“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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The Punk and the Plaything was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I had extremely high expectations, and B. B. Reid delivered! She gave me all the angst, banter, and steam I could want! If you loved the other books in the series, there is no doubt in my mind you’ll love this one, too! Not only did she give us all the backstory we were missing when it came to Jamie and Bee’s relationship, but she incorporated all the other characters into the story to an even greater degree than ever before. Seeing them all together and getting so much of them in this book gave me all the motherfucking feels!!!
Jamie’s story is one I have wanted since I read The Peer and The Puppet. I absolutely adore everything about his character, and this book only made my love for him grow to even greater heights. Bee’s a whole different story. I didn’t like her at first. By book 2, I began to realize there was more to her character than meets the eye. Now, I know there is! She is one of my favorite characters in the series. Hands down! I’m a Bee fan for life!
Jamie and Bee are cracked wide open in this book! We’re used to seeing them with the armor they put on for everyone else. Jamie plays the part of the cocky, unaffected, playful, flirtatious bad boy like nobody else and Bee the uptight, snobby, cold hearted ice queen. We finally get to take a look at what’s underneath their hard exterior and see them vulnerable, and it’s a beautiful thing.
Jamie is definitely still the same cocky, playful perv, but he’s not unaffected in the slightest when it comes to Bee. Bee plays cold and unmoved way better than Jamie ever could, and it’s why getting into her head brought the most surprises. Long story short, there is no way you can finish this book and not love the fuck out of both of these characters.
If you think the other books in this series were steamy, hold on to your fucking hat, because the author turned the heat way the hell up in this one! I knew there was no way we would get a book starring Jameson without it being hot af, but I was still unprepared! Of course, I loved every minute of it, and I think you will, too!
The Punk and the Plaything will most definitely make you fall in love with Jamie and Bee if you were previously unconvinced, but it will also make you fall so much harder for the entire cast of characters. Some of the best lines in the book are delivered by this installment’s side characters. Lou especially recaptured my heart. I fucking love that girl! Her and Jamie’a friendship is the best. In fact the whole crew’s friendship is everything! I need more of it, and I can’t wait to get more in the final installment of the series, The Prince and the Pawn. I have a feeling Vaughn’s story is going to surprise the shit of me, and I need it yesterday! Guess what’s going on my most anticipated reads of 2020 list?
If you’re a fan of B.B. Reid or new adult romance in general, this one’s for you!
***You see love, you break love that’s what you do ***
This book was everything I anticipated and more. I cried I laughed I wanted to throw my kindle a few times, the emotions going through me right now I cant even explain and I’m sad its over I feel like Jamie and Bee’s story was a once in a lifetime kind of love and it was beautifully told . This story was flawlessly written with well developed characters and I liked that we got a peek into the past on how Jamie and Bee came to be and why Ever and Bee came to the decision they came too .
So Bee aka Barbette and James were childhood sweethearts they were each others first and only love but James has to go back home for the school year and can only visit on summers they make it work for a few years until Bee’s family get put into a financial crisis at the hands of her father and Bee has to make the hardest decision of her life and breaks her soul mates heart by not only ending things with him but dating his cousin and best friend , but not all is as it seems at Blackwood Keep and when Jamie returns with only revenge on his mind and in his heart for the girl who stole his heart and crushed it long ago , lies, betrayals and secrets that are told and kept come to light in this page turning fast paced bully romance novel.
***Your mine. You’ve always been. You always will be.***
Finally Bee and Jamie get the HEA ending that they deserve ! I really wanted to hate Barbette but my heart literally broke for her and what she went through and the choices she made although she could have saved her and Jamie all the heartache and just told the truth to begin with but then it would not be the epic romance story that BB Reid created now would it . And OMG the steam in this book is OFF THE CHARTS HOT!!! Holy hell that seen about 75% way through the book was sooo delicious and shocking I definitely wasn’t expecting that. This book overall was a +5 star read for me and the reason being is because it captivated and intrigued me right from the start , from the first page I was sucked in and immediately hooked and could not put it down till it ended . I rarely give a +5 star rating but I felt this book deserved it because I still can’t get this story out of my head. I literally felt all the emotions that the characters in this story were going through, I felt like I was there and when a author can do that to me then they definitely did their job. If you love a bully romance story with drama angst and steam than you definitely need to read this book!
***I volutarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book ***
Oh Jamie, I’ve waited for you forever!!!! And the wait was so worth it. B.B. Reid outdid herself with this one. The angst, the feels, the twists and turns were all so unexpected but so very much appreciated. Bee was everything I thought she would be, she honestly stole my heart after reading her true story. Jamie even when he was mean I still adored him. This book showed that misconceptions and miscommunication can have you miss the important small details. But when it’s meant to be there is no interruptions that’ll stop what’s yours. I loved this gang and I can’t wait for Vaughn’s story next.
Just when I’d think this series couldn’t get any better, this author completely slayed me with Jamie and Barbette’s story! The Punk and The Plaything is a book that put me through a roller coaster of emotions where I was sitting in suspense one moment and then fanning myself in the next. I found myself tearing up during the moments of heartbreak followed by laughing at some of their banter and antics in the next.
These two characters have such history between them and I loved how their story unfolded. When Jamie and Barbette (Bee, Barbie) met as young teens, their connection was intense and the all consuming love that developed between them was sure to extend past the usual puppy love one typically associates with first loves. The flashbacks interspersed throughout the book gave me a deeper understanding of not only their relationship, but how and why each character was the way he / she was.
I honestly wasn’t sure that I would like Barbette as I felt lukewarm towards her in the previous books, but this girl won me over. She hasn’t had it easy and after discovering what all was going on behind the scenes, my heart hurt for her. Jamie is the ultimate book boyfriend. He portrays himself as confident and a bit naughty, but his complex feelings towards Barbette reveal his vulnerability. It was enjoyable to witness the camaraderie between all of the friends as well as the intense and fiery interactions between Jamie and Barbette.
This enemies to lovers novel not only met all of my expectations, it surpassed them. If you are a fan of this author’s other works, then you will love The Punk and The Plaything!
I listened to the audio of this book. I knew from book one that Jamie and Bee’s story would be worth the wait and BB Reid delivered in spades. Jameson Buchanan was still the troublemaker I had grown to love in the last two books, but now I also got to truly see where he was coming from and the motives behind his actions. I enjoyed the flashbacks explaining the original relationship he and Bee had which allowed me to better understand their dynamic. Bee was finally fleshed out in this story, becoming more than Ever’s “girlfriend”. I loved the way she gave as good as she got as well as seeing her vulnerable side. Stephen Dexter and Jillian Macie did a wonderful job with this audio, giving each character their own sound and only losing accents a few times. I would definitely listen to more audiobooks from them.
Honestly after reading I was in between 3 and 4 stars for this one. I loved The Peer and the Puppet and I don’t know if its the fact that I love Ever and Four so much that I can’t seem to love the others just as much or what. This book just took me forever to read and I kept losing interest. I enjoyed Jamie and his humor in the other books and thought I would love this one but it was just okay for me. A lot happens to help further the story for the whole group so this one is a must read or some things won’t make sense. Jamie is hilarious and as much as hated Bee this book really changed my mind and the way I saw her character. So all in all I have to stick to my solid 4 stars.
The Punk and the Plaything is pretty much a second chance romance type story with adult content and humor. Also with some surprises.
This may be my favorite book of the series! Jamie and Bee were perfect. They were both so tortured. The angst and emotion hit me hard. The heat in this book just about melted my Kindle. It was seriously HOT! But I expected nothing less from Jamie and Bee’s story. The plot was so layered. My head and my heart were spinning with every turn of the page. I will definitely be telling everyone to read this book!
Oh Jaime, I think I love you. I just knew Jaime and Bee’s story was going to be a good one! I think they are my favorite couple so far in the series.
Struck young with Cupid’s arrow but doomed just as quickly Jaime and Bee were destined to be. Their story is one filled with secrets and Bee’s were major and made just to survive. Learning all she had been thru and why had my heart breaking for her. Jaime was so bound and determined to figure out the puzzle of what was going on and wow was I surprised by the answers!! Excellent book!
When Rivals Play Series!
The Punk and the Plaything (When Rivals Play) is a continuous of the events occurred in previous books and builds up the plot. I didn’t realize that when I received this audio. That being said I felt like I was missing things as the plot itself is complex and requires much attention. I found the writing style intriguing and the characters complex as well as compelling. The writing composition was engaging and smooth. Told in dual pov, a second chance romance that is angst ridden and passionate. A loved the ending.
Stephen Dexter and Jillian Macy 5 performance brought every emotion out of the characters. I highly recommend listening based on the narration alone. It was fantastic. Stephen Dexter’s multiple voices were awesome. He was the perfect person to portrayal Jameson.
*Please Note: I have not listened to the other audio’s in this series and hope to and will relisten and rating may change
“I’m no damsel, and you’re no white knight. I’ll save my own ass.”
Okay soo… I think most of us really disliked “Barbie” AKA Bee in the first two books. Like, who the heck does she think she is?!
I was excited to read the third installment of the series because we finally get to see who Bee is. We finally get to see why Jamie is the way his is.
Omg y’all. I wasn’t ready to realize what kind of life that Bee had. I wasn’t ready for the heart break. I wasn’t ready for Jamie being the one out of all the guys to wear his heart on his sleeve.
“Deserve me? You’re the lyrics to my song, Bette. I don’t exist without you.”
The chemistry these two had once in a space together.. so HOT. Get ready for the sexy scenes because… hot dayum.
BB Reid aced it.
“In fact, he grinned down at me and I hated how stunning it was – like the moon pulling at an already turbulent sea. This is what his smile did to my heart. It was a tide that brought me back to life only to drown me once more.”
Quite a few answers were shown in this book yet there is still so much mystery but I cannot wait for the fourth book of this series. Vaughn and Tyra, I feel like are going to be absolutely epic and heartbreaking even more so.
Just wow!
B. B. killed it with this book
The Punk and the Plaything is the third book in the “when Rivals play” series. It features Barbette and Jamie
During the first two books one got a glimpse of Jamie’s obsession with Bee and how they had a past together. This left me and I guess absolutely everyone who read this series to wonder what they are about. But in this book all our questions about these two were answered
It’s hard to say something without spoilers, because this book was just filled with so much phenomenal information , but I’ll tell you something honest about the characters:
In the first book I hated Bee. I thought she was a regular, cold, spiteful, mean girl that gets off on bullying. But B. B. made me fall in love with her during the Punk and the Plaything. Bee is just so much more than everybody assumes about her. She’s so damn strong, she loves so deep – not only Jamie, but also her friends – she is actually a really nice person is just misunderstood and got her wings clipped – hard.
With Jamie it was actually the exact opposite. I loved him from the first books and I was kinda mad at him while reading this book. He got his head God knows where and wasn’t able to see what was right in front of him. He was so damn hateful to Barbie. In the end I kinda understood him. His love and hurt made him blind and at least he did everything to be better for her
I really recommend this book! You’ll hopefully fall in love with these two as much as I did
Definitely one of the best books I read this year!
What can I say, I’m just a huge sucker for a good hate to love story.
Ever since I’ve read about Jamie Buchanan I wanted his story so bad, he is the kind of character that stole prominence and your heart. So when I new we will have his book I was beyond excited, Bebe was teasing us enough that I needed this book ASAP!!!
The Punk and The Plaything is book 3 in the “When Rivals Play” series, Jamie and Barbette story, a second chance romance, an enemies to lovers romance, this story promises a lot, there was pent up anger, rivalry. I needed to know what happened between Bee and Jamie, they used to be friends when they were kids and we didn’t know for sure why they went apart and how this feud started.
Jamie and Bee shared an unbreakable bond, life separated them but love brought them back together, Bee wasn’t the uptight and snobby girl she makes us all believe, she has a rough life, and she build a wall so no one can know what was happening to her, and she rely on her best friend Ever, she thought he was the only one who can help her, but she was totally wrong because the only one who can help her is the person she love the most…… Jamie
In this story we get to witness another side of Jameson Buchanan, he showed us how he plays this character of a hot bad boy, playful and careless but he was so much more, Bee makes him drop his armor and show his vulnerability and it was so beautiful.
I won’t give you more of this amazing story, look at that cover!!! Enough reason to read it and of course it’s Bebe Reid so it’s a MUST. Of course you have to read the first two books before this one to fully understand what is going on. Can’t wait to read Vaughn’s story.
Jameson appears in book one of this series as a secondary character. I was so happy that as this series progressed, we got to see what was in the mind and heart of this tattooed, trust fund ass. This book focuses on Jamie a trickster, an ass, but loyal to a fault to those who are deemed worthy. But woe to those he deems enemies. In this story, we learn what makes him tick, and most specifically, who made his heart beat and break. Barbette is a poised, perfect society girl who does exactly what is expected, no matter who it hurts. This story continues with the mysteries in book one and two, provides answers to some questions, but opens up so many more. The appearance of the characters from the previous books and how their stories intertwined within Jamie’s and Barbette’s story was done masterfully. You can’t help but love these characters. B.B. Reid is a master at weaving tales that keep you spellbound and leave you wanting more and more.
Although I am enjoying this series this book was a little Slower then the others to me. It was a definite slow burn , enemies to lover and second chance romance . There wasn’t a lot happening on the action front though there are hints that wren is off doing something .
I did enjoy reading it !
I just found that the bigger story plot didn’t move forward much in this one . Though We do Discover a
Little more of crows background and how it’s linked together.
I am looking forward to learning about Vaughn and his dad and how the story pans out with fox .
In terms of this story Jaime and bee met when they were just kids and fell in love over a summer together . It all went south though after Jaime has to leave to go home and life changed drastically for bee .
It’s clear that these two have strong chemistry ! They love each other but deny it and Fight it . Jaime is a
Big marshmallow under a harsh exterior and I loved his character !
Overall a good addition to this series .
I would recommend reading the previous books prior to this one as it gives a much clearer picture of who the characters are and how they relate to each other .
I honestly skimmed through this book.
It was kind of boring
There were some scenes that got me a little emotional otherwise it was very dull.
I’m actually disappointed with this one. I had really high hopes. I’m only giving 2 stars because of Jamie. And maybe [the group sex. The group sex though I don’t know how I feel about it. It just came out of nowhere.
Its no secret I am a fan of BB Reid’s and I simply love her Broken Love series. I didn’t think anything could rival my love for that series and set of characters but this one came seriously close!
After reading The Peer and the Puppet I was seriously intrigued about Jamie and Barbette, and BB honestly lived up to my expectations and even surpassed them with their tale.
I loved how the story went from past to present as you got to see how their friendship and ultimate relationship developed. In true BB fashion she gives us some great twists and turns that leave you on the edge of your seat unable to put the book down. (so glad my hubby works nights) The feels she brings us also gave me goosebumps, the pain, the betrayal, the love, honestly it made me feel it all. Secrets destroy and not everything is as it seems.
Well done BB for another great read! I am excited to see what you bring us next.
3.7
This was a really hard one for me to rate and review, hence it being so late. I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in this series. Ever and Four started my love for these books, and Wren and Lou were everything! And through both of these books we get to see a lot of Jamie and Bee. I loved Jamie and was super excited for their book, but sadly I didn’t enjoy it as much as I expected to.
I started off really enjoying the beginning of the book. I liked the tension and angst going on. The further I got in however, I started to lose a more interest.
I really liked Jamie from the previous books, and we don’t really get to know Bee until ‘The Punk and the Plaything’, but there were certain scenes where they didn’t really feel like the same characters to me. It was mostly in the last half of the book that I stared to feel this about them.
And the story overall just didn’t grip me the way that her writing usually does. It was like there was something missing to me.
It just didn’t have that gripping element to it, that the other two books had. I did enjoy the first half, but if I’m being honest, I really struggled to finish it. I just got to a certain point and really didn’t want to pick it back up, finishing about the last 15% was really difficult.
Don’t get me wrong, I love B.B. Reids writing, and I am still really excited for Vaughns book, but The Punk and the Plaything was just really missing something for me.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All feelings and thoughts are my own.*
Jamie Buchanan is everything that BB Reid promised us he would be! ALSO…that HOTTTT COVER! My favorite cover for this series and my 2nd favorite of all of Reid’s covers.
After having his heart broken by the only girl that ever won it, Jamie comes back to Blackwood Keep in preparation to take her back. For keeps or revenge? After all, she did choose his cousin over him…
I really enjoyed the banter back and forth between Jamie and Bee! This love hate relationship between them was entertaining and add Jamie’s hilarious personality into every single conversation. It’s always a good time when Jamie’s involved. Of course my favorite part has to be the Blackwood Keep gang together and the dynamic of their friendships. When Rivals Play series is one of my TOP series for 2019; I’ve read the books more than once and I love the connecting plot between all the books.
Now for the most honest part of my review. I hated Bee, I never liked her at all; she always struck me as weak and uncaring for the people who seemed to hold her up! I still don’t particularly care for her BUT guess what….I don’t hate her anymore. This girl went through H E L L and because of that alone I can’t particularly fault her for being weak. Bad situations and a hard life can always change a person; some come out of those situations stronger and some come out weaker. I don’t particularly like her journey or the people she hurt along the way. However, the fact that the author could take a character that I hated and make it to where I don’t hate her anymore…WIN!!!! I knew it though…I just knew that B.B. Reid was such an amazing author that she would change my feelings toward this girl and I was waiting for it to happen.
Jamie, Jamie, JAMIE!!!! Jameson Buchanan book babes, the real deal, to die for book boyfriend. I could NOT get enough of Bee and Jamie! The Punk and the Plaything is undoubtedly my favorite When Rivals Play books yet! PS don’t tell Ever – still your wild thang boo. But in all seriousness, B.B. Reid delivers an intoxicating and addicting read. It’s enemies to lovers and second chance all rolled into one! The chemistry, the magnetic connection, and the soul deep love will make it impossible for you to not love this book!
As much as I love Jamie, because I knew I would, I did not expect to love Barbette so much. The Punk and the Plaything gives a different vantage point of queen B, the most hated and envied girl in Blackwood Keep.
A heavy does of angst and even more heat, The Punk and the Plaything by B.B. Reid is an absolute must read.You’re just not ready for how hot it’s going to get. You simply can’t miss it!
Throughout the course of the other couples’ books, readers have been privy to what can only be said is a volatile and, at times, toxic relationship that exists between Jameson and Barbette, and while this pair has only been secondary characters in the other stories of B.B. Reid’s When Rivals Play series, in The Punk and the Plaything, Reid gives readers an insider’s view of just how frustrating and problematic the connection they share truly is, which begs the question…what’s it going to take for these two to get past the hurt feelings, the mistreatment, and the baggage that seems to follow them every time they’re in the same vicinity.
Jamie and Bee’s entangled past, their riotous and contradictory feelings for each other, and their hot/cold behavior when it comes to pushing each other’s buttons makes for one angsty and frustrating read, but I’m a huge fan of second chance romances, and I was particularly intrigued by these two making things work because anything between them but hatred and derogatory remarks seems beyond their capabilities. But I guess that’s exactly how enemies-to-lovers’ stories are supposed to work…infuriating readers while making them hold on tight to see if two people who have such deep feelings for each other can figure out their shit and find a way to let go of what was and focus on what could be.
There are aspects of Jamie and Bee’s story that some readers will question and even dislike, and I’ll admit, I had a difficult time understanding certain situations in the story and how they fit the characterization of the characters and who they are as couples, but it’s clear that Jamie and Bee were never going to be a typical couple, not with what they’ve experienced both individually and together, so even though I didn’t necessarily like a few chapters because of what went down in them, the way that they’re explained and the magnitude of those situations are what the writer envisioned for her characters, and I accepted that fact.
The friendships forged in this small group are ones that become essential to all of them and while they’ll have their ups and downs, especially with the diverse personalities each one of them exudes, their bonds are something that won’t break, even when they’re tested…even when they cross a line that maybe they shouldn’t.
I’m intrigued by how the last book in the series is going to play out given the final events of Jamie and Bee’s story. And, if it’s as much as an emotional rollercoaster as this one was, I better prepare myself and then some because I don’t know if I can handle the emotional overload that B.B. Reid might have in store for us.
4 Poison Apples