Tempted by the Butler

House of Durand #4.5

by Erin Bedford

When your whole world is falling down around you, who do you turn to for salvation?

Piper has never been the run and hide kind of woman but when her loved ones are being hunted she has no choice to do as she is told.

Or not.

Vampire hunters and threat of exposure weren’t going to keep this maid down. While searching for a way to be more useful to the Durands, Piper discovers things about herself she never knew and an unexpected love along the way. Can Piper find a way to save everyone’s life and space in her heart for someone new?

This is a novella featuring Piper’s lost year while in hiding. To be read after book 4.

This book features a large harem relationship, MMF with M/M

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

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2020

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

[Ethereal Amorist]

While the Durands are in hiding from Vampire hunters, their human servants are left behind to keep them safe. Piper and Darren live together in different places so that they are not hunted too. Tired of feeling useless, Piper applies for number of jobs, since she refuses to touch the money the Durands pay her even when she is not working for them. Amidst discovering new parts of her, the spark between Darren and Piper ignites due to living together. But will they act upon their desires against the Durands wishes?

This is the first book where we get Darren's point of view. I was always wondering if he would be added to Piper's harem and I got my answer now. Six guys so far, since Marcus is yet to be charmed by her. I am kinda in awe of her. Though she is impulsive and impatient, I am coming to love her personality and smartness. I love that she is taking self defence classes and would love to see her in action in the upcoming books.

Darren, who was always quiet and subdued, showed his true personality in this book. I am really disliking the Durands because of how they treated him throughout this book. Darren, the sweetheart he is, takes their shit without complain, ignoring his own needs and desires.

I hope Piper teaches them a lesson soon about the way they treat her and Darren.

I totally enjoyed the slow burn of their relationship, the way they doubted themselves and faced their insecurities, to finally get together.

I am fully invested in the story, in the series, and cannot wait to see what happens next, with all the Durand Vampires in hiding. If you like a why choose, vampire romance with a sassy heroine and infuriatingly likable 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.

[Amber J (Thereadingwitch)]

Well, looks like Piper has added another man to her harem! Darren feels like a natural addition, even though he’s not one of the vampire brothers. That said, it definitely seemed like he was harder for everyone to accept—and some of them don’t even know yet.

I cannot wait to see what happens next!

[Chrissy]

The butler

The butler who knew he had it in him. Well we knew some but this really added a whole new dimension to Darren as we knew him. This book was So good. It was cute and hot and reminded me a bit of the first book before things got crazy. I read this one after book four just like it was suggested to read it in the blurb and it slid perfectly into the time line from what I can tell. I'm hoping we get more of Darren and he holds onto his place and the growth that occurred between him & piper in this book. I'm firmly team why choose and hoping he can just fit into the whole group dynamic without any one losing anything. Very good novella would definitely recommend reading after book 4 in the Durands series; or just reading it period if you read the rest of the series and didn't get to this yet.

[PleaseGoAwayImReading]

Too short

I feel like I barely started reading before this one was over. Piper and Darren grow closer as they are still in hiding and separated from the Boys. At least one of the brothers makes an appearance to spend a day with Piper each month. I guess that's better than nothing? I'm anxious to see how much longer this peaceful quiet will last, what's going to happen now that she and Darren have dine the deed together without Antoine being there, and how the next part of Piper's self defense lessons will go.

[Fauna_n_Fiction]

I am still unsure as to whether or not this book counts towards the main series. Here, it's listed as #5, but on GoodReads, it's listed as #4.5. Because of this, I actually read a couple chapters into the next book (Loved by the Vampires) before questioning everything and wondering if I missed something. Turns out, I'd missed THIS book... Only, I WISH I'D NEVER READ IT. I HATED THIS. Genuinely, if I didn't like Darren and Antoine (as a pair) as much as I do, I would DNF this whole series.

This entire book is the DESTRUCTION of every character. EVERY character.
Piper: I've NEVER liked Piper and I have no idea what the Durands see in here. She's not an 'unlikable female character' either. She's just a frustrating perspective to be in. She's always LOOKING for reasons to be pissed off with everyone.
Darren: WHY CAN WE NOT JUST LET THIS MAN WEAR SUITS AND GLOVES? WHY IS HE SO WRONG THE WAY HE IS? There is quite literally a scene where he says he will put up with the discomfort Piper has egged him into if it means she will look at him with interest.... (I have more on Darren later, but let me be clear... I LOVE Darren and I'm not upset with him, I am upset with what's being DONE to him) He also becomes uncharacteristically jealous in this (and he isn't the only one)
Wynn: Kinda always been a prick, but he's one of the only Durands in this book.
Rayne: You possessive, whining little boy. I will remind you that Rayne BARELY spoke to Piper in the last book because he was angry she wanted to HELP and went behind his back to do so (This series is FULL of people being WAY angrier than what is called for) and yet he still has the AUDACITY to show up and attack Darren for 'getting cozy' with 'HIS GIRLFRIEND'.
Drake: SOMEHOW the guy I have disliked the MOST until this point is the only tolerable one in this book, even if he is around for like two seconds.

My thoughts are bouncing around in my head and I am going to end up making no sense unless I try to break it down.

My favourite part of this series thus far has been Darren and Antoine, specifically their relationship WITH EACH OTHER!
This book seemed DEAD SET on shitting on Darren at any given opportunity. EVERYONE seems to HATE him all of a sudden, even though he was perfect the way he WAS! Even PIPER (who we're supposed to believe has slowly fallen in love with him) INSISTS that he change key aspects of himself.
Nobody seems to actually like each other in this series. The author decides two people will go together, and no matter how much those characters seem to actively dislike each other, it happens anyway.
THE ONLY people I ACTUALLY believed liked each other was ANTOINE AND DARREN!!! And YET, in this book, Antoine talks to Darren in a way he's NEVER spoken to him before and I HATE IT. Genuinely, it's like watching a canon OTP breakup (even though they didn't).
The Durands ONLY show up to fuck Piper and make Darren jealous... even though we're in four books into a REVERSE HAREM! Jealousy hasn't been a thing, ESPECIALLY not with Darren...


There are ideas that COULD have worked if the author really tried. But this entire series feels like the author making up her mind about a plot and completely neglecting to analyse if those actions are something her actual characters would do. I hate it all...

I just... I really don't understand why we're halfway through a series and the author removes 80% of the main cast to give us boring and frankly character ruining plots. I wish I hadn't read this. Sure, I'd be frustrated at feeling like I missed something, but at least I could IMAGINE Piper and Darren getting together in a way that doesn't piss me off...
I hate what Piper turned Darren into... Really, I don't even know if I want to continue but I'm invested to see what Antoine and Darren are like when they reunite -- I genuinely don't care about anyone else. (Maybe Marcus).

[Brenda Moser]

This is a sweet and sexy story with Darren and Piper. It takes place between books four and five as they're hiding out and the Durand's are running from the hunters. The author brings the heat in this one as she goes deeper into Darren and with the two getting closer. I'm looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Debbie Eyre]

So this is the perfect novella filler to be read between books 4 & 5! It fills In a lot of gaps whilst the Durands are on the run and piper and Darren are waiting to hear from them. It’s a fun quick read that is also hot and steamy and has some great chemistry.

[Nicole]

Rating 5⭐
Spice 🌶️🌶️.5
Multi POV

🩸 Why Choose (Expanding Harem)
🩸 Slow Burn
🩸 Forced Proximity
🩸 Friends to Lovers
🩸 Butler Romance
🩸 Blood Bonds
🩸 Jealousy
🩸 MFM
🩸 Self-Defense Training
🩸 HFN

This novella was exactly the breather this series needed. I liked it so much that I wish this had been a full-length novel like the others.

After four books of kidnappings, politics, hunters, and constant danger, Tempted by the Butler slows everything down and gives Piper and Darren the chance to become something more than coworkers who happened to be stranded together.

Watching them spend nearly a year hiding together, building routines, celebrating holidays, buying a house, and simply learning how to live together, was one of my favorite parts of the series so far. It gave their relationship room to breathe instead of constantly competing with the next crisis.

Ironically, the one relationship that feels the most natural is also the one that gets the fewest pages.

I think that's because, for the first time, the story lets us sit with one relationship instead of bouncing between six different romances. I knew going into this series that it was a why choose, and I've genuinely enjoyed how each of the guys has developed their own personality and dynamic with Piper. But having the spotlight stay on one relationship for an entire novella made me realize just how satisfying that slower progression can be.

Darren completely won me over. What is it about the quiet ones? Up until now he'd always been the perfectly composed but aloof butler: polite, controlled, impeccably dressed, and almost impossible to read. Getting inside his head completely changed my perspective on him. Watching him slowly step out from behind the role he'd played for centuries, trading the tailored suits and gloves for normal clothes and becoming his own person outside of House Durand's walls, was incredibly satisfying.

The romance also finally got the payoff I'd been hoping for. Instead of rushing from tension to resolution, Darren takes his time. He wants Piper to feel appreciated, not just desired, and that slower, more attentive dynamic made their relationship feel genuinely different from the others.

I also loved seeing Piper stand up for Darren when Rayne and later Drake treated him like he was somehow "less than." Her impulsiveness still frustrates me sometimes, but when she uses that fire to defend someone who deserves better, it's easily one of my favorite parts of her character.

Another detail I appreciated was Piper finally taking self-defense classes. It feels like she's beginning to truly understand that she can't always rely on the vampires to protect her, and that's a character development I've really been waiting for.

The external plot mostly takes a backseat while the brothers remain on the run from the hunters, and I think the story is stronger for it. This quieter pace gave the emotional relationships a chance to catch up with everything that's happened. Because of that, this might actually be my favorite installment of the series so far. Not because it has the biggest twists or the most action, but because it gave one relationship the time and attention it deserved. It reminded me how much I enjoy these characters when they're simply allowed to exist together.

Now I'm excited to see how Darren settles into the family dynamic moving forward, and whether the rest of the relationships will get this same opportunity to grow.

[Q]

I kind of love the idea of Darren also being obsessed with Piper. They have been giving of bestie vibes in the previous books or perhaps siblings with how they argue but I could see them as lovers too. They are definitely the definition of opposites attract.

I just hope that Darren doesn’t let the other Durands walk all over him when they inevitably are all back together. It’s different when they are visiting individually. But I’m glad to see that he is starting to stand up for himself and also wearing something other than the butler outfit, lol. Anyways, DARREN DESERVES HAPPINESS TOO!!

Oh…is Darren a dominant man when he is with a woman but not so dominant with Antoine???? We are seeing a new side of Darren here—EEEK! I’m curious to see the dynamic between Darren with the rest of the Durand house after all this. I wonder if he will be more relaxed and if the brothers will see him differently.

This book also kind of jumped around a lot but hopefully some more background and information will be provided in the next book.

[Perle]

I like Darren very much but damn the one step forward 10 steps back thing between them was so painful and frustrating to read 😭
I’m also not a huge fan of the ellipses… I know it’s a short story and they have to wait in the little costal city right now but one chapter, something happens and makes it weird between them, bam next chapter is 1 month later and it’s still weird/ they avoid each other and then they interact like normal after one trivial thing happens and bam something makes it weird and next chapter is 1 month after and it’s still weird but bam something trivial happens and they are close and bam it’s weird and 2 weeks passed and it’s still weird okay I’m going to stop now hahahhaha
Well… not a fan of the pacing 😂

[Katie Sprietsma]

This was way cuter than I was expecting!! I wasn't a fan of the whole Piper and Darren thing, but the subtle tensions and yearning built up here so beautifully.
The guys visits don't make a lot of sense. They can't stay there but continuously travelling there on rotation would be just as risky, no? And why is she always mad when she sees them? Aaaaaand why would Rayne be one of the last ones to visit?
I do like that the story veered off course a bit to give some extra emotional layers and that there are some new characters being introduced. It was a refreshing break in the story and was well done.

[Nikky]

Tempted by the Butler 🖤📚

Okay, this book had me hooked! 😍 The chemistry, tension and forbidden vibes were everything. Erin Bedford knows exactly how to deliver a deliciously addictive romance with characters you can’t help but fall for. This series has become an obsession at this point — book 6 is already on my Kindle! 🖤🔥

And Darren… 🥵 He’s definitely one of those characters who completely steals the spotlight. Charming, protective and seriously tempting, he had me swooning more than once! I loved watching his softer side come through, while still keeping that confident, irresistible energy.

A perfect read if you love protective men, forbidden romance, spice and plenty of tension!

[Nyx]

This was a lot better and honestly... Darren takes number 1 spot on which person I like most. Rayne was first but after that little display.... he drops to 6th. I still dislike Antoine he's my least favorite.

Thought he had his redemption arc when he apologized... but then the next page the man made me dislike him again.... I'm curious go see how Wynn will react to Darren now.

1. Darren
2.Wynn
3.Marcus
4.Allistor
5. Drake
6. Rayne


I'm not putting Antoine on the list.

[Sandra Valentine]

Short,Sweet and Spicy

I really enjoyed reading the further progression of Piper & Darren's relationship. It's a fun opposites attract relationship. They each have strengths and weaknesses but find compromise and a way for their relationship to work. It was fun reading Darren open up a bit more. The spice was very,very nice. I have enjoyed reading this series and this book is a nice addition to the story.

[Paris]

Awwwww Darren and Piper x

Hot and on the run ! But awwww Darren and piper are such a cute pair, I think it was needed for the vamps to be off so that they could bond and get their connection with each other. I’m just curious with how everyone will be now when they are all back together ? Xx

[Sandra Stauffer]

1 ⭐️

This is definitely my least favorite of all the books. The way all of the vampires talked about Darren was unacceptable. Even Antoine talked to him crazy. That's what really made me upset because I LOVE their relationship. It's probably my favorite of this whole series and he had the nerve to disregard him like that? Yea im annoyed.

[Elisa Castro]

Darren

Tempted by the Butler is book five in the series House of Durand by author Erin Bedford. This one is very enlightening. So the vamps are on the run- hunters ( mean buggers). It’s only Piper and Darren- wonder what fun they can get up to?
Enjoy!!

[Dana]

I love Darren

I really enjoyed getting Darren's point of view in this book. We actually get a personality from him, which is nice! There are a lot of inconsistencies from the last chapter of the last book to this one though, so that is a thing.

[୨ৎ gio]

Out of all six vampires, I didn’t think I could fall in love with DARREN???? I mean, I did NOT see that coming????. That’s why I loved the novella more than the previous books. he is literally SO sweet and SO nice, I swear I love him

[Jennifer Lum]

Just wow

I didn't think Darren had it in him to be honest but it was a refreshing surprise to see him grow into this personality and hopefully Piper can make the brothers not take him for granted as they do.

[Sarah Cupitt]

I have notes somewhere for this.

[Jessica]

Not too much happens in this novella. Darren and Piper are still in Seabrick. Still waiting for the vampires to come back. They do have a few trists, but otherwise, not much happens

[Alex Hogan]

Darren and Piper have to live together while the vampires brothers hop from place to place to hide from bounty hunters! They finally connect in a sexual way.

[Manon]

Just a cozy midway book. I liked it.

[Marlee]

DARREN I LOVE YOU. ✌️🫶✌️🫶

[Shannon]

Now this. This, was gold

[Cat the RH Safekeeper]

🔴 This is a poly romance, not a RH 🔴

[Rose Wilcher]

Darren yes

This was an absolute must. The connection that had been missing in the previous books comes in a nice bow in book 5. And might I say Darren yum.

[Chaotic Nexus]

This series gets better the more it progresses! I still can't wait to find out what happens next. So many questions, so few answers

[maiija ‪♡‬]

honestly i needed this novella, im so glad piper and darren worked out their shit!!