Books by Jay Bell
Novels published by Jay Bell:
Kamikaze Boys –
If the world is against you, don’t give up. Find yourself a kindred spirit. Then you can start fighting back.
They say Connor, the one with the crazy eyes and creepy scar, tried to kill his old man. Lately he’s been seen hanging out with David, the gay guy who always eats lunch alone. They make an odd pair, the loser and the psychopath, and bad things happen to people who mess with them. Not that Connor and David are looking for trouble. Even when taking on the world, they seem more interested in each other than fighting.
Kamikaze Boys is a story about breaking the chains that bind you and using them to beat down anyone that gets in your way. Better yet, it’s about holding hands with the guy you love while doing so.
Learn more about Kamikaze Boys
Hell’s Pawn -
John Grey is dead… and that’s just the beginning.
Purgatory should have been a safe haven for souls that belong neither in Heaven nor Hell, but instead John finds himself in a corrupt prison, one bereft of freedom or pleasure. Along with his decedent friend Dante, John makes a brave escape, only to fall straight down to Hell and into the arms of Rimmon, a handsome incubus. John is soon recruited as Hell’s ambassador, visiting the afterlife realms of other cultures to enlist an army strong enough to stand against Heaven. As interesting as his new job is, John’s mind keeps returning to Purgatory and the souls still trapped there. Somehow John must stop a war he doesn’t believe in and liberate Purgatory, all while desperately trying to attract the attention of an incubus whose heart belongs to another.
Learn more about Hell’s Pawn
Something Like Summer –
Love, like everything in the universe, cannot be destroyed. But over time it can change.
The hot Texas nights were lonely for Ben before his heart began beating to the rhythm of two words; Tim Wyman. By all appearances, Tim had the perfect body and ideal life, but when a not-so-accidental collision brings them together, Ben discovers that the truth is rarely so simple. If winning Tim’s heart was an impossible quest, keeping it would prove even harder as family, society, and emotion threaten to tear them apart.
Something Like Summer is a love story spanning a decade and beyond as two boys discover what it means to be friends, lovers, and sometimes even enemies.
Learn more about Something Like Summer
The Cat in the Cradle –
To set out into the world, to be surrounded by the unknown and become a stranger. Only then would he be free to reinvent himself. Or fall in love.
Dylan wanted one last adventure before the burden of adulthood was thrust upon him. And to confront the man he hadn’t spoken to since their intimate night together. Stealing a boat with his faithful companion Kio, their journey is cut short when they witness a brutal murder. A killer is loose in the Five Lands and attacking the most powerful families. Dylan—a potential target—seeks sanctuary from an unpredictable bodyguard named Tyjinn. Together they decide to turn the tables by hunting the killer down. Along the way, everything Dylan thought he knew about himself will be challenged, but if he survives, he stands to win the love he never dreamed possible.
The Cat in the Cradle is the first book in the Loka Legends series and features twenty-five original illustrations created by Andreas Bell, the author’s husband.
Learn more about The Cat in the Cradle
Language Lessons -
Love doesn’t come easy. For Joey, he didn’t care if it ever came at all. He was much too busy adding notches to his bedpost and preparing for life as an adult. But when a causal fling waxes nostalgic about the one that got away, Joey starts to wonder if he isn’t missing something after all, if there really is something to be learned from the language of love.
Language Lessons is a short story about balance, and what life is like if you focus too much on sex and not enough on the heart. The main character of this story—Joey—is a cocky bastard that’s fairly unlikeable, but through a series of events, he begins to see there’s much more to being gay than two guys hooking up.
Learn more about Language Lessons
I just finished Something Like Summer. I am a gay, 25 year old man and the book really hit home to me. Ben and Tim’s budding relationship kept me on the edge of my seat the entire book and Jace’s character brought tears to my eyes. The book took unexpected turns and twists that worked great. This is easily one of my favorite books now and I will definitely recommend this (and your other books) to all the readers I know.
I hope to see more books from you like “Something Like Summer”. Absolutely amazing.
Hi Eric! I’m glad to hear the book meant so much to you! I definitely have more such books on the way. I’m knee deep in writing one right now, so stayed tuned!
Until then, thank you for your positive feedback and for your support. It means a lot to me.
Best wishes,
J
Me too, is similar to Eric, and Something like Summer touched a line I didn’t realized exist in my heart and it gives me heartaches every time I think about Jace, at the same time wishing I will meet someone like him someday.
But I’ve been telling everyone I know about the book and telling them to give it a read. It is easily one of the most loveable novel I’ve ever read. Looking forward to your next novel.
Now let me go buy all the others!
Thanks, Henry. Very kind of you! I hope you find your Jace too. Some people think guys like him don’t exist, but they do. Just don’t give up. You may have to go through a couple bad seeds to find him, but hopefully they’ll be as hot as Tim.
I hope you enjoy the other books too!
I really like the book “Something Like Summer” and I read “Language Lessions” also. I look forward to see what new will come out. Thanks
That’s great! Thanks for reading. Did you happen to discover Something Like Summer through Language Lessons, or was it the other way around?
Hi Jay I just wanted to well say hi and tell you that Something like summer was one of the best books I’ve ever read!! The book was everything I thought it would be and more. I’m 15 and bisexual and in this book I felt really connected with each character, well mostly with Tim at a time I went want he was going through in the book, in a way I understood him. Also I’ll to say that I read this book in a day because I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what Ben was going through and with the whole thing with jace around the ending breaks my heart, I began to cry because it was so emotional at that moment. I literally had to put the book down and take a breath because that part was to much for me. I adore you as an author cause not that many books I’ve read made me laugh, cry, or impatient to go to the next page like you do
. P.S. Keep doing what you’re doing because I think you really touch alot of people when you write something like this.
Hey Samantha!
Thank you so much for your comment. It’s great to hear that someone your age can relate to Something Like Summer, especially with what Tim was going through. A lot of readers are hard on him, since he isn’t a perfect character, but I think he’s misunderstood. You’ve been through being closeted and so have I, so we can understand and forgive the things he does. Personally, he’s my favorite character in the book. I love the guy to pieces! I‘m also glad the book moved you emotionally. That’s a great compliment to the story, and very much appreciated.
Nice to hear from you. You keep reading and I’ll keep writing!
Jay
Thanks for writing back
and yes in some moments I saw myself as Tim, like there was a part of him besides his sexuality that I was connected with. Which was when Ben goes and meets his parents, my parents still don’t know about me only my sister. Anyways when it comes to Ben, he is someone that I wish to be, not afraid over everyone finding out about his sexuality and with his family so supportive. I was a little hard on Tim at first for breaking up with Ben but I understood because I know I would done the same if I was in his situation. Also, I wanted to know what inspired you to write this book.
What inspired me to write the story? It’s hard to pin down exactly. I figured out I was gay while living in Houston, and I suppose I wanted to write about some of the things I went through, and the things I wish would have happened. I also wanted to share the feelings I went through in the hopes that it would connect with other people. That’s why I love hearing from people like you that totally get it. It makes the world feel a little less lonely.
I love the book flesh and blood and i really wish that there was another book to continue the story, likeva sequal. How will i ever noe what happens between lila and nikolai! Will she ever tell him the truth about what she is?
Seriously though there she be a continuation:-(
Well, there’s a little more of Nikolai and Lali in the second Loka Legends book, From Darkness to Darkness. That will be out sometime in 2012. Who knows if books beyond that will tell more of their story?
Really! I cant wait till it comes out for the nook so i can read about nikolai and lila’s meeting again. Thanks for replying!
I’ve finished all the writing up till now! (Hehe, I kept my promise!) What an amazing trip I’ve found through your writings and the journeys the characters went through.
The youth seeping through the Loka, the wild run in Hell, and the heartache of Summer! So much fun! And Hell is such an amazing book, I am going to shove it to whoever tells me bs opinions about segregation.
Looking forward to Darkness now! I cannot wait!!
lovingly,
Henry
p.s. I am so happy to know Jace is well.
Thanks, Henry! What a great message to wake up to! I love that you read all three books. You did me a great honor by doing so, and I’m very grateful. It sounds like Hell’s Pawn really struck a chord with you, and I’m glad. That book is fairly new, and I’m still getting a feel for what people think of it. Thanks too for adding me on Facebook. I’m looking forward to seeing you around over there.
*big hugs*
Jay
Hi. So I’m Drew and I’ve just finished reading all your books. I love them so much but it pains me that you don’t have more. Are you writing still? Will we get more from you? I don’t mean to sound desperate but your all i read.
Never fear, Drew! I’m writing every day! I have two books completed that haven’t come out yet. They just need to be polished up some. Right now my editor and I are passing them back and forth. I should have something out early next year. Thanks for being so cool and reading all my books!
Hi I just finished something like summer. It was one of the best books I have ever picked up. I thought it was so good that I got a copy for a friend that lives in colorado. This book had so much emotion and I felt I could really relate to the character’s in the book in one way or another. Thank you for this book that I found fun, smart and made me cry. I love this book.
Thanks, Mike! I’m glad the book resonated with you so much. Writing Something Like Summer was quite the emotional ride, so it means a lot to me that you enjoyed it. Thanks too for giving it as a gift! I hope your friend likes it too. *hugs*
Something Like Summer is my favorite contemporary M/M romance to date! It touched my heart and I can relate to it (somehow) since I am still inside the closet. You cant imagine going out in a Catholic country like where I am living at. I am 17 and yet never experience being in a relationship so by reading the works like yours, it somehow fills the empty space in my heart but it makes me yearn to love and be love like Jace or Tim. My favorite character is basically Ben. I can relate to him.
I end up putting myself in Ben’s perspective, choosing between Tim and Jace. You know what? It is really hard! You are very GOOD ! The BEST really! Keep it up.
By the way I am planning writing a novel, but do you think its quite early? Anyway Good Day to you !
Hi Paul!
Thanks for the kind words! I‘m happy that Something Like Summer gave you something to relate to while you’re waiting for the right guy to come along. It’s pretty normal to be gay not have been in a relationship at your age. I hope you can come out someday, since I think it will help you find love, but I understand how hard it can be. The country you live in will probably never stop being Catholic, so please don’t wait for the world to change. Do what’s best for you, when you’re ready to. As for you writing a novel, it’s never too soon! Writing is really addictive and is a great way of letting your voice be heard. Go for it!
Best wishes,
J
Hi Jay! Thank you for writing Something Like Summer. I was sad to finish the book because I was falling in love with the characters…especially Jace. Your writing kept me interested and wanting more. To my surprise and great anticipation I have much to look forward to with the sequel. I have already downloaded your other titles available and cannot wait to start them. Thanks again for your work! Happy New Year.
That’s wonderful, Jamie! I’m glad you enjoyed Something Like Summer so much. And yeah, Jace is a great guy. I think there will be room for him in the sequel too, at least a little bit. Thank you especially for checking out my other books. That means a lot to me!
Hi! I’m 16 and I really loved Something Like Summer. I’m REALLY hoping something like what happened to Tim in the first couple of chapters happens to me
Besides the heartbreak and all that jazz. I can’t WAIT for the sequel and I’m about to go read your other books! They ttly inspire me =’[ kthx BYE
Hey Joseph!
You loved Something Like Summer? That’s awesome! I hope you find a guy like Ben too. And it’s certainly possible to have a relationship without all the problems Ben and Tim went through, but to be honest, even the heartbreak is worth it. There’s nothing better in the world than love. Be sure to let me know what you think of my other books when you read them, because it was great hearing from you.
Hi jay
So I have read Something Like Summer, and Language Lessons. Planning on reading Hells pawn soon. Instantly feel in love u have a very unique and detailed way of writing. Something like summer made me laugh, cry, ooh, and awww. lol. I am a 24 year Old gay man living in LA, going to school to be a dentist. I am in a relationship going on 5 years. And this book hit home everyone goes through ups and downs. At the end of the book i kinda wished Ben could be with both men i was sad to see Jace leave but happy to see Tim back. Whatever you do Jay don’t stop writing, you are my favorite author and congrats on the awards and movie maybe ill see you in LA sometime. Keep on inspiring
Lots of love
Johnny ontiveros
Hi Johnny!
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! I’m glad you like the books you’ve read so far. I also wished that Ben could have ended up with both guys. I think he would have been in seventh Heaven, but I just can’t picture the other guys being okay with it. Ah well. And don’t worry, as long as you keep reading, I’ll keep writing!
I have read Something Like Summer and Language Lessons. I love them both and could not put them down. I am not a reader at all so that speaks volumes about your writing. I look forward to reading about what Tim went through and also to see the movie. I will also be downloading your other titles to me iPad soon. I am 19 and gay and look forward to finding a special connection like the one that Ben and Jace had. Your writing is truly inspiring.
Keep up with the great writing…
Steven
Hey Steven! Nice to meet you. It’s inspiring to hear how much you enjoyed Language Lessons and Summer. That you’re not usually a reader makes your compliment that much more sweet! If you liked those two stories, you’ll probably like Kamikaze Boys as well. It should be up on iTunes any day now. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you find that special someone. Just keep trying and I’m sure you will!
I read ”Something like summer”.
Now I have to say that i’m absolutely no book reader, but this book was like some sort of irresistible drug, I just could’t get enough of it. This is by far the best book I have ever read. It inspired me, motivated me, broke my heart, healed my heart, gave me hope, made me smile, made me angry. It was/is like a perfect cocktail of words resulting in a epic story. I really felt connected with both Tim and Ben since I see quite a bit of both in myself. I’m closeted guy to pretty much all my friends and family apart from my older brother who found out by accident (great relief I must say) and I pretty much always fall for people I know deep down i’m very unlikely to be able to get. Anyway that is off topic.
This book is very clear evidence that you are a fantastic writer. I guess you can you say you’ve got a new fan in me. I’ve read somewhere something about there being a sequel being written, I really hope that is true, coz I just can’t get enough of the story I guess
…. I will certainly consider to read your other books although I’m not 100% sure if they will be as good as this one. Actually I don’t I will ever come across a book as epic as this one, but i’m sure if there will be it will be one written by you.
Anyway like I said, I’m a fan of you now. Keep up the good work
…
Hi Sergei!
I’m glad I could get you back into reading, and of course that you were so taken with the story. That’s great! There is indeed more of Ben and Tim to come. The next book will retell the story from Tim’s perspective, although that doesn’t mean a simple rehashing of the same tale. There’s all sorts of things Tim and Ben got up to that we haven’t seen, Not to mention the time they spent apart. The first draft is done, but it’ll be awhile before it’s out. You might enjoy Kamikaze Boys in the meantime, since it’s along the same lines as Something Like Summer. Geez, this sounds like a sales pitch. What I really what to say is that I’m honored by your enthusiasm and kind words. *hugs!*
I can’t wait to read the sequel of something like summer, but i’m already glad that it’s in the making
…
PS: I already bought Kamikaze and The cat in the cradle, haven’t read the yet though but i’m sure I’m gonna enjoy both of them
,….
Excuse me for my poor english btw…
I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you enjoy the other books. Thanks for buying them. And your English is perfectly fine! Don’t worry about that at all.