Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Sirens by Kerrigan Byrne, Cynthia St. Aubin Narrator: Stella Hunter, Teddy Hamilton
Series: Townsend Harbor #5
Published by Tantor Audio on May 26, 2026
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Length: 7 hours, minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon,Ā Audible,Ā Libro.fm
She's trying to escape her past...
Hitting the reset button with the help of a friend from back home in Boston, all Margaret Michaels is hoping for is a fresh start. And it doesn't get much fresher than the seaside hamlet of Townsend Harbor. Handed a place to live and a job as a bartender in the town's most popular nautical-themed pub, she's been given a hell of a head start--for once in her life. There's only one problem. She's never tended bar a day in her life. A fact that a certain studly regular seems all too eager to point out.
He's trying to build a future...
Deputy Trent McGarvey loves two leggy redheads, and a good craft cocktail at the end of a long shift. And though he's relatively recent transplant to Townsend Harbor from a seedy beat in Albuquerque, he knows just where to find both. Or did, until the smart-mouthed sprite who doesn't know a Manhattan from a Mojito took over for the gastropub's well-loved, willowy martini maven. And yet, the more McGarvey learns about fiery Maggie Michaels, the more he can't help but notice that the evidence isn't quite lining up with the story the messy mixologist provides him. But if thereās anything McGarvey lovesāokay, three thingsāitās a mystery.
What is it about small towns and quirky characters?Ā Sirens book five of the Townsend Harbor series has its share of them, between transplant townies, the lesbian sex shop owners in their seventies and new Townsend Harbor, “trying to be a bartender and failing miserably, while researching a former madame” resident Margaret.
Townsend Harbor offers two things Maggie desperately needs, possibly three.Ā First, is it is so far from Boston, her past life and all the mistakes she has made with men or specifically one man.Ā Second, it has a mystery surrounding a Madame who may have been selling sailors into a slave trade a few centuries ago that would be perfect for her podcast.Ā And last but definitely not least, it has Trent McGarvey, formerly of the big city and looking for a little more substance this time around.
I enjoyed the banter between these two.Ā She is the red headed, full figured charmer and he is a former player just looking to find something more meaningful in this not so sleepy little town.Ā Trent is going to have a hard time keeping Maggie out of trouble with the law though if she keeps getting caught in places she isn’t supposed to be. But, if he helps her find this mystery she is digging into he can see more of the mischievous smile that makes more than his heart beat faster.
āNow letās do thisāif I skip lunch, I get real hunty.ā
Trent frowned. āDonāt you mean hangry?ā
āNo, I do not.ā
I felt like I started this and then it was over.Ā It went by so quickly.Ā The romance is a bit insta and the story wrap up was way too brusque for my liking.Ā That said though I was thoroughly entertained in the middle and liked how Trent dealt with some of Maggie’s body issues and was understanding and patient of her inner dialogue telling her she wasn’t pretty enough.Ā Maggie was fun and when she was vulnerable I really felt for her.
But by far, Myrtle stole the show when she was on page.Ā Hard not to for a 106 pound bundle of fun who sells dildo’s, isn’t afraid to break a few rules and is ready to stick it to the man in a heartbeat.Ā She is probably my favorite side character throughout the entire series.
“You saw what she did! All of you!” The mayor pointed as if Myrtle wasn’t dangling like a recalcitrant toddler from Trent’s careful grip. “She’s finally going to answer for her shenanigans!”
“shenanigans? That was barely even hijinks!” Her eyes were bright and owlish with innocence. “How’s if my fault his knee ran into my shovel?”
I’d classify this as a cotton candy read.Ā Sweet, fluffy and fun without a ton of substance, but enjoyable non-the-less.Ā Quick funny read.
Narration:
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Stella Hunter has a prolific library of narrations to her name.Ā I can easily see why as she did a great job capturing the humor and fun of this story.Ā Maggie’s PoV shined as she was able to capture both the ferocity and vulnerability of the character. Teddy Hamilton is also a complete pro at narrations.Ā He was able to lock in on the voices and completely sold the banter between characters.Ā Rock solid performances by both, my only complaint is I wish it was a duet style narration instead of shifting PoV style.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Kerrigan Byrne
If you’re anything like me, the best night is one spent with a brawny highlander, a mysterious werewolf, a conflicted vampire, or a hot-headed Irishman. My stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical, to paranormal, to romantic suspense. But I can always promise my readers one thing: memorable and sexy Celtic heroes who are guaranteed to heat your blood before they steal your heart. Lose yourself in the enchanted Celtic Isles, you never know who, or what, will find you…
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I started with this series and have been enjoying it. The stories are very cute. I think I read three so far.
It is a fun little town for sure. I’ve enjoyed all the stories so far.
Love a good banter!
Clever and quirky dialogue is my weakness
I enjoy good banter, so I might give this a try. Thanks for sharing!
The characters are interesting and the back and forth super fun.
I have read her Historical romance but nothing else
I’ve enjoyed her Historical Romance and I think the shift to contemporary with her is a lot of fun just because of the pop culture type references and play she seems to have with quick witty comments.