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Something Like #12.5
Something Like Daybreak
Everything is perfect in Heaven. For most people anyway. Victor Hemingway is tired of sitting in his clearing while attempting to fix himself. He decides on a drastic course of action that causes a chain reaction, forcing Jace to reevaluate his heart’s desire. When Ben learns of these plans, he attempts to rally his friends, hoping they’ll finally get the happily-ever-after that they all deserve.
Something Like Daybreak is a special follow-up story to the entire Something Like… series. This emotional novella acts as the launching point for a bright new future filled with love.
Something Like Daybreak is a special follow-up story to the entire Something Like… series. This emotional novella acts as the launching point for a bright new future filled with love.
2 pages, Audible Audio
Published November 4, 2023
23 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Jay Bell
47 books2,214 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 16, 2022
On one hand I still absolutely love these characters and was happy to revisit them. On the other hand the story was just too saccharine for my taste.
July 6, 2025
Ugh, I’m sorry, Jay. This one didn’t click with me. I didn’t feel good reading about reincarnation and the afterlife; it is not something I like in this series. I only read the first two books so far, but this short story somehow waters the whole concept down, makes it less real and authentic. Maybe it’s just my misconception, dunno.
December 10, 2022
I find myself feeling a bit stiffed here.
I bought this book with a lot of excitement thinking that we get to see what's next for the characters I have grown to love. It starts out promising me a story and then hits a wall. A full stop and then a couple of chapters of a book I already read. Jay, what am I missing here? This is really the only disappointment I have had is the entire series. It would have been great as a final chapter to Something like Forever.
I bought this book with a lot of excitement thinking that we get to see what's next for the characters I have grown to love. It starts out promising me a story and then hits a wall. A full stop and then a couple of chapters of a book I already read. Jay, what am I missing here? This is really the only disappointment I have had is the entire series. It would have been great as a final chapter to Something like Forever.
October 23, 2024
Don't think I'll ever be able to find words to express what I'm feeling writing this, One of the most beautiful books I will ever read/listen to. I went through every emotion within 51 minutes. My god. To be reunited with these characters is an incredible gift. Thank you, Jay Bell. Great narration.
January 31, 2023
This really should have been a final chapter to something like forever. This book really didn't do it for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2025
I’ve never really loved the ending in book 11. I’m not even sure how to explain it properly, but the way the afterlife was portrayed, with this lighthearted tone and a sort of ease, just didn’t sit right with me. It’s not that I expected pain or anything dark, but something about it just didn’t resonate. The afterlife is already such a surreal concept, and maybe that’s part of why I’ve never found the right words for how I felt. All I can really say is that I didn’t connect with it.
Don’t get me wrong, the series was beautiful overall, and some of the final stories in book 12 genuinely made me sob like a baby. The series had such a perfect closure that when I found out there was going to be another one, book 13, I was scared. The ending had been perfect, and I didn’t want it tampered with.
So when I saw that book 13 would go back to the afterlife, the exact part I didn’t like in book 11, I was immediately skeptical. And starting it, I really thought I wouldn’t enjoy it. That feeling didn’t entirely go away, but it did shift. I wouldn’t say I ended up loving it, but I wasn’t as disappointed as I feared I’d be. It’s a good book. The plot is solid, the message is beautiful, and despite being short, it manages to do a lot.
Still, I wish it had been a bit longer, not to add fluff or descriptions, but to give more space to some of the emotions. Some parts felt rushed, like big feelings were squeezed into a paragraph or two when they deserved more time. I get that this book is kind of a bridge to a new series, and maybe it wasn’t meant to go too deep, but if it had explored those emotions more, I think it might have helped me accept this whole afterlife angle a little more than I do now.
Don’t get me wrong, the series was beautiful overall, and some of the final stories in book 12 genuinely made me sob like a baby. The series had such a perfect closure that when I found out there was going to be another one, book 13, I was scared. The ending had been perfect, and I didn’t want it tampered with.
So when I saw that book 13 would go back to the afterlife, the exact part I didn’t like in book 11, I was immediately skeptical. And starting it, I really thought I wouldn’t enjoy it. That feeling didn’t entirely go away, but it did shift. I wouldn’t say I ended up loving it, but I wasn’t as disappointed as I feared I’d be. It’s a good book. The plot is solid, the message is beautiful, and despite being short, it manages to do a lot.
Still, I wish it had been a bit longer, not to add fluff or descriptions, but to give more space to some of the emotions. Some parts felt rushed, like big feelings were squeezed into a paragraph or two when they deserved more time. I get that this book is kind of a bridge to a new series, and maybe it wasn’t meant to go too deep, but if it had explored those emotions more, I think it might have helped me accept this whole afterlife angle a little more than I do now.
October 15, 2024
Jay Bell's Unreleased Personal Novella
This little Novella is an addendum to his brilliant Gay saga "Something Like..." Series and would be the 13th in the series. His newest series is "Pride High" which deals with LGBT youth beginning in 1993. Mr. Bell, as clever and somewhat devious, has unleashed the idea that these newer characters in "Pride High" are the reincarnations of the "Something Like" characters that we love so much and can't get enough of -- even in the afterlife. Jay's characters are so much alive to the reader that this makes perfect sense even though it is driving me crazy (A 65 year old man with OCD) -- trying to tie the Newer characters from "Pride High" with Ben, Tim, Jace, etc. from the "Something Like..." series. Mr. Bell tells us that this idea came to him, but it does not have to be accepted by his fans. With this premise in mind, the reader will always have the joy of never leaving this wonderful saga through the Seasons, the elements, the years, space, and Eternity! The book has the first two chapters of "Pride High" book 1 as a teaser.
This little Novella is an addendum to his brilliant Gay saga "Something Like..." Series and would be the 13th in the series. His newest series is "Pride High" which deals with LGBT youth beginning in 1993. Mr. Bell, as clever and somewhat devious, has unleashed the idea that these newer characters in "Pride High" are the reincarnations of the "Something Like" characters that we love so much and can't get enough of -- even in the afterlife. Jay's characters are so much alive to the reader that this makes perfect sense even though it is driving me crazy (A 65 year old man with OCD) -- trying to tie the Newer characters from "Pride High" with Ben, Tim, Jace, etc. from the "Something Like..." series. Mr. Bell tells us that this idea came to him, but it does not have to be accepted by his fans. With this premise in mind, the reader will always have the joy of never leaving this wonderful saga through the Seasons, the elements, the years, space, and Eternity! The book has the first two chapters of "Pride High" book 1 as a teaser.
February 19, 2023
Great next chapter to one of the most beautiful love stories
This little book connects the life of every major character of the "Something Like" universe to the afterlife and the future, keeping bright the lamp of light that the entire storyline shed over love in all its forms and shapes. In doing so, it allows itself to be reshaped itself into something magical, cyclical, eternal, old and new at the same time.
I cannot but think that the author may link now this storyline with the "Out of Time, Into You" storyline. And if such were the case, and we ended having a crossover, it would be a magical twist of fate. Which is what the author is best at doing.
This little book connects the life of every major character of the "Something Like" universe to the afterlife and the future, keeping bright the lamp of light that the entire storyline shed over love in all its forms and shapes. In doing so, it allows itself to be reshaped itself into something magical, cyclical, eternal, old and new at the same time.
I cannot but think that the author may link now this storyline with the "Out of Time, Into You" storyline. And if such were the case, and we ended having a crossover, it would be a magical twist of fate. Which is what the author is best at doing.
October 15, 2025
I've read all the Something Like books and this was the most disappointing. I was looking for a final wrap up. not emptying heaven in favor of reincarnation. How disappointing to finally get to heaven with many of the beloved characters that readers have been watching over the years, only to have Ben suggest they all leave right away to start new lives on earth. I mean.. seriously. Victor couldn't wait a few more years for Nathaniel to die? or Ben and Tim wait a few more years for Jason?
August 26, 2025
A very special entry indeed. I was moved by the way Jay has engaged with and synthesised so many concepts I resonate with into an engaging vision of the afterlife. And the character work is, as always, deeply rewarding. This will be a real treat for long time “Something Like” fans.
November 20, 2023
This made me simultaneously super sad and super happy.
I can't let these characters go.
I can't let these characters go.
September 26, 2024
It started refreshing! I really wish there was more completely loved the path it was taking - felt too short.
April 22, 2024
I read this originally as part of Pride, Book 1.
My review at the time:
“Addendum - Something Like Daybreak has to be my favorite vignette in the Something Like series. Jay Bell really nailed the right amount of fantasy versus emotion, and the implications of the ending really impact Pride High as well. Excellent stuff.”
3.5.23
Tacked on a re-read before re-reading Red in anticipation of Orange. I first read this as part of the Red novel after I’d read that one, and clearly it has different implications if read before Red. As a cap on the Something Like series, and as potentially the first part of a Pride bookend, really amazing, thought provoking stuff.
My review at the time:
“Addendum - Something Like Daybreak has to be my favorite vignette in the Something Like series. Jay Bell really nailed the right amount of fantasy versus emotion, and the implications of the ending really impact Pride High as well. Excellent stuff.”
3.5.23
Tacked on a re-read before re-reading Red in anticipation of Orange. I first read this as part of the Red novel after I’d read that one, and clearly it has different implications if read before Red. As a cap on the Something Like series, and as potentially the first part of a Pride bookend, really amazing, thought provoking stuff.
February 28, 2024
Jay Bell's Something Like characters are like family to many, and myself, that have read the series. This was an excellent transition to his new series Pride High. I think many fans will appreciate his new characters even more now. I listen to the Audible version, and Kevin R. Free's narration is always fantastic in every Something Like audio release would not be the same without him!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews