A Siren Song for Christmas

An MM Monster Christmas #5

by Gigi Rivers

A pining hearth-witch. A grieving siren. A Christmas invitation that changes everything.

Trent has a crush on the siren who runs the Aquatic Horticultural Emporium. With his melodic voice, striking blue skin, and those very intriguing tentacles, Malachi features in all of Trent’s late-night fantasies. But what chance does a nervous virgin who constantly blushes have with the older siren? Still, Trent has to try.

But Malachi has no inkling that Trent is trying to catch his attention. He can’t imagine that this sweet young man would be interested in him. After all, Malachi is reserved, gloomy, and deep in his grief for his lost mate. Then Trent suggests a purely physical relationship. Malachi surprises himself and says yes.

As snow falls and hot chocolate flows, something tender flickers into life between them. Trent brightens Malachi’s dark and lonely world. But can the siren open his heart again? Or will they both spend this Christmas alone?

A Siren Song for Christmas is an MM cosy fantasy romance with plenty of spice. It features Christmas vibes, a family of hearth witch bakers, a touch-starved siren, a pining virgin, an age gap, very inappropriate use of tentacles, a pet frog, and an HEA. Whilst this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, M M Romance, Monsters, Christmas, Supernatural

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Gigi spent her childhood daydreaming and living inside the imaginary worlds in her mind. As an author, she now shares these worlds with her readers.

Born and raised in Australia, she now resides in Berlin, Germany. She is mixed race, being half-Filipino and part Welsh. She is a traveller, potter, gym enthusiast, nature and animal lover, an avid consumer of stories, and now, a writer.

Gigi writes mm fantasy romance. Her debut series is A Naiad Romance.

Reviews

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Siren Song for Christmas is the 5th book in the An MM Monster Christmas series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the story of Trent a hearth witch and Malachi a siren. This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Both guys are different, with different issues. Trent is the youngest in his family, a lonely virgin, and crushing big time on Malachi. Malachi is barley living, still grieving for his lost mate, and wanting more in life even if he doesn't realize it. This was a great read with plenty of angst. I loved the characters and world building that went into this series. I hope we get more stories in this series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
received a free review copy

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trent is the sweetest of the sweetest cinnamon roll to ever cinnamon roll. He just wants to help is family and find live while not really feeling that he is enough. I spent part of the book disappointed in Malachi though he is relatable. He is sure he can never love again having lost his love so everything in his world is grey until Trent. Some heart strings moments but the HEA is so worth it.

[Kurohagi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new volume in the “An MM Monster Christmas” series is just as magical and captivating as the previous ones.
It's a pleasure to reconnect with the characters from the previous volumes, this large family of kitchen witches and each of its members and their partners.
This book is dedicated to the youngest member of the family : Trent. Trent is adorable, devoted to his family, not afraid of hard work, and feels indebted to his elders who raised him from a young age after his parents died.
He is admirable but forgets to take care of himself. He wants nothing for himself, until he meets Malachi, a siren.
Malachi has lost a loved one and lives as a recluse, alone with his plants and a little frog. We feel all his sadness, all the grief he still carries from the loss of his loved one.
Malachi is still in love with his past love. Trent is young, innocent, and inexperienced. Their story seems doomed to failure, and yet...
A magnificent story about learning to grieve: for one, it is the grief of losing a loved one, for the other, it is the grief of losing childhood and learning to turn a page in his life.
I recommend this volume and, once again, I recommend the entire series. As for me, I eagerly await Jasper's story.

----

Ce nouveau tome de la série "An MM Monster Christmas" est tout aussi magique et captivant que les précédents.
C'est un plaisir de retrouver les personnages des précédents tome, cette grande famille de sorciers de cuisine et chacun de ces membres et leur partenaire.
Ce livre est dédié au plus jeune membre de la famille : Trent. Trent est adorable, dévoué à sa famille, il ne rechigne pas sur le travail et il se sent redevable de ses aînés qui l'ont élevés depuis leurs plus jeune âge au décès de leurs parents.
Il est admirable mais oublie un peu de s'occuper de lui. Il ne désire rien pour lui, jusqu'à ce qu'il rencontre Malachi un sirène.
Malachi a perdu un amour et vit en reclus, seul avec ses plantes et une petite grenouille. On ressent toute sa tristesse, tout le deuil qu'il porte encore de la perte de l'être aimé.
Malachi toujours amoureux de son amour passé. Trent jeune, innocent et inexperimenté. Leur histoire semble vouée à l'échec et pourtant...
Une magnifique histoire où il faut apprendre à faire le deuil, pour l'un c'est le deuil d'un être cher, pour l'autre c'est le deuil de l'enfance et apprendre à tourner une page de sa vie.
Je recommande ce tome et encore une fois, je recommande toute la série. Et pour ma part, j'attends l'histoire de Jasper avec impatience.

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

- series
- fantasy
- soul mates
- christmas

I love this series. I've spent so much time in this amazing world Gigi Rivers has created, going back into it to see another brother get their HEA feels like spending time with old friends. This story takes place in the same time frame as the previous story - A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas. I honestly think it would be beneficial to have read the previous books but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. This is Malachi and Trent's story. Malachi is a siren, tragically losing his mate a few years ago and is now alone and still grieving. Trent lives with his family of hearth witches, but as the youngest he feels overlooked and a little left out as he doesn't have much magic. He helps where he can and pretty much gives everything to his family.

At the start Malachi doesn't realise Trent is trying to woo him, he's unfamiliar with human traditions and at the start isn't interested in a relationship with anyone. I loved the development of their relationship, this story deals with some serious issues like bereavement and loneliness but while it's serious, it's never overbearing although I could feel Malachi (and Trent's) loneliness. These two fit together so well and it is H O T too, probably the spiciest of all the stories - but it works for these two.

I adore this story, it made me want to keep reading until I finished and now, I can't wait for the next.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Kassu · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-⭐

This is a quiet and sad book, still quite cosy and relatively angst-free. Both MCs are very sweet and kind, but don't consider themselves worth much. Malachi has stopped proper living altogether after losing a mate and Trent is epitome of a gentle child, who only lives for others and tends to go unnoticed because he doesn't demand a thing.

I enjoyed the quiet pining and grief, and then the sexy moments too. I might have wished for Malachi to make up for all the waiting, but he's not really a character you wish ill on, so I'm not unhappy about the easy reconsiliation. The little frog pet was the best. 🐸

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watch out for tears with this one. Trent and Malachi might have the most emotional story of the siblings.

Kitchen witch Trent is the youngest sibling and simply the sweetest and most adorable character. Always wanting to help and not knowing how to tell the handsome siren Malachi how he feels. Malachi has already lost one mate and didn't feel he could ever love again. But this lonely siren and witch soon realise they are perfect for each other.

I absolutely loved the confusion in the first part of the book it was hilarious. Poor Trent thinking its a date and Malachi so grateful to have found a friend. Once they sorted this out these two had the most heart-warming romance, full of adorable moments but with plenty of spice. A great twist on fated mates with a second chance romance. Even though I knew they'd get their happy ending, they had a real journey to get there and it was such an emotional ride but definitely worth it in the end.

Tropes include:
MM romance
Second Chance romance
Fated mates
Age gap
First times
Tentacles
Spice

If you love adorable Christmas MM romance then this series will not disappoint but I would strongly recommend you start with book one to get the full experience.

[Tonya ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very excited to start this book as one of my Christmas read of the month. I haven't read a book about sirens yet so that definitely caught my attention. A few things I did like was some of the spice scenes, again never read a book with a siren so I definitely enjoyed that part. I did like Trent and Malchai together (for the most part). But one moment I was rooting for just Trent, then them together and then not at all. So very conflicted toward the end of the book where I kinda skimmed/skipped a bit. This book definitely gave me whiplash from how short each chapter was/abruptly ending and continuing on into the next chapter. Overall, it was an okay read for me.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trent is almost too adorable. Malachi is also very clueless. This story was sweet and a little bit sad, but they do get their happily ever after. Malachi is so certain he can never love again that he almost misses his chance. I like how these three books run concurrently and can’t wait to see Jasper find his mate too.

[M E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying that I had not previously read any other books in this series and still loved it. Now I am eager to read them all.

This book is perfection if you like reading with a box of tissues. It had me in tears in the best way. It was emotionally gut wrenching, sweet and loving.

I don’t even know what else to say except go read it now!! 💕

Thank you Gay Romance Reviews and Gigi Rivers for the advanced copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

5.0 ⭐️

[Luz Rivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was honestly so funny (and adorable!) watching these two do mate things while being completely oblivious to the fact that they’re actually mates 😅💞

I’ve been so eager for Trent’s story, and it broke my heart a little to see how left out he felt after not being part of Briar’s spell last year. He really believed it meant he wasn’t as important to his brothers, which couldn’t be further from the truth. The Berry family is pure love and magic, honestly one of my favorite fictional families ever 🥹✨

Malachi, with his quiet grief and beautiful heart, and Trent, with his sweetness and shy courage, balance each other perfectly. Their connection grows slowly, wrapped in warmth, magic, and a bit of Christmas spice (and yes, some very creative tentacle use 👀🎁).

Now I’m so ready for Jasper’s story! I need to know what happens next in this cozy, magical world 💙❄️

[Sharon L · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Time creeps along as we go about our routines. Suddenly seconds turn to minutes, turn to days, turn to weeks, turn to months, turn to years. Our lives slip away, and they are gone forever.”

Another great addition to this series, A MM Monster Christmas, by Gigi Rivers. This is the 7th book I've read that's related to this series and I've loved them all!!!

The series revolves around a family of hearth and kitchen witches, whose parents died in a horrific accident. They own and operate a bakery that keeps the family afloat. Each book, in this series, targets a family member who finds love.

In this particular story it's the youngest sibling, who was only five when his parents died, who finds love. Most of Trent's brothers and sisters have now found their mates and he's feeling a little lost and left out.

Each of these books are heartwarming tales of love and acceptance. I think with each and every book I've shed a few tears and this story was no different. Gigi knows how to pull at your heartstrings.

Age gap, hurt/comfort, loss of a mate, first dates, first times, a pond frog named Kelby, a sirens song, tentacles for the win, communication is key, he's the brother always at the beck and call and always willing to help out where needed

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story with all the feels included. Written in third person.
My Full Blog Review Link

[P Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all the books in this series but this one is by far my absolute favourite.

The author pulled out all the stops: Trent and Mal’s story was emotional, heartbreaking yet beautiful. Trent became somewhat of an after thought, after his siblings found their mates whereas Mal, well he was walking through life alone and just going through the motion of breathing but not actually living. Trent was adorable and I loved how being around Mal made him all flustered. He slowly opened Mal’s heart again and it was utterly beautiful to watch their love story unfold.

This story captured the true spirit of Christmas, full of love, hope and family.

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

[Channie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a ride of emotions. It starts out with one of my favourite Berry siblings Trent crushing hard for a local siren. Malachi is such a sweetheart, he feels like he can’t find love and happiness again because he already found and lost his mate and love of his life. Because of the grief he also loses his family and is then truly alone.

Through the loneliness and darkness Malachi doesn't realise Trent's interest in him goes further than friendship. Malachi deserves someone who sees him, really and truly sees him, past all of the hurt and pain, all of the trauma and grief. He has so much love to give if only he could let himself. When Trent realises Malachi will never love him, he does the hardest thing possible and walks away.

It broke my heart to see how these two suffered that is until Malachi found his Siren song again.

Have tissues on standby you will need them! Any book that can make me laugh and cry is one I would highly recommend, and this one did both. Not to mention the rest of the series is also a must read. Awaiting patiently (kind of) for Jasper's story.

[Jessie (thatchickwithabook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much 🥲 it’s like a warm hug on a cold night. Malachi broke my heart and mended it again. Trent’s loneliness in a crowded family made me cry. But those two finding each other? Absolutely beautiful. I found the siren lore to be fascinating. And the, ahem, sexy scenes… wow. Gigi’s best work. Chef’s kiss. Malachi and Trent were absolutely made for each other. This is personally my most heartwarming read from this series. And I’m still so intrigued about Jasper’s mysterious illness. I loved the Krampus Night and how that must fold into Jasper’s story. I seriously can’t wait to read it!

Disclaimer: I’m on Gigi Rivers’ ARC team. This review is honest and voluntary.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Siren Song for Christmas by Gigi Rivers is part of her MM Monster Christmas series. I suggest you read the others first because the characters are all related by a love spell and are featured in this book. This is the story of a lonely hearth and home witch who has seen his brothers and sisters find their mates and wishes for his and a siren a long way from home who lost his mate and his life is very gray and how they helped each other and found love. Trent Berry is the youngest of his 10 brothers and sisters. They had lost his parents when he was 5 and his family knew a lot of hardship until they found their footing with the Magic Bakery where they worked. He was only 5 when they died and too young to work at the bakery so he helped by being quiet and never being a bother or complaining. He continued this as he grew up, and even thought he wasn’t a strong witch he helped in any way he could with any jobs that needed done, being there for others, and helping his oldest sister with her children at night. But he was lonely. One of his bright spots was visiting Malachi Marin who was a siren who ran the Aquatic Horticultural Emporium in their town. Malachi’s siren mate had died and so he left the ocean because other sirens, including his family, didn’t want to be near him in his grief and he found his way to Anorra and was able to take over the Emporium when its original owner died. His life was very dull because of his grief and he tended his store and plants, went out to the lake to get more, and his only companion was his frog Kelby. He lives above his store in a plain apartment with no decorations which is just as gray as he is, even though his skin is blue. Trent comes every day to get Elothea seeds that help his sick brother when they are used in tea. He has had a crush on Malachi for a long time and tries to work up the courage to ask him on a date. When he finally does, they go to the Christmas Market but it is too much for Malachai so they return to his apartment and talk and eat food from the bakery. Malachi didn’t know it was a date and said he can’t date because of he can’t forget his mate, but they can be friends, something neither of them had, and then they became friends with benefits. They soon have some hot love scenes and are seeing each other every day. Malachi meets Trent’s family and they seem to like him so he is happy. But Trent has fallen in love with him and wants more and when Malachi can’t commit, something happens that tears them apart. Both of them are miserable and Trent is sure everything is over until Malachi realizes how much color Trent has brought into his life and he does something that brings them back together that causes them to declare their love and leads to a wonderful Christmas for them. I really enjoyed this very tender heartfelt story. Both men were lonely and it was easy for Trent to become infatuated with Malachi because he didn’t have many friends outside of his family and Malachi couldn’t ever forget his mate that died and lived in grief. But when they started being with each other as friends they both looked forward to their time together and their loneliness started to abate. Trent was so happy when he was with Malachi and hoped for more than friendship but settled for what Malachi could give him until that didn’t work anymore. Malachi thought he had lost him but once he realized how much light and color Trent brought into his life, he knew that he loved him too. Trent’s family plays a big part in the story and are protective of him, even though he really doesn’t realize how much he means to all of them until they tell him. In the end Malachi is brought into their family and now has everything he ever hoped for. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about characters who can’t seem to break free from their loneliness until they meet each other and go from friends to falling in love and finding their happiness.

[Sarah (missrelena) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurt/comfort where both MLs are hurting inside and comforting each other makes this one of the sweetest stories in the "An MM Monster Christmas" series. Trent, as the baby of a large family that lost their parents when he was very young, just wants to help his siblings, never complain, and never be a bother. But he's finally found something - someone- that he wants even more. . . the siren that runs the Aquatic Horticultural Emporium, Malachi. Trent has been tripping over his words and blushing every time he sees the intriguing blue skinned man with tentacles cascading from his head. And despite living in a shared apartment with several of his siblings and their significant others, he finds himself longing for a personal connection and romantic relationship.

Malachi has never been able to imaging life after his mate dies ten years ago, so has never really moved on. He has his routine and his pet frog. He has walled himself off from strong emotions and is certain true happiness can never be his again. And then the sweet yer flustered young man that comes into the shop each day to pick up medicine for his brother invites him to attend the Christmas Market.

The theme of overcoming fears for a chance for something better is beautifully woven into the story without punching the reader in the face with it. Trent has to find the courage to even as Malachi out on a date because he has never done such a thing before. In fact, there are many, many things he has never done. He has to learn to speak up for himself, both with the man he desires and his own family. Malachi has to risk tearing down the hopelessness he has surrounded himself with in order to see what Trent can bring to his lonely life. Sometimes they succeed in braving the unknown, and sometimes well meaning siblings have to give them a kick in the pants. But that is what makes them believable as characters. They have fears, flaws, and terrible communication skills.

The story flows easily with great pacing. The interconnection between the other stories in the series is fun, but it is not necessary to read any of the others to enjoy this book. All of the characters are well developed and their interactions are never boring.

Recommended for fans of C.W. Gray, Susi Hawke, and Hope Bennett.

*I received an eARC through GRR in return for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and written without compensation. *

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SIREN SONG FOR CHRISTMAS is part of the MM Monster Christmas series, and honestly? It might be my favourite of the bunch so far!

Trent is the youngest of the family and thinks of himself as a weak witch. He hasn't really connected to the bakery, so helps as an 'assistant' instead. He also appreciates all the sacrifices his siblings made after their parents died, so helps out wherever and whenever he can. The one thing he absolutely doesn't mind, though, is getting the seeds for Jasper's tea each day. It is his highlight of the day, because he gets to see Mr Marin, the owner of the Emporium. Malachi is still grieving the death of his mate. He is also a siren, a culture where being blunt and direct is a good thing. He doesn't understand some of the subtleties of other species, humans included.

Oh, boy. This book had it all. It made me laugh out loud at the miscommunications and interactions. It made me cry with both happiness and sadness. It was profound, especially Malachi's comments about the passage of time. There was a protective family, heartbreak, sorrow, and more cuteness than I could nearly bear. And I loved it all! The steamy scenes are *chef's kiss!!!* I honestly thought Trent was going to bond with the Emporium, and I loved how he got Kelby.

Scratch what I said at the top, this IS my favourite of the series so far. I was completely enthralled from beginning to end. I can't wait to hear Jasper's story, but I really hope we see Trent and Malachi again!

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 28, 2025

[Michelle N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Siren Song for Christmas is the fifth book in the MM Monster Christmas series by Gigi Rivers. This story focuses on Trent. He is the youngest brother of the family of hearth and kitchen witches the series has developed around. Being the youngest of ten siblings, Trent has always tried his best to stay out of the way, not cause any problems, and help out his family any way he could. He was a small child when his parents were killed so his older siblings basically raised him. Trent never asks for anything for himself because he feels as if his family as already sacrificed enough for him. Gigi Rivers writes Trent so well that you can see how vulnerable he is and how despite being part of a large family he is lonely.
Trent becomes enamored with the Malachi, the siren who owns the aquatic plant emporium. Trent stops by every day because he needs a specific plant to help his brother Jasper who is mysteriously unwell. Malachi, is older than Trent and is grieving the loss of his mate. Malachi and Trent develop a friendship and companionship that is loving and natural.
A Siren Song is a well written age-gap, friends to lovers romance. This story definitely has a different tone than the others in the series. While this is a wonderful holiday romance, there is a more somber tone because Malachi needs to work through his grief in order to open his heart to Trent.
I have enjoyed every book in this series. I love when the family members and their partners add to the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series but I am sad to say good bye to this wonderful family.
I received an ARC for my honest review.

[Book Hoarder · Rating 4 out of 5]

At 19, Trent is the youngest of a family of hearth witch bakers that have kept their magic bakery running since their parents died years ago. Trent didn’t get much of the witch talent, no magic, no spells, no baking skills. But he tries to make up for it by making himself indispensable, dishes, clearing, errands, childcare. Still with never having grown up with loving parents, most of his siblings now happily mated, and all but a few having moved out of the cramped apartment they once all shared, Trent feels even more inadequate and unseen. He goes every day to the horticultor’s emporium to purchase seeds to make tea for his brother Jasper who has been going downhill since his accident instead of getting better. And he has been falling more and more under the spell of the Siren there.
Malachi thinks Trent is a lovely boy but has no idea that Trent is falling for him. Since he lost his mate years ago he has been so lost in his own grief, sure he will never love again, that he fled his family and his familiar beloved ocean to move inland where no one will look on him with pity and no sirens will shun him. Trent finally asks Malachi to go with him to the Christmas markets. To Malachi it is a blossoming friendship, but Trent is falling in love.
This is book five in the MM Monster Christmas series. I have read them all so think it makes more sense if you know all the characters, but it is flagged as okay to read as a MM Cozy standalone. There is plenty of spice, no slow burn here but serious heartbreak before the HEA. If you’re prone to catch feelings, arm yourself with a box of tissues for this one

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The love spell Briar cast last Christmas worked so well, he decided to cast it again for Leo, Jasper and Trent to find their mates, this Christmas. As Gigi Rivers did with the earlier stories, these last three happen simultaneously. So there's no getting away from spoilers. All eight stories can be read in whatever order a reader wants (remember, five for season one and these 3 for season two). They are all rather sweet, some angstier than others.
Except for Siren Song. This book is an absolute heartbreaker, definitely a whole box of tissues read. Malachi lost his siren mate ten years ago, after only being together two. He wandered inland and came to Anorra five years ago, where he runs the Aquatic Horticultural Emporium. He's lost his ability to sing and his world is dull, gray and rather lonely.
Trent Berry is the youngest of the siblings. The cheerful face he presents to the world hides anxiety and poor self-worth. He doesn't have the magic to create the breads and pastries the Magical Bakery is known for, so he assists his siblings, running errands, fetching ingredients, child caring. In his mind, he has to 'earn his place'. In my opinion, he turns himself into a doormat.
There's a fifteen year age gap between the two MCs,yet they fit so well. Two lonely souls. Trent brings color and life to Malachi's world, gaining some confidence to ask for what he wants. And what he wants is all the steam, all the spice. Tentacular loving.
Parts of the story rip your heart out. Parts of it will have you crying happy tears. I have no idea how Jasper's book can possibly top this. Although.... Krampus??!
I received an advanced copy of the ebook from GRR and this is my review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think I'd cry at a monster romance, but here we are. Trent is the youngest of his 9 siblings. His parents died when he was quite small and his sister and brothers stepped in to raise him. Trent would do anything to repay that and spends his life trying to be use to them as much as possible. He works constantly at the family's bakery and helps with his nibblings almost every night. And Trent is secretly in love with the siren who runs the Aquatic Horticultural Emporium, Malachi. But Trent has zero romantic or sexual experience and is super nervous to ask his crush out on a date. Malachi has been living away from the ocean and running the Emporium for the last 10 years, since the death of his mate. Living is being generous, Malachi is just existing until he starts to notice the beautiful young man who comes in every day for his brother's medicine. They finally get past the awkward first date, but Malachi is very clear with Trent that he cannot possibly love again after the pain that he went through with the loss of his mate. Trent agrees to a purely physical relationship because he will take whatever Malachi will offer. But as they spend more and more time together, Trent knows he just wants Malachi to love him back. There is some great angst in the story and I found myself crying through some of it. I really liked the depiction of a siren, it's pretty different from anything I've read before. And Trent is such a sweet character, I want to protect him at any cost. The MCs have FANTASTIC chemistry and the spicy parts are great. I would really recommend this book.

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly beautiful

Gigi has done it again and I have managed to spend a good portion of this book holding a tissue! This was unexpectedly beautiful. I don't write that to suggest that Gigi's work is anything other than lovely, but it's sometimes a bit hard to imagine that a book where one character is still deep in their grief over a lost partner could move beyond that to something really beautiful. Malachi was heartbreaking. I so wanted to hug him but then also have a serious conversation with him. He was so convinced that he had had his one love and that there wasn't hope for anything more in his future. I so wanted to tell him that love isn't finite and that you can have more than one great love in your life. Love isn't pie, it doesn't run out. Watching Trent slowly break through Malachi's walls was a mix of joyful and heartbreaking. Malachi was so convinced of his own inability to love again, Trent seemed so convinced he wasn't worthy of Malachi's love and I just wished they could see how special what they had could be. Of course, I know that we'd never be done so wrong to not have a lovely cozy, heartfelt ending but it really felt like this one was earned. These two had to push through some pretty heavy emotional baggage but they got their HEA and I was so happy to see it. As usual, the coziness of the setting, the lovely festive feel and the writing that had you there with the characters was perfect. These winter holiday books from Gigi always make me feel so cozy and festive - they are the very epitome of soul warming.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is book five in the author’s An MM Monster Christmas series and features Trent, the youngest sibling in the Berry family of hearth and kitchen witches.

No one expected Trent to fall in love at nineteen but when he first met Malachi, the owner of the Horticulture Emporium (where Trent went daily to get the seeds required to make the tea to help his brother Jasper) a beautiful blue skinned siren with tentacles, he was done for. Unfortunately, Malachi had already had a mate and lost him so the most he could offer Trent was friendship. As their friendship changed to friends with benefits, in his heart, Trent held out hope that Malachi could learn to love him someday only to have that hope dashed outright by Malachi.

This is a perfect addition to the MM Monster Christmas series. It’s sweet and spicy like all of the other books in the series but it’s also got a fair bit of angst to it too. I had tears rolling down my cheeks several times but, even with that, I still loved it (at this point, I’m still not totally sure if I loved it BECAUSE of the angst and feel like that made it better or if I loved it IN SPITE of it 🤷‍♀️). Either way, it’s an awesome read and I can’t wait to read them all together again, in order, beginning to end, non-stop, back to back, once Jasper’s book is released because, since it’s been so long since I’ve read the first few, I can’t remember a whole lot about the other siblings and their mates but I’m excited to revisit them all again. 4.5 stars

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Siren Song For Christmas - Gigi Rivers
4.25/5

* SPOILERS *

Every single one of these books in this series has been truly amazing but this one just hit different in the best way possible. Malachi and Trent were so perfect and I only wanted more from these two. The bonus chapter that we got at the end was so good.

I felt for both of these MC’s so much. They were both lonely and just connected so perfectly together.

There was attention because most of his siblings were happy and in love and he wanted to experience it himself. All of his siblings pretty much had found their mates and he had yet. Trent has been the one to be there for everyone and just be the one to step in whenever his siblings need him whether personal stuff or the bakery. It’s his turn for his happiness.

Malachi had been through so much from losing his previous mate and then leaving his home because his parents didn’t want anything to do with him. That bonus chapter made up for it.

I really loved how protective the siblings were, especially when Malachi was so sure that the two of them were not mates.

And can we talk about how special Kelby is? The way she was immediately drawn to Trent was everything.

And oh my, the spice scenes were so good, especially with a bit of tentacle play. I’m a huge fan with monster romance and this book hit all the spice.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe there has to be sadness to find happiness. This is that story of finding hope and happiness where there had been none before.

Malachi is siren who has lost his fated mate. He lives in the gray of grieving. No longer singing or humming, no friendships, or family. Enter Trent, the baby of the Berry family. Raised by his siblings after the loss of their parents. He went from having a tight knit family to having his siblings paired up and moving out within a year. With his older brother Jasper sick, he visits Malachi every day for special seeds to make tea to help Jasper get better. With every visit, his crush on the sexy siren gets deeper and deeper.

This book is different from the others in this series. Leo’s book had a bit of harshness with Percy’s history. Malachi’s story is one of deep sadness. The author really takes time to describe sirens and their way of life to let all of Malachi’s emotions create his story. Even Trent has his own sadness and worries. As the characters come together, you can see the story shifting from grieving to hopeful. Did it bring me to tears? Yes, the emotions are high in this book for me. Is it worth reading? Definitely so. The Berry family of hearth and kitchen witches is so lovable. I have enjoyed reading every one of their stories. I love that these last three books follow the same timeline and we see peeks of Leo and Jasper’s story here as well.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Siren Song for Christmas is another charming entry in this wonderfully cosy monster-romance series, and it captures the same heartwarming magic that made the earlier books such a delight. This time the spotlight falls on Trent, the youngest of the hearth-witch brood, whose kindness and quiet devotion have always made him easy to love. He’s spent so long putting everyone else first that he’s practically forgotten he’s allowed to want anything for himself—until Malachi enters the picture.

Malachi, the brooding siren who keeps mostly to himself and his beloved plants, carries a grief that’s palpable from the very first pages. His world has shrunk to solitude and routine, and even he seems convinced that life has little left to offer him beyond memories and the company of his pet frog. Watching Trent tiptoe into that loneliness, awkward, well-meaning, and utterly smitten, is both tender and heartbreaking.

What follows is a gorgeously paced romance that balances festive warmth with genuine emotional weight. Their age gap, Trent’s inexperience, and Malachi’s lingering love for his mate all make the pairing feel beautifully improbable, and that’s precisely what gives the story its pull. The slow thaw of Malachi’s heart, mingled with Trent’s journey towards claiming his adulthood, makes their connection feel earned and deeply satisfying.

The book offers everything one could want from a cosy Christmas fantasy: snow, spice, family chaos, a sprinkling of magic, and yes—some very imaginative tentacle moments. But what lingers most is the way the story honours grief while still making space for hope, joy, and second chances.
I received a free arc and this is my honest review

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* rounded up

Oh man, this story tears you up. It's covering the story of loosing a mate so be careful if that's a trigger for you.

This is the story of a crush on another man, one who feels he can't love another after his mate died but who also is lonely and doesn't know how to move forward.

Malachi really got me, so lonely, so sad and so convinced that love is not possible anymore.

Trent is the youngest of the siblings running the magical bakery and is feeling lonely with nearly all his siblings coupled up and busy. He feels he is not a good witch either. And now he has a major crush on the siren where they buy Jasper's medication each day.

I enjoyed Trent's attempt to flirt and how he tries to convince himself that friends with benefits are enough. The book has some angst before these two can have their HEA and you feel the hurt.

These two fit so well together, Malachi sees Trent as who he is outside the helpful youngest and Trent shows Malachi that life can go on, even when he doesn't see what is right in front of him. Add some meddling siblings and an unexpected familiar to round the story up.

It's a bit longer than the other books in this series and it felt it dragged a bit.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A broken Siren and a cinnamon roll of a witch

This is the first story I have read by thus author but I've added the rest of these to my tbr.

This is a sweet story of discovery, friendship, healing, love and family. Trent is the absolute definition if a cinnamon roll and he is also a baker which is freaking adorable. He may be a weak witch but he would do absolutely ANYTHING for his family. That includes daily visits to Malachi's shop for his brother but also because he is interested in the owner.

Trent does everything for his family and still feels like he owes them more. In doing everything for them he tends to forget to care for himself. He is awkward but adorable. I love his failed attempts at asking out the Siren.

Malachi lost his mate years ago and has be all alone since. Sirens can't standing being around one who has list their mate. He is so lonely he doesn't even realize it. Watching him blossom with Trent us beautiful but his thought process is frustrating. I mean I get it but I still wanted to shake him.

This is a perfect cozy Christmas read. It's sweet and spicy. I imagine if you have read the other books the family dynamics are even more apparent but I still loved it.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five in the An MM Monster Christmas series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone read. Each book features a different couple. This is the story of Malachi Marin and Trent Berry. Malachi is a Siren and Trent is a Hearth Witch. Trent has a crush on Malachi and can't stop the pull he feels towards him. Malachi on the other hand is a widower who believes that once his mate died, there is no one and nothing left for him. After a bad attempt at asking Malachi out, he and Trent slowly become friends. Then they become more. But they don't become enough for Trent. He loves Malachi but Malachi believes he can't love again. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed seeing all of Trent's family members chime in on the romance. As well as supporting Trent when things take a turn. Both Trent and Malachi have a few challenges to overcome. There will definitely be angst but they do finally arrive at their HEA. I enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.