while to warm up to Josiah Mason's character, in the beginning he was just too cold, calculating and manipulative for my tastes, I didn't really want to read any of his POV but 1/4 to 1/2 way through the book, that definitely changed as the story unfolded and I learned more about his character and motivations.
The most enjoyable aspect of this book for me is the theme of female empowerment.
Watching Molly's transformation left me teary-eyed at certain stages and I'll warn you now that there are some scenes that could be triggers for readers.
Overall though, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this new to me author.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next American Witch novel, but while I wait, I'll have a fun reading Thea Harrison's fantastic backlist.
Highly Recommended Reading.

I was curious to discover this novel by Thea Harrison. If I’m not mistaken, and even if I have several of the author’s books, this is the very first one I’ve read and I was curious to discover the story! And besides, how to resist witches? I like them very much, so I started this book with great pleasure.

Molly didn’t have an easy life with her husband. But when she learns that he has cheated on her once again, she can no longer take it anymore and decides to divorce him. By taking everything she can from home, she’ll come across a secret that could get her killed! In addition to all this, our heroine will also discover that she is a witch and Josiah, this charming stranger, is determined to teach her how to manage her powers, while seeking a man towards whom she wants revenge. As they gradually get closer to the truth, he will fall under Molly’s spell, even wondering what he would be willing to give up to be with her.

It was a nice novel and I admit that I was curious about how Molly would manage in this world that she only just discovered. Romance is predominant as expected with paranormal romances, but I must admit that I was curious to see how things would turn out with Josiah and his revenge plans.

Molly stared at the strange pair of underwear - a size smaller than hers. What kind of woman payea round with a married man in his own bed and than left her pantis around? What kind of husband did that to his wife. Her husband Austin apparently. Molly grabbed her purse and car keys and walked out of the house. She got in her escalade. She couldn't get a deep enough breath into her cramped lungs. She didn’t want to talk to Austin ever again. This wasn’t the first or even second time he had cheated on her after twenty years of marriage Everything in Molly’s life had been about Austin;s career. Molly had met Austin in college and after graduation they had moved to Atlanta where Astin’s father had a small law firm. Than the firm had been bought out and Austin was made partner. Than Molly went back to the house and and the party had started she walked past the guests and out the purple panties in Austin;s martini glass. And said he had broke her heart the first time he had cheated on her when she had only been twenty one and he was twenty two and they had been together a year. But he was sorry and her mother was so insistent she stay with Austin and work things out. Than Molly looked at the vase Austin had bought her on their honeymoon in Japan and it slammed into the wall and shattered and the stand toppled over. Than Molly thought” did I do that?” Russell than said it was time to leave and mOlly said no she would leave on her way out she went in Austin’s office and took everything on the floor safe. She also took the household checkbook. She would go to the bank in the morning and transfer their liquid assets into her own account . Than she left , as she hit the intestate she was almost forty and she was just being born. Josiah was the new District Attorney. He didn’t head to his apartment in downtown Atlanta but he drove out to the country and went down a country lane that dead ended into his property . Josiah had woven subtle magical spells around the perimeter of his property. Than he checked his house and went into his basement that had more protection and obscuring spells layered over the floors, walls,and ceilings and anchored into place by scones of magic sensitive silver. He owned other properties all in other names that had gone under similar adaptations. Josiah called someone and told him to start a file on Molly Sullivan. He wanted to know where he goes and what she does next. He murmured Molly was a complication and he had to figure out what to do with her. Molly went to a hotel and thought it felt good to be someplace Austin couldn’t find her. She wondered why the man - Josiah- looked at her with a knowing expression. Molly dreamed of a woman with gray hair and she asked Molly when she was coming to see her. Molly said she didn’t know and she didn’t know who this woman was. Or what she was doing there. The woman told Molly not to fret about that it would be clear in time. Than the woman said she thought the spell was ready now and blew a cloud of spice and energy at molly and said’ find me!” Molly didn’t want to have lunch with Julia but she had been her best friend for the last five years. Molly didn’t feel right not talking to her. Molly said she was divorcing Austin . Julia wanted Molly to stay with her but Philip was Austin’s partner and Julia’s husband. Molly said she may leave Atlanta. Molly stopped at the hotel bar and seen Josiah there. He did a privacy spell. He told Molly she was an awakening witch . Josiah told her she had inexplicable occurrences - things like car breakdowns and power outages. She may be having strange dreams or seeing visions of things that can’t possible exist. Josiah pinched the bridge of his nose. Molly was turning out to be a surprise after surprise all of it entirely unwelcoming. He said she has an incredibly rare power and she was just coming in it. Molly said she didn’t understand what was happening to herand how to control it. Josiah told her the only way she can hope to control her power is through training. He said practice technique, it will help her gain control over her power. Josiah said he could teach her He added with his training and guidance there’s no limit to what she can do. Josiah got a text from Anson He texted back he had talked to hre but they might be facing trouble Josiah knew they weren’t ready for trouble. Molly wanted to see Austin hurt like he’d hurt her over the years and stay young and be rich. But she didn’t trust herself right now. She was a revengeful type of person. Josiah felt desire which he hadn’t in a very long time. Josiah was two hundred years old but he had been married a very long time ago to a treacherous woman After getting the divorce papers. Austin attacked Molly when she she got on her back where she was facing Austin she used her powers to fight him. She knew she had at the very least she had a couple of broken ribs. After she had hit him with her powers a second time she knocked Austin out maybe killed him she called Josiah for help he told her to get away from the house. She gave him the address to her apartment and told him she would meet him there. Josiah took her to his safe house in the country . he told Molly she had to leave Atlanta. Josiah was getting her a new identity- a new name, license,and car and was giving her cas so she could leave. They had sex before she left and the condom broke but Molly said she was on the pill but had forgotten she had missed the day Austin attacked her. Than Molly got a pregnancy test and she was in fact pregnant. Molly had another dream of the elderly lady was waiting for Molly to come to her but it was Molly choice. She than left Atlanta but when Joniah met up with her to give her more money for a new beginning she told him she was pregnant. Molly set out to find the elderly woman who had again visited in her dreams and told her there would be signs for Molly to find follow and find her.
I really enjoyed this book. It caught my attention right from the beginning and held it to the end. I loved the ending. I loved Josiah and Molly together and how they interacted. I loved seeing Josiah change and grow as he got close to Molly and than fell in love with her. I loved how Molly loved Josiah but refused for her and the baby to live the lifestyle he was currently living. I loved the danger, drama, action, and mystery in this book. I loved the relationship between Sarah and Molly also between Sarah and her coven and how they accepted molly and Josiah and his coven. I also loved how they sent Molly power when she needed it and some of Sarah’s coven came to Atlanta to help Molly fight even though it was dangerous. I loved the pace and the plot. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend it.

❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
This book was thoroughly engrossing and really made it hit home exactly how long it’s been since I read a PNR and how much I’ve missed it! As one of my favourite genres I normally read at least 2 a month but I just checked and it’s been 2 months since I read one 😱.
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Our heroine is nearing forty and one night her world changes forever- she discovers her husband has cheated again and decides to leave him and as her rage explodes she discovers she is a witch. Our hero is a witch with a vendetta but also the one who sees our heroine through the beginning of her coming into her powers.
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This book is a book of discovery of not only her powers but her self as well. The heroine learns to step into her own and this book is the first in a new trilogy as much as I dislike series with one couple I can’t wait to see where it goes next. It is action packed with intrigue and suspense as well as all the sexy moments too. It’s set in TH’s world of the Elder Races however can be read as a stand-alone.

American Witch is the first in a new trilogy. It is a spin off of the Elder Races series, but you don’t have to read that series to appreciate this new one. I had read only two of the many-book series and did not feel like I missed anything.

This new book kicks off the series with a blast of magical storytelling, sure to spell you into reading late into the night. Despite the fact that I did not like the hero, I loved the story and plan to read the next book in the series.

Like I said, I did not like the hero. Josiah was too power hungry and this is one of the first things he proves to Molly. Despite that flaw, Josiah and Molly are drawn to each other. But as if to prove my point, early in the story, Josiah’s thoughts of Molly prove he is not necessarily a good person:

"As he already knew, quite well g______, there was no room for nice people in this life."

But, like I said, they are drawn to each other and Josiah can help Molly with her newly emerging witchly Power. She really needs the guidance. This results in a complicated, tumultuous relationship. Molly and Josiah are two very determined people who have no business being together while Josiah is on his mission. But they can’t stay away from each other.

Molly’s knows they need to stay away from each other. Her thoughts:

"Because we know this dance, don’t we my friend? We’ve been here before in this private place.
You push harder, and I give in. You fall into you animal while I rise up to meet you.
And we might break our hearts, but we’ll say it will have been worth it.
To bathe in this fire one more time.
Just to spark the fire.
One more time."

By the way, in case you can’t tell from Molly’s thoughts, there is quite a bit of ardor in this book. Lovemaking. Sex. Well-written and only detracting if the scene got too long (the first sex scene). ‘Cause I wanted to get back to the main story.

I love the story, the complex characters, the motion, the heart and magic. But I especially loved the writing (see Molly’s thoughts above) in this book. If you are going to write a spinoff, do it the way Ms. Harrison has. Different enough from the original series, with intense characters, and a plot to carry the series. I wonder how long I will have to wait for book 2…..

Oh yeah, now I want to move to a particular little village in the Bay Area.

Through Netgalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Molly Sullivan has the perfect life: a handsome, powerful husband; a fat bank account; and a wide circle of friends. Or, at least, she tells herself that she has the perfect life. But then her husband cheats on her -- again -- and she has a very public meltdown. And that is when her Power manifests. It turns out that Molly isn't just a witch -- she is an incredibly powerful witch with ties to the moon and the ocean. On top of that, it turns out that her husband has been involved in some very illegal activities and there is a powerful, malevolent witch who now has his eye on Molly. If she is to survive and learn to use her Power, she will need to learn to trust a new unexpected ally ....

I love Harrison's Elder Races series, in which humans, witches, griffins, fae, and assorted other creatures live side by side (mostly in harmony). American Witch is technically part of the larger Elder Race universe, but it can be read as a stand-alone.

Molly is awesome. Nearing forty, she is a woman finally coming into her own. Once she leaves her stifling marriage, it is not only magic that she discovers, but herself. Josiah Mason is a good foil for her: ambitious, focused, and dangerous -- but also honorable and passionate. Josiah has been obsessed with tracking down a malevolent witch for nearly a century; but, just when he is zeroing in on his prey, Molly comes into his life, and she is everything he never realized that he needed.

The supporting characters are just as interesting and well-rounded. Sarah, the old witch who becomes a second mother to Molly, and her many times great-nephew, Sam. Anson, Josiah's right-hand man, steady and grounding. Maria the seeress. Even Austin Sullivan, Molly's despicable (ex)husband; he's awful and gets exactly what he deserves, but he's still interesting.

The magic in American Witch is deeply elemental. More than once, Molly casts a spell which draws on earth, air, fire, and water. Her strongest connections are to the ocean and the Moon; using those elements and her own well of Power creates incredibly powerful castings (including a very neat silver energy whip). But, while some of Molly's magic is offensive, she is primarily a healer; denied children and close friends for years, she is now able to express the deep core of compassion and love that lives inside her.

American Witch is a romantic, magical adventure. More importantly, it is a coming-of-age, coming-into-herself story that many woman with recognize. Highly recommended to fans of Harrison's other books, as well as Ilona Andrews, Rebecca Chastain, Helen Harper, Lynn Kurland, and Annette Marie.

There is an evil force. His last name ends in ...putin.

Molly Shannon is a good wife to her attorney husband, until she discovers strange panties in her bedroom. She drops them in his martini glass (way to go Molly) and then takes everything out of his safe before she heads out the door. Molly also discovers that she is having trouble controlling the special powers that are causing objects to fly, cars to stop and fuses to blow.

Josiah is masquerading as the new DA in town. He is a witch on a mission to eradicate the evil force. Josiah helps Molly survive her powers and escape the bad guys (who want what was in the safe when she left home). He also becomes her baby daddy.

In the course of this book, Molly gets a divorce, dumps family and friends who do not have her best interest at heart and creates a new family in California.

American Witch by Thea Harrison was my second attempt at delving into the world of others that this author has built. I admit that I was hooked from the beginning with how our main characters are introduced to the audience in a very dramatic fashion. I devoured every word and could hardly put the book down as Molly takes us on an adventure of self-discovery and growth while she confronts her new life as a witch. Josiah yearning for revenge lends singular focus to the pages at first but it was pleasant to see him learn that there may be more to life than the vengeance he has sought for years.

Unfortunately, about halfway through the book I found my interest waning and had difficulty connecting with the characters. However, this book picked up speed again at the very end with a big finish and I find myself curious about the journey of some side characters from this novel.

I would recommend this book to readers who prefer primarily romance with a little bit of magic rather than the other way around.

This new book by this Author is set in the world in the world of the Elder Races but is not about them but about the humans who live in their shadows and 'magic' .

Molly Sullivan's life has gone into meltdown - discovering her husband has cheated on her and is perhaps involved in illegal practices is the least of her problems ………………… just what are these new 'powers' that she is developing ?
Josiah Mason …., handsome , powerful witch and sexy new DA he has his sights set on Molly's new power .
He lives only to gain as much power as he and his compatriots need to bring down the witch responsible for all the horrors in their lives .
Molly's life soon descends into one of horror - who can she trust , who wants to use her growing power .
It takes an attack on Molly by her husband to show her that Josiah has another side to his character .

Despite their initial distrust of each other their attraction grows ……………… it is only by trusting and loving each other that they can overcome the odds in the battle to come .

This is the first book in this series which shines the light on those that live outside the direct influence of the Elder Races and I can't wait for the next .

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Prepare for all kinds of magic, action and a side of romance! Bestselling author Thea Harrison introduces readers to her new paranormal world of powerful witches.  A spin-off of her popular Elder Races series, Book 1 in the American Witch Trilogy centers around broody witch Josiah and burgeoning witch Molly.

Discovering her husband has cheated on her, Molly Sullivan’s life nosedives.  Coupled with the awakening of unknown powers, she’s struggling to keep up with the drastic changes in her life.  But she quickly starts to suspect her soon to be ex-husband is involved in something illicit.  Molly suddenly finds herself embroiled in a plot for revenge, grab for power and a sexy as sin Josiah Mason.  Josiah is a distraction Molly can’t afford; however, she’ll soon find that there’s more to the self-centered man who calls himself a witch.

Consumed with hate, Josiah is obsessed with getting revenge on a witch who has brought nothing but suffering.  Molly is an unwelcome unknown and linked to his investigation. He doesn’t want to be drawn to Molly but can’t seem to help his fascination.

Against their better judgement they can’t resist each other. When Molly’s faced with the biggest shock of her life, she’s determined to get her powers under control and start the new life she deserves.

Not surprising given this is the first book, it’s heavy on plot development and introduction of secondary characters. I appreciated how well the foundation of the trilogy was laid. However, while the plot was well-defined the emotional element was weak. Given this is also a romance, I was expecting more spark and passion between the MCs. Molly and Josiah as individual characters were somewhat uneven and their romance took a back seat to the plot. This author is skilled at creating meaningful relationships. So, while a bit disappointed, I’m anticipating much more in the next book.

This was an entertaining read. The best part was the first scene in the book, at least for me.
It's a more slow-burning romance until about 50% into the book.
I found it strange that after the assault on Molly she let herself be pulled by her hair and let Josiah man-handle her quite a bit in the bedroom.
She's like "nobody will ever treat me this way again", but she falls again for a power-hungry, ambitious guy.

Can we also talk about the insta-pregnancy? They had sex once and boom, she knew that she was pregnant immediately. Is that a witchy thing? This wasn't really explained.

I laughed out loud when Josiah "destroyed" the SIM card with his heel. I couldn't really picture him putting his heel down and managing to damage a micro SIM.
I can only recommend this book if you're willing to overlook a few things that don't necessarily make a lot if sense and if you're looking for a more mature, witchy urban fantasy series.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an eArc.

This was a great start to a new series. It wasn't what I was expecting, but it sucked me right in. It did have one small portion of the book that felt a little slow. It's one of those things that I think was needed to help set up background.

I felt this was a unique take on witches. I'll let you experience their secrets but I will say that the witches can live a longer life. So our couple Molly and Josiah, are an older couple.

Josiah is a hard man full of the need for revenge. That does get in his way a bit in this book. Molly is coming off a really bad marriage and had every right to be bitter but she wasn't and I loved that. I really liked her outlook on life and she was just what Josiah needed.

I do feel like we got closure with Josiah and Molly but their isn't full closure in the book. I won't spoil but I'll just say that there is not a huge cliffhanger either. Readers who like standalone books will be satisfied.

I didn't feel like there were any hints to who would be our next couple in the series. I kind of like that we are left guessing as to what direction the author will take this in. I'll be ready to read whoever she decides is next!

Power can change a person…
Revenge can shape a person…
Danger can bring them together…

Molly Sullivan finds out her husband is having an affair on her and that triggers her powers and she discovers she's a witch. Josiah Mason has been hunting someone from his past and has been driven by revenge for years. When Mol.ly's power trigger shes leaking magic everywhere and this could ruin all of Josiah's plans. He decides to help her and himself at the same time by teaching her how to control her powers.

Molly and Josiah have amazing chemistry and although neither of them is looking for love and that connection is an inconvenience for both of them they can't control their connection.

This is a great story. I really enjoyed Molly finding herself and her strength through all that is thrown at her and her relationship with Josiah.

Thea Harrison says this is her most human book. But thinking about her other books she brings of the humanity in fantastical creatures.

While I felt this book ran a little long, I enjoyed it. This is the first book that goes into the witch realm and I like learning more about them.

Molly comes into her powers at a time when she needs to find her own power to leave behind those who devalue her, find her calling and make a new start. Josiah is on a mission and Molly could interfere. But he is drawn to her and now he has to decide what is more important.

Together they are a mighty force for future battles, I can’t wait to read more.

I just reviewed American Witch by Thea Harrison. #AmericanWitch #NetGalley [NetGalley URL]

American Witch
by Thea Harrison
I really enjoyed this book from the very beginning. Molly is a wonderful mature female lead who discovers that her husband of twenty years has been cheating on her, again. The scene at the dinner party was hilarious; I was cheering Molly on the whole time! In addition to discovering her witchy powers, she meets Josiah who begins to help her and becomes her lover. Molly grows throughout this novel and so does Josiah. Great read.

Molly Sullivan has devoted her entire adult life to her husband and his career, but his latest affair is more than she can take. Leaving him will finally allow her to explore the magical powers she seems to be developing. For months, she’s been seeing electrical problems and other strange occurrences when she gets emotional. But when she takes a safe-full of her husband’s financial documents on her way out the door, she becomes the target of his unscrupulous employers.

Josiah Mason witnessed Molly’s fight with her husband and recognized the blast of magic that accompanied it. As Atlanta’s new District Attorney and a powerful coven leader, he’s in a unique position to help her with both of her problems. But even though he’s intrigued by Molly, Josiah’s on a quest for vengeance and won’t be distracted. In fact, he’s so single-minded in his obsession that at first I thought he was the villain.

Molly and Josiah’s relationship is a tumultuous one, with both of them determined to put their own needs first. But they both grow so much over the course of the story, Molly in terms of magic and self-reliance and Josiah in learning to let people in. He becomes much more likable by the end of the book.

American Witch is set in the world of Harrison’s Elder Races series, but doesn’t mention specific characters or events in that series. You could easily pick it up without having read the earlier books. (I’ve only read the first two books of the original series myself.) It also has a much more personal and relatable feel. As someone who got divorced in her 30’s, parts of Molly’s story hit pretty close to home, which made it even more rewarding to watch her find her strength.

It’s also the first in a trilogy, so I’m excited to see which of the many interesting supporting characters will take the lead next. The Big Bad is also a familiar figure that I’ve seen reimagined as a paranormal character before, and I’m intrigued by Harrison’s version. The stage is set for a big showdown later in the series so I look forward to finding out what happens next.

I volunteered to give my honest opinion in exchange for a free copy of the book pre-publication. Molly has been married for 20 years. She discovers that her husband has been cheating on her in her own home. They get into a huge fight, and she leaves taking all of the contents of their safe. She discovers by accident that she is a witch, and that she doesn't know how to control her powers. She meets another witch, and they have great chemistry. The male witch Josiah is trying to track someone down, but he doesn't want to involve Molly, because it could be dangerous. They separate, but their attraction is strong. They may have to combine their powers to stay safe. There's a lot of action in this book, it was exciting to discover how it all ends.