Audio Review: Cake (Cake #1) by J. Bengtsson

Jake McKallister was famous for more than just being a rockstar. When he was thirteen-years-old, he would survive a crime so brutal and so harrowing that his name would forever be linked to tragedy. And, although he had managed to put the horrors of his youth behind him in order to find success as a musician, the memories of his past still haunted him. When spirited college student, Casey Caldwell, was paired at a friend’s wedding with brooding rockstar, Jake McKallister, she was prepared for the worst. It wasn’t just that Jake was a famous, gorgeous rockstar that freaked her out. It was that they had absolutely nothing in common. She was a bubbly talker. He was a reserved loner. His life was filled with music. She couldn’t even carry a tune. She lived a happy childhood. His was a well-publicized nightmare. Yet, despite their differences, sparks flew. Casey was surprised to discover that the notoriously private rockstar was actually a charming, supercool guy. She was instantly smitten. Jake never thought he had the capacity to fall in love, so he never bothered trying. Quick, impersonal romps were the extent of his love life. Then he met Casey and, unexpectedly, he wanted more. But Jake had secrets…ones that threatened to bury their budding relationship under layers of debris. Would their love be strong enough to survive the weight of his tragic past?

Book Excerpt: Jake looked closer at me now like he was really seeing me for the first time. “Sorry, what was your name again?” “Casey…Caldwell,” I said holding my hand out to shake his then added jokingly, “I didn’t catch your name either?” Jake took my hand then grinned and said, “Hi, I’m Jake McKallister.” “Nice to meet you Jake McKallister. You know there is a cure for that?” “For what?” “Not remembering someone’s name.” Jake smiled, looking interested. “Oh yeah, what is the cure?” “Pay attention the first time,” I smiled deviously. Jake gave me that killer stare and he smiled. “Yeah…I definitely should have paid better attention. Sorry. It won’t happen again, Casey Caldwell.” I smiled. “So what do you do Casey?” “I am a student at Arizona State.” “Really? That’s cool.” “Not as cool as being a rockstar but, yeah, it is right up there on the list,” I joked. “Rockstar, astronaut, brain surgeon…student at ASU.” “Yeah that is how the list goes,” Jake nodded, smirking. “I might have left out a few professions,” I teased. “Yeah, maybe just a few,” Jake smiled then raised an eyebrow and asked mischievously, “So Casey…isn’t ASU the #1 party school in the nation or something like that?” “I think it might actually be in the world, but go ahead and minimize our accomplishments…whatever,” I joked in mock annoyance. “I didn’t mean to sell your school short.” “It’s okay. It is a common error,” I teased. Jake grinned and his eyes twinkled with mischief, “So?” “So, what?” I demanded, with just the right amount of flirt back. “Are you a party girl?” I laughed out loud. “Seriously? Way to stereotype, rockstar.” Then it was Jake’s turn to laugh out loud. He seemed impressed with my retort. “Yeah, who am I to talk, right?” I nodded laughing.

I admit I picked this up because I was looking for something cheer me up. I so did not expect what happened to happen. For a while there I was on the verge of tears and was all like this is a stupid book. I had to know how it all ended. I am glad I stuck with the ending. It more made up for the terrible middle. I don’t want to spoil this for anyone so I am not going to stay what happens but just be warned that you will cry.

There was the instalove trope at work here, however, I think it was done in the story better than most. I still have a hard time believing that people could meet then fall in love over a weekend but I may just be old and cynical so take what I say with a grain of salt

The whole rockstar thing was done really well. There mon scenes and the way it did =scrbed as people constantly watching them and snapping pictures of them was very well done. I got a feel for what it would be like to be around a rock star.

But….. I need to warn you there are references to child abuse where it does have a couple of graphic scenes so if you are sensitive to that kind of thing then you may want to pass on this book. All of the violence happens off screen still I feel that if someone had been abused that it may be a trigger for them to proceed with caution.

That being said this book is OMG the characters were well fleshed out and everything made sense if not for the instalove BUUUTTT I told my self that instalove COULD happen so I am just gonna shut down my ole cynical voice and pretend that insta love is real. I used to think it was real.. I guess dating as an adult has made my all cynical.

I found it hilarious that Casey wouldn’t have sex on the first date but on the second date she couldn’t…..get naked fast enough.i was like ookkkkkk whatever floats your boat. I don’t judge.

The narration was ok.. the woman sounded funny when she tried to sound like a man. The male narrator was better. He never tried to sound like a woman so that I was left giggling and losing my focus like I was with the female narrator.

overall I liked this story. I like it enough that I downloaded the second audio in the series.I loved the story and I thought that it all fit together perfectly. I was almost destroyed at the end. It is a good thing I listen to the epilogue. I can go about my day happy.

Rating Report
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