Siren outcast Aleks Parthenope knows abandonment by his mother and family when he came out as trans six years ago, and the sudden departure of his favorite coach before that. Now, after years of fighting, he’s earned his return to competitive artistic swimming, and qualifying for the Clash of Creatures in Monstralia is what he’s dreamed of. There’s only one thing standing in his way—he needs a coach, and no one is willing to work with an outcast.
Artistic swimming coach Javier Zamora, the human offspring of a siren, has spent years carrying the guilt of a young siren’s death. Javier has built a new life for himself, but everything crumbles around him when he sees an article about a siren trying to return to competition after transitioning—a siren whose pale green scales he’d recognize anywhere.
When Javier shows up on Aleks’ doorstep looking like he’s seen a ghost, the siren wants nothing to do with the coach who disappeared from his life years ago. But with no other options, working with Javier is the only way Aleks can get what he wants—a chance to win.
Siren Song is a kinky MM romance full of shifting sirens, fated mates, and a hard-earned HEA. This novella is a standalone in the Clash of Creatures series.
MM romance | Trans Masc Siren | Coach/Athlete | Forced proximity | Fated mates | Daddy Kink | Bratty boy | So much caretaking | Oral fixation | Blow jobs
Okay, definitivamente amé demasiado este libro! 😭😭💖💖 Es que ni sé cómo explicarles lo hermoso que escribe esta mujer y lo preciosa que es su historia.
Aleks y Javier me fascinaron por completo, tanto como pareja como de forma individual. Dios mío, no se hacen una idea de cuánto me gustaron! Yo solo pido tener un amor como el que ellos se tienen, por favor 😩.
Aleks es todo lo que está bien y me encantó cómo la autora desarrolló su historia y su evolución. Definitivamente Aleks se convirtió en uno de mis personajes favoritos de todo el año, porque de verdad... ninguno se le compara! Y Javi, qué decirles de este hombre que nos enamoró a todos desde el inicio? Siento que fue el complemento perfecto que Aleks necesitaba y que, como personaje, estuvo impecable de principio a fin, no le faltó absolutamente nada.
De verdad recomiendo muchísimo este libro. Cuanto antes lo lean, mejor! 💖💖
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Okay, I was deeply, utterly in love with this book! 😭😭💖💖 I honestly don't even know how to explain how beautifully this woman writes and how incredible this story is.
Aleks and Javier completely stole my heart, both as a couple and as individual characters. My god, you have no idea how much I adored them! I literally just want a love like theirs, please 😩.
Aleks is perfection personified, and I loved how the author handled his arc. Aleks hands down became one of my absolute favorite characters of the entire year—seriously, no one else even comes close! And Javi... what can I even say about a man who had us all swooning from page one? He was the absolute perfect match for Aleks, and as a character, he was flawless from start to finish—he left zero notes!
I truly can't recommend this book enough. The sooner you read it, the better! 💖💖
This is a world so unlike any other I’ve ever read, and I found myself really enjoying it. In fact, I enjoyed most everything about this book. I liked the two main characters a lot, I thought their relationships/their romance was very sweet, and the world was incredibly intriguing! If I have a complaint, it’s that the book was way too short! The book could’ve easily been 150/200 pages longer and I still would’ve been just as engaged, if not more engaged in it.
I’ll start with what didn’t work for me, which is pretty much just one thing:
I’m bummed out that it’s so short because I wanted to read more! The whole mythology behind this world’s sirens is so interesting especially with the inclusion of mates. I loved the world and the Clash of Creatures and just how original everything felt. For a book that was a little over 200 pages, the author did an amazing job creating a rich, interesting world and setting, and I just wish we had gotten more of the book.
I also feel like their romance was a little fast paced, and again, I think that’s due to the shortness of the book. I really enjoyed both of the main characters, especially Aleks, and I would’ve gladly spent more time with them. I thought their romance was sweet and supportive, and I wanted more of it! I wanted more of everything! It’s honestly not often that I crave more out of a book, because I like books to be a little bit on the shorter side: get in, tell your story, and get out. And I do feel like for the most part, a lot of stories are told within a good amount of pages. But this book is one of those rare occasions where I just wanted to read more.
Feeling this way, I think, is a testament to the author and the book, because this complaint is only due to the fact that I enjoyed it so much. I do think that the time between Aleks saying he doesn’t know Javier, to him then saying “the man I love” was a little short. I wish we had spent more time with them connecting and falling in love, but I did find their romance very believable. So it’s not that I think the author was jumping the gun and I didn’t believe their love story, I just wanted to see it drawn out a little bit more.
Now, what did work for me! (Spoiler: literally everything else):
I think I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed this book and all the things that worked for me. Again, the fullness of the world and how interesting of a setting it was was definitely a big place for me. There was enough information that it wasn’t confusing, but it never felt like the author was giving us a whole bunch of exposition in the prose and just giving us facts about the world. I felt thrown into it, and I felt very immersed in the world, which is something that I really look for, because I don’t want to be lectured about creatures or magic systems or whatever the case may be.
And I’ve never read a book about mermaids and sirens that have the specific elements in it, so the originality alone got major points in my book!
I honestly think my favorite aspect of this entire book is not only the normalcy of Javier‘s body, but the celebration of it. Javier is a bigger, husky man with a prominent stomach and he’s hot! The author does not shy away from describing him as attractive and hot and he’s had multiple partners and Aleks is extremely attracted to Javier and his body type. It’s not shied away from, and it’s not finding him attractive despite his stomach; it’s finding him attractive because of his stomach and his bigger build. And I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever read a book where someone’s body type isn’t necessarily a focal point of the book if they’re bigger.
What I mean is: Javier is a big guy. But that’s not part of his character or his story. He is a wise, patient, supportive man who happens to be in a big body. And I just loved how much the author celebrated his body. I wish more books had characters like Javier, who don’t have the “perfect body” and are still described as being attractive and wanted and sexy. It was so refreshing to read this book and see Javier described as hot in a bigger body!
Beyond that, I also really enjoyed Javier and Aleks’ relationship, both romantically and sexually. I do think that this is one of those instances where there is quite a bit of spice in this book, but it serves a purpose. It’s not sex just for the sake of having sex in a book or having it as a placeholder. The sex is very purposeful. It furthers their relationship, it adds trust and a bonding moment for them where the ground between them was still very shaky. And I think this is a really hard thing to accomplish, in terms of writing sex in a book without making it feel gratuitous. And I think the author really straddled that line very well.
They were communicative with each other, they were supportive, and the Daddy/boy kink/dynamic that they had was sexy, but it didn’t feel fetishized. It felt, again, very purposeful toward building up their relationship and their dynamic. It felt very central to Javier and Aleks’ characters. Javier is a caretaker and he likes to be in charge and that makes sense for him to be a Daddy. Aleks is fierce and proud, but he also struggles with pressure and outside thoughts, which makes sense for him to not only be a brat, but need someone like Javier!
Also: this is a little thing, and probably a personal preference on my part, but I really like the fact that Aleks never made up with his mom in the end of the book. Obviously, there was a little hope that maybe she would change her mind and except her son for who he was, but it doesn’t always work that way, and I’m glad that the author didn’t try and shoehorn a perfect happily ever after in this book. And I like that Aleks didn’t try and talk to his mom, or even forgive her. I am very much, so the kind of person that you should cut off someone from your life if they make you unhappy, or they cause you any sort of harm, whether that person is family or not. And so I was really appreciative of the fact that the author let Aleks be and not try and force forgiveness. Again, it’s probably a very small thing, but I really appreciated it!
I’m so tickled that I was given an ARC for this, and I’m even happier that I loved this book so much! This is my first read from this author, so I will definitely be checking out more from them, because I am very impressed!! 🥳
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was not at all what I expected (in a good way).
This is the story of Aleks (a trans siren) who is one of a kind (since all sirens are born female) and trying everything he can to compete in artistic swimming at the Clash of Creatures (the equivalent of the Olympics every 4 years). This is quite the uphill battle since his mother is on the committee that might allow him to compete, and let's just say she's not the supportive mother Aleks deserves. Comes Javier, former coach of Aleks, who for some pretty bleak reason, disappeared from Aleks' life years ago. He finds out about Aleks transition and his want to compete, and decides to leave his life behind and go to Aleks, offer his help and hopefully get him ready for the competition.
I struggled a little bit with the writing at the beginning (the first 2 or 3 chapters), it wasn't the quality of what I'd read from Taylor E Weston before, but the story was too interesting to put the book down. I actually devoured it in 1 day. The lore was fantastic, getting to learn about sirens, the way they go back all the way to Greek mythology, how they differ from mermaids and other water entities, and the difficult relationship with their male offsprings. The story and plot were also very good. There is a plot twist at some point in the book that I absolutely did not see coming!
Now do be prepared for this book to be extremely steamy!! There are sex scenes almost every chapters. And they are HOT!! 🥵🥵🥵 If you like your books with closed doors, then this is not the book for you 😅 But if you enjoy a daddy/boy relationship that evolves into so much more as the story develops, where Javier is so attentive to Aleks' body, his needs, his wants and how the author approaches the trans aspect of their love-making, I absolutely recommend you read this book.
Thank you to the author for giving me a chance to read this book ahead of the release date.
And if you haven't read anything by Taylor E Weston yet, do yourself a favour and check-out Making Time. This book was my introduction to this author and my favourite book of hers by far!
A trans siren and a middle-aged human with a big, soft, hairy belly being in love and besotted with each other? What utopia is this?
Siren Song is a low angst, high tenderness MM romance with a Daddy/boy dynamic that is luscious and caring. Aleks and Javier are a beautiful pair, and I loved falling in love with their love.
A bratty, determined, and wounded athlete who is facing transphobia at the international level for his sport, Aleks is desperate to show everyone what he's capable of, but needs a coach to compete on the world's biggest stage. His oral obsession as a way to soothe his anxiety made him feel so real and relatable. I giggled whenever he pushed Javi, challenging his Daddy in rebellious little ways.
Javier, a human with siren blood, has spent years coaching sirens and merpeople at the international level for artistic swimming. A caring, soft-hearted Daddy, Javier offers to coach Aleks for unknown-to-Aleks reasons and their adventure begins. The way Javier is so attuned to Aleks' needs and offers him unconditional acceptance and love is the epitome of Daddy vibes. And those strong hands leaving cheeks pink after proper punishment? Yummy.
In this world, there are centaurs and minotaurs, fae and vampires, shifters and weres, sirens and merpeople and undines and basilisks and so many fun, interesting mythical creatures. But the story ultimately revolves around the curse of the sirens and Aleks and Javier's budding love.
It's kinky, funny, sassy, sweet, and deeply affectionate. I had so much fun with their low-angst love, sighing each time Javi gave Aleks exactly what he needed.
And the way Javier savors and worships Aleks' body? Affirming and delicious. MORE TRANS MAIN CHARACTERS BEING WORSHIPPED PLEASE!
But as a person in a bigger body myself, I was obsessed with how hot Aleks found Javi's dad bod - his round belly hanging out from under his shirts, his soft chest, his hairy body and strong legs being WANTED? *chef's kiss*
Siren Song celebrates non-normative bodies in a magical way and I wish more MM romance had this kind of body diversity.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC of Siren Song by Taylor E. Weston in exchange for an honest review.
Siren Song by Taylor E. Weston is a kinky MM romance novella releasing as a standalone in the Clash of Creatures series. The story follows Aleks Parthenope, a siren outcast who was abandoned by his mother and community six years prior after coming out as trans. Now determined to return to competitive artistic swimming, Aleks needs a coach to qualify for the Clash of Creatures in Monstralia—leading him right back to Javier Zamora, a human-siren offspring and coach who mysteriously vanished from Aleks's life years ago while carrying deep, haunting guilt. As they reunite, old bonds ignite into a passionate fated-mates journey of healing, choice, and historic triumph.
Taylor E. Weston delivers an emotionally rich narrative. Aleks’s journey is heartbreaking, exposing the cruel, narrow-minded rejection of a parent who fails to love unconditionally, yet highlighting Aleks's extraordinary resilience. Javier’s unwavering support, compounded by the heavy grief he carried, makes their emotional reconciliation deeply moving.
The novella weaves a tight, beautiful web of found family and supportive secondary characters—including Javier’s abuela, Aleks’s brother Damian, and his defiant cousin Cora. Weston balances high-stakes athletic dreams with top-tier spice and expertly blended kinks. Watching Aleks make history as the first trans man performing at the Clash of Creatures is profoundly fulfilling.
Siren Song is a brilliant and touching triumph of contemporary paranormal romance. If you love fated mates, emotional depth, and high-heat romance, this is an unmissable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had such a fun time with this one! Aleks and Javier were so good together and so sweet 😍❤️ the story moved at a nice pace, the character development is wonderful (as usual from a Taylor book) and the history behind the culture was incredible! But not only that! The representation in this book is phenomenal! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 thank you so much for the ARC!
Dang, I wasn't prepared for how sexy Aleks and Javier are in their siren × coach, fated-mates romance. Having read Taylor E. Weston before, I knew there would be plenty of heartfelt and tender moments (EVERYONE READ MAKING TIME), and I knew going in that there was a daddy × brat dynamic. But I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly they dove into it and how the scenes played out.
Aleks is in a truly unique position as a trans masc siren. I'm familiar with the myths of siren songs luring men at sea to their deaths, but I've never given much thought to their culture and politics. Poor Aleks just wants to compete in artistic swimming for the first time as himself, but his mother is spearheading a campaign to have him banned from the Clash of Creatures (think Olympics)—first for being trans and later for not having a partner to swim with. It's a painfully relevant topic today, and my heart broke for Aleks. No wonder he's a complete brat; he just wants to be accepted for who he is and do what he loves.
It's impossible not to like Javier. He's so patient and respectful of Aleks. When Aleks is short with him and gives him attitude, Javier firmly puts him back in his place while still creating a safe, understanding environment. He's a natural caretaker, which is incredibly sexy—even though the daddy kink isn't my thing—because how could anyone resist a man whose focus is your happiness? That's husband material before you even hear a whisper of fated mates.
The book tackles heavy topics, from identity and family rejection to cultural expectations and freedom of choice, but it still feels bright and hopeful. I especially appreciated that Aleks's journey isn't just about finding love, but also about being able to live and compete as himself.
This is the third book in the Clash of Creatures world, with each installment written by a different author. You don't need to read the others to enjoy Siren Song, but if they're this much fun, why wouldn't you?
Siren Song really pulled at my heartstrings. Aleks has already survived so much—being abandoned by his family when he came out as trans and losing the coach who meant so much to him. After fighting his way back into competitive artistic swimming, he finally has something to work towards, only to find that being a siren outcast makes finding a coach almost impossible. Then Javier walks back into his life.
The history between these two made their relationship so much more emotional for me. Aleks has every reason to be hurt and angry at Javier for disappearing, and watching Javier struggle with the guilt he has carried for years gave their reunion so much weight. There’s a real push and pull between them as Aleks tries to decide whether he can trust the man who left him behind, while Javier desperately tries to prove that he isn't going to abandon him again.
I loved seeing Aleks fight for himself and refuse to let everything that happened to him define his future. His strength, determination and vulnerability made him incredibly easy to root for, while Javier’s guilt and need to make things right gave their relationship plenty of emotional depth.
Add in shifting sirens, fated mates, competitive swimming and a seriously kinky romance, and this little novella packs a lot into its pages. The chemistry between Aleks and Javier is 🔥, but it’s the emotional journey between them that really made this work for me.
Aleks & Javier. Javier is a siren-born human who is an artistic swimming coach carrying the guilt of a young siren’s death on his shoulders. Aleks is a siren who is used to feeling abandoned - first by his old coach and then by his mother after he came out as trans. Aleks is ready to push forward and swim again. In this Olympic-style competition called Clash of Creatures. Javier shows up on his door willing to coach Aleks.
This book was so sweet while also covering serious topics like coming out, a family who disregards your identity, and vulnerability. I love how Javier and Aleks interact. Aleks will always be a brat, but craves the security of Javier and his touch. Javier does such a wonderful job of being a serious coach and Daddy, but also being soft when his boy needs it. Family is such a complicated topic for both of these men. They get to bond over the hurt they’ve felt and the communities they left. I really loved the aspect of choice in this book, even given the circumstances. I completely devoured this book and had such a wonderful time at Clash of Creatures with these two!
Sweet. Sassy. Sexy. Just three of the words I can think of to describe this story! This was my first experience with a siren romance and I was not ready for how much I would love it.
Aleks is a siren attempting to compete as a solo artistic swimmer at the Clash of the Creatures. The governing body insists that he must have a coach in order to participate. And who should walk back into his life offering to help, after disappearing years before? His old coach, Javier. Aleks and Javier have a complicated past and a lot of anger on Aleks' part, but their chemistry is undeniable.
I loved their dynamic throughout the story. Javier is absolutely a Daddy and Aleks is just the brat to push all of his buttons. But underneath it all are two men who love each other deeply and are willing to do whatever it takes for the other.
"Siren Song" is beautifully written with the perfect amount of spicy spice! A great read for fans of monster romance!
Thank you to Taylor for the opportunity to read and review!
Give me sirens and a little forbidden tension and I’m already interested.
Aleks and Javier had me hooked. I loved the combination of sirens, competitive artistic swimming, fated mates, and the history between these two. There was something about their connection that kept me wanting to see where everything would go, especially with everything they were carrying from the past.
Aleks really stole the show for me. Watching him fight his way back into the world he loves after everything he’s been through made me root for him so hard. And Javier bringing his own guilt and baggage into their relationship definitely made things messy in the best way.
The romance was spicy, the fantasy elements were fun, and I loved getting something a little different from my usual MM romances. I did wish some parts had been fleshed out a little more, but overall, this was such a fun and unique read.
A siren, a swimming coach, fated mates, and plenty of tension? Yeah… I was here for it.
4⭐️3.5🌶️ This book was a wild ride and, as I predicted, unlike anything I’ve read before.
The trans representation was phenomenal, and one of the most meaningful parts of the story for me was seeing Aleks embraced, and cherished as himself after rejection from his mother/colony. His journey toward being able to live authentically was inspiring.
And the spice… wow. I read a lot of MM romance, but very little trans MM, and this was exceptionally well done. I loved the care Javier took to find out how Aleks liked his body addressed and how he liked to be touched - the communication was 🥵. It was also my first daddy-kink romance, and my brain went offline at first, but then got on board 😂! The chemistry between these characters was palpable, and I loved Aleks’s appreciation for a soft dad bod.
I also really enjoyed learning the siren lore, anatomy, and world-building. And seeing the other creatures at the competition- ie mermen, mermaids, polar bear shifters
I didn’t realise when I started this story that it was connected to Rucked by the Minotaur, which I read earlier this month!
This story is set during the same Clash of Creatures tournament, which is basically the OLYMPICS for monsters, and honestly, I love that concept!
This time, we have a male siren and his human coach who are fated mates, and I can confidently say that I have NEVER read a book quite like this before, even with all the monster romances I’ve devoured!
I loved the fated mates element, and I really appreciated learning more about trans terminology through the story. The messaging was powerful, and I loved how much heart there was beneath the monster romance and spice.
And speaking of spice- I also absolutely loved those elements! We got a story that was meaningful, unique and deliciously spicy, which is always a win for me.
I’m so glad I discovered this connected world, and I’m definitely excited to see what other monsters we get to meet next!
This book combines my love of queer romance, sports romance and paranormal/creature romance all into one beautiful package. Aleks is a trans masc siren who has aspirations of competing at the highest level of competition in artistic swimming. Javier is a coach who wants nothing more than to see Aleks achieve his dream. Taylor has written a touching story of two people finding each other and themselves on their quest to overcome judgmental attitudes and break down barriers. Reading about Aleks’ journey was touching and I felt like his story was told with sensitivity and a raw honesty. I love reading stories about characters whose life and experiences differ from my own because it helps me learn about things that I will never be able to experience first hand.
ARC Review: This book was spectacular. I showcased and highlighted Aleks (a trans siren) and Javier who were literally made for each other. Aleks is an artistic swimmer and Javier is his coach. They have history that runs very deep until there paths cross again. Aleks has the opportunity to dance at the Clash of Creatures (kind of like the Olympics) and Javier comes back into his life to coach him. The development between the two throughout the book is wonderful and so bingeable. I absolutely devoured these twos story. If you are looking for a romance with open door romance, Taylor absolutely delivered. The plot and the story is something so original and I have not read before. If you are looking for a queer romance with a boy/daddy trope I will highly recommend this book to anyone.
"I see how the fire in him burns unchecked, like he is dating someone to brave the flames and find him within."
This was a feel-good read, for sure. Despite the adversity Aleks faced, he stayed true to himself, especially with Javier at his side.
I liked the world building and lore regarding the sirens and their songs. It definitely made it possible for the "omg" moment to happen for the pair of them.
And the relationship between Javier and Aleks was definitely what both of them needed. Even if it's not what either of them realized until they were already neck deep in it.
Though I'm not a fan of fated mates or age gap romances, I do think that this was handled very well, and honored the choices both of them made, and the alternatives they could have faced.
ARC Review: This was such a heartwarming read. It was also a cozy read for me, which is exactly what I wanted! This story had it all: sadness, anger, tension, happiness, anxiety, and LOVE! I love a good ddlb, plus the age gap…perfection. And the trans rep, obsessed! I was hooked from the very beginning, and loved getting to learn about Alek and Javier’s relationship journey. I hope a side character or two get a book.👀
This was adorable! Daddy kink to the max! Love that it was a big man and not a man with abs and who was the normal conventionally attractive man with the other mc. Men with bellies and hair need representation and love too!
Love the trans representation! Beautifully done! Love how they are both so different but mesh so well together.
Aleks and his mom don’t get along again in the end and I’m glad because it’s like that in the real world. It’s not always a happily ever after for parents and kids.
It's been a hot minute since I've read a MM/trans book and I remember why I love it. I already love any kind of shifter/monster romance and bringing these two into the mix....omgggg
Javier and Aleks are the perfect duo that mixes the emotional rollercoaster and the freaking spice! My goodness, Taylor nailed the smutty deliciousness with these men.
Siren Song is a kinky MM romance full of shifting sirens, fated mates, and a hard-earned HEA. This novella is a standalone in the Clash of Creatures series.
I don't know if I have words to describe this book. This was a beautiful story. It was so real. Sometimes heartbreaking. But always incredible.
I'm new to monster romance and a lot of the queer elements of this story. But it was presented in such an informative and non intimidating way, that anyone who likes a good kinky romance story would appreciate and throughly enjoy. I'm left speechless at the sheer beauty of this read.
I absolutely loved this book!! Aleks and Javier are perfect and their relationship blossomed beautifully!! There are so many things I loved in this book! The worldbuilding was perfect and the characters were amazing! I loved the rep and how Aleks stood up for himself and what he stands for! And with Javi there to support him! Overall, this book was so good and definitely something to look forward to!
Siren Song is a body-positive, queer and trans affirming story of overcoming adversity (and ourselves along the way). Fans of daddy dynamics will be DROOLING. The pacing is exceptional, something many novellas struggle with. The world is diverse and intriguing with monsters/creatures and humans living and competing side by side. A treat for sports MM lovers.
I devoured this in 1 sitting and now I need to read all the other books within the Clash of the Creatures.
This was a spicy, short, and fast paced read. But one thing Taylor does so well is add in such large moments of emotional depth and covering really heavy topics in such a beautiful way 🥹💜
This book made me giggle, blush, and cry, and I love that for me 🥰
A sweet, funny and emotional MM romance about a trans siren and his coach.
Loved the characters. Loved the crossover with Clash of the Creatures. The kink wasn’t my thing, but it didn’t take away from the story or my enjoyment.