Review – Rogue Wave by J Bengtsson

We are so excited to be sharing the release of ROGUE WAVE, the next standalone in J. Bengtsson’s beloved Cake series. Be sure to grab your copy today or read it for free with Kindle Unlimited!

 

About 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.

Add ROGUE WAVE to your Goodreads TBR!

Get your copy of ROGUE WAVE on Amazon today!

 

 

BFF K’s Review of Rogue Wave

 

Finally! I finally have the answers to the mystery of Keith McAllister. Since Book 1 – Cake: A Love Story, I’ve been drawn to Keith. He seemed like such a wonderful and somewhat tortured soul. I have craved his backstory. The previous stories in this series briefly touched on his substance abuse, but it just felt like there was so much beneath the surface. And, the full story was everything I had hoped for and more!

It’s really hard to pick a favorite McAllister. They’re all so fantastic for their own reasons. But, Keith….Keith will hold a special place in my heart. He’s battered but keeps reviving himself in ways that are so genuine and heartening. He’s like a piece of Kintsugi pottery, the way his broken pieces are fused back together makes him even more beautiful than before. And, I think Sam is the gold that holds it all together. She’s lovely on her own, but combined with Keith they make a piece that is more perfect than either were alone. (Wow, super cheesy analogy, but it seems so perfect!)

J Bengtsson just continues to outdo herself. Each book in this series is more emotional and more perfect than the one before. I want the McAllister family to exist in real life and I want to be a part of it! I don’t think it’s too much to ask to be a slightly distant cousin or really close family friend….I just want to live in the middle of this crazy, funny, loving, supportive, wonderful family! At least each story gives me a spot in their world from beginning to end and book to book. You won’t need to read the rest of the series to fall in love with Keith and Sam, but why wouldn’t you want to?!?! Rogue Wave continues this fantastic series and the stories just keep getting better and better!

 

An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

 

 


Get your copy of ROGUE WAVE on Amazon today!

 

About the Author

A professional stay-at-home-mom for twenty-one years, Jill started her writing career in 2016 after reading a really bad rockstar romance. Although she had no previous writing experience and no desire to become an author, Jill was convinced she could write a better story.

And so began Cake: A Love Story. She wrote the novel for fun and added every single thing she’d ever wanted to read in a romance. Embarrassed by her newfound hobby, Jill kept her writing a secret from her family.

When the story was complete, she turned to Amazon to get the feedback she desired. Not thinking the book would ever sell, Jill planned to pull Cake off Amazon once it got a review or two but that never happened because, within a week of its release, Cake began to soar up the bestseller charts. Not only was Jill shocked by Cake’s success but now she had a whole new burgeoning career on her hands…and some explaining to do. Needless to say, the news of Jill’s secret book bay came as a complete shock to her husband and three children.

Jill is now a full-time writer.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 

New Release – Rogue Wave by J Bengtsson

We are so excited to be sharing the release of ROGUE WAVE, the next standalone in J. Bengtsson’s beloved Cake series. Be sure to grab your copy today or read it for free with Kindle Unlimited!

 

About 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.

Add ROGUE WAVE to your Goodreads TBR!

Get your copy of ROGUE WAVE on Amazon today!

 

 

Excerpt from Rogue Wave

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing’s wrong. It’s just – I’ve never been kissed before. If, you know, that’s what you were going to do. Maybe you weren’t, and I totally misread the whole thing, and if I did, I’m sorry, but…”

Once I caught the grin on Keith’s face, I stopped rambling.

“I was going to kiss you, but I didn’t realize you needed to make an outline first.”

“More like a rough draft,” I added playfully.

“I’m thinking getting you into bed would take a full dissertation.”

“Whoa. You need to slow down, Keith. I won’t go past a term paper with you.”

“We’ll see about that,” he answered confidently.

His playfulness drew a smile to my lips. “No, we won’t.”

He grabbed me again, and before I could think, he pressed a quick kiss to my lips. “There. Now you’ve been kissed. Stop making it weird.”

He let me go, picked up his surfboard, and started jogging toward the water.

My fingers found my lips and I grinned like a loon before picking up my own board and chasing after him.


Get your copy of ROGUE WAVE on Amazon today!

 

About the Author

A professional stay-at-home-mom for twenty-one years, Jill started her writing career in 2016 after reading a really bad rockstar romance. Although she had no previous writing experience and no desire to become an author, Jill was convinced she could write a better story.

And so began Cake: A Love Story. She wrote the novel for fun and added every single thing she’d ever wanted to read in a romance. Embarrassed by her newfound hobby, Jill kept her writing a secret from her family.

When the story was complete, she turned to Amazon to get the feedback she desired. Not thinking the book would ever sell, Jill planned to pull Cake off Amazon once it got a review or two but that never happened because, within a week of its release, Cake began to soar up the bestseller charts. Not only was Jill shocked by Cake’s success but now she had a whole new burgeoning career on her hands…and some explaining to do. Needless to say, the news of Jill’s secret book bay came as a complete shock to her husband and three children.

Jill is now a full-time writer.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 

 

Review – Cake: The Newlyweds by J. Bengtsson

CAKE2_NowAvailableBANNER

Jake and Casey are BACK!
CAKE: The Newlyweds by J. Bengtsson is NOW AVAILABLE in ebook, paperback & audio!

Cake Cover Front

Amazon ebook
Amazon paperback
AUDIO BOOK

ADD TO YOUR TBR

You thought their story was over… but a love like theirs has no end.

Fate doesn’t own Jake McKallister. At least that’s what he tells himself. Life is better than ever. He’s at the top of his game, performing to sold-out crowds the world over.

He has his health and a solid, fun-loving family to keep him grounded.

And he got the girl – the beautiful, quirky girl he’s just made his wife.

Yes, life is good. If only fate would stop screaming in his ear.

Lucky is the word to best describe Casey McKallister. Life is not just great… it’s amazing.

She has an awesome, devoted support system, a nerd’s dream job at a prestigious accounting firm, and, best of all, she’s married to the hottest rock star to ever roam the earth.

Yes, life is perfect… until it comes crashing down around her.

They say love concurs all. That’s what Jake and Casey are counting on.

 

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BFF K’s Review of Cake: The Newlyweds

 

Cake: A Love Story and the first three books in the series were among my most favorite books of 2017. So, I was thrilled to see a new book coming in the series and it did NOT disappoint! Cake: The Newlyweds was sweet and LOL-funny while being a bit tearful and heart-wrenching at the same time!

Jake and Casey experience many of the issues and emotions of any newlywed couple. But, add to it Jake’s traumatic past, his challenging career and some unexpected tragedy and you have a tale that does more than just check in with your favorite characters, it moves their lives and stories forward.

My only criticism is that I would have liked Jake’s trauma story to be a little more developed. This story found Jake continuing to work through personal issues related to his childhood. I wish there had been a few more scenes with him working through those issue, it was all tied up a little too neatly for me. I think it could have been even more substantial.

Cake: The Newlyweds is another great love story for Jake and Casey. But, it’s also a wonderful check-in with Kyle and Kenzie, Emma and Finn and some of the other members of the family. I really liked the scenes with Quinn and Grace and I’m excited to see where their stories go. AND, there were a couple of scenes that made me laugh until I cried.

This book has it all – highs and lows, terrific characters and unique storylines. You need to read the first three books in the Cake Series for maximum enjoyment. Then you’ll be sure to find Cake: The Newlyweds is just the icing….on the Cake! 😂

PS – the Audio Version is Andi Arndt and Joe Arden and sure to be AMAZING!

An advance copy of this book was received from the author. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

 

READ BFF K’s Reviews of the other books in the Cake Series!

A Series Review for Cake: A Love Story

 

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-A reclusive rock star going through the motions-

Jake McKallister might have been a rock star, but he was no ordinary one. Surviving an unspeakable crime as a young teen had shaped him into a guarded workaholic, and he now lived his life trying to forget. If it hadn’t been for music and the redemption he found through it, he might not have survived. Career success came easily for him. Personal connections did not.

-A vivacious college student embracing life-

When outspoken and fun-loving Casey Caldwell was paired with the famously reserved musician for a friend’s wedding, she was prepared for the worst. What could they possibly have in common? She was a bubbly talker; he was a media-shy loner. His life was filled with music; she couldn’t carry a tune. She’d enjoyed a happy childhood; his was a well-publicized nightmare.

-Their worlds are about to collide-

Despite their obvious differences, Jake and Casey found each other, and her light balanced out his darkness. Would their love be strong enough to survive the weight of his tragic past?

 

CAKE2_TEASER4

 

About the Author

J. Bengtsson lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. Her favorite things to do are laugh, go for walks, and hang out with family.

Connect with J.!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jbengtssonauthor/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CakeALoveStory
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/chhhbX
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2rxHjuK
Join her Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebananabinder/

 

 

2017 Besties

 

What a year 2017 has been! It was an amazing year in my book life and my real life! I’m so grateful to all of the authors who filled my days (and lets be honest mostly my nights) with incredible stories and fabulous characters! And, I’m thankful to my book friends who share new authors, rave about great stories and talk with me about fictional people as though they were real. What an incredible community to be a part of, thank you for your love of books and authors and for following BFF Book Blog! Without further ado, I present my 2017 Besties…..

 

#1 Dating-ish by Penny Reid


Unique, thought-provoking, fun!

 

#2 Autoboyography by Christina Lauren


This should be required reading for all humans.

 

#3 Cake: A Love Story Series by J. Bengtsson

This is a fantastic series from a terrific new author!

 

#4 Royally Matched by Emma Chase

This story has everything I look for in a romance, it’s perfection!

 

#5 The Year of Amy Daws

In 2017, I read and/or listened to almost every book that Amy Daws has written and she rocketed to the top of my must-read author list! Her Harris Brothers series is Sports Romance Gold and her London Lovers series was a primer for my trip to London in March. I love following her on Facebook, she’s fun and funny and her books always deliver the heart and the humor that I love. Devouring her stories was a highlight to my 2017!

 

#6 Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward

This book was the whipped cream and cherry on top of the Bourbon Kings Sundae and it was the perfect way to finish my beloved series. I’m holding out hopes for the TV Series!

 

#7 The Difference Between Us by Rachel Higginson

I haven’t had a chance to write my reviews for this series yet, but I adored this book. It was sweet and funny, angsty and smart. The heroine experiences sexual harassment in the workplace and the timing of the story and current events was impeccable!

 

#8 Defiant Queen by Meghan March

The Mount Trilogy is absolutely stunning. It’s full of twists and turns and all kinds of awesomeness. Book #2, Defiant Queen was my favorite in the trilogy. It’s full of great settings, terrific characters and tons of action. This whole series is a must-read!

 

#9 Wild For You by Daisy Prescott

Daisy Prescott always delivers solid stories and engaging characters, but Wild For You is exceptional! It’s emotional and heart-warming! I think it’s one of 2017’s hidden gems!

 

#10 Egomaniac by Vi Keeland

This is one of my most recommended books in 2017! It’s fun and funny and a tiny bit tear-jerking!

 

That’s the Top 10, but it doesn’t feel quite complete, so I present the…..

2017 Besties Honorable Mention List

Buns by Alice Clayton

Champagne and Forever by Andrea Johnston

Walk of Shame by Lauren Layne

Hooking Up by Helena Hunting

King of Code by CD Reiss

The Contract by Melanie Moorland

Glitterland by Alexis Hall

The Player and The Catch by K Bromberg

Secondborn by Amy A. Bartol

Barreled Over by Jenna Sutton

Show Me the Way by A.L. Jackson

________________________________________________

 

There have been lots of changes for the BFF Book Blog and I’m sure there will be more to come next year. Thank you for following the BFF Book Blog. Book Friends really are the Best Friends! I look forward to highlighting more amazing books in the coming year and here’s a sneak peak at what’s coming next year!

 

What I’m most looking forward to in 2018

The Matchmaker’s Playbook movie on PassionFlix (Rachel VanDyken cracks me up!)

More awesomeness from Meghan March

A new kind of story from Daisy Prescott

Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin on the big screen

More sweet stories from Andrea Johnston

Fifty Shades Freed premiere in February

Book Number Four in the Cake Series by J Bengtsson

New books, new friends and new adventures

Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

 

Series Review – Cake A Love Story by J. Bengtsson


I happened upon Cake: A Love Story by J. Bengtsson via some recommendations in my most favorite audiobook lovers Facebook group. Shout out to Aural Fixation! I listened to Book 1, and immediately to book 2 and then book 3. It was 33 hours of audiobooks in 8 days. Don’t judge – I drove a lot, my house was spotless and all the laundry got folded! I’m in love with this series and I can’t wait to see what this author delivers next! If you’re an audiobook lover, you have got to get this series! If you’re a romance lover, you’ve got to get this series! I’m going to feature brief reviews below for each book, but you’ve just got to get them!!! This post contains: Amazon buy links, reviews, author bio and then book descriptions!

Buy this series TODAY on Amazon

All of the books are also available on Kindle Unlimited!

Cake: A Love Story

The Theory of Second Best: Cake Series Book Two

Fiercely Emma: Cake Series Book Three

 

BFF K’s Series Review for Cake: A Love Story

BFF K’s Quick Review for Cake: A Love Story

This is a Rockstar Love Story that is ANYTHING but a typical Rockstar Love Story! There is a backstory combined with supporting characters that make this book something truly special.

I fell in love with Jake. He’s deep and broody, sweet and funny, moody and swoony and everything that a romance Hero should be! Casey is witty and charming, laid back, young and sweet. She is also Jake’s perfect match. No one else brings out the best in Jake. Casey doesn’t worship or coddle Jake, but she listens and supports and loves him unconditionally. There are powerful demons and unbelievable experiences in Jake’s past, but Casey proves woman enough to handle them and him.

Their romance is a wave that’s swift and powerful and an absolute joy to ride. Andi Arndt and Joe Arden deliver an engrossing and enthralling audiobook performance. Beware – once you start this series, you’ll be consumed until it’s over! But, it’s worth every minute, I know you’ll fall in love with Cake!

 

BFF K’s Quick Review for The Theory of Second Best: Cake Series Book Two

Kyle has lived his life in the shadow of his talented and sometimes troubled older brother. He’s spent his life being second to Jake. But, it’s a role he’s grown weary of playing and Kyle wants to see what else is out there. Is there anything else he can be good at or can he be content filling this role forever. In an attempt to figure out the answer to that question, Kyle signs up for a Survivor-esque reality show. He discovers a great deal about himself and finds the girl who lights up his world.

Kenzie has been sister, mother, daughter, and manager for her entire family. She’s worked harder than anyone her age should have to. Her efforts have kept her father and siblings going. But, she wants to see what life looks like outside of the tiny town she calls home. This reality game show will provide her with the perfect opportunity.

Kyle and Kenzie come together under the craziest of circumstances, but learn so much about each other and themselves. They’re not perfect. They’re flawed and damaged, naive and reckless. But, they’re also sweet and silly, charming and funny and absolutely perfect for each other! The cast of quirky characters makes this book a humorous tale of self-discovery and sweet love. Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber deliver engaging performances that drive the story. This book is second in the series, but holds its own in all the very best ways!

 

BFF K’s Quick Review for Fiercely Emma: Cake Series Book Three

 

Emma feels as if she was denied a childhood. Her family’s trauma (particularly her brother Jake’s) impacted her in ways that she never disclosed or dealt with. Emma is cautious and careful. She prescribes to specific plans and ideas for the best ways to live her life and she has no intention or desire to deviate. Until she meets Finn.

Finn blows into her life like the hot winds that whip up a wild fire. He is unlike anyone she’s ever met and absolutely the last thing she thinks she needs. Finn dances to the beat of his own drummer. He takes life as it comes and rolls with the punches. He doesn’t realize that Emma’s brand of structure and organization is just what he’s been searching for.

Apart, Finn and Emma are pretty much a mess in completely opposite ways. But together, they’re pretty much perfect! They bring out the best in one another, each smoothing the other’s rough edges. Are they just too different to make life work together for the long run? Or, can their differences become the glue that binds them together? This book is a stellar opposites attract love story and the perfect continuation to the Cake Series!

 

About the Author

J. Bengtsson lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. Her favorite things to do are laugh, go for walks, and hang out with family.

Twitter: @CakeALoveStory

jbengtssonauthor@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/jbengtssonauthor

Join the Cake series email list for updates on new books http://eepurl.com/chhhbX

 

Cake: A Love Story

-A reclusive rock star going through the motions-

Jake McKallister might have been a rock star, but he was no ordinary one. Surviving an unspeakable crime as a young teen had shaped him into a guarded workaholic, and he now lived his life trying to forget. If it hadn’t been for music and the redemption he found through it, he might not have survived. Career success came easily for him. Personal connections did not.

-A vivacious college student embracing life-

When outspoken and fun-loving Casey Caldwell was paired with the famously reserved musician for a friend’s wedding, she was prepared for the worst. What could they possibly have in common? She was a bubbly talker; he was a media-shy loner. His life was filled with music; she couldn’t carry a tune. She’d enjoyed a happy childhood; his was a well-publicized nightmare.

-Their worlds are about to collide-

Despite their obvious differences, Jake and Casey found each other, and her light balanced out his darkness. Would their love be strong enough to survive the weight of his tragic past?

 

The Theory of Second Best: Cake Series Book Two

 

-A brother who lives his life in the shadows of greatness-
Kyle McKallister is the younger brother to one of the world’s most elusive and embattled celebrities. He has carved out a comfortable existence touring with his famous brother and living in the lap of luxury with no commitments or plans of his own, only a deep, haunting loyalty to his brother. But Kyle’s life is about to be shaken up when the opportunity comes to compete on a popular reality show.

-A sister who sets aside her dreams for the ones she loves-

Small town girl Kenzie Williams has come on the show for one thing only: to win. But when a disastrous start forces her to rely on an eclectic band of misfits, she finds herself immediately smitten with a handsome and mysterious cast mate.

-Pushed together by circumstance, two outcasts find love-

But life on the island is just a game. Can Kyle and Kenzie’s fragile spark survive the pressures of the real world?

 

Fiercely Emma: Cake Series Book Three

Emma, older sister of renowned rock star Jake McKallister, has crafted a quiet existence for herself. Fiercely independent, scorned at work, and indifferent to relationships, she’s spent the past decade trying to move on from the crime that shook her family to the core. Living by a promise she made to herself as a distraught sixteen-year-old, Emma has sworn off marriage and children… until a chance encounter with a scruffy hitchhiker throws her orderly world into chaos.

A wild child raised in mayhem by a teenage mother, fearless Finn Perry cruises through life as the perennial nice guy. Now a struggling actor, he supports himself by performing daredevil stunts. At a crossroads in his life, one thing has always remained constant in his world: Finn’s desire to start the family he never had. The mystery woman who rescues him from the side of the road sure seems like the perfect person for the job.

But unfinished business from Emma’s troubled past looms heavy, threatening to destroy the fledging love she’s found with the only man to ever jump-start her wounded heart.

 

Buy them all TODAY on Amazon

All of the books are also available on Kindle Unlimited!

Cake: A Love Story

The Theory of Second Best: Cake Series Book Two

Fiercely Emma: Cake Series Book Three