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Cake #5
Rogue Wave
A love story that survives the test of time.
Keith McKallister is the king of the stoners. You know the type. Every school has one – the hot, fun, dopey guy beloved by the student body but despised by, well, just about everyone else. He spends his early mornings in the ocean and his days trying to get to class on time. Life is as easy as it gets until one poor choice too many catches up with him and he’s forced to reevaluate his path.
Samantha Anderson sits in the front row. You know the type. Every school has one – the quiet, faceless, studious girl who fears the taunts of her peers and fades into the background. Life has never been simple for Samantha, and it’s about to get a little more complicated when Keith slides into the seat beside her with a partnership plan designed for his benefit only. But what Keith brings to the table is more than either of them could imagine.
Sometimes the person you least expect to make a difference will change your life forever. Sometimes the person you love the most might be better off without you.
*Although a part of the Cake Series, this book can be read as a standalone.
Keith McKallister is the king of the stoners. You know the type. Every school has one – the hot, fun, dopey guy beloved by the student body but despised by, well, just about everyone else. He spends his early mornings in the ocean and his days trying to get to class on time. Life is as easy as it gets until one poor choice too many catches up with him and he’s forced to reevaluate his path.
Samantha Anderson sits in the front row. You know the type. Every school has one – the quiet, faceless, studious girl who fears the taunts of her peers and fades into the background. Life has never been simple for Samantha, and it’s about to get a little more complicated when Keith slides into the seat beside her with a partnership plan designed for his benefit only. But what Keith brings to the table is more than either of them could imagine.
Sometimes the person you least expect to make a difference will change your life forever. Sometimes the person you love the most might be better off without you.
*Although a part of the Cake Series, this book can be read as a standalone.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2019
441 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
J. Bengtsson
15 books1,601 followershttps://jbengtssonbooks.com/newsletter
J. (Jill) Bengtsson is the bestselling author of the Cake Series. She writes contemporary novels focused on love, humor, passion, and family. Her heroines are strong, nurturing, and quirky while her heroes are what dreams are made of - gorgeous, committed, and in need of a little saving. A native Californian, Jill’s novels are set under the glittering lights of the West Coast entertainment industry.
They are for the dreamer in all of us.
Jill resides in Ventura County, California. She’s married to the Swedish boy she met as an exchange student her junior year in college and they have three children, a golden retriever, and two ragdoll cats.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales by J. Bengtsson by signing up for her newsletter https://jbengtssonbooks.com/newsletter
For more Cake experiences, check out the audiobooks.
https://www.audible.com/author/J-Beng...
The audiobook series feature top narrators by Andi Arndt, Joe Arden and Zachary Webber.
*Cake A Love Story was nominated for an Audie Award for Best Romance of 2018.
jbengtssonbooks.com
jill@jbengtssonbooks.com
www.facebook.com/jbengtssonauthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theba...
J. (Jill) Bengtsson is the bestselling author of the Cake Series. She writes contemporary novels focused on love, humor, passion, and family. Her heroines are strong, nurturing, and quirky while her heroes are what dreams are made of - gorgeous, committed, and in need of a little saving. A native Californian, Jill’s novels are set under the glittering lights of the West Coast entertainment industry.
They are for the dreamer in all of us.
Jill resides in Ventura County, California. She’s married to the Swedish boy she met as an exchange student her junior year in college and they have three children, a golden retriever, and two ragdoll cats.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales by J. Bengtsson by signing up for her newsletter https://jbengtssonbooks.com/newsletter
For more Cake experiences, check out the audiobooks.
https://www.audible.com/author/J-Beng...
The audiobook series feature top narrators by Andi Arndt, Joe Arden and Zachary Webber.
*Cake A Love Story was nominated for an Audie Award for Best Romance of 2018.
jbengtssonbooks.com
jill@jbengtssonbooks.com
www.facebook.com/jbengtssonauthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theba...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
March 19, 2019
I CANT GET OVER HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS BOOK! Yep I am shouting it from the rooftops. I love this author and have read all her books. The Cake Series are some of my all time favorites stories EVER. Truthfully I have always maintained my allegiance to the first book, ranking it number one. Not that I didn’t love the others but Jake’s story has always haunted me. This book is challenging that. What really resonated with me throughout this book is how well it is written and I am not just talking grammar either. The storyline is AMAZING!
Keith is probably one of the funniest, irreverent, and sarcastic characters I have ever read. He continually had me roaring with laughter. I kept thinking “who comes up with this stuff”. SO FUNNY! Lets say he comes by it naturally though. All his family provides many laughs out loud moments. Let me warn you though cause this isn’t all laughs which if you have read the others you will really understand why. Keith and his choices at times will break your heart. He can be his own worse enemy. Yikes.
Samantha (Sam) has her own beautiful story to tell. The road she travels both with and without Keith is inspiring. She maintains a heart of gold even through rough days and demonstrates the true meaning of resiliency.
Intertwined with the laughter, tough social issues are explored. Mental illness, addiction, sibling rivalry, and abuse are just a few. All the books in this series explore the meaning of family and this one stays true to that. Of course setting this story in California and using surfing as a backdrop, well I feel at home.
In my opinion it is a testament of a great read if one minute you are laughing and the next you are trying to hold back tears. Sam and Keith’s love story takes you through the years and is a true second chance romance. I could talk about this book forever. Ugh where is a good book club when you need one?! Lastly, the tease at the end is almost cruel. Eek! Bring it Quinn (wink). Happy Reading!
Keith is probably one of the funniest, irreverent, and sarcastic characters I have ever read. He continually had me roaring with laughter. I kept thinking “who comes up with this stuff”. SO FUNNY! Lets say he comes by it naturally though. All his family provides many laughs out loud moments. Let me warn you though cause this isn’t all laughs which if you have read the others you will really understand why. Keith and his choices at times will break your heart. He can be his own worse enemy. Yikes.
Samantha (Sam) has her own beautiful story to tell. The road she travels both with and without Keith is inspiring. She maintains a heart of gold even through rough days and demonstrates the true meaning of resiliency.
Intertwined with the laughter, tough social issues are explored. Mental illness, addiction, sibling rivalry, and abuse are just a few. All the books in this series explore the meaning of family and this one stays true to that. Of course setting this story in California and using surfing as a backdrop, well I feel at home.
In my opinion it is a testament of a great read if one minute you are laughing and the next you are trying to hold back tears. Sam and Keith’s love story takes you through the years and is a true second chance romance. I could talk about this book forever. Ugh where is a good book club when you need one?! Lastly, the tease at the end is almost cruel. Eek! Bring it Quinn (wink). Happy Reading!
unfinished
February 3, 2020This is fifth in a series and I really don't think you want to read this as a stand-alone. For one, it jumps waaaay back in time to before the thing that happened to Jake as a child happened to him (vague so as not to spoil the first book). Of course, that may be my problem and why I can't bring myself to continue, so maybe I'm wrong.
The thing is, I really love Keith and Samantha. Keith has done some really hard things in this, his senior year of high school. He's cleaned himself up and stopped dealing drugs and seems in a really good place and at least some of that is letting himself appreciate, and love, Samantha. And the cover copy gives away that I'm almost to where a big time jump happens, as it must because Keith isn't with anybody in those other books. And the big event is just about here if I remember my internal chronology correctly. So they're really, really happy and in love and I just adore them both. And a big ole meteor is about to strike them and blow it all to smithereens. And I haven't been able to pick the book back up in days and I don't think I can.
So I'm ending this without rating and moving on. Because I can't take the psychic weight of coming events. I don't want to go through it, so I won't.
The thing is, I really love Keith and Samantha. Keith has done some really hard things in this, his senior year of high school. He's cleaned himself up and stopped dealing drugs and seems in a really good place and at least some of that is letting himself appreciate, and love, Samantha. And the cover copy gives away that I'm almost to where a big time jump happens, as it must because Keith isn't with anybody in those other books. And the big event is just about here if I remember my internal chronology correctly. So they're really, really happy and in love and I just adore them both. And a big ole meteor is about to strike them and blow it all to smithereens. And I haven't been able to pick the book back up in days and I don't think I can.
So I'm ending this without rating and moving on. Because I can't take the psychic weight of coming events. I don't want to go through it, so I won't.
March 20, 2019
Keith McKallister is one of the skater/stoner boys at his high school. Being a part of that group meant he had to smoke weed. In an effort to fit in, that’s exactly what he did and now it’s affecting his ability to graduate unless he sorts himself out. You see, Keith comes from an amazing family who love and support him. He knows he is causing them trouble and has promised his dad that he will change.
Samantha Anderson comes from a completely opposite situation. She lives with her mother and this lady is a nasty piece of work. It’s surprising that Samantha has turned out to be such a lovely young girl after what she endures not just on a daily basis but the sadness of her past. She needs to keep her GPA up if she is to ever get into college so she can leave this town and her mother for good.
When Samantha gets paired with Keith as her lab partner she can see any chance of going to college slowly diminishing. He is always late, disruptive and sleeps in class. She will not go down with him, she’d rather go it alone. Then something changes and Keith goes from disinterested to a very engaged student. They begin studying together and hanging out a bit.
There is something about Samantha that draws Keith in. Once he got to know her a bit better they really hit it off and before too long their friendship develops into so much more. When a tragedy strikes Keith’s family everything changes. The love they had seems to vanish and Keith is unreachable as he struggles to deal with what has happened in his family. Sam has her own burdens to bear and after her own incredibly sad situation, she ends up moving away.
Keith and Samantha’s story spans over 11 years, some of it together and some of it apart. They both have some growing up to do but the one thing that never changed throughout this book was the depth of love they had for each other. They have had to fight for their happiness and have both been through some incredibly rough shit. However, there was more to come…
It’s really interesting reading about how each of the siblings were affected by what happened to their family and how it shaped them as adults. I guess you could call this a second chance love story but it was more like a third chance ☺
This is the fifth story in the Cake series which centres around the McKallister siblings. This is a stand alone but there are a few appearances of people from the previous which could potentially be a spoiler if you are yet to read them.
Samantha Anderson comes from a completely opposite situation. She lives with her mother and this lady is a nasty piece of work. It’s surprising that Samantha has turned out to be such a lovely young girl after what she endures not just on a daily basis but the sadness of her past. She needs to keep her GPA up if she is to ever get into college so she can leave this town and her mother for good.
When Samantha gets paired with Keith as her lab partner she can see any chance of going to college slowly diminishing. He is always late, disruptive and sleeps in class. She will not go down with him, she’d rather go it alone. Then something changes and Keith goes from disinterested to a very engaged student. They begin studying together and hanging out a bit.
There is something about Samantha that draws Keith in. Once he got to know her a bit better they really hit it off and before too long their friendship develops into so much more. When a tragedy strikes Keith’s family everything changes. The love they had seems to vanish and Keith is unreachable as he struggles to deal with what has happened in his family. Sam has her own burdens to bear and after her own incredibly sad situation, she ends up moving away.
Keith and Samantha’s story spans over 11 years, some of it together and some of it apart. They both have some growing up to do but the one thing that never changed throughout this book was the depth of love they had for each other. They have had to fight for their happiness and have both been through some incredibly rough shit. However, there was more to come…
It’s really interesting reading about how each of the siblings were affected by what happened to their family and how it shaped them as adults. I guess you could call this a second chance love story but it was more like a third chance ☺
This is the fifth story in the Cake series which centres around the McKallister siblings. This is a stand alone but there are a few appearances of people from the previous which could potentially be a spoiler if you are yet to read them.
March 25, 2019
I was loving this book. Keith and Samantha's story is heartbreaking and full of missed opportunities. Keith especially tore my heart out and had me crying more than once. The character development was spot on and the secondary characters, some of whom we've met before, fill out the world wonderfully. I was all in....and then almost at the end of the book, Samantha makes such a stupid, awful decision that almost ruined the whole story for me! GAHHH! No spoilers, but I was just so angry at her. And then Keith lets her off the hook way to easy. A fantastic book until about 83%, then you will want to scream, then it will be fine again. Still worth it to get inside Keith's head.
July 26, 2019
I had high hopes for Rogue Wave and honestly this book was sitting at 4.5 stars until Chapter 33 and it slid down to two stars but came back up with the ending and epilogue. Here’s the deal, there is no doubt that each of the siblings in the McKallister family had issues stemming from what happened to Jake, but Keith’s issues started before that and he spiraled after Jake’s kidnapping. Let me warn you readers if you haven’t read the Cake series (especially Cake), you will be lost reading this one. I was lost and I had read the entire series a couple years ago. That being said, I get that the hero and heroine had issues and that their road to happily ever after wasn’t going to be easy, not with the hero being an addict and the heroine suffering from abuse by her mother so it’s not that they had things to work through, it’s that after getting together in high school and being happy, the tragedy struck Keith’s family and tore them apart when Keith chose drugs over Samantha and his family. It’s not that Sam had to move away in order to be safe and because she knew that Keith needed to clean himself up for him not for her or anyone else. It’s not that they spent years and years apart. It’s that after those years apart when they finally reconnect in an interesting way, where they start anew and begin to know each other as the adults they’ve become through adversity that instead of letting readers see them enjoy one another, watch their relationship build, and understand that together they are stronger instead the author decided to throw more sh*t their way. So we didn’t get to see them actually enjoying being together again, we see them alone and miserable. For once, I’d love to see a book where couples actually lean on one another, where they DISCUSS options instead of one trying to play martyr especially when they don’t have all the facts, and where they fight TOGETHER. I understand this is the author’s story but honestly I almost stopped reading the book at that point because I was tired of Keith being jerked around, I was tired of Sam not getting a break, and I was tired of once again seeing them apart rather than together. If it wasn’t for the last chapter and the epilogue, I would have been majorly ticked off about this story. I loved seeing the McKallister clan again, I loved seeing Keith finally realize his issues and dealing with them, I loved seeing both Sam and Keith succeed in their own way, and I was happy they got together, I just wanted MORE time with them as a couple and less time of them alone. I did like a great deal of this book, but unfortunately that one section turned me sour on the book as a whole which is sad. Rogue Wave was a bit of a disappointment after waiting so long to read Keith and Samantha’s story, but with that being said I am excited about the spin-off series to come.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
April 27, 2023
4.5 stars
Book #5 of the Cake series, and we’re back with the McKallister clan and a second-chance romance for big brother, Keith and his long-time girlfriend, Samantha.
Fans of the series will already know a little bit about Keith and Samantha’s story – they were a committed couple who were together for years, to the point where Samantha is a much loved part of the extended family. Then all of a sudden they were no longer together, but in the last book of the series, we saw them share a spark when they were reunited at Keith’s younger brother’s wedding.
I’m a sucker for a second-chance-romance, and was so excited when I realised that Keith’s story would be his second chance with Samantha. And J. Bengtsson takes us back to where it all started, as we go back to high school to see the beginning of Keith and Samantha’s story, following them through the years, showing us all of the ups and downs, and their gloriously emotional reunion. I loved getting to know these two on such a deep level, and loved every moment of their twisted, unexpected story.
Though Keith has been raised in a house where he is loved and cherished, he feels ‘less than’ his talented siblings. In a desperate attempt to fit in at school, he falls in with the stoners in middle school, and by the time he’s a senior in high school, he is not only a complete slacker stoner, but he’s also a dealer for the entire school. He enjoys the popularity and easy lifestyle that comes from it, but deep down he knows he’s making bad choices, and he knows he’s disappointing his family. He’s a good kid with a big heart, he’s just gotten himself into a bad situation, and doesn’t know how to pull himself out of the spiral. And then along comes quiet, nerdy good girl, Samantha – somebody who is hiding her own horrific secrets, and is working hard to escape her life and get a fresh start.
An unlikely friendship blossoms between the pair. Keith is a bit of a goofball, and his charisma and light-hearted playfulness draws Samantha in. And she actually listens to him, she treats him like a person, not like a screw-up, or somebody that is only good for what he can get for her. They spend time together, they genuinely care for each other, and before too long they effortlessly fall into a sweet, and beautifully emotional relationship.
I loved watching these two fall in love. The joking, banter and playfulness is so much fun, but there’s a deeper connection there which is beautiful to see. They help each other so much, becoming a crucial part of each other’s developments as they give each other strength and bring huge, positive change to each other’s lives. But life brings them some pretty huge hurdles.
Keith and Samantha’s story is a bit of a rollercoaster and is full of surprises. My heart ached for them and all they go through, and I loved the character growth that we see for both of them. But at the heart of their story is a fierce love that captured both of their hearts and just won’t let go. They belong together, they just have a rocky road to get there, and though they make mistakes along the way, and I wish we could have seen more of their time together, I was with them through every moment of their journey.
Like the earlier books in the series, the timeline includes the McKallister’s tragic past, and now we get to explore Keith’s side of the story, and see his role in the family’s recovery. I love that we get to see so many different sides to this story, how each family member is personally impacted, and the way it influenced who they grew up to be.
It’s an emotional ride, but the book ends on a great note with an epilogue which gives us a glimpse into the future for the whole family, and provides a bit of a hint for Quinn’s book up next. I am loving this family and these books so much, and can’t wait to continue.
4.5 stars!
Book #5 of the Cake series, and we’re back with the McKallister clan and a second-chance romance for big brother, Keith and his long-time girlfriend, Samantha.
Fans of the series will already know a little bit about Keith and Samantha’s story – they were a committed couple who were together for years, to the point where Samantha is a much loved part of the extended family. Then all of a sudden they were no longer together, but in the last book of the series, we saw them share a spark when they were reunited at Keith’s younger brother’s wedding.
I’m a sucker for a second-chance-romance, and was so excited when I realised that Keith’s story would be his second chance with Samantha. And J. Bengtsson takes us back to where it all started, as we go back to high school to see the beginning of Keith and Samantha’s story, following them through the years, showing us all of the ups and downs, and their gloriously emotional reunion. I loved getting to know these two on such a deep level, and loved every moment of their twisted, unexpected story.
Though Keith has been raised in a house where he is loved and cherished, he feels ‘less than’ his talented siblings. In a desperate attempt to fit in at school, he falls in with the stoners in middle school, and by the time he’s a senior in high school, he is not only a complete slacker stoner, but he’s also a dealer for the entire school. He enjoys the popularity and easy lifestyle that comes from it, but deep down he knows he’s making bad choices, and he knows he’s disappointing his family. He’s a good kid with a big heart, he’s just gotten himself into a bad situation, and doesn’t know how to pull himself out of the spiral. And then along comes quiet, nerdy good girl, Samantha – somebody who is hiding her own horrific secrets, and is working hard to escape her life and get a fresh start.
An unlikely friendship blossoms between the pair. Keith is a bit of a goofball, and his charisma and light-hearted playfulness draws Samantha in. And she actually listens to him, she treats him like a person, not like a screw-up, or somebody that is only good for what he can get for her. They spend time together, they genuinely care for each other, and before too long they effortlessly fall into a sweet, and beautifully emotional relationship.
I loved watching these two fall in love. The joking, banter and playfulness is so much fun, but there’s a deeper connection there which is beautiful to see. They help each other so much, becoming a crucial part of each other’s developments as they give each other strength and bring huge, positive change to each other’s lives. But life brings them some pretty huge hurdles.
Keith and Samantha’s story is a bit of a rollercoaster and is full of surprises. My heart ached for them and all they go through, and I loved the character growth that we see for both of them. But at the heart of their story is a fierce love that captured both of their hearts and just won’t let go. They belong together, they just have a rocky road to get there, and though they make mistakes along the way, and I wish we could have seen more of their time together, I was with them through every moment of their journey.
Like the earlier books in the series, the timeline includes the McKallister’s tragic past, and now we get to explore Keith’s side of the story, and see his role in the family’s recovery. I love that we get to see so many different sides to this story, how each family member is personally impacted, and the way it influenced who they grew up to be.
It’s an emotional ride, but the book ends on a great note with an epilogue which gives us a glimpse into the future for the whole family, and provides a bit of a hint for Quinn’s book up next. I am loving this family and these books so much, and can’t wait to continue.
4.5 stars!
March 19, 2019
Rogue Wave, Keith’s and Sam’s story, is a second chance romance that will put you through all the feels - happiness and heartbreak, laughter and tears, love and hope. Their story spans over 10 years, which I enjoyed because we got to see how they met in high school and follow their journey through all the trials and tribulations to get their well deserved HEA.
I adored Keith and his fun personality. He is humorous and loves deeply. However, my heart broke as I watched him struggle with his inner demons. Sam is a great heroine and is the perfect balance to Keith’s zany personality. This girl did not have it easy and I many times just wanted to hug her tightly. Sam and Keith are like magnets - opposite ends pulling towards each other. The two are an unlikely pair, but they are also the perfect couple for bringing out the best in each other. The banter between the two of them was hilarious - his random jokes and stories along with her sarcastic responses left me laughing almost to the point of tears.
It was good to see the rest of the McKallister clan as well as Sam’s friend, Shannon. I have no idea where the author comes up with their zany interactions, but I was practically snorting coffee out of my nose from laughing so hard. One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book is that the author has the amazing ability to create a unique story with likable characters that carefully balances seriousness and humor. Along with all the hilarious dialogue and the entertaining McKallister stories, heavy topics such as addiction, abuse, and mental illness are addressed in Rogue Wave. If you have liked the previous books in the Cake series then you will love Rogue Wave. I received this book for free and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I adored Keith and his fun personality. He is humorous and loves deeply. However, my heart broke as I watched him struggle with his inner demons. Sam is a great heroine and is the perfect balance to Keith’s zany personality. This girl did not have it easy and I many times just wanted to hug her tightly. Sam and Keith are like magnets - opposite ends pulling towards each other. The two are an unlikely pair, but they are also the perfect couple for bringing out the best in each other. The banter between the two of them was hilarious - his random jokes and stories along with her sarcastic responses left me laughing almost to the point of tears.
It was good to see the rest of the McKallister clan as well as Sam’s friend, Shannon. I have no idea where the author comes up with their zany interactions, but I was practically snorting coffee out of my nose from laughing so hard. One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book is that the author has the amazing ability to create a unique story with likable characters that carefully balances seriousness and humor. Along with all the hilarious dialogue and the entertaining McKallister stories, heavy topics such as addiction, abuse, and mental illness are addressed in Rogue Wave. If you have liked the previous books in the Cake series then you will love Rogue Wave. I received this book for free and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
March 19, 2019
My most anticipated book of the year and was not disappointed!!!!
I don't think the blurb on this book is as interesting as the book truly is. Please, it's more than boy meets girl...
I've read the series twice so I have to think hard if this could be read standalone. Hmm, not sure. Can I get back to you? Just get the earlier books anyway and read along. (Thought about it and this could be standalone). Once you read bits and pieces of the other characters you'll want to read CAKE....what did happen to Jake McAllister that affects so many people???
I start off with saying that we barely know Keith but he's in the prior books as older brother who had addiction issues. We knew he had a girlfriend named Sam.
So this book starts with Sam and Keith in highschool. She's stuck in a seating chart randomly selected by the teacher sitting next to Keith who sleeps through the first day. He's a stoner. She's pretty shy and reclusive.
The story goes a bit slow...if you're new to this series, please don't give up. It builds up so tenderly, right, and real. Then your rollercoaster has reached it's height......
I love the layers and the truly awful life situations from Keith and Sam's perspective in this book. J. doesn't play around with just any typical angst ever!!
Jaw dropping stuff but not over the top.
I love Keith's family. I love the humor. I had humorless parents so I made a point of humor. My husband and kids get it.
The story almost seems we are at end but Quinn....or Grace....please please....or second generation..... thanks.
I don't think the blurb on this book is as interesting as the book truly is. Please, it's more than boy meets girl...
I've read the series twice so I have to think hard if this could be read standalone. Hmm, not sure. Can I get back to you? Just get the earlier books anyway and read along. (Thought about it and this could be standalone). Once you read bits and pieces of the other characters you'll want to read CAKE....what did happen to Jake McAllister that affects so many people???
I start off with saying that we barely know Keith but he's in the prior books as older brother who had addiction issues. We knew he had a girlfriend named Sam.
So this book starts with Sam and Keith in highschool. She's stuck in a seating chart randomly selected by the teacher sitting next to Keith who sleeps through the first day. He's a stoner. She's pretty shy and reclusive.
The story goes a bit slow...if you're new to this series, please don't give up. It builds up so tenderly, right, and real. Then your rollercoaster has reached it's height......
I love the layers and the truly awful life situations from Keith and Sam's perspective in this book. J. doesn't play around with just any typical angst ever!!
Jaw dropping stuff but not over the top.
I love Keith's family. I love the humor. I had humorless parents so I made a point of humor. My husband and kids get it.
The story almost seems we are at end but Quinn....or Grace....please please....or second generation..... thanks.
March 14, 2019
I think I have a new favorite Mckallister!
Rogue Wave, the 5th book in the Cake series, focuses of oldest brother Keith and his girlfriend Sam, both of whom we meet in book one and read a little about in the following books. Their story is a second chance romance that can read as a standalone, but if you haven't read the first 4 books in this series, you are missing out!
Keith and Sam's story begins in high school, shortly before the Mckallister family tragedy, so we not only get to see the tragedy from Keith's POV, we also see more of the family before they were changed.
Sam(antha) wasn't dealt the greatest hand in life. I don't want to spoil anything with her story, but it definitely broke me. I love Keith and the whole Mckallister clan, but I was really rooting for Sam to get her happy ending.
J Bengtsson has a way of writing stories that make you laugh out loud one minute and have you in tears the next. And this book is no different. The witty banter between Keith and everyone else was amazing. I love that even though each book focuses a bit on what happened to Jake, it isn't just a rehashing. Each sibling had a different experience and they each handled it a different way.
I really hope book 6 is on it's way because I need Quinn's story ASAP!
Rogue Wave, the 5th book in the Cake series, focuses of oldest brother Keith and his girlfriend Sam, both of whom we meet in book one and read a little about in the following books. Their story is a second chance romance that can read as a standalone, but if you haven't read the first 4 books in this series, you are missing out!
Keith and Sam's story begins in high school, shortly before the Mckallister family tragedy, so we not only get to see the tragedy from Keith's POV, we also see more of the family before they were changed.
Sam(antha) wasn't dealt the greatest hand in life. I don't want to spoil anything with her story, but it definitely broke me. I love Keith and the whole Mckallister clan, but I was really rooting for Sam to get her happy ending.
J Bengtsson has a way of writing stories that make you laugh out loud one minute and have you in tears the next. And this book is no different. The witty banter between Keith and everyone else was amazing. I love that even though each book focuses a bit on what happened to Jake, it isn't just a rehashing. Each sibling had a different experience and they each handled it a different way.
I really hope book 6 is on it's way because I need Quinn's story ASAP!
June 12, 2021
Ms. Bengtsson, you slayed me!!! It only took me a few days to finish off book #5 in the Cake series. Once again I reminded how powerful this whole series is, and am a little sad that I didn't binge read this series all the way through. Even just the 4 month break in between books 1-3 and now 4 and 5 - made me forget all the little details about Keith and Sam that occurred early on in the series. And I really craved them this time around. This series will definitely be a reread later on in life!! Their stories were so complicated and took so much to overcome. I really enjoyed the ride so much!!!
The first 30% of the book which goes back to high school and pre kidnapping...and was a little slow as there was no Jake story to flip flop back and forth with - but the journey that these characters all took once again piggy backs on the theme throughout the series. Up next is a fun little novella about all the characters and then on to the newest book!!!!
The first 30% of the book which goes back to high school and pre kidnapping...and was a little slow as there was no Jake story to flip flop back and forth with - but the journey that these characters all took once again piggy backs on the theme throughout the series. Up next is a fun little novella about all the characters and then on to the newest book!!!!
August 24, 2023
4 ⭐'s
I liked Keith a lot better after reading his story.
I liked Keith a lot better after reading his story.
April 4, 2019
Unfortunately, I was disappointed by this installment in the Cake series. I've loved the other books, but this one missed the mark for me. I understand that authors must make choices about what they want to focus on in each book--what's most important, where do they want to direct a reader's attention, what parts of a character's life do they want to showcase. For me, Keith got the short end of the stick.
I appreciated showing his teen years, the kidnapping, his relapses, but I was pretty bored by the time I reached 35%. Friends encouraged me to keep reading. I did, and it picked up, but by the end, I had decided a couple of things. The book started in the wrong place; after a prologue, perhaps, the high school years would have been better handled as flashbacks. The bulk of the book should have been about their developing relationship as adults.
I felt cheated out of seeing Sam get to know his family (when she had lost so much). I felt cheated out of seeing her be there for Keith as he struggled to maintain his sobriety. And I was totally disgusted by the fact that she would rather feel sorry for herself and refuse the testing she needed rather than fight for him and their relationship.
There were funny parts, the writing was good, and I'll read more by this author, but the choices she made as a writer were not the choices I desired as a reader.
I appreciated showing his teen years, the kidnapping, his relapses, but I was pretty bored by the time I reached 35%. Friends encouraged me to keep reading. I did, and it picked up, but by the end, I had decided a couple of things. The book started in the wrong place; after a prologue, perhaps, the high school years would have been better handled as flashbacks. The bulk of the book should have been about their developing relationship as adults.
I felt cheated out of seeing Sam get to know his family (when she had lost so much). I felt cheated out of seeing her be there for Keith as he struggled to maintain his sobriety. And I was totally disgusted by the fact that she would rather feel sorry for herself and refuse the testing she needed rather than fight for him and their relationship.
There were funny parts, the writing was good, and I'll read more by this author, but the choices she made as a writer were not the choices I desired as a reader.
March 19, 2019
Good things come to those who wait....and wait I did for Keith's story. I have wanted Keith and Sam's story since Theory of Second Best (Kyle & Kenzie)...there was just something about these two, I needed more. NOTE - I highly suggest that you read these in order - that is the only way you will understand all that has happened with the McKallister clan. Keith and Sam's story starts back in high school...just prior to the McKallister family tragedy - but Sam has tragedy of her own. J. Bengtsson gives us all the feels with Rogue Wave, and I mean ALL the feels.
June 6, 2019
I love this series, but I have to admit that this is my least favorite of the bunch. You can't help but love the characters, but at the same time want to shake them for their bad decisions. And at about 80% things take a turn with a classic trope that I absolutely detest. I couldn't figure out why the main character didn't really fight harder for what he wanted.
But in the end it all turned out well. I'm really looking forward to hear Quinn's story. I love the family dynamic in this series.
Andi Arndt and Alex Kydd are fabulous narrators. It really shows with this story.
But in the end it all turned out well. I'm really looking forward to hear Quinn's story. I love the family dynamic in this series.
Andi Arndt and Alex Kydd are fabulous narrators. It really shows with this story.
April 8, 2019
Rogue Wave tells the story of the romantic relationship between two opposite strangers from high school to adulthood. The story went deeper as it untangled the web of secrets and gritty events that tear them apart and bring them together. The plot is intriguing enough to keep the pages turning. However, the complexity of its multitude events were overwhelming and went far beyond what I was expecting. At its best, it is an interesting and unique read for me. I gave this a total 3.5 stars
Keith and Samantha's paths crossed at the start of senior year in high school. They are the exact opposite of each other, Keith is the type of student who ditches classes, get high often, and has no interest whatsoever in learning. Whereas Samantha is your usual nerdy type, not that smart but will do anything to keep her grades up. Being partner with the school infamous stoner might not be the best idea for her, but through a beneficial bet and mutual understanding they fell hard for each other.
The story has its ups and downs, many events took place in between the start, end, and the middle. It was hard to keep up at first. It is emotional at some level and confusing in the other. I spend way too much time thinking, "How did it come this?". Of course, the author shows her proficient writing skill in creating some amazing turn of events that leads to great character developments and plot building. But it's a roller-coaster ride. One that was too rushed in the end.
*e-ARC kindly provided by author and CandikanePR in exchange for an honest review.
Keith and Samantha's paths crossed at the start of senior year in high school. They are the exact opposite of each other, Keith is the type of student who ditches classes, get high often, and has no interest whatsoever in learning. Whereas Samantha is your usual nerdy type, not that smart but will do anything to keep her grades up. Being partner with the school infamous stoner might not be the best idea for her, but through a beneficial bet and mutual understanding they fell hard for each other.
The story has its ups and downs, many events took place in between the start, end, and the middle. It was hard to keep up at first. It is emotional at some level and confusing in the other. I spend way too much time thinking, "How did it come this?". Of course, the author shows her proficient writing skill in creating some amazing turn of events that leads to great character developments and plot building. But it's a roller-coaster ride. One that was too rushed in the end.
*e-ARC kindly provided by author and CandikanePR in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2019
Where to start with this review..... I have no idea because I have so many emotions running through me. There was so many issues that were dealt with in this story that it had my heart hurting for both Keith and Samantha. There is abuse, mental illness, addiction and family. This is a story of love and family staying together.
Keith is a stoner and a happy guy who rides the waves in the morning and then goes to school by day. He has a good life but things happen in his life that is hard for him to deal with but he deals with them. Then at school there is this project and he has a plan to get the class nerds help so he sits next to her and tells her they are going to do this project together. Samantha is shocked but she agrees to do the project with Kieth.
Samantha is a quiet book girl who stays out of trouble. She sits in the front of the class and gets good grades. That is until she is there minding her own business when Kieth the class stoner sits next to her and tells her they are going to do the class project together. As they study together things start to transform from friendship to something more and this is where the story starts to get wonderful so I won't spoil it for the reader but I will say that this is the romance story for you! So go on and one click it and enjoy it!
Keith is a stoner and a happy guy who rides the waves in the morning and then goes to school by day. He has a good life but things happen in his life that is hard for him to deal with but he deals with them. Then at school there is this project and he has a plan to get the class nerds help so he sits next to her and tells her they are going to do this project together. Samantha is shocked but she agrees to do the project with Kieth.
Samantha is a quiet book girl who stays out of trouble. She sits in the front of the class and gets good grades. That is until she is there minding her own business when Kieth the class stoner sits next to her and tells her they are going to do the class project together. As they study together things start to transform from friendship to something more and this is where the story starts to get wonderful so I won't spoil it for the reader but I will say that this is the romance story for you! So go on and one click it and enjoy it!
May 29, 2022
5 Stars! 🌊 🌊🌊🌊🌊🏄♀️🏄♂️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐���/5
Angst level: 💔💔💔💔/5
Laugh-o-meter: 😆😆😆/5
Steam level: 🔥🔥.5/5
Themes: substance abuse/ mental health/ family trauma / sibling love
It’s been a few years since I’ve read the first Cake book, and while the details were fuzzy, I remember that I loved and adored it. The feels definetely returned for “Rogue Wave,” and I didn’t even mind that the steam level was more of a simmer when I usually prefer an inferno. It wasn’t lacking spice.. I definitely felt the chemistry between this opposites-attract, second-chance couple. I loved the duo of Sam and Keith! Though totally different, both were the underdogs/black sheep of their respective worlds, causing them to form a deep connection that you’re sure to feel.
Not sure if this is considered a standalone, but I’d definitely recommend at least reading Book 1 to understand the McKallister family dynamics/ history since it often comes up.
All in all, I loved it. I laughed, I cried, I swooned.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐���/5
Angst level: 💔💔💔💔/5
Laugh-o-meter: 😆😆😆/5
Steam level: 🔥🔥.5/5
Themes: substance abuse/ mental health/ family trauma / sibling love
It’s been a few years since I’ve read the first Cake book, and while the details were fuzzy, I remember that I loved and adored it. The feels definetely returned for “Rogue Wave,” and I didn’t even mind that the steam level was more of a simmer when I usually prefer an inferno. It wasn’t lacking spice.. I definitely felt the chemistry between this opposites-attract, second-chance couple. I loved the duo of Sam and Keith! Though totally different, both were the underdogs/black sheep of their respective worlds, causing them to form a deep connection that you’re sure to feel.
Not sure if this is considered a standalone, but I’d definitely recommend at least reading Book 1 to understand the McKallister family dynamics/ history since it often comes up.
All in all, I loved it. I laughed, I cried, I swooned.
June 21, 2019
I. LOVE. THIS. SERIES.
I was so excited to get Keith’s story.
It was well worth the wait.
To finally have Keith’s piece of the McKallister family puzzle put in place is thoroughly satisfying in every way.
Sam, the book smart girl with a horrible home life, who thinks she’s just ordinary.
Keith, the beautiful surfer boy who makes bad decisions, wanting to be noticed, wanting to fit in.
Lab partners that blossomed into so much more.
Platypus dreams.
Surfing lessons.
First loves.
Tragedy.
Broken hearts.
Pain, addiction, heartbreak.
J. Bengtsson delivers Keith & Sam’s love story beautifully and delicately with the expertise I’ve come to love from her.
So many questions are finally answered and my love for Keith only grew stronger.
I listened to the audiobook - the narrators were PERFECT.
I was so excited to get Keith’s story.
It was well worth the wait.
To finally have Keith’s piece of the McKallister family puzzle put in place is thoroughly satisfying in every way.
Sam, the book smart girl with a horrible home life, who thinks she’s just ordinary.
Keith, the beautiful surfer boy who makes bad decisions, wanting to be noticed, wanting to fit in.
Lab partners that blossomed into so much more.
Platypus dreams.
Surfing lessons.
First loves.
Tragedy.
Broken hearts.
Pain, addiction, heartbreak.
J. Bengtsson delivers Keith & Sam’s love story beautifully and delicately with the expertise I’ve come to love from her.
So many questions are finally answered and my love for Keith only grew stronger.
I listened to the audiobook - the narrators were PERFECT.
March 15, 2019
Oh my goodness!! Keith's story is just fabulous! With every single addition to the Cake series, J Bengtsson brings us further heart break and mending, woven together with great character development and superb wit and verve. I have highlighted so many passages in this book, laughed out loud (yes, embarrassing myself in public again 😊), wanted to hug both Keith and Samantha and feared for them as they struggle to find their place in life, especially Keith.
Keith and Sam are the most wonderful characters. Their story spans over a decade and weaves its tendrils of love and struggle with such confidence and style. This series has a place of prominence on my top shelf of favourites. Just fabulous! 💖💖
Keith and Sam are the most wonderful characters. Their story spans over a decade and weaves its tendrils of love and struggle with such confidence and style. This series has a place of prominence on my top shelf of favourites. Just fabulous! 💖💖
May 7, 2019
I absolutely love the McKallisters! Keith’s future isn’t bright until Sam enters his world. Addiction can be in the best of families. Abuse can have many faces. But sometimes love isn’t enough to fight off the demons in your head.
Love this book series for so many reasons! The tragedy that falls in this family and how everyone is effected is heartbreaking. But how they face it and find ways to over come is heartwarming. Humor is so important on my life and these stories never disappoint in bringing laughter!!!
It’s never too late to fight for love!!!!! 💜💚🌴
Love this book series for so many reasons! The tragedy that falls in this family and how everyone is effected is heartbreaking. But how they face it and find ways to over come is heartwarming. Humor is so important on my life and these stories never disappoint in bringing laughter!!!
It’s never too late to fight for love!!!!! 💜💚🌴
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
March 11, 2019
Rogue Wave: Cake Series #5 (ARC) was graciously provided to me by Inkslinger PR for an honest review. I will voluntarily read this book and provide my honest opinion. Review to follow.
March 20, 2019
Hmmm
I’m a little mixed on this one. One thing that I loved was that Keith’s story didn’t just jump in where we met him in cake, but instead told us he and Sams entire story. I also loved having a little more insight into the future of this amazing family (I can’t wait to read about Quinn). But a pretty big negative for me was the reason behind Keith’s and Sams split. I know the author was probably trying to come up with a reason that wouldn’t make either of them look bad, but it backfired. We are supposed to be stronger together than apart, but when it was this couples time to face the test they parted. Keith may have subconsciously waited, but he did not fight for her. He pretty much abandoned her to deal with all of these huge issues on her own, based on one “ I can’t do this to you, you need to leave”. As for Sam, her reasons are just not realistic. Maybe a new relationship couldn’t withstand the storm of some bad news, but in real life an 8 year relationship doesn’t end because of a scary possibility. On the rare occasion it would, it’s because one person just didn’t love the other enough. As for the implication that she was being a martyr. Even the most noblest of human beings isn’t that self sacrificing. The main reason being, we know it’s not the right option based on our ability to empathize. In real life she would have first thought of how she would feel if Keith treated her the same way, and realized that she’s hurt him more by pushing him away. There is a reason the phrase “it’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all” is so profound and has stood the test of time. Instead of inspiring or whatever the author thought would happen, the device used for the split becomes cheap. If pressed, almost everyone can think of a couple who withstood a similar issue, and of how they came together during the storm. There is a reason for this. When attacked, we don’t start the battle of deciding to leave behind our armor.
.
I’m a little mixed on this one. One thing that I loved was that Keith’s story didn’t just jump in where we met him in cake, but instead told us he and Sams entire story. I also loved having a little more insight into the future of this amazing family (I can’t wait to read about Quinn). But a pretty big negative for me was the reason behind Keith’s and Sams split. I know the author was probably trying to come up with a reason that wouldn’t make either of them look bad, but it backfired. We are supposed to be stronger together than apart, but when it was this couples time to face the test they parted. Keith may have subconsciously waited, but he did not fight for her. He pretty much abandoned her to deal with all of these huge issues on her own, based on one “ I can’t do this to you, you need to leave”. As for Sam, her reasons are just not realistic. Maybe a new relationship couldn’t withstand the storm of some bad news, but in real life an 8 year relationship doesn’t end because of a scary possibility. On the rare occasion it would, it’s because one person just didn’t love the other enough. As for the implication that she was being a martyr. Even the most noblest of human beings isn’t that self sacrificing. The main reason being, we know it’s not the right option based on our ability to empathize. In real life she would have first thought of how she would feel if Keith treated her the same way, and realized that she’s hurt him more by pushing him away. There is a reason the phrase “it’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all” is so profound and has stood the test of time. Instead of inspiring or whatever the author thought would happen, the device used for the split becomes cheap. If pressed, almost everyone can think of a couple who withstood a similar issue, and of how they came together during the storm. There is a reason for this. When attacked, we don’t start the battle of deciding to leave behind our armor.
.
March 16, 2019
A roller coaster of emotions!!!!
First of all, if you haven't read the Cake series you're missing out. Go read them!
Rogue Wave have all the feels. I've been patiently waiting for Keith's and Sam's story and it did not disappoint. I thought Kyle was the quirky one, turns out Keith was long before him. Their story started from high school and journeyed over many years. This book have a serious vibe to it but it was also highly entertaining, filled with laughter, love, and a few obstacles that could have broken stronger than these two. One minute I'm laughing out loud, the next I just wanna cry. J Bengtsson is just that good at weaving a story. I've been all in with the McKallister family since Jake's story and I just enjoyed seeing them get happy endings. Just in case you miss Cake, Kyle, Kenzie, Finn, Emma and all the rest of the gang, don't worry we get to see them again in this one too. I finished reading this in one sitting and as with the others I will be reading it again. I just hope this isn't the last one, after all there's still Grace and Quinn!
First of all, if you haven't read the Cake series you're missing out. Go read them!
Rogue Wave have all the feels. I've been patiently waiting for Keith's and Sam's story and it did not disappoint. I thought Kyle was the quirky one, turns out Keith was long before him. Their story started from high school and journeyed over many years. This book have a serious vibe to it but it was also highly entertaining, filled with laughter, love, and a few obstacles that could have broken stronger than these two. One minute I'm laughing out loud, the next I just wanna cry. J Bengtsson is just that good at weaving a story. I've been all in with the McKallister family since Jake's story and I just enjoyed seeing them get happy endings. Just in case you miss Cake, Kyle, Kenzie, Finn, Emma and all the rest of the gang, don't worry we get to see them again in this one too. I finished reading this in one sitting and as with the others I will be reading it again. I just hope this isn't the last one, after all there's still Grace and Quinn!
September 3, 2019
Once again, the Cake series hasn’t disappointed me. They are all amazing stories and this one was no different. Yes, they are all about the same family, but they can be read as standalone. Personally, I am glad I’ve read them pretty much in order although I realized while reading this one that I had bought a previous one and neglected to read it. No harm done though and easily rectified.
I didn’t know whether or not I would enjoy a book about a high school stoner/surfer and ultimately a reformed drug addict, but it wasn’t a problem for me. It’s not an easy story to be honest. However, the romance between the surfer dude and the studious girl was, in the end, a wonderful story and I’m glad I took the sometimes fun, sometimes arduous journey with the couple. Definitely not all hearts and flowers and also definitely an adult read even if it starts in high school. Recommended to contemporary romance readers! Well worth it!
I didn’t know whether or not I would enjoy a book about a high school stoner/surfer and ultimately a reformed drug addict, but it wasn’t a problem for me. It’s not an easy story to be honest. However, the romance between the surfer dude and the studious girl was, in the end, a wonderful story and I’m glad I took the sometimes fun, sometimes arduous journey with the couple. Definitely not all hearts and flowers and also definitely an adult read even if it starts in high school. Recommended to contemporary romance readers! Well worth it!
October 29, 2021
We have known Sam and Keith since the beginning, so I was excited to get their full story. They were high school sweethearts that lost their way when the Jake kidnapping was too much for Keith to handle and he ghosted her. Each of them moved on, but never loved anyone else, always carrying a torch for the other one. When their paths cross again they waste no time and get back together. They truly are soul mates. That's where things then go wrong, a few years down the road. Sam's past, mom, cause her to have a crisis resulting in them breaking up again. I will not lie, this was so frustrating for me. Can't go in to too much detail without giving it all away. BUT I really wanted to slap the stupid out of Sam. Poor Keith, my heart broke for him. Thankfully, they do end up with their HEA!! Narration was fantastic!
May 7, 2019
Wow, what an amazing story! I knew Keith’s story would be interesting and oh man was it! This heartbreaking love story of Keith and Sam is EVERYTHING you guys! J Bengtsson is so talented! This story span many years for these two.. we get pieces of everyone’s story in every book but this is so much more, we get so many years and I really loved that! Throughout this book I had sooo many emotions and mixed feelings it was a great ride! Its hard to pick a favorite! I cannot wait for Quinn’s story OMG!! Alex Kydd was perfection along side of Andi. This audiobook is off the charts great! Every single book in this series is so please listen to them all!
April 6, 2022
Rogue Wave
Wow I honestly didn't know what to expect with Keith's story but a loved it. I'm such a sucker for a good redemption storyline and it was a very rocky journey but he made it. I loved that it started in high school too, seeing how this whole family was before the pre Jake trauma. My heart broke for Sam and what she went through with her brother and mother. I loved the journey / meaning behind the pendant. My only criticism is I didn't like that last hurdle for them, it was to much, I just wanted them happy already. I adored the epilogue though and can not wait to read Quinn's book now.
Wow I honestly didn't know what to expect with Keith's story but a loved it. I'm such a sucker for a good redemption storyline and it was a very rocky journey but he made it. I loved that it started in high school too, seeing how this whole family was before the pre Jake trauma. My heart broke for Sam and what she went through with her brother and mother. I loved the journey / meaning behind the pendant. My only criticism is I didn't like that last hurdle for them, it was to much, I just wanted them happy already. I adored the epilogue though and can not wait to read Quinn's book now.
July 19, 2023
This book… wow. I thought it would start in the current time line and have flashbacks to what happened to Keith. But it was so much more and better for it.
It started in the past and moved forward linearly and we experienced his bad choices along with his slow burn love story with Sam. While the first 3 books dealt directly with Jake’s tragedy and the personal aftermath to each sibling, Keith’s troubles started before that and while Jake’s kidnapped affected him deeply and sent him into a spiral it wasn’t the main event.
This was a deep and abiding love story that took years to unfold. I loved every minute.
It started in the past and moved forward linearly and we experienced his bad choices along with his slow burn love story with Sam. While the first 3 books dealt directly with Jake’s tragedy and the personal aftermath to each sibling, Keith’s troubles started before that and while Jake’s kidnapped affected him deeply and sent him into a spiral it wasn’t the main event.
This was a deep and abiding love story that took years to unfold. I loved every minute.
March 31, 2019
I enjoyed it immensely!!
Keith's story is by far the one that I felt the most of all of the Cake Series, his is of riding the elusive wave and although he may tumble, he picks himself up again and comes out as a better person because of this stumble.
Keith's story is by far the one that I felt the most of all of the Cake Series, his is of riding the elusive wave and although he may tumble, he picks himself up again and comes out as a better person because of this stumble.
July 22, 2019
Tears of joy and tears of sorrow. What an amazing ride. Hoping for more books about this wonderful family. Definitely needed to read all of the books in this series. Best to read in the order written. Loved them all. 💜💜💜
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