Way back when, the Briar Coven was founded by a group of witches who were the last remaining members of covens decimated by the European witch hunts. Unfortunately, they arrived in the new world in the late 1600’s, not ideal. In order to blend in and avoid accusations, the coven invoked Hecate and asked the goddess for, of all things, husbands since groups single women were considered suspicious. Hecate granted their wish, and from that time each witch in the Briar Coven has been mated to an incubus/succubus. Every Samhain they are given the chance to summon their mate, which our fierce FMC Lex has absolutely no intention of doing.
Forced home after she hexes a mortal (who fully deserves it), Lex is sequestered away in a sentient cabin to await her trial. The house has plans of its own though, including tricking Lex into summoning her mate, Lochran, and acting as the wingman she didn’t ask for once he’s there. Lochran, conversely, has been waiting for his mate to summon him for nine years and is losing hope that she ever will when it suddenly happens.
Lex is less than thrilled to be confronted with a hot incubus who worships the ground she walks on (insane, right?), but nonetheless their chemistry is undeniable, and their banter is genuinely funny. Lochran is the definition of cinnamon roll, his willingness to let Lex set the pace of their relationship and his ride or die attitude are endearing. Lex is more reserved, definitely the black cat to Lochran’s golden retriever, but funny as hell. She has a great (and realistic) dynamic with her younger brother plus her parents and grandparents are supportive af. Her best friend, Billy, is a werewolf and though we don’t see a lot of her I’m fairly certain that we’ll get to know her a lot better soon.
This book was a delight to read, I loved seeing the relationship between Lex and Lochran develop from both perspectives. It’s a relatively quick read; I blew through it in one sitting. Cozy and spicy is a combination I didn’t realise I needed in my paranormal romance, but this book delivered. It’s hard to choose a favourite character, but I’d have to say that the House won in the end, especially after the scene where it locked Lochran out of his closet so he had to walk around shirtless. Accidentally Summoned an Incubus is one of my favourite books this year, I’m excited to begin reading the second Briar Coven book.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.