Who has time for crazy ex-girlfriends and witches from new worlds when you’re trying to build an empire?
Shontae Carter has built her fitness sanctuary from the ground up, armed with protein bars, sass, and zero tolerance for diet culture nonsense. She’s not just helping women lift weights, she’s helping them lift each other up. And with a big TV spot to drum up new business, everything is right on track… until a mysterious (and absurdly gorgeous) new client named Likosa walks through the door with killer cheekbones and an energy that crackles…literally.
Likosa isn’t your typical gym-goer. She's a witch from a shadowy realm known as The Bane. Her plan? Cozy up to Shontae, tap into the strange power hidden in her aura, and use it to break open a portal home. But nothing in her ancient practices prepared her for protein smoothies, cardio class, or the devastatingly cute way Shontae blushes when Likosa flirts with her.
As the two women team up for "personal training" (emphasis on personal), sparks fly, spells misfire, and hearts get caught in the crossfire. With demons from The Bane tracking Likosa’s every move, and Shontae discovering secrets about her own power, they’ll have to fight for their separate homes, or build one together?
Spicy, snarky, and full of heart, I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch is a magical rom-com for anyone who believes strength comes in all sizes. And that love might just be the strongest magic of all.
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, writing has always been a passion for Jessica Cage. She dabbles in artistic creations of all sorts but at the end of the day, it's the pen that her hand itches to hold. Jessica had never considered following her dream to be a writer because she was told far too often "There is no money in writing." So she chose the path most often traveled. During pregnancy she asked herself an important question. How would she be able to inspire her unborn son to follow his dreams and reach for the stars, if she never had the guts to do it herself? Jessica decided to take a risk and unleash the plethora of characters and their crazy adventurous worlds that had previously existed only in her mind, into the realm of readers. She did this with hopes to inspire not only her son but herself. Inviting the world to tag along on her journey to become the writer she has always wanted to be. She hopes to continue writing and bringing her signature Caged Fantasies to readers everywhere.
LIKOSA LIKOSA LIKOSA…. I was waiting on the day I finally got to see someone knock her off her pivot and have her all discombobulated and that’s EXACTLY what Shon did. This was a fun, flirty read as all the others in the series… and even better because it was SAPPHIC lol. I loved the cameos from other characters in the other books from the series. The chemistry and sexual tension was literally oozing from their pores into my ears. From the liner Likosa stepped into Shon’s gym they both were a goner.
I love me some FMCs that are older. Shontae was a late 30s boss babe empath who ran a successful gym and had struck out with love. I liked that her friends gave it to her straight about treating past partners like accessories and that they had her back 100%. Likosa was enigmatic and confident, and Shontae was very much into her, even if she was in a bit of denial about it. They both had to open themselves up in different ways to truly connect. Some of the climax of the book was a bit rushed, but it still had a nice ending.
Spice; 3/5
Triggers: stalking, magical emotion control and manipulation, violence, battle, blood (not a lot), intimacy with side character when MCs aren’t dating, fatphobic comment, separation from child by ex, animal injured by other animal, attempted animal-napping
As a huge fan of I Accidentally Ended Up with a Demon Boyfriend and the entire “I Accidentally” series by Jessica Cage, I went into I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch already expecting a fun paranormal romance, but this book honestly surprised me in the best way.
Compared to the other books in the series, this one felt much more like a slow burn. It was sensual, emotionally intimate, and more reflective than I expected. Normally slow burns don’t pull me in this hard, but I genuinely could not put this book down. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” until suddenly I had flown through huge chunks of it.
One thing I really appreciated was the shift in focus. The love interest felt just as central to the story as the main female character, and I loved getting to explore someone we had already heard about in previous books. It made the world feel even more connected and layered.
Lakosa and Shontae were such compelling characters to me because they didn’t just feel entertaining. They felt emotionally real. This book caused a lot of emotional reflection within me. I found myself relating to both of them in different ways, especially when it came to guardedness, emotional walls, relationships, and the ways we try to protect ourselves while still wanting connection.
I also think this story beautifully explores the idea that it’s okay to have a plan for your life, but it’s also okay for that plan to evolve based on what you learn about yourself along the way. That message really stayed with me after reading.
Jessica Cage has always been witty and funny, and her books are usually lighter reads for me between heavier books, but this one found a really interesting middle ground. It still had her humor, chemistry, and addictive writing style, but it also carried emotional depth that genuinely sat with me.
And honestly, I loved the feminist energy throughout the story. I also really appreciate Jessica Cage’s range as a writer. As a heterosexual woman, I absolutely love the heterosexual romances she’s written in the other “I Accidentally” books, but I also love seeing stories outside of my direct identity where I can still deeply connect with the characters and emotions. To me, that’s a sign of really strong writing.
Overall, I’d give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s emotional, sensual, reflective, funny, and genuinely hard to put down.
This was a great addition to this series. I have loved Likosa since I Accidentally Summoned A Demon Boyfriend, and seeing her finally get a happy ending made me smile. Her and Shontae are a perfect pair, and their chemistry was off the charts. Definitely recommend this book!
I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch was such a fun, chaotic, and genuinely heartwarming paranormal rom-com. From the very beginning, the story balances humor, magic, flirting, and emotional depth in a way that makes it incredibly easy to binge. Shontae was immediately easy to root for. She’s confident, hardworking, funny, and deeply passionate about creating a supportive fitness space for women. I really appreciated how the gym environment focused on empowerment and community instead of toxic fitness culture because it gave the story such a positive, uplifting atmosphere underneath all the magical chaos. Likosa completely balanced Shontae’s energy with her mysterious, flirtatious personality and complete confusion about normal human life. Watching her navigate Earth through gym classes, smoothies, and accidental emotional attachment made for so many genuinely funny moments throughout the book. The chemistry between her and Shontae felt immediate, playful, and natural from the start, but the emotional connection underneath the attraction is what really made the romance work for me. The magical elements added enough tension and worldbuilding to keep things engaging without overwhelming the romance. There’s danger, secrets, and emotional stakes throughout the story, but it never loses the warmth and humor that make it feel comforting at the same time. I also loved how much the story leaned into themes of belonging, vulnerability, chosen family, and learning to accept love without losing yourself in the process. Beneath the humor and spice, there’s a really emotional core about building a home and finding people who make you feel safe and seen. Overall, this was witty, romantic, magical, and full of personality with excellent chemistry, lovable characters, and the perfect mix of heart and chaos.
Ahhhhh yesssss!!! Absolutely enjoyed my time with this series!!! A paranormal fantasy filled with all things black, women, maturity, magic, flirting, sexual tension and MUCH more. Jessica Cage draws you in EVERY time. She gives just enough sapphic energy, detail to have your imagination doing its thing and a bit of laugh out loud moments. It’s a good time. This book like all the others technically can standalone. However I HIGHLY recommend starting from the beginning. The story just flows so much because the characters make their appearances throughout the subsequent books.
Even though the 1st book is my favorite, I love how this 4th one wrapped everything up. I can see myself reading these again now that they are all out.
It was a slow burn (which I'm starting to like), it was sexy, and funny of course. It was also nice to get Likosa's back story and wrap up the series.
I enjoyed the sapphic romance in this book. It was a fun read diving into the human and paranormal worlds. This book is great for anyone who needs a laugh and nothing too heavy! I’ve loved the friendship groups most throughout the series.
Jessica Cage’s I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch is an absolute masterpiece that brilliantly blends magical realism, humor, and heart in a way that keeps you hooked from start to finish. What truly sets this book apart is Cage’s unimaginable, amazing world-building. The layers of the shadowy realm known as The Bane are crafted with such vivid detail and depth that I felt transported into a truly immersive universe. From the mystical energies crackling through Likosa to the hidden portals and ancient spells, every element of the magical world feels authentic and richly realized.
But what resonated most with me are the strong female characters—particularly Shontae, the protagonist. Shontae is a woman who, on the surface, appears to have her life together, with a powerful career trajectory and a thriving gym that’s more than just a business—it's a movement. Yet beneath that confident exterior lies a woman vulnerable to the chaos of her love life, which is hilariously heinous. She’s detached, guarded, and convinced she’s found love repeatedly, only to be disappointed. Jessica Cage masterfully creates a character that is flawed, mortal, and painfully relatable—someone who struggles with the same insecurities and flaws many of us see in ourselves.
When Shontae encounters Likosa, a gorgeous witch from a shadowy realm, her world is turned upside down. The journey she embarks on is nothing short of transformative—ripping away her comfort, leaving her raw, and then rebuilding her into someone stronger and more authentic. The way Cage depicts this evolution is both inspiring and realistic, infused with moments of humor and snark that keep the tone lively and engaging.
The comedic elements are expertly woven throughout, adding levity to the more intense scenes and highlighting Cage’s talent for humor. Whether it’s witty banter or laugh-out-loud situations involving misfiring spells and chaotic magic mishaps, the humor never feels out of place. It perfectly balances the emotional depth and magical intrigue, making this a read that’s both heartfelt and hilarious.
Additionally, the chemistry between Shontae and Likosa is electric. Their relationship is layered—romantic, funny, fiery, and tender—and Cage’s portrayal of their connection feels genuine and earned. The stakes are high, with Likosa's unexpected burdens and secrets about Shontae’s own hidden powers coming to light, yet the story remains grounded in themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and love conquering all.
In summary, I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch is a delightful romp through a fantastical world that feels real enough to touch. Jessica Cage’s gift for creating strong, flawed, and deeply human female characters, combined with her astounding world-building and hilarious storytelling, makes this a five-star read I wholeheartedly recommend. If you love magic, comedy, romance, and characters you’ll root for, don’t miss out on this incredible book. It’s a powerful reminder that strength comes in all sizes—and that sometimes, the greatest magic is love itself.
Please be patient with me. This is my first official book review, I’m sorry if it’s a bit all over the place. There’s just so much to talk about in this book!😄 “I accidentally locked down a witch” was a real page turner. I honestly couldn’t put the book down. Best believe, I was reading well past my bedtime reading this book every night or any chance I could get throughout the day😂 But in all honesty this book was so relatable and funny. The characters were charming and complex. I loved Shontae’s friends, they made me laugh so hard! I wished I had friends that would go as hard and have my back as they did for Shontae. It was a truly beautiful friendship. And as far as Shontae’s character, I loved how raw and mature she was. She was extremely emotionally mature while still having her own flaws and acknowledging them. Not only did she acknowledge those flaws but she made it a point to work on them. Her character showed some real evolution. Which unfortunately I can’t say for a lot of people her age, in my own experience. With that part out of the way, let’s get into the mess… hehehe🤭 I don’t want to spoil much for others but I will say the messiness with Shontae’s ex’s popping out of the woodworks left and right was unexpected but definitely necessary for the continuation of the story and tied the other books together nicely. Now Likosa’s whole storyline was unexpected and really had me on the edge of my seat. The plot twist of her involvement, what happened for her to be kicked off her planet and the real reason she wants to go back… I went through so many emotions reading that part. I felt like I had stepped into her shoes and it was so overwhelming but the tension had my eyes glued to the pages. I also loved the spice and tension between Likosa and Shon. It was a bit of a slow burn but I loved it. It felt genuine and it had its own real problems that they had to sort through. Overall, I loved this book inside and out and how it tied the whole series together. My only qualm was that the end seemed a bit rushed in the last two chapters. But that could just be me, I’m not a big fan of endings in general and that’s just my problem. Other than that I 100% recommend this book to anyone looking to read a good whimsical/monster romance with a twist of adventure! P.s.- Jessica Cage, you never answered Shontae’s question about Likosa’s hair and I would like to know too… how does she keep her braids fresh all of the time??? ~with love🫶🏽.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review: I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch by Jessica Cage Accident Happens #4
🌈 Tropes & Vibes: - Magical animal sidekick - Friends to lovers - Forced proximity - Magical water (too magical, honestly) - Witchy chaos - Sapphic romance
In this one we’ve got Shontae, a fitness‑business owner whose powers are tied to her emotions which is already messy enough. Then she meets Likosa, and suddenly her magic is glitching like a phone with 2% battery. The attraction is instant, chaotic, and loud enough to short‑circuit her abilities on sight.
And listen… I love all the animal sidekicks in this series, but Sire? Sire took it for me in this book. Dramatic, loyal, hilarious, and somehow both helpful and unhelpful at the same time — peak magical‑creature behavior. I adore her.
Four books in and I STILL don’t know what’s in Likosa’s waters. I do know where the water came from, but that somehow gave me answers and zero answers at the same time. And the way Shontae basically got baptized, reborn, and spiritually reset in those waters? Prince could never have prepared us for this level of aquatic initiation. Also a water shaped weenus....that's all I have to say 🤣😂😂👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾!!!!
Also, Jessica… You explained the magic. You explained the chaos. You explained the water. But you never explained how Likosa’s braids stayed immaculate through all of this. Not a frizz. Not a slip. That’s the real spellwork.
One thing I loved? Every character from the previous books showed up and actually mattered. Not cameos contributions. It made the world feel warm, connected, and lived‑in.
And the friend group? Top‑tier. Who else is going to hype you up, drag you lovingly, talk you into nonsense, talk you out of nonsense, and keep you grounded all at once? They showed up for Shontae every single time.
And that twist at the end? Oh, it SENT me. I didn’t know whether to gasp, laugh, or grab popcorn. I felt like I was watching Jerry Springer and Maury Povich at the same time ...if you know, you know.
This book leans more into mystery than action — less chaos than the earlier books, but the humor, the banter, the sidekicks, and the returning cast carried it. And the way the ending left the door cracked for future side quests? I’ll be right here. Waiting in the wings. Ready!
Shontae is the fitness guru we all wish we were. The aura of her classes leave her clients feeling confident and capable, almost like she has a magic touch. ;) She’s carefully curated the life she has for herself and now her brand is growing, and she’s prepping for a National television slot that will send her success rate even higher. She feels prepared for everything… until Likosa, a witch dripping in pink, poise and provocation walks into one of her classes with a strange proposal. Now both women who are used to being in control have their worlds thrown off kilter as they figure out how to help each other… and maybe help themselves as well.
I am a true fan of J. Cage and her writing. The Accidents Happen series is one of my favorite paranormal romance series because while being wild and hilarious, each book has a message that readers can take with them. Whether that's trusting yourself and who you are, learning to trust others and lightening the load, or pushing fear to the side to go for what you want and reaching your highest potential.
Likosa and Shontae really did it for me, and I have to say that book 4 is my favorite of all the series. Sapphic. Sassy. Sincere. Sensational. These words perfectly describe Jessica Cage’s most recent novel. The background and perspective that we get on Shontae makes her relationship with Likosa all the more meaningful and heartwarming. I love watching characters change and develop because they’re showing up and experiencing the hard moments even when they just want to run away. The thing that stuck with me the most is the concept of trust and what it means to open up and let someone experience you and your emotions, even when they may not be the best. Also the concept of home being where you make your connections and are loved and appreciated, even if that's not where you’re from. Found family is one of my favorite tropes and one thing that I love about all of the FMC’s is that they end up creating their own little families, regardless of what they’re going through.
Thank you to Jessica Cage for allowing me to read this ARC. My second ARC of the Accidents Happen series and another great escape for my romance loving mind.
In the fourth book, I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch, we finally get Likosa’s story, and honestly, it was worth the wait. Since book one, Likosa has been the witch everyone depends on for answers and solutions. She’s confident, powerful, and very much “that girl,” so discovering there was so much she’d been hiding beneath the surface added a deeper emotional layer to her character. Seeing her vulnerability, especially her longing for love and connection, made me love her even more.
Her love interest, Shontae, was such a beautiful addition to the story. I loved that their relationship didn’t feel overly dragged out with unnecessary games. Their bond developed naturally, and their personalities balanced each other perfectly. Shontae’s abilities as an empath especially stood out to me. The idea of constantly feeling and carrying the emotions of everyone around you sounds emotionally exhausting, and Jessica Cage did a great job showing the weight of that power without taking away from the romance.
One of my favorite parts throughout the book was the drama involving past relationships. Both women dealing with toxic exes added humor, tension, and moments that felt very real. At times I found myself thinking, “Men aren’t even this complicated,” because the emotional intensity between women in relationships was definitely on full display.
As for the spicy scenes… this was my first time reading a romance centered around two FMCs, and I’m officially here for it. The way their powers intertwined with intimacy made the chemistry feel even more unique and elevated the connection between them in a way that felt both passionate and creative.
Overall, Jessica Cage delivered another entertaining paranormal romance filled with strong characters, emotion, humor, drama, and spice. If you’ve been invested in this series since book one, Likosa’s story is definitely one you’ll want to read.
Thank you Jessica Cage and Booksprout for the opportunity to review this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
Well, I hate to see a good thing come to an end. This book felt different than the others, not in a bad way. It felt more subdued and calm. Maybe that's Shontae's doing, lol. It was still funny and had plenty of action. It was nice to pull back Likosa's layers and get beyond her sex appeal--she was holding in quite a bit! After coming to everyone's aid, Likosa was ready to call in her favors. But Shontae provided more than she bargained for. They unexpectedly stumbled into a connection that filled their missing pieces. The two dominant personalities, led to assumptions and making swift decisions for the other instead of revealing their own true feelings. Their love smoldered for the duration of the story, a little more than a slow burn, but not as passionate as I expected from Likosa. However, it was just enough. The sisterhood theme continued into this book with Shontae's hilarious sidekicks. They provided the voices of reason and comic relief throughout the story. And all forces converged when Likosa brought all of the "accidents" together for a big reveal. I would have liked the pacing to slow in this section a bit more, it felt rushed and didn't dig as deep as it could have. Overall, the pacing was steady. With lots of crazy and unhinged exes along the way. And even a sassy phoenix to keep Shontae on her toes. This is a solid rom-com, it fits in with the series while closing the prior loops but also leaving space for future work. It was a cozy read for someone looking for a sweet sapphic romance with spurts of comedy and mild action along the way. It was a story of two women finding out what they really want--what makes them feel at home.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I think it’s no accident that Jessica Cage chose to have the main ability be emotional manipulation as she emotionally eases us into the end of this series.
Jessica has this uncanny ability to write her characters with such personality, humor and humility.
I keep coming back for the flirtatious banter and out of pocket one liners. But what stays with me is how relatable each character is regardless of the role they play. Every character is faced with an internal struggle that enriches their individuality while engaging the reader.
Jessica does a phenomenal job of showcasing love in many formats. Not only does she write about love shared between intimate partners, but of the importance of sisterhood, learning to embrace love for oneself and the unbreakable bond of a trusty pet sidekick.
Although the plot felt slower than its previous counterparts, it lends itself to the emotional build up and self reflection of the characters. This book is filled with emotional intimacy and thus calls for a change of pace. Even when we are recapping a scene during girl time it can feel a bit repetitious, but then there’s an outside perspective that allows for the main character to contemplate their emotional impact.
This book is filled with hard truths between friends, vulnerability between new loves and crazy ex-girlfriends. I’m sad to see it end but know that Jessica will bring her amazing writing style in her future projects.
P.S Thanks for getting Usher’s Confessions stuck in my head!
As the final installment of the Accidents Happen series, I couldn't pass up I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch. I'm incredibly grateful to have received an ARC for this book, as well as the previous ones in the series.
Jessica Cage always knows how to have me hollering with her opening scenes, and I absolutely love how the cover matches the rest of the collection.
What made this particular story so interesting is that Likosa—a recurring character since book one—finally steps into the spotlight as the love interest. Shontae is exactly what I’ve come to expect from the author's protagonists: representative and highly relatable, yet equipped with distinct abilities that set her apart from previous main characters.
Shontae Carter has built her fitness sanctuary from the ground up, creating a space where women lift each other up. When a new client named Likosa visits the gym, she arrives with a hidden agenda: cozy up to Shontae, tap into the strange power in her aura, and use it to blast open a portal home. But as the two women team up for some "personal training," sparks fly, spells misfire, and hearts get caught in the crossfire.
This story slightly shakes up the series' formula. Instead of an accidental encounter with a supernatural love interest, Likosa deliberately seeks Shontae out. Of course, the real fun and spice ensue from their completely unexpected, genuine attraction. I also loved Shontae's strong friendship with Tayvion and Cadence, and the cameos from familiar faces who showed up just in time for the final showdown.
I received this book as a free e-ARC from booksprout and The Author.
I mean... How can you not want to lock down a Witch who will sit in your lap and feed you cake on a first date? Am I right?!
This story was so much fun with the perfect amount of spice, and emotional depth in that story. Honestly it was the perfect closure on what has been one of my favorite paranormal series to read. I love how fresh and fun Jessica takes these paranormal monsters/creatures and breaths new life into them while still staying true to what they actually are.
Lakosa and Shontae were like fire and gasoline with how fast they sparked for each other. Idk if I would call it Insta-lust but damn if it wasn't pretty damn near!
And the story?! This is what I wish a lot of interconnected standalones would do. It still focused heavily on Shontae and Lakosa building a relationship and growing Shontae's powers, but including all the other amazing badass women that Jessica has brought us in the last 3 books as well?! As soon as they were brought in I was cheering like I just saw the Avengers teaming up for the first time! 😂
Favorite Quotes:
"There was something more to her, something that would undoubtedly complicate my life if I spent any time alone with her."
"For the first time in a long time, when I'm with her, I feel like I'm home. I don't need to go searching for it. I don't need to get back to it. When I am with Shontae, I am home."
As always it is an absolute delight to read any book Jessica Cage writes because that are so relatable and I find little pieces of myself with in each character.
Shontae is relatable in the sense that it is easy for you to take on the emotions and feelings of others around you that you kind of become numb to your own to protect you from becoming overwhelmed. I also loved how she was "I don't do small talk, what do you want.🤨"🤣🤣
Likosa! Likosa! Likosa! Look at you now girl! I had been giving you the side eye for the longest for messing around in everyone else's business and I knew there was a method to your madness but it was not in a way I expected. I really appreciate how this final books peeled back the many layers of Likosa and showed her more vulnerable side. It really changed my mind about her and helped me understand why she has been playing her cards close to the chest.
Overall this is a wonderful finale to Accidents Happens series and as always I encourage you wonderful readers to dive right on in and watch it all come full circle.
Adventure 20/10🎊 Relatability 10/10🫶🏾
I like that this romance was a bit more of a slow burn ❤️🔥
Definitely a 5 ⭐ read.
It's so hard...to say goodbye....to the magic homieeeeeeeees!🥹.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I went into I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch by Jessica Cage expecting another fun paranormal romance like the other books in the “I Accidentally” series. However, this one surprised me. Compared to the others, it felt slower, softer, and much more emotionally intimate. Through Lakosa and Shontae, the story explores guardedness, vulnerability, relationships, and the complex ways we protect ourselves while still wanting connection. It also beautifully highlights that it’s okay for your plans and yourself to change over time.
Slow burns don’t usually grab my attention, but I honestly couldn’t put this book down. I kept saying “just one more chapter,” and suddenly, I had read huge chunks of the book. What struck me most was how emotionally real the characters felt. I recognized parts of myself in both of them, and this story made me reflect more than I expected. I also appreciated Jessica Cage’s skill in writing about experiences outside my own while still creating emotions and relationships I could connect with deeply.
Overall, I’d give this 4.5 out of 5 stars. It was emotional, sensual, reflective, funny, and surprisingly hard to put down. Sometimes the books you think will be light reads stay with you the longest.
Likosa was a beloved staple in the Accidents Happen series (tied with Jackie of course!) She helped the other women unlock their powers and even played a part in their love story, but I kept wondering what were Likosa's origins and did she have a plan. Naturally, both questions were answered and then some!
Shontae has the supernatural ability to influence emotions. It played a big role in the success of her fitness business. Meeting Likosa was the last thing she needed and expected on so many levels. Likosa, in all her pinkness, had Shontae turning into all the women she previously kicked to the curb. I truly enjoyed the two of them together. This book felt a little more intimate and tender than the other 3. They both had to be vulnerable for their relationship to work, something neither of them were used to. Two women that seemed so sure in most aspects of their lives, suddenly seemed like newbies when it came to love.
This story gave me a little of everything. Great friendships, craxy exes/neighbor, laughs, even a tearjerking moment. Then Jessica Cage decided to give us the gnarliest plot twist of the series!!! That might be something I will think about for a loooong time.
The spice was absolutely on point! Forget a backpack, Shontae pulled out the toolkit! There was so much creativity on behalf of Jessica while the characters were still so tender with each other. Thank you to Jessica Cage and her team for the ARC!
Actual rating: 3.5 stars . I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch was just the kind of audiobook I needed right now. It was hot and fun and did not take itself too seriously. I adored having older protagonists at different stages in their life and really enjoyed the worldbuilding. . I am someone who never reads romance series in order and so I say this as someone who has not read the other books in the series (yet): it was all very easy to follow along with as someone who is new to the series. So you could very much jump in and have a good time, but I’m certain that there a little tidbits and characters and easter eggs that you will enjoy if you are a long time series reader too. . The audiobook performance by Tempest Mensah was also very entertaining and the POVs of both Shontae and Likosa were very distinct. . Plot wise a lot of this did feel fluffy and I was hoping for a bit more at stake, but this is a fun paranormal romance and a fun paranormal romance is exactly what you’re gonna get. So I really can’t be mad for giving me what this says on the tin. . When I’m in the mood for another one of these hot and fluffy books, I will definitely be reaching for Jessica Cage again. . *I received an ALC from LibroFM and Simon Maverick. All opinions are my own.*
I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch is a paranormal romance that follows Shontae, who is a fitness owner with magical powers that affects people’s emotions. After years of honing her own magic, it begins to glitch after meeting Likosa, our meddling yet supportive witch throughout the past three books. The sparks LITERALLY fly causing a seismic shift that neither one of them expected.
While this is not my favorite of the series, the fourth addition to the Accidents Happen series is funny and thought provoking with some self-discovery and shedding of vulnerabilities along the way. Likosa is navigating her own living grief, locked away and unrevealed to people in her life. Shontae, having always known how to manage emotions, is dealing with the discomfort of not knowing how to exist in the unknown. The book really makes me love girlhood and while we know we are getting a story for Jackie, I hate to see this come to an end!
From Booty Juice to Burning Nips, Jessica has a habit of usually pulling you in in the first chapter, sometimes the first SENTENCE. I yearned for a sapphic addition and Likosa and Shontae did NOT disappoint!
Missing them already and thank you for giving me the opportunity to Arc Reader for this book!
This was a great book to read, with an LGBTQ+ couple as the main characters for this paranormal romance. In the book, you see some of the struggles women in their late 30s and early 40s go through and how they deal with them.
Shontae and her friends are a tight-knit group who want each other to succeed without being overbearing. They respect each other's boundaries, don't push for answers, and let the conversations flow, but they have witty banter or teasing when they know someone is not telling the full truth. I loved their dynamic of a close-knit group of friends going through everyday crises as they get older.
Then you have Likosa, who is very closed off when you first meet her, but as you read on, you see why. Likosa's actions were selfish because she wasn't upfront with Shontae about everything and what she actually wanted from her. I understand why she needed Shontae, but seeking people out with ulterior motives is a problem. Especially when you're hiding important information from your friends, I disagree with Likosa on that. I enjoyed reading this book continually, even with the shock of what Likosa's truth really was.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ my favorite urban paranormal series and this sapphic romance is incredible - the cameos were SO FUN 🌶️ some extra magic 📅Pub Day: May 26th, 2026 📄Pages: 367 🎧Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 10h 21m (binged in 4 hours!) 📚Format: Audiobook Standalone / Accidents Happy Book 4
Thank you Simon Maverick an imprint of Simon & Schuster, for the free copy. This is my honest, voluntary review.
The narrator, Tempest Mensah, is one of my favorite narrators! She's the reason I had to grab the audiobooks for every book in this series! If you like paranormal, urban rom com vibes, you'll love this!
Jessica has this unique way of weaving a story, connecting characters and creating a riveting plot while holding my attention, delighting me while I kicked with glee, and added spice so I felt satisfied. The way this world has expanded organically has been beautiful. Every book in series seems to get better and better, and I already adored Rayna so this has been a fun adventure. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
This series is CR@CK. I love being a Maverick Maven.
Grab this if you love: 💕 sapphic romances 💕 urban romances 💕 forced prox 💕 paranormal romances 💕 interconnected standalones in a magical series 💕 slow burn / yearning 💕 fun rom com energy 💕 series that interconnect...I'm hoping for spinoffs Jessica!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had mixed feelings about Likosa, what her motivations were to "help" all the ladies. After reading this one, I definitely like her and understand her more. Shontae is incredible and sounds just like my type, but I don't want any problems so she is all Likosa's. I like how strong Shontae is. Physically, but emotionally. Likosa has her questioning her emotional strength, but I like the embalance wasn't one sided. They both were thrown by the other and how they felt such a connection. I absolutely love Shontae's friends. A story of the fae within this world would be so cool! Cadence is such a bad ass and I definitely want to know more about her and her family. It sounds like she's fae royalty. Even though this was the last of the Accident Happens series I like how it didn't feel like an ending. All the girls are together and they are learning with each other and I'm so happy they have that friendship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a wonderful conclusion to the Accidents Happens series!!
Likosa was always a mystery I wanted to solve throughout all the books because she was so vague and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that her story was so much deeper than I ever imagined. She gave so much for so long and never realized what she built in that time and seeing it all come together and her realize how loved and valued she was was enchanting.
Shontae had so much growth in this book! I never imagined the faults of having access to emotions could cause so many issues on the back end but the way she chose to communicate and work to navigate life when she met her match…very inspiring. Proof that it’s okay to break cycles when it comes to learning to love and accept it.
This definitely wasn’t AS spicy as the other books but once again…the creativity with the magic and spice…made me wish I could experience water play ;)
Overall I truly loved this book and I’m forever grateful to be given ARCS by Jessica. I’m always so grateful to be trusted with something so important.
Thank you Jessica Cage and Booksprout for this ARC.
Rating: 4.5 rounded to 5
As a huge fan of Jessica Cage’s Accidents Happen series, I might be a little biased… but this is easily my favorite of the series. Witchy magic mixed with a sapphic romance? Oh, I was LOCKED in. I really LOVED the dual POV between Shontae and Likosa because it gave such an intimate look into their feelings, anxieties, jealousy, motivations, and that sexual tension between them.
And one thing Jessica always does so well (besides open her stories with an insane one-liner LOL) is highlight the importance of solid friendships and sisterhood. The banter between Shon and her friends genuinely had me laughing out loud. And oh... our favs are back in this one as well 😊
And dare I say… I actually teared up during a few scenes. Without giving too much away, your heartstrings for Likosa will absolutely be pulled. I’m honestly sad to see this series come to an end, but something tells me this won’t be the last time we see these characters again.
Another unforgettable addition to the Accident series! Watching Shon humble Likosa and knock her off that high horse was incredibly satisfying 😂, but what truly made this story shine was getting to uncover the layers behind such a bold, confident woman and seeing the vulnerability beneath the surface.
Jessica Cage has a way of pulling every emotion out of me—I laughed, smiled, got frustrated, and still ended the book completely full and satisfied. The chemistry between these characters was absolutely beautiful, the emotional depth was powerful, the drama kept me invested, and the spice? As always, Jessica never misses 🌶️🔥
I especially loved seeing two strong FMCs fall in love—it felt refreshing, empowering, and so well done. The cameos from previous characters were such a treat, and I’ll never get tired of how seamlessly Jessica intertwines her stories and builds this connected world.
This is exactly why Jessica Cage remains an automatic read for me. An easy 5 out of 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.