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When Rivals Play #3
The Punk and the Plaything
From bestselling author B.B. Reid comes a riveting, second chance romance…
Never trust a nice ass and a smile. That girl is definitely poison.
When I first came to Blackwood Keep, I was just looking for a thrill.
Instead, I found a beautiful fraud—a tomboy my wildest dreams couldn’t conjure.
Bee didn’t just run with boys; she ran the boys. It was only a matter of time before I gave chase.
It took one summer for me to win her over and two to lose her forever.
My summer love turned ice queen. Without heart or thought, she ruined me.
Four years and an ocean between us, I still can’t forget that she chose my cousin…so I won’t.
When the clock strikes twelve, you’re mine, Cinderella.
It’s too late to turn back time.
Jameson and Barbette's story.
Are the When Rivals Play books standalone?
Each novel depicts a unique romance; however, the plots connect. It's recommended that you read them in order for the best experience.
Never trust a nice ass and a smile. That girl is definitely poison.
When I first came to Blackwood Keep, I was just looking for a thrill.
Instead, I found a beautiful fraud—a tomboy my wildest dreams couldn’t conjure.
Bee didn’t just run with boys; she ran the boys. It was only a matter of time before I gave chase.
It took one summer for me to win her over and two to lose her forever.
My summer love turned ice queen. Without heart or thought, she ruined me.
Four years and an ocean between us, I still can’t forget that she chose my cousin…so I won’t.
When the clock strikes twelve, you’re mine, Cinderella.
It’s too late to turn back time.
Jameson and Barbette's story.
Are the When Rivals Play books standalone?
Each novel depicts a unique romance; however, the plots connect. It's recommended that you read them in order for the best experience.
First published December 9, 2019
About the author
B.B. Reid
20 books7,276 followersB.B. Reid grew up the only daughter and middle child in a small town in North Carolina. After graduating with a Bachelors in Finance, she started her career at an investment research firm while continuing to serve in the National Guard. She currently resides in Atlanta with her moody cat and enjoys collecting Chuck Taylors and binge-eating chocolate.
CONNECT WITH B.B. REID:
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Website www.bbreid.com
CONNECT WITH B.B. REID:
Reiderville http://bit.ly/Reiderville
TikTok https://bit.ly/TikTok-BBREID
Instagram http://bit.ly/IG_BBREID
Facebook http://bit.ly/FB-BBREID
Twitter http://bit.ly/TWBBREID
Amazon http://bit.ly/amzbbreid
Bookbub http://bit.ly/bookbubbbreid
Newsletter http://bit.ly/NEWS-BBREID
Website www.bbreid.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 491 reviews
December 5, 2019
Gah! This books is so freaking good!! If you’re like me and fell in love with Jameson in the previous books, you’ll absolutely love him after reading this one. He is 100% BAE!Completely charming, mesmerizing, sexy, and amazing! But don’t sleep on my girl Bee. She is everything!
Here’s what I loved:
The evolution of this couple’s relationship is the primary focal point of this novel. Even with everything else going on around them, you never lose sight of what’s most important. These two characters have such a rich history and drop bond that you know in your heart, they’re destined for one another.
Jamie is in your face, emotional, and a bit of a wild card, but is unfailingly in love with his girl. He is legit someone I could fall for.
The writing is stellar. The story is engaging and paced well. Their were a couple twists and turns that had me sitting up straighter! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!
Ummmmmm—- just look at that cover! Holy hotness!
Overall, Jameson and Barbette’s love story is one for the record books! I knew I loved him, but didn’t expect her to capture my heart completely. I love it when that happens. 5 Cinderella Stars! Highly recommended!
**BETA READ**
Here’s what I loved:
The evolution of this couple’s relationship is the primary focal point of this novel. Even with everything else going on around them, you never lose sight of what’s most important. These two characters have such a rich history and drop bond that you know in your heart, they’re destined for one another.
Jamie is in your face, emotional, and a bit of a wild card, but is unfailingly in love with his girl. He is legit someone I could fall for.
The writing is stellar. The story is engaging and paced well. Their were a couple twists and turns that had me sitting up straighter! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!
Ummmmmm—- just look at that cover! Holy hotness!
Overall, Jameson and Barbette’s love story is one for the record books! I knew I loved him, but didn’t expect her to capture my heart completely. I love it when that happens. 5 Cinderella Stars! Highly recommended!
**BETA READ**
March 19, 2023
The Punk and the Plaything was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I had extremely high expectations, and B. B. Reid delivered! She gave me all the angst, banter, and steam I could want! If you loved the other books in the series, there is no doubt in my mind you'll love this one, too! Not only did she give us all the backstory we were missing when it came to Jamie and Bee's relationship, but she incorporated all the other characters into the story to an even greater degree than ever before. Seeing them all together and getting so much of them in this book gave me all the motherfucking feels!!!
Jamie's story is one I have wanted since I read The Peer and The Puppet. I absolutely adore everything about his character, and this book only made my love for him grow to even greater heights. Bee's a whole different story. I didn't like her at first. By book 2, I began to realize there was more to her character than meets the eye. Now, I know there is! She is one of my favorite characters in the series. Hands down! I'm a Bee fan for life!
Jamie and Bee are cracked wide open in this book! We're used to seeing them with the armor they put on for everyone else. Jamie plays the part of the cocky, unaffected, playful, flirtatious bad boy like nobody else and Bee the uptight, snobby, cold hearted ice queen. We finally get to take a look at what's underneath their hard exterior and see them vulnerable, and it's a beautiful thing.
Jamie is definitely still the same cocky, playful perv, but he's not unaffected in the slightest when it comes to Bee. Bee plays cold and unmoved way better than Jamie ever could, and it's why getting into her head brought the most surprises. Long story short, there is no way you can finish this book and not love the fuck out of both of these characters.
If you think the other books in this series were steamy, hold on to your fucking hat, because the author turned the heat way the hell up in this one! I knew there was no way we would get a book starring Jameson without it being hot af, but I was still unprepared! Of course, I loved every minute of it, and I think you will, too!
The Punk and the Plaything will most definitely make you fall in love with Jamie and Bee if you were previously unconvinced, but it will also make you fall so much harder for the entire cast of characters. Some of the best lines in the book are delivered by this installment's side characters. Lou especially recaptured my heart. I fucking love that girl! Her and Jamie'a friendship is the best. In fact the whole crew's friendship is everything! I need more of it, and I can't wait to get more in the final installment of the series, The Prince and the Pawn. I have a feeling Vaughn's story is going to surprise the shit of me, and I need it yesterday! Guess what's going on my most anticipated reads of 2020 list?
If you're a fan of B.B. Reid or new adult romance in general, this one's for you!
Jamie's story is one I have wanted since I read The Peer and The Puppet. I absolutely adore everything about his character, and this book only made my love for him grow to even greater heights. Bee's a whole different story. I didn't like her at first. By book 2, I began to realize there was more to her character than meets the eye. Now, I know there is! She is one of my favorite characters in the series. Hands down! I'm a Bee fan for life!
Jamie and Bee are cracked wide open in this book! We're used to seeing them with the armor they put on for everyone else. Jamie plays the part of the cocky, unaffected, playful, flirtatious bad boy like nobody else and Bee the uptight, snobby, cold hearted ice queen. We finally get to take a look at what's underneath their hard exterior and see them vulnerable, and it's a beautiful thing.
Jamie is definitely still the same cocky, playful perv, but he's not unaffected in the slightest when it comes to Bee. Bee plays cold and unmoved way better than Jamie ever could, and it's why getting into her head brought the most surprises. Long story short, there is no way you can finish this book and not love the fuck out of both of these characters.
If you think the other books in this series were steamy, hold on to your fucking hat, because the author turned the heat way the hell up in this one! I knew there was no way we would get a book starring Jameson without it being hot af, but I was still unprepared! Of course, I loved every minute of it, and I think you will, too!
The Punk and the Plaything will most definitely make you fall in love with Jamie and Bee if you were previously unconvinced, but it will also make you fall so much harder for the entire cast of characters. Some of the best lines in the book are delivered by this installment's side characters. Lou especially recaptured my heart. I fucking love that girl! Her and Jamie'a friendship is the best. In fact the whole crew's friendship is everything! I need more of it, and I can't wait to get more in the final installment of the series, The Prince and the Pawn. I have a feeling Vaughn's story is going to surprise the shit of me, and I need it yesterday! Guess what's going on my most anticipated reads of 2020 list?
If you're a fan of B.B. Reid or new adult romance in general, this one's for you!
May 7, 2020
1.5 stars
i remember in book 1 when Four was calling Jamie (H) out for hurting Bee (h) and she said "then you deserve to lose her." and that is the truest statement ive ever read in this series.
im gonna go on a bit of a rant here cuz the dumbassery in this was a whole nother level. so SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
ok so a little backstory, Barbette/Bette/Barbie/Bee (h) was the "OW" in the peer and the puppet. she was in a fake relationship with Ever there the entire time because her parents need her to marry a rich guy cuz they're broke and Ever is helping her. there's no love between them and they're just best friends. but here comes the little soap opera twist, Jamie (H) is Ever's cousin. yikes. so in the past Bee and Jamie were childhood lovers but one day he returned and found his cousin and Bee as a couple... *cue heartbreak*
so as you can see, Jamie hates Bee cuz she broke his 14 year old heart. poor baby. anyways, this book is just about Jamie's pain. its all about Jamie. jAmie jAmIe JAMIE. ugh.
ok?? but what about Barbette/Bette/Barbie/Bee's pain?! im pretty sure she went through worst pain than Jamie and we barely even explored that here? what the fu-?
let's do a little comparison:
↳ Bee: has been emotionally and physically abused by her parents and is currently being pimped out just cuz their family is broke and they want money so they're willing to "sell" her off to anyone. has been isolated by everyone, even her friends, and has been labelled as the "bitch". had to endure seeing all the OW sexcapades being shoved to her face for 8 months by the dumbass she loves.
↳ Jamie : got his heartbroken when he was 14. was a ho for 5 years and shoving OW sexcapades in Bee's face for those 8 months since he returned to Blackwood just to "get her attention".
... so y'all tell me who had it worst.
this was just bad. i didn't like ANYTHING in this book except for Lou & Wren. that .5 in my rating is for them. what i liked in the first 2 books weren't visible here at all.
instead we got this,
i mean sheesh. the "magic" the first 2 books had was nonexistent in this book and we're then subjected to petty shit that we often see in new adult books that is, quite frankly, popular nowadays.
the book started to go downhill with that unnecessary OW scene in 20% where he f*ingered this random girl in the bathroom just so she wouldn't spill about Four and Ever cuz they're relationship is secret since again, Bee and Ever are "engaged".
what exactly did this scene even prove?? that they would do sexual things to those who threaten their family? is this a foreshadowing for the next book? we weren't subjected to any OW scenes in the previous books so WHY?
and then apparently he hooked up with this random OW at a party a day before or after he "touched" the h. oh OH! and all the inner monologue of the H about random OW and how he's attracted to them. or blaming his man ho shit because of her
and Bee was flattered by this?!
i already disliked this book after all this shit and then there's a fucking group sex?? that doesn't make sense whatsoever and is out of character for all parties involved?? if y'all wanna know the group sex is with the MCs and Four and Ever and this happened the day after h lost her virginity to the H btw. the couple didn't touch the other couple. they literally just had sex in front of each other and Bee and Four sometimes kissed. i liked Four and Ever before this and the REAL them would never even agree to this shit. please don't do anymore unnecessary, out-of-character scenes just for shock value or for trying to make things "new". thanks.
Jamie has got to be one of the dumbest heroes i've ever read. i mean SERIOUSLY. he didn't know that Ever and Bee's relationship is fake and if he used common sense or i don't know, deductive reasoning, he would've figured all this shit out but nooo. he just had to think with his dick and sleep with a lot of OW for 8 whole months just to get Bee's attention instead of finding out the truth and fighting for her. but nope. all his blood is down there instead of his brain so what did i expect. this honestly just shows how much he does NOT love Bee enough.
i liked Jamie in previous books i really did. he was a good friend to the heroines in those books and he made me laugh with all his antics. it's a shame he's reduced to an unlikeable abusive asshole with no redeeming qualities. everything he did was selfish here and he was just plain mean to Bee the entire book.
their first time together was also disturbing cuz, again, he was a ho and he didn't use a condom AND when the h explicitly told him to STOP, he didn't and proceeded to then finish inside her... i don't like this shit.
and as for Bee? she just took his shit cuz he "deserved better". nahh bishh YOU deserve better. every hateful things he did/said was never acknowledged and he didn't even seem remorseful about the hurt he subjected her to when he was shoving all his OW shit to her face. there's no satisfying grovelling here and the h was doing all the fighting while H makes her work for it undeservedly.
did i like anything in this book? yeah. Lou & Wren. that's it. it's unfortunate they barely had a scene here though.
anyways im done with this shit so rant over byeeee ✌︎︎
When Rivals Play series
#1: the peer and the puppet ↠ 3.5 stars
#2: the moth and the flame ↠ 4 stars
#3: the punk and the plaything ↠ 1.5 stars
#4: the prince and the pawn ↠ tbr
i remember in book 1 when Four was calling Jamie (H) out for hurting Bee (h) and she said "then you deserve to lose her." and that is the truest statement ive ever read in this series.
im gonna go on a bit of a rant here cuz the dumbassery in this was a whole nother level. so SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
ok so a little backstory, Barbette/Bette/Barbie/Bee (h) was the "OW" in the peer and the puppet. she was in a fake relationship with Ever there the entire time because her parents need her to marry a rich guy cuz they're broke and Ever is helping her. there's no love between them and they're just best friends. but here comes the little soap opera twist, Jamie (H) is Ever's cousin. yikes. so in the past Bee and Jamie were childhood lovers but one day he returned and found his cousin and Bee as a couple... *cue heartbreak*
so as you can see, Jamie hates Bee cuz she broke his 14 year old heart. poor baby. anyways, this book is just about Jamie's pain. its all about Jamie. jAmie jAmIe JAMIE. ugh.
ok?? but what about Barbette/Bette/Barbie/Bee's pain?! im pretty sure she went through worst pain than Jamie and we barely even explored that here? what the fu-?
let's do a little comparison:
↳ Bee: has been emotionally and physically abused by her parents and is currently being pimped out just cuz their family is broke and they want money so they're willing to "sell" her off to anyone. has been isolated by everyone, even her friends, and has been labelled as the "bitch". had to endure seeing all the OW sexcapades being shoved to her face for 8 months by the dumbass she loves.
↳ Jamie : got his heartbroken when he was 14. was a ho for 5 years and shoving OW sexcapades in Bee's face for those 8 months since he returned to Blackwood just to "get her attention".
... so y'all tell me who had it worst.
this was just bad. i didn't like ANYTHING in this book except for Lou & Wren. that .5 in my rating is for them. what i liked in the first 2 books weren't visible here at all.
- cute, slowburn moments filled with sexual tension: ✗
- good romantic development: ✗
- h who fights back and calls H out when they're being a dick: ✗
- H who is NOT a ho cuz once they feel anything for the h they become celibate: ✗
- cute banter: ✗
- uber possessive but very sweet H: ✗
instead we got this,
- petty mind games: ✓
- being subjected to one OW scene and H still hooking up with OWs in the beginning: ✓
- H manhandling the h: ✓
- H rejecting h request for putting a condom on and instead finished inside her without her consent: ✓
- unnecessary group sex that doesn't make sense: ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
i mean sheesh. the "magic" the first 2 books had was nonexistent in this book and we're then subjected to petty shit that we often see in new adult books that is, quite frankly, popular nowadays.
the book started to go downhill with that unnecessary OW scene in 20% where he f*ingered this random girl in the bathroom just so she wouldn't spill about Four and Ever cuz they're relationship is secret since again, Bee and Ever are "engaged".
"The next few minutes, I spent with my fingers shoved in her cunt and could only be described as clinical, cold, and awkward. Not that Amanda noticed. In fact, she enjoyed it so much she soaked the bottom of my fucking T-shirt. Little miss chipmunk was a squirter."
what exactly did this scene even prove?? that they would do sexual things to those who threaten their family? is this a foreshadowing for the next book? we weren't subjected to any OW scenes in the previous books so WHY?
and then apparently he hooked up with this random OW at a party a day before or after he "touched" the h. oh OH! and all the inner monologue of the H about random OW and how he's attracted to them. or blaming his man ho shit because of her
"I don't know. Maybe because you've slept with half the town?"
"That's on you."
"You're blaming me? You're actually blaming me for you being a whore?"
"Yeah, and I'll fuck every girl in this goddamn town, including the ugly ones, if it will get your attention."
and Bee was flattered by this?!
i already disliked this book after all this shit and then there's a fucking group sex?? that doesn't make sense whatsoever and is out of character for all parties involved?? if y'all wanna know the group sex is with the MCs and Four and Ever and this happened the day after h lost her virginity to the H btw. the couple didn't touch the other couple. they literally just had sex in front of each other and Bee and Four sometimes kissed. i liked Four and Ever before this and the REAL them would never even agree to this shit. please don't do anymore unnecessary, out-of-character scenes just for shock value or for trying to make things "new". thanks.
Jamie has got to be one of the dumbest heroes i've ever read. i mean SERIOUSLY. he didn't know that Ever and Bee's relationship is fake and if he used common sense or i don't know, deductive reasoning, he would've figured all this shit out but nooo. he just had to think with his dick and sleep with a lot of OW for 8 whole months just to get Bee's attention instead of finding out the truth and fighting for her. but nope. all his blood is down there instead of his brain so what did i expect. this honestly just shows how much he does NOT love Bee enough.
i liked Jamie in previous books i really did. he was a good friend to the heroines in those books and he made me laugh with all his antics. it's a shame he's reduced to an unlikeable abusive asshole with no redeeming qualities. everything he did was selfish here and he was just plain mean to Bee the entire book.
their first time together was also disturbing cuz, again, he was a ho and he didn't use a condom AND when the h explicitly told him to STOP, he didn't and proceeded to then finish inside her... i don't like this shit.
and as for Bee? she just took his shit cuz he "deserved better". nahh bishh YOU deserve better. every hateful things he did/said was never acknowledged and he didn't even seem remorseful about the hurt he subjected her to when he was shoving all his OW shit to her face. there's no satisfying grovelling here and the h was doing all the fighting while H makes her work for it undeservedly.
did i like anything in this book? yeah. Lou & Wren. that's it. it's unfortunate they barely had a scene here though.
anyways im done with this shit so rant over byeeee ✌︎︎
When Rivals Play series
#1: the peer and the puppet ↠ 3.5 stars
#2: the moth and the flame ↠ 4 stars
#3: the punk and the plaything ↠ 1.5 stars
#4: the prince and the pawn ↠ tbr
Want to read
March 14, 2022
While fighting demons and giving into desires, a crew is caught up in an age-old war between rival gangs. When Rivals Play is a new adult series of standalone which includes an enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, second chance, and forbidden romance.
Books in When Rivals Play series are stand-alones:
Book 1: The Peer and the Puppet
Book 2: The Moth and the Flame
Book 3: The Punk and the Plaything
Book 4: The Prince and the Pawn
November 27, 2019
Ahhh!! I have been a big fan of B.B. Reid's When Rivals Play series for such a long time. For that reason I was uber excited to read the third installment in the series as Jamie and Barb have been such key players in the previous books. The Punk and The Plaything was EVERY-DAMN-THANG under the sun and more!! It was deeply emotional and passionate and such an amazing addition to the series. Reid did not pull her punches as it was filled to the brim with shady secrets and shocking revelations that I for one could not get enough! It was a phenomenal story with a lovestory that could rival the ages! Pure Angsty Perfection!
Without giving away any spoilers, The Punk and The Plaything tells the story of Jamie and Barb (Bee) and how they came to be at this point in their lives. The story opens up where Jamie is steadfastly determined to figure out the truth about Barb and her relationship with Ever. But what follows is a deeply tumultuous and angsty rollercoaster ride of epic proportions. This story was glorious and sexy af but more than anything it was an emotional story of two people in love with a wall of secrets and lies between them. I was hung up on every word and never wanted it to end!
Overall, this story was incredible. Jamie was everything I wanted and more. His camaraderie with his friends and the banter between him and Bee was fiery and always kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved their spitfire back and forth exchanges more than anything because it showed how much they really cared for one another. Bee, in my opinion was perfect. She hid behind a facade to protect both Jamie and her heart from further pain. I love how this book provided a much needed look in her character and showcases an added depth to her. She is more than a pretty princess she shows the world and I for one am ready to join her girl gang. This was another outstanding book by B.B. Reid and I for one am dyinggg for Vaughn and Tyra. Bring on The Prince and The Pawn! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Without giving away any spoilers, The Punk and The Plaything tells the story of Jamie and Barb (Bee) and how they came to be at this point in their lives. The story opens up where Jamie is steadfastly determined to figure out the truth about Barb and her relationship with Ever. But what follows is a deeply tumultuous and angsty rollercoaster ride of epic proportions. This story was glorious and sexy af but more than anything it was an emotional story of two people in love with a wall of secrets and lies between them. I was hung up on every word and never wanted it to end!
Overall, this story was incredible. Jamie was everything I wanted and more. His camaraderie with his friends and the banter between him and Bee was fiery and always kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved their spitfire back and forth exchanges more than anything because it showed how much they really cared for one another. Bee, in my opinion was perfect. She hid behind a facade to protect both Jamie and her heart from further pain. I love how this book provided a much needed look in her character and showcases an added depth to her. She is more than a pretty princess she shows the world and I for one am ready to join her girl gang. This was another outstanding book by B.B. Reid and I for one am dyinggg for Vaughn and Tyra. Bring on The Prince and The Pawn! 5 stars! ~Ratula
December 9, 2019
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
5 GIRL CRUSH CROWNS
JAMIE AND Bee own my heart!!! Gah, I couldn’t get enough of them or their love. And BB has upped her steam level. You aren’t ready. Jamie brings it all.
Jamie, the consummate playboy, troublemaker, the lovable thorn in the side of almost every character, was more than I ever could have bargained for. I loved the depth BB brought to him, and his many layers made me fall deeper in love with this broken and battered man.
Bee, though, she took the cake for me. I LOVED HER. And the evolution! God, the evolution of BEE. I have a girl crush on her for real. I’m in love with all facets of her. The strength she had to endure, to play a part, is phenomenal , and the flashbacks that Reid used to show how she came to be the QUEEN of town from the independent and fierce little girl broke my heart for this heroine. I truly loved seeing her take her life back and the love she once had for Jameson.
This second chance romance was angsty, slow burning, and the steamiest B.B. Reid has written. The switching between the past and the present with flashbacks, allows so much depth to their romance. It allows readers to feel their pain in their fall, just as much as we see the beauty in their younger love. The switching between point of views also brought a much needed depth to two of the most misunderstood characters, the two whose public mask doesn't necessarily match what is in their heart. And their HEA!!!! ONE OF MY FAVORITES B.B. has written.
Could I love this crew more? I didn’t think so, but I do. Wren and Lou, Vaughn and Tyra, Jamie’s mom. I LOVE THEM ALL. This is one of my very favorite series ever, and I am dying for the final book.
Beta Read
5 GIRL CRUSH CROWNS
JAMIE AND Bee own my heart!!! Gah, I couldn’t get enough of them or their love. And BB has upped her steam level. You aren’t ready. Jamie brings it all.
Jamie, the consummate playboy, troublemaker, the lovable thorn in the side of almost every character, was more than I ever could have bargained for. I loved the depth BB brought to him, and his many layers made me fall deeper in love with this broken and battered man.
Bee, though, she took the cake for me. I LOVED HER. And the evolution! God, the evolution of BEE. I have a girl crush on her for real. I’m in love with all facets of her. The strength she had to endure, to play a part, is phenomenal , and the flashbacks that Reid used to show how she came to be the QUEEN of town from the independent and fierce little girl broke my heart for this heroine. I truly loved seeing her take her life back and the love she once had for Jameson.
This second chance romance was angsty, slow burning, and the steamiest B.B. Reid has written. The switching between the past and the present with flashbacks, allows so much depth to their romance. It allows readers to feel their pain in their fall, just as much as we see the beauty in their younger love. The switching between point of views also brought a much needed depth to two of the most misunderstood characters, the two whose public mask doesn't necessarily match what is in their heart. And their HEA!!!! ONE OF MY FAVORITES B.B. has written.
Could I love this crew more? I didn’t think so, but I do. Wren and Lou, Vaughn and Tyra, Jamie’s mom. I LOVE THEM ALL. This is one of my very favorite series ever, and I am dying for the final book.
Beta Read
December 6, 2019
I THINK I DIED AND WENT TO HEAVEN reading this book!
Ok, actually sometimes I felt like I was in hell. Like, I. DIED. YOU GUUUUUYS. See below teaser...*cries*
Jamie kept me up until 6 am. It's not very often I stay up late into the night reading, but this book was killing me and I NEEDED to know wtf was going to happen next. I couldn't put it down. I knew I was in for a ride with Bee and Jamie, but man I didn't quite expect to feel all of the feelings I felt! SO MANY FEELS.
My emotions were legit all over the place. I felt like a god damn maniac. One minute I'm moaning, the next I've got tears in my eyes, the next thing I know I want to throw my fucking kindle, the next minute I'm laughing my ass off. This love story was everything I hoped it would be. I've been dying for it since I first laid lusty eyes on Jamie. His cocky attitude and dirty fucking mouth was EVERYTHING I love in a book boyfriend. The things that he would say....CHRIST!!! And Bee, my god, my heart! My heart!! I love her so damn much.
I LOVE THIS WHOLE GANG with all my heart! It was so fun to spend time with Ever, Four, Wren, Lou, Tyra and Vaughn again. I love each and every one of these characters. I'm obsessed!
The Punk and the Plaything is one of my FAVES in the When Rivals Play series and an absolute TOP FAVE of 2019! I cannot wait for Vaughn and Tyra's book!
If you haven't read this series, you NEED to!
THE PUNK AND THE PLAYTHING (book 3) is LIVE! → https://amzn.to/34UGRpx
Start The When Rivals Play Series here:
THE PEER AND THE PUPPET (book 1) → https://amzn.to/2QTBWBb
THE MOTH AND THE FLAME (book 2) → https://amzn.to/34i89G2
EVERMORE (a novella) → https://amzn.to/37ycjvt
Ok, actually sometimes I felt like I was in hell. Like, I. DIED. YOU GUUUUUYS. See below teaser...*cries*
Jamie kept me up until 6 am. It's not very often I stay up late into the night reading, but this book was killing me and I NEEDED to know wtf was going to happen next. I couldn't put it down. I knew I was in for a ride with Bee and Jamie, but man I didn't quite expect to feel all of the feelings I felt! SO MANY FEELS.
My emotions were legit all over the place. I felt like a god damn maniac. One minute I'm moaning, the next I've got tears in my eyes, the next thing I know I want to throw my fucking kindle, the next minute I'm laughing my ass off. This love story was everything I hoped it would be. I've been dying for it since I first laid lusty eyes on Jamie. His cocky attitude and dirty fucking mouth was EVERYTHING I love in a book boyfriend. The things that he would say....CHRIST!!! And Bee, my god, my heart! My heart!! I love her so damn much.
I LOVE THIS WHOLE GANG with all my heart! It was so fun to spend time with Ever, Four, Wren, Lou, Tyra and Vaughn again. I love each and every one of these characters. I'm obsessed!
The Punk and the Plaything is one of my FAVES in the When Rivals Play series and an absolute TOP FAVE of 2019! I cannot wait for Vaughn and Tyra's book!
If you haven't read this series, you NEED to!
THE PUNK AND THE PLAYTHING (book 3) is LIVE! → https://amzn.to/34UGRpx
Start The When Rivals Play Series here:
THE PEER AND THE PUPPET (book 1) → https://amzn.to/2QTBWBb
THE MOTH AND THE FLAME (book 2) → https://amzn.to/34i89G2
EVERMORE (a novella) → https://amzn.to/37ycjvt
December 7, 2019
1.5 stars
What, the ever loving fuck was that?!
Truly...I cannot believe what the hell I just read.
It makes zero sense how freaking bad this book was.
I just don't...get it. It was like I was reading a really horrible fanficition that was written by a porn director. This book was toxic af. It was problematic af. It was a cheesy porn fest. It was just...bad.
Now listen: I've always know these books were a bit problematic. And I was ok with that. I actually really, really enjoyed the first two book because I liked the way she balanced that line of problematic and good but with this book, it honestly felt like I was reading a book written by a completely different author. It was nothing like the first two books.
I'm just going to say right now the only good parts of this book:
1. Lou and Wren
2. Tyra and Vaughn (though the b.s. that is their relationship at the epilogue has me truly questioning if I even want to read Vaughn's book...)
3. Ever and Four (well except for a few parts)
4. Barbette
The group scenes were the best parts of this book. Seeing the friendships was awesome. And Barbie, she was an amazing heroine and she deserved so much better than she ever got out of life, including falling for a ding dong like Jamie. Jamie is not a hero in my opinion. I wouldn't even call him an anti-hero. He's just a whiny, petulant rich boy who treats a girl like shit because he got his feelings hurt. He encaputaltes the typical rich white boy who thinks he's entitled to the whole world and that the word "no" doesn't count for him.
I'm going to go into spoilers now and put them under a spoiler tag but if you have triggers at all I would urge you to read below because this book has some stuff that could possibly be triggering for some. But if you stop here, my main point is that I'm disappointed as hell by this book and honestly, I don't know if I'm going to read Vaughns book. It depends if he's actually with Tyra and if he did what they say he did in the epilogue. Vague, yes sorry but I'm trying not to spoil every single thing in one review lol.
I truly wish I could talk to the beta readers that let this author write this and not tell her how freaking out of character and just...bad this book was. Truly. Sorry to this woman.
What, the ever loving fuck was that?!
Truly...I cannot believe what the hell I just read.
It makes zero sense how freaking bad this book was.
I just don't...get it. It was like I was reading a really horrible fanficition that was written by a porn director. This book was toxic af. It was problematic af. It was a cheesy porn fest. It was just...bad.
Now listen: I've always know these books were a bit problematic. And I was ok with that. I actually really, really enjoyed the first two book because I liked the way she balanced that line of problematic and good but with this book, it honestly felt like I was reading a book written by a completely different author. It was nothing like the first two books.
I'm just going to say right now the only good parts of this book:
1. Lou and Wren
2. Tyra and Vaughn (though the b.s. that is their relationship at the epilogue has me truly questioning if I even want to read Vaughn's book...)
3. Ever and Four (well except for a few parts)
4. Barbette
The group scenes were the best parts of this book. Seeing the friendships was awesome. And Barbie, she was an amazing heroine and she deserved so much better than she ever got out of life, including falling for a ding dong like Jamie. Jamie is not a hero in my opinion. I wouldn't even call him an anti-hero. He's just a whiny, petulant rich boy who treats a girl like shit because he got his feelings hurt. He encaputaltes the typical rich white boy who thinks he's entitled to the whole world and that the word "no" doesn't count for him.
I'm going to go into spoilers now and put them under a spoiler tag but if you have triggers at all I would urge you to read below because this book has some stuff that could possibly be triggering for some. But if you stop here, my main point is that I'm disappointed as hell by this book and honestly, I don't know if I'm going to read Vaughns book. It depends if he's actually with Tyra and if he did what they say he did in the epilogue. Vague, yes sorry but I'm trying not to spoil every single thing in one review lol.
I truly wish I could talk to the beta readers that let this author write this and not tell her how freaking out of character and just...bad this book was. Truly. Sorry to this woman.
December 7, 2019
4.5 STARS
You know that feeling when you read a book that you've been dying to get your hands on FOREVER and it doesn't just live up to your expectations, but blows them out of the water? Because GAH! Y'all. This book. I can't.
CRACKILICIOUS.
There's just no other way I can describe it for you. I knew Jamie and Bette's book would be epic, and I was not wrong. I went through wanting to chuck my kindle at the wall and rip my hair out, to giddy anticipation, to goofy grinning, back to ripping my hair out, and giddiness again. This book took me through the wringer. The angst. The sweet, sweet angst. I can still taste it.
I'll admit, Barbette definitely wasn't my favorite character when we first meet her in The Peer and the Puppet. BB Reid gives us an entire different outlook on her in this book. We not only get to be inside her head, but we get to know the young and rambunctious tom boy that she used to be before she became the beautiful ice queen. You get snippets of her history with Jamie, and piece by piece you see how the fell in love and inevitably fell apart. You get to experience the lies, secrets, and betrayals. You get to understand why they are who they are today.
Jamie was a character that had my immediate attention from the first. I didn't need to be inside his head to warm up to him, the guy set me on fire as a secondary character, so I already knew he'd be sizzling in his own book. And again, I was NOT wrong. Jamie is full of anger at Bette's betrayal. While you learn the whole of it piece by piece throughout the book, you know that whatever happened between them was bad. Jamie may still be attracted to Bette, but now he just wants revenge for his broken heart, even if his cousin is the collateral.
I devoured this book. I was completely incapable of setting it down for even a second. I was glued to the pages, totally invested, and completely riveted. There's a few puzzle pieces that come together on the whole Fox mystery here. But for as many questions as are answered, there's a hundred more that are left. Reid also throws out the most delicious of lures for the next book and OMG! I'm not sure I have the patience for it.
This was everything that I had hoped for and so much more. Angsty, sexy, with just the right amount of suspense to make it a perfect page turner. Did I want to jock punch Jamie more than a few times? Absolutely! But my inner cougar still wanted to bang him after, so it wasn't all bad. (It's fiction so stop judging me here. He was 18, ok?!)
Bette really grew on me and came into her own here. I love stories with strong females, and I loved watching Bette grow her backbone and turn it into steel. Her and Jamie were incendiary together. I loved catching up with past favorites too! My one quibble was a particular scene in the book that I felt blurred and confused more than anything. Was it hot? Absolutely. Was it necessary to the story? Maybe. But the way it came together just struck me as...well...odd. That aside, I absolutely LOVED the book. I'm utterly addicted to this series and I'm practically salivating to get my grabby little hands on the next book.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
You preyed on the wrong McNamara, kitten. My trust fund has more zeroes. Dick’s bigger, too.”
You know that feeling when you read a book that you've been dying to get your hands on FOREVER and it doesn't just live up to your expectations, but blows them out of the water? Because GAH! Y'all. This book. I can't.
CRACKILICIOUS.
There's just no other way I can describe it for you. I knew Jamie and Bette's book would be epic, and I was not wrong. I went through wanting to chuck my kindle at the wall and rip my hair out, to giddy anticipation, to goofy grinning, back to ripping my hair out, and giddiness again. This book took me through the wringer. The angst. The sweet, sweet angst. I can still taste it.
I'll admit, Barbette definitely wasn't my favorite character when we first meet her in The Peer and the Puppet. BB Reid gives us an entire different outlook on her in this book. We not only get to be inside her head, but we get to know the young and rambunctious tom boy that she used to be before she became the beautiful ice queen. You get snippets of her history with Jamie, and piece by piece you see how the fell in love and inevitably fell apart. You get to experience the lies, secrets, and betrayals. You get to understand why they are who they are today.
Jamie was a character that had my immediate attention from the first. I didn't need to be inside his head to warm up to him, the guy set me on fire as a secondary character, so I already knew he'd be sizzling in his own book. And again, I was NOT wrong. Jamie is full of anger at Bette's betrayal. While you learn the whole of it piece by piece throughout the book, you know that whatever happened between them was bad. Jamie may still be attracted to Bette, but now he just wants revenge for his broken heart, even if his cousin is the collateral.
I devoured this book. I was completely incapable of setting it down for even a second. I was glued to the pages, totally invested, and completely riveted. There's a few puzzle pieces that come together on the whole Fox mystery here. But for as many questions as are answered, there's a hundred more that are left. Reid also throws out the most delicious of lures for the next book and OMG! I'm not sure I have the patience for it.
This was everything that I had hoped for and so much more. Angsty, sexy, with just the right amount of suspense to make it a perfect page turner. Did I want to jock punch Jamie more than a few times? Absolutely! But my inner cougar still wanted to bang him after, so it wasn't all bad. (It's fiction so stop judging me here. He was 18, ok?!)
Bette really grew on me and came into her own here. I love stories with strong females, and I loved watching Bette grow her backbone and turn it into steel. Her and Jamie were incendiary together. I loved catching up with past favorites too! My one quibble was a particular scene in the book that I felt blurred and confused more than anything. Was it hot? Absolutely. Was it necessary to the story? Maybe. But the way it came together just struck me as...well...odd. That aside, I absolutely LOVED the book. I'm utterly addicted to this series and I'm practically salivating to get my grabby little hands on the next book.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
December 6, 2019
Seriously nothing sexy about two main couples having sex in front of each other. Considering how “possessive” these guys are meant to be it didn’t make sense that they would allow their best friends see each other whilst having sex with their beloved. Oh and it wasn’t once but TWICE! Yuck!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2019
"...I broke like a dam and swept her away. And just before she could drown in my hate, I pulled her back again. It seemed I couldn't hate Barbette without loving her twice as hard."
GAAAAAAHHHHH!!! I've been dying for Jamie and Bette's story since the first book and I was not one bit let down by it, if anything, it was more epically complicated than I had ever imagined. The Author pulled me in to this magical cluster $%& that started so innocently and just spiraled completely off the tracks after years of mistakes, pain, and misunderstandings. Jamie is just fire, I loved his antics, his command of a room, his power to hold me captive...I couldn't get enough. SO MANY THINGS happen and come to light, so to thoroughly enjoy this amazing series, start from the beginning and enjoy the ride. Author ups the ante on the hotness in this book, I'm pretty sure my kindle melted a few times...whew!!! SO MANY FEELS!!!!!! I inhaled this book in a few hours, I'm addicted to all the characters, and I can't wait to visit Blackwood Keep for our last couple!!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
"You're the lyrics to my song, Bette. I don't exist without you."
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
GAAAAAAHHHHH!!! I've been dying for Jamie and Bette's story since the first book and I was not one bit let down by it, if anything, it was more epically complicated than I had ever imagined. The Author pulled me in to this magical cluster $%& that started so innocently and just spiraled completely off the tracks after years of mistakes, pain, and misunderstandings. Jamie is just fire, I loved his antics, his command of a room, his power to hold me captive...I couldn't get enough. SO MANY THINGS happen and come to light, so to thoroughly enjoy this amazing series, start from the beginning and enjoy the ride. Author ups the ante on the hotness in this book, I'm pretty sure my kindle melted a few times...whew!!! SO MANY FEELS!!!!!! I inhaled this book in a few hours, I'm addicted to all the characters, and I can't wait to visit Blackwood Keep for our last couple!!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
"You're the lyrics to my song, Bette. I don't exist without you."
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
June 28, 2020
This book is such a disappointment. I was very excited for Jamesons and Barbettes book. However it just shocked me in a bad way.
In the previous books Jameson was really interesting character but in this book he is an asshole. I didn't like Barbette before, I also don't like her now. Most of the book, Jameson treats Barbette like total shit. Jameson is a spoilt rich boy, i don't understand how this makes him a hero of a book?After reading it I came to one conclusion, this book is total crap.
Also Barbette and Jameson was a very toxic and problematic couple. Overall, this book was a complete waste of time.
In the previous books Jameson was really interesting character but in this book he is an asshole. I didn't like Barbette before, I also don't like her now. Most of the book, Jameson treats Barbette like total shit. Jameson is a spoilt rich boy, i don't understand how this makes him a hero of a book?After reading it I came to one conclusion, this book is total crap.
Also Barbette and Jameson was a very toxic and problematic couple. Overall, this book was a complete waste of time.
May 21, 2019
Amazing
May 8, 2020
Jamie was a giant pink elephant, impossible to ignore and hard to not acknowledge. We have seen how cocky his attitude is and has a filthy mouth which only his mother can wash. I knew Jamie and Barbette would end up together but did you realise the epic wringer unknown expectations they pulls us into! The angst, suspence and sexiness was dumped on them plenty.
Jamie came out as a manwhore through all the books. His feeling for Barbette was clear but he kept taunting and rubbing his tryst on Barbette always knowing it would hurt her. Barbette wasn't my favourite character in the beginning but she grew on me as her fierce side came out. She was helpless and abused for years to which she finally confronted and fought it.
Jamie and Barbette's relationship was kind of unique and explosive. Jamie's determination to find Barbette's reason to stay engaged with his cousin (Ever) followed by a past kept the story strong and unfailingly interesting.
(spoiler)
Now, where I was a little cringy with this book was group sex - Ever and Four, Jamie and Barbette. This part was unecessary. Although the scene wasn't of kink but where Four and Barbette kiss (they kiss again) during mid sex with their partners was not hot and this is the portion where I skipped.
(spoiler ends)
You'll be in a situation where you want to shake Barbette and make her tell her secrets already or be annoyed with Jamie's rowdy ego who thinks the world revolves around him. We go through flashbacks on their story, slowly a little bit of the secrets come out, we get to experience the lies and betrayals. Overall, Jamie and Barbette were much fun than expected.
Jamie came out as a manwhore through all the books. His feeling for Barbette was clear but he kept taunting and rubbing his tryst on Barbette always knowing it would hurt her. Barbette wasn't my favourite character in the beginning but she grew on me as her fierce side came out. She was helpless and abused for years to which she finally confronted and fought it.
Jamie and Barbette's relationship was kind of unique and explosive. Jamie's determination to find Barbette's reason to stay engaged with his cousin (Ever) followed by a past kept the story strong and unfailingly interesting.
(spoiler)
Now, where I was a little cringy with this book was group sex - Ever and Four, Jamie and Barbette. This part was unecessary. Although the scene wasn't of kink but where Four and Barbette kiss (they kiss again) during mid sex with their partners was not hot and this is the portion where I skipped.
(spoiler ends)
You'll be in a situation where you want to shake Barbette and make her tell her secrets already or be annoyed with Jamie's rowdy ego who thinks the world revolves around him. We go through flashbacks on their story, slowly a little bit of the secrets come out, we get to experience the lies and betrayals. Overall, Jamie and Barbette were much fun than expected.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 25, 2020
dnf @28
no one is more disappointed than me that I not only don't like this series I just don't care either
obsessed with this cover....
no one is more disappointed than me that I not only don't like this series I just don't care either
obsessed with this cover....
December 12, 2019
2 DNF and Skim Stars
Eh. There was too much going on that I didn't care for. Waaaayyyy too many flashbacks to start, and throughout the whole book, and I can't stand flashbacks. I wasn't a fan of Bee before, but I thought she would be a bit stronger especially with manwhore Jaime, who always shoved it in her face, but she gave in too easily in opinion. Jaime was a jerk to her pretty much the whole time, and unfortunately I didn't like him as much in this as I did in the previous ones, though he was still hot!
I didn't care for the group sex, and that is so out of character for Ever and Four to even offer and want it. They were my favorite characters but that kind of ruined it for me. I can't be too mad as I should have expected it, seeing as Bebe always has alpha-possessive heros, and yet they are always apparently fine with sharing the h, which is not my jam. The sex scene was also gross especially how Jaime and Ever are cousins, and if there are gonna be some FF scenes, that were ridiculous, why not give me MM scenes? Or are they too "Alpha"😒 and I'm guessing this group sex is going to continuously happen between all of them in future books, off page, or on, who even knows at this point, which is also a no go for me, and ruining this book and characters more and more.
I feel like this book is trying to be a copycat of Penelope Douglas Devil's Night series, which are becoming more and more OTT as the series goes on too. And all of the FF scenes? I'm sorry, but I don't care what gender you are, or if it is hot or not, but Ever and Jaime constantly letting Four and Bee kiss and touch each other? Ya no. I don't find it hot, especially when they are both in relationships.
If Bebe wants FF scenes, she needs to make a book for it, and stop ruining her current characters for me. This is the 3rd series of hers that I have read where I have love the first or first couple of books, and hated the rest of them, especially because it always makes me like my favorite characters less and less. And the cheating thing with Vaughn I have mixed feelings on. If he did cheat on Tyra, but his heroine is someone else, I will be fine with that, but either way, Vaughn and Tyra are my least fave characters in this series, so I highly doubt I will be reading it anyways.
Not a favorite of mine, and it was pretty disappointing, especially with all the forced actions in this book to make it "hotter" or one up the book before, but for some reason the further i get into one of Bebe's series, I like them less and less. So I should probably have expected not to like this one, and will remember for future reference. I will be reading some more of her future works though, I will just be more pickier.
Eh. There was too much going on that I didn't care for. Waaaayyyy too many flashbacks to start, and throughout the whole book, and I can't stand flashbacks. I wasn't a fan of Bee before, but I thought she would be a bit stronger especially with manwhore Jaime, who always shoved it in her face, but she gave in too easily in opinion. Jaime was a jerk to her pretty much the whole time, and unfortunately I didn't like him as much in this as I did in the previous ones, though he was still hot!
I didn't care for the group sex, and that is so out of character for Ever and Four to even offer and want it. They were my favorite characters but that kind of ruined it for me. I can't be too mad as I should have expected it, seeing as Bebe always has alpha-possessive heros, and yet they are always apparently fine with sharing the h, which is not my jam. The sex scene was also gross especially how Jaime and Ever are cousins, and if there are gonna be some FF scenes, that were ridiculous, why not give me MM scenes? Or are they too "Alpha"😒 and I'm guessing this group sex is going to continuously happen between all of them in future books, off page, or on, who even knows at this point, which is also a no go for me, and ruining this book and characters more and more.
I feel like this book is trying to be a copycat of Penelope Douglas Devil's Night series, which are becoming more and more OTT as the series goes on too. And all of the FF scenes? I'm sorry, but I don't care what gender you are, or if it is hot or not, but Ever and Jaime constantly letting Four and Bee kiss and touch each other? Ya no. I don't find it hot, especially when they are both in relationships.
If Bebe wants FF scenes, she needs to make a book for it, and stop ruining her current characters for me. This is the 3rd series of hers that I have read where I have love the first or first couple of books, and hated the rest of them, especially because it always makes me like my favorite characters less and less. And the cheating thing with Vaughn I have mixed feelings on. If he did cheat on Tyra, but his heroine is someone else, I will be fine with that, but either way, Vaughn and Tyra are my least fave characters in this series, so I highly doubt I will be reading it anyways.
Not a favorite of mine, and it was pretty disappointing, especially with all the forced actions in this book to make it "hotter" or one up the book before, but for some reason the further i get into one of Bebe's series, I like them less and less. So I should probably have expected not to like this one, and will remember for future reference. I will be reading some more of her future works though, I will just be more pickier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2020
Update: While this book was slightly better than The Prince and the Pawn. It was still pretty bad the more I think about it. Especially the group sex scene with Jamie/Bette and Four/Ever. Therefore changing my rating to 2.5 stars.
I think I'm not human. I think the Landon & Shay Duet broke something in me that my heart and mind is not working properly anymore.
Jamie and Barbie's book was the one I was second most excited about (behind Vaughn's book) because Jamie seems like an asshole but softie. Reading the book I couldnt care less about him or Barbette. Again I was so indifferent to all the actions. Barbette was abused by her father for years and I couldnt feel anger on her behalf... what is wrong with me?! Fourever and Jamiebette had a foursome... what
What was I feeling? NOTHING. LITERALLY NOTHING. I was playing Candy Crush at the same time. Couldnt care less what these 4 were doing.
The only time I felt something was in the epilogue when it was mentioned that Vaughn cheated on Tyra....
OVER. MY. DEAD. BODY.
He's either lying to protect Tyra from he's scumbag father or nothing else. I'm in denial.
Giving 3 stars because I didnt hate the characters to give it one or two stars but cant exactly brag about the book either.
In conclusion: ignore my rating. My mood is just so weird right now :/
I think I'm not human. I think the Landon & Shay Duet broke something in me that my heart and mind is not working properly anymore.
Jamie and Barbie's book was the one I was second most excited about (behind Vaughn's book) because Jamie seems like an asshole but softie. Reading the book I couldnt care less about him or Barbette. Again I was so indifferent to all the actions. Barbette was abused by her father for years and I couldnt feel anger on her behalf... what is wrong with me?! Fourever and Jamiebette had a foursome... what
What was I feeling? NOTHING. LITERALLY NOTHING. I was playing Candy Crush at the same time. Couldnt care less what these 4 were doing.
The only time I felt something was in the epilogue when it was mentioned that Vaughn cheated on Tyra....
OVER. MY. DEAD. BODY.
He's either lying to protect Tyra from he's scumbag father or nothing else. I'm in denial.
In conclusion: ignore my rating. My mood is just so weird right now :/
December 7, 2019
In love with the cover sigh ❤️❤️❤️
July 17, 2020
“You’re the lyrics to my song, Bette. I don’t exist without you.”
blog tour & full review : https://dreadfullybookish.blogspot.co...
4.5 stars (subject to change)
Where do I begin?
I've been anticipating this book ever since I read this series this past may, as a sucker for second chance romance and angst, Jamie and Bee had captured my attention and later my heart pretty quickly!
This book is amazing! It started out really strong on the angst, which I absolutely adored, and as I predicted, it also made me fall in love with Bee, who is now my favorite female character in the series!
Bee is such a strong, fierce character. The thing she went and has to go through as a victim of domestic abuse at the hands of her father had me wanting to murder the guy! I loved seeing her journey, going from someone who thinks she's helpless and all she can think about is running to someone who refuses to let her abuser get the last words and choses to fight instead! I loved her so incredibly much, I'm so happy she's found her happy ending!
I also loved the romance so much, as I knew I would. Granted, I know for fact this won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it was mine surprisingly. Jamie and Bee's relationship is so interesting and unique! They start out as somewhat enemies then go to being lovers then back to enemies to finally find each other for good in the end, but they never lose the love they have for each other, they just hate that it's still there. I loved that Bee was Jamie's first kiss, and I also loved how his heart was always on his sleeve when it came to her, while she tried her hardest to protect said heart from her because she just knew she couldn't give them what they both wanted. Honestly, I just loved it all.
Now, onto things I didn't like.
• chapter 21 : what. was the reason?
this chapter singlehandedly made my rating drop from the 5 stars this book obviously deserved. but that was just the weirdest, most unnecessary and most uncomfortable scene. It also was very OOC of Jamie and Four as I just know neither of them would be comfortable enough with Bee/Ever seeing each other like that! (the repeat performance a few chapters later did NOT help)
which brings me to the second thing i didn't like that made me even more uncomfortable :
• Four and Bee's relationship twist : i appreciate the fact that the author didn't use it as a fetish, but, if Four had been a guy, the whole thing Bee and her had would have been straight up cheating. no sugarcoating it. I get that Bee saw her old self in Four and yada yada, but just as the whole chapter 21 mess, this twist or whatever it was supposed to be was just unecessary. There are other ways of revealing a character is bisexual other than toying the line with cheating and self-discovery; assuming that that's what was happening here.
All in all I loved this book an awful lot but I just wish the whole chapter 21 and FourBee stuff never happened.
This book also made me more excited for Vaughn's book and even more convinced his love interest in none other than Tyra! I just know he didn't do what the epilogue said he did but just chose to make her believe so in order to protect her from his father, AND I JUST CAN'T WAIT FOR THEIR ANGST!!!
*ARC provided by SocialButterfly in exchange for an honest review!
December 16, 2019
B.B. Reid continues to bring her A game. Y’all just don’t know how much I anticipated this book. Jamie is a class unto his own and this perspective we got into his story and what made him who he became was riveting. I knew the moment I got this book that I couldn’t stop and ended up reading until 4am.
There was a lot more to Barbie than how she came across in the beginning of the series. Jaime was relentless. We discovered just how passionately he loves. These two were off the charts when they came together. I had to re-read some of those scenes **fans self**. The best part for me was how Jamie blossomed after everything got sorted. The little details he put into his exchanges just melted my heart.
To say that I loved this book is an understatement. This author has become one of my top 5 favorites and this series is a perfect example of why.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
There was a lot more to Barbie than how she came across in the beginning of the series. Jaime was relentless. We discovered just how passionately he loves. These two were off the charts when they came together. I had to re-read some of those scenes **fans self**. The best part for me was how Jamie blossomed after everything got sorted. The little details he put into his exchanges just melted my heart.
To say that I loved this book is an understatement. This author has become one of my top 5 favorites and this series is a perfect example of why.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
January 19, 2020
This book had me going through every emotion known to reader kind. I wanted to throw my kindle. Punch Jamie. Slap a ho a time or 12, I smiled, I frowned, seriously I felt it all. In all honesty at times I felt a bit of redundancy in the story, but then these emotions would come from somewhere deep inside and I was reeled back into the drama, angst, teenage whoredom, a love connection that was formed at a very young age, and friendships. A lot of different feelings all at once that at times rendered me useless for "real" life. Overall B.B. Reid does it again. She takes characters that at times within the series seem hard to understand and adore and she makes you fall in love with them, even more than that you WANT for them. Can't wait for the next one.
Click here for the blog review-->The Punk and the Plaything by B.B. Reid
Click here for the blog review-->The Punk and the Plaything by B.B. Reid
December 5, 2019
English / spanish version
THE PUNK AND THE PLAYTHING IS EVERYTHING I EXPECTED AND MORE, IT IS MY FAVORITE STORY OF THE AUTHOR AND ONE OF MY FAVORITES OF ALL TIME!!!
I was dying to read the story of Jamie and Bee from the first book in the series, it was one of my most anticipated of 2019 and the wait was totally worth it, the author brings her game A and gives us an story exquisitely written, steamy full of anguish, secrets and unexpected turns that left me SPEECHLESS.
The story told in past and present and from both POVs narrates the story of Bee and Jamie. A story that begins as friends in childhood and develops through years of misunderstanding and suffering, the author does an exceptional job with this couple, Jamie and Bee are pure fire, their scenes are so intense and passionate, that it almost melted my Kindle, but most of all, I loved their deep emotional connection, their love story is like no other, epic and so magnificent, it had me on the edge of the seat. THIS COUPLE OWN MY SOUL AND HEART!
I already knew that Jamie would be my favorite hero of the author. He is funny, loyal and so sexy, wow, I fell so hard for him. But Bee, OMG, I never thought I would love her so much, she steals the show, she is such an epic, brave, determined heroine, she hides her real personality behind a facade to protect those she loves, especially Jamie, her loyalty and love is incomparable and I think I have a little crush on her. I also loved the scenes with friends, that more than friends they are a family that takes care of and protects each other.
This is definitely one of the best stories of this year, I got hooked from the first lines and I couldn't put it down for a single second. It is addictive, captivating and emotional and I definitely can't wait for the next book in the series.
A MUST READ!
Versión en español
The punk and the plaything es todo lo que esperaba y más, es mi historia favorita de la autora y una de mis favoritas de todos los tiempos.
Moría de ganas por leer la historia de Jamie y Bee desde el primer libro en la serie, era una de mis más anticipadas del 2019 y la espera valió totalmente la pena, la autora trae su juego A y nos regala una historia exquisitamente escrita, sexy, interesante, cargada de angustia, secretos y giros que me dejaron sin palabras.
La historia contada en pasado y presente y desde ambos puntos de vista nos narra la historia de Bee y Jamie. Una historia que comienza como amigos en la niñez y se desarrolla a través de años de malentendidos y sufrimiento, la autora hace un trabajo excepcional con esta pareja, Jamie y Bee juntos son puro fuego, sus escenas son tan intensas y cargadas de erotismo, que casi derriten mi Kindle, pero más que nada amé su profunda conexión emocional, su historia de amor es épica y tan magnificente, que me tuvo en el borde del asiento.
Ya sabía que Jamie sería mi héroe favorito de la autora. Él es divertido, leal y tan sexy, guau, caí rendida a sus pies. Pero Bee, OMG, jamás pensé que la amaría tanto, ella se roba el show, es una heroína tan épica, valiente, determinada, que esconde su personalidad real tras una fachada para proteger a esos que ama, especialmente a Jamie, su lealtad y amor es incomparable, me encantó y creo que tengo un pequeño enamoramiento de ella . Me encantó además las escenas con los amigos, que más que amigos ellos son una familia que se cuida y se protege uno al otro.
Definitivamente esta es una de las mejores historias de este año, desde las primeras líneas me enganchó y no pude ponerlo abajo un solo segundo. Es una historia adictiva, cautivadora y emocional y definitivamente no puedo esperar por el siguiente libro en la serie.
Este es definitivamente una lectura obligatoria.
THE PUNK AND THE PLAYTHING IS EVERYTHING I EXPECTED AND MORE, IT IS MY FAVORITE STORY OF THE AUTHOR AND ONE OF MY FAVORITES OF ALL TIME!!!
I was dying to read the story of Jamie and Bee from the first book in the series, it was one of my most anticipated of 2019 and the wait was totally worth it, the author brings her game A and gives us an story exquisitely written, steamy full of anguish, secrets and unexpected turns that left me SPEECHLESS.
The story told in past and present and from both POVs narrates the story of Bee and Jamie. A story that begins as friends in childhood and develops through years of misunderstanding and suffering, the author does an exceptional job with this couple, Jamie and Bee are pure fire, their scenes are so intense and passionate, that it almost melted my Kindle, but most of all, I loved their deep emotional connection, their love story is like no other, epic and so magnificent, it had me on the edge of the seat. THIS COUPLE OWN MY SOUL AND HEART!
I already knew that Jamie would be my favorite hero of the author. He is funny, loyal and so sexy, wow, I fell so hard for him. But Bee, OMG, I never thought I would love her so much, she steals the show, she is such an epic, brave, determined heroine, she hides her real personality behind a facade to protect those she loves, especially Jamie, her loyalty and love is incomparable and I think I have a little crush on her. I also loved the scenes with friends, that more than friends they are a family that takes care of and protects each other.
This is definitely one of the best stories of this year, I got hooked from the first lines and I couldn't put it down for a single second. It is addictive, captivating and emotional and I definitely can't wait for the next book in the series.
A MUST READ!
Versión en español
The punk and the plaything es todo lo que esperaba y más, es mi historia favorita de la autora y una de mis favoritas de todos los tiempos.
Moría de ganas por leer la historia de Jamie y Bee desde el primer libro en la serie, era una de mis más anticipadas del 2019 y la espera valió totalmente la pena, la autora trae su juego A y nos regala una historia exquisitamente escrita, sexy, interesante, cargada de angustia, secretos y giros que me dejaron sin palabras.
La historia contada en pasado y presente y desde ambos puntos de vista nos narra la historia de Bee y Jamie. Una historia que comienza como amigos en la niñez y se desarrolla a través de años de malentendidos y sufrimiento, la autora hace un trabajo excepcional con esta pareja, Jamie y Bee juntos son puro fuego, sus escenas son tan intensas y cargadas de erotismo, que casi derriten mi Kindle, pero más que nada amé su profunda conexión emocional, su historia de amor es épica y tan magnificente, que me tuvo en el borde del asiento.
Ya sabía que Jamie sería mi héroe favorito de la autora. Él es divertido, leal y tan sexy, guau, caí rendida a sus pies. Pero Bee, OMG, jamás pensé que la amaría tanto, ella se roba el show, es una heroína tan épica, valiente, determinada, que esconde su personalidad real tras una fachada para proteger a esos que ama, especialmente a Jamie, su lealtad y amor es incomparable, me encantó y creo que tengo un pequeño enamoramiento de ella . Me encantó además las escenas con los amigos, que más que amigos ellos son una familia que se cuida y se protege uno al otro.
Definitivamente esta es una de las mejores historias de este año, desde las primeras líneas me enganchó y no pude ponerlo abajo un solo segundo. Es una historia adictiva, cautivadora y emocional y definitivamente no puedo esperar por el siguiente libro en la serie.
Este es definitivamente una lectura obligatoria.
June 9, 2020
"I also want to know that in the next place you call home, you're safe. I can't promise that we'll always get it right, but I want nothing less than my world revolving around you."
If I'm being honest, I'm not the biggest fan of the previous books although I do love the characters a lot. Bee is my favorite among them (she's my best girl in this series!).
In this book we finally get the answers about what happened between Jamie and Bee in the past - how their relationship started and what tore them apart. Getting to know more about Bee and all the suffering she went through made my heart hurt and I’m just so glad she’s safe and happy now.
PLUS POINT FOR THE GROUP OF FRIENDS!! I just love a good found family trope <3
also I just feel like I have to mention I didn't like what happened at the end of chapter 21 and I don't understand the need for it... but anyways.
trigger warning: abuse
December 5, 2019
It happened on a Ferris wheel.
I can't believe it's over. This has been my most anticipated book of the year and I had to make myself take my time to savor every last word.
ARC kindly provided. All thoughts in this review are my own.
So real talk, if you know me then you know BB Reid is my favorite and how much I adore her Broken Love series and how Fear Me is my favorite book. I will NOT shut up about it. But Jameson Buchanan is top spot in my heart for a whole list of his own reasons and sitting just slightly above him is Barbette 'Bee' Montgomery. She is my favorite heroine to date from BB and if we're being totally honest.. anyone else.
So this is book three in the When Rivals Play series and while these books are about different couples, they are interconnected standalone books and best enjoyed if read in order. Plus, you get a real feel for Jamie in the first two books and you don't want to miss one single detail about him.
This book focused heavily on the romance but that isn't to say it was all about the sex (which I wouldn't have complained about) but book two told a lot of the underlying story and I was so pleased to get almost 100% Jamie and Bee. I thought the balance the author achieved was perfection as always. Also, when the bell finally did ding on the steam, BB brought the noise. Just sayin'. I really don't want to give too much away because even if when you've read books one and two, this book is going to take you by surprise and you should just let it. This is some of BB's best work. It is second chance and enemies to lovers and all the angst my poor little heart could hardly stand. BB not only did Jamie the justice that all of his fans were demanding, when she was done she said, now stand back and watch this.. and gave us Bee Montgomery. I am just so blown away by this story. I cannot wait to see everyone's reactions. I think everyone will agree that this was just the best.
Not all heroes wear capes. I cannot wait to tell all of my bookish friends that they absolutely MUST pick this series up because everyone needs to experience love the way Jamie and Bee do.
Also, I need book four right meow.
I can't believe it's over. This has been my most anticipated book of the year and I had to make myself take my time to savor every last word.
ARC kindly provided. All thoughts in this review are my own.
So real talk, if you know me then you know BB Reid is my favorite and how much I adore her Broken Love series and how Fear Me is my favorite book. I will NOT shut up about it. But Jameson Buchanan is top spot in my heart for a whole list of his own reasons and sitting just slightly above him is Barbette 'Bee' Montgomery. She is my favorite heroine to date from BB and if we're being totally honest.. anyone else.
So this is book three in the When Rivals Play series and while these books are about different couples, they are interconnected standalone books and best enjoyed if read in order. Plus, you get a real feel for Jamie in the first two books and you don't want to miss one single detail about him.
This book focused heavily on the romance but that isn't to say it was all about the sex (which I wouldn't have complained about) but book two told a lot of the underlying story and I was so pleased to get almost 100% Jamie and Bee. I thought the balance the author achieved was perfection as always. Also, when the bell finally did ding on the steam, BB brought the noise. Just sayin'. I really don't want to give too much away because even if when you've read books one and two, this book is going to take you by surprise and you should just let it. This is some of BB's best work. It is second chance and enemies to lovers and all the angst my poor little heart could hardly stand. BB not only did Jamie the justice that all of his fans were demanding, when she was done she said, now stand back and watch this.. and gave us Bee Montgomery. I am just so blown away by this story. I cannot wait to see everyone's reactions. I think everyone will agree that this was just the best.
Not all heroes wear capes. I cannot wait to tell all of my bookish friends that they absolutely MUST pick this series up because everyone needs to experience love the way Jamie and Bee do.
Also, I need book four right meow.
December 10, 2019
5 Punk stars
Oh my heart.
Oh my Jamie, how I love you.
The Punk and the Plaything is by far my favourite book in the series and one of the BEST books I've read this year. It was one of my highly anticipated reads, therefore I may have hyped this one up for myself a tad much, but for once was not left disappointed, lol. B.B. Reid has created a brilliant story that draws you in from the first page and keeps all of your attention up to the last sentence. Jamie and Bee ’s story will simply consume you.
Barbette was definitely not how I expected her to be which caught me off guard. I was expecting a spoiled, bitchy, girly girl and she’s actually quite the opposite. I didn’t expect to fall in love with her as much I as did with Jamie. Oh and Jamie, how I love him. I can even say that he’s hands down my favourite hero in the series. Yes, I love him THAT hard. Apart from his intense interactions with Bee, my favourite moments were between him and Lou. They cracked me up so much, I loved seeing them all together.
I have to say that the connection that Bee and Jamie share is mesmerizing. It’s quite unbelievable how you can literally feel their bond and attraction from the very first page. The explosive chemistry that exists between these two characters, practically radiates from the pages. Sparks fly between them when they are together. I just couldn’t get enough.
Overall, The Punk and the Plaything is a captivating, thrilling, consuming, second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance that will make you FEEL all the feels. Bee and Jamie ’s passionate story will make you laugh out loud, gasp in shock, tear up and swoon. I don't even know what to say anymore, except, you need, NEED their story in your life.
I highly, highly recommend this book, and this series.
The When Rivals Play series:
➜ Ever & Four's story
➜ Wren & Lou's story
➜ Jamie & Barbie's story
➜ Vaughn & Tyra(?)'s story
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*
“All I ever wanted was to be bad with you.”
Oh my heart.
Oh my Jamie, how I love you.
The Punk and the Plaything is by far my favourite book in the series and one of the BEST books I've read this year. It was one of my highly anticipated reads, therefore I may have hyped this one up for myself a tad much, but for once was not left disappointed, lol. B.B. Reid has created a brilliant story that draws you in from the first page and keeps all of your attention up to the last sentence. Jamie and Bee ’s story will simply consume you.
Barbette was definitely not how I expected her to be which caught me off guard. I was expecting a spoiled, bitchy, girly girl and she’s actually quite the opposite. I didn’t expect to fall in love with her as much I as did with Jamie. Oh and Jamie, how I love him. I can even say that he’s hands down my favourite hero in the series. Yes, I love him THAT hard. Apart from his intense interactions with Bee, my favourite moments were between him and Lou. They cracked me up so much, I loved seeing them all together.
“I had only one heart, Bee, and I gave it to you. It was right there in your palm, and you fucking broke it.”
I have to say that the connection that Bee and Jamie share is mesmerizing. It’s quite unbelievable how you can literally feel their bond and attraction from the very first page. The explosive chemistry that exists between these two characters, practically radiates from the pages. Sparks fly between them when they are together. I just couldn’t get enough.
Overall, The Punk and the Plaything is a captivating, thrilling, consuming, second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance that will make you FEEL all the feels. Bee and Jamie ’s passionate story will make you laugh out loud, gasp in shock, tear up and swoon. I don't even know what to say anymore, except, you need, NEED their story in your life.
I highly, highly recommend this book, and this series.
The When Rivals Play series:
➜ Ever & Four's story
➜ Wren & Lou's story
➜ Jamie & Barbie's story
➜ Vaughn & Tyra(?)'s story*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*
December 5, 2019
OhEmGee. BB Reid has done it again. This series just keeps getting better and better - and it was pretty freaking epic to begin with.
I was never a huge fan of Bee, and I’m sure I wasn’t alone in that, but as this story went on, I started to see a side of her that I loved, and it became glaringly obvious hat I had completely misjudged her. As for Jameson Buchanan...*sighs* he was everything I was hoping for him to be...but way more.
THE PUNK AND THE PLAYTHING was definitely worth the wait and I can’t recommend this whole series highly enough.
I was never a huge fan of Bee, and I’m sure I wasn’t alone in that, but as this story went on, I started to see a side of her that I loved, and it became glaringly obvious hat I had completely misjudged her. As for Jameson Buchanan...*sighs* he was everything I was hoping for him to be...but way more.
THE PUNK AND THE PLAYTHING was definitely worth the wait and I can’t recommend this whole series highly enough.
December 5, 2019
When an author delivers a more epic read than you can even imagine. BB Reid had me anticipating Punk and the Plaything and holy heck did she deliver. Let’s just say she did not give us a halfass Jameson and Barbette story. The look into Jamie and Bee’s past was insightful. I have come to understand the pair better and they are absolutely perfect for each other! This is hands down the authors best book to date!! This book will have you shook!! I can’t recommend it enough!! I look forward to what she has in store next!
December 10, 2019
★5 Stars★
The Punk and The Plaything is the third book in the When Rivals Play series by author B.B Reid and tells the story of Jamie and Barbette (Bee). We know Jaime and Bee from the first book where they appeared as secondary characters. Their story begins, a few years ago, when they were only just kids.
Being Ever's cousin, Jaime enters Bee, Ever, Vaughn and Jason's group. Bee is disappointed, scared and jealous. She was their queen, their leader, and Jaime was a threat. Jaime was trouble. They were 12 years old, but Jaime looked much bigger than the rest of the 12-year boys. From the first moment they saw each other, they were attracted to each other, they fall in love and they didn't realize. They were just kids, but they were growing without realizing it. They became teenagers.
Now, after 5 years, Jamie is full of anger at Bette's betrayal. He wants revenge, but every time he wants to hate Bee, he ends up loving her ten times more. They are both tormented souls. Jaime became a heartless jerk because of Bee, and Bee an ice queen, because of Jaime, and her parents.
Barbette definitely wasn't my favorite character when I first meet her in the first book of the series, The Peer and the Puppet. Honestly, I didn't think I could end up loving her. Her character development was amazing. I loved her fire, her anger, her strength, and her sassiness. She transformed from a b...h to a great and loyal friend. She had grown and matured. Jaime was the best. I loved him from the first book. He was hilarious, hot, determined, possessive and demanding.
Usually, from a series, I always like more the first book. Only now, I loved this one the most. This is my favorite and Jaime & Bee were my favorite couple. What I loved the most, was that the main characters from the previous 2 books, The Peer and The Puppet and The Moth and The Flame, were present a lot and we got a good glimpse at how their lives are going.
I can't wait for the next book...I am so curious and nervous about Vaughn and Tyra's story.I highly recommend! 💕
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April 3, 2020
An amazing story that runs deeper than I initially thought. You know, don't judge a book by its cover. Both main characters will surprise you, the way the story unfolds will surprise you. The pace is perfect and the story line intriguing. An absolute perfect addition to this brilliant series! ❤️
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