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.
more
This is the final installment of the WHEN RIVALS PLAY series by BB reid and is the story of vaughn and tyra. Those who read The punk and plaything know what actually happened between tyra and vaughn that made them drift apart. However if you have not read the remaining novels of the series then I suggest you better do so because the plots are linked all together.
This book was such a emotional roller coaster for me and it was so worth the wait!!!
There was pain in this book, the teary scenes and also the ones that had me laughing so hard. everything about this book was perfect and it was a perfect ending to the best series ever written by BB Reid!!!!
„No matter which way the water flowed, it would always lead me back to you. You were the definite course.”
Did B.B. Reid announce somewhere that she’s taking part in the contest for the biggest heart-ripper? If not I would like to nominate her. The Prince and The Pawn left my heart so bruised that my chest still hurts. This freaking book was an emotional roller-coaster, filled to the brim with angst, suspense and sexual tension so thick that it can be cut with a knife. I knew that Tyra and Vaughn’s story would not be easy, but I was not prepared for THIS.
I was waiting impateintly for The Prince and The Pawn, because although Vaughn and Tyra were present in every part in the series, the dynamics of their relationship made me constantly hungry for more. It was only in their own book that I was able to find the answers to nagging questions and start putting everything together. And some conclusions made my heart ache. This love story was devastating at times, it made me rage and cry, but it was beautiful in its harshness. They say that the most beautiful love stories are born in pain and misery and it looks like B.B. Reid decided to test this theory to the max. I wanted to jump in this book and slap Vaughn more than once. I wanted to shake Tyra and open her eyes. But most of all, I just wanted them to be happy. And to finally reach that point, they needed to go through proverbial hell.
The Prince and The Pawn is a part in When Rivals Play series that gave me the biggest emotional kick. The push and pull made my head spin, but the unbreakable bond that connected Vaughn and Tyra kept me in place. I loved that despite ugly things that happened, I didn’t question their feelings, not once. Although their story is filled with many unexpected twists and turns, their love is constant. And that’s the ultimate beauty in this angsty ride.
It’s really hard to say goodbye to this series, because I’m really fond of the whole crew. The only plus from this farewell is the epilogue that filled my heart to the brim and put a smile on my lips. I’m gonna miss Blackwood Keep and these crazy, loveable characters!
As for The Prince and The Pawn- YOU NEED THIS BOOK IN YOUR LIFE! (but stock up on wine and tissues first, lol)
I could not be happier that I came across this series! These characters are EPIC and their stories are amazing. Their stories aren’t just wam bam HEA, they develop over time and consume you beginning to end. These books might not be a favorite for those who are impatient, but if you’re looking for a slow deep burn, they’re perfect for you!
The Prince and the Pawn kept my interest unlike The Punk and the Plaything so I’m thankful for that. Knowing this is the end for the When Rivals Play Series I was eager for answers and what the end would be like for them all. With this book I did something I normally don’t do though and that’s looking at reviews before reading it.. I regretted it for sure because I ended up finding out more then I would have liked and it made it hard going into this book without thinking about others opinions on it.
Tyra was as sharp tongued as ever in this one honestly and did some pretty crazy things. I know from reviews people thought she had gone weak but in a way we do sometimes for the ones we love still didn’t mean she let Vaughn walk all over her. Vaughn was a douche but you could tell he was captivated but Tyra and it was a battle honestly because they are just so headstrong. It was great reading as everything unfold and the secrets coming to light. I think about the only thing I disliked was a few things having to do with Tyra’s sister. It was awkward for sure. Nonetheless I loved how this one ending with a much needed Happily Ever After for everyone.
An appreciable ending to a fascinating series full of interesting characters.
A great conclusion to a epic series
Ok so there are definitely some mixed feelings about this story . But I do have to say this was a great way to end an intense series !
So let’s just start with that nasty “cheating factor” – yes there is some in this book . But it’s not al as it seems. So don’t shoot Vaughn down immediately . I’ll admit it was uncomfortable , as cheating is usually a hard no for me but I wanted to know how the bigger story ended too so I kept reading .
And Vaughn is one of those characters that you just hate to love . He’s harsh , yes. He’s dark and lost and broken but his life doesn’t allow for anything else . Underneath he’s a regular kid wanting to have his own dreams and be allowed to care about something without it being at risk of being taken away.
Tyra aka pip squeak – she’s stubborn and frustrating but also completely right in her hard stance against Vaughn at times .
This book has a bit of everything – Their chemistry is hot, their relationship turbulent . There is plots of revenge ,
Plots of murder and crime . Death and destruction . But also friendship and love and new hope .
This whole series has been dark and bulky type alpha males meet strong women coupled with an interesting larger story plot that the story’s connect together with and follow so if you are interested I do suggest starting at the beginning and reading all of them !
Literally just finished the book. I basically devoured it having just read The Punk and his Plaything last week. I loved it. A totally epic finale to an awesome series. Every couple unique with an interconnected plot. Vaughn and Tyra were magically intense. I loved everything about them, the jock falling for the nerd. Best combo ever!
After what felt like the longest journey, our favourite group finally gets their happy ever after. However, Vaughn and Tyra’s story was unexpected. I have to admit I didn’t put much thought into their relationship reading the earlier books because I didn’t fully understand their relationship. But this book has opened my eyes and made me fall in love with the anti-hole that is Vaughn Rees. My heart broke a few times, it raged but then it filled so fast I never saw it coming. I loved it.
I’m definitely gonna miss this series but it was a perfect finish to the best group of people.
I’m sad that this series has ended but I’m also happy for every single couple and their happily ever after because we did need all those epilogues for each one of them and Jamie made me laugh so hard that my face is still hurting.
As for Vaughn and Tyra , I didn’t expect their stories to be so raw and heartbreaking but I loved every single second of it.
I’m gonna miss them all
This book tore my heart open! Ugh I wanted to strangle Vaughn so bad on multiple occasions! I hated Selena on a completely different level! Vaughn had a lot on his shoulders because of his dad and it was eating at him from the inside out. In his efforts to try to protect Tyra he did something completely stupid to push Tyra away and it worked. I wasn’t expecting most of what happened in this book. But I loved it, I loved the emotional rollercoaster BB Reid put me through.
What can I say? BeBe has done it again. Her final installment of the When Rivals Play series provided me with an fulfilling reading experience. The story of Tyra and Vaughn served as a great bookend for the series. Entertaining? YES! So much so, I couldn’t put it down.
Be prepared for some laughter, especially when Jamie’s involved, and lots of surprises! The best part is…readers actually receive closure.
OMG my emotions ran the gamut over this book. I laughed, was furious, and cried so hard. I didn’t know I could be so mad and want to murder a character in a fictional story. I think part of it also is saying goodbye to these characters also. It was the perfect ending of this series, and that extended Epilogue… beautiful & so funny!
4.5 stars
I’m so sad to say good bye to this series. I have loved every couple and book but I think this one was my favourite! The story I had been waiting for!
Vaughan was the Alpha Male I hate to love! Whilst I didn’t like what he did I completely understand it considering the b*****d that was his father! He will do whatever he has to to keep Tyra safe but when push comes to shove and secrets are revealed he will do whatever he has to for her, to be with her.
Once I started this I was 100% hooked and didn’t want to put it down until I had finished and survived every brilliant twist and turn, every edge of your seat action! I honestly wasn’t sure if my heart could take it!
Whilst this is portrayed as a standalone in an interconnected series I would recommend reading the other books first as there is so much going on with the other couples still so this will give you major spoilers on their stories.
Well done BB Reid on another brilliant read!!
3.5 Stars
I was so excited to go back to Blackwood Keep and visit my favorite crew in The Prince and The Pawn . I fell in love with this unique gang of friends and it was one of the main reasons why I continued on with this series. I had high hopes and prayed that the series would go out with an epic ending.
Vaughn and Tyra’s story was a bittersweet one that was filled with angst, mysteries and turmoil. I loved the dynamics between them. They couldn’t be more opposite to each other but somehow they brought out the best in each other. They had this connection that was irreversible. I understand why Vaughn thought he needed to keep Tyra at arm’s length, but I also think that Tyra deserved to know the truth.
The first part of the book was great and gave me all the feels. However, it went downhill from the night in the cabin. I don’t understand why the author had to ruin a sacred and pure scene. I don’t see the point of adding “the extra” on the scene; there was no purpose or follow up as to why the intrusion was needed. The drama was too over the top and the tied up of the overall plot of Thirteen and Exiled was a bit bland.
One bright side of the book was the epilogues. We got a glimpse of the life after the HEA for every couple in the series. They had all reached their dreams and were all well and loved. It truly was a bittersweet good-bye to a special gang of friends.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
THIS BOOK!!!
Oh my word…This Book!!! It has so much going on in it that you are on such a rollercoaster!! It’s action packed, full of surprises and has your emotions running wild! I didn’t want to say goodbye to this series and characters and I’m secretly hoping BB Reid will do a spin off so I don’t have to truly say goodbye but this was a brilliant book to end the series with.
A story of unrequited love delivering twists and turns only B.B Reid can deliver.
THE PRINCE AND THE PAWN is an epic ending to a captivating and addictive series.
Each book is inter-connected and shows how each person in this close group of friends finds love and not one of them are in the conventional way which is what I love about B.B Reid’s books.
Unpredictable, exciting Vaughn and Tyra’s story was just as edgy as the others and you just didn’t know what to expect.
Yo are given more insight on Vaughn’s father and the control he has over his lie and how he expects Vaughn to follow in his footsteps and not his career in football. Tyra is the girl he falls for but isn’t allowed to have.
There are many twists and turns along with suspense within the plot and it was a good story that will have you eagerly turning the pages.
I’m not sure if this can be read as a standalone. I read it after a long gap after the other book and didn’t feel like I need to know much about the others to understand Vaughn and Tyra’s story so I would say it could be however to get an overall feel for the journey and where it takes you I would suggest reading from the beginning which is THE PEER AND THE PUPPET which is Four’s story yes that’s her name Four which still confuses me her name being a number who is Tyra’s best friend.
Recommended coming of age, dark edgy series available in KU
5
This right here is what a final looks like, this book was an EPIC ride from start to finish. B.B had me all up in my feelings while reading, to the point I wasn’t sure if I could finish. Vaughn and Tyra will hold a special place in my heart that is just for them. Their journey is not easy in the slightest, but it’s theirs and its PERFECTION.
’ , , ..
Vaughn and Tyra are both flawed and held captive by their circumstances. But the love that they feel for each other is a tether that holds them together. They are embedded in each other to their very marrow. No matter what they do they will always have that connection. I’m not going to lie they both make some monumental mistakes that are at times hard to read and hard to understand. I had to put my Kindle down multiple times and take a break so that I didn’t throw it. But the reasons behind their mistakes are understandable you have to put yourself in their situations and ask yourself, how would I handle this? Do I think they did the right things every time, No. But do I understand why they made those choices, Yes.
, , , . .
The part that I was not expecting was just how damaged Vaughn was. You could feel his anguish bleed from the pages, causing your heart to physically ache for him. I could not imagine what he’s gone through his whole life, but I know that it was not an easy life to have. You also get to see a different side to Tyra, and I was not prepared for it, but so excited. She’s got a feisty side that I am obsessed with and talk about freaking stubborn boy between her and Vaughn I don’t know who was more. There’s also this part towards the end where Tyra handle a situation and I am was all about it!!! Let me tell you I whooped it up when it happened mentally high fiving my girl.
’ — , . ’ .
My heart and soul belong to this world that B.B has created. I have been OBSSESSED with it since the very beginning and I cannot get enough of these characters. Vaughn and Tyra’s story is not easy but it’s necessary. B.B did an amazing job of wrapping up Thirteen and Exiled in way that made sense while bringing back the previous couples and giving us glimpses into their lives. This story will wreck you in the best way and give you the closure that you were looking for. I was not expecting my heart to be shattered like it was, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Thank you, B.B for bringing us Blackwood Keep and characters that will live with us long after were done!
2.5 stars
I need to start this review saying that I love BB Reid so much, and I LOVE this series, but Vaughn and Tyra story disappointed me on so many levels. And I really wanted it to be the best book (Even though Ever and Four are my fave couple from this series) because it was the last book of these amazing series. The book that was supposed to tie everything together and leave me happy with the series.
I’m probably in the minority here. I’ve seen other positive reviews and I have never hesitated on writing a review before because I understand how much time and love a writer gives to a story, but I just can not lie with what my feelings are towards this story. When I read the first book of the series, The Peer and the Puppet, we got to meet Tyra and Vaughn and I LOVED how they interacted with their friends and each other. We only have a slight idea how they were as a couple. They both fit perfectly in the group, Tyra was Four’s best friend and Vaughn was Ever’s best friend, it was perfect!!! It made sense for them to be together, not only because they fit in with the group, but they just FIT together in general. I have been waiting for this book, for what seems like forever, to get to know more of the last couple of this series and I have to say that I wish we haven’t learned about them at all. I liked the Tyra and Vaughn I met and loved in the first books in this series. What happened to them?!?! I was SO disappointed by both characters. I never felt a love connection between them, it was just lust and a very toxic relationship. They would’ve been better off going their separate ways. And honestly, the plot twist that brought them back together, is probably the only reason they ended up back in each others lives. Vaughn wasn’t going to chase her and Tyra wasn’t going to come back…until THAT plot twist happened. I can’t give you more information, but Vaughn never knew how to deal with his feelings for Tyra and he made the most unforgivable mistakes towards her. And Tyra made dumb decisions when it came to Vaughn…only thinking with her lady bits because she wanted his Prince Albert. Us girls, we get our hearts broken so many times, but we’re capable of getting back up and dealing with it. Tyra knew her whole life what she wanted. She had goals and aspirations. She was a good girl with a loving and supportive dad and a bright future ahead of her…until Vaughn. I can’t stand it. That was what disappointed me the most, Tyra’s lack of self-esteem and confidence. What happened to Tyra?
The one thing I can say that I did love about this story was we get to know more about Four, Ever, Lou (I love her so much!) Wren, Bee and of course, Jamie. I loved the epilogue! I’m glad I finish reading the book because I love how things end for this lovely series, I just did NOT like the journey this book took us on to get to that ending.
“Why River ?” “ Because he was proof that no matter which way the water flowed, it would always lead me back to you . You were the definite course . “
5 forever stars !!!!
Wow what a ride this series has been and BB Reid went out with a bang ! This story captivated me from the first page , there was drama , angst , heartache, betrayal oh boy the betrayal ! The emotions this book put me through, at times I found myself terrified to read through certain parts and others I couldn’t read through it fast enough ! It’s like you know what’s going to come but the emotional impact you aren’t ready for no matter if you expect it or not , it will leave you breathless and in emotional turmoil , you’ll feel everything these characters go through, the writing is that good ! This was hands down a epic ride ! This crew will always have a special place in my heart and I’m sad to see it’s over , but on the other hand happy that everyone got there hea ending that they so deserved !
*** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book ***
Overall Rating – +
BB has the ability to pull you right in from that first chapter, well prologue in this case and man did I hurt alongside Tyra. Vaughn, I wanted to smack him and cause him harm and Tyra, I wanted to shelter her good soul.
The prologue sets the book up and moving into the first chapter we go back a little in time and although I hated Vaughn for what he has done, you couldn’t help but fall in fall with him. He’s got the body, attitude, charm, ego and possessive nature down, he’s headstrong and although he is a bit of a dick at times, his love for Tyra was always at the front of his mind.
Tyra, at first she’s sweet, then as the book goes on she becomes stronger, allowing betrayal and hatred to fuel her. I loved when she came more into herself and was more able to stand up to Vaughn and cause him bother and make him suffer, which I loved, I just wished she made him suffer more !
“Don’t you dare look at me like your pussy is on a platter unless you’re ready to sit on my dick.”
The heat levels in this book are fire, you don’t want to miss out on Vaughn and his dirty mouth!
Since this is an interconnecting series all our favourite couples make an appearance and contribute to the story. I still LOVE Jamie for his wit and ability to stir the pot winding everyone up.
For me this is the best book in the series, although Four and Ever are a close second, Vaughn and Tyra were everything, although I did want to bang both their heads together at parts! It was fun, flirty, heartache, angst, turmoil and full of secrets. BB gave us treat with the extended epilogues for each couple and I’m now sad the series is over, but it’s definitely up there with one of my all-time favourites. A MUST read series!
ARC received for an honest review – thank you
____________________
Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 32%
POV – Duel
Hero – +
Heroine – +
Story –
Steam –
Chemistry –
I hate to admit, but I found this to be a lackluster conclusion to a series that I have adored from the beginning. From the very first page of the When Rivals Play series, I was hooked. B.B. is the queen of writing those complicated, angsty, bully-to-soul-consuming lover stories that I salivate over. While no couple has lived up to the chemistry and fire that is Ever and Four, I devoured Jamie/Barbie and Wren/Lou’s books – I felt consumed by them, in a good way- entranced- there was enough edge to make me anxious , but not so much that I felt was unforgivable, and I believed their love. (even with the whole classroom scene in Jamie’s book)- this one I also devoured, but for different reasons, I just kept hoping it would get better- that it would hurt less, somehow the situation would repair itself. We get our HEA for everyone, but the path we take to get there in this book in particular is hard, and I spent more time feeling devastated, angry, and upset than I did believing the love here.
B.B. is a fantastic writer-her prose is seamless, her characters interesting and consistent, and she writes complex, anguished, soul wrenching love stories fraught with emotional tension and dark undertones- the kind of love that isn’t neat, or easy, or even pretty at times but that is so all consuming for our characters (and us as the readers) that you find nothing but beauty within the fractured, tainted, and dark constructs containing it. Like all her books, this story centers on an alpha male who intentionally hurts, and distances himself, from the heroine to shield them both from the consequences of their complicated love, and we have a heroine who is scrappy, willing yet unwilling to take the emotional trauma of the relationship.
We’ve had a lot of built up to Tyra and Vaughn’s story- and expectations were high, perhaps too much so, because this just didn’t deliver the story, nor the conclusion, I desired for our characters, and there were times when reading that I’d just stopped at the last book. It is hard to speak about why this let me down without some mild spoilers- I’ll leave out the major ones (because like all B.B. books we have a lot of unexpected conflict and challenge, and the challenges in this book are crucial and also pretty character defining), but if you don’t want ANY hint of what is to come, just know that this didn’t do it for me, and stop reading here.
Still with me? Okay, here goes.
Tyra deserved better than this story-and both Vaughn and Tyra weren’t exactly the characters I remember. That is to be expected somewhat, since we are FINALLY getting into their heads, so we know them better, but Tyra felt like a shell of herself, submissive and passive. Where is the pistol? Where is the intelligent girl who commands the room? We lost her here. Vaughn is darker, less likable- I had a hard time connecting to him, and I had a hard time buying their connection. In part that is because BB has built it over the last books, but we never got a window in- I was hoping here we’d get some of their backstory, and while we do get some flashbacks, they all happen over the course of the end of the last book, which means we don’t get any of the Tyra-Vaughn “falling” for each other fodder, we just sort believe that they do.
After that first chapter, I knew I’d have a hard time falling for Vaughn, even though I knew we didn’t have the whole story. And then, we get the flashback that broke my heart- the story of Tyra losing her virginity. In my real life, sure, I want to be all feminist and liberated and say that your first time isn’t all that big of a deal and patriarchy puts too much into it…blah blah…but in my book world, I want there to be something special between our characters, and man, this moment was gut wrenching and unnecessary and not sexy at all. I’m not sure if BB meant it to be illicit and taboo or not, but it turned me off and made me cry because I felt so sad for Tyra, and so angry at Vaughn. And, I didn’t love the stuff that was going on with some of our other characters, too. Thanks GOD we had some comedic relief from Jamie.
We get our explanations, we get our HEA, but for once I feel like the pathway there was just too emotional hurtful for me to accept it and feel good about it. Vaughn does some redeeming, and we get to see him being super responsible in ways that are super sexy, but I just couldn’t make my heart fall in line. And I hate that- I know BB poured her soul into this, and sometimes the authors have to follow here the characters tell them to go. I get it- this was the story that BB wanted. The story itself is interesting and engaging and well told, but it is just not the story that I selfishly wanted for Tyra, and for that, this is not the conclusion I’d hoped for.
Fortunately, we get some satisfaction in an extended epilogue where each couple gets a feature, which bumped this up to 3 stars and serves as a little balm to the empty burn this book left in my heart. I love you BB, and I’ll read everything you write, but this just wasn’t my fav.
I knew that B.B. Reid was going to end her amazing When Rivals Play series epically, taking both her characters and her readers on one hell of a final journey, and I can wholeheartedly say that Reid wrung every single heartbreaking and heartwarming emotion out of me, making me question my sanity as I dove deeper into the tumultuous and dark world she crafted and witnessed Vaughn Rees and Tyra Bradley walk a delicate line toward each other, knowing that life is a cruel bitch, at times, and that other’s intentions can far outweigh the desire that two people have, even if it’s not necessarily what they want or even need.
Readers who have read the series from the beginning aren’t strangers to the complicated dynamics of Vaughn and Tyra’s relationship, and even though we are privy to a bit of insight when it comes to this couple, it’s not until they get their own story and tell things from their perspectives that all of the questions that we’ve been collecting every time these two wind up in a scene get answers, and while their responses shed significant light on who Vaughn and Tyra are, sometimes, that information is not what readers want to hear, which further complicates things in unprecedented ways.
But the couples and the love they have for each other in this series can’t be ever be described as warm and fuzzy, in any way shape or form. All characters have experienced the cruelty of the world and have endured extremely difficult situations, which means that there is a grittiness to each of the couples and that rings true in The Prince and the Pawn more so, I think, than with any of the other couples. And that means that Vaughn and Tyra will not come out of this unscathed, but, hopefully, they will come out of it together, but Reid sure makes them work for it.
B.B. Reid has the uncanny ability to create flawed heroes and heroines – ones who work tirelessly to convey an external perception that holds up to their biggest critics and their most dangerous enemies, but what it also does is force a divide between them that can be extremely difficult to overcome, especially when Vaughn and Tyra seem hellbent on going about things in all the wrong ways.
The prince is not so much princely as he is someone who conveys control and wields power. There were several times throughout the story that I wanted to junk punch Vaughn, but then Reid would have him do or say something that would bring him back in my good graces, but that never lasted too long, and then I was back to wanting to smack him something fierce.
Tyra’s role as the pawn is an interesting one, because as the story moves forward, she shows herself to be quite the adversary for all that was up against her, and while there were times that I didn’t understand her choices or her actions, I held steadfast to the thought that she was doing everything she could not to be categorized as someone to be used and, for the most part, she stands firm and exuded strength even in the most difficult of scenes.
I hate that this series has come to an end. I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it, even when I wanted to send ranty messages to the author. And I LOVE how Reid brought all the couples together in the final book and allowed each reader to say their own version of goodbye to these heroes and heroines who have been in our hearts and our heads for quite some time.
4.5 Poison Apples