The False Witch

by J.A. Keeton

A witch living a lie. An orc who’s never known love. A succubus seeking vengeance.
Fated mates forged in darkness.

Gretta, the mistake.
As a member of the world’s most powerful witch family, Gretta must maintain the Finshield reputation at all costs. There is just one problem: she doesn’t actually have magic. After spending her life lying to millions on stage, the 24-year-old leaves behind everything as she travels thousands of miles away from home. As she finally finds safety with a hotter-than-hell orc, she’s suddenly kidnapped. Surprised when both the orc and a mysterious succubus come to her rescue, Gretta quickly realized she doesn’t have just one fated mate…but two.

Novis, the outcast.
Born with strange wings and scaled arms, Novis spent his childhood being tormented by his clan. Exiled at ten, he sought refuge on The Glen’s outskirts, spending two decades establishing his life as a recluse. What he thought would be another evening of solitude changed when a mysterious woman appeared on his doorstep—the same one who’s plagued his dreams for years.

Ki, the reject.
Ever since Ki could remember, she hated being a succubus. Forced to work in a brothel at a young age, she did whatever she needed to escape—even if that meant killing every person there. After that day, Ki vowed to never touch another person again, especially a man. It’s been sixteen years since she escaped, and now the prettiest redhead she’s ever seen threatened to break that vow.

When the most powerful dragon syndicate in the country sets their sights on Gretta, her mates will do whatever it takes to protect her— even if that means sacrificing everything to save her.

This book is an FFM, bi-sexual, polyam monster romance intended for adult readers only.
(See author's website for reader's discretion list.)

Genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Monsters, Magic

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2025

About the author

Monsters, magic, and mating, oh my!

J. A. Keeton is a monster romance author who revels in all things dark, twisted, and deliciously monstrous. From brooding demon princes to hopelessly devoted orcs, her stories are packed with tropes like enemies to lovers, fated mates, and the ever loveable alpha-holes.

Though her stories have dark elements, J. A. Keeton always guarantees two things: a thorough list of trigger warnings and a hard earned happily ever after.

Her works include: The Spellbroken King, The False Witch, and Tentacles & Trust Issues.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

An interesting premise, a witch Greta with no powers, from the most powerful family in the land. Getting bonded ( arranged marriage) to an older man to save face. Somehow managing to escape this fate, ends up in an unlikely place. Greta's journey is one of both self-discovery, not only for her but for those companions she meets along the way. Ki a succubus with her touch issues and Novis a halfling with family issues. Each learning to trust each other whilst coming to terms with being a fated mate to Greta. Throw in some unruly orcs, dragons, a crime syndicate and a kidnapping. This book has a lot of moving parts, but does tie up well.

[Wilough · Rating 4 out of 5]

The False Witch delivers a captivating tale of self-discovery, love, and resilience, all set within a richly crafted world of magic, danger, and unexpected connections. At its core, the story follows three beautifully complex characters—a witch without magic, an outcast orc, and a succubus haunted by her past—whose paths intertwine in ways that are both tender and electrifying.

The relationships at the heart of this book are as compelling as its action-packed plot. Gretta, Novis, and Ki navigate their fates with vulnerability and strength, forming bonds that feel raw and genuine. Each character brings their own struggles, making their growth throughout the story deeply rewarding to witness. From the atmospheric setting to the emotional stakes, The False Witch strikes a balance between romance, tension, and adventure, keeping you invested from start to finish.

This is a beautifully crafted, emotionally charged monster romance that pulls you into its world and doesn’t let go—a story about love, acceptance, and finding strength in the darkest of places.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gretta, the female human lead, is the daughter of a prominent witch family, though she has no powers of her own. Being manipulated and beaten all her life, she’s now an adult and, when her family tell her she’s to marry the male of their choice, she finally rebels. Finding leverage on her mother, she forces her to teleport her far away and ends up on a snowy mountain.

Novis, the male orc lead, is different from normal orcs and his mother told their clan that he must be cursed. Tormented by the clan until they could exile him, he has spent two decades surviving on his own. When Gretta arrives at his door, he doesn’t trust her motives, though the pull he feels toward her tells him she’s his fated mate.

After being stolen from Novis’ home, Gretta wakes to find herself in a slave auction. Ki, the succubus lead, has spent years tracing the leaders of the organised crime group that kept her a slave as a child and resulted in her forced into a brothel. Finally about to kill the leader, she’s shocked to find her attention held by the female in a cage, her fated mate.

Now they need to all escape, then find out who is actually the leader of the crime group, dispatch them, and keep Gretta safe from her family…all whilst the fated mate bond pulls at them.

This story is dual POV, well written though my ARC was in desperate need of an editor, and a fast-paced, fated mates, fantasy ménage romance. I enjoyed Gretta’s resilience and determination to have a life of her choosing. I enjoyed that her fated mates’ less standard attributes didn’t phase her at all. I enjoyed Novis’ compassion and emotional gentleness with both Gretta and Ki, especially when Ki was being abrasive. I enjoyed Ki’s vivacious personality and targeted focus on non-mate goals. I enjoyed the non-romance plot, and the way resolution was achieved for all three leads. I enjoyed the integrated and supportive secondary characters. I enjoyed the build up to intimate scenes. I enjoyed the happy ending for all lead characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cyd Adger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! There was so much love in this book. You're introduced to a sheltered Gretta, an abandoned Novis, and a vindictive Ki. They all have experienced a trauma-filled life so far and fell as if they have been wronged since day one. Thankfully this isn't a story of every terrible thing that has happened to then, but of a blooming love story. A story of freedom, belonging and redemption. There are some sad moments, that will have you devastated and ready to take on the world for your favorite character. But thankfully, you also get to experience all the joy, laughter, spiciness that flares throughout the book. You will fall in love with all the characters (the lovable ones at least) and find yourself binge reading the entire books as fast as possible to see how it all ends. I highly recommend this if you enjoy the following: non human romance, thruples, steamy scenes, second-chances, and a HEA. Please check for triggers too.

[TDubsReadsStuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.A. Keeton’s second novel, The False Witch is a cut above the rest. If you enjoyed The Spellbroken King, you are going to adore this standalone sequel set in the same world.

The main characters Greta, Ki, and Novis embark on a journey of self discovery and finding out what freedom truly means. The plot is engaging, the big-bads are complex and compelling, the side characters are lovable and supportive, and the spice is spicing!

This urban romantasy celebrates individuality with they/them, bi-sexual, and polyamorous representation and it has some of your favorite tropes such as fated mates and “touch her and die”.

Although it has a cozy fall vibe, The False Witch does explore some dark themes including kidnapping and SA, so please check your trigger warnings.

I am absolutely obsessed with anything this author puts out, and I am already holding my breath for book three!

[Spotted Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your New Favorite FFM

I'm a sucker for FFM but especially monster/ paranormal. Seriously it's the best of both worlds and Keeton delivers a top shelf story. From the deeply moving family trauma representation to the deliciously spicy scenes between all three MCS, I was hooked.
Every single page had me invested and time flew as I read.
Ki is the badass book girlfriend you've been pining after and Novis gives us the sweet and protective qualities we love in an MMC.
RUN and get this book so you can get lost in the magic and emotion and love that Keeton put into this story. You won't regret it.
I'll be auto buying everything Keeton writes from now on.

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

This self building monster romance is very good. Greta is the main character for me. Her trials and tribulations she endured from her family was very trigger induced for those who have that kind of issues. So escaping is the best way to lead in this adventure. While getting in unwanted trouble she finds her not one but two fated mates! From there the adventure is almost non stop. It was fast paced, full of danger and fate bond between three people. Monster romance. Great background and is in the present time. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick paced read, delivering the perfect amount of adventure, intrigue and spice. Greta has lived a very sheltered life as a witch without powers in one of the most powerful magical families. A twist of fate allows her to escape her family, and what she discovers on the outside is much more than she bargained for. From discovering things about herself, and finding not one, but two fated mates, Greta does a lot of growing quickly. Seeing the characters and relationships grow throughout this book made it extra worth the read. I can't wait to see what else J A Keeton writes after this.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this, I was invested in what was happening from the cover and description. It had that overall feel that I was wanting and enjoyed about the genre. It uses the monster romance perfectly and thought the why choose concept worked overall. J. A. Keeton has a great way of telling the story and was glad I got to read this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelby Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! I loved all the characters! Gretta, Ki, and Novis! I love the way Keeton spun the stories of all three of the characters together! The healing each of the characters had to do was perfect! The plot twists always kept you guessing!

The spice was spicy! 🥵🥵🥵

First time reading this type of monster romance book and absolutely loved it!

Highly recommend it!

[Nat mijat · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the more touching books I’ve read this year.

-breaking off from toxic family
-working through own personal trauma,
-finding love,

Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alyssa Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! You see an unusual love story interwoven with a story of growth, healing, found family, and revenge.
The characters experience true growth for themselves and together while developing a connection together in an unexpected throuple.

[Doris Scales · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was quite entertaining frustrating the way her mom treats her and her grandpa and the whole family i’m glad Greta found a couple people to love her for who she is.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teddi Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not stop reading this book. It was fast paced, full of danger and fate bond between three people. Monster romance. Great backstory for each character and a great story that unravels in the present time.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read, I enjoyed the dynamic between Novis, Gretta, and Ki. The relationship was complex and relatable. And I'm so happy they all got their happily ever afters after all the trauma they have been though. Please mind the trigger warnings.

[Heather Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The description says "for adult readers only," but the writing style is juvenile. It seems more like it is written for 15-21 maybe. I did not finish it because it was bland and would be better suited for young adults. I cannot speak on the adult part of the book because I did not get that far.

[Ink Diver · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a monster romance with not one but two fated mates who are perfectly imperfect - look no further!

I loved the dynamic between the three main characters and of their respect and consideration for one another.

Most important of all is the plot - its engaging enough to maintain the momentum of the building relationship and chemistry between the characters without stealing the spotlight.

The author has cleverly weaved all the strands of the story together to successfully execute a well rounded ending, leaving no stone unturned.

While the story features some orcwoodness- it leaves you feeling anything but uncomfortable.

[Fey Flowers (enbytweenthepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gretta, Ki and Novis are all lovely characters - they deserve all the happiness.