Protected by the Vampires

House of Durand #3

by Erin Bedford

Little maids shouldn't play with the big boys.

Piper dreams of the days when unemployment was her biggest problem. Working for an jerk boss she could handle but working for six sexy vampires? Not so much.

This little maid is going to wish that was all she had to worry about now that her masters' master has called them home. And daddy dearest wants to meet her.

Dancing around paranormal politics and a crazed vampire set on making Piper his, she'll be tested in more than just her nerves. Can this little human maid keep her with about her with so many dangers around or will her heart get the best of her?

Genres: Vampires, Romance, Fantasy, Why Choose, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, M M Romance

279 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2019

About the author

Erin Bedford is an otaku, recovering coffee addict, and Legend of Zelda fanatic. Her brain is so full of stories that need to be told that she must get them out or explode into a million screaming chibis. Obsessed with fairy tales and bad boys, she hasn’t found a story she can’t twist to match her deviant mind full of innuendos, snarky humor, and dream guys.

On the outside, she’s a work from home mom and bookbinger. One the inside, she’s a thirteen-year-old boy screaming to get out and tell you the pervy joke they found online. As an ex-computer programmer, she dreams of one day combining her love for writing and college credits to make the ultimate video game!

Until then, when she’s not writing, Erin is devouring as many books as possible on her quest to have the biggest book gut of all time. She’s written over thirty books, ranging from paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and even scifi romance.

Also, third person is really weird when writing about yourself. Just putting that out there.

Come chat me up!
www.erinbedford.com
Facebook.com/erinrbedford
twitter.com/erin_bedford

Don’t forget to follow me on Goodreads, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this section of the story very much. The guys aren't as likeable here because of all the pissing contests and Piper often gets into trouble because she can't let anything be. What really pissed me off though was the spanking scene. The spanking scence to "punish" her is disgusting. By this time the relationship between her and them has reached a different level. They aren't really her master's anymore she isn't just the maid. Valentine literally almost killed her. I was quite disturbed by it and the way it was turned into a sexual thing as well. Not a good look. Not to mention it was their fucking fault for such great vampire hearing they sure did ignore her distress right outside the door very easily.
The fact that Drake actually said she was still just the maid after everything they've done with her is gross too. Because of that she was yet again in danger since she ran off and not one of them thought to stay with her. And funny enough no one felt her fear or anything when she had her arm broken. These half baked "powers" grind my gears because sometimes they are prominent and others no where in site. The way the story is panning out looks like it's going to be a battle of the houses and while I get it I don't enjoy it. On top of the many issues I had with this installment there were a lot of typos considering how long it took to make this one available on Amazon. Lack of proper editing puts a damper on any story. At this point I'm not sure I'll read the rest of the series because I don't love the direction it's going and the inconsistencies/errors. At one point her hair is brunette now in this book when she's been a blonde for the first two and on the cover. Not the first time with this story that details have been mixed up either. For now I'll commit to one more book but if it turns into a shit show of fighting just to fight that'll be all for me.

[Al *the semi serial series skipper* · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to read a series where nothing happens then this is the book for you. This book is 85% smut and 15% plot. Sometimes I have no problem with this but it was the teasing kind of smut. I want her to have sex with all of her guys but that still hasn't happened. Then I'm not even sure they all need to be in her harem because some of them seem to have no thoughts regarding her except to think of her hotness. I don't think that's what constitutes a harem.

I might read the next book, I might not. We'll see.

[Amber J (Thereadingwitch) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this book was going to be intense, and I was so right. Things escalated quickly—both in Piper’s relationship with the boys and in the growing tension between the two vampire houses. And, as always, the ending was an absolute explosion of promise for what’s to come next. I can’t wait for the next book!

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a huge fan of Erin Bedford books for a long time and totally binge-read the first two books in the series. I couldn't wait to get my hands on book three. But I was completely unprepared for what happened in this book. Having a rape scene is totally unacceptable and I found it cheapened the writing. It was going along so well and then that happened. I stopped reading at that point. I refuse to spend money on books which use violence against women in a scintillating way. Turns my stomach every time I see it.

Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited CA.

My Rating: 3 stars

[Monty Cupcake ☠ Queen of Bloodshed ☠ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every problem the heroine has is because she runs off on her own in a huff when she’s told it’s not safe to do so. She’s an idiot.

[Sarah Cupitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wynn sacrificing himself to save Piper killed me at the end but hey, at least Valentine is dead now.

Funny vamp moments:
- Those pale, almost white blue eyes watched me with interest. The bite on my neck pulsated and my hand immediately went there. His eyes followed, filling with heat that made me blush and press my thighs together. There was a subtle shift in the other occupants of the car and a deep inhale, before a collective set of groans filled the backseat.
- The moment our master left the room, Theresa's eyes were locked on me like a huntress finally finding her prey, as she sashayed in my direction. God, you'd think the woman would take a hint.
- Darren's lips twitched. "My relationship with Master Durand is a complicated one, which has not kept me from enjoying the fairer sex." "Fairer sex?" I grinned. "I never understood that phrase. Are we fairer because we are weaker? Or prettier?" Darren let out an exasperated sigh. "And once again you ruin it by opening your mouth."
- "Don't worry," Darren murmured, as he finished tying the top. "The sensitivity will wane...a bit."
I gave a harsh laugh. "That's encouraging. Good to know that I won't be horny all the time." A voice cleared. My head jerked up and I locked eyes with the pale blue orbs of Antoine. My face heated to a million degrees as I realized what I'd just said in front of him.
- "Well, excuse me for being human and clumsy. I didn't make myself this way. It just happened."
I cocked a brow. "So says the five broken plates, the smashed mirror, the chair in the sitting room, and not to forget the vase during your interview."

Fair plot points:
- Still, I hadn't picked Antoine to hurt Rayne or any of the others. I was being practical for once in my goddamn life. It came down to one big reason really. Valentine scared me. Antoine scared Valentine.
- "I remember how it was when I changed. I couldn't imagine what it would have been like if you had treated me the way you are treating her."
- "Antoine's power is nothing compared to mine. I could take you right now, make you mine, even with his mark on your neck. In your blood." The longer I stared into Valentine's hazelnut colored eyes, the more I believed what he said. Antoine was weak. Valentine was strong. He should be my master. Not someone as unworthy as Antoine Durand. Valentine released my head with a satisfied smile. "Yes, that's it pet. Tell me, who's your master?"
- "Then why would you think it would be a good idea to traipse around this godforsaken place on your own? Without anyone for protection? Didn't you learn anything from Valentine's last visit?"
"Why, I—" "And did you think that you wouldn't be punished for not following orders?" Antoine stopped in front of the bed and I froze at the word punished.

Vamp smut moments:
- Using his teeth to remove his other glove, he settled his hands on my stomach. My abs twitched beneath them. "You forget, I see you as well."
- Darren was not a top. He'd never be one, but when he wanted something, he definitely knew how to play the part. So, I waited for him to get to the point so I could sink my cock into him.
- "Yes." Antoine reached out and brushed my hair away from my neck, his fingers trailing over the scar there, and I shivered. "You bear my mark, which in the eyes of every vampire means you aremine." His eyes flashed with something dark and possessive before his lips tipped up at the edges as those pale orbs met mine. "That is what you wanted, right?"
- Those gorgeous lips twitched again. "Yes, well, I give as good as I get." Those words sounded far naughtier than they were probably supposed to, but it didn't keep my body from responding to them. Antoine inhaled deeply and I flushed, knowing he could smell my reaction to him. Neither of us moved, our eyes locked in a never-ending stare off. I wasn't sure which one of us moved— and at the moment I didn't very well care—I just knew that Antoine's hands were on me and he tasted even better than when we first kissed.
- Shifting on top of me, Antoine settled between my thighs, pushing the strips of fabric away so that the tiny skirt rode up my legs, exposing my damp panties to the air. Long fingers found my folds beneath my panties and they thrust into me at the same pace as his tongue captured my mouth. My fingers curled into his hair, tugging him closer, and my legs wrapped around his waist, not able to get enough of him. Never being close enough. I grunted and gasped against his mouth with every move of his fingers and begged for more.
- A sudden recklessness filled me and my eyes darted down the hallway. With no one around, I took a single step, closing the distance between us, and curled my hand into the front of Rayne's shirt before jerking his mouth to mine.
- The next one Antoine landed was on the opposite cheek, and then to make it even worse, something changed about it. Changed within me. Each smack caused a stinging sensation that spread out and lingered between my thighs. My head jerked up as I heard Wynn suck in a breath.
His eyes were locked on me, his lips parted as he breathed in my scent. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I shouldn't be turned on by this. I was getting spanked for god's sake. But the way Wynn was watching me only spurred on the sensations I was feeling. After the last smack on my ass, Antoine's fingers slid between my ass cheeks until they dipped into my wetness.
"Naughty girl," Antoine murmured. "You are not supposed to enjoy your punishment. Perhaps I'll have to find something else to get my point across, but first...Wynn." Antoine's voice called out across the room, and Wynn was immediately on his feet and standing before me. "Piper doesn't seem to be getting the point of this little exercise. Suppose you can help her?"
- "What are you doing to me?" Antoine tipped my chin up, pinching it between his thumb and forefinger. "You are weak right now and have my blood coursing through you. It makes you more susceptible to my powers. Now, you will lay down and think about what you did. And while your nipples ache and your pussy begs to be stroked, you will resist. You will not cum until I say you can. Do you understand?"
- "You know," Allister turned to Antoine, "I was thinking of coming to the party a bit late tomorrow. What do you think? When will you becoming, Piper?" Still not in on the joke, Piper chewed on her lip and croaked out, "Uh, I don't know. Whenever Antoine wants me to come." I grinned broadly, meeting Antoine's eyes as I flicked my finger against her clit. "Yes, Antoine. When should Piper come?" Picking up his wine glass, Antoine watched Piper's face while he took a drink. Then pushing some power behind his voice, he stated, "Now."

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the House of Durand series, and Piper is learning more about the vampires, and not in a good way. They are all at Boris’ mansion with Valentine in residence leading to trouble. How will they get out this time? This book was hot, hot, hot, and full of romance. There was a little intrigue mixed in, with the vampires getting into trouble. I didn’t like that the vampires seemed more aggressive with each other, less like a cohesive force, but that was fleeting. I can’t wait to see how they are going to get themselves out of the trouble they got themselves into at the end of this one. Recommend!

[Ethereal Amorist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing it is a trap, the vampires go to their sire's mansion in Seattle and have no choice but to take Piper along with them. However, a series of unfortunate 'coincidences' occur involving the sire and his minions, and it is up to the vampires to protect their lovely maid, Piper.

Trigger Warning~ Blood, violence, abuse, panic attacks, explicit content, and mentions of pedophilia.

Well, this one had some real action. Both physically and sexually. And not just in Piper's dreams!

I love the way the Durand vampires are portrayed through the author's writing. Although the vampires act very douchey and are morally gray, I can completely understand and sympathize with their situations. Usually, I do not like male leads like these, but they have convincing reasons to be the way they are, so I can tolerate them.

But they are truly infuriating. Thank God they are not as bad as their sire or Valentine or Theresa. Also, the title feels kinda ironic as they are almost too late to protect her throughout this book.

Although the story is progressing well, most of the time I wish they would all move forward together, if you know what I mean. But I suppose it would not align well with the plot and character development, so I will be patient.

I understand where Antoine is coming from, but he is currently my least favorite, along with Drake. I would say Allister is my favorite, and then comes Marcus because he is bold and true about his opinions. Rayne and Wynn are very exasperating, but they kind of love Piper, so they are okay.

I am fully invested in the story, in the series, and cannot wait to see what happens next. If you like a why choose, vampire romance with a sassy heroine and infuriatingly likeable heroes, then do read the series. It is not a standalone, so you would have to start from the first book - Indebted to the Vampires

[PleaseGoAwayImReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

the saga continues

In this one Piper comes more into her power/sex appeal and comfort with being with more than one brother. Creepy Valentine gets what’s coming to him, but a countermove by scary Boris and nasty Theresa mean having to say goodbye to one of the brothers… at least, for now.

[Marlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

well it’s still trash and I still love it. The FML is just so annoying some times, I feel like I can relate.

[Manuela Ojeda · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,0
EU este estuvo bastante mejor (tengo 2 parciales metidos en el ogt)

[Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly didn’t enjoy this installment very much at all. I’m not one to be bothered by typos, but at one point they said her hair was brown, not blonde, and I feel like that’s a bit confusing. There also hasn’t been much progress relationship-wise between her and the other men, and it’s already the third book. I feel like they should be deepening their feelings at this point, but instead they are introducing yet another potential addition to her bed (which I’m not opposed to, but I would like some more development).

Another thing I didnt like was the constant splitting of point of views. We might be able to get more relationship development if we focused on just her for more than a few chapters.

I am iffy on how the next book is going to turn out, but I will give it a chance because this series started off really good. I just hope the next one has better character development.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Piper's dreams are coming true when it comes to her masters, she is now even 'a member of the family', the situation with Valentine gets only more complicated. Even more so that they are now officially visiting the Durands' sire - and he is the vamp of your nightmares. His concubine Theresa is no less a threat. So when Piper causes some trouble as usual, now it can have a fatal consequences, be it an outcome of jealousy or protectiveness..
Fun read, simple and easy, though it gets more complex with each installment. I very much enjoy getting to know all the Durand vampires, as they are appealing and intriguing to me. I am not such a big fan of Piper, but I have grown to accept her as a part of the deal, and she can't make the reading experience less enjoyable :)) I am very much looking forward to the next book, as the cliffhanger here keeps me tensed all over again.

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little fast

I’ve followed this series since I first stumbled upon it months ago. It presents like a naughty little secret, but read like a well fleshed out novel with the highs and lows one has come to expect from this author. A maid and her vampires. Not quite as risqué as it sounds.... but getting far steamier as the plot progresses.

Pros:
- Some action with 3 masters this time around (not together!)
- M/M mentions.... gotta love that in a RH.
- We see the start of the fall out from the bond.
- Marcus... somehow this feels like a HUGE plot point for later installments.

Cons:
- Lack of Character development on her part.
- Rushed and short.
- Little cohesion between characters yet, and this is Book 3!

[Michelle Dohring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper and her Vampires have been summoned to their master’s home. Boris is not a nice vampire and the vampires must protect Piper. Boris and Valentine do not have anything nice planned for them. Piper is stubborn and rash and her vampires must keep her out of trouble. This is the third book and continues where book two finished. The story flows and keeps you wanting more. The story continues with some twists. Will they all survive this visit? One can only hope. Piper and her Vampires have some sizzling scenes. I am looking forward to reading book four. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word.. this book is so amazing with more of our favorite character.. Piper the cute, sassy and spunky maid. Seven Vampire brothers: Antoine, Drake, Wynn, Marcus, Allister, Rayne, plus one other brother and Darren the Butter.
This book picks up from the end of book 2 as they arrive at the Masters home. Protected by the Vampires is full of surprise, some fun and excitement in more ways than one and a little sadness.
I loved reading Protected by the Vampires and can't wait to see what happens next

[Alex D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this third book! Its probably my favorite out of the series. I likes how the aithor is so descriptive and and made it feel like you were there. It gave you insight of what the guys had to live through to get to where they are now. An amazing well written book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better! As with the previous two books I was sucked in immediately and the action is just hot hot hot! I love Piper and her relationship with her vamps but this time the stakes are high and paranormal politics involved as the Durands master calls them home. Will they keep Piper safe? Hot and steamy, a little intrigue , another hit from this author!

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Grabbed My attention and focus so strong I could not put it down. A word of advice when you get your copy. Grab a snack, a comfy seat, kick back and relax. You will not be moving until you finish this bad boy here. Remarkable job. Thanks for sharing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs editing...

I really like the series and I still want to read the next book when it comes out. But please reconsider your editing team, if any. The numerous typos and grammatical errors drove me crazy.

[~Jennifer~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read.

3.5. I almost didn’t read the rest of the series, but I hate not finishing stories. This one was better than second book. I will continue to read the series, I just hope this next book will be the last, after three books I get bored.

[Porsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

Would have been 4 stars. ..... Overall this is hilarious quick read series, my only annoyance is with the MC Piper, she is undoubtedly one of the most irritating characters I've come across in quite a few yrs, way too juvenile for someone of her age.

[Kari Hatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story but quite a few grammatical, punctuation, and/or spelling errors.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boris is creepy

Ok story. More of Piper getting herself into trouble and the guys having to fix everything. The story flow was better, just more of the same.

[Marina · Rating 2 out of 5]

i don't know why I'm still reading it. it's bad

[Diana_thebooknerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

Protected by the vampire? More like getting screwed by them. And not in the fun way, but in the "I almost got killed 5 times" way

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️🌶🌶 Multi POV

🩸 Reverse harem
🩸 Vampire Romance
🩸 Medium-burn
🩸 Vampire Politics
🩸 Blood Bonds
🩸 Found Family
🩸 Tension & Banter
🩸 Touch Her & Die
🩸 Protective Vampires
🩸 Forced Proximity
🩸 Scheming Immortals
🩸 Cliffhanger

Three books in and I am officially hooked on this series.

What continues to surprise me most about House of Durand is that, despite the premise, these books remain far more focused on relationships, trust, politics, and character dynamics than they are on spice. The romance is progressing, but it still feels like the emotional connections are driving the story rather than the physical ones.

This installment finally gives us more movement on the romantic front, with Piper's relationships continuing to develop across the household. What I appreciate most is that each connection still feels distinct. Nobody is blending together, and every brother brings a different dynamic to the table. Rayne continues to be one of the biggest surprises for me, while Antoine remains one of the most intriguing characters in the series.

In fact, Antoine may be my favorite dynamic at this point. There's something compelling about a character who so clearly wants something while simultaneously convincing himself he should be the one to sacrifice his own happiness for everyone else's benefit. His role as leader continues to shape every interaction he has with Piper, and I found myself increasingly invested in his internal struggle throughout this book.

That said, I continue to think Erin Bedford is far stronger at writing anticipation than payoff. The tension, flirting, banter, longing, and emotional buildup consistently had me glued to the page. Several romantic moments had incredible chemistry behind them, but the actual sex scenes often felt much shorter and less emotionally impactful than the buildup leading to them. I enjoyed them, but I frequently found myself wishing the author lingered in those moments the same way they lingered in the anticipation.

My biggest frustration this time around, however, was Piper. I still like her. I still appreciate that she treats these ancient vampires like people rather than monsters. I still enjoy her humor, practicality, and refusal to be intimidated. But this book really highlighted what is becoming her biggest character flaw: she absolutely hates being controlled or left out of important decisions. And while I completely understand her frustration, it led to several moments where I found myself wanting to shake her. Repeatedly.

Piper's argument is often valid. She's deeply involved in vampire politics now, directly targeted by dangerous enemies, and no longer just a human maid accidentally caught up in supernatural drama. It makes sense that she wants information and hates being excluded from important conversations. The problem is that she keeps responding to that frustration by storming off on her own in situations where she has been repeatedly warned that doing so is dangerous. There is a difference between asserting your independence and walking directly into danger simply because someone told you not to, and by the end of this book I was desperately hoping Piper would start recognizing that distinction. Thankfully, the story itself seems aware that this is a flaw rather than a strength, which makes me hopeful that we're building toward meaningful character growth.

The external plot also took a huge step forward. The tension surrounding Boris, the brothers' sire, finally escalates in meaningful ways, and the politics within vampire society continue to become more interesting with each installment. For the first time, it feels like the consequences of these conflicts are extending beyond Piper herself and beginning to impact the entire household.

And that ending? Poor Wynn. For the first time in the series, I finished a book feeling less concerned about who Piper might end up with next and more concerned about what happens to the family itself. The final chapters fundamentally shift the dynamic of the group and left me immediately reaching for the next book.

At this point, I'm fully invested in both the romance and the larger story, and I need to know what happens next.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three of the House of Durand series and the main character Piper is getting comfortable in her role as maid to the six vampire Durand brothers. She still gets a few surprises every now and then and some of the brothers like to flirt seriously with her and a few others like to make fun of her. Now they have all been forced to go back to their sire’s home, as Valentine has been talking about Piper, and Boris now wants to meet her! Only problem is that Valentine still wants Piper for himself and even her being bound to Antoine and having his mark, will not stop Valentine from taking her however and whenever he can! If Piper is to survive the visit, one of the brothers needs to stay with her at all times. They can’t leave her alone even for a moment. They manage to get out of Boris’ mansion for some clothes shopping and a meal, where they can plan their actions against Valentine, without being overheard. She thought she had problems with the brothers at times, but being in the home of their sire, with Valentine and Theresa, will show her a whole new side of danger. Valentine is an almost copy of Boris, in the extreme sick and twisted games he likes to play.

She and the brothers have to dance around the vampire politics at play and the actions of their crazy vampire sire and his minions. Each of the brothers, Antoine, Marcus, Rayne, Wynn, Allister and Drake have their own personal nightmares about being under their sire’s control and all of the sick and twisted things he would make them take part in. All of them are frightened of him, but with Rayne, it goes even further, as Boris made him his own personal toy, leaving him with physical and mental damage he can’t ever forget. They have all been scarred by their time with Boris and his minions, and were glad to have finally broken away and set up their own home together. Now they have to last a week with Boris, Valentine and Theresa, plus all the minions Boris has hanging around. The brothers have sworn to get out of there with Piper in one piece, or die trying! Whilst the brothers have a meeting in their room, Piper is attacked by Valentine and almost dies. Only the brother’s blood saves her and it is a close called thing. They still have to get through a big, fancy party that Boris has arranged. Unfortunately, trying to keep Piper on a leash as such, once the party gets under way, is harder than they can think.

Two of the brothers have decided to take care of one of their problems, but matters do not go unnoticed and Piper falls under the hands of Theresa and Boris, who seems to know exactly what the brothers have been up to. There is a price to pay for their actions and it could be a very heavy one. Not everyone is going to make it back home, but we have to wait for the next book to find out what really happens and who is missing. This book has lots of dangerous situations and shows how much all the brothers care for Piper, except maybe Marcus. But they have all agreed to be on the same page for dealing with their sire and the twisted situations they may be placed into by him and Valentine and others. Boris is concerned that the Durand brothers are not being as cruel as he trained them to be and that they don’t hold hedonistic soirees, treating humans as playthings and a source of food. Not caring if they drain them. But that isn’t how any of them really wish to live anymore after decades or longer, under Boris’ control. He made them all sick of these types of things and their house runs completely differently. What will happen to the one they lose, is a worry for them all and I can’t wait to see what the remainder of them do in the next book. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Book_Whisp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Blame Pipper for My Suffering

The murder plot that was quietly brewing in the previous book has officially become everyone's problem, and honestly? I was having a great time.

This book gives us dates, tension, romance, dangerous situations, and, most importantly, a refreshing improvement in communication. For a brief, beautiful moment, I thought these characters had finally learned how to use their words.

I should have known better.

The communication lasts just long enough to give you hope before everyone collectively remembers they're part of this series and returns to their regularly scheduled program of keeping important information to themselves.

Progress was attempted.

The best part of this book is that nobody is pretending anymore. The feelings are out in the open, the attraction is undeniable, and all that endless dancing around each other finally starts paying off.

They want each other?Good.

They know they want each other? Even better.

And for once, they actually do something about it instead of spending ten chapters staring dramatically into the distance. Growth, or at least partial growth.

Now let's talk about Pipper, because I have a complaint.

Our girl manages to figure out that something suspicious is happening. She notices the signs. She recognizes there's a plot unfolding around her. She reaches the correct conclusion.

Fantastic. Excellent work. Five stars for observation skills.

And then she immediately takes her last remaining brain cell, places it carefully into a catapult, and launches it into another dimension. The choices she makes after this realization tested my patience in ways I wasn't prepared for. Every warning bell is ringing. Every red flag is waving. The danger is obvious. And yet she continues making decisions that actively help the disaster unfold.
I spent multiple chapters wanting to reach into the book and physically stop her.

The worst part? The author knew exactly what she was doing, because all of those choices set up the events of the next book.
And while I appreciate a well-constructed series arc, I would also like to formally complain about the emotional damage it caused me.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The romance progresses, the relationships deepen, the danger increases, and the stakes feel higher than ever.

Just be prepared.

If you're anything like me, you'll spend the final chapters screaming internally while watching a train wreck happen in slow motion. And you'll immediately pick up the next book anyway because you need to know how badly everything falls apart.

[Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it is admirable that Antoine is trying to put Pipers well being and herself in general first. He wants her but he knew that she thought she’d never fall for him. Dispute that hurt he felt, he chose not to show it and is essentially letting her determine their relationship and as well as determining a relationship with his brothers. Antoine is trying to put his brother’s and Piper’s needs before his own. I’m glad he had Darren to point it out and that he is bluntly honest with him.

Am I surprised that Rayne was the “first” one to have sex with Piper? No not really. But I was surprised to at the fact that she didn’t think that she loved him in the moment but could learn to love him later. I knew before he admitted it out loud that Rayne loved Piper and I figure that she did too considering their whole push and pull thing. But I guess we shall see how their relationship evolves. But I wish Antoine would voice that Piper does affect him and allow himself to feel a little bit. He has suffered as well as all the other brothers. He deserves to basque in the love and light that Piper gives when she feels loved and trusted.

Valentine is a creep! He is the type of person that makes your stomach sour just being in his presence. He has an alternative motive other than Piper and I think maybe it has to do with Antoine. Perhaps showing him that he is a better second in command or something. Or Boris has given him a task and wants to show him that he is going above and beyond. Who knows 🤮 BUT I’m glad he got staked, he deserved it.

However, poor Piper keeps getting used as bait. Not that Boris is a trustworthy guy to start with, but in assuming he has a general plan to cause some sort of pain for the group since he got his reports back from Valentine about them being “too modernized”. I understand that they had all agreed to die for their brotherhood and Piper, but why did Wyn give in so easily to being “gifted” over to Theresa. I would like to point out that Theresa did try and warn Wyn at the beginning of their arrival that something was amiss but I don’t know if it was a ploy or not. Maybe Theresa hide behind a mask? I have no idea.