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Townsend Harbor #5
Sirens
She's trying to escape her past...
Hitting the reset button with the help of a friend from back home in Boston, all Margaret Michaels is hoping for is a fresh start. And it doesn't get much fresher than the seaside hamlet of Townsend Harbor. Handed a place to live and a job as a bartender in the town's most popular nautical-themed pub, she's been given a hell of a head start--for once in her life. There's only one problem. She's never tended bar a day in her life. A fact that a certain studly regular seems all too eager to point out.
He's trying to build a future...
Deputy Trent McGarvey loves two leggy redheads, and a good craft cocktail at the end of a long shift. And though he's relatively recent transplant to Townsend Harbor from a seedy beat in Albuquerque, he knows just where to find both. Or did, until the smart-mouthed sprite who doesn't know a Manhattan from a Mojito took over for the gastropub's well-loved, willowy martini maven. And yet, the more McGarvey learns about fiery Maggie Michaels, the more he can't help but notice that the evidence isn't quite lining up with the story the messy mixologist provides him. But if there’s anything McGarvey loves–okay, three things–it’s a mystery.
When an after-hours crash course in cocktails leaves their thinking as muddled as the mint, the passionate fling that ensues could leave both their long-term prospects within Townsend Harbor on the rocks.
Hitting the reset button with the help of a friend from back home in Boston, all Margaret Michaels is hoping for is a fresh start. And it doesn't get much fresher than the seaside hamlet of Townsend Harbor. Handed a place to live and a job as a bartender in the town's most popular nautical-themed pub, she's been given a hell of a head start--for once in her life. There's only one problem. She's never tended bar a day in her life. A fact that a certain studly regular seems all too eager to point out.
He's trying to build a future...
Deputy Trent McGarvey loves two leggy redheads, and a good craft cocktail at the end of a long shift. And though he's relatively recent transplant to Townsend Harbor from a seedy beat in Albuquerque, he knows just where to find both. Or did, until the smart-mouthed sprite who doesn't know a Manhattan from a Mojito took over for the gastropub's well-loved, willowy martini maven. And yet, the more McGarvey learns about fiery Maggie Michaels, the more he can't help but notice that the evidence isn't quite lining up with the story the messy mixologist provides him. But if there’s anything McGarvey loves–okay, three things–it’s a mystery.
When an after-hours crash course in cocktails leaves their thinking as muddled as the mint, the passionate fling that ensues could leave both their long-term prospects within Townsend Harbor on the rocks.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2024
123 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Kerrigan Byrne
72 books5,027 followersIf you're anything like me, the best night is one spent with a brawny highlander, a mysterious werewolf, a conflicted vampire, or a hot-headed Irishman. My stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical, to paranormal, to romantic suspense. But I can always promise my readers one thing: memorable and sexy Celtic heroes who are guaranteed to heat your blood before they steal your heart. Lose yourself in the enchanted Celtic Isles, you never know who, or what, will find you...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 20, 2024
Yall. I loved the previous books. The little town and characters are rich in humor, snark, adventure and sex. this book is not. The previous characters that show up are fab. The new female lead is sad. Come on now, if you're writing about body positivity, it could and should have been better. The main male character is introduced in previous books with demographics that are literally not mentioned in this book.
Not sure what happened between the final edit and production but it was not an editorial review.
The writing is fluid and then jagged. Scenes completely miss segue ways and connections.
Its more then how did he go from wearing pants to being in the shower and still having dry pants to bent over a sofa and having sex that is described between cerebral and misaligned body parts (that literally happens almost exactly as I wrote).
There is the lack of connection and finalization of the story. It ends without understanding what happens with the podcast, do they stay together, whats up with the blind dog, and how did they go from a passionate scene to not talking for three weeks. Oh and how did Mark show up and not get introduced as a full character.
Was this AI generated? Was there a deadline to make?
Read the others in the series. Skip this one.
Not sure what happened between the final edit and production but it was not an editorial review.
The writing is fluid and then jagged. Scenes completely miss segue ways and connections.
Its more then how did he go from wearing pants to being in the shower and still having dry pants to bent over a sofa and having sex that is described between cerebral and misaligned body parts (that literally happens almost exactly as I wrote).
There is the lack of connection and finalization of the story. It ends without understanding what happens with the podcast, do they stay together, whats up with the blind dog, and how did they go from a passionate scene to not talking for three weeks. Oh and how did Mark show up and not get introduced as a full character.
Was this AI generated? Was there a deadline to make?
Read the others in the series. Skip this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2024
I really liked this series, but I found Trent and Maggie’s story missed the mark. Sure it was fun and hot and even a little exciting, but then it just ended. Why is Trent so OCD? What’s the deal with Maggie’s ex? What really happened to Madame Katz and Ethan I?
August 11, 2024
I was all for it til the ending!
Can I just say way to ruin a good book? We have a woman who’s been through it, fought her way to self respect and healthy friendships and then, and THEN!
SPOILER (don’t read past here if you don’t want to know)
To have her past show up and humiliate her and the new guy drop her like trash? And then she mopes for weeks and then insta forgives him when he buys her designer duds to replace the old ones the old guy gave her? No. Just no. You know what would have kept her self respect? Him taking her shopping and holding her hand as she bought her OWN dang bag with her own money!
Holy patriarchy, Batman. Also, the highly suspicious way the abusive ex just caves and gives her a heartfelt apology and a divorce with alimony? Nope. I don’t think abusers go in for introspection.
Can I just say way to ruin a good book? We have a woman who’s been through it, fought her way to self respect and healthy friendships and then, and THEN!
SPOILER (don’t read past here if you don’t want to know)
To have her past show up and humiliate her and the new guy drop her like trash? And then she mopes for weeks and then insta forgives him when he buys her designer duds to replace the old ones the old guy gave her? No. Just no. You know what would have kept her self respect? Him taking her shopping and holding her hand as she bought her OWN dang bag with her own money!
Holy patriarchy, Batman. Also, the highly suspicious way the abusive ex just caves and gives her a heartfelt apology and a divorce with alimony? Nope. I don’t think abusers go in for introspection.
July 27, 2024
We're back in Townsend Harbor and Deputy McGarvey ahs his HANDS FULL. Because Maggie has a plan and no stinkin' rules are going to stop her from following it. Well, maybe they'll stop her a little bit. But STILL. She has a plan and a podcast and she's willing to dive down the rabbit hole to figure out the mystery behind the town's reclusive madam. Which sounds a little more salacious than it actually is. Still, Maggie is ready and willing and she has the investigative chops to uncover the past.
Seeing as how McGarvey is a cop, Maggie's willingness to bend the rules to get to the bottom of this mystery doesn't sit entirely well with him. But Maggie also intrigues and delights him even though she makes truly terrible cocktails.
Between Maggie's late night shenanigans and McGarvey's attempts to keep her from any serious legal troubles, these two spark off one another. And the deeper McGarvey falls into Maggie's adventure as she treks through the past, the more invested he becomes. That said, Maggie also has secrets and a past and when her past collides with their present, THINGS HAPPEN.
A couple of not-so-great bartending experiences, a crash course in drink mixing that shows potential, a little B&E, an octogenarian with STORIES, secret tunnels, town history, a cop who knows a good thing when he finds it, and a lady who is trying to rediscover herself after a bad situation. Townsend Harbor! YES!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Seeing as how McGarvey is a cop, Maggie's willingness to bend the rules to get to the bottom of this mystery doesn't sit entirely well with him. But Maggie also intrigues and delights him even though she makes truly terrible cocktails.
Between Maggie's late night shenanigans and McGarvey's attempts to keep her from any serious legal troubles, these two spark off one another. And the deeper McGarvey falls into Maggie's adventure as she treks through the past, the more invested he becomes. That said, Maggie also has secrets and a past and when her past collides with their present, THINGS HAPPEN.
A couple of not-so-great bartending experiences, a crash course in drink mixing that shows potential, a little B&E, an octogenarian with STORIES, secret tunnels, town history, a cop who knows a good thing when he finds it, and a lady who is trying to rediscover herself after a bad situation. Townsend Harbor! YES!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
July 14, 2024
Margaret Michaels is hoping for is a fresh start & moves to Townsend Harbor. Handed a place to live and a job as a bartender in the town's most popular nautical-themed pub, she's been given a head start--for once in her life. There's only one problem. She's never tended bar a day in her life. Deputy Trent McGarvey loves two things: leggy redheads, and a good craft cocktail at the end of a long shift.
The fifth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own but Townsend Harbor isn’t large so previous characters do make appearances, which I love & with all series I always think later books benefit when it’s read in order. I really liked both Maggie & Trent they complemented each other beautifully, the chemistry sizzled & the banter hugely entertaining. I also loved Maggie & her investigation into a nineteenth century madame. A very well written, well paced, humorous, witty romance with strong characters & I thoroughly enjoyed it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The fifth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own but Townsend Harbor isn’t large so previous characters do make appearances, which I love & with all series I always think later books benefit when it’s read in order. I really liked both Maggie & Trent they complemented each other beautifully, the chemistry sizzled & the banter hugely entertaining. I also loved Maggie & her investigation into a nineteenth century madame. A very well written, well paced, humorous, witty romance with strong characters & I thoroughly enjoyed it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 15, 2024
I can’t get enough of Townsend Harbor and the townspeople! I wish I lived there and could visit the different shops and residents. The moment Maggie and Trent appeared on the pages together, I was hooked! The chemistry between the two and also the mystery of Madame Katz kept me from putting the book down.
July 29, 2025
both characters were very likable. it was a quick read and there were a lot of giggling moments. this book also made me love Gabe more.
June 12, 2025
"Sirens" by Cynthia St. Aubin and Kerrigan Byrne is book five in the "Townsend Harbor" series. I absolutely love this series by these two authors. There is so much fun humor in these books, and I adored Trent and Maggie's story. I can't even tell you how many times I literally laughed out loud. The characters are so well written, and the storyline is amazing. I will follow the Townsend Harbor crew all day every day. I enjoy how the secondary characters make the story as much as the main characters do. Well done and great job to both of the authors.
July 12, 2024
🫶 Spoilerfreie Rezension – ein weiteres Buch (Nr 5) der Townsend Harbor-Reihe 🫶
Gerade habe ich das Buch „Sirens“ beendet.
Ich gebe generell keine Zusammenfassung des Buches ab, weil ich der Meinung bin, dass diese auch durch den Klappentext des Buches schon aussagefähig ist. Insofern schildere ich hier lediglich meine Eindrücke, da dadurch sichergestellt wird, dass definitiv nicht gespoilert wird 😊
Titel
Die Autorinnen bleiben sich treu und sorgen dafür, dass der Titel wieder wunderbar zum Buch passt! Mehr gibt es dazu nicht zu sagen 😉😁
Cover
Erneut gefällt mir das Cover auch hier überhaupt nicht. 🙁Es passt definitiv zur Serie und hat einen gewissen Wiedererkennungswert. Für mich passt es jedoch – auch beim fünften Teil der Serie - nicht zu der Geschichte. Ich mag diese Art von Cover überhaupt nicht. Vielleicht liegt es aber auch daran, dass es länderspezifische Unterschiede gibt? Wer weiß. Schließlich komme ich aus Deutschland.
Schreibstil
Von Kerrigan Byrne kenne ich viele Bücher, die mich wirklich flashen und die zu meinen Keepern gehören. Von Cynthia St. Aubin hingegen kannte ich nur die anderen Bücher der Serie. Beim ersten Buch aus Townsend Harbor war es der Name Kerrigans, der dafür sorgte, dass ich dieses Buch unbedingt lesen wollte! Bei den anderen Büchern der Serie (wir sind ja jetzt beim fünften Band - war es Townsend Harbor (und zugegebenermaßen auch die Autorinnen) das dafür sorgte, dass ich unbedingt weiterlesen wollte, weil ich wissen m u s s, wie es mit den Charakteren weitergeht.
Und was soll ich sagen?
Auch dieses Mal wurde ich direkt in die Geschichte katapultiert und kam augenblicklich in das Buch. Es gibt unerwartete Wendungen und das Ganze erinnert an eine Achterbahnfahrt, bei der man nie weiß, in welcher Richtung es weitergeht. Gerade das Tempo und der hohe Spannungsbogen sind die Gründe dafür, dass man weiterliest, bis das Buch am Ende angelangt ist.
Das Buch war also wieder mal so, wie erwartet. Allerdings konnte es mich dieses Mal nicht so abholen, wie die Bände davor. Ich kann nicht mal genau sagen, woran es liegt, denn am Schreibstil der Autorinnen ist nichts auszusetzen. Vielleicht deshalb, weil ich keine Bindung zu Trent und Maggie aufbauen konnte. Dennoch wird es in Townsend Harbor definitiv nicht langweilig *schelmischgrins*
Protagonisten
Wie oben bereits gesagt, konnten mich die Protagonisten nicht wirklich abholen. Ich kann es nicht erklären, denn sie sind eigentlich gut gezeichnet und auch keine eindimensionalen Personen, sondern Menschen wie Du und ich. Ich will aber auch nicht verschweigen, dass die Charaktere auch so einiges in ihrem Leben mitgemacht haben, und dies sie auch nachdrücklich prägt. Da ich jedoch nicht spoilern möchte, kann ich nicht verraten, was es ist, was die Personen umtreibt.
Storyline
Dieses Mal eine sehr interessante Zusammenstellung, die mich wirklich überraschte – und das ist nicht im negativem Sinne gemeint.
Setting
Wieder einmal anders. Mitreißend! Aufwühlend. Erschreckend. Wundervoll. Komisch (im positiven Sinne) und lustig! Und dennoch für mich nicht ganz so herausragend wie sonst… 🤔
Wobei man eindeutig sagen muss: selbst ein Buch von Kerrigan und Cynthia, das mich nicht so packt ist um Klassen besser als tolle Bücher von anderen Autoren.
Serieninfo:
Dieses Buch gehört zu der Townsend Harbor Reihe und ist Band 5. Ich bin gespannt, ob es noch weitere Bücher geben wird.
Die Serie in der richtigen Reihenfolge:
Nevermore Bookstore
Brewbies
Bazaar Girls
Star-Crossed
Sirens
Gibt es auch Kritikpunkte?
Da es immer eine subjektive Einschätzung eines Buches ist, ist es für mich kein Kritikpunkt, wenn ein Buch mich nicht so ganz abholt, denn der Schreibstil und das ganze Setting sind nach wie vor gut.
Gesamtfazit
Von mir gibt es – aufgrund der o.a. Punkte eine klare Leseempfehlung mit 4 von 5 Sternen!
Info:
Das Buch durfte ich im Rahmen einer Vorab-Leserunde lesen, was meine Meinung jedoch nicht beeinflusst.
Gerade habe ich das Buch „Sirens“ beendet.
Ich gebe generell keine Zusammenfassung des Buches ab, weil ich der Meinung bin, dass diese auch durch den Klappentext des Buches schon aussagefähig ist. Insofern schildere ich hier lediglich meine Eindrücke, da dadurch sichergestellt wird, dass definitiv nicht gespoilert wird 😊
Titel
Die Autorinnen bleiben sich treu und sorgen dafür, dass der Titel wieder wunderbar zum Buch passt! Mehr gibt es dazu nicht zu sagen 😉😁
Cover
Erneut gefällt mir das Cover auch hier überhaupt nicht. 🙁Es passt definitiv zur Serie und hat einen gewissen Wiedererkennungswert. Für mich passt es jedoch – auch beim fünften Teil der Serie - nicht zu der Geschichte. Ich mag diese Art von Cover überhaupt nicht. Vielleicht liegt es aber auch daran, dass es länderspezifische Unterschiede gibt? Wer weiß. Schließlich komme ich aus Deutschland.
Schreibstil
Von Kerrigan Byrne kenne ich viele Bücher, die mich wirklich flashen und die zu meinen Keepern gehören. Von Cynthia St. Aubin hingegen kannte ich nur die anderen Bücher der Serie. Beim ersten Buch aus Townsend Harbor war es der Name Kerrigans, der dafür sorgte, dass ich dieses Buch unbedingt lesen wollte! Bei den anderen Büchern der Serie (wir sind ja jetzt beim fünften Band - war es Townsend Harbor (und zugegebenermaßen auch die Autorinnen) das dafür sorgte, dass ich unbedingt weiterlesen wollte, weil ich wissen m u s s, wie es mit den Charakteren weitergeht.
Und was soll ich sagen?
Auch dieses Mal wurde ich direkt in die Geschichte katapultiert und kam augenblicklich in das Buch. Es gibt unerwartete Wendungen und das Ganze erinnert an eine Achterbahnfahrt, bei der man nie weiß, in welcher Richtung es weitergeht. Gerade das Tempo und der hohe Spannungsbogen sind die Gründe dafür, dass man weiterliest, bis das Buch am Ende angelangt ist.
Das Buch war also wieder mal so, wie erwartet. Allerdings konnte es mich dieses Mal nicht so abholen, wie die Bände davor. Ich kann nicht mal genau sagen, woran es liegt, denn am Schreibstil der Autorinnen ist nichts auszusetzen. Vielleicht deshalb, weil ich keine Bindung zu Trent und Maggie aufbauen konnte. Dennoch wird es in Townsend Harbor definitiv nicht langweilig *schelmischgrins*
Protagonisten
Wie oben bereits gesagt, konnten mich die Protagonisten nicht wirklich abholen. Ich kann es nicht erklären, denn sie sind eigentlich gut gezeichnet und auch keine eindimensionalen Personen, sondern Menschen wie Du und ich. Ich will aber auch nicht verschweigen, dass die Charaktere auch so einiges in ihrem Leben mitgemacht haben, und dies sie auch nachdrücklich prägt. Da ich jedoch nicht spoilern möchte, kann ich nicht verraten, was es ist, was die Personen umtreibt.
Storyline
Dieses Mal eine sehr interessante Zusammenstellung, die mich wirklich überraschte – und das ist nicht im negativem Sinne gemeint.
Setting
Wieder einmal anders. Mitreißend! Aufwühlend. Erschreckend. Wundervoll. Komisch (im positiven Sinne) und lustig! Und dennoch für mich nicht ganz so herausragend wie sonst… 🤔
Wobei man eindeutig sagen muss: selbst ein Buch von Kerrigan und Cynthia, das mich nicht so packt ist um Klassen besser als tolle Bücher von anderen Autoren.
Serieninfo:
Dieses Buch gehört zu der Townsend Harbor Reihe und ist Band 5. Ich bin gespannt, ob es noch weitere Bücher geben wird.
Die Serie in der richtigen Reihenfolge:
Nevermore Bookstore
Brewbies
Bazaar Girls
Star-Crossed
Sirens
Gibt es auch Kritikpunkte?
Da es immer eine subjektive Einschätzung eines Buches ist, ist es für mich kein Kritikpunkt, wenn ein Buch mich nicht so ganz abholt, denn der Schreibstil und das ganze Setting sind nach wie vor gut.
Gesamtfazit
Von mir gibt es – aufgrund der o.a. Punkte eine klare Leseempfehlung mit 4 von 5 Sternen!
Info:
Das Buch durfte ich im Rahmen einer Vorab-Leserunde lesen, was meine Meinung jedoch nicht beeinflusst.
July 9, 2024
Margaret “Maggie” Michaels is an investigative reporter who probes into historical cold cases. She comes to Townsend Harbor, Washington to investigate an 1800-era brothel madame. Thanks to a friend, Maggie lands a job as a bartender. However, she knows nothing about mixing drinks. A fact that the sexy town’s deputy calls Maggie out on. Will Maggie crack the Victorian cold case with McGarvey’s help? Or will her own past derail the investigation? And her relationship with Trent?
Deputy Trent McGarvey likes to unwind at the town’s only pub after work. He encounters the place’s new bartender, who happens to be abysmal at her job. Trent offers to give the sassy redhead lessons in the art of mixing drinks. Something about Maggie tempts him to let go of his strict control and bend some rules. Trent senses there is more to her story than investigating the town’s historical villainess. Has Trent met his match with Maggie? Or will her past destroy any possibility of a relationship?
I empathize with and understand Maggie’s not-so-flattering views on her body shape. She is a character I can easily relate to since she is no slender, model-que type of heroine. Trent is a sweetheart! I love how he adores Maggie’s body. Trent dislikes how people, especially men, discouraged Maggie because of it. He sets out to banish all that negativity from her mind. What I like the most about Maggie and Trent is how their different personalities counterbalance each other. Maggie is spontaneous and chaotic disorder while Trent likes things neat and tidy.
SIRENS is the fifth book in Kerrigan Byrne and Cynthia St. Aubin’s romantic-comedy series, TOWNSEND HARBOR. I strongly recommend reading the prior four books before this one. They really set up the setting – Townsend Harbor, a small touristry hamlet on the Pacific Coast. I love how we are learning the seedier history of the picture-perfect town.
Beloved characters from the previous books pop up throughout the story. I squealed in delight when Gabe – the hero from book three BAZAAR GIRLS – had a role in several scenes. The series would not be complete without the hilarious antics of one septuagenarian. Myrtle’s shenanigans had me in stitches. I can see where others see her as a menace. The woman is a riot – one I would LOVE to know in real life!
Please, oh please tell me that Mark Kelly – Gabe’s older brother and Maggie’s best friend – will be next! I want him to be Townsend Harbor’s next transplant resident! And Kiki!
Deputy Trent McGarvey likes to unwind at the town’s only pub after work. He encounters the place’s new bartender, who happens to be abysmal at her job. Trent offers to give the sassy redhead lessons in the art of mixing drinks. Something about Maggie tempts him to let go of his strict control and bend some rules. Trent senses there is more to her story than investigating the town’s historical villainess. Has Trent met his match with Maggie? Or will her past destroy any possibility of a relationship?
I empathize with and understand Maggie’s not-so-flattering views on her body shape. She is a character I can easily relate to since she is no slender, model-que type of heroine. Trent is a sweetheart! I love how he adores Maggie’s body. Trent dislikes how people, especially men, discouraged Maggie because of it. He sets out to banish all that negativity from her mind. What I like the most about Maggie and Trent is how their different personalities counterbalance each other. Maggie is spontaneous and chaotic disorder while Trent likes things neat and tidy.
SIRENS is the fifth book in Kerrigan Byrne and Cynthia St. Aubin’s romantic-comedy series, TOWNSEND HARBOR. I strongly recommend reading the prior four books before this one. They really set up the setting – Townsend Harbor, a small touristry hamlet on the Pacific Coast. I love how we are learning the seedier history of the picture-perfect town.
Beloved characters from the previous books pop up throughout the story. I squealed in delight when Gabe – the hero from book three BAZAAR GIRLS – had a role in several scenes. The series would not be complete without the hilarious antics of one septuagenarian. Myrtle’s shenanigans had me in stitches. I can see where others see her as a menace. The woman is a riot – one I would LOVE to know in real life!
Please, oh please tell me that Mark Kelly – Gabe’s older brother and Maggie’s best friend – will be next! I want him to be Townsend Harbor’s next transplant resident! And Kiki!
January 10, 2025
Opposites Attract & New Beginnings
3.5/5 As a whole I enjoyed this final installment in the Townsend Harbor series. I don’t read many contemporary romances but I’m a fan of Byrne’s historical romances and gave this series a go. I liked that there was a few nods to mythology and historical aspects in this one and others of the series as well.
Trent is a transplant from Albuquerque and a deputy that was briefly introduced in a prior book. He’s meticulous in his organization and orderliness of his house and life. Trent’s always been a rule-follower and enjoyed order but finds rules are easier to bend when Maggie is around and he welcomes her chaos.
Maggie is a new character that’s recently moved from the East Coast and with the help of a long-time friend, Gabe from Bazaar Girls, helps get her settled in as a new resident. She’s a strong curvy heroine that’s trying to start over and also solve a century old case involving a brothel madam and 30 missing soldiers for her podcast. I loved the realness of her, confident until those vulnerabilities creep back in.
This had a great balance between the romance and mystery of solving the case. I loved the opposites attract story and the banter Trent and Maggie had from the beginning. There’s an instant tension between them that led to some passionate encounters.
While I really liked the storyline and characters there was a part hard to ignore and a personal preference. This one seems to have needed an additional round of editing. In the latter half, the writing seemed disjointed as if passages were edited out or changed and the new revision seemed that it wasn’t reviewed. A few scenes where the setting changed abruptly without a transition threw me off and had me going back to make sure I hadn’t mistakenly scrolled ahead. It occurred toward the end and so it made it more difficult to forget about.
I also wished there had been an epilogue and not a quick HFN. This is more of a personal preference and understand that it’s probably typical in a contemporary.
There are four encounters that are hot and full of passion.
3.5/5 As a whole I enjoyed this final installment in the Townsend Harbor series. I don’t read many contemporary romances but I’m a fan of Byrne’s historical romances and gave this series a go. I liked that there was a few nods to mythology and historical aspects in this one and others of the series as well.
Trent is a transplant from Albuquerque and a deputy that was briefly introduced in a prior book. He’s meticulous in his organization and orderliness of his house and life. Trent’s always been a rule-follower and enjoyed order but finds rules are easier to bend when Maggie is around and he welcomes her chaos.
Maggie is a new character that’s recently moved from the East Coast and with the help of a long-time friend, Gabe from Bazaar Girls, helps get her settled in as a new resident. She’s a strong curvy heroine that’s trying to start over and also solve a century old case involving a brothel madam and 30 missing soldiers for her podcast. I loved the realness of her, confident until those vulnerabilities creep back in.
This had a great balance between the romance and mystery of solving the case. I loved the opposites attract story and the banter Trent and Maggie had from the beginning. There’s an instant tension between them that led to some passionate encounters.
While I really liked the storyline and characters there was a part hard to ignore and a personal preference. This one seems to have needed an additional round of editing. In the latter half, the writing seemed disjointed as if passages were edited out or changed and the new revision seemed that it wasn’t reviewed. A few scenes where the setting changed abruptly without a transition threw me off and had me going back to make sure I hadn’t mistakenly scrolled ahead. It occurred toward the end and so it made it more difficult to forget about.
I also wished there had been an epilogue and not a quick HFN. This is more of a personal preference and understand that it’s probably typical in a contemporary.
There are four encounters that are hot and full of passion.
July 13, 2024
The story is snarky, steamy, and not for everyone. For those that like witty banter between characters, this might be for you. Maggie has come to town to investigate a story about a madam who supposedly shanghaied some customers for ships captains. She has taken a job as a bartender while not knowing how to make drinks. Trent comes in and is amused, attracted, and horrified that she doesn't know how to make a good cocktail. It quickly becomes apparent that they are a case of opposites attracting as he is neat and orderly while she is a hot mess. Maggie quickly becomes friends with Myrtle and along with Gabe gets their help in breaking into the old hotel to find clues to what really happened. They are caught by Trent and arrested. It snowballs from there with secret tunnels, an old blind and deaf dog, and an ex-con husband that won't sign divorce papers. It shouldn't go together, yet with quirky characters and witty dialogue it does. A read for when you really need a good laugh.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2024
With each book in the Townsend Harbor series I fall more in love with the town, people, and series. - and I am not sure how Kerrigan and Cynthia are able to up their game each book to have their readers fall further in love with the series again and again. This book had it all, there was humor, steam, and escapades.
Maggie Michaels is a slightly chaotic and very sassy investigative pod-caster who meets her match in Trent McGarvey, the savvy and meticulous deputy and recent transplant to Townsend Harbor. Something that sets this book apart from the others in the series is that Maggie and Trent give into the lust and chemistry much earlier in the book and there is a subplot of investigating the mystery around Madame Katz, which puts a different spin on the plot arc. Honestly, I just wish that I could pack up my bags and move to Townsend Harbor.
I received this book from the publisher/author at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.
Maggie Michaels is a slightly chaotic and very sassy investigative pod-caster who meets her match in Trent McGarvey, the savvy and meticulous deputy and recent transplant to Townsend Harbor. Something that sets this book apart from the others in the series is that Maggie and Trent give into the lust and chemistry much earlier in the book and there is a subplot of investigating the mystery around Madame Katz, which puts a different spin on the plot arc. Honestly, I just wish that I could pack up my bags and move to Townsend Harbor.
I received this book from the publisher/author at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.
September 1, 2025
To briefly reiterate what has been said in other reviews, the story ended abruptly on a HEA without enough of the resolution arc shown to make it satisfying or convincing.
Also, the writing was just more rushed than in the prior books in the series, there were several places where scene continuity broke. I got jolted out of the story at least three times due to the continuity breaks.
All that being said, the supporting cast remained enjoyable and helped move the story along with hilarious hi-jinks and occasional interventions to redirect the main couple. Some literal LOLs disturbed the fur-babies in the room with me while I was reading. And it set up some of the other singles in the town for their future titles.
Assuming that future titles in the series return to the quality of the first 4 books, this one is still worth reading for the Easter eggs within and that are being set up for those future titles. Just expect some disappointment when it ends before fully exploring how the characters deal with their baggage or how the conflict gets resolved.
Also, the writing was just more rushed than in the prior books in the series, there were several places where scene continuity broke. I got jolted out of the story at least three times due to the continuity breaks.
All that being said, the supporting cast remained enjoyable and helped move the story along with hilarious hi-jinks and occasional interventions to redirect the main couple. Some literal LOLs disturbed the fur-babies in the room with me while I was reading. And it set up some of the other singles in the town for their future titles.
Assuming that future titles in the series return to the quality of the first 4 books, this one is still worth reading for the Easter eggs within and that are being set up for those future titles. Just expect some disappointment when it ends before fully exploring how the characters deal with their baggage or how the conflict gets resolved.
July 14, 2024
Maggie and Trent are two divergent characters who help each other see their internal value, not just the "cover" and fall into lust/love. This is a story with wordplay that is as humorous as it is creative. I found myself rereading to ensure I had it correct. A great additional storyline involving shanghaied sailors and a mysterious madam, which took an unexpected twist that I appreciated. This was my first venture into Townsend Harbor and I enjoyed it. I haven't read others in the series, but the characters drew me to them and I will. It would probably be best to read in order to truly appreciate and understand their byplay in this book, but it also reads as a standalone. This is a book for people who can appreciate quirky characters and antics, steamy topics, and are able to accept people for who they are.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2025
3.2... 3.4
I don't get romances, and that's not to sound like a straight white guy.
Like, this whole thing would be solved if people were open and honest with each other.
The spice was very enjoyable, but the references to both neurotypical, neurospicy and diagnosis, plural, felt shoehorned in.
The book works as a stand alone and as a tie in to the larger series. But it seems rushed- at one point we are slinging drinks in a bar and then it's valentines day, with no mention of the time in between.
The ...C or B plot about former lovers was...not really compelling. Maybe I don't have enough buy in to the world or the back story, but it felt like a lot of build up for nothing?
The villian is a villian for like.... three 0ages and then he's nothing really.
I know I know, don't complain about a PB and J sandwhich when you ordered a pot roast. It's a nice light fluffy story with moderate spice that inspired me.
Decent reset book
I don't get romances, and that's not to sound like a straight white guy.
Like, this whole thing would be solved if people were open and honest with each other.
The spice was very enjoyable, but the references to both neurotypical, neurospicy and diagnosis, plural, felt shoehorned in.
The book works as a stand alone and as a tie in to the larger series. But it seems rushed- at one point we are slinging drinks in a bar and then it's valentines day, with no mention of the time in between.
The ...C or B plot about former lovers was...not really compelling. Maybe I don't have enough buy in to the world or the back story, but it felt like a lot of build up for nothing?
The villian is a villian for like.... three 0ages and then he's nothing really.
I know I know, don't complain about a PB and J sandwhich when you ordered a pot roast. It's a nice light fluffy story with moderate spice that inspired me.
Decent reset book
July 18, 2024
Deputy Trent McGarvey likes things neat and orderly, so when Maggie Michaels sweeps through Townsend Harbor looking for a place to lay low and sort out her life, he can't help but get involved. After all, redheads and secrets are his thing and Maggie has lots of both. He just has to find out what is up with this spunky girl who is obviously hiding from something.
Great chemistry and dialogue between Maggie and Trent, they really complement each other even though they are yin and yang. What I really liked with this book was the storyline and the historical aspect put on researching the Madame from the 1800's- some really interesting facts. Great amount of steam, clever wordplay and banter, previous books' characters make appearances, some secrets are revealed. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great chemistry and dialogue between Maggie and Trent, they really complement each other even though they are yin and yang. What I really liked with this book was the storyline and the historical aspect put on researching the Madame from the 1800's- some really interesting facts. Great amount of steam, clever wordplay and banter, previous books' characters make appearances, some secrets are revealed. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2024
Sirens by Kerrigan Byrne & Cynthia St. Aubin is the next installment of the series set in the seaside town of Townsend Harbor in the Pacific Northwest. Investigative reporter, Maggie Michaels kissed like the act was an Olympic sport and she was defending her gold medal. Holy Christ, Deputy Trent McGarvey was in trouble. And he loved how trouble tasted. Trent found himself caught in a web woven of intrigue and attraction, spun by a woman who was as fearless in her search for truth as she was unknowingly adept at stirring his blood. She was a siren in her own right, luring him into dangerous waters with just a smile. The chemistry between these two sizzles! Kerrigan & Cynthia have created another masterpiece.
July 14, 2024
First I’d like to say that I love how this series represents real women. Women of all shapes and sizes, colors, creeds, orientations and all along the spectrums.
I loved the premise of this story wherein Maggie comes in search of the secrets of the past for her podcast. She who’s not afraid to bend the rules and tell it like it is vs Trent who’s all buttoned up and put away. I loved their journey and how they both complemented each other and how the relationship changed them for the better at the same time. This is a sweet romance with a good deal of spice to it. In short an opposites attract with a hea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the premise of this story wherein Maggie comes in search of the secrets of the past for her podcast. She who’s not afraid to bend the rules and tell it like it is vs Trent who’s all buttoned up and put away. I loved their journey and how they both complemented each other and how the relationship changed them for the better at the same time. This is a sweet romance with a good deal of spice to it. In short an opposites attract with a hea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2024
4.5
I really love these authors' works (both individually and this combined series). I adore the world of Townsend Harbor and all the quirky loveable characters and it's history. This book with Maggie and Trent was lovely. Loved the mystery of Katz and and their hunt for the facts while being torn to uphold the law. My only beef just seemed a bit unfinished or loose ties and a rushed abrupt ending. I'm hoping the next book will pick up or share more facts about the mystery as it is unfolds, cause honestly I need more confirmation on how Stewart reacts to the things they found since he was so against it from the beginning. Trying not to be spoilery. Worth the journey despite the quick ending that leaves a bit to be desired.
I really love these authors' works (both individually and this combined series). I adore the world of Townsend Harbor and all the quirky loveable characters and it's history. This book with Maggie and Trent was lovely. Loved the mystery of Katz and and their hunt for the facts while being torn to uphold the law. My only beef just seemed a bit unfinished or loose ties and a rushed abrupt ending. I'm hoping the next book will pick up or share more facts about the mystery as it is unfolds, cause honestly I need more confirmation on how Stewart reacts to the things they found since he was so against it from the beginning. Trying not to be spoilery. Worth the journey despite the quick ending that leaves a bit to be desired.
July 17, 2025
I made it all the way to Book 5, determined to finish what I started—but this one broke me. While there are some sweet or clever moments, they’re buried under an avalanche of adjectives. Not just any adjectives—obscure, thesaurus-happy ones, repeated like a literary drinking game that went off the rails. The prose feels more bloated than beautiful, and frankly, I just got bored.
Add to that a frustrating tendency to caricature Christian characters as one-dimensional or ignorant, and I found myself checking out long before the final chapter.
To sum it up: this book made me want to shout, “Enough already!” at my book. I’m tapping out of this series and this author duo. Onward and upward.
Add to that a frustrating tendency to caricature Christian characters as one-dimensional or ignorant, and I found myself checking out long before the final chapter.
To sum it up: this book made me want to shout, “Enough already!” at my book. I’m tapping out of this series and this author duo. Onward and upward.
July 31, 2024
After a bit of a confusing start, a new transplant to Townsend Harbor (Maggie) works at the bar Sirens and doesn’t know how to make proper drinks. She and her love interest, Deputy Trent, are both harboring secrets. The funniest part of the book is the lesbian older couple, Vee and Myrtle, who bring some wild antics and helpful s€x shop articles from Vee’s Lady Garden store to lend a helping hand. Maggie attempts to assist the town discover some of its history with her secret investigations that turn into passionate and sometimes witty events.
I received a free copy of the book in advance and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free copy of the book in advance and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 3, 2024
Romantic Comedy
Maggie was looking for a fresh start and trying to solve a mystery. She had no business being a bartender, but if she did not mix those terrible drinks, chances are, she would not have encountered McGarvey. The attraction between them was explosive. He wanted to teach her how to make cocktails, or so he said. However, Trent wanted to solve the mystery of Maggie. He knew she was hiding something. As they got to know one another, the two got much more than they bargained for.
The humor was entertaining, but I found myself lost at times. I have enjoyed the series and would read anything about Townsend Harbor. The characters are quirky, and the dialogue is witty.
Maggie was looking for a fresh start and trying to solve a mystery. She had no business being a bartender, but if she did not mix those terrible drinks, chances are, she would not have encountered McGarvey. The attraction between them was explosive. He wanted to teach her how to make cocktails, or so he said. However, Trent wanted to solve the mystery of Maggie. He knew she was hiding something. As they got to know one another, the two got much more than they bargained for.
The humor was entertaining, but I found myself lost at times. I have enjoyed the series and would read anything about Townsend Harbor. The characters are quirky, and the dialogue is witty.
July 14, 2024
Maggie is a terrible bartender undercover for a story and she seems to keep breaking the law when she meets Deputy Trent. Maggie has issues with her size and her family didn’t help her poor self esteem. But Trent likes her curves and shows it in many ways but he gets frustrated that she keeps skirting the law and is a bit of a slob to his neat freak. He discovers early on that she’s still married and he still pursues her and then is later surprised when the slime-ball con shows up. I liked her quirky rescue dog.
July 16, 2024
I guess this just didn’t do it for me like the others in the series. Their connection was more lust fueled and less on anything substantial. He’s the deputy in this PNW town that seems to have an influx of Bostonians, and he’s sort of a unicorn with his interests in fashion, manners, and the art of a mixed drink. She’s the wildcat out of towner and friend of Gabe, another transplant from the East coast. She’s apparently a podcaster, chasing a story about human trafficking from generations ago, but it’s not all it seems. I wish there had been more build up about the story she’s working on and more about Trent’s story. It’s indirectly related to the other books, some cameos, but it can be read separately. I read an early copy and wrote my review honestly.
April 25, 2025
I'm so disappointed. Was this even written by the same duo as the rest of the series? I was looking forward to a plot driven mystery with a little romance on the side. Yes there were the crazy shenanigans that go hand in hand with Myrtle, but what I got was a f*ckfest and a weak ass story without an ending. This book could have been brilliant, but it was almost as if the authors couldn't be bothered. I'm glad it's the last in the series as it means I don't have to feel bad about not reading the next one. A generous 1.5* for Myrtle's sake
July 19, 2024
Excellent read from Byrne and St. Aubin. Just love this series, the characters and the plot of this book. I don't do a synopsis of any book I read, but I'll tell you, I did laugh, a lot reading this tale!! Do yourself a favor and pick up this series. It was good to see characters from the previous stories, and I hope this isn't the end. Looking forward to reading more from these talented storytellers.
July 25, 2024
I was so disappointed with Sirens. The rest of the Townsend Harbor series have such beautiful depth and interwoven storytelling; this fifth installment feels stilted and poorly written. There are scene transitions that make no sense, characters who are poorly introduced (especially for a “standalone from the same universe”) and a plot line that isn’t fully fleshed out or explained. Truly bummed as the prior four books are wonderful.
June 28, 2025
Entertaining read!
I enjoyed Trent and Maggie's story. It was a fun, entertaining story. I liked that she was there to investigate a story, and she didn't care how she got the information. She was a fiery, free spirit, and Trent was a by the book lawman. I thought every interaction between them was fun to read. They had amazing chemistry and couldn't stay away from each other. Great story!
I enjoyed Trent and Maggie's story. It was a fun, entertaining story. I liked that she was there to investigate a story, and she didn't care how she got the information. She was a fiery, free spirit, and Trent was a by the book lawman. I thought every interaction between them was fun to read. They had amazing chemistry and couldn't stay away from each other. Great story!
July 16, 2024
Readers will fall in love with Trent and Maggie! The romance is sexy, sweet, and emotional. The characters are fantastic. There's tension, humor, and oh my moments. I think this is the best one of the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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