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He Loved Him #1
When Ben Loved Tim
Steamy and fiercely emotional, this coming-of-age romance captures the raw ache of an all-consuming crush.
I never thought I’d find love. I spent all of high school watching others pair up, my little gay heart slowly withering in despair… until the fateful summer night that I met Tim. His meaty muscles and smoldering silver eyes already haunt my dreams. And I know for a fact that he’s lonely like me. I’ve been taking care of Tim ever since he got into an accident that was technically my fault, but the healing he needs goes so much deeper than that. I need him too. With any luck, I’ll end senior year with the man of my dreams at my side. Assuming, of course, that he's not just another curious straight guy.
When Ben Loved Tim breathes new life into Jay Bell's cherished Something Like… series, returning to the very beginning to explore Ben’s profound feelings for Tim. The story has never been so intimate before, or so revealing. This isn’t Something Like Summer... It’s exactly like love!
I never thought I’d find love. I spent all of high school watching others pair up, my little gay heart slowly withering in despair… until the fateful summer night that I met Tim. His meaty muscles and smoldering silver eyes already haunt my dreams. And I know for a fact that he’s lonely like me. I’ve been taking care of Tim ever since he got into an accident that was technically my fault, but the healing he needs goes so much deeper than that. I need him too. With any luck, I’ll end senior year with the man of my dreams at my side. Assuming, of course, that he's not just another curious straight guy.
When Ben Loved Tim breathes new life into Jay Bell's cherished Something Like… series, returning to the very beginning to explore Ben’s profound feelings for Tim. The story has never been so intimate before, or so revealing. This isn’t Something Like Summer... It’s exactly like love!
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2024
270 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Jay Bell
47 books2,217 followersJay Bell is a proud gay man and the award-winning author behind dozens of emotional and yet hopelessly optimistic stories. His best-selling book, Something Like Summer, spawned a series of heart-wrenching novels, a musically driven movie, and a lovingly drawn comic. When not crafting imaginary worlds, he occupies his free time with animals, art, action figures, and—most ardently—his husband Andreas. Jay is always dreaming up new stories about boys in love. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you can get the kettle boiling by visiting www.jaybellbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 10, 2024
I’m a fan of the “Something Like” series and Jay Bell’s writing, especially his characterization.
I found the idea of a retelling of the first story strictly from Ben’s perspective intriguing yet somehow it felt somewhat flat compared to the original telling.
I know these are fictional characters but it felt as though Ben wanted to re-write the story to make himself look like a more mature and less flawed person!
I found the idea of a retelling of the first story strictly from Ben’s perspective intriguing yet somehow it felt somewhat flat compared to the original telling.
I know these are fictional characters but it felt as though Ben wanted to re-write the story to make himself look like a more mature and less flawed person!
December 10, 2024
To say that the the choice to make Tim’s ex-girlfriend, a teenage girl, falsely accuse him of sexual assault, when ninety-six to ninety-eight percent of sexual assault claims are accurate, is a dangerous choice is the understatement of the century. What was the goal here? To say that fifteen-year-old girls are capable of cruelty? Couldn’t Bell have just had Tim’s ex-girlfriend spread a rumor that he cheated on her, instead? Or maybe said that Tim was expelled from his old school for plagiarism or some other reason that didn’t involve a teenage girl faking assault allegations?
Could someone please explain this choice to me in a way that makes sense? I will CashApp you five whole dollars from my bank account if you can.
Gay men are still men, and are capable of incredible amounts of misogyny and cruelty towards woman. This is r*pe culture.
Jay Bell, please do better for women.
Could someone please explain this choice to me in a way that makes sense? I will CashApp you five whole dollars from my bank account if you can.
Gay men are still men, and are capable of incredible amounts of misogyny and cruelty towards woman. This is r*pe culture.
Jay Bell, please do better for women.
April 14, 2024
I read the first book, "Something Like Summer" and supported the movie when it was on the platform for backing. This is a retelling of the story from a different perspective, and does not require you to have read the first book, which is part of a series. It's a 400+ page treatment of a completely different outcome. But it provides a vivid retelling of the treatise of the story and two high schoolers with very different lives.
If you are a fan of Jay Bell, read it. If you want a romantic journey that is honest and true to how many end, and not reader of the previous version, read it for the question "what could have happened?"
Jay Bell has done a great job with the story development, characters and a story that likely plays out reality for many who are in high school.
If you are a fan of Jay Bell, read it. If you want a romantic journey that is honest and true to how many end, and not reader of the previous version, read it for the question "what could have happened?"
Jay Bell has done a great job with the story development, characters and a story that likely plays out reality for many who are in high school.
May 8, 2024
For fans of the Something Like Series.
Now I've been a fan of this series since around the time the 4th book came out. To avoid any confusion, think of this as a sort of alternate reality of Something Like Summer. Which is a book that I cannot recommend enough. There are a lot of differences, like some sex scenes and the timeline is sort of altered a bit too. I really don't want to spoil anything. Even if you, the potential reader of this book who is also a fan of this author. Give it a chance.
Much of the plot is still the same though. We are in the mind of Ben but I feel like things are more intimate. It's like we get deeper into his mind and what he went through. Tim (the love interest) is still very much the same. Expect more ups and downs in this relationship. The emotions are very prevalent without getting angsy like most teenage dramas tend to be. It truly feels like I've been let into Ben's heart, and like I understand him better.
All in all, this is still very beautifully written. I had to take a couple of breaks because it's hard to read when your eyes are starting to get a little misty.
I think fans who are new to this author will easily find in their hearts to love this novel too.
To love and to be loved, man it's all going to be worth it.
Now I've been a fan of this series since around the time the 4th book came out. To avoid any confusion, think of this as a sort of alternate reality of Something Like Summer. Which is a book that I cannot recommend enough. There are a lot of differences, like some sex scenes and the timeline is sort of altered a bit too. I really don't want to spoil anything. Even if you, the potential reader of this book who is also a fan of this author. Give it a chance.
Much of the plot is still the same though. We are in the mind of Ben but I feel like things are more intimate. It's like we get deeper into his mind and what he went through. Tim (the love interest) is still very much the same. Expect more ups and downs in this relationship. The emotions are very prevalent without getting angsy like most teenage dramas tend to be. It truly feels like I've been let into Ben's heart, and like I understand him better.
All in all, this is still very beautifully written. I had to take a couple of breaks because it's hard to read when your eyes are starting to get a little misty.
I think fans who are new to this author will easily find in their hearts to love this novel too.
To love and to be loved, man it's all going to be worth it.
April 17, 2024
Interesting retelling of Ben and Tim’s story.
I wasn’t sure at the start of this book whether I would want to reread another version of the “Something like…” novels. But fairly soon after I started I got hooked, and remained so.
I’m sorry to say that I behaved much as Tim did when I was in college, after which I left my boyfriend of 4 years to marry a girl. So it is doubly troubling to see how much Tim’s behavior affected Ben, as I was just as bad myself.
I look forward to the next one in this series!
I wasn’t sure at the start of this book whether I would want to reread another version of the “Something like…” novels. But fairly soon after I started I got hooked, and remained so.
I’m sorry to say that I behaved much as Tim did when I was in college, after which I left my boyfriend of 4 years to marry a girl. So it is doubly troubling to see how much Tim’s behavior affected Ben, as I was just as bad myself.
I look forward to the next one in this series!
June 7, 2024
If I'm being completely honest, I don't understand why this book exists. We've already heard this story in several different ways, and I don't think another retelling is necessary. I absolutely adore these characters, but this version of their story feels forced. I just don't know how I feel. Good narration.
May 15, 2024
We've seen Ben and Tim's great (and tumultuous) relationship that started in Something Like Summer and all of the book that came after it....now we're getting a revisit to the same story but told in first person from Ben's perspective; a real deep-dive into the first portion of Summer that focuses exclusively on Ben and Tim's high school relationship and the love and drama it was filled with.
I really enjoyed this but there was literally zero doubt that I would. I knew I would love this book before ever opening it. While the plot trajectory remains the same, some of the story has changed and evolved. I think these changes, while minimal, are intriguing, and show how Jay Bell became a character himself in the Something Like... series while telling everyone's stories. Now, with Ben as the focus, its like some of the sensationalism that was put in (to make a more dramatic story) has been removed. This is just like the vibe of BEN wanting to tell HIS story instead of someone else telling it. I much preferred Ben and Tim's first kiss/sexual encounter in this story than in the original!
And, of course, the ending is the same way high school ends for our boys...with a little epilogue showing a new way that Ben and a certain literal perfect man meet. Which I found more charming and adorable as hell.
If you don't want to/haven't read the Something Like... series I think this book has a lot to offer. I think reading the original series first, if you have interest, might make this experience even better (or, at the very least, having read Summer first).
100,000/10: would recommend.
I really enjoyed this but there was literally zero doubt that I would. I knew I would love this book before ever opening it. While the plot trajectory remains the same, some of the story has changed and evolved. I think these changes, while minimal, are intriguing, and show how Jay Bell became a character himself in the Something Like... series while telling everyone's stories. Now, with Ben as the focus, its like some of the sensationalism that was put in (to make a more dramatic story) has been removed. This is just like the vibe of BEN wanting to tell HIS story instead of someone else telling it. I much preferred Ben and Tim's first kiss/sexual encounter in this story than in the original!
And, of course, the ending is the same way high school ends for our boys...with a little epilogue showing a new way that Ben and a certain literal perfect man meet. Which I found more charming and adorable as hell.
If you don't want to/haven't read the Something Like... series I think this book has a lot to offer. I think reading the original series first, if you have interest, might make this experience even better (or, at the very least, having read Summer first).
100,000/10: would recommend.
June 19, 2024
Here we go again.
This an extended retelling of the first third of Something Like Summer, a book I read like 6 years ago and will have a special place in my heart forever. I fell in love with Ben, Tim and their story when I really needed to hear it and I am so happy so see them back.
When Ben Loved Tim is a rollercoasteresque story about first love, coming out, high school bullies, romantic dates, bad choices and all the ups and downs these things might bring.
Unlike the original, which was written in third person, this time around we experience the story through first person. Even though it only covers about a third of Something like Summer, When Ben Loved Tim is even longer than the original, so the story has been carefully extended and adjusted for a better pacing without leaving common ground. The additional room to breathe for the characters and their story made a lot of the scenes and their emotional impact even better.
This book is a reminder why I fell in love with Ben and Tim in the first place and I am so thrilled this will actually become a trilogy. And also that I really need to continue the Something Like series.
I needed no excuse to dive into the lives of Ben and Tim again, but thank you Jay Bell for providing one anyway!
This an extended retelling of the first third of Something Like Summer, a book I read like 6 years ago and will have a special place in my heart forever. I fell in love with Ben, Tim and their story when I really needed to hear it and I am so happy so see them back.
When Ben Loved Tim is a rollercoasteresque story about first love, coming out, high school bullies, romantic dates, bad choices and all the ups and downs these things might bring.
Unlike the original, which was written in third person, this time around we experience the story through first person. Even though it only covers about a third of Something like Summer, When Ben Loved Tim is even longer than the original, so the story has been carefully extended and adjusted for a better pacing without leaving common ground. The additional room to breathe for the characters and their story made a lot of the scenes and their emotional impact even better.
This book is a reminder why I fell in love with Ben and Tim in the first place and I am so thrilled this will actually become a trilogy. And also that I really need to continue the Something Like series.
I needed no excuse to dive into the lives of Ben and Tim again, but thank you Jay Bell for providing one anyway!
April 17, 2024
id rather watch thai bls guitar scenes on loop
November 3, 2025
better read than Nora’s. better writing for sure.
raw but so deeply frustrating. had to read the next one to finish the series. if there is ever a 3rd ill read it for sure.
regardless, a cute, high school level read.
raw but so deeply frustrating. had to read the next one to finish the series. if there is ever a 3rd ill read it for sure.
regardless, a cute, high school level read.
August 6, 2024
I guess you need to know some things about me.
Most of the reviews of this book seem to be from people who have read Something Like Summer but I feel like this is a better introduction to this story. From what I can tell the author will be expanding what was essentially the plot of Something Like Summer into a trilogy. The next book in the series is apparently going to be called When Ben Loved Jace and focuses on Ben & Jace's relationship which is basically the second half of Something Like Summer. I feel like their relationship is better explored in Something Like Autumn which is written from Jace's POV and it might be nice to see those bits and pieces from Ben's perspective. But for anyone who is worried, there will be a lot of Tim, A LOT! Not a lot but Tim is literally going to be in his bad girl era in the next book (in a way he iskind of the villain of Ben & Jace's story), I look forward to it.
Now, here's what you need to know about me, I have read Something Like Summer twice, watched the movie once and read the comic. All in all this is my fifth time rehashing this story and that's not even including Something Like Winter. I love Ben & Tim, at this point, I think I can diagnose it as an obsession. These characters mean too much to me but more than anything you need to know that I am ride or die for Tim Wyman. I know my love for Tim way exceeds my love for Ben but Ben loves Tim too so I think he can relate.
I don't really like Something Like Summer all that much. It is ICONIC, that cover, those blue shoes!!! I can recognise it for the service it did but the story itself needs more substance. So, considering all that, I was excited for what this book could offer.
Straight off the bat, I can say that this book is infinitely better than Something Like Summer but the latter offers a more complete story. This book also only contains half of Something Like Summer and yes that is correct. It is not a third of Something Like Summer as mentioned in the author's note but half of it. Though Something Like Summer is divided into three parts and this book only covers part one of that book so looking at it that way it would be a third of the book but while comparing lengths the story this covers is the first half and part one of Something Like Summer.
It also isn't the same.
There are changes. The bare bones version of both stories is still the same. For a moment, I really wondered if the author would consider changing the way this part of the story ends but it doesn't happen. But if you go into the intricacies of it all, things are different enough that it frames the entire story in a different light. The author changed the sequence of certain events and some events just play out very differently but getting down to the brass tacks the story isn't fundamentally different. So if you aren't interested in a slightly different version of a story you already know, this isn't for you because the ending is still the same and frankly some of the changes in this book are already present in the comic book adaptation of Something Like Summer - The Comic - Volume One: Summer. So, if you would rather read that!
For me at this point, I realise that when it comes to Ben & Tim I will read anything. Even when I don't agree with the author's choices I love these characters and I am way too invested in their story.
While the story isn't fundamentally different, it is expanded and there is definitely more of it and I loved that. Also, if the sequel is going to be When Ben Loved Jace then the end of this trilogy will have to go back to Ben and Tim's story & I look forward to what ground we will cover in that book. It has me genuinely excited because while Ben & Tim's story is covered in Something Like Forever, I would love a new ending or even a different one.
As I said, I will read anything that features Ben & Tim even if I don't always agree with the author's decisions. At this point, I feel like I have a good idea of why they are unable to let this story go and I feel it might mirror why I have a hard time letting go of this story. So, at this point, no matter the outcome, I AM IN.
Having said all that, this story is infinitely better told in this book than in Something Like Summer and, almost every criticism I have of this part of Something Like Summer is taken care of in this one except one.
I am going to be honest but I think the thing that irks me the most about Something Like Summer and Benjamin Bentley is that he is way too obsessed with finding love. I can understand wanting to find someone one and falling in love but I can't relate to wanting love for love's sake. It doesn't commute and I mean to say that mostly when people say they want love they mean finding a partner who gets them and being with whom makes them happy. But Ben categorically at the beginning of this book, just wants love or atleast what he considers his definition of love. At no point, does he seem to realise that love would mean an actual person with feelings and emotions and baggage. Because he doesn't really want love love, his entire basis of attraction to Tim is based on looks and it never sat right with me. It's almost like Ben found a person to fit what he thought love was supposed to be and only then did he realise that love isn't as easy or simple as he wants it to be. Sometimes, it's hard to understand why he is so obsessed with love. It would make more sense if his thoughts ran more along the lines of I want a boyfriend I can have sex with than this mindless obsession for an emotion he seems not to understand very well.
In almost every other regard this book does better than the first part of Something Like Summer. I feel like this time around the emotional connection between Ben & Tim is more apparent and I can understand the love they have for each other. Overall, I fell like I connected with all the characters more in this book and that made this a more emotional read. I also like how this book portrays the end because this book did the impossible, it made me root for Ben & Tim breaking up because it was apparent why it needed to happen. It wasn't a single event, it felt more drawn out and as the end came closer, I realised it needed to happen. Though even realising that I still feel like Ben isn't considerate enough of Tim's home life and considering what will happen it seems even more insensitive because Ben doesn't seem to realise that Tim's friend being gay would be different for his parents than Tim himself being gay. I understand why they needed to end but that scene still didn't sit right with me, it brought back how I feel like Ben is just obsessed with the idea of love and not the reality of it.
In my personal opinion, Something Like Summer does no favours to Tim. This book does a much better job in that regard but as I was typing this review, I started thinking about Something Like Winter and now I'm tearing up. That book is something else and probably the reason I will always love Tim because god that guy is something else. I feel like a re-read might be in order to find out if that book stands the test of time.
I had a great time reading this book. It has been ten years since I first read Something Like Summer and Ben & Tim have lived in my heart ever since. It was wonderful to spend even more time with them.
Most of the reviews of this book seem to be from people who have read Something Like Summer but I feel like this is a better introduction to this story. From what I can tell the author will be expanding what was essentially the plot of Something Like Summer into a trilogy. The next book in the series is apparently going to be called When Ben Loved Jace and focuses on Ben & Jace's relationship which is basically the second half of Something Like Summer. I feel like their relationship is better explored in Something Like Autumn which is written from Jace's POV and it might be nice to see those bits and pieces from Ben's perspective. But for anyone who is worried, there will be a lot of Tim, A LOT! Not a lot but Tim is literally going to be in his bad girl era in the next book (in a way he is
Now, here's what you need to know about me, I have read Something Like Summer twice, watched the movie once and read the comic. All in all this is my fifth time rehashing this story and that's not even including Something Like Winter. I love Ben & Tim, at this point, I think I can diagnose it as an obsession. These characters mean too much to me but more than anything you need to know that I am ride or die for Tim Wyman. I know my love for Tim way exceeds my love for Ben but Ben loves Tim too so I think he can relate.
I don't really like Something Like Summer all that much. It is ICONIC, that cover, those blue shoes!!! I can recognise it for the service it did but the story itself needs more substance. So, considering all that, I was excited for what this book could offer.
Straight off the bat, I can say that this book is infinitely better than Something Like Summer but the latter offers a more complete story. This book also only contains half of Something Like Summer and yes that is correct. It is not a third of Something Like Summer as mentioned in the author's note but half of it. Though Something Like Summer is divided into three parts and this book only covers part one of that book so looking at it that way it would be a third of the book but while comparing lengths the story this covers is the first half and part one of Something Like Summer.
It also isn't the same.
There are changes. The bare bones version of both stories is still the same. For a moment, I really wondered if the author would consider changing the way this part of the story ends but it doesn't happen. But if you go into the intricacies of it all, things are different enough that it frames the entire story in a different light. The author changed the sequence of certain events and some events just play out very differently but getting down to the brass tacks the story isn't fundamentally different. So if you aren't interested in a slightly different version of a story you already know, this isn't for you because the ending is still the same and frankly some of the changes in this book are already present in the comic book adaptation of Something Like Summer - The Comic - Volume One: Summer. So, if you would rather read that!
For me at this point, I realise that when it comes to Ben & Tim I will read anything. Even when I don't agree with the author's choices I love these characters and I am way too invested in their story.
While the story isn't fundamentally different, it is expanded and there is definitely more of it and I loved that. Also, if the sequel is going to be When Ben Loved Jace then the end of this trilogy will have to go back to Ben and Tim's story & I look forward to what ground we will cover in that book. It has me genuinely excited because while Ben & Tim's story is covered in Something Like Forever, I would love a new ending or even a different one.
As I said, I will read anything that features Ben & Tim even if I don't always agree with the author's decisions. At this point, I feel like I have a good idea of why they are unable to let this story go and I feel it might mirror why I have a hard time letting go of this story. So, at this point, no matter the outcome, I AM IN.
Having said all that, this story is infinitely better told in this book than in Something Like Summer and, almost every criticism I have of this part of Something Like Summer is taken care of in this one except one.
I am going to be honest but I think the thing that irks me the most about Something Like Summer and Benjamin Bentley is that he is way too obsessed with finding love. I can understand wanting to find someone one and falling in love but I can't relate to wanting love for love's sake. It doesn't commute and I mean to say that mostly when people say they want love they mean finding a partner who gets them and being with whom makes them happy. But Ben categorically at the beginning of this book, just wants love or atleast what he considers his definition of love. At no point, does he seem to realise that love would mean an actual person with feelings and emotions and baggage. Because he doesn't really want love love, his entire basis of attraction to Tim is based on looks and it never sat right with me. It's almost like Ben found a person to fit what he thought love was supposed to be and only then did he realise that love isn't as easy or simple as he wants it to be. Sometimes, it's hard to understand why he is so obsessed with love. It would make more sense if his thoughts ran more along the lines of I want a boyfriend I can have sex with than this mindless obsession for an emotion he seems not to understand very well.
In almost every other regard this book does better than the first part of Something Like Summer. I feel like this time around the emotional connection between Ben & Tim is more apparent and I can understand the love they have for each other. Overall, I fell like I connected with all the characters more in this book and that made this a more emotional read. I also like how this book portrays the end because this book did the impossible, it made me root for Ben & Tim breaking up because it was apparent why it needed to happen. It wasn't a single event, it felt more drawn out and as the end came closer, I realised it needed to happen. Though even realising that I still feel like Ben isn't considerate enough of Tim's home life and considering what will happen it seems even more insensitive because Ben doesn't seem to realise that Tim's friend being gay would be different for his parents than Tim himself being gay. I understand why they needed to end but that scene still didn't sit right with me, it brought back how I feel like Ben is just obsessed with the idea of love and not the reality of it.
In my personal opinion, Something Like Summer does no favours to Tim. This book does a much better job in that regard but as I was typing this review, I started thinking about Something Like Winter and now I'm tearing up. That book is something else and probably the reason I will always love Tim because god that guy is something else. I feel like a re-read might be in order to find out if that book stands the test of time.
I had a great time reading this book. It has been ten years since I first read Something Like Summer and Ben & Tim have lived in my heart ever since. It was wonderful to spend even more time with them.
July 21, 2024
Honestly I LOVED the Something like… series. This change up seems unnecessary and did not read well.
February 20, 2025
I feel like I've read this tale already: different author, but the same feeling of slogging though endless depression, where the light that glimmers at the end of the tunnel always turns out to be the oncoming train. Just like the previous incarnation of this story line, there are two more books following Ben's search for love. I made my way through all three of the first trio of books with this same theme of a gay man trying to navigate a relationship with a firmly closeted bisexual-in-denial man (boy, actually; I should have learned better than to even begin books with high-school age protagonists by now.) I am, however, drawing the line with this series and calling it quits now. I read to escape the ugliness that is homophobia, racism, and general hatred and complete lack of empathy for anyone different than oneself, especially now that our newly elected emperor has taken his cudgel to civilization with a vengeance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2024
DNF. Was not for me.
I understand that he is a teenager and he wants love so badly and he’s desperate for love and all that but a man old man I could not except what was happening. I really felt like Tim was just such a jerk and taking advantage of a beautiful soul who just wanted to be loved and Tim was all I’ll be with you but also with my girlfriend because you know that’s what I can do it and I really hated that it’s been relented and that pissed me off. I hate any cheating nonsense and that took me out immediately.
I understand that he is a teenager and he wants love so badly and he’s desperate for love and all that but a man old man I could not except what was happening. I really felt like Tim was just such a jerk and taking advantage of a beautiful soul who just wanted to be loved and Tim was all I’ll be with you but also with my girlfriend because you know that’s what I can do it and I really hated that it’s been relented and that pissed me off. I hate any cheating nonsense and that took me out immediately.
January 27, 2025
I loved this novel, which is really quite remarkable, because I very much did not love its source material. "When Ben Loved Tim" is a remarkable creative success: it's the book I'd wished I'd been reading when I read the first third of "Something Like Summer." If you've never read "Something" and are trying to figure out which of those two books to read: it's this one. You want to read this one.
I reviewed Jay Bell's first "Something Like" novel here on Goodreads. I gave it two stars and pretty much eviscerated it. However, it's telling that I finished it. I've DNFed many books since. There was something in Bell's writing and perspective that I'd hoped would mature over time.
And wow, it really did. "When Ben Loved Tim" fulfils the promise I'd felt when reading his earlier work. This is a wiser book than the one that preceded it, its creative decisions more deliberate.
I'm neither arrogant enough nor delusional enough to think this book was literally written for me, but just coincidentally, every single thing I'd mentioned in that none-too-kind "Something Like Summer" review gets addressed here. I seriously kept wanting to cheer as the book, chapter by chapter, kept not-disappointing me.
I'd like to get a little specific about how the books compare, but this'll get long and would really only be of interest to people who'd read that book, so: This book features quite a lot of well-written sex, and it's pretty impressive that it almost never feels gratuitous. Instead, it serves as the through-line that makes this relationship between an openly gay teenager and a closet case make sense. The escalation of physical intimacy happens in the context of a relationship that would, by all rights, be over if Ben had any reasonable dating alternatives. Some might consider this book to be too sexy for high school library shelves, but god, I wish I'd had this book when I was a gay teenager. It's very much YA in terms of its context: this is both a romance and a coming-of-age story. Ben learns a hard-won lesson, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it alters his future. (Bell has made it clear there will be two more novels expanding the remainder of that original book, and given how well this one grounds any future stories, well... I will absolutely be reading the next two.
Something else I want to make clear about this novel is that I'm pretty sure I'd still be enthusiastically even if I'd never read (or, for that matter, seen the film <>*shiver*) "Something Like Summer." That it effectively heals the first third of that novel is just the sauce, it's not the main dish here. This is a well-told story.
I hope Jay Bell is proud of this one, because this is a triumph. He's clearly matured as a writer, and it shows. It's left me curious about his other more recent work. This is everything I could've asked for from Bell's writing, and I can't wait to see what he does next.
I reviewed Jay Bell's first "Something Like" novel here on Goodreads. I gave it two stars and pretty much eviscerated it. However, it's telling that I finished it. I've DNFed many books since. There was something in Bell's writing and perspective that I'd hoped would mature over time.
And wow, it really did. "When Ben Loved Tim" fulfils the promise I'd felt when reading his earlier work. This is a wiser book than the one that preceded it, its creative decisions more deliberate.
I'm neither arrogant enough nor delusional enough to think this book was literally written for me, but just coincidentally, every single thing I'd mentioned in that none-too-kind "Something Like Summer" review gets addressed here. I seriously kept wanting to cheer as the book, chapter by chapter, kept not-disappointing me.
I'd like to get a little specific about how the books compare, but this'll get long and would really only be of interest to people who'd read that book, so: This book features quite a lot of well-written sex, and it's pretty impressive that it almost never feels gratuitous. Instead, it serves as the through-line that makes this relationship between an openly gay teenager and a closet case make sense. The escalation of physical intimacy happens in the context of a relationship that would, by all rights, be over if Ben had any reasonable dating alternatives. Some might consider this book to be too sexy for high school library shelves, but god, I wish I'd had this book when I was a gay teenager. It's very much YA in terms of its context: this is both a romance and a coming-of-age story. Ben learns a hard-won lesson, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it alters his future. (Bell has made it clear there will be two more novels expanding the remainder of that original book, and given how well this one grounds any future stories, well... I will absolutely be reading the next two.
Something else I want to make clear about this novel is that I'm pretty sure I'd still be enthusiastically even if I'd never read (or, for that matter, seen the film <>*shiver*) "Something Like Summer." That it effectively heals the first third of that novel is just the sauce, it's not the main dish here. This is a well-told story.
I hope Jay Bell is proud of this one, because this is a triumph. He's clearly matured as a writer, and it shows. It's left me curious about his other more recent work. This is everything I could've asked for from Bell's writing, and I can't wait to see what he does next.
August 9, 2024
Real rating 3.5/5 rounded down.
I have mixed feelings about this book. Idk if I should've read the "Something like..." series first, because I know this is somewhat of a retelling from Ben's perspective, and while I did really enjoy many aspects of this book, there were many things I just didn't really care for unfortunately.
I don't wanna undermine any of the character's experiences or struggles. I think many important topics and things were discussed in this book, racism, bullying, homophobia, religion, family struggles, loss etc, some could've been handled better in my opinion, but I do like they were in here, especially when I'm assuming because, sometimes I couldn't really tell, this was based in the 90s (I think?)
The story got very repetitive at times, I almost did DNF this, but I pushed through because I was curious enough to see how this was going to end knowing about the other series this is connected to. I know this is about finding yourself, accepting who you are, and just two teens in love and their story, but I don't know if it was the writing style, but sometimes it just felt repetitive and kind of difficult to read. As someone who is black, queer, and comes from a religious family and who was also bullied in school, I related to many topics in this book and I did enjoy a lot of the friendships and support systems Ben and Allison had too.
I did feel like having two black characters and when Allison mentioned racism and what she went through why you would have a white character wit locs and not have any of the black characters say nothing about it, even in the time period this was based in, dat wouldn't fly still. Some of the jokes made were kinda having me whiplash and I don't know, I just didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would especially with the high praise the series is based on gets. I'm still very curious to read the others, and I may, but overall I think many aspects of this book could've been written a lot better, especially when it comes to the black and poc characters.
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March 20, 2025
I was hesitant to re-tread this time in Ben and Tim’s lives yet again. After journeying with them so far and so long, it felt redundant to me to go back to the beginning now. But I’m happy to have been wrong. This version is much richer and more nuanced, even including new supporting characters. Alison for one gets some amazing new material, and I love her and Ben’s friendship more than ever for it. First person is also great.
Since finishing I have been desperate for the next chapter in their story, so I decided to revisit “Winter”. This really highlighted how much better “When Ben Loved Tim” is in terms of telling these high school years. It’s night and day. But as someone who wanted this answer before reading, and couldn’t find it, I’m sad to report that there are inconsistencies and continuity errors in the two tellings. For one, in the original series Tim’s mother was naive to what happened between Tim and Carla. Tim specifically states that their move was not connected to that situation. In this telling, Tim’s father and mother both consider it to be a driving reason for their relocation, and his father coldly tells Tim as much. Because of things like this, the book feels to me like a reboot, rather than a companion, or extended edition to the original series.
Overall highly recommend this. I’m hungry for “When Ben Loved Jace” and “When Ben Loved Jason”. This is the version to read now, if you’ve never read “Summer”. But I remain conflicted, since things like Tim’s history with Eric, Ryan and the introduction of Marcello will have to exist in an alternate continuity, as we continue to follow the story through Ben’s POV. I only hope Lightning, Thunder, Hail, Rain and Forever feel more consistent as sequels to both the “seasons” quadrilogy and “When Ben Loved” trilogy when they’re finished.
Since finishing I have been desperate for the next chapter in their story, so I decided to revisit “Winter”. This really highlighted how much better “When Ben Loved Tim” is in terms of telling these high school years. It’s night and day. But as someone who wanted this answer before reading, and couldn’t find it, I’m sad to report that there are inconsistencies and continuity errors in the two tellings. For one, in the original series Tim’s mother was naive to what happened between Tim and Carla. Tim specifically states that their move was not connected to that situation. In this telling, Tim’s father and mother both consider it to be a driving reason for their relocation, and his father coldly tells Tim as much. Because of things like this, the book feels to me like a reboot, rather than a companion, or extended edition to the original series.
Overall highly recommend this. I’m hungry for “When Ben Loved Jace” and “When Ben Loved Jason”. This is the version to read now, if you’ve never read “Summer”. But I remain conflicted, since things like Tim’s history with Eric, Ryan and the introduction of Marcello will have to exist in an alternate continuity, as we continue to follow the story through Ben’s POV. I only hope Lightning, Thunder, Hail, Rain and Forever feel more consistent as sequels to both the “seasons” quadrilogy and “When Ben Loved” trilogy when they’re finished.
December 26, 2025
Okay, I honestly don’t even know where to start. This was my first time reading this series, and also my first time reading Jay’s writing, so I really didn’t know what I was getting into. I definitely wasn’t expecting to jump straight into such a long journey when I picked up this book. At the beginning I kinda felt a bit shy while reading it, like that second-hand embarrassment kind of feeling. But somehow, it was really easy to get hooked. Somewhere in the middle, I also found myself getting way more serious about all the drama than I expected.
I originally thought this would be a light read that would end in two books (cuz that time, I didn’t even know it's a trilogy and a series on top of that). Sure, there were parts where it felt very “fiction” but honestly, I still enjoyed it a lot. What really kept me going was the fact that I already knew Ben would be with someone new in the next book lol. That made all the ups and downs even more enjoyable for me. This book never really gave my heart a break. Sometimes it was clenching, sometimes it was happy, and I loved that rollercoaster feeling. I still can take some lessons from the story, but if I’m being honest, I’m way more into the conflict lmao. It hurts sometimes, sure, but that’s exactly why I love it (maybe I’m just a bit of a masochist when it comes to romance books).
I’m not sure if I’ll jump straight into the second book because I actually planned to read something else after this. But I’m really, really curious about who Ben ends up with, and part of me just wants to continue until the last book and finish the whole series!
I originally thought this would be a light read that would end in two books (cuz that time, I didn’t even know it's a trilogy and a series on top of that). Sure, there were parts where it felt very “fiction” but honestly, I still enjoyed it a lot. What really kept me going was the fact that I already knew Ben would be with someone new in the next book lol. That made all the ups and downs even more enjoyable for me. This book never really gave my heart a break. Sometimes it was clenching, sometimes it was happy, and I loved that rollercoaster feeling. I still can take some lessons from the story, but if I’m being honest, I’m way more into the conflict lmao. It hurts sometimes, sure, but that’s exactly why I love it (maybe I’m just a bit of a masochist when it comes to romance books).
I’m not sure if I’ll jump straight into the second book because I actually planned to read something else after this. But I’m really, really curious about who Ben ends up with, and part of me just wants to continue until the last book and finish the whole series!
June 21, 2024
Throughout reading this book I experienced all of the emotions - love, hate, confusion, swooning, pity, and even disgust (in their behavior, not in their relationship/sexuality). More than once my eyes watered with sadness and despair. The sweet moments were hard to enjoy because you just knew that inevitably a sorrowful moment was soon to follow.
When I began reading this book I didn't know that it is a retelling of "Something Like Summer" by Jay Bell; I thought it was a stand-alone. It was recommended through Kindle Unlimited and I hardly read the synopsis before deciding to just dive right in. I believe it's recommended that you read the "Something Like" series first, but I'm honestly so glad that I read this version first. Because it broke my f**king heart. So to learn that there is another version out there that doesn't hurt quite as much (though that one does hurt too) was a weight lifted off my shoulders. Regardless of what order you choose to read them in, or if you choose to only read this book, I 100% recommend it!
When I began reading this book I didn't know that it is a retelling of "Something Like Summer" by Jay Bell; I thought it was a stand-alone. It was recommended through Kindle Unlimited and I hardly read the synopsis before deciding to just dive right in. I believe it's recommended that you read the "Something Like" series first, but I'm honestly so glad that I read this version first. Because it broke my f**king heart. So to learn that there is another version out there that doesn't hurt quite as much (though that one does hurt too) was a weight lifted off my shoulders. Regardless of what order you choose to read them in, or if you choose to only read this book, I 100% recommend it!
September 9, 2025
Wow. Just... wow.
This book is a masterpiece of heartache and hope. Jay Bell's storytelling is so deeply personal and raw, it feels less like reading a book and more like reliving a memory. The focus on Ben's intense, all-consuming crush on Tim is what makes this story so powerful. It's that raw, painful, beautiful feeling of being a teenager in love for the first time, and the book captures every single ache and flutter.
The character development is just perfect. You can feel Ben's longing and his quiet hope, and you understand every one of his fears. As the story unfolds, you're right there with him, experiencing the emotional rollercoaster. It's not just a love story; it's a testament to the messy, complicated, and utterly unforgettable journey of first love.
If you've ever had a crush that felt like your entire world, this book will speak to your soul. It’s an emotional, stunningly written story that will stick with you long after you've finished the last page. A definite five stars!
This book is a masterpiece of heartache and hope. Jay Bell's storytelling is so deeply personal and raw, it feels less like reading a book and more like reliving a memory. The focus on Ben's intense, all-consuming crush on Tim is what makes this story so powerful. It's that raw, painful, beautiful feeling of being a teenager in love for the first time, and the book captures every single ache and flutter.
The character development is just perfect. You can feel Ben's longing and his quiet hope, and you understand every one of his fears. As the story unfolds, you're right there with him, experiencing the emotional rollercoaster. It's not just a love story; it's a testament to the messy, complicated, and utterly unforgettable journey of first love.
If you've ever had a crush that felt like your entire world, this book will speak to your soul. It’s an emotional, stunningly written story that will stick with you long after you've finished the last page. A definite five stars!
May 26, 2025
The high school love story most of us never got to have
What's great about the way Jay Bell writes is that it's in the voice of the gay teenager many of us never got to be. Many gay men were closeted or never got to have the romance (even as tumultuous as it was) that Ben had. I certainly didn't! Reading from Ben's perspective, there are so many feelings teen and young adult gay men feel, but put in a way that resonates with a reader because we've been there. Bell uses just the right amount of angst and melodrama to make it a truly authentic voice without exhausting the reader with unrealistic soapy drama.
What's great about the way Jay Bell writes is that it's in the voice of the gay teenager many of us never got to be. Many gay men were closeted or never got to have the romance (even as tumultuous as it was) that Ben had. I certainly didn't! Reading from Ben's perspective, there are so many feelings teen and young adult gay men feel, but put in a way that resonates with a reader because we've been there. Bell uses just the right amount of angst and melodrama to make it a truly authentic voice without exhausting the reader with unrealistic soapy drama.
June 5, 2024
We hold each other in the glow of the tree, two alchemists who have discovered something better than turning lead into gold. We've figured out how two boys can become one, so they never have to feel lonely again.
Probably dodged a bullet. It's just a shame that I can't stop thinking about the gun.
I lean forward and feel like I'm teetering on the edge of a cliff until I feel his hands on my shoulders and his mouth on my lips. That's part of flying, I suppose. You have to trust that someone will catch you if you fall.
Probably dodged a bullet. It's just a shame that I can't stop thinking about the gun.
I lean forward and feel like I'm teetering on the edge of a cliff until I feel his hands on my shoulders and his mouth on my lips. That's part of flying, I suppose. You have to trust that someone will catch you if you fall.
February 3, 2025
You Broke My Heart… 💔💔💔
I loved this book and even more so, the amazing narration of the audiobook, though I kept hoping it would have a happy ending.
I’m 64, Gay, am disabled, have HIV and lost my Husband of 17 years to Lymphoma nearly 11 years ago. My life had a happy ending, except that happy ending ended.
All the same, I still loved this book. I own your entire catalog, though this is the first that I’ve read. I’m joyfully looking forward now to reading/listening to more… ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
I loved this book and even more so, the amazing narration of the audiobook, though I kept hoping it would have a happy ending.
I’m 64, Gay, am disabled, have HIV and lost my Husband of 17 years to Lymphoma nearly 11 years ago. My life had a happy ending, except that happy ending ended.
All the same, I still loved this book. I own your entire catalog, though this is the first that I’ve read. I’m joyfully looking forward now to reading/listening to more… ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
April 8, 2024
I said it once and I say it again - I will never tire of them. Every version of this story breaks my heart and it also proves love is real. Ben and Tim are magic come to life by Jay's way with words. I find myself wanting a different end of this where they live happily ever after - but also not, because I want Jace in Ben's life. I also love how the relationship, fighting, sex and all of it feels real. Thank you Jay for sharing your gift with us.
June 26, 2024
I am a huge Jay Bell fan, and the Something Like series made me a fan of his work. I've read/listened to all the Something series books and graphic novel interpretations. I love that Kevin R. Free returned to narrate this because he is indeed the voice of the Something Like Characters. Fans of Bell will enjoy it.
This version does have a few differences from the original Something Like Summer, and I am curious how different Ben's time with Jace will be in the second book.
This version does have a few differences from the original Something Like Summer, and I am curious how different Ben's time with Jace will be in the second book.
October 10, 2024
What a wonderful coming of age story. The characters came alive for me and the plot was a good (and familiar) one. I could definitely see the truth coming from Ben's perspective and Tim's perspective. I've been in Tim's shoes and am now in Ben's. I didn't give it a full 5 stars because of Ben's continued taking Tim back. Not that it wasn't believable, but because he gave Tim another chance to hurt him.
April 14, 2024
I have long been a fan of Ben and Tim since reading Something Like Summer. This is a slightly different take, which I recommend whether you have read Something Like Summer or not. Jay always has a way of bringing his characters to life, and you can't help but care about what happens to them. Read this one and fall in love.
April 28, 2024
A more complete story.
If you have read Jay Bells stories “something like” then you may recognize Ben and Tim and Alison. This book is much more about the lives of those 3 and others as well. It took me a few pages before I realized what I was reading. Enjoyable book and if you want to see where it all goes then you can read the “ something like” series. Read and enjoy.
If you have read Jay Bells stories “something like” then you may recognize Ben and Tim and Alison. This book is much more about the lives of those 3 and others as well. It took me a few pages before I realized what I was reading. Enjoyable book and if you want to see where it all goes then you can read the “ something like” series. Read and enjoy.
June 5, 2024
Disappointed…
The plot line is thin. The characterizations are rather well-developed; however the emotional upheavals yearn for catharsis. None comes. I rate the book as mediocre. There are indeed better reads and far better writers! I suggest you try N.R. WALKER who consistently Doncaster one out of the park!
The plot line is thin. The characterizations are rather well-developed; however the emotional upheavals yearn for catharsis. None comes. I rate the book as mediocre. There are indeed better reads and far better writers! I suggest you try N.R. WALKER who consistently Doncaster one out of the park!
March 17, 2025
This retelling of the original Something Like Summer is soooo good. I love the first person POV, more details, and overall pace of the story. Although Ben and Tim can get very stereotypical at times, I feel like they both paint great examples of the opposite sides of queer experience. Need the next book asap
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