The Theory Of Second Best: Cake Series Book Two

Bravo J. Bengtsson! Firstly, I would like to point out that even though being a new author, the writing style for this book and the first Cake Book as well is truly superb. It seems J. Bengtsson has a gift when it comes to writing, and I truly hope to see many more books written by this author... Even seasoned authors sometimes cannot achieve this level of writing making you connect to the characters and feel what they feeling! Having said that, I only gave this book 4 stars and I would like to explain why. When it came down to the the first book of the Cake Series, one of the things that I most liked was that it had a nice balance..it has plenty of banter between the characters, humor, steamy scenes and content. Unfortunately I cannot say the same about the second book. If I was rating this book only on humor I would give it a 10+ stars! I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard...seriously, you will basically not stop laughing through out this book, it is truly hilarious. The issue for me is that I did not connect so much to the main male character due to the fact that he was not an alpha male, which for me is really a factor when it comes to the leading man. Also, it lacked any romance scenes between the main characters and hardly any steamy scenes as well... I wished this book also had that nice balance that the first one did. To tell the truth I am not even sure I will read the third installment of this series, but I look forward to reading the 4th book which is supposed to be a continuation of the characters from the first Book of the Cake series. If you are looking for a light read that will guarantee you will cry tears of laughter, the please read this book... you will not be disappointed! To the author I say, please continue writing and I hope to see other books and new material that brings romance, laughter and steaminess to the pages... something different from the cake series.

Kyle has always been the second, almost as cool, kind of okayest, fiddle to his rockstar older brother Jake. I mean his brother is a rockstar, of course he reaps the benefits he can, but sometimes it still sucks. Hot fan girls Jake's not interested in? Sure, why not? Things change when he's picked as a contestant on a survivor type reality show. Of course he got there on Jake's name, but he wants this for him. He figures he will fail, whatever, but he's doing something different at least.

Kenzie hasn't done much just for herself in life. Thrust into an adult role very early on due to unfortunate circumstances in her life. She is somehow picked for the same reality show. She figures it's because she's the small town girl who hasn't seen the world. She knows she doesn't have much to add, but she's doing the show for her and her family. She wants to see the world outside of her small town, and this is the first step.

The relationship between these two starts off a little iffy, but quickly morphs into witty banter and clear chemistry. Only one of them realizes it though. Feelings get hurt, sides get chosen, and basically it's like reading a season of survivor, but with an emphasis on the main love story that plays out. I really enjoyed that Kyle and Kenzie weren't so wrapped up in each other that the other people got lost. They became friends with them as well, and some of those friendships I ADORED. The reality show aspect wasn't unique to me per say, but the fact that it wasn't written as OTT and angsty was unique. This story felt real and relatable.

Once again this romance is super duper slow burn. It made it real and made you root for the characters. If you're looking for super smutty, this isn't it. If you're looking for sexual tension, and sweet development of feelings... you've found your book. While these two fell in love, I fell in love with them.

My only complaint is that it did feel like the story had some parts that dragged for me. Maybe it's because I read the first book and some parts were reiterated from Kyle's POV, and I just wasn't THAT interested in knowing his POV during someone else's love story. I get that it developed the character more, I just didn't need it, and it slowed the story down for me. Of course it's at the beginning and it picks up quickly once you get through all of that.

All in all a really good read. It's pretty low angst, the romance is so sweet, the banter was great, and the characters it came from were even better. Great writing! Can't wait to read the next in the series. This family has peaked my interest to say the least.

Where to start? I Loved this book. The snarky banter, amazing insight, great with all the feels.
This book found me chuckling to myself late into the night. I didn't want to go to bed. This story pulled me in unlike Cake,I could relate to Kyle. Self sacrificing, lazy, but with a heart of gold his character spoke to me in a way that Jake's didn't. Kyle needed Kenzie for her down to Earth purity and for her genuine appreciation of him, not his brother. Perfectly Perfect. Hope there's more to come in this series.

Interesting story following up on Kyle McAllister, the brother to Jake the main character in the author's previous work - Cake. The McAllister family dialogue is witty and 'spot on' compared to what I have experienced between siblings in my own family. Superficially, Kyle is a funny, fun-loving, self-proclaimed slacker. Yet, this book doesn't stop on the surface. It delves into Kyle's heart and how he has struggled since his shared horrific ordeal with Jake 10 years previous. Kenzie is adorably goofy and has a desire to make everyone around her feel special. I liked the slow building relationship between Kyle and Kenzie as well as the secondary characters that shared in the relationship development. Overall, I highly enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

I really enjoyed Cake, so I had super high expectations for the rest of the series. I'm also a huge Survivor fan, so the Marooned plot line was a but too shticky for my liking. Every single detail of the show is mimicked. I've read other books loosely based off of reality shows, that had enough originality to make it their own. That was not the case in this book.

Also, there was no timeline or warning that we were stepping back in time, so reading this back to back after Cake was confusing, since the storyline didn't flow.

It was a fun read, but lost a few stars for the reasons above. I will likely read the rest of the series, just because I like this gang.

Kyle and Kenzie make a great couple. There is humor in situations and funny dialog. When they first meet, Kenzie gets seasick and throws up on Kyle.Kenzie is a sweet character and Kyle grows up and out of the shadow of his famous brother. There is some drama, but no deep tortured angst.I read "Cake: A Love Story" first, which was an amazing book! So I would suggest reading that one first although you don't have t, the story line is easy to follow.I hope J. Bengtsson keeps writing as she is now one of my favorite authors. P.S. read "Fiercely Emma: Cake Series Book Three" too, you won't be disappointed. Lovely story, lovely McKallister family.

This book was significantly deeper than Cake which already dealt with pretty deep stuff. This family is put through the wringer!

This story takes place right before Jake meets Casey and takes us through Jake's surgery. We learn where Kyle went when Jake and Casey's relationship heats up (reality tv).

Kyle meets Kenzie on the reality show after she throws up on him. They bond. She falls for him; he's clueless. And then she betrays him.

The nice thing is that it doesn't end there. There's still a nice portion that explores what happens IRL when two people are living in the shadows of their family.

This book was significantly deeper than Cake which already dealt with pretty deep stuff. This family is put through the wringer!

This story takes place right before Jake meets Casey and takes us through Jake's surgery. We learn where Kyle went when Jake and Casey's relationship heats up (reality tv).

Kyle meets Kenzie on the reality show after she throws up on him. They bond. She falls for him; he's clueless. And then she betrays him.

The nice thing is that it doesn't end there. There's still a nice portion that explores what happens IRL when two people are living in the shadows of their family.

I absolutely loved Cake, and was a little curious how much I'd like the second installment, but I ended up Loving it. It's a different speed from Cake, focusing on Kyle's perspective and his own issues that derived from his and Jake's horrific moment. It's more fun and light hearted as the majority of the book takes place on the island for the reality show Kyle goes on. The island aspect is honestly, hilarious, full of fun characters and swoony moments. This is a great read that didn't disappoint.

I actually liked kyle. He was just getting by being Jakes sidekick. I liked Kenzie as well. She had a way of looking at life in a happy way and did not let her tragedy rule her world. The island reality show was an interesting plot point. All of the contestants were so colorful. This was not as gripping as Jake and Cassie's story but it was fun and filled in some of the Jake drama. This was a fun read .

I found this book through Kindle Unlimited and as much as I enjoy the membership, some books are good but poorly written. This series, however is very well written, funny and heartbreaking at the same time. I really enjoyed Kyle's story. On to the next one, Emma's book.

The premise was good but the follow through lacking. I like Kyle and Kenzie but the situation is difficult. If you had not been told that there were on the equivalent of Survivor you would never know. I like Kyle's growth beyond Jake's tag along brother and his admittance to his part of Jake's past.

This author's ability to write such incredibly amazing dialog, blows my mind!! I laughed so many times, I had tears streaming down my face! I was forbidden to read in bed, because my abrupt shaking (laughing, but making no sound, would wake my husband!). Even though there is a deeply sad component to each character's life, the author writes in a way that makes the characters believable. Great read!!!

J. Bengtsson has become my favorite author. I am anxiously awaiting her next novel about Emma. Cake has been the best so far, but the story of Kyle and Kenzie was pretty great. I love the humor and the other emotions throughout the story. I'd love the next novel to include more about Jake, Casey, Kyle & Kenzie. I wanted to know more about Jake and Casey, while getting to know Kyle and Kenzie. If you loved Cake you'll like this book, too! J. Bengtsson is phenomenal at entertaining us through words.

Sometimes the second books are like xerox copies of the first...
same just not as crisp. Kyle had his own story and Kenzie complimented him well. I even laughed out loud during the time on the island! Can't wait for Emma's story!

I loved this book!!!! The characters were so well developed. While my heart went out to Kyle and I felt for him, I thought this book was hysterical . I often found myself laughing out loud while listening.

Simply loved this read!! Cake is one of my faves...hands down and this was the perfect follow up. This read was funny and real...made me realize I missed this family!! Can't wait for the next story..I would love to hear from Kyle and Jake's parents and get even more info on this cast of characters.

This book had so much to love. Kyle was adorable and funny. I laughed so hard I cried. He and Kenzie were great together. Small town girl who was ready to move away and start her life and a rock stars brother trying to find out who he is. Together they work to figure it out.

The tragedy makes this a creepy but Interesting story.....didn't really like the plot but kept me intrigued enough to finish.... Her books are very well written and makes u laugh out loud then look around to see if anyone noticed. Can't wait for the third one.

It can be read as a standalone. Author provides enough background to complete the storyline. For people that read the first book, it continues the story and fills in more background about the kidnapping.

Slow start because the characters had to be set up first, but worth it in the end. I don't think I would have enjoyed the romance as much without getting to know Kyle first. Loved the story, humor, romance, everything.

I just finished ‘The Theory if Second Best’ and I am seriously loving this Cake series. This book was based around participation in a reality tv show and it sucked me in pretty close to immediately. Start this series! You won’t be disappointed.

Loved reading this book. I had some laugh out loud moments and also brought in the main characters from the previous book Cake. I'll continue to read this author - I feel like I'm right there with the characters. Reading this book makes me want to go back and reread Cake again.