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Something Like Summer
- Something Like..., Book 1
- Narrated by: Kevin R. Free
- Series: Something Like..., Book 1
- Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: LGBTQ+, Romance
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Highly Triggering
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My name is Nathaniel Courtney, and I m a survivor. I didn't let the cruelty of others wear me down, and I've weathered the more subtle hardships of the heart. Love is a Trojan horse, slipping past your guard and leaving you ransacked and vulnerable. I emerged from that war not unscathed but as a new man. The only mistake I ever made was letting the right guy get away. Now I've got one more chance. This is the final battle, because if I fail now...I won't. You'll see.
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5 out of 5 stars
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good, lot's of good stuff
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Kelly Phillips has been out and proud since he was a young teenager, and thanks to the gay youth group he frequents, he's never been short on friends or lovers. But when you have almost everything, it's hard not to focus on what's just out of reach: a best friend who would be Mr. Right if he wasn't already Mr. Straight. Or that handsome athlete at school who would be easier to wrangle if not for his angel wings. And then there's the guy who might be a perfect fit, maybe even a soul mate...if only he wasn't convinced he didn't need anyone.
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5 out of 5 stars
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not as good as the first 4 in series
- By alex on 12-11-15
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There are two sides to every story. When you're Tim Wyman, sometimes there are three. Tim hoped moving to Texas would mean a new beginning, but he soon finds himself falling into the same tired patterns. Until he meets recklessly brave Benjamin Bentley, who introduces Tim to a world of love, sex, and warmth. Certain that society won't understand what he and Ben have together, Tim struggles to protect their relationship, even if it means twisting the truth. Buried beneath his own deceptions, Tim must claw his way to the surface in the hopes of learning to fly.
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5 out of 5 stars
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2 out of 5 stars
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For some, love seems an impossible dream. Growing up gay in small-town Missouri, Jace Holden thought his chance would never come. When he meets Victor - a wild soul and fellow outsider - his chances of finding love go from bleak to a very uncertain, maybe. Bracing his heart, Jace chases after his desire, hoping for a warm hand to hold his tight.
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- By Stuart on 19-12-18
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 47
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Jason Grant doesn't have much, aside from a beat-up old guitar and knack for getting kicked out of foster homes. His latest placement is set to be just another in a long line of failures. Then he meets Caesar Hubbard, a handsome guy who lives down the hall. For the first time in his life, Jason wants to stay, which means learning to be part of a family, and not letting his feelings - or his actions - ruin his first real chance of falling in love.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Something Like Thunder
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My name is Nathaniel Courtney, and I m a survivor. I didn't let the cruelty of others wear me down, and I've weathered the more subtle hardships of the heart. Love is a Trojan horse, slipping past your guard and leaving you ransacked and vulnerable. I emerged from that war not unscathed but as a new man. The only mistake I ever made was letting the right guy get away. Now I've got one more chance. This is the final battle, because if I fail now...I won't. You'll see.
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5 out of 5 stars
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good, lot's of good stuff
- By Albert String on 01-04-21
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Something Like Lightning
- Something Like..., Book 5
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- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 26
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Kelly Phillips has been out and proud since he was a young teenager, and thanks to the gay youth group he frequents, he's never been short on friends or lovers. But when you have almost everything, it's hard not to focus on what's just out of reach: a best friend who would be Mr. Right if he wasn't already Mr. Straight. Or that handsome athlete at school who would be easier to wrangle if not for his angel wings. And then there's the guy who might be a perfect fit, maybe even a soul mate...if only he wasn't convinced he didn't need anyone.
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5 out of 5 stars
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not as good as the first 4 in series
- By alex on 12-11-15
Summary
The sexy and sweet coming-of-age romance novel that inspired a movie!
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.
Each Something Like... book follows a different gay character on their quest for love. Central to the plot is the troubled relationship between Ben and Tim, high school sweethearts who continue to meet at different stages of their lives, their chemistry changing with each encounter. Surrounding them are a wealth of friends and enemies, each with their own story, resulting in an immersive universe filled with optimism and hope, heartbreak, and healing. While the series doesn't shy away from sexual content, it also focuses deeply on emotion, promising an experience that will stay with you long after the final chapter.
The Something Like... series:
- Something Like Summer
- Something Like Autumn
- Something Like Winter
- Something Like Spring
- Something Like Lightning
- Something Like Thunder
- Something Like Stories - Volume One
- Something Like Hail
- Something Like Rain
- Something Like Stories - Volume Two
- Something Like Forever
- Something Like Stories - Volume Three
More from the same
What listeners say about Something Like Summer
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 21-12-18
Absolutely Amazing!!!
I’ve never had a book bring me to tears and have me so emotionally attached to its characters. I am lost for words which is not like me at all that’s all I can say.
3 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Empty
- 12-08-18
SPOILER A little undeserved
It was a cute story, but--
One of my biggest pet peeves in love-chevron stories (I don't like to call them triangles since that implies a third connection) is where a deus ex machina removes one of the choices. This story has two; twice something convenient happens that allows the main character to not have to make a difficult choice. This is made more annoying because the book is self-aware that the first was a deus ex machina: it addresses the emotions surrounding why the main character wanted the convenience to happen and concludes with character growth. The second then reads like a fan-fic who didn't like the original decision and tacks on a sad-but-understandable alternate ending.
I intend to listen to Like Winter and Like Autumn because the concept of multi-perspectives is really intriguing, and I really hope that Autumn helps to make the ending feel less abrupt and undeserved.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 19-12-19
Absolutely great! Deep and meaningful
It was very easy to relate to the characters of Ben, Tim and others. Great narrator with a beautiful calm voice. Love how the story covers such an impressive timespan!
1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- A. Listener
- 15-03-19
A fun read
This was a fun read, but not brilliant. I couldn't develop an emotional connection to the characters, as much as I would liked to. So their ups and downs didn't affect me as much as they might have, if I cared about them more.
But it's good enough to keep your attention, I don't regret my purchase.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- sprout
- 01-07-21
A Book of Highs and Lows
Although I enjoyed the prologue of the book. Although, the beginning was slightly harder to get though due one of the books leading issues. This being the main character who is obsessive and self obsessed which are traits that extended themselves to his love interest by the end of the book. Despite this, his love interest gets everything he wanted and more by the end of the book despite his toxic and manipulative ways due to the fact that he is ‘hot’. However, one character that I actually enjoyed through this book was Jase, who felt like the only kind and caring adult who deserved SO much better! This book is most definitely a product of its time due to its constant bi-erasure and sketchy race stereotypes... such as Alyson being Bens ‘sassy’ black friend who uses AAV and that his school band was named ‘ebony and ivory’ in reference to the band members skin tones. Overall, it was an enjoyable read which I would recommend to anyone who is interested in a slightly messy, gay, summer love story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Marcin Filipiak
- 24-06-21
Love it
I have read this book and wanted to hear it again. The love story. It makes you laugh and cry, and each chapter will leave you thinking about what more can happen. I kept my finger crossed for Ben and Tim all the time. And in some part was worried about this relationship. I dearly recommend everyone to read this book and to complete all adventure in which all characters appear, and it would be better to go through the rest of the series books too.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 26-05-20
pulls you in
at first I thought it was the typical gay school crush book but as the story went one, and it pulled me in more and more, it became so much more.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 15-08-19
Perfect
I read this book years ago when I was a teenager and it made me feel just the same listening to it as it did when I read it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 12-08-19
Excellent
Loved this, cannot recommend it enough. I actually cried...only other book to do this was Call me by your name.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Yashes
- 20-07-19
Actually crying
wasnt sure of this one when I started it but WOW!!!! AND ALSO, THAT ENDING KILLED ME OFF
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Donald
- 05-10-13
More than meets the eye...
From the book cover I assumed that this was a ‘coming out’ or ‘coming of age’ story akin to the many tales of teenage angst already described in a variety of other books but I was pleasantly surprised. Within this book a story of desire, lust, love, friendship, realization, acceptance, delusion, and growth set to describe the life of Ben, our protagonist. Ben’s own inner growth as well as his relationships with Allison, Tim, and Jace make this tale one that must not be missed. I actually loved this story…an entire gambit of emotional responses were elicited by the words of the author, Jay Bell. Kevin Frees’ narration brought the characters to life in such a way that one’s imagination was able to be transported to the world with which they exist. I do not wish to give too much away, but the dynamic of the three principal relationships—Ben & Allison; Ben & Tim; and Ben & Jace—and how they became intertwined makes this a very enjoyable journey. A MUST!!!
53 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Riva
- 31-05-13
Wonderful Treat.
Would you listen to Something Like Summer again? Why?
Yes I would, it was a wonderful story of self discovery and how love can survive despite a shaky start. Also, be warned, quite a tear jerker.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Something Like Summer?
Probably when Tim finally realizes how much he loves Ben.
What does Kevin R. Free bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Mr. Free has a wonderful voice and really brought the story to life.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Both.
Any additional comments?
I believe this is slated to be made into a movie and I can't wait. It will make a wonderful movie if they capture the spirit of the book.
19 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Orlando
- 26-06-13
Stick with it.
At first, I thought this was the typical teenage coming of age story. It definitely started out that way. The first half is tender and sweet, young love at in all it's glory. In the second half, the book grows up, just like the characters. Life gets in the way, there's tragedy, loss and reward. Can you love more than one person at a time? Do first love's last? I ended up enjoying the book more than I thought I would. So, stick with it. Its rewarding in the end.
34 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- James
- 17-10-13
You will easily see yourself in these characters
If you could sum up Something Like Summer in three words, what would they be?
Romantic, Improbable, Warming
What did you like best about this story?
I related surprisingly well with the main character, Ben. More than once I found myself thinking how much I could relate to the feelings of longing, sadness, and excitement portrayed by him. This not only helped me connect more with the story, but also made me realize that other people probably feel the same way about certain topics in the book as I do (being gay, this was an important realization). Overall I would highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to gay individuals who would like a "realistic" portrayal of a normal gay relationship. That being said, many of the circumstances in the book were slightly improbable and it was often easy to see them coming. Even so, the suspense created was enough to propel you through the book and keeping you listening late into the night.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes
9 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Luke
- 09-10-13
Best Gay Book Around.
What did you love best about Something Like Summer?
I love how this book focuses on a homosexuals life and doesn't portray it negatively or stereotypically, mostly. It a love story that spans a lifetime and just so happens its with two guys which is brilliant. It wasn't anymore sexual than common books of similare standing with a hetero story.
13 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Emily
- 24-02-16
It Gets Better (Poster-Book for Everyone)
I liked the span of this book, it was broader than I originally expected. The pace was a little on the fast side, but that meant I was never bored as each new plot twist and emotion was introduced. I loved the sex - well written, hot but not overly dramatic. The character interactions were believable and I liked that no one was all bad or all good. It dealt with a lot of difficult life events without becoming melodramatic or ridiculously apathetic.
5 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mark
- 09-06-13
Good Story, A Little Amateur In Some Spots
What did you love best about Something Like Summer?
I really like the slightly different take on the gay story line, it was intriguing and more real then others that I have read. It was nice to see real human flaws in these characters.
Any additional comments?
Overall I liked this book, some parts seemed a little bit like a junior author wrote them. The passage of time was rather clumsy and I don't feel like the characters aged or changed even though there was massive jumps in time. The first half of the book was great. The story kind of went off course later on, but it kind of pulled back in the end.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- M. Warren
- 08-08-14
Don't judge it by the cartoonish cover
Very glad to have picked this up, and immediately started on "Something Like Winter" moments after finishing this one. Part one was pretty reminiscent of "The Geography Club" (which I also enjoyed - twice) except Ben has supporting and participatory parents. The entire story though is quite a roller coaster ride with Ben & Tim vs Ben & Jace. The only reason I didn't give the story five stars though is the very, very end. Trying to say this without becoming a spoiler, but if Ben was so excited at the chance to see Tim after more than two years, and if it was so easy for him to fall into it again, why had he waited so long? At least it squeezed in a potentially happy ending that I think every reader wanted and expected. Hoping "Something Like Winter" ultimately provides a little more from where this one ends.
3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Daryl Dean
- 26-12-13
Loved it
Would you try another book from Jay Bell and/or Kevin R. Free?
Yes
What do you think your next listen will be?
not sure
You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?
I did love it
Any additional comments?
It was sweet, and at times Erotic.
Great read!!
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Greg D
- 27-07-13
Great Book
What does Kevin R. Free bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
I don't know why, but his voice strikes me as what Ben would sound like.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Hot and Heart Felt
Any additional comments?
Great story, great characters and excellent narration
8 people found this helpful