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Texas Sirens: Legacy #2

The Reluctant Siren

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Harlow Dawson went through something terrible while working a case in Los Angeles. She fell in love. To be fair, the love part wasn’t so bad, but the betrayal left her devastated and in police custody. She returned home to decide how to move forward. One thing was for certain. Her life wouldn’t include Jensen Wiley. Two years later she’s back on her feet, working with her best friend, and building her business. She’s been falling for a new guy at The Hideout. Niall Griffen makes her feel safe. Until she learns his secret at the worst possible time.

Jensen Wiley has spent years working his way up in the criminal organization that took his brother’s life. The only thing that ever threatened to break his need for revenge was meeting Harlow Dawson. She became his partner until he realized she was being drawn into the darkest part of the organization. He had very little time to get her out and didn’t think she would go quietly. He knows his betrayal saved her life, but he hasn’t stopped loving her. Now they’re in the same city and he needs someone watching over her. He means to keep his distance until she walks right into the middle of his mission.

Niall Griffen has worried about his best friend, Jensen, for years. When Jensen asks him to watch over the woman he loves, Niall reluctantly agrees. The trouble is he falls for her too. If nothing happens, he doesn’t feel there’s any reason to talk to his friend about their unrequited love triangle. But after one night together changes everything, Niall knows he needs a new plan to make sure no one gets their heart broken. The good news? Harlow comes from a family with an interesting dynamic. He just might be able to make this work for all of them.

Things begin to unravel when Jensen’s past comes back to haunt him and the man he’s been hunting threatens to turn the tables on him. Protecting Harlow is now the only priority and might just send them all right into the relationship they all need.

393 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 2025

109 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Sophie Oak

35 books1,664 followers
A lifetime devotee to the written word, Sophie published her first novel this year. Prior to becoming a novelist, she worked in theater and comic books. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her husband and three precocious children, who wonder when mom is going to write a book they will be allowed to read. Her answer: probably never. Sophie believes in happy endings for everyone, no matter how extreme the story. Her stories may feature some of the fringe elements of sexuality, but at heart they are always about love.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
Profile Image for Lo✨.
181 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2025
This story felt a bit all over the place—though maybe that was intentional. Every character carried layers of trauma and PTSD, and while therapy might have helped this throuple, hate-f*cking ended up being the cheaper alternative. There were definite BDSM tones throughout, which I could’ve taken or left.

The audio performance didn’t win me over, especially the FMC’s narration, which felt off. The mix of first and third POV added to the confusion at times and made it harder to stay grounded in the story. Overall, an interesting concept but not a standout for me.
Profile Image for Kristine.
3,265 reviews44 followers
August 21, 2025
4.5 Stars ⭐️

I love this series. Heck, I absolutely LOVE the entire world that Ms. Blake has created, encompassing the McKay/Taggert gang along with the crew in Bliss. At this point, we are on the second generation and following along with the kids of our favorite characters.

So, our FMC is Harlow Dawson who is the daughter of Chase and Ban and Natalie Dawson. We got to see a little of Harlow in Daisy's book. Harlow and Ruby own the Private Investigation agency that Daisy worked at for an entire day before being targeted by the cartel. IYKYK......

It was fun to see mentions of Aidan and Carys' wedding along with Daisy and Nate's wedding too. I love the crossovers and I love getting to step back into this world and feel like I've never left. I don't know how she does it, but she does it EVERY time.

Then there is the first MMC - Niall Griffen - who is watching over Harlow at the request of his best friend and other MMC Jensen Wiley. Without going into spoilers, let's just say that Jensen screwed up with Harlow big time but he is still determined to make things right. Niall, through no fault of his own, finds himself falling for Harlow...uh oh.

Needless to say, this book is filled with non stop action and drama (did we really expect anything else?) as Harlow finds herself in the middle of the exact shenanigans that Jensen was trying to keep her out of.

We also got to see Big Tag and some of the other 1st generation characters, now parents, as things exploded and fell off the rails.

The narration was done by Kitty Bang, Lee Samuels, and Ryan West. Mr. West has been the voice of the M/T series since the beginning and the three of them did a fantastic job.
Profile Image for Kristian.
74 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2025
This was my first Lexi Blake book and I’m glad I did the audiobook route! Harlow is a baddie and I love her for it! I loved that she put those boys through the paces and got hers too. I used to be a bad boy over golden but there was somethin about Nyle that may switch me over. It was fast paced and in some places it seemed like the story wasn’t fully flushed out? Could just be me. I so want to read her parents story now after this one.
Profile Image for Stephanie Chapin.
96 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2025
ARC  Review of The Reluctant Siren Book 2 in the Texas Sirens: Legacy Series by Lexi Blake This book is a 5 star read for me. This book can be read as a standalone but is part of an interconnected series and characters from Lexi's other series are in and mentioned in this book. Also characters in this Legacy series are children of the characters from the original Texas Sirens series by Lexi Blake. Harlow's parents story is Siren Unleashed. This is a why choose, MFM, small town in Texas, slow burn, spicy, Best Friends, suspenseful, second chance romance. I love a why choose trope it is always one of my favorites. This story is told from third person point of view. I prefer first person/dual pov but it was still easy to follow along.  This is Harlow, Niall, and Jensen's story. Harlow is 2nd generation her dads are Ben and Chase Dawson and her mom is Natalie so she is used to unconventional relationships. Harlow lives in Texas and owns a private investigations agency with her best friend Ruby. Harlow used to be in a relationship with Jensen in LA while she was working a case and she was undercover but then he broke her heart to protect her and keep her out of danger and she hasn’t seen him in 2 years. Now she is developing feelings for Niall a new Dom at The Hideout but Harlow doesn’t know that Niall is Jensen’s Best Friend and that he asked Niall to watch over her because he couldn’t. Jensen is back in the picture and still wants to be with Harlow. If she can forgive him and get past his betrayal all three of them can be in a happy relationship. Things begin to unravel when Jensen’s past comes back to haunt him and the man he’s been hunting threatens to turn the tables on him. Protecting Harlow is now the only priority and might just send them all right into the relationship they all need.
Profile Image for Wildflower Reads.
86 reviews5 followers
July 21, 2025
I love Lexi Blake's world. This woman is a master of her craft and she delivers another incredible read with 'The Reluctant Siren'.

In this installment, Harlow Dawson, having endured betrayal and emotional trauma while working a case in Los Angeles and losing everything she thought safe—including her relationship with Jensen Wiley—returns to Texas to rebuild her life and guard her heart. Enter Niall Griffen, Jensen’s best friend who steps in to protect Harlow—and finds himself drawn to her in unexpected ways. (Only Harlow is unaware why he's in her life!) For fan's of Lexi's you know what's coming next...For those who've just discovered her...Blake’s worlds often feature tight-knit communities that support, judge, and sometimes complicate her characters' lives and there is no exception here. Ben, Chase and Big Tag all make appearances and add much loved humour to an emotional story.

For fans of spicy, emotionally textured romantic suspense with complex characters and bold stakes, The Reluctant Siren promises to deliver. Harlow’s journey of healing, paired with Jensen’s guilt and Niall’s protective passion, sets up a charged interplay of love and loyalty. The added element of danger from criminal entanglements ensures the narrative never slows.

Blake’s writing is a blend of high‑emotion romance and nail‑biting suspense accompanied by steamy, explicit scenes. If The Accidental Siren hooked you with its MFM dynamics, strong emotional arcs, and colorful cast, The Reluctant Siren looks set to expand that world with fresh tension and deeper heartbreak. Expect drama, desire, and a satisfying if complicated journey toward trust.
88 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2025
Thrown back into the second generation this book follows Harlow Dawson and her men Jensen and Niall. Two years ago Jenson broke her heart in the most spectacular way she feels she could never love again. Enter Niall, a man on a mission to break down her walls but is hiding a secret that is revealed at the worse possible time.

If you've read Lexi's books before you will know the format, the exciting part is how we get there! This book is packed full of drama and wouldn't be a spin off series without an appearence by Big Tag! Add in the drama Chase brings and calmness of Ben and the story is ready. Our FMC and MMC's are all struggling with their own demons but will they realise before its too late that they need to work together.

Loved this book and calmly waiting on the next one. I received this as an ARC and am leaving my own review
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
19.6k reviews248 followers
July 29, 2025
This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Harlow’s story.
Harlow is broken by a betrayal, and she neds to regroup and figure out how to move forward with her life. Two years later Harlow is back on her feet and working for her best friend and building up her business. Jensen’s betrayal was his way in keeping Harlow safe, but with the past back to haunt him, he asks his best friend Niall to protect and keep her safe.
This is a well written action-packed story, with family, friendships, emotions, danger, suspense, intrigue, betrayal, heartbreak, close proximity, secrets, trust, revenge, why choose, second chance, humor, witty banter, revelations, and a love triangle, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictibale page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Dar.
4,417 reviews91 followers
July 19, 2025
I just loved these three! I loved them when they were duos; I loved them when they were a throuple; I loved them individually, for all their strengths, flaws, vulnerabilities, and fierceness. I loved how they saw and supported each other. I loved how they called each other out when being obtuse. I loved how they loved each other. I loved seeing old friends and meeting new second gens. I loved how things weren’t smoothed over, mistakes were made, and promises were broke. I loved how they worked through it all, not in a rush, but in a way that would last with them for a lifetime <3
Profile Image for Kamila Mykhailiuk.
1,231 reviews10 followers
July 29, 2025
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
Profile Image for Golden Angel.
Author 154 books1,990 followers
August 14, 2025
I always love Lexi Blake's world and this legacy series is such a joy to dive into. There's so much to enjoy, from Harlow being a total badass, to Jensen having to grovel, to Niall being a total cinnamin roll. I loved the dynamic between all of the characters and watching them figure things out. As always, the Sirens series is a joy to jump into.
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,711 reviews515 followers
September 1, 2025
Harlow Dawson hasn't been herself since she returned from a mission two years ago, but it's time she shook off the funk and got back to things. This new mission requires her to go undercover with a Dom, so she enlists the help of Niall, whom she's been attracted to for a while now, so she may as well test the waters while undercover and see what happens.

Niall Griffen is hiding a secret, a big one, and when it comes out, it could ruin everything he hopes to explore with Harlow. But first, he needs to get in touch with his best friend and talk things out, only he can't get in touch with Jensen Wiley, which doesn't bode well for any of them because shit's gonna hit the fan a lot quicker than any of them anticipated.

Calling all lovers of Cinnamon Roll MCs, as well as Alphahole MCs, because you have the best of both worlds with these two men, just like Harlow does. Jensen is a total Alpha-hole; he has no qualms about doing things to ensure you're not in harm's way, even if it's part of your job. However, if you do somehow get a bump or bruise, Niall is there to care for you. SWOON

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewTRS

the reluctant sire by lexi blake

Nadine's Obsessed with Books **I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links

Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,786 reviews207 followers
July 29, 2025


Lexi’s Store / Amazon / Apple / Nook / Kobo / Google



Harlow has moved on from the broken heart her ex Jensen left her with a couple years ago. Now is the time for her to see if Niall is interested. If he is, she will truly be able to move on with him. Unless (until) she finds Niall has a huge secret that may just involve her ex. Is it possible that not only could she fall in love with Niall, and find a second chance with Jensen? Considering that she grew up with two dads and a mom, it wouldn't be so hard for her to find herself in love with two men.



Jensen knew when he walked away from Harlow he was doing it to protect her, and that he'd never get a second chance to be with her. But somehow that second chance is looking him in the eye. If he can get over the intense guilt he feels over all the choices that have led him here, he just may find his way to something he'd never foreseen he would have - with his best friend and the love of his life.



Niall never expected to fall in love with Harlow, but he has and he's not going to let his secret get in the way of them being together. But at the same time he worries about his best friend. The three of them can be together if Harlow's willing to forgive Jensen for breaking her heart, and himself for keeping his secret from her. He knows they have something beautiful, but it will only work if they can all be open with each other.



No one does menages as balanced and as deliciously as Lexi. I love all her series, especially her menages. Harlow is a second gen (the daughter of Ben, Chase and Natalie from Siren Unleashed and she grew up in that large, loving family, which is so different than how her two men grew up. Though the three of them were raised in different worlds, it's part of why they work so well as a unit. I wanted to cry that Jensen felt so badly about himself, held so much guilt, that he didn't think he was worthy of love, worthy of Harlow and Niall and the beautiful relationship they could have. Then there's poor Niall - caught between his loyalty to and love for his best friend, and his love for Harlow and how awful he felt for deceiving her. And then the woman of the hour, Harlow. She's smart, strong, sassy and just wanted to be able to love, both of her men. Life and her job kept getting in the way of that, along with a meddling dad, Big Tag and crew, and even Harlow herself. Thank God for the support of her friends and her loving (even if in a slightly meddling and over the top way) family. I love this trio, the way found love, healing, and joy with each other. Their chemistry kept my Kindle on fire, and as all the best menages do - the physical is balanced perfectly with their equally strong emotional connection, plus the added benefit of the suspense and intrigue they're all involved in.



ARC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Eleanor Butler.
357 reviews10 followers
August 28, 2025
If you love a bratty firey baddie FMC who fell for two men who’s willing to sacrifice everything just to keep their reluctant siren and show her how much she’s loved and wanted,then this is the one for you!
Reluctant Siren indeed!

Audiobook Review ALC 🎧🎤📚
The Reluctant Siren: Texas Sirens: Legacy, Book 2
* Author: Lexi Blake, Sophie Oak
* Narrator: Kitty Bang, Lee Samuels, Ryan West

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️3.5🌶️🌶️🌶️//9/10🎧🎤


This is Harlow Niall and Jensen story.

Harlow
Went back home after going through a terrible ordeal that she just wants to forget, but at the root of it all is the one person she thought she could trust!
Falling in love with a new guy she met was something she wasn’t prepared for Niall Griffin but only he has a secret that could break them all apart.

Niall
Has been Jensen Wiley best friend for years.. so when he asked him to keep his girl safe when she returned home… but instead he went and fall head over heels with this woman. But now he has to figure out a way to make Jensen and Harlow understand his feelings and an idea he has that might just work for them despite their situation.
But will they accept his apology and proposition?


Jensen
Has been undercover for a while and he is getting increasingly tired of the life especially after he mess up things with the woman he loved and now she sees him in a negative light and seems reluctant to forgive him.
Determined to make things right… his best friend who was to watch over her went and fell for his woman making things more complicated.
How is this going to work..? Giving up Harlow is not an option and he felt he would miss his best friend now ex who’s trying to convince him of working together to give their girl exactly what she needs.


✨ “I never thought about it for me, but if it works for someone else, who cares? We spend way too much time worrying about what other people are doing. How the hell can anyone be happy if they’re constantly policing everyone else’s joy?”✨




This audiobook was a bit difficult listening to at first, the transition between characters when Kitty Bang was narrating the different characters was hard to keep track of, no shade to Ms Kitty, but overall she did well but that’s my only complaint.

Meanwhile Lee Samuels and Ryan West performed really well.
To be fair I think a book with so many different characters, perhaps Duet style narration would have been better ( female characters narrated by female and male by male) I believe it would have made a huge difference for this story.

Although the story had a lot of interesting elements and moving parts being a suspense. It also gives insight into other characters from previous stories who’s intertwined into this one.
All this as Harlow,Niall and Jensen work through their complicated situation while hiding out from the danger looming over their heads. But one thing is certain.. and it’s that Harlow’s family will never let her and the guys who have never had the big caring family unit come to harm!

Still recommend listening, and starting with the first book in this series will help clarify some things and make a better listening experience, and if you love strong female characters with men who’s willing to do anything for them.. then dive into this one!


Vibes in The Reluctant Siren🎧📚
🧡romantic suspense
💚Second Chance
💜menage
🧡polyamory
💚MFM
💜Small Town
🧡found family
💚wounded/scarred MMC and FMC
💜BDSM
🧡Smex Club
💜hilarious moment!
💚multiple POV
💜HEA

Be sure to check your triggers before starting this on*


Shout to Valentine_pr and thank you my besties for reading my review and ramblings.
Until next time
One Love 💕 and One Book at a time📚
~Georgious🦋~

Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,044 reviews201 followers
July 29, 2025
THE RELUCTANT SIREN is the second instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult TEXAS SIRENS: LEGACY erotic, BDSM, romantic suspense series, a next generation spin off, set in the author’s TEXAS SIRENS world. This is twenty six year old Harlow Dawson, daughter of Chase, Ben and Natalie Dawson (Siren Unleashed 7), Jensen Wiley, and Niall Griffen’s story line. THE RELUCTANT SIREN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several characters cross over from the author’s Texas Sirens, Lawless Series, and the numerous interconnected Masters and Mercenaries.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including MFM menage and BDSM scenarios, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives (Harlow, Jensen, Niall) THE RELUCTANT SIREN follows in the wake of the return of Jensen Wiley, having left the woman he claimed to have loved, to seek revenge for the death of his brother but Jensen never expected to find Harlow Dawson in the arms of his best friend Niall Griffen. Niall and Jensen are both Doms, with Niall having the ability to switch, but Harlow needed a Dom to take control, and believing Jensen all but abandoned her, Harlow acted on her feelings for someone else. Meanwhile, Jensen’s foray into the criminal underworld finds the threesome targeted, as the FBI, CIA, and Special Forces are all searching for the same people who are running a questionable BDSM club hiding criminal activities.

The world building follows several paths, introducing numerous characters from the author interconnected series including Ian Taggert, Chase, Ben and Natalie Dawson. As the agents from the different law enforcement factions begins circling, Jensen is willing to sacrifice himself to protect the people he loves.

The relationship between Harlow, Niall and Jensen is a threesome that begins as friendships leading to something more. Harlow and Jensen were in a relationship that was broken when Jensen left without saying goodbye; Niall would begin a slow seduction of our story line heroine, offering to be her Dom when she needed it the most. The Sex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and energetic secondary and supporting characters, again, from the author’s interconnected series. The struggle of a father watching his daughter grow up is fodder for many of the friends and family members as Chase battles to keep a hold of his temper, and Ben only wishes happiness for our story line heroine. We are reintroduced to Harlow’s sister Greer, Chloe Lodge-Taylor, and Ruby Lockwood.

THE RELUCTANT SIREN is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is edgy and dramatic; the romance is passionate and inspirational; the characters are desperate, broken yet struggling to heal. The epilogue fast forwards the story line one year wherein in the threesome must work on themselves as well as their relationship.

copy supplied for review
Profile Image for Rebecca.
734 reviews22 followers
September 1, 2025
The Reluctant Siren by Lexi Blake and Sophie Oak is part of the Tesas Siren Legacy series. Brought to life by the supremely talented cast of narrators, Kitty Bang, Lee Samuels, and Ryan West. This story takes you on an emotional ride.

We meet Harlow, a woman scarred by a past she desperately wants to leave behind. While working a case in Los Angeles, she experienced profound love followed by devastating betrayal, culminating in her return home to Texas under police custody. Determined to rebuild, she focuses on her private investigation agency co-owned with her best friend, certain her life will no longer include Jensen Wiley, the man who broke her heart.

Two years later, Harlow is cautiously opening herself up to love again with Niall Griffen, a new presence at "The Hideout" who makes her feel secure—until his hidden connection to her past surfaces at the most inopportune moment.

Unbeknownst to Harlow, Jensen Wiley has spent years infiltrating the criminal organization responsible for his brother's death. His focused quest for revenge was only ever complicated by his feelings for Harlow. Recognizing the danger she was in, he made the difficult decision to betray her to ensure her safety, a choice that saved her life but cost him their relationship. Now, finding themselves in the same city again, Jensen tries to keep his distance while simultaneously asking his best friend, Niall Griffen, to watch over her.

Niall reluctantly agrees but finds himself falling for Harlow too. After a pivotal night changes everything, Niall realizes he must find a way to navigate this complex emotional landscape without anyone getting hurt. Fortunately, Harlow's upbringing within an unconventional family (her parents' story, "Siren Unleashed," features a polyamorous relationship) offers a potential path forward for them all.

The situation intensifies when Jensen's past catches up to him, and the very man he's been hunting threatens to turn the tables. Protecting Harlow becomes the paramount concern, potentially forcing all three into the unconventional but ultimately fulfilling relationship they might secretly need.

This installment can be enjoyed as a standalone but is enriched by its connection to an interconnected series, featuring characters from Lexi Blake's other works and focusing on the second generation from the original Texas Sirens series. It's a why-choose, MFM, small-town Texas romance that blends slow-burn spice, best-friends-to-lovers elements, second chances, and suspense. While told in the third person, the narrative remains easy to follow and engaging. For fans of emotionally complex romantic suspense with bold stakes and a touch of humor provided by returning beloved characters like Ben, Chase, and Big Tag, "The Reluctant Siren" delivers a compelling and satisfying read.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Becky.
3,367 reviews140 followers
July 30, 2025
I'm not sure how Ms Blake manages to balance out the edge of your seat suspense, all the genuine LOL moments, the smoking hot chemistry, and the even hotter s3x scenes in these books (witchcraft, maybe?) but OMG does she ever...

...and then she throws in some really deeply emotional and touching scenes as well. Honestly, this book in particular will take you on such a journey, it shouldn't even be possible, but here we are.

The Reluctant Siren is Harlow, Jensen, and Niall's book, and it's connected to so many others written by the author (you'll see characters from the OG Texas Sirens, Nights in Bliss, Masters & Mercenaries and pretty much all its spin-off series...) but really the one you should read just before this one--if you only have the patience to read one, because who would want to delay reading this one?--would be Daisy's novella ( The Bodyguard and the Bombshell ), because otherwise it might seem like Harlow is overreacting at the start of this one.

Trust me, she isn't. ;)

Having spent the first third or so of this book just waiting for everything to blow up in the characters faces--we know how the three are connected and can see the implosion coming well before it happens--getting them across the HEA finish line at the end at times feels like an impossible task, even though it's clear to pretty much everyone (yes, even Harlow's "deranged dad" eventually) that they really deserve to find happiness together. I love that Ms Blake's characters put such stock in mental health and putting in the hard work to make their lives better through therapy--I don't know if places like The Club, Sanctum, and The Hideout actually exist IRL, but I really, really hope they do because they sound absolutely fabulous from every angle.

Overall, I really liked this one--as a story, it was much more similar to the ones in the author's Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits books than it was to the first book in this series ( The Accidental Siren ), and that undoubtedly factors into it. I'm looking forward to several of the characters in here getting their own book ([cough, cough] ROSE AND JACK [cough, cough]), whichever series they end up in.

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,278 reviews13.6k followers
August 5, 2025
4 STARS
What do you want, Niall?”
“A chance to show you exactly how good I can be for you, Harlow Dawson.”

If you haven't discovered the deliciously steamy small town series full of kooky residents and kinky f...romance, you're seriously missing out. I loved Lexi's Texas Sirens series and I'm absolutely loving the second gen spinoff with this series.

If you read Siren Unleashed and you loved the uber protective Chase and Ben, prepare for their firecracker of a daughter. And of course for Chase's crazy brand of overprotectiveness.

This, like all in this series is a D/s, menage MFM romance and yes, it's as good as it sounds.

Now if you know me then you know I love me a second chance romance. And I especially love when he grovels. And here we get not one but two completely obsessed with her alpha men. We have Jensen, the guy who broke her heart years ago and she never forgave. And we have the sweet and dominant Niall, who unbeknownst to Harlow has some secrets of why he's there.

Sprinkle in some danger, action, the kookiness that only Ian Taggard and his company can bring, and you have yourself a sexy page turner. And did I mention the second chance?
Do you want a sincere apology?” He didn’t think so, but he needed to give her the option. If he could do this with tenderness, he would.
“Fuck you, Jensen, and fuck your apologies.”
Hate sex it was then.

Harlow was fierce and kickass. I loved how fiercely independent she was. I also loved the way she let the men soothe her harder edges. I love the balance the men brought. And you know I loved the spice!

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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104 reviews
September 1, 2025
This was my very first Lexi Blake book, and while it’s technically the second in the series, it absolutely works as a standalone. From the moment I pressed play, I was pulled into a world of danger, heartbreak, passion, and found family chaos. Some moments raced ahead, while others slowed down just a touch too much, but the balance of suspense, emotion, and spice kept me hooked until the very end. Harlow’s struggle to rebuild herself after betrayal, Jensen’s lingering guilt, and Niall’s protective tenderness created a love story that was messy, complicated, and deeply addictive.

The Story
Harlow Dawson thought she left her heartbreak behind when she walked away from Jensen Wiley. Two years later, she’s back in her hometown, running her business, and starting to fall for Niall Griffen the man who makes her feel safe. But secrets have a way of surfacing at the worst time. Jensen never stopped loving her, even if his betrayal broke them both, and when danger creeps back into their lives, the three of them are forced together in a storm of passion, trust, and survival. What begins as fractured love slowly weaves into something neither of them expected: a bond strong enough for three.

Narration
The audiobook is performed by Kitty Bang, Lee Samuels, and Ryan West. While Lee and Ryan delivered strong, engaging performances that really captured their characters, I had more difficulty with Kitty’s narration. Her transitions between voices weren’t always easy to follow, and with a story featuring such a large cast, this made it harder to stay immersed. Personally, I think a duet narration style (female narrators for female characters and male for male) would have fit this book far better and made the listening experience more seamless. That said, the passion and energy across all narrators still carried the story.

What I Loved
✔️ A thrilling blend of romantic suspense and heartfelt emotion
✔️ The powerful second chance dynamic between Harlow and Jensen
✔️ Niall’s cinnamon-roll devotion that made the triangle believable
✔️ Steamy, unapologetic menage, polyamory, and BDSM elements woven with heart
✔️ The push-and-pull between small-town charm and criminal danger
✔️ Humour and chaos from the found-family dynamics, especially Big Tag
✔️ Multiple POVs that gave depth to each character’s journey

Tropes & Vibes
Why Choose / MFM
Second Chance Romance
Close Proximity
Found Family / Small Town Setting
Wounded & Scarred FMC & MMC
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Smex Club Fun
Multiple POVs

Final Thoughts
The Reluctant Siren is an addictive mix of suspense, passion, humour, and heartbreak. While the narration wasn’t flawless for me, the story itself shines with intensity, tenderness, and characters you’ll root for even when their choices are messy. It’s steamy, emotional, and action-packed proof that love doesn’t always fit inside one neat box.

Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,079 reviews70 followers
July 29, 2025
The Reluctant Siren was the perfect blend of second generation characters and beloved OG's. The mix of couples and throuples, both old and new, brought tons of laughter, wonderful heart filled moments, and the perfect amount of steam to this long time reader and lover of this interconnected series. 💓

It was heartwarming to see the ease with which the younger generation feels about the lifestyle that they were raised in and how easy they accept one another and everything this world involves. It brings tears to my eyes. The other type of tears would be due to laughter as each kid, yes I'm calling them kids because everyone younger than me looks like a kid nowadays😂, has an aversion to going where their parents have club memberships 😂 only to seek out play time where other characters actually frequent. The irony is just too funny and I honestly can't get enough. 🤣

While I knew some of the interconnections, or I should say I remembered some of the connections going into this book since the world keeps growing and growing, I'd forgotten that hurricane Daisy, one of my favorite characters to date, was the receptionist for Harlow Dawson. Daisy's story sort of ties into this one, as the echo of her chaos continues to rain down on everyone in the sweetest and funniest way possible. The bad guys that Daisy stumbled upon in her book are still lingering in this one.

Harlow and Jensen have a past where they worked together, both undercover, but as the danger rose, along with their passion, Jensen chose to save the mission and not the woman he was passionate about. It's been a few years and Harlow is still angry about being left behind and Jensen's only goal is to finish his mission and then work his way back into Harlow's heart. Harlow has zero plans to ever forgive Jensen, in fact she's decided to move on. There is a new Dom that's caught her eye. Niall Griffen is sweet, caring and just toppy enough to meet her needs, almost the exact opposite of the aloof and detached man who broke her heart. She just has no idea that Niall is best friends with the man who has the means to crack open her entire world.

Jensen and Niall have been friends since childhood and when Jensen asked for a favor Niall dropped everything to help his longtime friend out. Niall is a total golden retriever who loves to please everyone in his life. He's the perfect bridge between Harlow and Jensen who is more like a Rottweiler that's been rescued from a shelter and needs a lot of love. He's not mean by any sake, he just needs affection and lots of caring since he's been neglected and doesn't think he deserves good things. 🥺 This throuple works on every level because of their unique personalities and I always love watching how a new relationship evolves while they figure out their new roles.

I think what I love the most about every single book in this series is all the interaction between parents, current characters, and the upcoming ones too. The worlds between each interconnected series has become one huge blended family between McKay-Taggart, Texas Siren, and Bliss and it's welcoming, full of sarcasm, full of acceptance and love. It’s truly the best family I've ever been a part of and it's why I continue to look forward to each and every book release with anticipation.
Profile Image for ravenblackbird74 .
153 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2025
📚 Review ~ The Reluctant Siren
Texas Sirens: Legacy Book 2
🖋 Author ~ Lexi Blake
🖋 Genre: Small Town Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series
⭐️ Rating: 5/5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Harlow and Niall and Jensen
🚁 Why Choose
🚁 Close Proximity
🚁 Second Chance
🚁 On-the-Run
🚁 Cinnamon Roll MMC

💖 Things begin to unravel when Jensen’s past comes back to haunt him and the man he’s been hunting threatens to turn the tables on him. Protecting Harlow is now the only priority and might just send them all right into the relationship they all need.

💖 In this second gen installment, the intrigue continues with Harlow and her men. Desperate to prove herself, Harlow pushes boundaries and herself, putting herself in danger as she works to bring down a criminal organization. Niall is the man determined to protect her, to provide her with the love, the support she needs. Jensen not only brings the heat, the passion out in Harlow, but he needs to face his past before he can fully commit to Harlow and Niall.

💖 Another fantastic addition to the Texas Sirens world! My favorite reads include connected series and crossovers. And, The Reluctant Siren hits all the high points. Lexi Blake continues to develop excellent characters with depth of emotion, pain, and fears that are completely relatable. I love the suspense she immerses her characters into, which continues to build until the end. In all the suspense and drama, Lexi sprinkles in moments of light and humor, making her characters even more engaging.

💖 Of course, I can’t pass up a good Taggart-ism!

🖋 Enjoyment: 5. Readability: 5. Writing: 5.
🖋 Setting: 5. Plot: 4. Characters: 5.

💌 Favorite Moments:

🖇He had to focus on the now and not the ghosts that haunted him. Even though he was doing it all for them. The two people in the whole world he ever loved.

🖇He opened his arms. And she was safe again.

#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #LexiBlake #TexasSirens #TexasSirensLegacy #WhyChoose #valentineprlm @valentine_pr_
Profile Image for Cat.
2,090 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2025
There is alot going on in this story and I am so glad that I was able to listen to the story instead of reading it,because I think I was able to keep up better with the help of Kitty Bang,Lee Samuels and Ryan West telling me this story....All 3 Narrators are excellent at portraying the characters in book 2 of this series by Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak.
I enjoyed their voices and they were so easy to listen to,Kitty,Lee and Ryan expressed every emotion wonderfully and each scene whether funny,intense sexy or emotional was brilliant.
In The Reluctant Siren we have Harlow Dawson,Jensen Wiley and Niall Griffins throuples romance,because in this world Lexi Blake has created all romances come in threes...2 men and 1 lucky lady.
Harlow and Jensen have history he broke her heart,hurt her and she ended up in jail and now she was finally getting her life back on track.Harlow is a Private Investigator and she is working on a case to find a girl and bring her back home to her Mum.
Jensen's brother died at the hands of Cliff Hamilton and he is consumed with revenge which cost him Harlow...He is still seeking revenge and it brings him back into Harlows life once again.
Then we have Niall he is Jensen's best friend and he has been watching over Harlow as a favor to Jensen...The problem is he has fallen for her as he has gotten to know her and wants to be in a relationship with Harlow and Jensen....He just had to get them to agree,But Harlow hates Jensen for what he did to her.
But they find themselves having to work together to rescue the girl Miranda from the clutches of Hamilton and his cruelty.
Oh I forgot to mention they have to go undercover at a BDSM club were Miranda works the club is a disguise for drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
This is a really intriguing story with plenty of steam and suspense,its like a sexy adventure with some romance and emotion thrown into the mix.
The Reluctant Siren is a very interesting read or listen I was totally invested in what would happen to the characters so I could barely stop from listening to it.
The story was fabulous and the narration was equally Fabulous,loved it.
5 Stars.
Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,571 reviews51 followers
July 28, 2025
Addictive second chance romance

I loved, loved, loved THE RELUCTANT SIREN. There was passion, emotion, heartache, humour, desire, and of course, family mayhem. Told from three POVs this is a why choose, close proximity, second chance romance which had terrific banter, sizzling heat, conflicted emotions, and a touch of suspense. I love these second-generation stories, especially when there's an over-protective dad (or two) and Big Tag adding to the humour.

Two years ago Harlow Dawson's heart was broken, she closed herself off to love, returned home and buried herself in her work. Jensen Wiley has never forgotten the woman he let go, yet he became a martyr to avenge his brother's death, relying on his best friend to keep her safe. Niall Griffen is the best friend whose loyalty never wavers, until he meets the woman who calls to his heart, the woman he is supposed to be keeping safe. There are so many secrets between this trio, what will happen when all the truths are revealed? A strong willed submissive, an intense Dom, and a calming Dom, they didn't disappoint, the emotions, heat, and twists and turns, I couldn't get enough.

THE RELUCTANT SIREN was an addictive read from the first word to the last. It was a story of healing and relationships, of trust and loyalty, and of desire and love. I loved the relationship between Harlow, Jensen, and Niall, it was volatile, yet heartwarming, their balance was perfect. I fell in love even more with Chase Dawson, Siren Unleashed, Harlow's dad, he had me constantly laughing with his over-the-top outlandish antics, every girl needs a dad like Chase.

If you love a complicated relationship, an overprotective family, drama, twists and turns, and spicy heat, then this book is for you.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
778 reviews18 followers
July 30, 2025
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after reading a free ARC of this novel via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own. THE RELUCTANT SIREN is Book 2 in the Texas Sirens, Legacy series. Harlow Dawson had been betrayed and abandoned by Jensen, the man she had fallen in love with while working a case. She was working a similar missing persons case, and needed a bodyguard to pose as couple at a BDSM nightclub. Niall Griffen had been watching over Harlow for his best friend, Jensen Wiley, while Jensen was pursing revenge. Niall had become a member of The Hideout, Harlow’s BDSM club. Niall had fallen in love with her, and was happy to help when she asked him to accompany her. What neither of them had been prepared for was finding Jensen under cover at the same club, their cases overlapping again. Suddenly they were together, in danger, and the solution to their love triangle might be the three of them together, if Harlow can forgive their lies. This second chance, why choose, romantic comedy/suspense novel included characters from the original Masters and Mercenaries series, the New Recruits series, and the non-spy family members and friends who were also part of their universe. The secondary characters will have you laughing through this spicy, open door, third person, triple POV romance novel. I love the way these three people come together and complement each other, and how much support and insight they gained from talking with Harlow’s family and friends. I especially enjoy the entire community which had developed out of the original Masters and Mercenaries books. Lexi Blake’s stories include excitement and suspense as well as significant character growth from the beginning to the end of her novels and that was most definitely the case for this one. It is well written and paced and kept me rapt from cover to cover. I definitely recommend this novel for readers who enjoy romantic comedy/suspense with tropes including BDSM, second chance, why choose, close proximity, and on-the-run, with a cinnamon roll MMC. I love every expansion the author makes to this universe and hope you will too!
Profile Image for Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog.
2,577 reviews145 followers
August 4, 2025
3.75 stars. This was a good book! The Reluctant Siren is a second generation story, spun-off from the original Texas Sirens series, and is Harlow, Jensen and Niall's story. Harlow is the daughter of a throuple from the original series and she runs a private investigations firm. Jensen is bent on revenge for his brother's death and decides to go undercover with a criminal ring. During that time, he and Harlow were dating, but he gave her up in order to keep her safe from his quest for revenge. Jensen decides to send his best friend Niall to join her BDSM club to keep an eye on her safety. She is hurting and bitter over her breakup, but Harlow and Niall become friends and there is an attraction there. She has a case where she is investigating a woman's disappearance so she asks for Niall's help to go undercover with her in a club. As she and Niall work together, they grow closer and begin a relationship. What happens when Jensen appears in the same club and she finds out that he sent Niall to watch her? Can she get over the deceit to see how much both men love her and want to begin a forever relationship between the three of them?

I enjoyed this story a lot. Harlow was sweet, strong and brave. Jensen and Niall were good partners for her. There was a good bit of drama as they worked through everything emotionally between them and I would have liked to see more happy times together. I would have loved to see a club scene between the three of them as well . I wanted a little more from the ending and didn't totally love the time jump ahead. But I was happy they were able to overcome their problems and get their HEA. It was fun to be back in the Texas Sirens world and get glimpses of my favorite characters. This second generation series will be a blast to see Ms. Blake explore as there are so many characters and so much potential. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

*arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Annie Soto.
230 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2025
Harlow is a BAMF and never afraid to put herself in the line of fire as a PI. But after a harrowing investigation that left her betrayed by the man she fell in love with and almost not surviving their mission, she has felt jaded by the idea of love, companionship and trusting a man. As an active participant in 'The Lifestyle' she spends a lot of her spare time at The Hideout where she is safe to partake in any dynamic of her choosing.
She is immediately enamored with the new guy, Naill and she learns hes retired military, she decides to approach him with an offer from both personal and professional purposes. Naill is just as enamored with Harlow and wants nothing more than to keep her all to himself, but he has secrets that could make or break what he wants to build with her and knowing Harlow, she won't be happy when everything is revealed.
When her past and her present collide on this new mission, Harlow is left reeling with confronting her past and learning to forgive these men if she wants a fighting chance at a future with them. But after everything they've kept from her and put her through, she's reluctant to allow herself to be vulnerable and with a bounty now on their heads, she doesn't have much time to make the most important decisions of her life.
Jumping back into this world took me a moment as I had to get reacquainted with all the different characters and family trees, but it started to click as the story went on and the action and suspense was great plot. I also enjoy that all the explicit activities and discussions of the lifestyle are made with intention and are so closely tied to the journey of the thruple as a unit and the healing of each individual as well.
All three narrators were fantastic on this title. Kitty Bang, Lee Samuels and Ryan West are some of my absolute favorite performers and I always enjoy their work, This title was no exception to a phenomenal ride.
227 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2025
Harlow is a private investigator who has gotten burned in the past by her boyfriend and the man she loved. Jensen ditched her at the end of a case where she got arrested, her arm broken by the bad guys and most of all her heart torn to shreds.
She is now working on a new case that required her to go undercover and needs someone to act as her Dom to rescue a woman working as a waitress in a sex club. The man who she has been wanting ever since he stepped into The Hideout, their personal club, is Niall. He is always so polite and still controlling with the subs and since she is so over Jensen this is her time to find happiness.
Niall is really liking all his new friends at The Hideaway and has even has new clients for his new gym he just opened. But he has to focus on his main job and that is keeping his eye on Harlow, his best friend Jensen's ex girlfriend. It is very hard for him as he wants her desperately. Not just for himself, but to hopefully share with Jensen. He knows Harlow is very used to the idea as her family is Ben and Chase Dawson who married Natalie her mom. So a menage relationship is nothing new to her.
Things go south during the rescue of the waitress and they are all now involved as Jensen was working at the club undercover trying to take down the drug lord who killed his brother. Oh and BTW Harlow's cousin is working there also as he is a FED working as a bartender also trying to take down the crooked business.
The fun is just beginning as they are all at Ian's office and the dirty laundry comes out. AND everyone's intentions.
This is an amazing MMF read with tons of laughs as the M&M characters are back to bust chops and raise havoc!
Love Niall's character as he is the sweet one who stole my heart. Very hot threesome!!!!!!!! Great read Lexi!!!!
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,229 reviews268 followers
September 4, 2025
There is a lot going on in this story and I am so glad that I was able to listen to the story instead of reading it ,because I think I was able to keep up better with the help of Kitty Bang, Lee Samuels and Ryan West telling me this story....All 3 Narrators are excellent at portraying the characters in book 2 of this series by Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak.
I enjoyed their voices and they were so easy to listen to, Kitty, Lee and Ryan expressed every emotion wonderfully and each scene whether funny, intense sexy or emotional was brilliant.
In The Reluctant Siren we have Harlow Dawson, Jensen Wiley and Niall Griffins throuples romance, because in this world Lexi Blake has created all romances come in threes...2 men and 1 lucky lady.
Harlow and Jensen have history he broke her heart, hurt her and she ended up in jail and now she was finally getting her life back on track. Harlow is a Private Investigator and she is working on a case to find a girl and bring her back home to her Mum.
Jensen's brother died at the hands of Cliff Hamilton and he is consumed with revenge which cost him Harlow...He is still seeking revenge and it brings him back into Harlow's life once again.
Then we have Niall he is Jensen's best friend and he has been watching over Harlow as a favor to Jensen...The problem is he has fallen for her as he has gotten to know her and wants to be in a relationship with Harlow and Jensen....He just had to get them to agree. But Harlow hates Jensen for what he did to her.
But they find themselves having to work together to rescue the girl Miranda from the clutches of Hamilton and his cruelty.
Oh I forgot to mention they have to go undercover at a BDSM club were Miranda works the club is a disguise for drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
This is a really intriguing story with plenty of steam and suspense, its like a sexy adventure with some romance and emotion thrown into the mix.
The Reluctant Siren is a very interesting read or listen I was totally invested in what would happen to the characters so I could barely stop from listening to it. -Cat W.
Profile Image for Susan Pezza.
126 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2025
This is Harlow Dawson's story, she is the daughter of Ben and Chase and Natalie Dawson from Sirens Unleashed from the author's Texas Sirens series. I love that Lexi Blake has moved onto the next generation of characters in her series and we still get to check in on the older generation while we see the next generation! We get the best of both worlds!!

Two years ago, Harlow went out to Los Angeles to rescue a girl and fell in love in the process and got her heart broken. Jensen Wiley left her, but he thought he was protecting her. He's trying to take down the guy that killed his brother and he thought leaving Harlow would save her. Now, two years later and he's in Dallas still chasing the guy and closer to Harlow and he put his best friend, Niall Griffen, in charge of looking after the women Jensen loves. The problem? Jensen isn't the only one who loves Harlow. Niall has fallen in love with her too and he hasn't even gone on a date with her yet. When Harlow finally gets up the nerve to ask Niall to accompany her to a club to help her on a case, well, things get very, very complicated! Will Niall and Jensen be able to work together to love her?

Ian and Charlotte aren't the only characters to show up. Of course Ben and Chase and Nat are there but there are some other surprise appearances along the way with some of Harlow's friends.

This is a great story and we get some glimpses into what might be ahead? Lexi Blake is always great at laying those breadcrumbs!!!

ARC provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Liz.
1,960 reviews13 followers
July 31, 2025
The second book in the Texas Sirens Legacy series where like its counterpart of Bliss, the only better than one man is two as the heroine Harlow Dawson is about to find out. But Harlow has more reason than most to be more than a little gun shy when it comes to matters of the heart after being betrayed in Los Angeles left her broken hearted

This book had the perfect blend of sizzling romance and gripping suspense, thanks to its fast-paced narrative and many unexpected twists and turns that expertly built the tension as secrets and the truth of what happened in Los Angeles were revealed bringing danger with it for the heroine and her heroes. I loved the characters of Harlow, Jensen, and Niall. Jensen was torn between his life's pursuit of revenge and his growing feelings for Harlow, but he realised that protecting her meant letting her go, but not before ensuring her safety by entrusting his friend Niall to watch over her. But then as Niall and Harlow's relationship developed, she uncovered the secrets he had been keeping from her. I also appreciated that Harlow's upbringing in a family with three parents meant there was no drama or unnecessary angst when it came to her navigating a relationship with two men. That didn't mean things were smooth sailing between them; they all still had to work at it, which made it more realistic and believable. And of course, no book that comes from Lexi Blake in whichever persona she’s writing under would be complete without an appearance from the legend that is Big Tag bringing a touch of humour to proceedings.
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