Falling in love is the easy part. It’s the late 80s when wealthy East Coast socialite Michelle Carver meets Scott McKallister, sun-crusted California local and frontman of an underground heavy metal band who flirts like he’s got nothing to lose. It’s instant chemistry. And when Scott promises a night she’ll have to lie about later, Michelle can’t resist.

Quiet and aloof rock star Jake McKallister and outspoken, vivacious college student Casey Caldwell are polar opposites: Casey is bubbly and talkative; Jake is reclusive. Casey enjoyed a picturesque childhood; Jake’s childhood could only be described as a well-publicized nightmare. Jake’s life revolves around music, and Casey can’t carry a tune.

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.

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. 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.

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 best word for Casey McKallister. Yes, life is perfect...until it all comes crashing down around her.

Yeah, I’m screwed up. I’ll admit it. People think they know why. After all, my superstar brother’s past looms large. Don’t I wish it were that simple? It would be so easy to blame all my problems on the childhood tragedy that ripped my family in two...but it would also be a lie. Sam knows the truth. She’s always known, and yet, she’s loved me from the start. I try so hard to hold onto her, but I’m messed up. And she’s not going to wait forever.

These connected short stories give fans a chance to catch up on all of their favorite Cake characters as well as enjoy a bonus epilogue and interviews with the characters. Find out how Jake and Kyle cope with isolation - and each other after they enter quarantine following exposure to the virus. Follow Finn and Emma as they desperately try to prevent a super-spreader event at Perryland - while attempting to ration the toilet paper. And go on a humorous journey with Quinn as he searches for a place to stay after initially refusing to lock down with the others.

Just six years old when my brother was snatched off the street, I grew up in the aftermath of tragedy. While other kids were happily playing in the sandbox, I was hiding under press conference podiums listening to my parents beg for Jake’s safe return. People ask if I’m screwed up after what happened, and I never know how to respond.

The beat. The cheers. The thrill of the unknown. I shouldn’t leave the safety of the music arena—my last name is McKallister, after all, and I’m intimately familiar with worst-case scenarios. But I’m drawn by the talent and the turmoil behind the weary eyes of the drummer on the streets. I’ve never seen anyone my age as wild and unrestrained, a lightning bolt of electricity that never hits the same spot on his bucket drums twice. He plays with such confidence, such rage. I have to know who he is and where he learned to bang out drum solos like he owns the night. I want to help him.