“You preyed on the wrong McNamara, kitten.”From bestselling author B.B. Reid comes a riveting, second chance romance…Never trust a nice ass and a smile. That girl is definitely poison.When I first came to Blackwood Keep, I was just looking for a thrill.Instead, I found a beautiful fraud–a tomboy my wildest dreams couldn’t conjure.Bee didn’t just run with boys; she ran the boys. It was only a … boys; she ran the boys. It was only a matter of time before I gave chase.
It took one summer for me to win her over and two to lose her forever.
My summer love turned ice queen. Without heart or thought, she ruined me.
Four years and an ocean between us, I still can’t forget that she chose my cousin…so I won’t.
When the clock strikes twelve, you’re mine, Cinderella.
It’s too late to turn back time.
Jameson and Barbette’s story is a continuation of the events that occurred in The Peer and the Puppet and The Moth and the Flame. For the best reading experience it is recommended that you read these books in order as the plots connect.
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Whoa baby! If you have not read the previous books in this series, you won’t be lost but some of the backstory will not make sense so it’s best you start from the first book. Now, Jamie has about did me in! He was bad and out for revenge. But boy was it fun reading about it. Him and Bette are just explosive and the twists and turns and secrets revealed just about had me on the edge biting my nails. Lets not forget that they’re hot. My Kindle might have melted.
~Books & Magic Shop Reviews~
EEK!! I stinkin LOVE this series!!! I loved Four and Ever’s book; then we got Lou and Wren who completely hit my all best friends to lovers notes; and now we have MEAN MEAN JAIME and our lonely queen Barbette. And boy did I fall HARD for them.
Jaime and Barbette are childhood friends along with Ever and Vaughn. Just when Bette and Jaime’s young love begins to blossom, Jaime has to leave and Bee is left to make a tough decision, leaving her to choose Ever over Jaime. Present time has given these two an opportunity to meet again, but these two are more complicated than what meets the eye and neither are going down without a fight.
God, Jaime is SUCH A GOOD GUY. I didn’t know if I’d love Jaime as much because of his light-hearted exterior and I love a good Alphahole. JAIME IS THE BIGGEST ALPHAHOLE IN DISGUISE. The amount of love I have for Jaime is unreal. Bette too. She’s out her making her own decision and being the best she can be. Gah. This couple.
You need this book. We all need this book. But even though Jaime has my ass, I know Vaughn is going to have my soul.
5 STARS
Jameson and Bee’s story has been a long time coming. It has been my most anticipated read of the year, and I was not let down when I completed reading the book within just a few hours. Told in dual POV, Jamie and Bee reflect on past and present events which helps define the complicated history between these two. We’ve grown to know these two characters from the start of the series, and like everyone else, we want to know what’s behind closed doors when it comes to Barbette. Jamie’s incessant need to discover her secret, based on their parting years before, is what drives his foolish and amusing behavior. Or maybe he gets it from his parents. Either which, he is notorious for his blunt and crass remarks. The man has NO FILTER! And let’s not forget how incredibly sexy he is.. Jamie’s quip personality and tattoos is what makes him standout amongst the rest. I’m ecstatic and relieved to finally have his story!
Barbette is somewhat of an outcast to the group. To the world, she’s a made-up Barbie. To the in-crowd, she’s Barbie IRL. Seriously, this 5’10” bombshell is hella gorgeous! Not only is she reluctant to Jamie’s advances, she is extremely defiant. Her only plan is to keep her secrets guarded until she reaches her 18th birthday and will be set free.
B.B is an author that I didn’t discover until earlier this year. Seemed like everywhere I looked, I would come across The Peer and the Puppet. So, I read the blurb. Liked the blurb. Downloaded the book. Fast forward to December, and I have now read the first two novels in the When Rivals Play series and finished all five books in the Broken Love series. Needless to say, I have taken a strong liking to her work. She is a master story-teller that has become the queen of slow-burn romance. This woman has a talent of writing well-developed characters that create a build-up of excitement, all the while, keeping you entertained and satisfied! I cannot wait for the release of The Prince and the Pawn! Vaughn is another hidden gem who’s story I’ve been dying to read!
Was it just me? I worry that there was an unspoken message that I missed within this book that everyone else seemed to have read and is raving about. What did I miss??? After Bebe announced that the next book in her, “When Rivals Play” series was going to be Bee and Jamie’s book, I was over the moon excited for this second chance romance that, to me, had enormous potential. There was revenge, secrets, pent up anger/hate, first loves…it all added up to equal an emotional and angsty book, but it just didn’t pan out that way in my opinion. There was little to NO angst! I was anticipating a lot because all the early reviews were saying it had TONS, but again, did I miss something??? Maybe if I hadn’t read EVERMORE (the accompanying novella), then I wouldn’t of felt like I read some of this book already (EVERMORE overlaps with this book) and there would’ve been more “angsty” moments, but I mostly felt that the book consisted and was driven by a LOT of miscommunication and secrets between most of the characters. One secret was ruining the lives of several people and to me it was a simple fix….DON’T KEEP THE SECRET. #justsaying
I’m just gonna stop there in my review because I’m not trying to bash the book. The writing is good, it’s just that the story didn’t win ME over. Maybe it’s my wishy washy attitude with second chance romances, maybe it’s the story, maybe it’s the characters, idk…all I know is THIS book didn’t reach out and grab me by the figurative balls and keep me hooked throughout. There were times that I found the story unputadownable, but for the most part, I was easily pulled away from the story. Trust me, I WANTED to love it. I TRIED to let it consume me, but alas it just didn’t happen and I’m totally bummed by that because I love this series! I will give Bebe credit for this, this book IS indeed unique. Now, with all that said, I am still very much excited for Vaughn and Tyra’s story, especially with how Bebe left us hanging in regards to their relationship. And I am anxious to see how everything in the background of the story plays out and also the new plot twists that occurred at the end of the book.
3 stare
The moment they met everything changed. Sides were chosen and drifts were seen.
But still her best friend stepped upto the plate to give her time to breathe, when needed.
Hearts were broken by this, and tears were shed but now destiny brings he who tormented her back….
I was a little disappointed by this. Maybe my expectations were too high having read the other three books in this interconnected series.
There is a lot of hand holding and rehashing of events covered in the other books. For me personally there wasnt enough new material.
By Chapter thirteen, which might I add is 54% through the book, I had only just reached the end of what was covered in the novella evermore. Sure there were flashbacks that provided insight into their past and that was all fresh as a daisy but it wasnt enough.
I honestly feel that if the book had begun at said chapter then it would of been alot better.
Once I was reading the unknown I started to relax and enjoy the characters again, and once again I fell in love with their world, and all that they are.
Sadly it just took too long to get going and then it was over as it settled into a rythem.
I wanted this to be my next five star read but alas it’s not. I’m going to unfortunately give it 3.5 stars and simply hope that the last book in this series returns to the greatness that was.
“You’re so beautiful. Did it hurt?”
“Did what hurt?”
“When you fell from heaven, Satan.”
Omg. I have been waiting for Jamie and Bee’s story for so long and I am ecstatic with the outcome!
“When the clock strikes twelve, you’re mine, Cinderella. Don’t bother wearing panties.”
Jamie is such a Sour Patch Kid. He can be so sweet, but so so sour. He is an asshole but he is a loyal friend. He can say the sweetest things and then within the next breath, cut you down. He has no boundaries. But he is by far my favorite!
“I like seeing you like this.” “Like what?” “Vulnerable.”
Bee. I didn’t really like her in the first couple of books, even after finding out what we know about her and Ever’s relationship, I still didn’t like her. But this story changed my opinion. She is so lost and broken. Her life has not been one for weak souls so she has had to adapt to her circumstances.
“If your legs still work enough to carry you through that door, then maybe I didn’t fuck you hard enough.”
Jamie and Bee are FIRE together! Their chemistry is off the charts hot. There were some scenes in this story that has me drooling onto my kindle. There were that hot and once you read this book, you’ll know what I’m talking about!
All together, I really loved this book. Great job Bebe! Another fantastic book from you. I am so excited for the next book! I have NEEDED Vaughn’s story since we met him in book one.
The Punk and The Plaything is the 3rd book in the When Rivals Play series. After reading the last two novels I was excited for Jamie and Bee’s story and I was not disappointed. This was a second chance, enemies to lovers story that will grab your attention from beginning to end.
The story was well-paced and engaging with some twists and turns you won’t expect. We finally get the answers about what happened between Jamie and Bee in the past. The story will evoke a range of emotions from you. It was passionate emotional, steamy and angsty and you will not be able to put it down.
This page-turner was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend it to all lovers of second chance romance.
I had waited sooo long for Jamie and Bee’s story, and it did not disappoint!! It was one hell of a kick-ass roller coaster ride! Just phenomenal!!
***5 ‘#TeamBette’ Stars***
You know that book that you simply DYING to get your hands on and yet you’re also a little bit afraid of diving into because of the all the crazy ways the story could go and you don’t know if your heart (or sanity) can handle it??
Well, this book was THAT book for me. I was honestly afraid that the rollercoaster of a ride I was going to be taken on would end up with the Kindle being tossed into the freezer on time out. While that didn’t happen (the Kindle is quite happy about that) this one did ratchet up every emotion known to man and then some. It was frustrating, agonizing and heart breaking and yet it was also sweet, swoon worthy and soul searing as we finally got to see who both Bette and Jamie truly were on all levels.
Jamie. This guy. I’ll be honest and say that I’ve spent much of this series wanting to Gibbs smack the hell out of him, even when I wanted to hug him. He’s that mix of bad boy with a good heart that will bring anyone, and everyone to their knees. Bette/Bee. I didn’t know what to make of her at the start, but I couldn’t help but be intrigued. and then to experience her world in HD…well…all I can say is this girl is all kinds of strong.
To say these two drove me batshitcrazy is an understatement because Bette and Jamie, for better or worse, were their own worst enemies. The line between love and hate was so blurred by lack of communication, being hormonal teenagers living in a chaotic world, and by truly believing that they knew best that they could only be each others greatest antagonist. But after seeing how they first collided and much of what came ‘before’, well, I couldn’t help but want to see them come clean on every level and get the HEA they deserved.
Not going to lie. This book was a trip in every way possible, but even when my “how is that even possible?” meter was going off the charts, I couldn’t put it down. I loved watching as this cast of eclectic characters (the new adults, not the adults ~ well, most of the adults because Jamie’s mom is awesome!) annoyed and supported each other in equal measure and became a family of their own. Now to wait #patientlynotsopatienly for Vaughn and Tyra’s book…
~ Copy provided by Social Butterfly PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
“If you knew the match you were holding wouldn’t just flame but would start a fire so wild nothing on earth could tame it, would you light it?”
Oh man, where do I begin? I couldn’t get my hands on Jamie and Bee’s story quick enough. I was eager to learn the events that lead up to their present. I loved the bickering between the two, loved the history they shared and loved the chemistry they had. It was “sinfully good”!!
“I was a queen without a crown. A fraud. Alone.”
Barbette Montgomery was the tough girl filled with so much fire. Now she is a cold shell of the girl she used to be. Her only concern is making it to the finish line with her head down and then never looking back. Her story hurt my heart and made me tear up one more than one occasion.
“I’m already scarred, Bee, and the ones you left behind are never going away.”
Jameson freaking Buchanan!!! You don’t want to love him but are given no choice in the matter. He is out for revenge and nothing can change his course. He was funny at times but broken and conflicted at others. I couldn’t help but have a smile on my face while reading his thoughts at times.
“Most of the time, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to fuck her, kill her, or fall to my knees and beg her to take me back.“
To say that I enjoyed this book would be an understatement. I freaking LOVED IT!!! The interaction between the whole gang was priceless. I can’t wait to see where Vaughn’s story will lead I have a feeling it will be a little darker which makes me giddy with anticipation! You need to read the When Rivals Play series in order to get the fully experience from this book. I highly recommend this book and series. You will not be disappointed!!
“All I ever wanted was to be bad with you.”
~ Read on behalf of Two Darlin Dolls and a Book Review Blog
By far the best book in this series!
I thought I loved the Peer and the Puppet but then The Moth and the Flame came along and boy oh boy, The Punk and the Plaything really has hijacked my heart whole heartedly.
I don’t know what it is about this story but both characters pulled me right in and I was unable to stop myself from taking a breather while reading. This story is contagious, it’s palpable and downright one of the best in the series thus far.
I could not wait to get my hands on Bee and Jamie’s story and let me just say that BB Reid did NOT disappoint in the least.
The ups and downs, the roller coaster emotions flying all over the place and the angst (good lord that angst) had me all over the place.
Can’t express to everyone how much I LOVED this book!!
Oh MY!!! This book was amazing! I have wanted Jamie and Bette’s story from the beginning. It was so worth it, and it was HOT. I loved that Jamie loved her even as he hated her. Bette’s story was heartbreaking. I can’t imagine… I promise you are not ready for their story!
When an author delivers a more epic read than you can even imagine. BB Reid had me anticipating Punk and the Plaything and holy heck did she deliver. Let’s just say she did not give us a halfass Jameson and Barbette story. The look into Jamie and Bee’s past was insightful. I have come to understand the pair better and they are absolutely perfect for each other! This is hands down the authors best book to date!! This book will have you shook!! I can’t recommend it enough!! I look forward to what she has in store next!
B.B.Reid has enemies-to-lover romance down to a fine art. The Punk and The Plaything proves that once again. She is the queen of angsty romance. This story has the most attractive, arrogant, downright rude and completely swoonworthy alphahole hero. This story has the most damaged yet perfectly strong, sassy and resilient heroine ever. And B.B.Reid created a tragic, heartrending, steamy and jaw dropping tale between two unforgettable characters.
When Rivals Play is one of my all time favorite series. I strongly suggest you to read the previous books else facts won’t make sense sometimes. And of course the characters and their dynamics won’t hold the same appeal at all if you don’t read previous books. Barbette or Barbie or Bee is despised uniformly everyone in this high school of this small town. Why? Because she appears as a heartless ice queen with disdain and indifference dripping from her attitude. But she was not this broken, jaded, terrified and bitter girl forever. She used to be the best friend of the boys running this town. The boy who has transformed her is back in town. And he is seeking only revenge by utterly destroying her. Because as per the opinion of Jameson Buchanan, she killed his love and betrayed him in the worst manner possible. The lives of so many people are intertwined in this mess. The town’s most powerful men are breaking apart. What will happen next?
My heart is breaking for Bee! She is misunderstood by everyone. She has been betrayed by her closest persons. And the boy who was supposed to protect her is hell bent on shattering her heart into tiny pieces repeatedly. Her heart is impossibly big and her soul is incredibly strong. I did not know whether to kill Jamie for his shenanigans or kiss him to take away his pain. This whole story is a cat and mouse game. Their chemistry is formed by heartbreak, tragedy, tears and desolation. Their bond is also forged by soul deep trust somewhere and bone deep craving. B.B.Reid has destroyed me completely over and over again with the sharp edges of her words. The plot is intricate and shocking surprises will be at every turn. The beautiful ending came after going through hell. And did I tell you this story has some of the hottest sex scenes ever? Like EVER. This story is also about true friendship and I am so in love with it.
B.B.Reid ‘s words are pure perfection. The Punk and The Plaything is one of the best enemies to lover romance I ever read. The depth and intensity of the emotions in this story was sensational. Be prepared to curse at B.B.Reid for making you hurt and cry. Be ready to get your mind blown away by this epic romance.
I love the When Rivals Play series from B.B. Reid. The Punk and The Plaything was one of my most anticipated reads for the year. And with this cover I expected to be blown away by this book!
I have wanted Jamie and Barbette’s book since The Peer and The Puppet. So I’ve had over a year of waiting. That being said I was disappointed I had such a hard time getting into this book. I was about halfway before it really kept my attention. I though Bette was weaker than I imagined she would be. I will say my opinion of her did change the more I read. And Jamie, was everything I thought he would be.
Jamie and Barbette have loved each other since they were barely teens. Neither really knew what love was then, choices were made and lines were crossed. When Jamie comes back to Blackwood Keep to find his cousin not only dating his girl but engaged to her his anger is high. Jamie being the asshole he is, decides to direct his attention onto none other than Barbette.
Barbette’s life has been mapped out for her, she does what she is told or she faces the consequences. The more we learn about Bette’s life the more I want to hold her. Things are not always as they look from the outside. The happiest of families are sometimes a lie. I loved when she got her backbone and was the girl I always thought she would be. This book did make me love Bee. We needed the look inside he life to truly understand her, and I do think Reid did it perfectly.
I love the inclusion of Lou and Wren in this book. I love the friendship Jamie and Lou have. It’s real and a side of Jamie we don’t see often. I was surprised by the amount of time spent on Ever and Four. I think this is why the beginning of the book was so hard for me to get into.
The angst and back and forth between these two was fantastic to read about. The more their relationship evolved the more I loved this book. These two were absolutely meant to be together. Jamie may have been mad at her, but everything he did to her was because he wanted her. Let’s face it, he wasn’t exactly great at relationships and expressing himself.
The plot was great, I love the characters, and the world of Blackwook Keep! I will definitely be here waiting for Vaughn and Tara’s book!
First Love, Forever Love
A one-sitting read with all the angst, swoon and sexy alpha you can take! This series continues to be an ALL TIME FAVORITE! Jamie was everything I had hoped for and so much more. Behind all that humor and bravado is a man you’ll never want to let go!!!
Jamie gave his heart to Bee the summer they first met. She was twelve and he was thirteen. It was first love. And then she smashed his heart into pieces. Fast forward five years and he’s ready to exact his revenge.
Bee is the perfect daughter. She presents the perfect front of being put together and having it all. However, she’s been living a lie. Her whole life is filled with secrets. When her life changed five years ago, she lost herself. Now she’s just counting the days until she can live again.
So much hurt remains. The ultimate betrayal. Not everything is as it seems. Secrets destroy lives. The only way to make a future is to move on from the past. Their struggle to was real and heartbreaking.
The story switches between the present and flashbacks. You’ll find out how it all began and how it all fell apart. I enjoyed all the time we got to catch up with Four, Ever, Wren and Lou. I am a huge fan of all these characters. Jamie and Bee share explosive chemistry that just radiates off the pages. And the sexy times are off the charts HOT! The angst will almost break you, but you can’t help but root for their HEA.
I look forward to more of these characters and their continuing saga. There are still secrets to unfold. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it was worth the wait!!!
Nothing but love for this troublemaker and his soulmate! 5 stars
This whole book absolutely and beautifully wrecked me, and Jamie and Bee’s push/pull was agonizingly beautiful to read. I couldn’t read fast enough to see how their story unfolded and what kind of answers I was going to receive. My heart broke for Bee so many times that I cried throughout this book. But I admire her so much for enduring and staying strong. My heart also broke for Jamie because he didn’t know the truth of why Bee broke his heart 5 years ago and had a relationship with his cousin Ever (there is a reason). Jamie wore his heart on his sleeve, and he couldn’t stop loving her or stay away from her. Jamie is a charming, confident, sassy troublemaker that I could not love him more! He really did wreck my heart with a smirk on his face! I ended this roller coaster of a book with a smile on my face, tears in my eyes and anticipation for Vaughn’s book, so I highly recommend this book (but you should start with the first book, The Puppet and The Peer)!
I received a copy of this ebook from Social Butterfly PR for my honest review.
Seriously everything you think you know about these characters and this book… forget it. BB takes these characters to a whole new level!
Bee was so much more than we have seen in past books. She is strong, confident, brave, and independent. The fact that she lost the girl she use to be, but gained her back, was a true testament to her character.
Jamie showed us just how much he could mask his true personality. He hid behind his exterior too, and getting glimpses of him being sweet and caring made me fall in love with him that much more.
This isn’t the story where the heroine needs the hero to survive. This is the story where the heroine kicks ass by herself, the hero learns to dig deeper, and they both make each other better people in the end!
And if she you see everyone taking about the 75% mark…be warned! It is smoking hot, and you will seriously be like “Oh! BB went there…she definitely went there, and I like it!”
Now for the ending… seriously Vaughn? I need to know, and I need to know now! Why? How? Who? I need his book now!
-An Arc was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.-
“…I broke like a dam and swept her away. And just before she could drown in my hate, I pulled her back again. It seemed I couldn’t hate Barbette without loving her twice as hard.”
GAAAAAAHHHHH!!! I’ve been dying for Jamie and Bette’s story since the first book and I was not one bit let down by it, if anything, it was more epically complicated than I had ever imagined. The Author pulled me in to this magical cluster $%& that started so innocently and just spiraled completely off the tracks after years of mistakes, pain, and misunderstandings. Jamie is just fire, I loved his antics, his command of a room, his power to hold me captive…I couldn’t get enough. SO MANY THINGS happen and come to light, so to thoroughly enjoy this amazing series, start from the beginning and enjoy the ride. Author ups the ante on the hotness in this book, I’m pretty sure my kindle melted a few times…whew!!! SO MANY FEELS!!!!!! I inhaled this book in a few hours, I’m addicted to all the characters, and I can’t wait to visit Blackwood Keep for our last couple!!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
“You’re the lyrics to my song, Bette. I don’t exist without you.”
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog