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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I am speechless. B.B. Reid is a league on her own. Whatever she writes expect nothing less than perfection. Her stories are deliberately written, captivating from the very first page, and very surprising. She goes with the flow, current trends, and creates real heroes with who you wish you could hang out and be friends. They are honest, brave, confident, supportive, and funny to the core.
The Prince and the Pawn is no exception. The author with a bang ended When Rivals Play series. I devoured every word and with every turned page fell in love with Vaughn and Tyra just a little bit more. Prepare to be overloaded with emotions, at the edge of your seat, and rapidly beating heart. Prepare for an emotional second chance love story, with an unexpected plot twist, very possessive hero and strong heroine. Vaughn and Tyra’s road to happiness wasn’t easy. It was filled with crushing blows, uncontrollable passion, sacrifices, and love so big and raw you could feel it through every chapter.
”(…) no matter which way the water flowed, it would always lead me back to you. You were the definite course.”
I could not imagine a better ending of When Rivals Play series. The author not only concentrated on delivering us outstanding Tyra and Vaughn’s story but she also gave us her vibrant heroes from previous stories. They were the most delicious cherry on the top! I was so happy to read their happy endings too. And now I am crying because this is definitely over.
Bravo!
This series has been a fresh, turbulent, and emotional ride. I’ve enjoyed diving into this series that BB Reid has created. These characters have been ones I loved getting to know. That being said… I feel like this book took it into a new direction. It had a lot of things that I still enjoyed in it, but several things took it to a place that was just not for me – or didn’t work for me. I don’t want to dive into those things and ruin this for anyone so I will leave it here. It’s basically a “It’s not you it’s me” thing.
When you spend years with these guys and girls from Blackwood Keep for years, it’s hard to not get stupidly emotional over the ending. B.B. Reid made The Prince and The Pawn the hardest book to read in this series. Vaughn and Tyra’s story has left me emotionally spent. Most complex, maddening, infuriating, heartbreaking and devastatingly beautiful story by B.B. Reid till date.
Vaughn has the weight of the world on his shoulder. His manipulative and heartless father. The dark corrupt world dragging him down. His determination to keep his best friends out of this mess. And finally a girl he should never have fallen for. Tyra calms his chaos. She makes him whole. But he cannot have her. At least not without destroying her. And this leads to the heartaching series of events those broke me irreparably. What will happen when the best friends become greatest enemies?
B.B. Reid is making her girls suffer for sure. Along with my heart. Tyra has walked on burning coals. Falling for the popular jock cost her dearly. The author shredded her heart way too many times and there were moments where I though, “That’s it. I am done. I am not going to read it anymore.” Because this was rough. Seeing a sweet, innocent and lively girl like Tyra getting charred by heartbreak, lost dreams and pain was too much. But she is fierce. The fire in her soul brightens even a dead soul like Vaughn. The emotions cut me deeply. So why am I giving it four stars? Because there are some choices I do not agree with. And those were significant factors. Of course I love arrogant, cocky, brooding, sexy, fearless, overprotective, possessive and vulnerable Vaughn. But I feel Tyra forgave him too easily. He did put himself on line of fire for Tyra and their future. But there are some things even his devotion and dedication cannot redeem. I understand the reasons but those actions were not at par with his personality. Their chemistry was pure fire. And they are no doubt soulmates. And B.B.Reid made me cry with the epilogue. Four, Ever, Lou, Wren, Jamie and Bee hold a special place in my heart. So special that it’s abnormal for fictional characters and I am having difficulty saying goodbye to them. And that ending was everything.
The Prince and The Pawn by B.B. Reid challenged me, hurt me, healed me and took me to an unforgettable ride. I went through extreme emotions those I didn’t know how to handle. This is so much more than an epic enemies to lovers romance. This one hundred percent gifted artistry.
Received ARC for honest review
“Now tell me you’re mine and accept that I can never be yours.”
Utterly, Irrevocably broken…I was not expecting this story to unfold as it did! This is one of my most anticipated reads and it was beyond amazing. Vaughn is cold, calculating and a little damaged.
Tyra is a smart good girl who is maybe a little too trusting and strong. So very strong. The Prince and the Pawn definitely took me by surprise! I laughed, I cried and I was left in awe. This was the most emotionally tolling of the series for me.
“My soul had been crushed, the tethered bond slashed.”
I absolutely loved seeing the interaction with the previous books couples. This book and this series has been mind blowing, breathtaking and epic!!! I could not have asked for a better ending to an enthralling series.
“And once you’re mine, you’ll never be anyone else’s. That I can fucking promise you.”
~ Read on behalf of Two Darlin Dolls and a Book Review Blog
From the very beginning I was team Tyra and I’m so glad Vaughn ended up with her. Frankly going into this one I didn’t really have big expection on how this would play out.
Yet BB managed to give me things I didn’t even know I needed and wrap things up nicely.
In order to not give away too much, I won’t go in depth.
I will say that Tyra and Vaughn are beautifully flawed individuals and might seem like an unlikely pair but that’s what makes them perfect for each other. I have to attempt that there was one particular thing I absolutely hated that Vaughn did which is why my rating isn’t a 5 star.
With all that being said BB absolutely deserves the credit for how she managed to continue showing us the importance of friendship, loyalty, forgiveness and love these characters give another.
I adored the epilogue so much and appreciate all the different points of view.
Would definitely recommend this series!
he Prince and the Pawn is a phenomenal read and this author has completely obliterated all of my expectations and then some! The prologue left me speechless and what followed was a roller coaster of a ride that left me ugly crying, swooning, throwing my kindle, laughing, and sitting on the edge of my seat. I felt like my heart was chewed up, spit back out, and then carefully pieced together by the end all while wondering how this author created such a masterful story. I wasn’t sure how the author was going to pull it all together, but let me tell you, it was spectacularly done!
In keeping things relatively vague, just know that this book check marks all of my boxes – an alpha hero, a strong heroine, and an original and intricate plot. Vaughn and Tyra are beautifully flawed and may seem like an unlikely pair, but the bond between them is unbreakable. Vaughn, for all of his possessive and obsessive nature, endeared himself to me even if I wanted to throttle him at times. I adored Tyra for her strength and bravery.
While The Prince and the Pawn’s story focuses on Vaughn and Tyra, the author continues to beautifully illustrate the importance of friendship, loyalty, and love as the characters from the previous books play prominent roles. This book did contain some secrets and lies, but there were not any truly jaw dropping twists and turns as I expected given the earlier books. The Prince and the Pawn is the final book in series of an interconnected series of standalones, but I do recommend starting this series from the beginning for the ultimate experience and also because I think you would be a bit lost otherwise. I am left with bittersweet feelings as I have become so invested in the characters. I am not ready to say good bye to them, but I do feel that this author did them justice. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced, emotional read and I definitely recommend it.
***5 Stars***
Ok. Where to begin??
First, if you haven’t read the series STOP right now, pick up The Peer and the Puppet and start binging because while this book is about Tyra and Vaughn’s journey to their HEA, it also resolves issues that were exposed in the previous books.
Second, if you have read all the books, then you are in for one hell of a ride, so buckle up baby!
Now for the very vague-non spoilery reviewer.
Tyra and Vaughn piqued my interest from the start and as the series progressed I NEEDED to know more about both of them ~ especially after how things were left with them at the end of The Punk and the Plaything and I have to say getting to know these two, to see inside their hearts and heads was a trip. I loved both of them. I wanted to Gibbs smack both of them numerous times, and I had to remind myself that regardless of everything they were teenagers who were growing up way too fast. But they worked for me. Even with all the angst and crazy going on around them, they worked because they filled in each other’s missing pieces and made each other stronger and I have to say that I liked how everything worked out in the end.
But as much as I loved Tyra and Vaughn, it was the rest of the Blackwood Keep crew that kicked my enjoyment of this book up a few notches. I loved hanging out with them, seeing how their relationships have evolved and just how loyal they are to each other. While I love them all, Lou, Jamie and Four had me falling even deeper into adoration with them, they simply rocked! There were a few newbies that piqued my interest and I’m crossing my toes that we will get to see them in the future.
As far as finale’s go, this was a great one. I really liked how all the little things that had been floating around got tied up and the epilogue was everything! I am hoping that this isn’t the last time we’ll hear from this crew, but only time will tell.
~ Copy provided by SBPR & voluntarily reviewed ~
This entire series and these characters are EPICALLY UNFORGETTABLE!
Every book in this series was a favorite. I never lost interest. I always wanted more. Everytime I started a new book within this series, I am reminded how amazing it is.
The characters become family. This is like attending the best family reunion with your favorite people.
I will not spoil this final book of the series. The road has been wrought with emotions to get us here. Experience it for yourself and you will not be disappointed. Vaughn and Tyra are more than I hoped for. I didn’t read any teasers or excerpts. I just went along for the ride. And what an emotional ride it was.
I LOVED EVERY HEART WRENCHING MOMENT!!!
From the first page to the last I was addicted. I definitely was wrung out with this story. The author gave her all and made me feel every single emotion that these characters experienced. I got pissed. I hurt. I hoped. I forgave. I loved.
Vaughn is possessive and all alpha sexiness. He’s infuriating and troubled. He’s the bad boy you can’t resist.
Tyra’s a smart girl. She’s headed for the Ivy league. She never intended to let Vaughn into her heart. He tried to warn her off, but it didn’t matter.
The sparks will fly. The chemistry is intense. The soul is forever changed.
Enjoy the journey. You won’t want it to end. And the epilogue was PERFECTION.
My heart is breaking that this book marks the end of a phenomenal series that I’ve loved from the moment I started it. But I am so happy that I got to read about each one of these characters. The author put together an outstanding, all-consuming, and addictive series of books that had my heart all over the place. Shattering one minute, and fluttering the next. It is going down as an all-time favorite.
This has been a book I’ve been looking forward to. One of my most anticipated. BB became a favorite author of mine last year and I have devoured every single book she has written, falling in love with each character as I read along. Tyra and Vaughn’s book was emotional, twisted, heartbreaking, dark, and insane… I was hooked from page one and as always, the author kept my attention all the way through. She had my heart going stupid. I was not ready for what I got… NO ONE IS READY!
I’m going to say this now… THIS WAS ROUGH… Probably one of the most mind-blowingly crazy books I read by this author. Seeing everything these characters went through especially Tyra, our innocent, sweet beautiful heroine… Jesus, it kept breaking my heart over and over again. I can’t put into words the feelings I was feeling. The angst level is HIGH AF, the emotion, the torment, the pain, the heartache, and the twisted turns I didn’t see coming… I honestly thought my heart was going to combust, it didn’t know what it was doing. This took me longer to get through than normal because I did have to take breathers to collect myself… And that’s not a bad thing at all. It was proof that this book was everything it anticipated it would be.
I’m not going to dive into the plot too much, I will say that you need to be prepared for anything, be prepared for plot twists. Prepare for your heart to break into a million pieces. Prepared to be angry and sad and happy all in one… Seriously, just prepare yourself!
This author is a favorite, she pushes boundaries, and she thinks outside the box and it shows within the books she writes. She’s truly talented and I am so glad I discovered her because I will continue to come back to each book of hers and re-read them. Especially this series and this book.
Amazing, insane, all-consuming, addictive, and perfect sums this book up!
I cannot recommend this series enough or this book.
6/5 Stars
I just want to make it clear that I love BB Reid. She’s a tremendous author and one whose writing and characters are beloved in the community. The When Rivals Play series is one of my favorites and I’m so in love with these couples and their stories.
That being said, I have NO CLUE as to what happened with this book.
I’ve been looking forward to this one for ages and it’s just… flat. Tyra is completely hopeless, never showing any signs of growth. I found her to be weak and wishy washy. Vaughn, whom I loved this entire series, shows potential for greatness, but doesn’t act on it. The plot is highly predictable, yet boring, and while Reid could have made tensions rise and kicked up the angst factor, she didn’t. I was skimming by 16% in. I can’t believe this is the final book of the series. Vaughn Rees deserves better, honestly.
From a technical standpoint, this book hits the bullseye without question. The other redeeming points include plenty of time with the other couples and the extended epilogue. Without either, this book would have been a DNF, or maybe a one star at best.
I know BB Reid put a lot of time and heart into this book and into this series, and I’m so grateful for that. Truly. But this one missed the mark entirely.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
“I hadn’t fallen for any of that. I’d tumbled head over heels for him-the boy he allowed himself to be for no one else but me.”
I’m so sad this series is over!! Each and every book was 5 stars of alpha swoon perfection and Vaughn and Tyra were no exception!! They circled each other, not quite ever laying claim, torn apart by outside influences, completely unable to ignore the intense pull each had over the other. Danger and deception, so many obstacles, the stakes couldn’t be higher, I laughed, I white-knuckled my kindle, and re-read all the extended epilogues with tears in my eyes knowing this was the final ride of some of my favorite characters. Each one holds a special place in their own right, each story and character unique, yet an absolute blast to read. If you have not held any of the hotness in your hands, you are sorely missing out!! It was an epic journey of heat, humor, mind blowing chemistry, and antics beyond your wildest dreams!! I will never forget this set of characters, nor the feelings they brought out while I was consumed by their world. I thank the Author profusely for writing and allowing me to review!!
“I’d be whatever he needed-his angel of mercy, his light out of the darkness. I’d corrupt my soul to save his if I had to.”
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
The epic finale to this series was nothing short of amazing. I was on a roller coaster of emotions and there was so much feelings for Tyra and Vaughn. I was on edge and had a hard time putting the Kindle down. At one point I had to loosen my grip on it. I did enjoy the epilogues and seeing all the previous characters again.
EPIC. PHENOMENAL. ALL THE FEELS.
O.M.G.G!!!
Can we have a standing ovation please for B.B. Reid.
What an EPIC FINALE to a PHENOMENAL SERIES!!
I’m so in ALL THE FEELS, I’m literally bursting and there aren’t enough words to say just how PHENOMENAL The Prince and the Pawn is. This is undoubtedly THE BEST book of the series although it’s taken each successive book to get to this point. So this series is mind-blowing and PHENOMENAL on all levels. Just when I thought I couldn’t love this series anymore B.B. has proven yet again what a masterful writer she is.
Holy freaking moly!! I felt every single emotion known to man; I cried so many tears, sad tears, angry tears, happy tears, I laughed, I wanted to cut some bishes, I raged, I was ready to the burn the the whole f*cking world down, and then I swooned, and double swooned.
It hurt so much I didn’t want to read anymore, I loved it so much did not want it to end.
Vaughn, oh baby, you are not ready for Vaughn. He was not what I expected yet still he was EVERYTHING AND SO MUCH MORE!! But Tyra, though, this freakin girl!! I loved her throughout this series and she has grown into the most remarkable character.
TYRA IS BAE!!! I call dibs.
I’ve gone from the worst heart-wrenching pain ever to my heart feeling so full of happiness. THE FREAKIN BEST book of the series. EPIC FINALE!!! Bebe Reid, you have outdone yourself yet a-freaking-gain! I was in absolute shock as the plot unfolded sucking me into this timeless vortex of this amazing group of friends, as everything came full circle in this series, it’s bittersweet saying goodbye but I know these characters will live with me. And this definitely a series I reread time and time again.
5++++ ALL THE FEELS STARS
Words of deception coat his tongue, as he tries to keep his distance. They both know this but pretend otherwise.
She sees what lies beneath the life of luxury that he leads, and past the future he will lead, but does she see her truth or his truth?
Hmm…. I’ve had to think about this a great deal as the original book in this series “The peer and the puppet” stole my heart. But the last book I read in the series “The punk and the plaything” disappointed me greatly.
I was hoping this book would win me over and reinstall my confidence but that wasnt the case.
I honestly feel like the series lost it’s way a little and parts of this book dont feel true to the characters we know and love.
Suprises felt flat and my enthusiasm for reading this was reduced to nothing but still I soldiered on because I wanted the bigger question answered.
Vaughn is a complicated guy. He’s harsh and cold, whilst strong and silent.
Tyra is needy, she wants him to commit to them. I found her a little lacking and her personality didnt appeal to me as much as it has in the previous books.
Angst and drama, retaliation and submission is the name of the game.
I only wish I wanted to play it longer when sadly I don’t.
32% in and I had to DNF this book and am need of a good palate cleanser
I won’t spend time giving out spoilers, because of some of the reviewers have already done a great job describing how and why this book was an EPIC FAIL to a series that started out great.
The ONLY reason I gave it a one star was for Bebe herself.
Now to things that DIDN’T work for me:
1. Choice of Tyra. I might be in the minority, but I was never for Tyra and Vaughn from the beginning of the series. I never felt their chemistry. From the moment she was introduced, she just came off as too needed and man hungry. Her personality never stood a chance against Vaughn’s a-hole-ness. He will do something stupid, and the next moment she will just let him stick him tongue down her throat and rub all over him. All of BB’s girls gave as good as they got, but not Tyra. She would take that shit and beg for more.
2. The “waiting” to lose her V card. BB makes them wait 10 months to do it, and that even with instructions from the sister. CRINGE. This was just to add shock value rather than substance to the story. It was the same and totally uncharacteristic thing she pulled in book 3 between Ever, Four, Jamie and Bee. Plus Vaughn was zoned out while it was happening and hearing the sister was what brought him back. Ever was mean AF to Four during their first time, but he was never not mentally present. Lou and Wren being in the same room had more heat and punch than Vaughn and Tyra doing it.
3. CHANGE YOUR BETAS. DROP THEM LIKE HOTCAKES. Seriously BB, change your betas. If this is what they allow to be published, I highly doubt you’ll have loyal fans anymore. There was ZERO character growth in Tyra. She still goes back to Vaughn without him grovelling his life away.
4. Complicating the story when there was already an epic subplot that could have been explored. The tension between the Thirteen and Exile had been mounting since book 1, but introducing more enemies and then word-vomiting the secrets just to tie up loose ends? What was that?
5. Although I am not there yet in the book, but the only reason Tyra and Vaughn were back together was because of River. BB most definitely needed a reason for them to be a united couple for the sake of the baby that will carry over to the second generation. YAWN.
This book/story had so much potential, but it just fell flat.
I am truly hoping Bebe pulled the biggest April fool on us and I’ll wake up from this nightmare to an actually Epic Finale. I seriously don’t want to continue reading further or any of her future books if this how she continues to write. I really don’t want to ruin my happy memories from her previous books.
I hope the next book will bring back the Bebe that I know and love and not cater to the “groupies” of other fade authors. She has a genuine fan base, but if this is what her future books look like, I for one will stop reading her work anymore.
This was the perfect book to end this series. It wrapped up the storyline perfectly and getting to see how all of the characters have grown since the first book was amazing.
Vaughn and Tyra were not your typical couple. Vaughn never promised Tyra anything, and Tyra tried to stay strong. Once you read the prologue, you are going to want to throttle some people, and you will realize you are in for one wild ride.
Every time you think … Ok. Things are going to settle down now. Think again! Reid throws twist after twist and your stomach will be in knots the entire time, and just when you think that something won’t happen. Yep… it happens!
Even though this journey wasn’t easy for either character, you can feel their chemistry and know they are meant for each other. I’m sad to see this series end, but it went out with a bang.
– An Arc was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
Loved this book, Vaughn and Tyra goes through so much for a young couple. There is loads of suspense, darkness and distrust but we also have humor by Jamie, just loved all the characters in When Rivals Play series, couldn’t ask for a better epilogue for the ending of a fantastic series!!
Writing this review without spoilers is going to be SO hard. There are so many things I want to talk and rage about.
I’ll be honest, and you will already know if you’ve read my review for The Punk and The Plaything, but I really didn’t enjoy Jamie’s book. It was missing that special something that all of B.B’s books have. So needless to say I was scared that it was going to be that way with The Prince and The Pawn, but I am happy to say that that is not the case.
“How could someone who kissed so beautifully tell such ugly lies?”
Now don’t get me wrong, there was some shit in there that had me yelling at my kindle at 2am in the morning, and at only 30% in, which if you’ve read it, or when you do, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
Character wise I really loved Tyra. I really enjoyed her development throughout the book. She grows so much as a person. My favorite was when she stopped just taking Vaughns shit and stood up for herself.
“Being in love never made anyone a saint. It just mad us better, happier versions of ourselves.”
I liked Vaughn. He had his moments when I wanted to throat pinch him though. Throughout the series there are mentions to his dad and how horrible he is, and we finally get the inside look into what’s been hinted at in the last three books. And damn, his dad really is a major piece of shit. As is another certain character that pops up in this book.
Can you tell how hard it is for me not to rage about all the spoilery things?!
This book definitely had that element that was missing for me in TPATPT. I was instantly hooked and thing’s pick up rather quickly and it doesn’t get dull at all after that point. This book is definitely going to make you want to throw you kindle/book and curse B.B. out though. The angst and tension is high in this one.
“When you couldn’t take your frustrations out on the guilty, the innocent became your casualty.”
There was one scene in particular that was weird as fuck, though. I was really scared it was going to ruin it for me. I’ll be honest, I’m still not too sure about it now. I’m not sure that that weirdness was necessary, but I just tried to move past it and not dwell too much on it.
Overall I really enjoyed The Prince and The Pawn, and I think that it was the perfect bittersweet ending to this series. The epilogues had me smiling so much. I’m so glad that B.B. gave us that closure.
While there were some things that frustrated me or weirded me out, it all comes together perfectly in the end. She runs you through the wringer with this one, but it is one of the best endings to a final book in a series that I’ve read.
“The Real test is at the end of your journey. It’s when you decide wether to let those wounds fester or allow them to heal.”
The Prince and The Pawn was profoundly beautiful! 5 stars
With the prologue breaking my heart and making me cry, I knew from the beginning that Vaughn and Tyra’s story was going to be an emotional one. And, boy, I was right! I can’t say too much without spoiling anything, so this review will be shorter but my love for this book is not. What happens after the prologue is a twisty, angsty tale of secrets, betrayals, lies and love of epic proportions that had me gasping in shock, crying some more and even smiling. The journey both Vaughn and Tyra went on separately and together was devastatingly and profoundly beautiful, and they had to fight hard for their happy ending. The end of this book was a full circle moment, because I was crying again but for different reasons. I was crying because I loved these characters so much that I did not want to see this series end but knowing it was. They will always live in my heart and mind, and that is a testament to this wonderful author. To say I love this book and series is an understatement, so know that is true and that I highly recommend it.
*I received an advanced copy of this ebook for my honest review.*
Never have I been so impatient to get my hands on a book! I’ve avoided all mention of this book for weeks so I could go in completely blind. And I’m so glad I did. I’ve been obsessed with this series since the first book and I went into this with already mixed feelings. On one hand I finally had Vaughns story to dive into, I was going to get all my answers! On the other hand I really wasn’t ready for this series to come to an end. I ended up pulling my big girl pants on and off I went to lose myself in the story. I wasn’t expecting the prologue. At all! Jeez talk about amping up the anxiety before I’ve even got to chapter one. Which is when I called in a friend to hold my hand while I read. Not even embarrassed to admit that. I vented! I vented so, so much…and then I vented more. This book wrecked havoc on my emotions. There wasn’t one emotion that I didn’t feel reading Vaughn and Tyras story.
I love this series, it’s one of my most re read series and the one I always find myself going back to. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters but I think I’m ok with it now. I’m not sure what to do with myself, other than reread again, but I think I’m happy with where all the characters from this series end up and how this series has ended.
I definitely recommend reading this book (and the previous three books if you haven’t read them already…and yes I am judging you if you haven’t read them yet). This series has got everything a girl like me wants. A story to keep me going back for more, sexy possessive bad boys, women who I wish were my friends in real life and so much chemistry it’ll drive you insane. One of my favourite reads this year!