The Peer and the Puppet (When Rivals Play Book 1)

In this book we have Four — a female teenager who is anything like a typical teenager girl. She is in love with working in a mechanic shop working on engines of cars and motorcycles. She loves motorcycle racing. Her mother thinks she is just acting out, she doesn’t believe she actually likes these dirty things.

Four’s mother was an absent mother. Her grandparents were raising her. However, they passed away. Now Four is back with her mother, they are trying to get along but both find it difficult. Four has never called her mother by mom, only her given name. Four and her mother don’t have the greatest relationship. Her mother is living with a man how has wealth and power. He also has a teenager son, Ever. They live in a mansion in Blackwood Keep, and do not want for anything.

Ever goes to a private prep school, where he is King of Blackwood. No one dares go up against him. No one dares get in his way. Ever goes after what he wants, and knows what he wants.
Ever has the body and looks of a god the girls all say.

Ever has always had a life of privilege. He received a Land Rover for his 16 birthday. He acts out to act out. He also has Bebe — Barbie as a girlfriend, she is blond & beautiful, everything that a power couple should be they are.

Ever and Four share an ensuite bathroom with their rooms on either side, like a Jack and Jill bath. The first few days of Four living under the same roof don’t go so well. Ever pushes her as much as she pushes him. Ever does things to Four to mess with her. However, he and he friends push too hard one night. Four is sent away for a year.

When Four returns to Blackwood Keep, she knows things won’t go back to how they once were. Four is out for revenge against Ever. His cousin - Jamie, now occupies her old room. Ever is across the hall.

Ever and Jamie make great friends. Jamie likes to mess with Ever just because. This makes Four happy of course. Jamie thinks he is God’s gifts to the ladies and isn’t shy about being with one after the other.

Four and Ever actually start becoming friends. But the friendships changes to something more. Four finds out that Ever is keeping a few secrets.

Will Ever’s secrets come back to bite him? Will Four be able to handle the rumors and talk at the school about her and Ever? Will Barbie do anything about it?

Throw every pre-conceived notion or judgmental thoughts about stereotypes out the window. This book is oh so different, oh so special. We get people in The Peer and the Puppet. Real people with unique and personal opinions... and I love it! It pulled me if from that first chapter!! I do wish the characters had been in their early 20s instead of teens. So many situations seemed a bit off for teenagers to go through and I always have an issue with the lack of parental involvement.

There is quite a bit of teenage angst and rebellion in Four. I had to remind myself several times that she was only 16. At other times it was extremely obvious that she was a teenager and not the 20 year old she acted like some times. Maybe I’m too far removed from my teenage years now to remember the ups and downs of the maturity level. Ever seemed to mostly act like those alpha jerks a lot of romance readers love.

I can feel myself getting whiplash with all the mood swings in this book! I didn’t even recognize who Ever was during Four’s Birthday. He was almost a sweet teenage boyfriend. Ever is the most confusing guy I’ve ever read about. I know we get his viewpoints but I’m dying to know what’s really going on in his mind... perhaps I’m just dying for the entire story and not these tasty little nuggets!

I was worried this set up was going to be similar to Keiran from Fear Me. He was so hard to like... so hard and I’m not sure I ever succeeded in liking him or even rooting for him. He did not have many redeeming qualities. But Ever is not like him. Yes, he can be hard. Yes, he’s a jerk. But there’s more to Ever. And we see him do things for Four that would make any teenager girl fall. I’m so thankful that there’s a softness to him... I need that in my male characters. I love to swoon!

Ok, I talked a lot about the characters... sorry, they were deep and I felt like a teenager when writing my review... I was so up and so down! B.B. Reid really created a coming of age story that’s gripping and captivating. Reid’s writing is so descriptive. While The Peer and the Puppet has a conclusion, a satisfiable ending, there are still many unanswered questions especially about Ever’s side work. I’m invested in these people now, and while I might have been wanting Four and Ever’s besties story next, I’m hopeful that more of Exiled’s story will unfold.

***4.5 Stars***

This was one of those situations where I’d heard of the author, but never had the opportunity to read her and then an author I do read, and pretty much stalk (fangirl here) shared this one and my interest was peaked and decided to give it a go, because I’m always down for new reads, especially when it’s the first in a new series. So, I dove in and I will say that it took me a bit to truly become invested in the story, and I will admit I was a bit worried there for a minute, but then THAT moment came and I was absolutely invested, even with ALL the Teen drama/angst, I was hooked and it was all over. This one gave me a huge case of whiplash, HUGE and I’m still thinking over certain things going “But...why? But you could’ve…” but I’m hooked. I’ve willingly jumped down the rabbit hole and NEED more.

Ever and Four, and, yes, that is our MC’s names, gave me whiplash and yet I loved them both in that weird way where you want to hug and high five them while Gibbs smacking them with a 2x4 at the same time.

Four is impetuous, which was both a good and bad thing. I loved her sass, how comfortable she was in her own skin and how stubborn she was, as well as how she did her best to stick to her guns ~ even if she didn’t always succeed. But on the flip side, some of her choices drove me BSC because she simply reacted instead and made things harder for herself.

Ever was interesting. He is all kinds of arrogant, controlling and can be a huge a$%h@t and yet...There is a deep and titanium solid core of honor to him that causes him to be that way and also has him being quite sweet, and that honor, that loyalty he has to those he calls his own, is both a blessing and a curse and made him absolutely fascinating.

Every and Four’s enemies to lovers journey gave me whiplash. It did.The constant push and pull ~ as well as some craycray and OTT issues that popped up throughout made my eyes hurt from rolling around so much, but for whatever reason, I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. Because when they were pulling towards each other and allowed themselves to just be, they worked for me.

As I stated at the start, Ms. Reid is a new to me author, and though the start was a rough one for me once I hit a certain point, a couple of supporting characters were introduced and the cray cray plot lines were taken out of the cone of silence realm, I was all in. Now, I also said that I had many, many “But, but...why…?” moments because some of the stuff going on was just OTT, hands down, but their OTT-ness fascinated me and I now NEED to see how everything works out, even if it drives me even more BSC. And as for the supporting cast of characters, I have to admit that Jamie is the one that interests me the most, this isn’t to say that he’s my favorite, but he’s the one who’s head I want to dig around in the most. My fav is Gruff...hands down. But I really liked Vaughn, Tyra and Jay D (of course). And then there is that little sneak peak of The Moth and The Flame, I will admit I was hoping for another couple to be the MC’s of the next book, but with that set up? Alls I can say is that I ain’t mad at it and cannot wait to get my hands on that baby!

Great start to a new series!! Very detailed and well written. Love when an author spends so much time on a book that when you read it you feel like you’re there every step of the way. Ever is an alpha high schooler who has issues. Four is a strong teenage girl who has issues as well. Together they have great chemistry. The push and pull between them is done very well. The supporting characters are strong. I’d love to read more about Jameson and Vaughn! Honestly can’t stand Barbie. What friend would make another friend keep this promise?! Just as well since we won’t find out until book 2. Lol! Ends in a cliffhanger, but not one that’ll make you mad. Ms. Reid is a one click for me and should be for everyone else.

5 Massive #FourEver Stars!!!!

"Would you like to know the difference between you and I, little troublemaker? You run from your demons. I chase mine."

Still reeling from all that was this book!!! It's my favorite kind of story, where you have no idea what this couple will do next, if they even will be a couple, up is down, right is wrong, and I couldn't stop until I was done, and still it wasn't enough. #FourEver is a couple I won't forget anytime soon and has hopped on my favorites list of the year!!! Sassy, spunky Four and guarded, powerful Ever were like gasoline and a match where you became completely hypnotized by the flame!!!

"How did I put into words that the mere thought of her not breathing the same air as me made me a little less desperate for my next breath? Could I even trust her with that kind of power?"

Edgy, thrilling, and so much fun to read, I disappeared until every word was inhaled, and my heart was screaming to slow down!! It was just one of those fun reads where the Author paints this world you become completely lost in and enjoy yourself so much you want the entire world to share it with you. Those that enjoy this Author's other books, or similar will be so satisfied!! I absolutely cannot wait for more and will be over here salivating until the next one!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!

"He kept right on kissing me as if his next breath didn't matter. As if I were his air, his heartbeat, and the blood flowing in his veins. I could feel him fighting to get closer-to make me see I was all he'd ever need-not revenge or privilege. Me."

~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog

Reviewed For I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore

Ever since I finished The Peer and The Puppet by B.B. Reid, I have tried to figure out how to write this review and not spoil anything in the process. I can honestly say that it is almost like I am without the right words to describe how much this book had me addicted to it and messed with my mind in the process. It took me a little bit to get into the book but that was because I was trying to make sense of it all before I knew all aspects of what was going on. I was angry, I was on the edge of my seat, I was crying tears, both angry and sad, but the one thing I couldn’t do was stop reading it.

Four and Ever, yes those are their names and I love them actually because especially for Four, it defined her. These two push and pull each other, they fight, they set out to hurt the other, the chemistry between them is explosive but so is both of their tempers. Events play out and more than these two get hurt. There is more going on, more reasons why both Four and Ever are determined to tear each other apart at times.

This ends on what would be considered a cliffhanger I believe but not necessarily in the way a traditional cliffhanger does. Their story isn’t finished yet but will continue to play out during the other books because remember I said there is more than just Four and Ever that is affected and there is. I am excited and anxiously will be awaiting the next book because I can’t wait to see what is going to happen. Be prepared to not want to do anything else while reading The Peer and The Puppet because you will be addicted to Four and Ever.

Received an ARC for which I voluntarily provided an honest review

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.

This story was so entertaining. It was basically a one sitting read for me. Once the drama started, I just could. not. put it down. I just don't know what I was doing in high school but these kids get into so much trouble. They have money and negligent parents and get into so much trouble. But it's soooo good. I love a strong lady lead and Four is definitely that. 

4 stars

-Jasmine

So I had been stalking B.B. in anticipation of this release. When I saw her open sign ups for this ARC, I couldn't fill out the form fast enough. We were honored to receive an ARC. I'll be honest, I felt like I've read this story before. But B.B.'s spin on it was refreshing. It was angsty and suspenseful. I also read this in one sitting. B.B.'s writing had me chasing the words on these pages. I can not get enough of the man child trope. Ever was ALL man child. I was extremely satisfied that he turned 18 early in the book so I could lust with minimal guilt. Ever and Four were formidable enemies and I enjoyed their banter. I was so curious to see how their course would change. The supporting characters introduced so much drama and interesting story ARCs that I'm living to uncover. This was a great read and I am already stalking B.B. for news for the next one.

4 stars

-Natasha

BB Reid has outdone herself in this book!! I can’t even describe how much I looooveeee this story! The suspense, the angst, the uncertainty, the WTF moments! Everythiiinnnggggg about this book captivated me!

Four and Ever....swoon! I just love it when heroines are badass and don’t cry and whine the whole book! Four was just too
awesome! I loved how she fought and wasn’t a doormat!

Ever.....sigh...I love him so much! He was such an a-hole but I was just mesmerized by him. I love his protectiveness and his alpha way! When his sensibilities showed he was simply amazing!

I cannoooootttttt wait for the next book in the series! I am SOOO INTRIGUED!! I need at least the blurb!

I have never read this author before. Having heard good things about this book and doing a trial of Kindle Unlimited, I decided I would borrow this book and read it. OK, young adult stuff really isn't my genre, but I was pleasantly surprised how captivated I was by these teenagers! This story is intricately woven, dark with sinister undertones at times, some really humorous, intelligent dialogue, lots of sexy hotness...yes, I got pretty intrigued the more I read. By the time I finished, I have to say I was really, really into this book. Then it ended, quickly and happily. I'll never complain about a happy ending, but this one just left me feeling sort of BLAhhhhh. I was like, well, that's it I guess. So I went back and read the ending again to make sure I didn't miss anything. Nope, same thing. I just couldn't get excited or feel all sweet on that ending. I did, however, get a bit excited about the preview at the end for the next book in the series. While each book in the series is a standalone read, the plot line apparently continues throughout each additional book. I do believe I will be making a point of reading that book! This book is different and intriguing...give it a try!

An awesome and badass start to a series about privileged teens at an elite prep school. It can only get better in the next book. Its one of the best hate/love relationships with an intriguing plot, sinister hero and fabulous cast of secondary characters.
Four Archer is the lonely girl from the wrong side of the tracks. She finds herself living with her mom's boyfriend and his teenager son, Ever McNamara. Ever is rich, arrogant, seductive and manipulative who gets what he want when he wants it. And what he wants to destroy Four and her mother. Together they are brilliant at backstabbing and finding themselves into each other's bodies.
Four has a need to feel love. She certainly doesn't get the emotional support she craves from her mom. It's this constant craving that allows her to be easily manipulated by Ever. He protects and controls Four with bribery and intimidation. Ever has a secret life with an underground criminal organization called EXILED and he is hell bent on destroying it from within.
If you love a story with lots of drama like I do, this is the book for you. Loads of drama, schemes, revenge, brotherhood, loyalty and spoiled rich brats ups the angst factor to a 5 addictive guilty pleasure read.

Ahhh The Peer and the Puppet was everything I wanted, needed and then some. This is definitely my favorite read of 2018. Angst, drama, bromance, witty banter and complicated love. Four and Ever suck you into their whirlwind of love and hate.

Four is everything I wish I could of been when I was younger. She is proud, strong and feisty. She doesn’t back down from a challenge and is always trying to be one step ahead. Ever... the complicated King of Brynwood Acedemy... . He is angry. He is determined. He is the King. This story has many twist and turns but it’s so beautifully written. You never know what is around the next corner. This can be read as a standalone but I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I also can’t wait read this story all over again. Cheers to BeBe Reid!!!!

Four and Ever have this love-hate relationship. To say from the beginning Four hasn’t liked Ever is a gross understatement. Four gets into a situation, which her fed up mother has had enough and that’s when she meets Ever. I love the teenage drama and angst!!! It feels like my high school days all over again (LOL). And I just loved the secondary characters. They are really the ones who made the book for me.

This is not my first book by this author and I will continue to read her work. This wasn’t my favorite book by her but it by no means was a bad book. All in all I would recommend this book.

Teen Angst at its finest. All the drama, thrills, fun and games with intensely captivating characters, what more could you ask for?

The complicated and exhilarating relationship between Four and Ever had me engrossed. All the Cat and Mouse back and forth was gripping even when it frustrated the hell out of me and made me want to scream.

A great start to the series and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

I'm a huge Jamie fan I bloody loved him. I'm hoping he gets his own book because that'll make for some interesting reading.

What did I love about this book?!?! Everything....I loved everything about this book! Four was perfect and Ever was an arrogant jerk. Nobody can make you love an jerk like B.B. Reid can! This is a must read, Do not wait one-click this book and be prepared to get nothing else done because you will not be able to put this book down!

Ever is really giving Keiran a run for his money! B.B. has done it again. I didn't think I would ever find a series I loved as much as Broken Love, but I was wrong. This one was so worth the wait. The characters and storyline are so believeable and suck you right in. (Jameson is hilarious.) I can't wait to see what happens.

This much anticipated release by B.B. Reid was so much more than I anticipated. With a title like The Peer and the Puppet, I really had no idea what to expect but Ever and Four blew my mind! Ever was the alpha male you love to hate. Four was the heroine with something to prove. Their clashing upbringings and lifestyles made it seem as though they were always going to be like oil and water, but love had other plans. This read had a little of everything you love in an angsty romance novel... suspense, defiance, steamy sex, bromance, loyalty.
5 stars!

Lots of angst and alpha male hotness.
This book had so many great characters and the banter between all of them made for a fun, dramatic read. Although the hate to love story line is not something new I still very much enjoyed this book. I’m definitely ready for more Four and Ever...bring on the next book!

I am amazed at how the pieces of this complicated love story came together. I couldn’t put this one down, and when I did, all I could think about was this book. Four and Ever are two high school students from completely different backgrounds. Both are stubborn and strong willed and electric when they are together. One of the best books I have read and my emotions were all over the place while reading this. I can’t wait for the next book!

This book is a ROLLER COASTER RIDE!! It’s thrilling, suspenseful, full of angst, and makes you say “these are high school kids?!” This books has everything. It has danger. Love. Betrayal. Friendship. Enemies. Hate to love. The Peer and The Puppet has so many twists and turns once you get comfortable with things then BAM! Something else happens! This book is a must read! If it’s not on your tbr what are you waiting for?! If it is on your tbr and you haven’t read it then get to it!!!! B.B Reid has once again wowed is with an amazing book!

I was going into this book feeling a little uneasy, but was extremely pleased with what I got. The book is amaze balls!!! I have been dying to read it since the official date back in February. The book had a badass leading female and male, and a storyline that pulls you in deeper and deeper as you continue reading. The only thing I had an issue with is that there was a couple of times that I kind of got confused about the characters and their descriptions, but other than that I'm impressed. This is definitely going to be one of my favs from this author!! Keep up the good work BB!!

This story! OMG Four Archer and Ever McNamara, a story for the times! An depict, angsty, high school yet beyond drama that kept me wanting more. These are the kind of stories I live for! When your hate couldn't possibly end up in anything but love.

I can't go into detail, but when by meets girl, it isn't happy ever after, and things aren't always what they seem.

Dive in, you won't be disappointed.

I really dug the characters, but the events were often unrealistic or dialog/action too mature for their age. Lots of editing issues, but I've definitely read worse. Lots of missing words - most were easy enough to guess, but it was distracting.

This book had my anxiety through the roof! There are so many secrets and so many little twists and turns. I’m actually not a huge fan of YA reads, but this one had me glued to the pages. I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this story!

If you thought Fear Me was something special your mind will be blown by this book! The peer and the puppet grabbed my attention from the first page and held it to the very end. I loved every single minute of the push and pull between Four and Ever! It didn’t drag on unnecessarily or unfold too quickly- it was ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!!!! B.B. I have been a huge fan and hands down- this is your best book to date! I cannot wait to see what you bring in the books to come! Absolute five star read!!

Stop what you're doing. Download this book. Read it immediately. You won't regret it (although you may feel some guilt about ignoring your family when this book grabs you and sucks you in, but trust me, they'll be fine without you for a few hours!)

Sometimes when I am reading her stuff it reminds me of other authors. And when I got to the end of where we meet Wren and his little sister/girlfriend it reminded me of Pepper Winters book the boy and his ribbon.... just saying.

From start to finish this book kept you wanting more. Four is a strong girl that holds her own in a world that is completely different then where she was raised. Four doesn't bend to fit into the world of the elite. She holds true to who she is. Ever is everything you want in a hero. Ever will make you hate him then fall in love with him. Ever has so many sides to him. This book will keep you guessing and draw you in.

I normally don't read young love, high school age stories.... too boring, too typical, to predictable and too much eye rolling for me........ BUT THIS..... is something Else! Kept my attention and kept me on the edge tight up until the last page.... can't wait for #2... really glad I gave it a try... the story sucks you in and you can almost forget the ages..... very enjoyable read.

This book was absolutely amazing! From page one I was hooked. B.B. Reid definitely delivers in this one, with awesome kickass characters and a rich, well written storyline. I'm now impatiently awaiting book 2!

I have been looking forward to this book for nearly a year, and it was worth the wait. This book was EVERything! The romance. The bromance. The angst! The twists! Four is a bad@ss b*tch and Ever, well Ever is a jerk. But man, do I love B.B.'s @$$hole leading men. This is the first book in her new series and I highly recommend it. I loved every moment of this book and can't wait to dive into the next one.

This book!! I loved every single minute!! Ever and Four!! Gah!! The push and pull, the fighting oh I couldn’t get enough. This author has a way of doing angst and taking it to an entirely different place. So darn good. I’m not doing spoilers because you just need to experience this crazy beautiful ride first hand.

I couldnt keep up with your story line. I finally gave up. Yyour characters are in motion before there is a setup as to the scene. I read a lot so I'm not new to the different styles of writing. I found myself reading and going back to the last sentence to try to get some understanding of what or where you were going,. Sorry. Just couldnt get it. Too much havingto reread everything, .

I put off reading this although it kept coming up in my suggested list. I wish I had read it sooner but now I have to wait for the sequel. Very well written, the characters weren't annoying, and it had a good story line too.

Four and Ever are amazing! The Moody bossy Ever and the wild reckless Four clash and heat up. The secrets and loyalty from ever are almost enough to break poor Four. But Four is strong willed and head strong.

I have been anxiously awaiting this book for what seems like years. Every book by b.b. reid has been read within a day. She never disappoints. I loved this book and cant wait for the next ones to follow.