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Cake #7
Grace Note
I’m the privileged youngest child of the famous McKallister family. He’s a runaway foster kid living rough. We were never meant to meet. This is where our story begins. It’s nowhere near how it ends.
Grace
The beat. The cheers. The thrill of the unknown. I shouldn’t leave the safety of the music arena—my last name is McKallister, after all, and I’m intimately familiar with worst-case scenarios. But I’m drawn by the talent and the turmoil behind the weary eyes of the drummer on the streets. I’ve never seen anyone my age as wild and unrestrained, a lightning bolt of electricity that never hits the same spot on his bucket drums twice. He plays with such confidence, such rage. I have to know who he is and where he learned to bang out drum solos like he owns the night.
I want to help him. No, to save him. If only Rory will let me.
Rory
When I play, I’m in my element. I know how to draw a crowd and how to keep them riveted. For a small period of time every day, I’m special. Talented. Going somewhere. Little do they know I’m going back to nothing: no family, no friends, no roof over my head. When the music ends, I fade into the background like the undesirable I am. And then she shows up, so pretty and polished and pure. I don’t expect her to stay and talk. I definitely don’t expect her to sit down on the sidewalk and drum a song onto my thigh. Yet here she is—anyone’s ultimate dream girl—promising to save me.
Too bad Grace stumbled upon me a decade too late.
Grace
The beat. The cheers. The thrill of the unknown. I shouldn’t leave the safety of the music arena—my last name is McKallister, after all, and I’m intimately familiar with worst-case scenarios. But I’m drawn by the talent and the turmoil behind the weary eyes of the drummer on the streets. I’ve never seen anyone my age as wild and unrestrained, a lightning bolt of electricity that never hits the same spot on his bucket drums twice. He plays with such confidence, such rage. I have to know who he is and where he learned to bang out drum solos like he owns the night.
I want to help him. No, to save him. If only Rory will let me.
Rory
When I play, I’m in my element. I know how to draw a crowd and how to keep them riveted. For a small period of time every day, I’m special. Talented. Going somewhere. Little do they know I’m going back to nothing: no family, no friends, no roof over my head. When the music ends, I fade into the background like the undesirable I am. And then she shows up, so pretty and polished and pure. I don’t expect her to stay and talk. I definitely don’t expect her to sit down on the sidewalk and drum a song onto my thigh. Yet here she is—anyone’s ultimate dream girl—promising to save me.
Too bad Grace stumbled upon me a decade too late.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2022
180 people are currently reading
842 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 196 reviews
October 8, 2023
LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED!!!
*full review to come*
*full review to come*
June 28, 2023
Let me try this again now that I have tried to write my thoughts several times. I keep trying to share my feelings but I am to much of an emotional mess. Ugh excuse me while I wipe away some more tears.
This story is bittersweet. I love all the McKallister kids and all their individual stories. As part of the storyline, each book has given a different perspective to an event that would destroy most families.
Grace is the youngest of the siblings and truly puts a final note on this tale, leaving me with a tight chest filled with emotions. She gives her own perspective and has her own secrets to tell. Adding the details of her being part of a musical dynasty gives even more meaning to her journey.
Rory will break your heart. His story feels so real. I want to sob more thinking about it. All the what-ifs. This author has you asking questions up until the end.
This book tackles hard hitting subject matter in a real way. The foster care system, child abuse… and more. Even with the triggering content I couldn’t stop reading. Grace and Rory were brilliant, hilarious, but most of all hot together. Wink. I always need swoon worthy sexy time.
Ugh I feel like my review doesn’t represent how much I love this book but I can’t say more. Everyone deserves to go into this story spoiler free. So…. mums the word. I am definitely joining the spoiler room for this cause I have some things to talk about. Eek. Ok I won’t say more other than Happy Reading Everyone.
This story is bittersweet. I love all the McKallister kids and all their individual stories. As part of the storyline, each book has given a different perspective to an event that would destroy most families.
Grace is the youngest of the siblings and truly puts a final note on this tale, leaving me with a tight chest filled with emotions. She gives her own perspective and has her own secrets to tell. Adding the details of her being part of a musical dynasty gives even more meaning to her journey.
Rory will break your heart. His story feels so real. I want to sob more thinking about it. All the what-ifs. This author has you asking questions up until the end.
This book tackles hard hitting subject matter in a real way. The foster care system, child abuse… and more. Even with the triggering content I couldn’t stop reading. Grace and Rory were brilliant, hilarious, but most of all hot together. Wink. I always need swoon worthy sexy time.
Ugh I feel like my review doesn’t represent how much I love this book but I can’t say more. Everyone deserves to go into this story spoiler free. So…. mums the word. I am definitely joining the spoiler room for this cause I have some things to talk about. Eek. Ok I won’t say more other than Happy Reading Everyone.
June 20, 2023
5 huge stars!
What a way to finish the series! The potential was there for epic, I was hoping for epic, and J. Bengtsson has delivered. This story is epic! The emotion, the drama, the romance, it’s everything! Firstly a beautiful mature-YA romance, and then a fabulous second-chance romance, all of it full of chemistry and so many feels. Add in the family fun and drama that is the McKallisters, and this book was everything I wanted it to be and more!
Grace McKallister is the baby of the family. We have watched her grow up through her siblings’ stories, and even saw a hint of her romantic life, and I loved what we saw of her before now. Now, here she is standing strong and shining bright in her own story, and I just adored her. In previous books we saw her with her boyfriend, Rory, but in the most recent book they weren’t together, so I knew a little bit about what to expect before diving into this one. But really, that is just the bare bones, and I had no idea that I was in for an emotional rollercoaster that I could not put down.
This book begins with the heartstopping events at the end of the last book of the series. Rory suddenly reappears in Grace’s life, after being gone for years, throwing her into a tailspin.
The story then shifts back to the past when Grace and Rory met. She as a 16 year old trying to find her place, and him, a homeless street kid performing drums on a set of overturned paint buckets just to make enough money to eat. From the moment she sees him, Grace is mesmerised by the charismatic boy, and we get to watch in blissful enthralment as they effortlessly come together and fall hard for each other. It’s not an easy road, but it’s worth it, as they experience all of the joy of first love.
Meanwhile, in the present, Grace and Rory are not together, and Rory is once again floundering and struggling to get by. He gets the chance of a lifetime when Grace’s brother, Quinn, invites him to be a drummer in his band. It’s an opportunity he never even dreamed of, and there’s no way he’s turning it down, even if it means he’s going to be up close and personal with Grace all over again – and he’s been told to keep his hands off.
Those are the two main romantic stories running through this book, but it is just a taste of what you’re in for with this one. Grace and Rory’s journey is an absolute rollercoaster, but underlying it all is a fierce love for each other that neither of them deny. It’s just circumstances working against them that they have to battle their way through, and I was so there with them while they do just that.
Along the way we get up and close with both of these characters, and oh, how my heart ached for them. Grace is the youngest of seven, and her place within the family has influenced her so much in her life. She was so young when her family went through its trauma, but she has her own part in the story, and her own unique perspective on the tragedy, and I loved seeing its impact on her, and how it affected her relationship with her older brother, Jake. Grace has special relationships with Jake, Emma, and especially Quinn, and I loved getting to explore that in more detail.
And Rory! OMG, this boy made me cry! He has been through so much, but he’s risen above it all, without letting it destroy him. He has a dream, he’s doing what he can to make that happen, and through all that he’s been through, he’s maintained his sweet heart and his playful sense of humour, and I just adored him.
The whole McKallister clan are a big part of the story, of course, and the scenes with the whole crew together are just magic. I love this family so much, and love how we’ve seen so many different aspects of them, and their unique relationships, in each of the books of the series. I particularly loved how we got to see so much goodness from McKallister Mom, Michelle, in this one
Grace and Rory’s story is dramatic and emotional, but it’s also sweet, fun, playful, and passionate. For a couple that have such a difficult time, their love for each other is so easy and natural, and I loved getting to see them find their well-deserved HEA.
We’re all out of McKallister siblings for now, but I’m hoping hard that we’ll get to see more of this family in the future, in any way that we can. If not, then I look forward to many, many rereads in the future. It’s such a special family and this book, and the series as a whole, are going down as all-time faves.
An absolutely sensational read.
5 stars!
P.S. Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber are narrating the audiobook, and I am dying to get my hands on it. It’s sure to be amazing!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
What a way to finish the series! The potential was there for epic, I was hoping for epic, and J. Bengtsson has delivered. This story is epic! The emotion, the drama, the romance, it’s everything! Firstly a beautiful mature-YA romance, and then a fabulous second-chance romance, all of it full of chemistry and so many feels. Add in the family fun and drama that is the McKallisters, and this book was everything I wanted it to be and more!
Grace McKallister is the baby of the family. We have watched her grow up through her siblings’ stories, and even saw a hint of her romantic life, and I loved what we saw of her before now. Now, here she is standing strong and shining bright in her own story, and I just adored her. In previous books we saw her with her boyfriend, Rory, but in the most recent book they weren’t together, so I knew a little bit about what to expect before diving into this one. But really, that is just the bare bones, and I had no idea that I was in for an emotional rollercoaster that I could not put down.
This book begins with the heartstopping events at the end of the last book of the series. Rory suddenly reappears in Grace’s life, after being gone for years, throwing her into a tailspin.
I’d taken him in. I’d loved him and nurtured him and given him a home inside my heart. I’d given him other things, too – like, all of me. He was my first love, and if my heart had only had its way, he would’ve been my last.
He was the one who got away, the OG owner of my former lovesick, teenaged heart.
The story then shifts back to the past when Grace and Rory met. She as a 16 year old trying to find her place, and him, a homeless street kid performing drums on a set of overturned paint buckets just to make enough money to eat. From the moment she sees him, Grace is mesmerised by the charismatic boy, and we get to watch in blissful enthralment as they effortlessly come together and fall hard for each other. It’s not an easy road, but it’s worth it, as they experience all of the joy of first love.
He saw me. Not who I was supposed to be but me.
Meanwhile, in the present, Grace and Rory are not together, and Rory is once again floundering and struggling to get by. He gets the chance of a lifetime when Grace’s brother, Quinn, invites him to be a drummer in his band. It’s an opportunity he never even dreamed of, and there’s no way he’s turning it down, even if it means he’s going to be up close and personal with Grace all over again – and he’s been told to keep his hands off.
Those are the two main romantic stories running through this book, but it is just a taste of what you’re in for with this one. Grace and Rory’s journey is an absolute rollercoaster, but underlying it all is a fierce love for each other that neither of them deny. It’s just circumstances working against them that they have to battle their way through, and I was so there with them while they do just that.
“You know I’ll always love you … I’ll always want you.”
Along the way we get up and close with both of these characters, and oh, how my heart ached for them. Grace is the youngest of seven, and her place within the family has influenced her so much in her life. She was so young when her family went through its trauma, but she has her own part in the story, and her own unique perspective on the tragedy, and I loved seeing its impact on her, and how it affected her relationship with her older brother, Jake. Grace has special relationships with Jake, Emma, and especially Quinn, and I loved getting to explore that in more detail.
If there was one thing us McKallisters did well, it was to close ranks when tragedy struck. You were either in by way of DNA or you were in by holding on to your chosen McKallister for dear life.
And Rory! OMG, this boy made me cry! He has been through so much, but he’s risen above it all, without letting it destroy him. He has a dream, he’s doing what he can to make that happen, and through all that he’s been through, he’s maintained his sweet heart and his playful sense of humour, and I just adored him.
“Once I understood that someone like you could love me, it changed my whole life. You saved me, Grace. In every way”
The whole McKallister clan are a big part of the story, of course, and the scenes with the whole crew together are just magic. I love this family so much, and love how we’ve seen so many different aspects of them, and their unique relationships, in each of the books of the series. I particularly loved how we got to see so much goodness from McKallister Mom, Michelle, in this one
Grace and Rory’s story is dramatic and emotional, but it’s also sweet, fun, playful, and passionate. For a couple that have such a difficult time, their love for each other is so easy and natural, and I loved getting to see them find their well-deserved HEA.
“I’m yours. Never forget that.”
We’re all out of McKallister siblings for now, but I’m hoping hard that we’ll get to see more of this family in the future, in any way that we can. If not, then I look forward to many, many rereads in the future. It’s such a special family and this book, and the series as a whole, are going down as all-time faves.
An absolutely sensational read.
5 stars!
P.S. Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber are narrating the audiobook, and I am dying to get my hands on it. It’s sure to be amazing!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2023
This book was everything I could’ve wanted and not at all what I was expecting. J. Benggston goes deep with Grace and Rory’s book. And dark. But what I love with her writing, despite the depths she takes us, she never fails to show us the lighter side of life as well. There were more than a few tears, but some laugh-out-loud moments too.
The only thing that makes me sad is that there are no more McKallister siblings. I love this family and the world Jill has created for them to live in.
Like the rest of the books in the Cake Series, I will read Grace Note again and again.
The only thing that makes me sad is that there are no more McKallister siblings. I love this family and the world Jill has created for them to live in.
Like the rest of the books in the Cake Series, I will read Grace Note again and again.
July 3, 2023
This series is definitely not for the faint of heart. Lots of triggers, and none titillating. The characters are broken, traumatized, and they search for their little light in the dark, usually helped by someone with less baggage. Not this time though–both main characters live with some trauma, but by helping Rory, Grace is going to heal.
Grace’s trauma is, of course, related to her oldest brother’s kidnapping when she was but a little kid. The event itself was traumatizing enough, but she also had to deal with Jake’s reaction to it, then the disinterest of her family which focused on the broken teenager. She created her little bubble, but the story starts when it’s about to explode: her brother Quinn, her anchor, has been injured–see the previous book in the series–and an old flame is back.
A good chunk of the story is a flashback, from Rory and Grace’s first meeting to the day they parted. It’s mostly teenage instalove with a touch of first sexual experiences, so it was hard for me to see some eternal love. But I guess it’s the need they have for each other that connect them deeply. Grace has seen something in Rory, and she feels he’s her key to redemption, while Grace is Rory’s escape from the streets.
Of course, everything implodes when they break up, and they go through some setbacks. We see none of that, though, and when they meet again, they kind of take up where they left off. Not the relationship though. Not right away anyway. They need to reconnect before they get back together. But their personal and professional lives sure lift off fast after their reunion. A bit too good to be true. But it still worked because the author built up a consistent world and all the clues were already in the previous books.
The author could have avoid some repetitions of facts and thoughts, but the writing is good overall, and she keeps some mysteries and twists until the end so the reader stays on the edge of their seat. Well done.
Quickie
- Series: Cake #7 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #rock star romance #second chance romance #instalove #troubled past #opposite sides of the tracks
- Triggers: mention of kidnapping, child abuse, child rape, mention of deaths and injuries, homelessness, prostitution, mention of pedopornography
- Main couple: Grace McKallister & Rory Higgins
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + I loved the emotional connection between Grace and Rory
- – the McKallister family is too good to be true
Grace’s trauma is, of course, related to her oldest brother’s kidnapping when she was but a little kid. The event itself was traumatizing enough, but she also had to deal with Jake’s reaction to it, then the disinterest of her family which focused on the broken teenager. She created her little bubble, but the story starts when it’s about to explode: her brother Quinn, her anchor, has been injured–see the previous book in the series–and an old flame is back.
A good chunk of the story is a flashback, from Rory and Grace’s first meeting to the day they parted. It’s mostly teenage instalove with a touch of first sexual experiences, so it was hard for me to see some eternal love. But I guess it’s the need they have for each other that connect them deeply. Grace has seen something in Rory, and she feels he’s her key to redemption, while Grace is Rory’s escape from the streets.
Of course, everything implodes when they break up, and they go through some setbacks. We see none of that, though, and when they meet again, they kind of take up where they left off. Not the relationship though. Not right away anyway. They need to reconnect before they get back together. But their personal and professional lives sure lift off fast after their reunion. A bit too good to be true. But it still worked because the author built up a consistent world and all the clues were already in the previous books.
The author could have avoid some repetitions of facts and thoughts, but the writing is good overall, and she keeps some mysteries and twists until the end so the reader stays on the edge of their seat. Well done.
Quickie
- Series: Cake #7 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #rock star romance #second chance romance #instalove #troubled past #opposite sides of the tracks
- Triggers: mention of kidnapping, child abuse, child rape, mention of deaths and injuries, homelessness, prostitution, mention of pedopornography
- Main couple: Grace McKallister & Rory Higgins
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + I loved the emotional connection between Grace and Rory
- – the McKallister family is too good to be true
July 16, 2023
4.5 ⭐'s Sooo good!
July 3, 2023
I want to be a part of McKallister Family 😩😭😍😍
I couldn't get enough of Grace's story. Rory tugged at my heartstrings 🥺😭 This book is a must-read. 👌
Anything J. Bengtsson is liquid gold... 💕🔥🙏
Audible purchase
I couldn't get enough of Grace's story. Rory tugged at my heartstrings 🥺😭 This book is a must-read. 👌
Anything J. Bengtsson is liquid gold... 💕🔥🙏
Audible purchase
June 17, 2023
Grace Note 🎶
Grace is the last family member of the McKallister family. Rory is a homeless teen. Can two people from different sides of tracks find love? Grace with her privileged life. And Rory who’s been funneled thru the foster system his whole life. Both with a tragic story to tell.
The story has all the feels we love about Jill’s books. The way she can make you laugh so hard you have tears in your eyes, to full on ugly crying. Just keep the box of tissues near you at all times.
The story comes full circle with the McKallister family and I will miss them. But then again, that’s what rereads are for. 🥰
What an amazing conclusion to the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grace is the last family member of the McKallister family. Rory is a homeless teen. Can two people from different sides of tracks find love? Grace with her privileged life. And Rory who’s been funneled thru the foster system his whole life. Both with a tragic story to tell.
The story has all the feels we love about Jill’s books. The way she can make you laugh so hard you have tears in your eyes, to full on ugly crying. Just keep the box of tissues near you at all times.
The story comes full circle with the McKallister family and I will miss them. But then again, that’s what rereads are for. 🥰
What an amazing conclusion to the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 10, 2023
2.5 stars — I have read and reread this series from book one. There have always been issues with errors and incorrect sayings that didn’t bother me initially, but drove me insane when I reread it this time. I figured by this book, everything would be locked down tight. J. Bengtsson is an established author now with lots of popular books under her belt. But right from the get go of starting Grace’s story, I noticed the timeline was off. Not just a little off, but off to the point where someone should have caught it in the editing process. Had this not been an issue throughout the book, I would have enjoyed this book a lot more.
If this is the first book you read in the Cake series, you won’t even know about the timeline error. But Jake’s story plays a major role in why this was such an annoyance to me. So please be patient while I run through Jake’s timeline. This will be a spoiler if you haven’t read the rest of the series.
▪️Jake is actually 8 years older than Grace, not 9 like this book says. Back in book one, Scott gives a speech at his oldest son’s wedding that lays out all his kids ages. Eleven months after Jake was born, they had Kyle. 6 years after that, they had Quinn; 16 months after Quinn, they had Grace. That’s 8 years and 3 months between Jake and Grace.
▪️Jake and Casey met at Mitch’s wedding on May 30th. Jake was 23, Grace was 15. Roughly six months later, Jake had knee replacement surgery. The ages are the same.
▪️Jake proposes to Casey one year to the day after they met. So now it’s May 30th again, but everyone is a year older. Jake is 24, Grace is 16. It’s been 6 months since Jake’s knee surgery and long recovery.
▪️Jake and Casey get married 14 months after he proposes. Jake is now 25, and Grace is 17.
▪️When Jake and Casey return from their honeymoon, Jake meets Rory for the first time when visiting the McKallister mansion for a family gathering.
Grace is 17 in all the “past” portions of this book. The “past” takes place when she’s a junior in high school and last until she’s just started her senior year. In that time, she talks about Jake’s final concert before his knee surgery, then the ordeal with the surgery, then she tells Rory how Jake is getting married in a couple of weeks. WHAT?? Those things in Jake’s life took place over a two year period, not a summer! Just the time between the surgery and wedding is roughly 20 months! That’s almost 2 years! It drives me bonkers when an author can’t follow their own facts through a book or series. I wish I didn’t pay such close attention because then I’d enjoy a book more. But I have expectations when I read and one of those is that the author knows the storylines they’ve created.
Timeline issues aside, I thought this story dragged in places. It starts off with Quinn’s big concert in Next in Line. I liked that we got what happened during the concert from Grace’s POV, but the whole Elliott and Grace part of the book is what I didn’t care for. I enjoyed everything about Rory and Grace’s story except for the timeline error. See? It made such an impact on me! I felt like throwing my kindle across the room screaming, “No! That happened a year later!” I was so frustrated!!!
The author also went from having two epilogues in past books to having no epilogue at all in this one. You have to download the epilogue and it really wasn’t worth it. It was too short and a bit unbelievable. I expected more from the epilogue based on past books. It saddens me that this series didn’t end on a high note for me. I’m sure there are a lot of people who can overlook the whole timeline thing, but it was such a glaring mistake to me. Therefore, what could have been a 4 or 4.5 star book for me, is actually a 2.5 star book.
If this is the first book you read in the Cake series, you won’t even know about the timeline error. But Jake’s story plays a major role in why this was such an annoyance to me. So please be patient while I run through Jake’s timeline. This will be a spoiler if you haven’t read the rest of the series.
▪️Jake is actually 8 years older than Grace, not 9 like this book says. Back in book one, Scott gives a speech at his oldest son’s wedding that lays out all his kids ages. Eleven months after Jake was born, they had Kyle. 6 years after that, they had Quinn; 16 months after Quinn, they had Grace. That’s 8 years and 3 months between Jake and Grace.
▪️Jake and Casey met at Mitch’s wedding on May 30th. Jake was 23, Grace was 15. Roughly six months later, Jake had knee replacement surgery. The ages are the same.
▪️Jake proposes to Casey one year to the day after they met. So now it’s May 30th again, but everyone is a year older. Jake is 24, Grace is 16. It’s been 6 months since Jake’s knee surgery and long recovery.
▪️Jake and Casey get married 14 months after he proposes. Jake is now 25, and Grace is 17.
▪️When Jake and Casey return from their honeymoon, Jake meets Rory for the first time when visiting the McKallister mansion for a family gathering.
Grace is 17 in all the “past” portions of this book. The “past” takes place when she’s a junior in high school and last until she’s just started her senior year. In that time, she talks about Jake’s final concert before his knee surgery, then the ordeal with the surgery, then she tells Rory how Jake is getting married in a couple of weeks. WHAT?? Those things in Jake’s life took place over a two year period, not a summer! Just the time between the surgery and wedding is roughly 20 months! That’s almost 2 years! It drives me bonkers when an author can’t follow their own facts through a book or series. I wish I didn’t pay such close attention because then I’d enjoy a book more. But I have expectations when I read and one of those is that the author knows the storylines they’ve created.
Timeline issues aside, I thought this story dragged in places. It starts off with Quinn’s big concert in Next in Line. I liked that we got what happened during the concert from Grace’s POV, but the whole Elliott and Grace part of the book is what I didn’t care for. I enjoyed everything about Rory and Grace’s story except for the timeline error. See? It made such an impact on me! I felt like throwing my kindle across the room screaming, “No! That happened a year later!” I was so frustrated!!!
The author also went from having two epilogues in past books to having no epilogue at all in this one. You have to download the epilogue and it really wasn’t worth it. It was too short and a bit unbelievable. I expected more from the epilogue based on past books. It saddens me that this series didn’t end on a high note for me. I’m sure there are a lot of people who can overlook the whole timeline thing, but it was such a glaring mistake to me. Therefore, what could have been a 4 or 4.5 star book for me, is actually a 2.5 star book.
July 16, 2023
Very much a 5 star listen. This is the last book of the Cake series. The whole series has been strong and this fits right in with the rest. This
features the famous McKallister family and tells the story of the youngest sibling. It was romantic and I enjoyed the book. However, there are some trigger warnings involving child abuse. Excellent story with so many of the feels. Highly recommended!
features the famous McKallister family and tells the story of the youngest sibling. It was romantic and I enjoyed the book. However, there are some trigger warnings involving child abuse. Excellent story with so many of the feels. Highly recommended!
October 31, 2025
Rory and Grace
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
Grace Note by J. Bengtsson. Cake series, book 7. Audiobook review. Dual POV. Dual narration. Second chance romance. Narrators Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber both read well. It's listed as 11 hours 49 minutes; I listened at speed 2.50 for 4 hours 43 minutes. If flashbacks get on your nerves, this isn't the book for you. Gorgeous cover, but David Bodas (the cover model) doesn't look anything like Rory is described. Content warnings: found orphan toddler placed in foster care; su¡ci¡de by drug overdose; severe child abuse/neglect/assault/p0rn; memories of childhood trauma and abduction; witness protection program; stalking, threats, and a blackmail attempt.
Grace McKallister (22; 9 years younger than Jake) is the youngest of the 7 McKallister children. Jake, one of Grace's older brothers, was kidnapped when she was 4. The man who kidnapped Jake confessed his plan for Jake to Grace days before he took him, and his confession has haunted her her entire life. Jake fought his way back to his family and is now a world-famous rock star. ('Cake' is Jake's story.) Grace's story picks up after Quinn, Grace's directly older brother, was shot at his new band's first concert ('Next In Line' is Quinn's story). She was there with Elliot, her English boyfriend. At the hospital, she sees Rory Higgins (23; aka Beats/Rory Robinson), her first love, realizes Elliot will never be the one for her and breaks up with Elliot within three months.
She met Rory outside one of Jake's concerts when she was just 16 or 17, and Rory was 17 or 18. Rory was a runaway who was trying to find a good location to drum on his buckets for tips outside the venue. Grace's "date" bumped into Rory, Grace had to step in to prevent a fight between the two. Grace's "date" was using her to get into the concert with hopes of taking his real girlfriend backstage to meet Jake. Grace gave his girlfriend her backstage pass, and after they walked away, she realized her date had her phone and she couldn't contact anyone to get a new pass. When she tried to get backstage, she was escorted out of the venue. Once outside, she watched Rory perform, spoke to him after, and offered to clean his dirty laundry. Of course, Rory accepted her offer and waited with her until her "date" came out to his car to take her home. They met the next day and spent time together.
So much happens in this story to keep Rory and Grace apart, but they are together in the end with a new house. JP
2 out of 5 on my spice scale
1st listen 07-24-23
2nd listen 06-30-24
3rd listen 12-06-24
4th listen 05-06-25
5th listen 10-31-25
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
4.5☆ Grace and Rory
This is the first book I've read in this series and by this author, but I'll definitely be going back to read the others. This was quite an emotional read at times, but it also had me laughing out loud. Grace and her family's humor was the best. As with stories that go back and forth between the past and present, I always want more of them together when they find their way back, whilst I know the past was important in this story for sure they went through so much I needed more at the end but definitely make sure u read the extended epilogue 🥹 had me teary all over again.
Growing up the youngest amongst her siblings, Grace was used to being a kind of an afterthought. Yes, she was loved, but tragedy had struck their family when she was young, and so amongst the laughter was also darkness. She was closest with her brother Quinn, who was fiercely protective of her to the point where no guy at school would even look in her direction. But when she gets asked out, she jumps at the opportunity even if she knows she's being used for the backstage tickets she has access to for her older brothers concert. But things take a turn. Somehow, she finds herself on the outside of the stadium rather than inside. That is where their paths cross. Grace and Rory. Like two stars whose paths were always meant to collide. He was a teen who had spent his entire life in the system only to end up on the street because of the two streets were somewhat safer. For a time. But the ghosts that haunted Rory wouldn't always stay hidden. But Grace saw through his mask straight through to his soul, she saw past the homeless kid when others turned up their noses. She. Saw. Him. Something he never thought possible. Their love was turbulent, but in Grace and her family, who welcomed him with open arms, he saw the one thing he'd always wanted. To be seen and loved.
But Rory's demons were very real and not fitments of his imagination, and they'd never let him be free. To save Grace and her family a similar horror to one her brother had already suffered, he'd have to walk away and disappear. But a love like theirs only struck once and Grace had vowed to never give up on him but when it all came crashing down around her leaving her in pieces would they ever find their way back to each other or would their love forever be destined to be just like a Grace Note.
Definitely Recommend Reading 📚
This is the first book I've read in this series and by this author, but I'll definitely be going back to read the others. This was quite an emotional read at times, but it also had me laughing out loud. Grace and her family's humor was the best. As with stories that go back and forth between the past and present, I always want more of them together when they find their way back, whilst I know the past was important in this story for sure they went through so much I needed more at the end but definitely make sure u read the extended epilogue 🥹 had me teary all over again.
Growing up the youngest amongst her siblings, Grace was used to being a kind of an afterthought. Yes, she was loved, but tragedy had struck their family when she was young, and so amongst the laughter was also darkness. She was closest with her brother Quinn, who was fiercely protective of her to the point where no guy at school would even look in her direction. But when she gets asked out, she jumps at the opportunity even if she knows she's being used for the backstage tickets she has access to for her older brothers concert. But things take a turn. Somehow, she finds herself on the outside of the stadium rather than inside. That is where their paths cross. Grace and Rory. Like two stars whose paths were always meant to collide. He was a teen who had spent his entire life in the system only to end up on the street because of the two streets were somewhat safer. For a time. But the ghosts that haunted Rory wouldn't always stay hidden. But Grace saw through his mask straight through to his soul, she saw past the homeless kid when others turned up their noses. She. Saw. Him. Something he never thought possible. Their love was turbulent, but in Grace and her family, who welcomed him with open arms, he saw the one thing he'd always wanted. To be seen and loved.
But Rory's demons were very real and not fitments of his imagination, and they'd never let him be free. To save Grace and her family a similar horror to one her brother had already suffered, he'd have to walk away and disappear. But a love like theirs only struck once and Grace had vowed to never give up on him but when it all came crashing down around her leaving her in pieces would they ever find their way back to each other or would their love forever be destined to be just like a Grace Note.
Definitely Recommend Reading 📚
June 30, 2023
3.75-4 stars. Good finish to the Mitchell story. Grace is the youngest and most protected of the Mitchell’s, but even she has a secret from that awful day yrs ago. Rory is a homeless teenager who tries to eek out a living by busking on the streets with his bucket drums. This will afford him a night in a motel, if he doesn’t get jumped on the way. When Grace and Rory meet, Grace sees a chance to support someone like she didn’t support Jake yrs ago and Rory sees a chance to be saved.
What I liked: 1) Another solid book in the Cake series with all the angst that goes along with it. 2) Very likable characters 3) Dark emotions and situations that further the storyline instead of feeling exploitative 4) Sometimes doing good is very expensive and sometimes good things come for free. The trick is to always seek the good.
What didn’t work for me: 1) The pacing at times felt a little off. There was so much detail in the present (when they meet both times), some in the far past (before they met), none in the near past (during witness protection & college?). It felt like skipping over the past 6 yrs was weird. Grace didn’t even ask about it. 2) Everyone loves and welcomes Rory back even though they think he cheated on their sister? I cannot make that jump. If someone hurts and betrays a sibling that bad it changes the way I see them. I don’t care if they have a skill my family admires because character comes first. If, after explaining it realigns thinking then I get it, but that didn’t happen here. 3) Lastly, sometimes when starting a new section I didn’t know where I was in the timeline, past or present, and it took a minute to get the context.
All in all a solid read. Definitely love the family gatherings and the hijinx that ensues and the extra chaos of the kids.
What I liked: 1) Another solid book in the Cake series with all the angst that goes along with it. 2) Very likable characters 3) Dark emotions and situations that further the storyline instead of feeling exploitative 4) Sometimes doing good is very expensive and sometimes good things come for free. The trick is to always seek the good.
What didn’t work for me: 1) The pacing at times felt a little off. There was so much detail in the present (when they meet both times), some in the far past (before they met), none in the near past (during witness protection & college?). It felt like skipping over the past 6 yrs was weird. Grace didn’t even ask about it. 2) Everyone loves and welcomes Rory back even though they think he cheated on their sister? I cannot make that jump. If someone hurts and betrays a sibling that bad it changes the way I see them. I don’t care if they have a skill my family admires because character comes first. If, after explaining it realigns thinking then I get it, but that didn’t happen here. 3) Lastly, sometimes when starting a new section I didn’t know where I was in the timeline, past or present, and it took a minute to get the context.
All in all a solid read. Definitely love the family gatherings and the hijinx that ensues and the extra chaos of the kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2023
Lets just take a moment and bask in the series that is CAKE. If you aren't familiar then you are in for a treat - The series has come to completion and you can read them all!!!!! Although I truly hope she gives us more follow ups in the future!!!!!!! This series needs way more hype than its given - so as a lowly ole reader I will try and urge EVERYONE to read this series - available on KU!!!! someday I will definitely reread the whole thing for absolute 100 reading binge enjoyment!! Technically I read these at a slower pace as they came out - which I don't usually do because I hate forgetting all those tiny little details and intricacies that connect the books together. So if you can ---- please binge the whole thing!! It's been 2 years since I read the previous book, Quinn's story and I really had to dig deep in the memory bank to remember what's going on...this book just released this past week, I got it on the day it dropped and it was still...despite my long wait - EPIC and so satisfying and man I cried some happy tears, so beautiful!!!!
This series is one of a kind, epic, epic, epic - can hardly describe to you the depths to which this author goes to explore everything in life, tragedy, love, family, healing, music, relationships, and fun!! Ultimately the overall arching storyline of the whole series is Jake McCallister the rockstar sibling who was kidnapped as a child and returned to his family. Each book you find out a little bit more about what happened to him and how each of his siblings were a part of his healing journey. The healing, the unveiling alongside each sibling's story is EPIC. And Grace's story was beautiful and such a great ending to the family dynamic!!!! I almost want to go back and do a reread of all the books right now!!!
This series is one of a kind, epic, epic, epic - can hardly describe to you the depths to which this author goes to explore everything in life, tragedy, love, family, healing, music, relationships, and fun!! Ultimately the overall arching storyline of the whole series is Jake McCallister the rockstar sibling who was kidnapped as a child and returned to his family. Each book you find out a little bit more about what happened to him and how each of his siblings were a part of his healing journey. The healing, the unveiling alongside each sibling's story is EPIC. And Grace's story was beautiful and such a great ending to the family dynamic!!!! I almost want to go back and do a reread of all the books right now!!!
June 28, 2023
Five stars is not enough, I give it ten!
If you’ve read any of the other books in this series, you are well aquatinted with the McKallister clan and their tragic yet beautiful history. You will also know how phenomenal the books are. If you haven’t read any of the other books yet you’re missing out and definitely need to start at the beginning!
Now hang on to your kindles (or whatever you read or listen on) because Grace Note is going to blow you away yet again! In typical CAKE awesomeness we will meet Rory and become acquainted with his place in the McKallister family tree. His story will break your heart, but as always the author will put it back together and make everything a-ok in the end.
This story will be another view of Jakes kidnapping and emotional aftermath from the baby of the family, Grace. Her story is no less traumatic than the others, it will be taking you back in time then return you back to the present several times to tell it. This is done so well and it flows so seamlessly you can follow along without any confusion as to where you are in the story.
From the moment of Grace and Rory meeting you know it’s going to be a special story. They are pulled to one another because they see things in each other that’s is familiar and tragic.
Be prepared for the roller coaster of emotions that you will be in from the first page. It will make you laugh in true McKallister fashion, ugly cry, swoon, cry happy tears, make you so angry and then make you smile so wide. Your heart will be bursting by the end.
Make sure you have blocked out enough time before you start this book! You will not be able to put this down until the last page is finished!
If you’ve read any of the other books in this series, you are well aquatinted with the McKallister clan and their tragic yet beautiful history. You will also know how phenomenal the books are. If you haven’t read any of the other books yet you’re missing out and definitely need to start at the beginning!
Now hang on to your kindles (or whatever you read or listen on) because Grace Note is going to blow you away yet again! In typical CAKE awesomeness we will meet Rory and become acquainted with his place in the McKallister family tree. His story will break your heart, but as always the author will put it back together and make everything a-ok in the end.
This story will be another view of Jakes kidnapping and emotional aftermath from the baby of the family, Grace. Her story is no less traumatic than the others, it will be taking you back in time then return you back to the present several times to tell it. This is done so well and it flows so seamlessly you can follow along without any confusion as to where you are in the story.
From the moment of Grace and Rory meeting you know it’s going to be a special story. They are pulled to one another because they see things in each other that’s is familiar and tragic.
Be prepared for the roller coaster of emotions that you will be in from the first page. It will make you laugh in true McKallister fashion, ugly cry, swoon, cry happy tears, make you so angry and then make you smile so wide. Your heart will be bursting by the end.
Make sure you have blocked out enough time before you start this book! You will not be able to put this down until the last page is finished!
July 4, 2023
I anxiously waiting for Grace Note to release and then tried not to devour it, but as I should have expected that was hard to do. I adored this story for many reasons, one because while this is Grace’s story, the rest of the McKallister clan were largely included. There will never be enough time with them. Two, because I enjoyed Grace & Rory’s story, I hate the reality that there are poor children living like Rory did, and happy that through the pain and suffering that Grace and the McKallisters lived through ended up as a gateway to Rory’s success story, both personally and professionally. Three, I loved that Graces perspective of the kidnapping was shared and in the end her and Jake were able to reconcile what has kept them at arms length.
I have fallen in love with the McKallisters, yes Scott included. I have read, reread, listened and re-listened to the various Cake novels. They feel so much more than fictional characters, they feel real. I hate that this may be the end of the Cake series, but if it is it’s a perfect ending.
If the Cake series never makes it to the screen it would be a shame. I cannot see how this story (all seven books) would not be a lucrative opportunity if picked up. In addition to the romance side of things with the relationships built, ensuring the McKallister humor, the McKallister boys shanigans (including Finns) as well as the darker side of the stories are represented well this would be enjoyed by all! Where is Reese Witherspoon!?
I have fallen in love with the McKallisters, yes Scott included. I have read, reread, listened and re-listened to the various Cake novels. They feel so much more than fictional characters, they feel real. I hate that this may be the end of the Cake series, but if it is it’s a perfect ending.
If the Cake series never makes it to the screen it would be a shame. I cannot see how this story (all seven books) would not be a lucrative opportunity if picked up. In addition to the romance side of things with the relationships built, ensuring the McKallister humor, the McKallister boys shanigans (including Finns) as well as the darker side of the stories are represented well this would be enjoyed by all! Where is Reese Witherspoon!?
June 21, 2023
One word..... stunning. Grace Note is an absolutely beautiful read. I'm a tough cookie to crack when it comes to tears when reading. This book had me leaking all over the place. Grace and Quinn. Grace and Jake. And the stars, Grace and Rory.
I am so invested in the McKallisters and how these novels piece together a family defined by tragedy. Grace is the youngest sibling and this book is her piece of the jigsaw. She was only 4 when Jake was kidnapped but Grace Note tells her story and gives us the background to her reactions and relationships.
This could be read as a standalone and is a gorgeously angsty love story between the overlooked and daring Grace and her soul mate, homeless runaway Rory. It is touching, emotional and soul warming. However, I would definitely recommend a read of the full family. Each sibling brings their own unique take on love and life. Although my heart kinda belongs to the 2 youngest McKallisters. Their bond is adorable.
Grace Note deals with difficult themes around child abuse and homelessness. Grace and Rory's love story covers several years and isn't a smooth journey. Hearts are broken and mended and both characters are healed by their HEA.
Grace will stay with me for a long time and this is my favourite read of the year so far.
I am so invested in the McKallisters and how these novels piece together a family defined by tragedy. Grace is the youngest sibling and this book is her piece of the jigsaw. She was only 4 when Jake was kidnapped but Grace Note tells her story and gives us the background to her reactions and relationships.
This could be read as a standalone and is a gorgeously angsty love story between the overlooked and daring Grace and her soul mate, homeless runaway Rory. It is touching, emotional and soul warming. However, I would definitely recommend a read of the full family. Each sibling brings their own unique take on love and life. Although my heart kinda belongs to the 2 youngest McKallisters. Their bond is adorable.
Grace Note deals with difficult themes around child abuse and homelessness. Grace and Rory's love story covers several years and isn't a smooth journey. Hearts are broken and mended and both characters are healed by their HEA.
Grace will stay with me for a long time and this is my favourite read of the year so far.
June 28, 2023
4.5 - Grace Note is the captivating seventh installment in the Cake series. Grace McKallister is the big-hearted baby sister of the family who is dealing with some emotional baggage after dealing with traumatic events involving her family and her missing ex-boyfriend. Grace falls for Rory (Beats), an enigmatic homeless street drummer who Grace wants to help. She falls hard for him, and then Rory just up and disappears, leaving a massive hole in her heart. Rory's heartbreaking and tragic background comes back to haunt him in a big way.
Grace Note deals with the power of human kindness, love, and second chances. You can read this emotion-packed romance as a standalone, but I recommend reading Cake (Cake Series #1) to understand her eldest brother's Jakes tragic past. One-click worthy!
Grace Note deals with the power of human kindness, love, and second chances. You can read this emotion-packed romance as a standalone, but I recommend reading Cake (Cake Series #1) to understand her eldest brother's Jakes tragic past. One-click worthy!
August 17, 2023
Rory and Grace are so fun. Although they go through lots of ups and downs it culminates in a way that’s good for the most part. I found it jumping around was a bit harder to follow in this book. Still a really good story. 💜💜💜
May 11, 2024
4.5⭐️ for this book
5/5⭐️ for this series
Nooo
5/5⭐️ for this series
Nooo
June 18, 2023
Grace Note is the seventh book in the Cake series, but you can read it as a standalone novel. Personally, I haven't read all of the books in this series yet; however, I have read Cake (and one or two more), and if you do read the other books, this story will be all the more meaningful for you.
That being said, this seventh book is Grace's story. Grace is the youngest of the McKallisters, a family known for it's tragic past and rise to stardom. Grace has been somewhat sheltered from her family's trauma, but she is definitely aware of the dangers. She should know better than to venture away from safety, but when she's drawn to a sound, the beat of drums, she follows it to find the most beautifully broken boy that she's ever met.
Rory (aka Beats) knows how to draw a crowd when he bangs on his overturned buckets. He owns the corner with this musical talent, but once the show is over, he disappears back onto the streets and into the shadows. That is until Grace finds him. For the first time in his life, Grace actually SEES him. He should know better than to allow himself into her world. After all, Rory knows that nothing good ever lasts.
This book deals with the very sensitive topics of child abuse and kidnapping (among others) and won't be for every reader due to those triggers. Parts of this story were difficult to read even though most of the abuse takes place off of the page and isn't graphically depicted. Still, there were certain passages that I read with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. One thing that I love about this author though is that she has the ability to add a touch of humor and light to the most serious moments and make them hurt a little less. I highlighted so many quotes from this book. These characters are witty and sarcastic, and it's those moments that make you love them all the more.
I loved seeing Grace's siblings again, catching up with those from the books that I've read, and wanting to go back and read those books that I've neglected. The relationship between Grace and Rory was so raw and honest, and I loved how their second chance played out within these pages. There was a lot of closure in this story, some heartbreaking and some just absolutely beautiful. And the ending? Pure perfection. It left me with a smile on my face.
That being said, this seventh book is Grace's story. Grace is the youngest of the McKallisters, a family known for it's tragic past and rise to stardom. Grace has been somewhat sheltered from her family's trauma, but she is definitely aware of the dangers. She should know better than to venture away from safety, but when she's drawn to a sound, the beat of drums, she follows it to find the most beautifully broken boy that she's ever met.
Rory (aka Beats) knows how to draw a crowd when he bangs on his overturned buckets. He owns the corner with this musical talent, but once the show is over, he disappears back onto the streets and into the shadows. That is until Grace finds him. For the first time in his life, Grace actually SEES him. He should know better than to allow himself into her world. After all, Rory knows that nothing good ever lasts.
This book deals with the very sensitive topics of child abuse and kidnapping (among others) and won't be for every reader due to those triggers. Parts of this story were difficult to read even though most of the abuse takes place off of the page and isn't graphically depicted. Still, there were certain passages that I read with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. One thing that I love about this author though is that she has the ability to add a touch of humor and light to the most serious moments and make them hurt a little less. I highlighted so many quotes from this book. These characters are witty and sarcastic, and it's those moments that make you love them all the more.
I loved seeing Grace's siblings again, catching up with those from the books that I've read, and wanting to go back and read those books that I've neglected. The relationship between Grace and Rory was so raw and honest, and I loved how their second chance played out within these pages. There was a lot of closure in this story, some heartbreaking and some just absolutely beautiful. And the ending? Pure perfection. It left me with a smile on my face.
June 19, 2023
I told myself that I was going to read this slowly, savoring it... Yeah, I ended up reading it slowly because I had to stop a few times to deal the perpetual lump in my throat. What a powerful story!
Grace Note (perfect title, btw) is the story of the 7th of the McKallister kids. The baby of the family, Grace doesn't remember life before the horrific kidnapping of her now world famous rockstar brother when when she was a toddler. She may seem to live an entitled kid's life, but she has known her share of pain and suffering, as she grew up in the aftermath of the horrible event that forever changed her family and left indelible marks on her soul.
Maybe that was the Universe preparing her to meet Rory. A chance encounter when she gets stranded outside one of her brother's concerts, she is drawn to the sounds of someone playing "drums" on the street. He plays with such confidence, such electricity, such rage that she can't take her eyes off him. And their eyes meet - and she recognizes something she understands in their depths. Something so powerful that she is convinced that she has to save him.
Rory only knows life on the streets. Abandoned as a child, he's been in the foster care system. A system that failed him repeatedly. He's used to being no one. Invisible. Until she SEES him. And his life will never be the same.
It took me a couple of days to write this review because my heart was still on a chokehold. I knew from the beginning that this wasn't going to be an easy story. We's had glimpses of Rory in the previous books and I knew my heart would be broken. It was. Into a million pieces and then it was glued together by the love in this story.
The whole Cake series is in its essence a series about family, by blood or found. About people showing up, stepping up, screwing up, but loving fiercely. It's all here in this book.
I tried to be as vague as possible because Jill takes us back and forth in time so that we can put together their stories. You want to go spoiler-free.
I never thought I'd cry at the mention of a disco ball, but here we are!
LOVED it and I'm not ready to say goodbye to this family...
(Side note: the audiobook will obliterate me...)
Grace Note (perfect title, btw) is the story of the 7th of the McKallister kids. The baby of the family, Grace doesn't remember life before the horrific kidnapping of her now world famous rockstar brother when when she was a toddler. She may seem to live an entitled kid's life, but she has known her share of pain and suffering, as she grew up in the aftermath of the horrible event that forever changed her family and left indelible marks on her soul.
Maybe that was the Universe preparing her to meet Rory. A chance encounter when she gets stranded outside one of her brother's concerts, she is drawn to the sounds of someone playing "drums" on the street. He plays with such confidence, such electricity, such rage that she can't take her eyes off him. And their eyes meet - and she recognizes something she understands in their depths. Something so powerful that she is convinced that she has to save him.
Rory only knows life on the streets. Abandoned as a child, he's been in the foster care system. A system that failed him repeatedly. He's used to being no one. Invisible. Until she SEES him. And his life will never be the same.
It took me a couple of days to write this review because my heart was still on a chokehold. I knew from the beginning that this wasn't going to be an easy story. We's had glimpses of Rory in the previous books and I knew my heart would be broken. It was. Into a million pieces and then it was glued together by the love in this story.
The whole Cake series is in its essence a series about family, by blood or found. About people showing up, stepping up, screwing up, but loving fiercely. It's all here in this book.
I tried to be as vague as possible because Jill takes us back and forth in time so that we can put together their stories. You want to go spoiler-free.
I never thought I'd cry at the mention of a disco ball, but here we are!
LOVED it and I'm not ready to say goodbye to this family...
(Side note: the audiobook will obliterate me...)
June 16, 2023
Grace Note was definitely worth the wait!!
Grace and Rory's love story was one of heartbreak and survival. Love at first sight, they became addicted to each other as teenagers and that addiction only grew as they got older.
Grace meets Rory when he's living on the streets, making money busking. Rory has a troubling past and the Mcallister's become his saviours. They are perfectly matched and their love for each other is totally swoon worthy!
Grace Note is a second chance romance which shows us Rory and Grace when they first meet and then again 5 years later. I loved the alternating between past and present.
J Bengtsson is a talented author with the ability to right one hell of a good rockstar romance!! I love her books so much and Grace Note is definitely a new favourite of mine!
4 rock and roll stars!
Tropes:
Rockstar
Second chance
Grace and Rory's love story was one of heartbreak and survival. Love at first sight, they became addicted to each other as teenagers and that addiction only grew as they got older.
Grace meets Rory when he's living on the streets, making money busking. Rory has a troubling past and the Mcallister's become his saviours. They are perfectly matched and their love for each other is totally swoon worthy!
Grace Note is a second chance romance which shows us Rory and Grace when they first meet and then again 5 years later. I loved the alternating between past and present.
J Bengtsson is a talented author with the ability to right one hell of a good rockstar romance!! I love her books so much and Grace Note is definitely a new favourite of mine!
4 rock and roll stars!
Tropes:
Rockstar
Second chance
June 16, 2023
I loved this book soo much. After two long years, we finally have Grace Note in hand! It was so fun to see the family again, to see how Grace as an individual and not just the fun loving, not a care in the world, baby sister her siblings portrayed her as in previous books.
Rory and Grace are the best of the best and their love is as epic as the rest of the McKallister clan. Grace Note has everything you would want in a romance book. Heart, love, found family, humor, mystery, overcoming trauma, and spice!
There were so many laugh out loud moments but also gasping out loud moments because you weren’t prepared for the chilling moments along the way.
What an epic love story! Worthy of all the stars!
Rory and Grace are the best of the best and their love is as epic as the rest of the McKallister clan. Grace Note has everything you would want in a romance book. Heart, love, found family, humor, mystery, overcoming trauma, and spice!
There were so many laugh out loud moments but also gasping out loud moments because you weren’t prepared for the chilling moments along the way.
What an epic love story! Worthy of all the stars!
June 15, 2023
Wow! a fantastic end of series about the McKallister family. It all began with “Cake” Jake’s story and ends with young Grace. who could have imagined how Jake’s story was so entwined with her own. When Grace Mets Rory for the first time her life is defined. Rory needs her and she understands. Though there are many hurdles and life issues that come along these two ultimately fight for one another. None of it is easy but the McKallister family and their love and support is crucial. Beautiful ending to a beautiful series!
June 16, 2023
Grace Note is a perfectly written continuation of The Cake Series. Bringing everyone together to tell the story of Grace, the youngest sibling. Full of laughter, love and a whole lot of tears. Her and Rory have both got stories to tell and J. Bengtsson does a beautiful job of giving us all the details!
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January 6, 2025No rating. New Adult + an avalanche of angst and drama is just not for me. So I don't think it would be fair for me to rate it. The narration, however, was 5 stars!
August 24, 2023
Wrecked. That is how I feel after finishing Grace Note, the seventh (and final?) book in Bengtsson’s family saga/romance dramedy series. Following the large, close-knit McKallister family, the books have chronicled the high and lows of each sibling, including how each has navigated the aftermath of a traumatic incident. Grace Note finally delivers the story of Grace, the youngest of the seven siblings, along with Rory, the homeless boy who captured her heart when she was just sixteen.
Grace note
(grās nōt)
noun
1. An extra note added as an embellishment or decorative flourish; not essential to the main melody
As the youngest in her family, Grace was largely shielded from the horrors of her eldest brother’s kidnapping and the media circus that followed. But she wasn’t untouched by the tragedy. More than a decade later, her brother now a world-famous rock star, and she an aspiring songwriter, Grace has an encounter with a street musician – one that changes the trajectory of both their lives.
“You know what I think?” he said, smiling shyly?
“No.”
“I think you’ve been sent here to destroy me.”
“Or…” I offered up a more complimentary scenario for myself. “Maybe I’ve been sent here to save you.”
A muscle in his cheek twitched, and I caught the faintest dash of despair in his eyes. “I wish. You’re about a decade too late.”
Rory has lived his life being bounced from one foster home to the next - until life on the streets becomes preferable to the dangers behind the closed doors of his foster homes. Rory is still dodging the predators as he survives by playing drums on an assortment of overturned paint buckets, earning enough money to keep himself fed. It’s while playing his drums outside the arena during a Jake McKallister concert one night that he meets Grace. And while their time together may be short, their connection is cemented and can’t be broken – even if it should be.
“Everyone leaves me, Grace. Everyone. That’s why I’m here in this place now. No one ever wanted me, and now I’m eighteen. I have no family. Until you surprised the shit out of me on the path outside, I was all alone. So trust me when I say, I’m not the wild card here. I’ll just keep holding on and holding on” – his voice cracked – “until you leave me.”
I loved watching Grace as she took steps to establish her own identity outside of her family. She was compassionate, a bit of a daredevil, and had a mile-wide stubborn streak. And Rory… it was Rory’s story that wrecked me. He’d spent so many years just surviving; there was no room for the luxury of dreams. Until Grace. Until another member of the McKallister clan also reached out a hand, and he dared to hope for more. But even as Rory reveled in the possibility of more, his past was closing in, ready to snatch it all away and strip away everything and everyone he’d allowed himself to care about.
I’d gone into this relationship with Grace with the mindset to hold on for as long as she’d allow me to, but after sampling her family, I didn’t want to just get by, like I’d been doing my whole life. I had to fight if I wanted to secure the girl, the future, and the family I’d always wanted.
Bengtsson crafts a story that feels so rooted in reality and emotion that it’s impossible not to be gutted by each new revelation, and each heartbreak. She has a way with dialogue that burrows into me and makes itself at home. The serious conversations, the laugh out loud banter – every word feels meaningful and perfect. Told in past and present chapters, in dual POV, Grace Note showed the entirety of Grace and Rory’s relationship – from its promising (but ultimately doomed) beginning, to its tragic end, to a reunion and the revelation of secrets long held.
This series has been a favorite for several years and I have gone through tragedy and triumphs with these characters. Each story has stayed with me long after I turned the final page, and Grace Note will be no different.
June 29, 2023
Not sure where to start.
This book series is everything, from gut wrenching sorrow to all encompassing love and lust. Full of the funniest family ever that have been through the lowest of low and highest of high. So much talent and each person brings their own piece of unique personality to the group. I loved every book so much and it was always like reading two storylines in each book. You have the main character of that book and then the back story of what happened to Jake and how it deeply effects each and every member of this very close family and how all of their life’s changed, and how they grew and learned to ban together after each experiencing what they thought was isolation due to the pain but in-fact they all felt some kinda way and when small pieces are given out by Jake himself then that sibling discovers they were never alone in this but they just didn’t have a important detail.
I knew and hoped so much this book would be just amazing and it absolutely did not disappoint! I knew Rory would have his own very interesting twist for the youngest McKallister in the group but I had no idea how well it would meld into the other books so well. I don’t want to give away any more then I have, but to say Grace was the perfect person for Rory. With his trauma and her experience with that and his dreams and her connection it’s a absolute blessing in disguise for them both.
The Narrators were absolutely spot on! The right amount of sass and sadness and love and at time utter despair reflected in their telling of the story. I don’t think people understand how important the right narrator is for a book. It can make or brake the feeling of a book and color the whole character in a good or bad way that wasn’t really the intention of the writer, and I have actually stop a book due to a bad narration because it was ruining the story for me. These narrator’s were just amazing.
As a side note I know this is probably meant to be the last book and it certainly could be but I would honesty like to see Mitch story and how he was effected being there only in the summer and how he was in-packed by Jake’s situation as well because he and his wife didn’t get a story just little bits in different books. I would also love to see their mom and dad’s story told, because through out the other books bits and pieces of how they met and where they each came from is just sorta brushed over in a few place and they would have a lot to say between their VERY different backgrounds and the the Jake situation and then step child and so many very interesting and talented kids I would love to hear their story. As a last idea maybe a baby addition sorta like the pandemic book just a check in to see everyone within their families. Maybe a family trip or something, just some ideas kicking around in my head as a #1 fan of of all the books I will continue to read and/or listen to every book either way, they are my go to books when I am in between a new read and I can’t decide what’s next, I find myself wrapped back up in this whole series all over again and discovering things I didn’t catch before or had not thought of a situation in the same way. I am just not ready for it to end.. so those three book ideas well maybe the author will think about it 🤷🏻♀️. Also the second book is my least favorite so any new fans of the series if you were a tiny bit put off by that book too because those two are somewhat ridiculous in the best way possible, and that story doesn’t have the same amount of background detail as the other or maybe just not the same ultimate feeling as the others. Well power through it as I did, because you WILL NOT be disappointed AT ALL by any of the other books. Even the shorter pandemic book even a bit cheesy is pretty wonderful!
I can’t wait to read/listen to the whole series again.. hope this review was helpful. 😃
This book series is everything, from gut wrenching sorrow to all encompassing love and lust. Full of the funniest family ever that have been through the lowest of low and highest of high. So much talent and each person brings their own piece of unique personality to the group. I loved every book so much and it was always like reading two storylines in each book. You have the main character of that book and then the back story of what happened to Jake and how it deeply effects each and every member of this very close family and how all of their life’s changed, and how they grew and learned to ban together after each experiencing what they thought was isolation due to the pain but in-fact they all felt some kinda way and when small pieces are given out by Jake himself then that sibling discovers they were never alone in this but they just didn’t have a important detail.
I knew and hoped so much this book would be just amazing and it absolutely did not disappoint! I knew Rory would have his own very interesting twist for the youngest McKallister in the group but I had no idea how well it would meld into the other books so well. I don’t want to give away any more then I have, but to say Grace was the perfect person for Rory. With his trauma and her experience with that and his dreams and her connection it’s a absolute blessing in disguise for them both.
The Narrators were absolutely spot on! The right amount of sass and sadness and love and at time utter despair reflected in their telling of the story. I don’t think people understand how important the right narrator is for a book. It can make or brake the feeling of a book and color the whole character in a good or bad way that wasn’t really the intention of the writer, and I have actually stop a book due to a bad narration because it was ruining the story for me. These narrator’s were just amazing.
As a side note I know this is probably meant to be the last book and it certainly could be but I would honesty like to see Mitch story and how he was effected being there only in the summer and how he was in-packed by Jake’s situation as well because he and his wife didn’t get a story just little bits in different books. I would also love to see their mom and dad’s story told, because through out the other books bits and pieces of how they met and where they each came from is just sorta brushed over in a few place and they would have a lot to say between their VERY different backgrounds and the the Jake situation and then step child and so many very interesting and talented kids I would love to hear their story. As a last idea maybe a baby addition sorta like the pandemic book just a check in to see everyone within their families. Maybe a family trip or something, just some ideas kicking around in my head as a #1 fan of of all the books I will continue to read and/or listen to every book either way, they are my go to books when I am in between a new read and I can’t decide what’s next, I find myself wrapped back up in this whole series all over again and discovering things I didn’t catch before or had not thought of a situation in the same way. I am just not ready for it to end.. so those three book ideas well maybe the author will think about it 🤷🏻♀️. Also the second book is my least favorite so any new fans of the series if you were a tiny bit put off by that book too because those two are somewhat ridiculous in the best way possible, and that story doesn’t have the same amount of background detail as the other or maybe just not the same ultimate feeling as the others. Well power through it as I did, because you WILL NOT be disappointed AT ALL by any of the other books. Even the shorter pandemic book even a bit cheesy is pretty wonderful!
I can’t wait to read/listen to the whole series again.. hope this review was helpful. 😃
March 13, 2024
Grace Note (Cake #7) is bittersweet for me considering this is the end for my beloved McKallister family and what an incredible and phenomenal ending it is! J. Bengtsson without a doubt saved the best for last and with that said, this is by far THE ABSOLUTE BEST BOOK in the series.
Grace is the youngest of the McKallister crew and she’s a wonderful, caring, and unassuming gem who held secrets that I wasn’t ready for (so unexpected and blew my mind). She packs quite a punch and true to form, the family trait of generosity and kindness shines bright within her. When she meets Rory, a homeless young man with an amazing talent for playing drums, their lives are forever changed and their deep and emotional journey begins.
I honestly didn’t think that anyone could be more damaged or haunted than Jake McKallister but then Rory proved me wrong. His tragic past literally broke me and brought me to tears and if there is ever a hero who deserves all the luck and goodness, it’s Rory.
Rory and Grace’s story is an amazing, inspiring and beautiful blend of young love, family bonding, perseverance and rising from the ashes. Grace Note and this entire series will forever resonate in my mind, heart and soul.
Grace is the youngest of the McKallister crew and she’s a wonderful, caring, and unassuming gem who held secrets that I wasn’t ready for (so unexpected and blew my mind). She packs quite a punch and true to form, the family trait of generosity and kindness shines bright within her. When she meets Rory, a homeless young man with an amazing talent for playing drums, their lives are forever changed and their deep and emotional journey begins.
I honestly didn’t think that anyone could be more damaged or haunted than Jake McKallister but then Rory proved me wrong. His tragic past literally broke me and brought me to tears and if there is ever a hero who deserves all the luck and goodness, it’s Rory.
Rory and Grace’s story is an amazing, inspiring and beautiful blend of young love, family bonding, perseverance and rising from the ashes. Grace Note and this entire series will forever resonate in my mind, heart and soul.
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