When I sing at Memaw’s Bar every weekend, there’s one hard and fast no recording of any kind. It’s not a bar rule, it’s a Hali rule.
Because if people were to post videos or audio clips of my performances, word would get out, and this tiny island off Georgia’s coast would be overrun with people trying to meet me. To discover me and bring me into the limelight.
And that’s not my ego talking. It’s a fact. The crowds that come to see me aren’t just captivated by my talent. They’re enthralled by my magic.
Only my mother knows the truth––I’m not human. I’m a mermaid, and my siren’s song is all-powerful. Mom found me on the beach when I was a toddler, and she took me in. Raised me. Loved me. Kept my secret.
And now that she’s sick, it’s my turn to take care of her. And that means risking my secret for tips every Friday and Saturday night. And even though no one has ever recorded me, word of mouth is a powerful thing.
That’s why he’s here. Brendan Howser. Talent agent and temporary next door neighbor.
He thinks he can wear me down and get me to sign with his agency, but it’s not going to happen. It can’t. But Brendan doesn’t give up easily.
And neither does the stranger who’s started following me and snapping pictures from behind bushes. When he shows up at Memaw’s wearing noise-cancelling headphones and screaming about siren magic, I realize the truth––he knows.
And he’s determined to prove it to the world.
Bewitched by the Siren is a standalone book of the highly-addictive paranormal romance series, The Bewitching Hour. If you’re thirsting for magic and mayhem, spicy slow burn, and witty banter, then you’ll be ensnared by this quirky, sexy, and super fun series. Perfect for fans of Wednesday Addams, Bewitched, and Practical Magic.
Piper James lives in Idaho with her husband, two teenage sons, two cats, and a dog.
Her favorite things are romance novels, coffee, potato chips, and her Jeep Wrangler…and her family, of course. Seriously. She loves her family more than coffee and her jeep. *exaggerated wink*
When she’s not writing, she watches ghost shows and spends most of her time trying to convince her family their house is haunted. Because it is.
She wrote YA paranormal romance for 6 years under the name Wendi Wilson before giving into her desire to write spicy romcoms, and it was the best career decision she’s ever made…until she decides to write a book about the ghosts. Because they are definitely real.
This was a cute, myth-based romance with Little Mermaid vibes, except for a matriarch at the helm instead of King Triton. Brendan is a talent agent and Hali is the object of his latest pursuit, a singer who’s got tons of buzz around her but no recorded performances, which seems impossible in this day and age of social media. Of course there are reasons for that, and the book takes its time exposing the whys and hows of it all.
Brendan becomes enamored with and then protective of Hali in fairly short order. Three and a half stars rounded to four
I received an advance reader copy from BookFunnel, and I’m sharing my honest review.
The FMC carried this whole book. I freaking loved her!
Hali Weston is a siren in secret. No one knows other than her mom who she’s the main caretaker for. To make ends meet, Hali sings at a local bar and uses her siren call to make sure people love her but also, not record her. Her goal isn’t to be famous or make it big. She just wants to support her mom. 🩷
That doesn’t mean that word got around about Hali though and when agent scouts try and convince her to sign with them, Hali normally uses her siren call to make them forget about her and go home. Until Brendan. A relentless talent scout agent that refuses to give up. I honestly saw him as a walking red flag and therefore, wasn’t an impressive character to me. He wants her to sign with him to skyrocket his career. Oh, and he wears khakis with a lavender polo. 🚩 red flag douche alert. Even with knowing Hali‘s mother is sick, he continuously fights with his own morals on trying to get her to sign with him and move her to L.A. … still pretty deep into the book. He also is a coward for running when the truth comes out about Hali.
I absolutely loved and adored her character. She truly carried this entire storyline. She deserved the world and quite frankly a better man to fall in love with. But who am I to say? I’m not the author. 😉 This book is definitely different from the rest of the series (so far) as it gives off more small beach vibes and summertime love. It was adorable with an HEA
🩷 Tropes: ✨ Reluctant Pop star/talent agent ✨ Hiding true nature ✨ Forbidden love ✨ Damsel in distress ✨ Small town ✨ Dark secret ✨ Sworn off relationship
This is what I call “a summer read”. This book is the perfect exemple of that and I recommend it to anyone who wants to read a summer book. The atmosphere from this story set in a small coastal town, Circe Key, is picturesque and magical, with different traditional festivals and restaurants.
Brendan Howser is a typical agent who is looking for true talent. He finds her, Hali Weston, our talented pop star who doesn’t want to be famous nor sign up with Brendan’s agency. Their interactions start off in the Memaw’s bar where Hali sings every week to get money to help her mother with meds and care. The bar has a rule: no recording. Behind the reason is a secret which Hali’s life depends on that.
I really really love the vibes from this book. This story is perfect to be read on a hot day on the beach. I really loved the evolution of the relationship between the characters and how they slowly start to know each other. I also love about this book that there weren’t any useless dramas or breakups. It is perfect how it is and Brendan’s love and care for Hali and her mother, Grace, melted my heart. Also I am dying to try his fish tacos I am craving for them. 🌮🐟
It felt like the perfect introduction to a cozy spooky season monster romance, with the romance taking center stage and the banter keeping me smiling. The FMC was adorably innocent and such a devoted daughter to her mother, and their sweet relationship was something I could easily relate to. The MMC’s struggle between his job and his growing love for her was so charming and well done. I only wish the story had spent a little more time exploring her mysterious, spooky side
If you’re looking for a book full of romance, a few shenanigans, a twist on siren lore, quite a few emotions, relatable characters, some adorable sea turtles and a happily ever after than I recommend grabbing a copy of Bewitched by the Siren.
Hali is a musician who has earned a name for her secrecy, and her lack of desire to become famous has a record label looking to get her to sign no matter the cost… but Hali has a secret she can’t risk getting out, she’s a siren and that’s a secret she won’t risk getting discovered. Especially since she has a mother who is sick. But when Brendan shows up, he’s on a mission. A mission to sign an amazing singer, yes, but also to save his job. Except when he meets Hali he feels like perhaps he’s finally found his home. But as feelings grow between Hali and Brendan the secrets they keep may be the thing that keeps them separated forever.
I really loved Halis character, I found her so relatable. The feelings of wanted to be there for her mom not only just to be there because she had cared for her, her whole life but because she truly loves and cares about her mom. Halie was just such a genuine character that you can’t help but root for her happily ever after. And I really wanted to like Brendan but honestly he just came off a bit wishy washy to me. When he was being romantic and sweet, and seemingly to genuinely care about Hali I really like him… but then in the same chapter he’d be once again consider betraying Halis trust in order to get the recording of her for his boss. It took him the majority of the book, to decide he wasn’t going to betray her trust in that manner and that was after he’d already struck up a friendship with her and her mother and after their feelings had gone from friendship to something romantic.
Overall I did enjoy this book and would recommend it to romance readers who like strong female leads, and siren lore.
This book was such an absolute delight to read! From start to finish, this story had me completely charmed. Everything about it felt super cute and fluffy, and is the kind of book that just left me smiling so stupidly haha
I especially adored Hali and Branden’s relationship. Branden was so sweet and kind, not only to Hali but also to her mother, and that really made him stand out as such a caring man, Hali herself was such a joy as well, her personality, her growth, and the way she carried herself throughout the story made me love her more with every chapter. I never wanted it to end.
The world-building in this book was fantastic, too. It felt magical and immersive, creating the perfect backdrop for Hali and Branden’s story. It was easy to get lost in the setting and believe in the enchanting world that Piper has created.
Overall, this book was everything I hoped it would be and more. It’s heartfelt, sweet, and full of charm, and it has definitely earned a spot on my re-read pile!
I couldn't put it down! Hali is such a down to earth character! She's a superstar, but still so humble. All she cares about is taking care of her mom, and she will do whatever it takes. Brendan is understanding and patient. He truly saw and respected Hali and her choices, more than his own needs. It was such a a sweet and refreshing read!
This is a very cute, small town romance. It felt cozy and sweet. Hali was a great character and so was her mom. Brendan was so so. That said, it felt as if the book was written as small town and then the siren part was added to make it fit in the PNR slot... But it was good contemporary romance
Well that was fabulous. Much heavier on the contemporary romance than my usual read, but I loved every moment of it. The dual POV was done perfectly. This was the perfect time of year to read this book because of the fall beachy vibes. And the ending was perfect!
Sparks fly when a talent agent looking to recruit the town's best singer collide in this paranormal romance by Piper James!
Hali Weston has done everything in her power to keep the fact that she is a siren a secret. Yes, she may sing at the local dive bar in order to make money to support her ailing mother and work at the turtle sanctuary in town, but beyond that, she keeps to herself. That is, until Brendan, a handsome talent agent appears on her doorstep trying to make her a star. Hali can't afford fame; her secret is too big to risk. When Brendan begins to slowly steal her heart, things become more complex as she begins to dream about a world outside her very limited bubble.
I thought this romance was so cute! From the get-go, Hali and Brendan are such likable characters and I was rooting for the enemies to become lovers as soon as possible. I absolutely adore the banter between these two and their less than happy conversations they have with one another when they first meet. Brendan is mystified about why Hali doesn't want to be discovered as a musical talent, but Hali is just as scared that she'll never be able to trust him at the risk of him learning she's a mermaid.
I also want to mention how much a gentleman Brendan is. He is just so sweet and treat Hali with the utmost respect, which is something that isn't always the case with the male love interest in spicy romance novels. I was so happy to see him treat Hali like a literal princess both in his actions as well as his words. He could have hounded about recruiting her the entire book, but he lets it fall to the wayside when he realizes that he has took his shot at convincing her and was nowhere close to succeeding.
Hali cares about her mother, Grace, more than anything else in the world, so it's super sweet when Brendan works to befriend Grace, too. Grace is physically disabled, which adds another level to Hali and Grace's relationship. They will do anything for one another, even if it limits the freedom that they are both allowed to have. It is so great seeing such strong mother daughter connections in books, especially romances.
The music aspects of this book are quite fun. Hali does have siren song abilities, but she uses them as sparingly as possible. Sirens are so neat, so I was happy to read a romance starring such a fun mythical creature. And the way that James combines this with the modern aspects of the music industry was really fun to see play out.
The third act conflict in this one was done immaculately. I must say, it is pretty obvious that Hali's secret will eventually come out, but I feel as though it was done in a pretty chill way. I greatly appreciate that the author didn't choose to go with something super dramatic, as this let the conflict focus more on Hali and Brendan's romance rather than the drama.
And the physical intimacy between the two of them? Amazing! They may have only known each other for about a week before they got in bed together, but I really enjoyed the emotional connection between the two of them that they had already established before this point. They may have both been a tad horny and overdue for getting laid, but I enjoyed how much I could feel they cherished one another in the moment.
Overall, "Bewitched by the Siren" was a very enjoyable read. I ate up the tension between Hali and Brendan due to both the recruiting deal and Hali's siren secret. Hali's bond with her mother was one of my favorite parts of this novel, as was the musical elements. This is a romance that I can get behind, so I'm glad that I got to read this fun, paranormal romance! I am definitely wanting to check out more of Piper James' work in this future, so hopefully that is an opportunity that is awarded to me someday.
Okay I'm officially hooked on this series and I now have another fabulous author to add to my collection. Never having read anything by Ms James before I was prepared to be transported into a story filled with magic, romance and cozy vibes, trust me I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. It's a fun, heartwarming read with just the right amount of spice that doesn't overwhelm the plot but sweetly enhances the story, while keeping you on your toes to find out how it all ends. And yes, I'll admit I had the goofiest smile on my face by the time the story wrapped up making my heart sing out in happiness. And I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
Hali is kind, generous sweet and selfless and taking risks is not in her nature because she also has a secret. A secret that she keeps hidden from the world at all costs, and one she only partly exposes to help her earn money to pay medical bills for her sick mother. So when a talent agent comes to her hometown, Hali is prepared to stand her ground and tell him to get lost. What she doesn't expect is to start feeling something towards him as she keeps people at arms length for fear of exposure. Did I love Hali, you bet I did as I could understand her conflict all throughout the story while rooting for her to finally let her walls down and let another in. I also loved her relationship with her mother Grace, not only can you feel the love these two share, but you can see that Grace has Hali's best interests at heart and wants her daughter to be truly happy, which was incredibly endearing.
Now I'm not gonna lie, it took longer for me to warm to Brendan as I thought I had him pegged as a bit of a rogue who was just determined to get Hali signed to his agency, and he wouldn't care how he went about it. So yes, I was totally prepared to dislike him for this alone, so colour me surprised when he turns out to be something I wasn't expecting, at all. He's charming, protective and caring, which not only applies to Hali but to her mother aswell (this earned big bonus points from me). And by the end of the book I have to say I was definitely in love with him myself.
This was a very entertaining read, full of cozy vibes, romance, humour, family bonds and a hometown I'd move to in a heartbeat. Loved it. Totally recommend 😁
This is book two in the Bewitching Hour series. While it’s part of this series, it reads as a standalone with no problem. It appears that each book in the series works as a standalone.
I enjoyed this book. It was interesting. While it has paranormal elements to it, this book is very much a traditional romance. The two work together very well.
Hali Weston sings at a local dive bar, Memaw’s. She has a commanding voice, and word has gotten out to a talent agent, Julius. He’s sent his representative Brendon Howser to record her and then sign her. Brendan attends Hali’s weekend concert. He wants to record her, but something is holding him back.
This is a darling story. Hali adopted mother, Grace, found her as a toddler, sitting on the shore, all alone. It didn’t take her long to figure out that Hali had somehow been abandoned, and that she’s a siren. Grace did everything she could for Hali, to make sure she has a wonderful life. Now, Grace has developed muscular dystrophy, a debilitating disease, and Hali feels that it’s now her turn to take care of Grace. She has no intention of signing with any talent agency. Her place is with her mother.
Brandan has rented a house right next door to Hali’s. After she turns down his requests for recording her and signing her, he decides that his best option is to befriend her. He goes out of his way to do nice things for her and her mother. It isn’t long before Hali responds.
This is a believable insta-love romance that involves a mythical character who switches from human form to siren/mermaid. It’s an adult tale. Brendan and Hali make a cute couple. Both are good people. Hali has trust issues, due to her natural state, and as much as she like Brandon, she doesn’t feel comfortable sharing her big secret with him or anyone else. But when someone decides to stalk Hali, she might not have a say in the matter.
This was a fun read, filled with feels and a bit of drama. I recommend it.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Piper James has written an amazing story with a secret siren as the FMC and a MMC who will stop at nothing to sign her to his label. I loved everything about this book and the mother/daughter relationship. Our FMC can sing (hello, siren remember), but she doesn’t want her talent to well known. She only wants to earn enough to make enough to support her mother. But when you can sing like she can, even with a no video policy, word of mouth is powerful.
Hali is an amazing FMC and her devotion to helping care for her mother is inspiring. She has an amazing voice and only wants to use it to earn the money she needs for her mother. She isn’t out for fame. But when word of mouth proves how powerful it can be, a talent agent ends up at the local bar she sings at and instantly knows he has to sign her to his label. On top of that he moves in next door, which makes keeping her secret even harder.
Brendan doesn’t know what it is about Hali, but he knows she is meant for more than the small coastal town and bar she sings at. He’s never encountered anyone so against stardom. But there is something else about her he can’t shake. As her new neighbor, he gets to see her off stage and loves that version of her too. When a stranger keeps coming around making Hali uncomfortable and a little fearful, he vows to do everything he can to keep her safe.
I loved watching Hali and Brendan open up to each other in this story! Bewitched by the Siren is part of the Bewitching Hour series and it is a must read series going into spooky season. From the beginning Hali stole my heart and I loved watching her grow. Brendan took some time to warm up to, as it seems propelling his own career is his only priority, but he proves himself in the end. And although part of a series where paranormal is the focus, you can completely read this on a hot summer day, on the beach!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect: 🎤Fish out of Water 🎶“Splash” Vibes 🎤Dark Secret 🎶Hiding True Nature 🎤Damsel in Distress 🎶Forbidden Love 🎤Reluctant Pop Star FMC 🎶Talent Agent MMC
This was a lovely entry into The Bewitching Hour series. I devoured this story in a few hours, and had an amazing time.
I thoroughly enjoyed the romance between Brendan and Hali. While it still felt a little rushed in the timeline, the author put an effort into the characters getting to know each other. The Dual POV was a nice touch so you could really get into the heads of both characters. I also appreciated that some of the common tropes with this type of romance were avoided I was happy to see that neither Brendan nor Hali's wants and needs are just brushed over to get to the ending. Both of them have a satisfying resolution.
The smalltown vibes of Circe Key were magical, and it made me want to make the drive down to Savannah to try and find it :). I cackled while reading the reaction of a non-southerner to Georgia staples like hot weather in the middle of November, Sweet Tea, and Shrimp & Grits.
I do wish that there were fewer open door scenes, but that's a personal gripe, and I don't knock the author for including them. They do make sense within the story.
Overall, this read like a paranormal Hallmark movie and made me tear up by the end. Definitely worth a read if you like small towns, mermaids, and Hallmark style romances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you so much to the author for allowing me a chance to read this, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This book was really unexpected for me as far as the relationship development between the characters. When you first start reading the book, you’re probably going to have a fear that the MMC is going to try to betray the FMC get close to her just to use her, I was so glad that he was very cognizant of that fact, and that even though he was trying to get close to her to accomplish his goals, he was not trying to use her as a person. He seemed to genuinely just want to get to know her and accomplish his goals But once he realized why she had her rules and limitations, he basically stopped trying to accomplish his goals at all, even if it meant severe fallout for himself. And he was tortured about it because he could see the fallout coming for himself, but was unwavering in my opinion, he didn’t want to face the fall out, but he was willing to because he did not want to risk her well-being. The kindness and care, unwavering that the MMC showed for the FMC was really refreshing. Even though he didn’t know everything about her he could still tell that she was very guarded and I was very pleased to show that even when they were at odds with each other, he was still protective because he knew she needed it.
I know this is a part of a greater series of books, but I really hope that we get a second of this particular book. I would love to get more backstory about how the FMC turned up on the beach, her birth, family, and if there are more sirens in the world. Plus, I still wonder what happened to that crazy guy and if there are more crazy guys around! Basically, I just want more 😂
I think I have been Bewitched By the Siren. This small-town romance was so cute. I was swooning over here. I was so fully invested and I enjoyed this story so much and honestly, I wish there was more to read!
Hali Weston has spent her whole life hiding her secret and hoping no one will find out she’s really a siren. With her mom’s health impacted, she has started singing for tips but there’s one rule… no photos, no videos, and no audio recordings. One day Brendan comes into town on one mission — get Hali to sign a record label. With sparks flying and emotions getting involved, Hali has to be more cautious than ever. AND now a stalker is trying to put her. Will her identity stay hidden or will her world come crashing down?
Hali is so sweet and so caring. Her character is just so down-to-earth and beautiful, even her siren side. Honestly, she’s a breath of fresh air. Brendan’s character grew from the beginning to the end. At first, all he saw was money when he heard about Hali. But over time he really saw her for her and didn’t shove her into a deal. I just loved both of them so much.
This story was just so refreshing and I just enjoyed it so much. The Bewitching Hour books have been so entertaining so far and I can’t wait for the rest of them to come out! Definitely check this one out!
What To Expect: - paranormal romance - mermaids/siren - reluctant musician x talent manager - neighbors - spicy - small town
4.5⭐️
now this is what i call a summer read! you get a cute beach town and all the beachy vibes even though it technically takes place closer to the end of year. but nonetheless it is a great read for the summer.
there were so many times i got worried that brendan would betray her, and i mean full on holding my breath and heart racing as i read. but i wont say if he does or not, im going to let you find out 😏
hali was an absolute sweetheart. she is so kind and caring yet fiesty. but with her secret it makes sense why she hides herself and doesnt let many people in. i just absolutely adored her so much. brended was also a very kind guy and honestly boyfriend goals. and dang can that man cook. i dont even like fish but if he made me fish tacos i would eat them.
i will say that this book did make me crave some shrimp and grits, i haven't had that in so long and that dish was mentioned a few times. there was even a shrimp and grits festival which i desperately want to go to now.
thank you so much piper james, i am so grateful that i was given the opportunity to read this arc
Bewitched by the Siren is a super low stakes, lighthearted, cozy "monster" romance in the Bewitching Hour Collection. In this story we follow Brendon and Hali, Brendon is a talent agent out of LA sent by his boss to track down and sign a mysterious singer from Circe Key who has never been recorded but is sure to be the next big superstar. Hali, our FMC's only goal in life is to make sure her mother lives as comfortably as she can while she takes care of her. She sings to bring home money to pay for her care and is absolutely not looking to become famous or take on any job that takes her away from her. Brendon is immediately hypnotized by her singing when he catches her show at the local pub, determined to get her signed. As they grow closer and Hali lets her walls down, they quickly fall in love and Brendon understands now more than ever why she will never sign. Or so he thinks.
This story follows their very quick fall into love that takes place over a week, while getting the gorgeous small coastal town vibes mixed with the Little Mermaid, including a mermaid cove. This book is very much character forward, and running at about 200 pages will be an absolute quick read that will leave you smiling.
Thank you to Piper James for the E-ARC, all opinions are my own
This was such a fun read. I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend reading. Hali is hiding a secret from everyone. There's only one person who knows and that's her mother. Everyone else she keeps at a distance because she's scared of people finding out. But when her mother gets sick she has to find a way to financially support them. So she starts signing. She's a Siren and her voice captivates people when she sings and if she gives commands they have no choice but to comply. She doesn't like to use her siren powers but she will do anything to make sure her mother is taken care of. Brendan is a talent agent and he has been sent to convince Hali to sign with his company. When he hears Hali sing he knows that people will love her. At first Hali doesnt want anything to do with him but once she starts hanging out with him and he doesn't bring up the record deal she begins to loosen up around him. They get to know each other and find they enjoy the other's company. Their feelings for each other become more but what happens when her secret finally comes out? Can their fragile relationship survive?
Hali sings every weekend at a local dive bar to make money to support her sick mother. She doesn’t want to be famous. She can’t. Not only would it require her to leave her mom, but it’s also because she has a massive secret. She’s a mermaid. 🧜🏻♀️ Her siren song influencing people and making it impossible for them not to love her singing.
Brendan works for a talent agency in L.A. and has been sent to scout Hali and sign her. What Brendan wasn’t counting on was getting to know Hali over his week with her in Georgia and falling for her. But will she trust him enough to show him her secret?
This the second book of the Bewitching Hour Collection. It was such a fun, light hearted read. I loved Hali and Brendan together and the development of their relationship. I loved them incorporating her mom in their activities, since she’s such a big part of Hali’s life. Overall, a great read! I can’t wait to read more by this author!
This was really sweet. I don't think I've read a book with a reluctant pop star yet so that was refreshing, and I liked the angle of the talent agent trying to recruit her but falling hopelessly in love along the way. Hali gives off the damsel in distress vibes, but she's tough, grounded, and so caring, and I admired her dedication to her mother. Brendan is protective, charming and passionate, and I loved seeing him fall for the coastal town alongside Hali, and him finding his home. Also he is so sweet cooking for her! Hali's hidden identity is carefully crafted into the story and expresses how she struggles with the guilt of using her powers, and chooses to only do so when necessary, but still battles with self doubt and her conflicted identity. I liked their initial tense interactions, but how it shifts into the cosy connection they share. It's lighthearted, charming and whimsical, and a cosy read.
A talent agent arrives in a small town in search of an amazing singer. She is everything he hoped - but she has zero interest in becoming famous for two crucial reasons.
First, she cares for her wheelchair bound mother and refuses to leave her. Second, she’s a mermaid and her singing is part of her siren magic. So, that complicates things somewhat.
This was a lovely, sweet read. We get to visit sea turtles, and fall in love with the small town and its ocean. The characters both grow in self-confidence, learning to believe in themselves. The ending is optimistic, while not wrapping everything neatly into a bow.
It’s an open door book, with scenes happening in the later half of the book. It only takes place over a week, so technically it isn’t a slow burn, but they don’t just jump into bed. This is part of the Bewitching Hour series of standalones and they’re so much fun to read. Anyone who loves small town and/or PNR should read this.
Seriously, every time I pick up one of her books, I *disappear* into her world. Her writing has this magical way of making you feel like you're *in* the story, hanging out with the characters like they’re your best friends. And yes, I get way too emotionally invested. No regrets. 😌💕
This time, it’s Hali and Brendan’s turn to steal your heart, and wow, do they deliver. You might think it’s your average swoony romance, but nope. Hali’s got a HUGE secret: she’s a freaking **siren** raised by a human! 🧜♀️ And she really can’t let anyone find out, especially not the charming guy she’s falling for.
Watching Brendan fall hard for Hali first (yes to the "he fell first" trope 🙌) and patiently earn her trust? Pure magic. Watching Hali break out of her shell and learn to believe in taking a chance on love? Even better.
✨ If you're craving a rom-com with a mythical twist, a rising pop star, secret identities, and a whole lot of heart, this is your next read. 💫
I was drawn into this lush and atmospheric world where magic and longing collide prior to its release. Piper James' ability to create a romance that feels as dangerous as it is beautiful deserves a round of applause.
The story follows a siren cursed by her nature—bound to lure men to their doom—until she meets the one person she cannot bring herself to harm. Their connection defies fate, but every choice they make tightens the curse's grip, threatening not only their love but their very lives.
The siren lore is dark and alluring, yet threaded with vulnerability and hope. Every interaction between the leads is a battle between desire and survival, keeping tension sharp from start to finish.
Beyond the magic, it’s a story about redemption and finding freedom in love. Bewitched by the Siren blends danger, seduction, and heartfelt emotion into a romantic journey that feels both fresh and deeply evocative—a must-read for fans of fantasy romance.
I felt it was more of a summer read than a fall read, but I still loved it. This is my fourth book out of the series so far, and I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. It follows Brendan, a talent scout agent sent to Circe Key to sign a bar singer named Hali Weston, who is a siren, to the agency.
The problem is that Hali needs to sing at Memaw’s Bar and use her siren voice to pay for her mother’s medical needs. Because of that, she doesn’t want to be filmed while performing and have the possibility of becoming famous. Brendan is sent there to get a video of her performance, but things don’t go as planned.
I loved how Hali and her mother have a sweet and understanding relationship with each other. I did feel bad for Brendan because he is torn between his job and his feelings for Hali, but I loved how it turned out. It felt like a cozy book to read at the beach. I wish this book felt more spooky than summer-like, but I would still recommend this book. Thank you so much for this arc!
This is a stand-alone book in the Bewitching Hour series. Hali is a siren who sings in the local bar to make additional money to help care for her mom, who has MS. As she doesn’t want to be found out there is no recording allowed when she is singing. Brandon is a talent agent, sent to scout and sign Hali after someone reports her singing to his boss. He starts out trying to sign her but know he needs her to trust him first. This book is a romance, with most of it about the two of them getting to know each other. The only fantasy aspect is that Hali is a siren. It is well done on how they get to know each other but I’ve got to say I didn’t like this book as much as the first. I know it is a different author than the first book but it hit a lot of the wrong buttons for me. There isn’t really much of a story other than the romance and I need a good story to go along with the spice. It’s a light, quick read.
After reading the blurb for Bewitched by the Siren and seeing the cover I knew I needed to read this book and I'm so glad I did! Bewitched by the Siren was everything I was hoping for, the sweet romance, the protective male character, the secret, the interactions, the spice... Everything just gave me the feels! I've not read anything by Piper James before but I definitely will be doing going forward. The writing was great and it pulled me into the story, the descriptions were all lavish and when it came to describing the food, I could almost taste it! I loved everything about this novel. I loved the progression, I loved the characters, Hali and her mother were just the sweetest and I felt a connection and understanding with them both. Brendan surprised me, I was prepared to not like him but he totally wasn't what I was expecting and I thought he was great. I loved the ending, this novel definitely gave me all the sweets cozy vibes along with the touch of spice. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.
I received an eARC from the author and I am leaving a voluntary review. Thank you!
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So soft and sweet, I really enjoyed this. Even if the stakes were high in the book, I think the author did a fine job at keeping things soft, keeping the tone lighthearted and letting the characters fall in love at their own pace.
I also enjoyed the way the siren song -myth was used in the book and how it played a part in Hali and her ability to keep paying her mother’s care. And that nod towards the original Little Mermaid fairytale was so fun too! It fit the mood really well and is one of those small nuggets that makes you chuckle happily 🤭
I would’ve wanted to know more about the Turtle sanctuary as I thought it would play a bigger role in the book, but honestly that was just me and my thoughts, I don’t actually think the story needed it but I fell in love with the description of the sanctuary.