Title: The Theory of Second Best

Author: J. Bengtsson

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Page Count: 526

ISBN: B01MS043L3

Goodreads Rating: 4.33

Twenty-two-year-old Kyle McKallister has lived his life in the shadows. Younger brother to one of the world’s most elusive and embattled celebrities, Kyle 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 his life is about to be shaken up when the opportunity comes to compete on a popular reality show. 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. But life on the island is just a game. Can Kyle and Kenzie’s fragile spark survive the pressures of the real world?

After reading ‘Cake’, the first book in the Cake series, I knew I wanted to read all the books in this series. I just loved ‘Cake’ so much and couldn’t put it down. So as soon as I was able to start, I got myself the eBook of ‘The Theory of Second Best’ and started reading right away.

‘The Theory of Second Best’ is the story of Kyle McKallister, it follows the same timeframe as ‘Cake’ but is a standalone novel. Kyle is the brother of ‘Cake’s main character Jake. Jake is a famous rock star who had something horrible happen to him when he was a kid. What everyone seems to forget is that Kyle witnessed his brother being kidnapped. And ever since his brother returned, Kyle shadows him wherever he goes. Kyle definitely has a comfortable life, but now he is in his twenties and it’s time to do something for himself. And when the opportunity to join a popular reality show arises, he doesn’t hesitate long and signs up. During this reality show Kyle is left on island with a few other people. One of them is Kenzie, a small town girl who really wants to win the show and make life better for her and her siblings.

To be completely honest, I didn’t really like Kyle in the beginning of this book. He just seemed like this lazy, arrogant guy who hooks up with a different girl every night. Definitely the type of guy I really don’t like at all. So I was a bit worried I wouldn’t enjoy this book as much. But I figured there must be something about this guy we hadn’t seen before, so I kept going. And I’m so glad I did. After the first few chapters I began to like Kyle more and more, and he even made me laugh out loud a few times. Yes, he was kind of lazy and arrogant.. but he grew up and became this person I definitely liked.

Kenzie’s character was one I liked from the start. Yes, she seems to be this perfect innocent girl.. but she is definitely not a little girl. Kenzie had to grow up fast when her mom died years ago and she takes care of her dad and siblings. I loved how tough she was, and how determined she was to win the reality show even though she had to do things out of her comfort zone.

The romance between Kyle and Kenzie, was a slow burning one.. and it was just perfect. I loved how their romance developed. It was kind of original and not something you read a lot. And I just loved it. I also really enjoyed reading little bits about Jake and Cassie again. Although it’s definitely not necessary to read the first book before reading this one, I enjoyed knowing Jake’s story.

‘The Theory of Second Best’ was definitely another great read I enjoyed immensely. And I can’t wait read the other books about the other McKallister siblings.

Available at (*affiliate):

Amazon US * Amazon UK * Barnes & Noble Book Depository

Check out my review of the first book in the Cake series:

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.

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I bought this book myself. Opinions are my own.

Maureen Bakker

Maureen is a mom, wife, nurse, and Ravenclaw living in the Netherlands. She spends her days juggling mom-life, reading, blogging, planning date nights with her husband and working as a nurse. Maureen also is a big Anglophile, loves cooking, Gilmore Girls, Bridgerton and Harry Potter.. Always!  Facebook | Instagram