They’re the best of friends or the worst of friends. Neither one is letting go.THE FLAMEHere lies Louchana Valentine. She was a homeless, orphaned virgin.I never cared what my gravestone would say until I landed in deep with a powerful gangster. Lucky for me, my best friend happens to be ruthless too. I should feel guilty that he’s forced to turn on the man who’s been a father to him. Except … man who’s been a father to him. Except I’ve always known that Wren’s soul wasn’t as black as he claimed.
He was good.
He was beautiful.
He was mine.
He just didn’t know it yet.
And with Wren keeping me safe, I’ve got time left to rewrite the end of my story. But if he has his way, virgin is already carved in stone.
THE MOTH
I’ve never known anyone as alluring as Lou. Or as frustrating. Since the night she saved my life and stole my wallet for her troubles, I couldn’t stay away.
She became my onus.
My light.
My…anyway.
With nowhere to run, I’m forced to trust someone I never expected. At least with Lou safe in Blackwood Keep–far away from me–I’ll die with my conscience intact. Because she no longer looks at me with friendship in her eyes. Those iridescent blues shine with a different need entirely, and I’ve never been able to deny her.
This second installment in the When Rivals Play series is a continuation of the events that occurred in The Peer and the Puppet. Content suitable for ages 18+.
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LOVED.THIS.BOOK…The focus that B.B. Reid put into Wren and Lou was amazing! Two broken teenagers, secrets, deception & guilt and a snowstorm begins a friendship, then a slow burn begins- possessiveness, push and pull, want & need makes them lovers, secrets revealed, hate then forgiveness heals the heart slowly, makes them a couple…gawd, I love this book and the love of previous characters makes this book that much sweeter knowing that all characters involved in this book has more to tell.
This book captured my attention from the very beginning. I was completely swept away in this story. I absolutely loved the title The Moth & The Flame! This book is a page turner, filled with angst, mystery, and it’s also unpredictable! I loved every word.
In the last several weeks, I have got to fulfill so many of those most anticipated reads, and The Moth and The Flame was without a doubt one of the very highest… And B.B. Reid still wowed me! I not only loved this book, but it was also one of my top reads of 2019!!!
I. FLOVE. B.B. Reid’s storytelling. Her books suck me straight in and hold me utterly captivated and remind me why I love to read so very much. The Moth and The Flame was, without a doubt, one of my most anticipated reads for the entire year. Last year after reading The Peer and the Puppet, I was waiting with bated breath for the release of the second book in the When Rivals Play series and I was completely blown away again by B.B.’s abilities. This is an absolute must-read story.
The Moth and The Flame is a best-friends to lovers romance that’s written in dual POV and is intensely sexy. It’s a bit of a slow-burn romance but B.B. Reid balances out the slow-burn spectacularly with sizzle that’s timed so perfectly you’ll be climbing the walls. I absolutely FLOVED these characters—both Lou and Wren will own you long before you ever stand a chance of putting up defenses for your heart. These two were both broken, and only whole together. He’s slightly older than her and is her best friend, her protector and ultimately her soul mate. I shed real tears in this book, which was surprising for me because I rarely cry when reading. Also, I loved going back to the storylines with Four and Ever from TPaTP and seeing everything from a new standpoint. The additional context and layering of the storylines is perfection! And while I truly loved the complexity, I would advise against reading these books as standalones. They are meant to be read back to back yet are not a “duet”. If you’ve never read B.B. Reid before, you have no idea just how much you are missing out! You NEED. THESE. BOOKS! But sit back and get comfy with a drink and snacks because I promise once to cozy up with this series, taking breaks is going to be harder than losing a limb! (My poor kids got PB&J’s for dinner the day I read this one!!! ) The pace of TMaTF might be a tad slow and it is a longer book, but it’s all relevant and there is a method to B.B.’s madness as I am seeing with each new thread she weaves. I give this book 8 stars on a one to five scale
The Moth and The Flame was phenomenal. It’s full of angst, mystery and sexual tension. The chemistry between Wren and Lou is explosive.
This series is incredible, it keeps getting better with each book. Even though TMARF can be read as a stand-alone I recommend reading The Peer and The Puppet first bc it will give you a insight on the characters that you see and meet more of later on in this book.
Louchana “Lou” Valentine is this mysterious girl who was dealt a bad hand in life. She’s sassy and doesn’t like to do what’s she’s told.
Wren Joseph Harlan is a young boy at the time just doing what he had to do to survive life. But when he meets Lou all things change.
In all I loved this book and going back to the Blackwood Keep gang. Definitely can’t wait for Jamie and Vaughn’s stories.
The Month and The Flame is the second book of when rivals play, we Finally, get to meet Lou and Wren story a story that starts when Lou was just a kid and Wren was already trying to survive in this scary world..
Lou has been running and hiding from the system not wanting to live with a family that maybe doesn’t even care about her.
she wants to disappear and never look back but life has other plans for her and sooner or later someone will come to her rescue, a knight ready to protect her and maybe stole her heart..
“I’m the moth to your flame, Lou. I’d rather be burned a thousand times than be free of you.”
Wren is trouble, he is working for the wrong side, trying to save his soul and life making things that he is not really proud of. he has so many secrets, secrets that can make him lost everything even the person who loves the most. He is protective, controlling and possessive when it comes to Lou making their friendship a little hard.
“I thought if I took care of you, I could fill the hole your parents left behind, but you ended up filling all of mine, instead.”
The Month and The Flame had the right amount of roller coaster feelings and twists that will keep you glued to your chair. The teasing and chemistry between Lou and Wren is off the charts.. no matter what, you could feel the intensity between them at all times..
“Something invisible, unbreakable, and incurable had a hold on us, drawing us in like moths to a single flame.”
We also get to see all the other amazing characters of this series Vaughn, Barbie, Ever, Four, and Jamie… making us understand the story even more..
Great continuation of the series, I can’t wait to read more about all these amazing characters..
This series gets intensified in all ways. The story arcing worked pretty well and it shed light to some questions left hanging from the first book. The chemistry between the main characters sizzles from the first page up to the last. The push and pull – thank the lord – worked well for them. The tension was palpable and it sizzles all throughout the story. The angst balanced the suspenseful events of the story. Definitely worth the long wait.
This book …where do I start. BB never stops to amaze me, I thought The Peer & The Puppet was my favorite but I think this one takes its place.
Wren and Lou, ugh. They are destined to be together forever, they are so right for one another.
The passion and the feelings they feel for each other and the sexual tension was..uff. Everything about their story is so explosive.
Both of them seem very mature for their age, but this does not surprise me at all because of the obstacles they had to face in their short life.
He’s so caring and protective of her and from the beginning of the story we can see that he’s madly in love with her(even though he does not want to admit it to himself) Lou is so brave, down to earth (just like Four) and that’s what I love the most about her.
Wren’s such a special character and I’m glad we could get to know more about him on this book, he was so secretive and strange on the first one and here we could know what a huge heart he has and how he cares about the ones he considers family.
The connection they had was instantaneous and I looove the way she pursued him to admit that he wanted her. As more than a friend.
Can’t wait to know more about them on the upcoming books and Four, Ever, Vaughn, Tyra, Barbie and Jamie gahhhh.
Honestly, could BB Reid be more addictive than this? There are millions of authors out there, all with a gift of creating stories that will remain with you for a long time ,but for me since I discovered her books I said I can’t find someone more addictive, her words just drawn you in the story without even realizing and you just can’t stop reading till the last page and even then you want more and more. The word created is so real and all the feelings and turns and twists that Lou and wren felt along this story were like ours, as one of our friends.
””“You have problems with trust, don’t you?” “Everyone does. Some have trouble giving it, and some have trouble keeping it. We all learn that the hard way.””
Yes, there are moments when you may say, no that doesn’t happen in real life but guess what, it does and it’s more terrifying than we can imagine. It’s a beautiful love story between teenagers that became friends in one moment of an unfortunate situation and we get onto an adventure full of love, angst, heartbreaking, denial, lust and everything in between for two souls that are finding their way in life.
””Lou was my onus. My light. The very last tether to my soul. I couldn’t risk losing her. It was out of the question. She meant so much more to me than a hot, dirty fuck. I needed her, more than she needed me.””
””He could have been my white knight, but his armor didn’t shine. It was shrouded in darkness, and it was only a matter of time before it swallowed him whole.””
A best friends to lovers, slow burn love that is much more than you can expect and you will have your heart beating so hard for some memorable laugh out loud moments, heartbreaking and denial of their true feelings, to the satisfying ending. Read it and you won’t be disappointed.
Review:
B.B. Reid writes the best angsty, mature teen romances. I have been in love with this series, with these set of characters, anda was very eager to read more about Lou and Wren.
Lou and Wren are best friends. Wren is a criminal, and life has put him on a path of crime. Even though, he’s got a heart of gold, and Lou will always have that special place in his heart. He’ll never cross the line with this special girl.
Lou doesn’t have those scruples. She’s loved her best friend forever, and will do anything to get him to love her back.
Where Wren is mature and wise beyond his years, Lou is immature. I’m not going to lie she got on my nerves a time or two. But that’s Lou for you- a bit immature, a bit messy, and a whole lot of sassy. She was very different from Four, and Wren was very different from Ever. Ever was a downright asshole (I love those!), but while Wren may have had his demanding moments, he was a sweet boy in B.B.’s standards.
God knows she can write men that make me want to rip my hair out (remember Angel?).
The banter between these two is hilarious at times, and when they finally get together- we all know B.B. never disappoints in that department.
Loved this book and cannot wait for the next one!.
THE MOTH AND THE FLAME
By B.B Reid
5
Release Date May 20
“Like a moth to a flame burned by the fire, my love is blind can’t you see my desire? That’s the way love goes” (Janet Jackson)
That is all I could think when I was reading Wren and Lou’s story. How the need and connection was so strong between the two. The pull was undeniable. The heat and chemistry was hot. If there was a song for Lou and Wren I would go with Janet’s, That’s the way love goes. The whole story was fantastic and the cover model made imagining Wren so much more sweeter in my mind.
Ahh…everything was perfection and if I could give this story more than 5 stars it would have gotten it, 5 + infinity ! TMATF deserves so many more stars!!! This story had me sucked it. I couldn’t put it down until I was finished and when I finished I wanted more. B.B Reid left me in a book hangover. Her characters, her words…they blew my mind.
“‘I’m the moth to your flame, Lou. I’d rather be burned a thousand times than be free of you.’”
This quote epitomizes Wren and Lou’s relationship from the first night they meet in B.B. Reid’s latest release, The Moth and the Flame, because regardless of all the reasons these two should go their separate ways: Wren’s ties to Exiled, their differing ages, the lack of control they seem to have around each other, and the immature antics that are perpetuated due to their respective jealousy, these ‘besties’ share an ‘invisible, unbreakable, and incurable’ bond that draws them together and refuses to release them despite the fact that when Lou finally ‘sees’ all that Wren is, she’ll finally know why he strove to protect her, even from himself.
It’s understandable why not many people around Wren and Lou understand the dynamics of their relationship. It’s quite a bit confusing given how adamant Wren is that they are nothing more than friends even if he acts like a jealous boyfriend anytime another guy shows interest in Lou, running them off before any of them can take her innocence away. Some would likely suggest that it’s completely unhealthy and dysfunctional given how possessive they are over one another and the steps that they both take to get each other’s attention, even in the most childish of ways.
It’s easy to forget just how young and naive Lou is when she and Wren meet, and even through the years the story takes place. Despite her smart mouth and independent nature as well as the struggles she’s had to endure, there is still an innocence about her that Wren refuses to take. The scenes where Lou exhibits her immaturity by acting like a spoiled brat and throwing tantrums when she doesn’t get her way, especially when it comes to what she wants from Wren, I actually found myself saying aloud ‘grow up,’ but then I took a moment to look at the bigger picture and realized that she’s actually acting like any normal teenager would, which is exactly who she is even though she’s had to grow up quickly and learn how to survive on her own because that’s the only person she ever really trusts.
I swear Wren has the patience of a saint, and while I will admit that at some points I wanted him to just give in to his feelings for Lou, give in to her constant pursuit, give in to how desperate he was to claim her as his, Reid hints at and illustrates concretely exactly why he can’t and won’t take something from her that she’ll never get back, and to me, that says more about him than any other thing he says or does for Lou.
I adore friends-to-lovers’ story lines, especially ones like Wren and Lou’s – a slow burn relationship for a number of reasons, which amps up the angst and also keeps readers wondering when they’ll finally go all in and become more complete than they’ve ever been. Lou’s age wis definitely a point of contention for Wren, but it’s so much more than that, and it’s those complications that B.B. Reid slowly reveals, clearly proving why, even though it just about killed both Lou and Wren as well as readers, the path that Reid puts her hero and heroine on is the one that is most beneficial for them, that allows them both to fully understand every step they take towards one another, and that’s what I held onto as I was going out of my mind for these two to finally figure out their crap and be together!
What I appreciate the most about B.B. Reid’s storytelling is that she crafts a unique plot line, going beyond stereotypical elements as well as quintessential character qualities. She creates such multifaceted characters – ones who are far from perfect and have both strengths and weaknesses as their story continues. I’m enjoying the heck out of Reid’s When Rivals Play series, and I am absolutely intrigued by the next couple in line for their story to be told!
4.5 Poison Apples
The Moth and the Flame is book two in the When Rivals Play series. When I heard this one was coming out I hadn’t read The Peer and the Puppet yet. I looked around and it looked like this one would be a standalone then I read that even though each book in the series would focus on a different couple there is a continuing story-line. I decided to read The Peer and the Puppet before reading this one and I suggest if you haven’t read that one ti read it first. I don’t think you’ll be lost if you didn’t read The Peer and the Puppet first but it will definitely enhance your enjoyment of this one.
This one is Wren and Lou’s story. These character have many layers and are very interesting. Lou is a strong girl and I really like that about her. Wren is all alpha and protective. Some of the question left over from the The Peer and the Puppet were answered and more questions remain. I’m now hooked on this series and can’t wait for the next one.
I’m officially OBSESSED with B.B. Reid’s When Rivals Play series! The Moth and the Flame was so goddamn intense and all-consuming, I feel like I just run a full marathon and held my breath the entire time I was in these characters’ world. Being back in Blackwood Keep, especially after reading The Peer and the Puppet, was almost surreal. It was both like coming home and stepping through a portal at the same time because I was definitely still yearning to see more of Four and Ever.
“She claimed I acted like her father rather than her friend. If that was what she called making sure no one ever hurt her again, then sure—I’d daddy the fuck out of her.”
I’ve read my fair share of friends to lovers romances, but B.B. Reid sure delivered a novel that was so much more than that. Because TMATF? It’s something more powerful and heart-pounding than any other recent new adult romance I’ve read that by the end, I ultimately just wanted to wrap Wren and Lou up in my arms and never let them go. It’s crazy. It’s angsty. It’s downright freaking addicting.
“I’m the moth to your flame, Lou. I’d rather be burned a thousand times than be free of you.”
To me, Wren Harlan and Louchana Valentine’s story was pure brilliance. It was packed to the brim with the kind of suspense and action and romance that would have you gripping sheets or biting your nails raw. But what I adored the most about this book was that these two started as friends—two strangers who only grew closer, more protective and possessive of the other, and developed way deeper emotions for one another over time. They had the kind of friendship that wasn’t just fierce and badass, but it was also something quite unique and special… something that was truly theirs.
“We were connected to the very last stitch. Letting Lou go would be like severing a limb. She belonged with me.”
The Moth and the Flame may be considered as a standalone, but I highly suggest that you first read The Peer and the Puppet. Aside from getting a slew of spoilers because of the way the stories are so intertwined with each other, reading TPATP will truly give you that insight as to who the other characters are and what roles they play in Wren’s life. Plus, you won’t get lost in the timeline of the whole series if you read the books in order either. And seriously, Four and Ever’s tale is something you wouldn’t want to miss anyway. So just start there.
“What’s mine is mine forever.”
Now I’m absolutely more than ready for Jamie and Barbie’s book, The Punk and the Plaything! Not only am I dying to see Jamie finally getting his girl, but it’s also a second chance romance and our time to peek at the past these two really had!
3.5 stars for – The Moth and the Flame – book two in the When Rivals Play series by B.B. Reid. While this book can be read as a stand-alone I highly suggest reading book one – The Peer and The Puppet – first in order to avoid a few tiny spoilers with other characters in the series. This series has many moving parts and is not for the faint of heart so consider yourself warned to not only pay attention but hang on to your seat – because you are in for one heck of a ride!
Louchana “Lou” Valentine had to grow up in foster care when her parents abandoned her. She jumped from house to house until she finally found a family she could tolerate yet she still ran away at regular intervals. Finishing high school wasn’t too high on her priority list the last time she ran away instead deciding eating and not freezing to death were more important until she met someone who would change her life.
Wren Harlan has not had an easy life but he chose to make the best of a bad situation. Befriending Lou was one of the easiest and hardest things he has ever had to do but she has become his entire world. When your best friend is the only woman you could ever fall in love with it leads to a lot of uncomfortable situations but she’s worth them all.
This was a very angst filled friends to lovers romance that slowly chipped away at my sanity for about 75% of the book. There was so much back and forth between these two I wanted to lock them in a room a few times just so they could figure it all out. Once they did finally get together though it was quite hot. With Jamie up next I can’t wait to see where the series goes next!
BB Reid absolutely blew me away with this book! She upped the Friends to Lovers game in this genre and blew it out of the water! I fell for Wren and Lou and kept on falling… There is so much sexual tension between the two of them that at times it is frustrating; but at the same time, BB kept these characters true to the crux of their relationship, so that when they do finally push it beyond just friends – it is like fireworks – a chemistry explosion – a volcano erupting! GAH – I just don’t know if I have the words. I don’t know if I’ve ever read a more emotional and passionate scene after the slow-burn and teasing from two characters. I think some of what I felt was due to their age and their circumstances – knowing that they truly only had each other made their bond that much more intense and passionate.
Lou is a spitfire. This girl is fearless, holds back no punches, and has been through hell and back when it comes to relationships and counting on others. She is convinced that she needs no one else in this world, and this belief is driven by her fear of abandonment. I laughed at her at times, and I cried for her. She shows her age during several scenes, but then at some point her character evolves and she becomes so much more than just a young woman fighting through her teen angst. She has so much life experience, and in the latter half of the book, she puts it to use in a way that is not selfish or immature, but is selfless and for a deeper cause. Her inner turmoil over loving Wren as a friend and not losing him is at first endearing, and then all-consuming. They are tethered by a string, and there is no breaking it. Her cries for attention and help were laughable at times, but Wren never gave up on her and each time he showed up, I fell for him a bit more.
Wren…oh Wren. This gangster bad-boy has a whole different side to him that only Lou gets to see. His protective nature and possessiveness of her are swoon-worthy and sexy at times. This guy is mature beyond his years! He has seen and heard and done just about everything, and although his outside edges are tough, on the inside he is just a hopeless romantic for Lou. I loved his love for her. I loved their fights – their ups and downs – and how their relationship evolved. It was so real and raw, and I felt every moment of it.
As The Peer & The Puppet characters are interspersed with Wren & Lou’s story, this book really picks up and I couldn’t put it down. More secrets are revealed and more remain unturned. You’ll be left with questions and yearning for the next book in this series. I absolutely loved how Four & Ever intertwined with Lou & Wren and you could just feel the bonds of not only friendship, but family building from their first encounter. I love these characters and I can’t wait for more! Wren & Lou are in my heart for a long time to come. Well done once again BB Reid!!
{I received this as an ARC in Exchange for an Honest review}
I ABSOLUTLEY LOVE this book with EVERYTHING in me. My Gosh Wren and Lou hold the angsty slow burning crown!!! This book is Incredible. I don’t think I have ever wanted a couple to just GET IN BED already more than these two!! The sexual tension and chemistry these two have is freaking crazy good!! I love Wren and Lou so much!!! Lou is a badass plain and simple. Wren has become one of my favorite Alpha asshole boyfriends. I loved him and how he would literally to anything for Lou. Lou is my spirit animal. No lie. She is brave, strong, and knows exactly how to get Wren’s attention. I am not the biggest fan of slow burn romances but the angst and build up between these two could set me on fire. I loved their journey and this dark story. I am obsessed with this series!! B.B. Reid writes the best dark romances and this interconnecting series is Phenomenal!!! I completely fell head over heels for Wren and Lou!! I am excited to see where they go in the books to come!!! Definitely read this Series!! It is one of my FAVORITES!!!!
Oh I have missed BB’s writing but this beauty was worth the wait.
BB has done what she does best, weave pure gold writing that pulls you in like a Moth to a Flame and holds your attention from beginning to the end. The push/pull between the characters and the secrets that are held will have you unable to put your kindle down.
If you haven’t read the first book in the series Peer and the Puppet then I highly suggest you do before starting this one as even though each book features a different couple there is a continuing storyline that runs throughout.
AS always BB has left me wanting MORE so I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Wow!! This friends to lovers romance stunned me. The storyline is complex and compelling. The characters are layered and complicated. Wren, was totally swoon worthy! He is a true duel sided hero. Dark and light in equal measures make him a study in contrasts that you would be happy devoting your time to explore in great detail. Lou was a grab bag of so many things. I felt like I was never sure what would happen when she was around. She was loving, selfish, feisty and funny. I also felt that her antics were a defense mechanism to protect her very fragile heart. Deeply emotional, dramatic, and suspenseful, filled with secrets and angst, this slow burn, YA romance was pure perfection!
B.B. Reid has brought the angst with this book!
This friends to lovers story is everything we need and more. Not only do we get a truly memorable love story, but we also get a story full of twists and turns. This is a slow, slow burn that drives you crazy, but in the most exhilarating way. And, let me tell you the sexual tension is off the charts.
Wren and Lou are what we have all been looking for. The witty banter. The push and pull. The emotional turmoil. The dirty talk! Darn, B.B. delivered all these things in abundance! I honestly cannot wait to get more Wren and Lou in my life. Wren was such a swoon worthy anti-hero and Lou is one young broken badass!! These characters were so well developed that you felt like you really did know them.
This book hooked me from the beginning and I could not put it down. I loved the interplay between the characters in book 1 (The Peer and The Puppet) and this book. The storylines were so well interconnected.
I’m honestly at a loss for words right now! I cannot even describe how much I loved this book!
Side Note: I NEED Jamie and Bette’s story ASAP!
Wren & Lou are EVERYTHING!!!! Seriously, every single amazing steamy, sweet, angst filled word swept me off my feet. The relationship between these two is breathtaking! The witty humor they share, their friendship that is so much more than a friendship but not quite what you want it to be. The sexual tension between them had me reading faster trying to get to THAT part! The part where they finally FALL…I’m telling you this is a slow burn romance in the absolute best possible way!! I absolutely love friends to lovers romances and this one just topped my list!
Lou….sweet Louchana Valentine; this girl is AMAZING! Abandoned by her parents and cast as an orphan she lives a difficult life filled with the inability to let people in. Somehow though, Wren manages to slip past all her defenses and the bond between the two is unbreakable. Wren….MAN OH MAN! Wren is so tough and hardcore you can’t imagine a tiny little thing like Lou breaking through his walls. She does though, they live for each other and are each other’s weaknesses. Although the attraction between these two is scorching hot; his need to protect her from EVERY SINGLE DANGER keeps him from being what she truly needs the most.
B.B. Reid manages to suck you into each moment thinking this is it!!! This is when it happens only for you to leave the room mind blown. Secret after secret, as they reveal themselves throughout the book catapults you into new exhilarating situations. The twists and turns around every single corner. I absolutely LOVED this book and highly recommend it.
My favorite parts of the book are when the moments when Lou wants to see Wren again…the lengths she will go to for his attention. I’m so smitten with Wren & Lou, I can’t wait to catch a little glimpse of them in future books.