The epic finale of When Rivals Play. A coming-of-age tale of loss, love, and redemption from bestselling author B.B. Reid.
They were wrong for each other from the start.
The jock and the nerd, what a cliché they made.
He was the town prince, and she was a nobody.
Tyra Bradley was invisible.
That is until she told him he needed some manners, and so began their game of cat and mouse.
She ran, he … mouse.
She ran, he chased.
It was perfect.
Except Vaughn Rees has a deep, dark secret. Promised to the NFL, but fated for something sinister, Vaughn knows she’s forbidden fruit. To want more is to tempt death. He’s already in too deep.
When a betrayal unravels their fragile ties, the good girl runs as fast as she can. What Tyra doesn’t know? They’re a siren’s song. She can run, but they’ll always be bound.
They’re two souls torn apart and mended by fate. And now…Vaughn isn’t the only one with a secret.
The Prince and the Pawn is an interconnected standalone and book four of a complete series. For the best experience it’s recommended that you start with The Peer and the Puppet.
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Another final book in a great series! It seems like all of my favorite series are coming to an end…
This book was one of my most anticipated reads in 2020!! And I can also say that it has been upon my top reads in 2020 so far!
I was fascinated by Vaughn from the beginning. He had something about him that screamed: I’m a twisted and tortured soul. Just how I love my heroes ;D
Since the beginning in Ever’s book he came off as cold, uninterested and self centered. Nothing seemed to faze him – except Tyra sometimes.
In “The Prince and the Pawn” I got a slightly different vibe from him. Of course he was all these things – but he showed us a side of him, that I would have never expected from him in the first place. This is why I love B.B. Reid as an author – she always has something up her sleeve and nothing is as it seems. She also writes the most desirable, hot, dark alphas 😉
In this final book we’ll finally learn more about Vaughn’s upbringing and his family. I was eager to see how this would turn out. We got some clues in the previous books that left me yearning for more!
We also got glimpses of his male friendships with the guys! Let’s just say: Ever will forever be my favorite!! He has Tyra’s back ;))
Vaughn’s heroine is Tyra. I’ve always liked her, but didn’t quite understand the relationship with Vaughn. It didn’t fit in my opinion. So when B.B. announced that Vaughn might not end up with Tyra, I was excited to see how she’ll write this! Let me tell you one thing: I was so wrong! These two were just perfect for each other!! In this book we see another side of her character that I wasn’t aware of ‘til then. She’s feisty, she knows how to handle Vaughn like no one’s business and damn this girl is strong!!!! And let’s not forget stubborn ;D
I was really surprised by her storyline because I would’ve never ever thought of something like this. Just as I’ve said: This is why I love this author!
I don’t want to say too much, because in my opinion it’s best if you’ll dive straight into this book. It will surprise you, you’ll maybe cry and you’ll maybe scream. But I can guarantee you, that you’ll absolutely love this book Great ending for one of my favorite series!!!
My Rating: *****
Type: Each novel depicts a unique romance; however, the plots connect. This is a finale for interconnected plots.
Genre: Contemporary Romancea, YA,
Narration: Dual POV
Primary Characters: Tyra & Vaughan
Secondary Characters: Wren, Ever, Jamie, Lou, Four, Bee and Jeremy.
Source: Courtesy of Author/ Publisher – ARC
Evermore Review: https://meander23.com/2019/11/20/evermore-bonus-short-novella-by-b-b-reid/
Book 3- The Punk and the Plaything Review: https://meander23.com/2019/12/06/the-punk-and-the-playthingwhen-rivals-play-3/
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for honest review.
This is one of the most anticipated book of this month. I kept on refreshing my kindle and jumped into this as soon as I received this early in the morning. There were some good moments which I totally loved some bad and ok moments, yet overall, it’s a good conclusion.
If you’re a longtime fan of the series and I assume you have already read first 3 books, then we know the dynamics between Tyra and Vaughan. We know Vaughan – The prince of Blackwood Keep has been keeping secrets and is struggling with something. Vaughn is cruel, ruthless, and cold Prince. He was possessive and at times selfish. Tyra, the sweet compassionate and at times spitfire Pawn. They are total opposite of each other.
Their relationship was built on a bridge of secrets and lies. It’s always a constant battle for both of them. Its emotional angst read. They will be torn apart after Vaughn cheating on her. Second part of the book starts after few months. Now both are back in Blackwood keep and has too many obstacles along with Tyra’s own secrets. With danger, deception and misunderstanding luring around them, how will they overcome all that?
I did expect certain twists miles ahead but certain twists were definitely surprising. We get to see the entire gang here again. Jamie became to my most favorite character after this. Totally loved seeing Wren, Lou, Ever, Four, Jamie and Bee. Enjoyed the unfiltered banters of Lou and Jamie’s with everyone. Unexpected introduction of a new character and I loved Jeremy in this. If she ever writes a book about him then I’m game. I expected more action from Vaughan but it was compensated by others. Loved the extended epilogue.
It was an epic conclusion with angst, drama, retaliation, humor, chemistry, antics and action.
Everything came together nicely & all the pieces of puzzle fell together. It was a really good read that had me flipping pages. If you are a fan of YA romance, then this series is definitely for you.
View my other reviews here : https://meander23.com/
{I received this as an ARC in exchange for an Honest Review}
I stayed up all night reading Vaughn and Tyra’s story. I have been dying for this couple since book one and B.B. did not disappoint. Vaughn and Tyra are soulmates through and through. No matter what is going on around them and with them they will always find their way back to each other. Their connection is so intense. You can feel it from the first sentence. My heart was pulled in so many different directions. I was invested heart and soul in this couple from the moment I started reading. Their book is full of emotion. B.B. really makes you feel Everything while reading. We get two parts and the both are full of angst and longing and trouble right around the corner. Vaughn is one of my favorite B.B. Hero’s. He is strong and stubborn and he loves silently. He has demons that he has to deal with and he won’t let Tyra get caught in the crossfire. He is an Alpha asshole all they way and I love him. Tyra is so freaking strong. She knows what she wants but she also knows wat she needs. She is smart and determined. She won’t let anyone walk over her even Vaughn. Tyra is a total badass. Her decision are not easy to make but they were what was right for her. I love her. They were made for one another. I loved their journey it wasn’t easy but they fought their way through. This story is epic and it surprised me so much. I was hanging on to every word. This book is phenomenal and one of my Favorites of 2020! It was the perfect ending to this truly incredible series. “When Rivals Play” is in my Top Five All Time Favorite series. I will forever be in love with these couples and their stories. I know I will be re-reading this series time and time again. This was an amazing journey and I am so happy I took the ride.
YESSS!
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING AND I CRIED LIKE A FREAKING BABY READING THE LAST WORD! Okay maybe a few times before then too! Let me tell you though, turning that last page I immediately wanted ALL OF THEM BACK!! IMMEDIATELY! When Rivals Play is one of my favorite book crews! I was overwhelmed by the mixed emotions; deep sadness at this world ending but also so much happiness at the ending that BB Reid gave them! Even though I think I spent 95% of this book pissed off and threatening fictional characters; I also spent a lot of it smiling and swooning or wanting to wrap up their entire crew in a little bubble to hold safely away from those who wanted to hurt them. The laughs, tears and anger that this book evoked is just part of the reason it will be unforgettable for me.
In Prince, Vaughn shows us a side of him that not only did he not want anyone to see but he also tried so hard to fight it himself, knowing what future he could face. I think out of everyone in this book, Vaughn is the one I probably spent more time yelling at but I also wanted to hug the love into him! Hahaha! For a while I was angry at Tyra, I felt like she should fight harder and not be so gullible and naive. Then life caused Tyra to grow into the exact kind of woman that could come back and fight for what she wanted and see people for who they really are. One thing to remember is at the beginning these are just high school kids, obviously they grow up some and that’s usually when we will see the growth that we want. Vaughn and Tyra have basically bounced through the other books in this series without a lot of attention directed at them. Always taking the backseat to the other characters in the series; as it should be since they weren’t the main characters of those books. THIS BOOK though! OMG B.B. Reid comes through for Vaughn & Tyra fans with a finale that a lot of us needed, I know I did.
Ever is still my favorite Rivals guy, MINE! Four & Lou are still my besties! No, you can’t have them! You can read them but that’s it! No, I WILL NOT SHARE! They are MINE! They have proved over and over again that they are the best friends a girl or guy could ever have!! The fierceness in which they will go to battle for Tyra in this book had me squealing and giggling! Jamie is still the most hilarious and but what I really loved was the moments he “educated” Vaughn! hahaha!
If you haven’t started the When Rivals Play series by BB…YOU NEED TO DO IT NOW! These books need to be read in order to be able to understand the overall series plot.
*The Peer and The Puppet
*The Moth and The Flame
*Evermore (bonus novella – read between Moth & Punk!)
*The Punk and The Plaything
*The Prince and The Pawn
**I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
Rate: 4.7/ 5 stars
This book was nothing like I thought it was going to be. It was emotional, angsty, surprising, shoking even, things went a way I had not seen coming at all but I really liked it. It made their story all the more sweeter and cuter. It was also a little darker than the previous books but that was exactly what the series had been leading up to. It’s darker but still not dark, this is not a dark romance guys.
I don’t want to go into too much detail so I don’t spoil it for anyone but wow, this book was a whole ride. So much more drama and surprises that will leave you shook. A lot will happen that you won’t be too happy about…these characters are still kids after all and they make stupid decisions no matter what the reason behind them is.
Tyra and Vaughn are one complicated couple and their relationship is everything except conventional. But no matter how much of a sick rollercoaster it is, their love is true and withstands it all and getting to see them be happy and all cute in the end… Swoon.
And don’t get me talking about the actual ending oh my god. It was so perfect, cute and heartwartming. B. B Reid gaves us a beautiful epilogue where we get to see all couples living their happily ever after and see the whole family all together. It made me smile and was a perfect ending to the series. Everything came full circle. It’s bittersweet but at least we got to see them all again living their best lives.
The Prince and the Pawn is everything a series finale should be. I have loved every entry in this series, but this one is by far my favorite. Vaughn and Tyra, they’ve been a favorite and a mystery since the beginning. Tyra’s sass and strength matches so well with Vaughn’s vulnerability and protectiveness. Their story had more than a few hiccups but I seriously enjoyed the ride to the end. It was an emotional rollercoaster but totally worth it. This has become one my favorite series and Bb Reid is definitely a one click author for me.
This book left me crying. I can’t believe the series When Rival Play has come to an end. Everything about this book was perfect. The ending is simply a bliss
Wholeheartedly, unequivocally, and without a doubt The Prince and the Pawn was my favorite book in the When Rivals Play series. Vaughn and Tyra’s story, OMG y’all!! B.B. Reid broke my heart, she gutted me, ripped me to shreds with their story, before she put me back together. I knew I was expecting this story to be angsty and full of moments of pure frustration and madness, and it was. But my expectations were exceeded so far above what I can even explain, beyond what I could have imagined. B.B. Reid is a brilliantly gifted writer.
* I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book!
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
– I have to add a sixth star for my blog rating cause I just gotta!
So let me sum up all that this book is without giving away spoilers.
It has all you could possibly want and more. It had all the angsty goodness, lies, suspense, love and forgiveness. It’s full of twists and surprises. You will devour it as fast as you can, I promise you.
-Holy Hades!! Beyond all hot kinda heat and frustration.
You will get all your favorite characters back from the entire series so you get a full wrap up of what is going on with everyone and where they are headed in their relationships.
Cliffhanger Warning-No cliffhanger! -The ending to the series was PERFECTION It was epic, it.was. EVERYTHING!I’m left with kind of a crazy feeling of a little heart sad that’s it’s over, but at same time happy and giddy with how everything ended! *insert happy squeals here* My face hurts a little from smiling at the epilogue!
What an ending to this amazing series! I’ve been rooting for these two from the very beginning of this series and I was so happy that we finally got their story. WHAT! A! RIDE! Whew the angst, the feels, the roller coaster it was a lot and so very juicy. Vaughn and Tyra delivered. I was not expecting their story to go where it went but I’ll tell you this, everything clicked in the end. All the unanswered questions and the missing pieces were given in this story. I laughed, cried, ditched my kindle a few times, came right back and rejoiced with the ending chapters the author blessed us with. You need to binge this entire series if you haven’t. This crew is refreshing and unlike any other I’ve read in books. It’s so very worth it.