Hello everyone! Today I am SO excited to welcome the fabulous Jay Bell to the blog. He is here to chat with us about his latest release, Something Like Spring. This is the fourth book in his series that kicked off with Something Like Summer, which we reviewed here and loved. Jay has also brought FOUR books to give away today, so be sure to check out the details at the end of the post. Welcome Jay!
So I’ve got this series, except it was never really meant to be one, which has left me in an awkward situation. Something Like Summer started out as an experiment, a break from what I imagined would be a lucrative career as a fantasy author. (Ha!) I never expected to enjoy writing romance so much, and I certainly never dreamed that anyone would actually like reading Summer. I loved writing that book, and enough wonderfully kind readers kept asking me for more. As usual, I was eager to put out. Keeping the story going seemed only natural. Expect I didn’t. Not exactly. Instead I retold the story from another character’s perspective.
Why do that? I’ve given a lot of reasons over the years. Usually I say I wanted people to understand a certain character who can come across the wrong way. But I also didn’t want to push the story further, because life can get complicated. You ever notice how all those Hollywood romances pretty much end once the couple gets together? Sure there might be an argument or a conniving ex, but past all the conflict the couple agrees to get hitched, the credits start rolling, and it’s happily ever after. Except life is never that simple. Marriage is a huge pain in the ass. Pun intended. I love my husband and I love being with him, but keeping our relationship emotionally vibrant takes a lot of work. Unfortunately it’s not the kind of work that makes for interesting reading. Listening to each other, being respectful of differing opinions, the need for personal space, making the other person feel appreciated, keeping them healthy, happy, and horny… All that is great to live through, but not near as exciting as cheating and divorces and Big Misunderstandings. Those are exactly the sorts of things I didn’t want to put the happy couple in Summer through. I quite simply love them too much.
So rather than depict a boring future or one fraught with conflict, I fleshed out the same story by telling it from a new perspective in Winter. Then I did so again in Autumn. I would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn’t for that pesky fourth season. I’m afraid I can’t use the same trick again. So how do I keep the victorious couple in Something Like Summer safe? Especially since this is the last season, meaning it should be a grand finale, the stakes higher than ever before. Surely that’s got to be more than just one of them surprising the other with pancakes in the morning. It’s gotta be big, like a terminal disease or infidelity involving a entire football team of ridiculously hung mermen from outer space. Ugh.
In the end, I decided to tell another story entirely. Jason Grant is a teenager in foster care who has nothing but an old guitar, a bunch of painful memories, and an attitude that both keeps him safe and ensures he’ll never have a proper home. Just like the other books in the series, we get to see the main character grow up. Years go by and Jason becomes a man, and because the laws of fiction are cruel, a number of conflicts shape who he becomes. Eventually though, Jason ends up right at the end of those other three books. This time I don’t drop the curtain there. No credits roll, and neither are the reins handed over to more familiar faces. Instead we continue on with Jason. Surrounding him are the remnants of those old stories. Faces and names and references that get one final moment in the spotlight, even if they aren’t on center stage. And that’s exactly how I want it, because being center stage also means being in the crosshairs. So that couple from the first book, they’re safe. Thanks to a stranger, they can carry on without a care in the world. At least that was my intention. The best laid plans and all that…
So that’s my grand finale. A new beginning. I’m not sure if it makes sense, or if anyone will like it, but I’m grateful that so many of you have stuck with me thus far. If this is the book that makes you turn on me, I only ask that you wait until afternoon before showing up with pitchforks and torches. I can’t stand noise in the morning, and you really don’t want to see my bed head. Trust me.
Something Like Spring is available in paperback format today from Amazon, and is due out in eBook format on January 30th. You can already preorder it from iTunes, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords. But hey, if you’re feeling thrifty, I’m also giving away four copies of whichever season tickles your fancy. Just comment below to enter!
About Jay
Jay Bell never gave much thought to Germany until he met a handsome foreign exchange student. At that moment, beer and pretzels became the most important thing in the world. After moving to Germany and getting married, Jay found himself desperate to communicate the feelings of alienation, adventure, and love that surrounded this decision. He has been putting pen to paper ever since.
Giveaway
Jay is offering up four books to give away to some of our lucky readers. Winners can choose a book from any of the four seasons. Just leave a comment at the end of the post to enter. The contest ends on Friday, January 31st at 11:59 pm EST.
- By entering the giveaway, you’re confirming that you are at least 18 years old.
- Winners will be selected by random number. No purchase necessary to win. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.
- If you win, you must respond to my email within 48 hours or another winner may be chosen. Please make sure that your spam filter allows email from Joyfully Jay.
- Winners may be announced on the blog following the contest. By entering the contest you are agreeing to allow your name to be posted and promoted as the contest winner by Joyfully Jay.
- Prizes will be distributed following the giveaway either by Joyfully Jay or the person/organization donating the prize.
- By entering you are agreeing to hold Joyfully Jay harmless if the prize or giveaway in some way negatively impacts the winner.
- Readers may only enter once for each contest. Duplicate entries for the same giveaway will be ignored. In the event of technical problems with the blog during the contest, every effort will be made to extend the contest deadline to allow for additional entries.
- Void where prohibited by law.
Something Like Summer was one of those books that stuck with me for a long time after I finished reading it. The characters would pop into my head at random times during the day. I couldn’t stop thinking about them. Can’t say that about too many books. Your explanation makes total sense to me and I am really looking forward to Something Like Spring. Thanks for the giveaway!
I have devoured (read and re-read) the first three, albeit in an unconventional order. I’ve been eagerly awaiting Spring for what seems like ages. Please enter me in the sweepstakes.
I have Something Like Summer but haven’t read it yet (truly giant TBR pile!). I would really like to win another season.
I’ve read all the other seasons and I’m so excited to read Spring. Andreas did a gorgeous job on the cover, my favorite so far. Congratulations!!
I’ve seen your bedhead, Jay! You posted it on FB. It’s as far out as an entire football team of ridiculously hung mermen from outer space!
Can’t wait to read Spring! xoxo
LOL, Madison I totally thought you were talking to me at first! My bedhead is epic. I wake up looking like the bride of Frankenstein! See, another thing Jay and I have in common. 😉
I always felt like I was adopted. Now I’m more sure than ever. I’m packing up my things and moving into your place this weekend. See you soon, sis! 😉
Hurray! I know we would be total besties! And I won’t laugh at your bed head if you don’t laugh at mine. It will be the bedhead circle of trust.
Really looking forward to a new book from you Jay. Completely understand your reasoning, and looking forward to getting to know a new character 🙂
Somehow missed Autumn’s release, but loved both Summer & Winter so win or not, 2 new books just went on my TBR list! Thanks for the insightful post, Jay!
Really excited for Spring! I love the series, but my favorite book has to be Winter. There’s just something about Tim that really pulls me more to his story than Jace’s. Anyway, since Spring’s coming up, I guess it’s time to re-read all three books again! 😀
I keep seeing this series so highly recommend, yet I haven’t read it yet! Clearly this needs to be rectified.
I am stuck on Something like Autumn, waiting for Winter to come out, so I can read all of it in one long go. Autumn is killing me, but I love your words.
Thank you for writing for us. It makes everything a little better.
Omg! I so would like to complete my collection of something like series!!! These books are just amazing! I feel so connected to the characters like I actually know them, and for someone
to feel that way about a character from a book is a major accomplishment!
Jay is truly one of the best authors out there. His stories can reach right into your heart and melt it in an instant. I thank the fates quite frequently for putting me in the vicinity of his work. Can’t wait for more.
I was totally mesmerized by Summer and Winter, and I vow to get into Autumn when I’m feeling less tender. But Spring sounds wonderful indeed!
All I can say is I LOVE Tim. Jay has an amazing style that makes me want to keep reading. By comparison to Jay, I am gutted there are only 4 seasons a year and it pains me to admit to myself this is the last time I can look forward to their last outing (aside from the fact I reread Jays books to get every last detail I may have skipped over. I have and continue to highly recommend his books and defend (and pine over) Tim to anyone who will listen to me!!
I haven’t read these yet, I need to fix that. Thank you for the post and the giveaway.
Congratulations! This was a fantastic series. Will miss it.
Great Series…Can’t wait for Spring.
Loved Jay’s books, and looking forward to this new one. He needs to get it over into Kindle format post haste. 🙂
Woohoo, Spring! Excitedly waiting for the book (and the season!) . Two thumbs up on another fantastic cover, Jay and Andreas. 🙂 All your books make a beautiful collection.
I’ve been following Jay Bell since he was making his YouTube videos and first announced Summer. It was definitely an impulse purchase and has become one of the greatest experiences and read of my life.
I have so loved all of Jay’s books and am really looking forward to seeing what happens in Spring. My main hope is that Jay feels he has written the best ending he can for these characters and that he carries on writing more wonderful stories,
Jo x
I own and love all the others in the series, and can’t wait for Spring!
A new author for me, please count me in. Sounds like amazing reads.
I would love to win this to add to the rest of the series. I’ve put off reading them as I’m sure I will cry, but they sound beautiful.
Hi Jay and Jay – I’m another Jay and love Jay Bell’s books. I’ve read them all except “Summer” look forward to reading the book. Please count me in. Thanks. Jay
Welcome Jay! Always room for another one!
There are few authors who can evoke emotion happy, sad, and everything else too, the way you can, Jay Bell. Even with all the ups and downs of the characters in your stories, a prevailing theme is one of hope. I’d love to have a copy of ‘Something Like Spring.’ As always, I wish you much success and happiness and hope we are friends forever.
Is it Christmas in “Spring” yet. I absolutely have fallen in love with these characters Jay has created. After rereading the collection for the umpteenth time and ordering Something Like Spring, I wait impatiently like I am eight years old again awaiting Christmas morning! Hurry up January 30!
I’ve read and loved the first three – would love to win this one!
Thank you for the post, I hope to be able to read these books.
I love, LOVE this series! Would love to win a copy too!
I like reading the comments. They really show how great the book will be.
I love this series so much. It’s made me laugh and cry and shows me there’s exciting things in this life. I would love to have a copy of Something Like Spring. Thank you Jay Bell!
This looks like such a unique series and I am so going to read it! Thanks for the nice giveaway!
I love this series!! One of my favorites. I have read the first three books and am excited about the fourth (although sad that it is the last season). Thanks for the post and giveaway!
It’s always a great surprise when I discover that there’s a new addition to the Something Like… Series. So well written, so emotive and such a great series of books. Can’t wait to read Spring!
Loved your books since Summer, and I’d love to win Spring to finish my collection! (I also have your ebooks… shhh)
I am so looking forward to reading Spring. I absolutely love the first three in the series.
Please count me in. Thanks.
I loved Summer and Winter but just couldn’t bring myself to read Jace’s story – I knew I would cry bucketfuls. But it’s time….with Spring soon to be out I need to finish this most awesome series. Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
Spring is out just one day before the Chinese Spring Festival, yeah!!!! Thanks Jay! 😉
I have only read Sumer so far. I like the approach of the same story from different characters, not drawing things out with new characters.
Please include me too. Thanks for the giveaway!
I balked at first, Jay, thinking Jason was Jace. I just couldn’t go thru losing him again. But when I did some further research it only took a minute or so to realize Jason Grant is a completely new character. So! I’m in. Something Like Summer is on my short list of all time fav romances. And I’m a tough customer. I love your writing and really look forward to Something Like Spring. 🙂
I’ve heard so many positive things about this series but I haven’t gotten around to read any of the books yet. I guess I’ll have to start with the first title.
I’m always pleasantly surprised when reading Jay’s books. There’s always something in the story or characters that make me love the book. Thanks so much for the giveaway =D
Your books make me cry lilke a baby. Good luck with Spring.
Great post, Jay! I can’t wait to sit down/lie down/walk around the house having an all-season read. I’m so glad you had more story to tell (and push..err, I mean kind readers who wanted more). Thanks for sharing with us!
This series is on my wishlist 🙂 Love the color scheme of the covers! Beautiful!
Thank you for the look behind the scenes and the chance to win!
I love this series of books. I’m looking forward to the last book in this amazing series!
My boyfriend and I have read these books together since Summer was released. We can’t wait for the final installment.