Dirty Lying Sirens
by: Sabrina Blackburry
What You Can Expect
Siren lore woven into modern fantasy
Found family and a heroine discovering her power
Sweet romance with hints of instant attraction
Secrets, danger, and a dash of destiny
🌶 2/5 — light spice, more romantic tension than steam
There’s something about siren stories that always draws me in. They are equal parts myth, danger, and allure. (And as someone who grew up in a choir, having a magical voice sounds pretty cool. Amirite?) Dirty Lying Sirens takes those familiar threads and spins them into a contemporary fantasy romance that feels fresh while still tapping into that deep mythological pull.
The story follows Maddie, who has always been a little out of step with the world. When she discovers her heritage as a siren, everything about her life shifts: her relationships, her sense of self, and even her understanding of what it means to belong. What worked especially well for me was the way her journey wasn’t just about embracing supernatural abilities but also about leaning into her own strength and voice. I found myself rooting for her not only to accept her magic but to own who she was. (As someone who refers to themself as a martian, go figure.)
Caspian’s connection to Maddie adds both romance and tension. Their attraction leans toward instant, but it is written with enough sweetness that it never felt hollow. Caspian supports Maddie’s growth rather than overshadowing it, and that balance kept me engaged with their relationship. It reminded me that sometimes it is not about whether a trope is new, but whether it is executed with heart.
Where the book shines brightest is in its exploration of found family. Maddie isn’t navigating this siren revelation alone. The community around her provides both support and conflict, which gives the story depth beyond its central romance. That sense of belonging, of finding people who truly see you, resonated with me and elevated the narrative.
If I had one critique, it would be the pacing. There are moments when Maddie’s inner conflict circles back on itself, stalling the momentum. However, when the story moves forward, especially during the more myth-heavy or emotional beats, it flows beautifully. Blackburry’s prose is straightforward and accessible, which made the book easy to fall into even when the pace slowed.
By the end, I closed the book feeling satisfied and curious about where this world might go next. Although I didn't have the full context from the previous entries in the series, I never felt completely lost. Instead, it left me with the sense that this is a series worth circling back to when I am ready to dive deeper.
Dirty Lying Sirens is a contemporary fantasy romance that blends myth, romance, and personal growth with ease. It is not flawless, since the pacing hiccups reminded me that even magical stories need momentum, but it is heartfelt and engaging with enough charm to make me want more from this world.
👽👽👽👽/5