“An epic tale of growth and love and family – a truly great read!” Christy A.“A perfect second chance romance.” Melanie“Keith is probably one of the funniest, irreverent, and sarcastic characters I have ever read.” – Cali Gals Blog-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 … hot, fun, dopey guy beloved by the student body but despised by, well, just about everyone else. He spends his early mornings in the ocean and his days trying to get to class on time. Life is as easy as it gets until one poor choice too many catches up with him and he’s forced to reevaluate his path.
Samantha Anderson sits in the front row. You know the type. Every school has one – the quiet, faceless, studious girl who fears the taunts of her peers and fades into the background. Life has never been simple for Samantha, and it’s about to get a little more complicated when Keith slides into the seat beside her with a partnership plan designed for his benefit only. But what Keith brings to the table is more than either of them could imagine.
Sometimes the person you least expect to make a difference will change your life forever. Sometimes the person you love the most might be better off without you.
*Although a part of the Cake Series, this book can be read as a standalone.
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Where to start with this review….. I have no idea because I have so many emotions running through me. There was so many issues that were dealt with in this story that it had my heart hurting for both Keith and Samantha. There is abuse, mental illness, addiction and family. This is a story of love and family staying together.
Keith is a stoner and a happy guy who rides the waves in the morning and then goes to school by day. He has a good life but things happen in his life that is hard for him to deal with but he deals with them. Then at school there is this project and he has a plan to get the class nerds help so he sits next to her and tells her they are going to do this project together. Samantha is shocked but she agrees to do the project with Kieth.
Samantha is a quiet book girl who stays out of trouble. She sits in the front of the class and gets good grades. That is until she is there minding her own business when Kieth the class stoner sits next to her and tells her they are going to do the class project together. As they study together things start to transform from friendship to something more and this is where the story starts to get wonderful so I won’t spoil it for the reader but I will say that this is the romance story for you! So go on and one click it and enjoy it!
I very much enjoyed this story!! Unlike Kyle and Emma’s stories, it doesn’t link into Jake’s as much… Since I’ve read them in order I can’t see this one as a standalone. The ending kind of made it seem like there wouldn’t be another book… If not I think it was a good finish… But then again I would like to hear a Quinn story!!!
5 My Heart Almost Broke Stars!!!
I literally did a binge read of all the Cake books when I discovered Ms. Bengtsson’s writing last year and when I heard we were getting another story and that it would be Keith’s story, I thought I had an inkling of what kind of story we were getting based on what I’d read… this family is amazing!! Their humor is almost slapstick funny, but their love for each other is unparalleled. Well, I was wrong mostly… there’s SO MUCH about Keith and how he became the man he is today….and I literally had tears streaming from my eyes a few times reading this book.
This book is written with so much detail and really brings us into Keith and Sam’s lives. The emotion and drama of what was happening with them individually and as a couple was at times heartbreaking but also made me laugh with how sassy Sam is with him. He’s never experienced a girl like her before and Keith just doesn’t know what to do. There comes a time when he has to make some important decisions and being with Sam far outweighs some of his other options. I love how they loved each other. Keith truly saved Samantha in so many ways. Sam also has the best BFF ever…. we all need a “Shannon” in our lives!
This story has a lot of a backstory to it and while it was a little slow moving for me at times, in hindsight it’s just perfect so we can truly understand what the unthinkable happens to his brother Jake, if you haven’t read Cake, you need to because then you’ll understand why I said this, and how this one event catapults this young man into a world that is dark and painful and agonizing to watch. When things turnaround for this family, Keith gets back to the man I knew was lurking below the surface.
There are great moments of redemption that had my heart hurting because who knew all this had happened? I certainly didn’t when I was reading the other books that’s for sure!!
There’s so much to this story and how no matter how long it takes, getting to your forever is worth all the pain and hard work it takes to get there. Keith and Sam had a tough road that was filled with pain, sorrow, passion, love and joy. I was nearly giddy with my own joy at the end of this book for so many reasons, including seeing the entire family in all their sarcastic best selves!!
Ms. Bengtsson has written a book that is stunning in how it delves into subjects we don’t read a lot about and how it’s possible to overcome even the most difficult stumbling blocks and being able to rejoice in love both from family and the woman who is your forever!
I have read all the Cake series and the books are all great. The first one for me is the master piece and the following books are just as great. Keith and Samantha’s story has been coming along and it is as emotional. Ms. Bengtsson has done a wonderful job as she gives each character and member of the McKallister family a true soul even though the tragic events of Cake are somehow always present and Jake is a strong presence in the family.
However, we are here to talk about the adorable Keith and Samantha and how they meet and connect for life. It is so strong, powerful and yet so young. Keith is a big child and the older brother and I don’t know how it bring a such interesting character.
This book is amazing and you should read them all! Because they are that good!
A second chance romance that you do not want to miss! Ashley @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Keith and Samantha story was one I was waiting for of all the couples of the Cake Series! I love seeing the start of this relationship and how all the parts of the McKallister’s family effect Keith and Samantha. From the start in High School to finding each other again. This relationship has all the feels that you would expect. Expect to laugh, cry and just be happy throughout this entire story.
Rogue Wave, Keith’s and Sam’s story, is a second chance romance that will put you through all the feels – happiness and heartbreak, laughter and tears, love and hope. Their story spans over 10 years, which I enjoyed because we got to see how they met in high school and follow their journey through all the trials and tribulations to get their well deserved HEA.
I adored Keith and his fun personality. He is humorous and loves deeply. However, my heart broke as I watched him struggle with his inner demons. Sam is a great heroine and is the perfect balance to Keith’s zany personality. This girl did not have it easy and I many times just wanted to hug her tightly. Sam and Keith are like magnets – opposite ends pulling towards each other. The two are an unlikely pair, but they are also the perfect couple for bringing out the best in each other. The banter between the two of them was hilarious – his random jokes and stories along with her sarcastic responses left me laughing almost to the point of tears.
It was good to see the rest of the McKallister clan as well as Sam’s friend, Shannon. I have no idea where the author comes up with their zany interactions, but I was practically snorting coffee out of my nose from laughing so hard. One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book is that the author has the amazing ability to create a unique story with likable characters that carefully balances seriousness and humor. Along with all the hilarious dialogue and the entertaining McKallister stories, heavy topics such as addiction, abuse, and mental illness are addressed in Rogue Wave. If you have liked the previous books in the Cake series then you will love Rogue Wave. I received this book for free and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Good things come to those who wait….and wait I did for Keith’s story. I have wanted Keith and Sam’s story since Theory of Second Best (Kyle & Kenzie)…there was just something about these two, I needed more. NOTE – I highly suggest that you read these in order – that is the only way you will understand all that has happened with the McKallister clan. Keith and Sam’s story starts back in high school…just prior to the McKallister family tragedy – but Sam has tragedy of her own. J. Bengtsson gives us all the feels with Rogue Wave, and I mean ALL the feels.
Lovers of the Cake Series, it’s Kieth McKallister’s turn to tell us his story! And what a story it is. Man my emotions were all over the place with this one. Not only do we have Jake’s history and how it impacts Keith, but we also have Samantha and her tragic history to. It’s a double hit to the feels. But it’s sooo worth every up and down. The perspective we get from Keith packs a powerful punch and the love story between San and is just gut wrenching at times. But in her usual fashion J Bengtsson makes your heart soar in the end. This was everything I hoped it would be and more.
If you haven’t read Cake: A Love Story I highly recommend you start there. It’s amazing and helps out the rest of the series into perspective.
I CANT GET OVER HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS BOOK! Yep I am shouting it from the rooftops. I love this author and have read all her books. The Cake Series are some of my all time favorites stories EVER. Truthfully I have always maintained my allegiance to the first book, ranking it number one. Not that I didn’t love the others but Jake’s story has always haunted me. This book is challenging that. What really resonated with me throughout this book is how well it is written and I am not just talking grammar either. The storyline is AMAZING!
Keith is probably one of the funniest, irreverent, and sarcastic characters I have ever read. He continually had me roaring with laughter. I kept thinking “who comes up with this stuff”. SO FUNNY! Lets say he comes by it naturally though. All his family provides many laughs out loud moments. Let me warn you though cause this isn’t all laughs which if you have read the others you will really understand why. Keith and his choices at times will break your heart. He can be his own worse enemy. Yikes.
Samantha (Sam) has her own beautiful story to tell. The road she travels both with and without Keith is inspiring. She maintains a heart of gold even through rough days and demonstrates the true meaning of resiliency.
Intertwined with the laughter, tough social issues are explored. Mental illness, addiction, sibling rivalry, and abuse are just a few. All the books in this series explore the meaning of family and this one stays true to that. Of course setting this story in California and using surfing as a backdrop, well I feel at home.
In my opinion it is a testament of a great read if one minute you are laughing and the next you are trying to hold back tears. Sam and Keith’s love story takes you through the years and is a true second chance romance. I could talk about this book forever. Ugh where is a good book club when you need one?! Lastly, the tease at the end is almost cruel. Eek! Bring it Quinn (wink). Happy Reading!
Oh my goodness!! Keith’s story is just fabulous! With every single addition to the Cake series, J Bengtsson brings us further heart break and mending, woven together with great character development and superb wit and verve. I have highlighted so many passages in this book, laughed out loud (yes, embarrassing myself in public again ), wanted to hug both Keith and Samantha and feared for them as they struggle to find their place in life, especially Keith.
Keith and Sam are the most wonderful characters. Their story spans over a decade and weaves its tendrils of love and struggle with such confidence and style. This series has a place of prominence on my top shelf of favourites. Just fabulous!
What a great continuation of the McKallister kids! Keith was great… his struggles and triumphs were as real as his unwavering love for Samantha. These two get you hooked from the start and never let go.
Definitely make sure to read the rest of the Cake series before this one. They’re not only fantastic but it’ll shed light on so many things…
Loved it – 5stars… <3
Rogue Wave is a story I have been awaiting (almost) patiently. Keith McAllister is the lovable surfer dude who has a lot of growing to do; it takes him a few tries to get life right, but because J. Bengtsson has spent the first 4 installments of the Cake series giving us glimpses into Keith’s arc, and building up anticipation, readers will be eager to follow his path towards growth and, one could even say, redemption. His and Sam’s love is a bond for the ages and of course, watching them find their way to each other is the highlight of the book. Their relationship is a beautiful study in balance, a dance that unfolds over time; these two bring out the best in each other. And the waves of their relationship didn’t always come from where I expected them to, which was a great surprise. The scenes between them run the gamut – fun, romantic, dramatic and steamy – but no matter what are always memorable.
Still, there are many other enjoyable moments that do not involve the central love arc. We get glimpses of the whole McAllister crew that are by turns joyful and heartbreaking; this is a family that has been thru hell, but they kept going and it’s rewarding for the reader to be able to revisit all the parts of that journey (the good and the bad) from different perspectives even when they are moments we have been aware of in the other books. This is such a rich family unit and I love learning more about them, even characters like Jake, who it would be easy for a reader to assume they already know a lot about. Each McAllister is fascinating in their own way. I loved watching Keith’s relationship to his parents and siblings, especially Jake and (finally!) Mitch – I’ve wanted more about the oldest and his dynamic with the others from the first, so I was so happy to get a view into that. And this book made me wish for a Quinn book more than ever! I truly hope J. Bengtsson will tell us his story someday.
Overall, I was sad when I got to last page of Rogue Wave because I didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend this read; you won’t be disappointed.
*I received an advance copy of this book from a Facebook contest on the author’s reader group.*
I like books that stir my emotions whether tears or laughs out loud. I have found that the Cake Series of books by JBengtsson always bring out all my emotions. Her latest book in this 5 book series is Rogue Wave. It is a stand alone book and can be read by itself. However, if you want to feel all the emotions that a good author can bring to you, I suggest that you start at the beginning with Cake: a Love Story that introduces you to the McKallister family with Jake. But if you want to jump right in read her latest Rogue Wave which is about Jake’s older brother Keith who meets Samatha in chemistry class in high school. This book will pull at your heart strings. Keith has huge family issues to deal with and turns out Samatha has them also. One tries to deal with guilt and grief and the other tries to deal with a crazy mother. You will laugh and cry reading this book, but the journey is worth it all. I highly recommend this book and the whole Cake series. So very good.