Something Like Summer

Something Like..., Book 1

By: Jay Bell

Narrated by: Kevin R. Free

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

I remember sneaking over to his house in the middle of the night. And the secret love we used to share. That was back in high school. I never expected to see him again…

Life isn’t easy for a gay teenager living in the nineties. Ben thought coming out was his best chance of finding love. Instead he ended up lonelier than before. After a not-so-accidental collision with Tim, an attractive athlete and artist, Ben is convinced that he’s met his soulmate. Their budding romance is soon tested by spreading rumors, the danger increasing along with their passion for each other until it pushes them to the breaking point.

Years later, Ben is attending college in a different state while dating a truly wonderful guy. Everything is perfect until the day Tim shows up unexpectedly. Overwhelmed by old feelings, Ben is forced to reconcile the summer-filled dreams of his past with the complexities of his new adult life... But some love stories are impossible to forget.

Each Something Like...book follows a different LGBTQ character on their quest for love. Central to the plot is the troubled relationship between Ben and Tim, former high school sweethearts who continue to meet over the years, their chemistry changing with each encounter. Surrounding them are friends and enemies, each with their own story, resulting in an immersive universe filled with first times and second chances. While the series doesn't shy away from sex, it also focuses deeply on emotion, promising an experience that will stay with you long after the final tick.

©2011 Jay Bell (P)2024 Jay Bell

Stick with it.

At first, I thought this was the typical teenage coming of age story. It definitely started out that way. The first half is tender and sweet, young love at in all it's glory. In the second half, the book grows up, just like the characters. Life gets in the way, there's tragedy, loss and reward. Can you love more than one person at a time? Do first love's last? I ended up enjoying the book more than I thought I would. So, stick with it. Its rewarding in the end.

Don't judge it by the cartoonish cover

Very glad to have picked this up, and immediately started on "Something Like Winter" moments after finishing this one. Part one was pretty reminiscent of "The Geography Club" (which I also enjoyed - twice) except Ben has supporting and participatory parents. The entire story though is quite a roller coaster ride with Ben & Tim vs Ben & Jace. The only reason I didn't give the story five stars though is the very, very end. Trying to say this without becoming a spoiler, but if Ben was so excited at the chance to see Tim after more than two years, and if it was so easy for him to fall into it again, why had he waited so long? At least it squeezed in a potentially happy ending that I think every reader wanted and expected. Hoping "Something Like Winter" ultimately provides a little more from where this one ends.

Loved it

Would you try another book from Jay Bell and/or Kevin R. Free?

Yes

What do you think your next listen will be?

not sure

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I did love it

Any additional comments?

It was sweet, and at times Erotic.
Great read!!

Loved it!

Loved every moment of this book. The story is so well written and the character development was just so well thought out. I felt the heartbreak, the love, the frustration and everything in between.
The narrator did a very good job with the story and transporting me to where I needed to be to imagine the story.
All in all it was great and I definitely recommend it.

Throughly enjoyed

This book was made for the hopeless romantics soul. Absolutely amazing. A 'must read' for any looking for love...

I LOVE IT and I WANT MORE

Damn im lost for words after listening to it, Love how the story grew up with the cast, the love and the friendship grew as well. This should be made into a film, because it fucking made me sobbed. Ben and the House key, Tim and Eric story, And specially that faithful day chapter 28... and I love to have an Allison.

Passed the time

Literary brilliance this was not, but listening to it easily passed the time. Not a lot in the way of depth or character development, if those things are important to you. Narration was good, though not remarkable. Got this book in a $4.99 sale and definitely worth that price.

Loved it

Such a cute story, with twists and real, believable emotions. I really loved this story.

Oofta but also Oof YEAH

Was NOT expecting the ending. The story jumped around a lot, but was easily relatable to the emotional turmoil love can bring to someone’s life.

The book that started Something.

Something Like Summer was one book that won't be downed for a minute. One of the best books for keeps.