Hi there! I'm Jay Bell and I like making up stories! I'm the guy who wrote 
Want there to be a sequel to Something Like Summer? This is the announcement you guys have been waiting for! Almost. Goodread’s M/M Group is having their first ever Reader’s Choice Awards, and it’s up to the public to nominate and vote for their favorite authors and books. Something Like Summer was nominated in the “Best Story that Should/Must have a Sequel” category, which got me thinking. You guys have been demanding a second book for a long time, and I’ve been teetering on the edge all the while. This is the way to push me over. If Something Like Summer wins, I’ll write the sequel and make it just as unforgettable as the first book, if not more so. You can vote by clicking here.
While you’re there, my stories have also been nominated in a number of other categories. Thank you those whatever kind souls did that! Here’s a breakdown of all the categories my books are in, should you be so inclined:
Best Story that Should/Must have a Sequel:
Something Like Summer
Best Young Adult Characters (theme):
Something Like Summer
The Cat in the Cradle
Best Short Story 25 pages or 15K words or less (book):
Language Lessons
Best Free Story:
Flesh and Blood
Best Cover:
Something Like Summer
Best World Created:
Hell’s Pawn
Most Surprising/Unique Plot Device:
Hell’s Pawn
Best of luck to all those other talented authors and artists that made the list. The people have the power on this one, which I absolutely love. Let’s hope this is the first of many years for the M/M Group’s Member’s Choice Award!
Update: Some wonderful readers loyal to Ben and Tim have expressed concern about these characters having their happily-ever-after ruined. The “sequel” I have in mind would be a book retelling the story from Tim’s perspective, while also showing what he got up to in all those years apart from Ben. Without going into detail, I’m confident I can tell a new story that runs alongside the first book, one that gives us another chance to spend time with Ben and his friends.
Just voted!
Thanks, Eric!
Just voted as well! Really hoping there is a sequel!!!!!
Thank you, Stevie. I guess we’ll find out on New Year’s. I think that’s when the results will be revealed.
Just voted as well. And while I’m here, I wanted to take the opportunity on thanking you for not just a well written book, but one that will forever be embedded in my head. I constantly find myself reliving every intense moment I felt while reading. So thank you again. I never read often at all, but after reading Something Like Summer, I can honestly say I’m hooked.
Aw, thanks Joey! That’s really great to hear. As an author, it’s great knowing my characters have become a part of your life like that.
Good God!, when did you become such a vote whore!
*voted*
I just want the very best for my children. *wipes dramatic tear from eye* Thanks for your vote, Jim!
Voted!! I would vote 100 times if I could!!
Thanks, Tara. I wish you could vote 100 times too!
Voted. Thanks for the update on what the sequel would be about because I was wondering what you could possibly to do it. I would have been heartbroken if the story took anything away from Ben and Jace’s love. It was the most inspirational thing I’ve ever read.
Always a fan!
Thanks for voting, Eric! And don’t worry. I would never make Jace look bad just to make Tim look good, or anything like that. I won’t mess with Jace and Ben’s relationship, since I respect it too.
I just voted.
I can’t wait to read the sequel!!! (Getting ahead of myself here lol.)
Thanks! I love your enthusiasm!
Voted! Good Luck!
Robert
Thanks for voting! I won’t forget you when I become president.
I just tried to vote but it’s too late.:( Please tell me you won and will write the sequel or if didn’t still write it anyway. I know you want to
I really like to read about Tim side of the story.
The awards results will be officially revealed later today, so we’ll find out then. I have my fingers crossed and will post a blog entry tomorrow about it all. I can’t wait to find out!
Herzlichen Glückwunsch, Jay – und Andreas!!! Bei den Awards waren so viele wunderbare Bücher dabei und ich habe mich unheimlich gefreut, dass du/ihr so oft einen der ersten Plätze gewonnen habt. Hell’s Pawn ist eines meiner Lieblingsbücher.
Vielen Dank, Enny! Das ist sehr lieb von Dir. Es freut mich besonderes, dass Hell’s Pawn Dir so gefallen hat. Die meisten Leute kennen nur Something Like Summer, aber langsam findet Hell’s Pawn viele neue Freunde. ? Viele Grüsse aus Stuttgart!
Wow, your German is really good – or did Andreas help you?
Ever since I was a kid I loved stories about myths and sagas, gods and monsters and demons and angels so Hell’s Pawn was right up my alley. The fact that John is absolutely adorable didn’t hurt either
Your imagination is really amazing! Of course I loved Something Like Summer too but Hell’s Pawn is truly unique in the m/m genre. You really deserved all those wins!
Liebe Grüße auch aus Stuttgart!
Andreas helped me with the commas and grammar, which is why my comment looks so tidy. My real German is good enough to communicate, but I probably sound like a drunk caveman. I gave up on proper German grammar years ago. Considering my job, it’s nice to have one language where I can throw caution to the wind and not worry about errors.