Sorry but I couldn't get into the book at all. I tried though, I'm so sorry for my ADD brain.

Review: An American Witch in Paris by Michele Hauf

I have read a lot of books by Michele Hauf, (32 books, counting this one, according to Goodreads) and I've liked them all, loved many of them, but this one, this may be my favorite. It's possible that I say that after every new book by this author, but only because it's true. This book has everything I always love about her books - great characters, interesting story line, fascinating magic, beautiful imagery and sexy, steamy romance - and then taken up to the next level. Tuesday may be my favorite out of all the wonderful characters in Hauf's Beautiful Creatures world. And have I mentioned, this story is so, so sexy? Reminded me a bit of Hauf's Paris Secrets erotica series that she writes under the name Michele Renae.

The women Hauf creates are always strong and independent, that is a big part of why I enjoy her books. These women can take care of themselves, and they're powerful - literally - but they're able to fall in love, absolutely and completely, while still holding onto their power and that's something that I find very appealing in a romance novel. In this particular book though, I feel like Hauf went a step further, giving us this character of Tuesday, a centuries old witch who has devoted much of her life to helping other women, because as history has shown us, that's what witches did. There's a line in the book that says, "Feminism was her right" and when I read that, I knew immediately that Tuesday was going to be one of my favorite characters. While a lot of romance authors write characters who are clearly feminist in their actions, I feel too often they're afraid to use the word. Not the case with Tuesday.

Another aspect of this story that I really loved was the dynamics of Tuesday and Ethan's sexual relationship. There is something so very sexy about Ethan asking, "May I?" Yes, explicit consent is sexy! There's something very mature and respectful about their relationship. They both know exactly what they're doing. Both of these characters have been around for a long time, they've seen a lot over the centuries and they're a bit jaded about the idea of love, but wonderfully philosophical about sex. "It's about finding yourself in someone else, yet not getting lost there." That quote was one of my favorites, but I highlighted so many lines in this book. The talk of "worlds." Another favorite, "I'll share myself with you, lover. But let's never take ownership."

And the visuals Hauf creates. Her descriptions always make me want to get out my sketchbook and attempt to draw what she'd described. Sometimes it's amazing fairy wings, but in this book, it was Ethan at the window of his Paris apartment, drinking Scotch. I could see that so clearly and it was beautiful.

Besides the romance, there's also a rather tense story line about stolen codes that could bring about the end of the world, and trying to find the demon who took those codes - which is the entire reason Tuesday and Ethan are together. Then there's the appearance of an former spouse and a deadly curse. Pretty much everything you need for a great book.

This book felt very relevant and important in the current landscape. This is the story of a vampire and a witch trying to prevent a demon from destroying the world, but it's also about two very powerful people, who realize they have to look beyond the horrors they've experienced in the world to save each other - because somewhere along the way, they've become a part of each other's world.

I highly recommend this book. If you like hot, sexy vampire/witch stories, you want this book.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.

Tired of his desk job, Ethan Pierce decides it’s time for a more exciting occupation. This straitlaced vampire may be ready for demons and blood magic, but nothing can prepare him for Tuesday Knightsbridge. She’s brash, she’s bold and she’s the sexiest woman he’s ever met. She also happens to be a witch…and the key to saving the world.

Be prepared for alot of sex scenes and swearing.

I have read a lot of books by Michele Hauf, and I've liked them all, loved many of them, but this one, this may be one of my favorites. This book has everything I always love about her books, awesome characters, easy flowing plot,and steamy romance. If you like hot, sexy vampire/witch stories, you want this book.

Reviewed by Rose of the GothicMoms Review Team

Tuesday Knightbridge is a witch who wakes up in a cage and she’s a tad cranky. She’s been kidnapped by Ethan Pierce, director of Acquisitions, to help capture the demon Gazariel, who is in possession of a code that can bring about the End of Days. You know, that old chestnut. Anyhoo, Ethan must get the Code back and Tuesday’s connection to the demon is his only lead. They form an uneasy alliance, but as things go on, yep, you guessed it, adventure and romance happen.

The Good, The Bad, and Everything In Between

The Good
This is my first Hauf book, and I enjoyed the ‘verse, and while there’s alot of worldbuilding, it kept my interest and made me want to check out some of her earlier books that clearly take place in the same ‘verse. The search for the Code brought several different characters into play and I enjoyed the times when Tuesday got to be her witchy self.


The Bad
I love a good sensual love story, and I love seeing that incorporated into a romance. Here, there is plenty of sex, but I had a hard time buying into the actual love. While the story takes some time to get going, I didn’t have a problem believing these two immortals were attracted to each other. However, the love lacked a spark, felt clinical and underdeveloped, and really only came into play when it was absolutely required. Without being spoilerish, there’s also a minor moment at the very end that irked me because it wasn’t really necessary except to prolong the finale.

Everything in Between
If there was one thing that could have taken the story to another level, it would have been to establish Tuesday and her curse earlier in the story and allow the reader to bond with her first. Since I was a newbie to this, I had no knowledge of Ethan, and that hindered my enjoyment/understanding of him, though it probably would be different if I’d read any of the earlier books. I felt as if I’d jumped in late in the game and didn’t know the game, or all the players for that matter.


The Bottom Line
I would say I liked it, though I enjoyed the search for the hunt for the Code portion of the story more than the romance. But if you’ve read the earlier books, and/or are into witches and urban fantasies/paranormals, you may enjoy this more than I did.

**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**

Tired of his day job, Ethan decides it's time for a more interesting occupation. This vampire may be ready for demons and blood magic but nothing could prepare him for Tuesday Knightsbridge. She's bold and the hottest woman he's ever met. She also happens to be a witch and the key to saving the world.

Be prepared for alot of sex scenes and swearing. ***

I don't really read romances for the sex scenes. I prefer the falling in love part of the story. Throw in the paranormal and it's perfect. So this one was a bit out there for me and what I usually read. The characters were awesome. I also really liked the authors writing style.

This was an interesting book. The writing style and character speech was a little strange. Making statements and then ending them with "yeah?" is a very weird way for someone to talk. Otherwise the plot was good. I will probably pick up this author's backlist.

I am new to this author so I have no canon background. This was a fun, plot-transparent read about a vampire Ethan and a witch Tuesday. There is a lot of explicit sex and foul language. More annoying was the clunky use of idiom and slang that really didn’t fit the narrative. I overall liked the characters quite a bit, especially Tuesday. I found the author’s style awkward and rough. I’d think twice before reading this author again but the characters could win me back.

First, this should of been a five star. In my opinion, I downgraded for two elements. One is the absolute amount of profanity from the witch , with some elements that did not make sense, and the other is the sex.
Having said that let me say this.
BUY THE BOOK! If you like paranormal romances it is definitely one to read. I skipped through the sex pages as it was not as impressive as the plot the characters and the way the story unfolded. I absolutely loved the way the author came up with such a wonderful plot line. I like the way she unfolded it adding characters without any problem and still making an absolutely wonderful story for those that are reading. A truly talented and gifted writer that had me captivated inside her story line. Buy the book and do not forget to get the first one ! This was a great read for those that like paranormal romances. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom