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Merissa (13993 KP) rated A Siren Song for Christmas (An MM Monster Christmas #5) in Books

Nov 28, 2025

A Siren Song for Christmas (An MM Monster Christmas #5)

Gigi Rivers | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy

10.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

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

Kudos

Merissa (13993 KP) rated Discordant Cultivation in Books

Jan 2, 2026

Discordant Cultivation

Gale Ian Tate | 2025 | Contemporary, Horror, LGBTQ+

8.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

DISCORDANT CULTIVATION is a DARK standalone novel about a music producer who sees the potential in a street busker. He kidnaps him and uses 'dubious' methods to teach him how to get the best out of his music.

Vale is the producer, and Kieran is the musician. You read the story from both perspectives, seeing Kieran succumb to Stockholm Syndrome in real time, along with everything else. There isn't a massive supporting cast, but each one plays a part in Vale and Kieran's story.

Now, it says it is "A Dark MM Captive Musician Romance", but I don't know if I would put the word romance anywhere near this. I mean, yes, they fall into something, a dark and twisted version of love, maybe, but romance? Maybe psychological horror fits better? Don't get me wrong, I love a dark romance, but I struggled with this book. It took me over three days to read it, when I can normally finish a book (or more) in a day.

I will say, read the trigger warnings! You will need to, to protect your own mental health. This book pushed boundaries I didn't even know I had. It was an extremely uncomfortable book to read, BUT it was so incredibly well-written!!! Gale Ian Tate has a knack for dark stories, but I think this one might be both the best and the worst! And while I both loved and loathed it, it definitely won't be one I read again!

An amazing, horrible, uncomfortable story that pushed everything I thought I knew. If that sounds like the book for you, then I can definitely recommend it. Just be careful with your own mental health, though!

** 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!
Jan 2, 2026