Today I am so pleased to welcome the fabulous Jay Bell back to Joyfully Jay. Jay has come to an exclusive excerpt with us his latest release, Something Like Thunder. He has also brought along a FABULOUS giveaway (seriously guys, I wish I could enter). Please join me in giving Jay a big welcome!
Excerpt
The lawnmower rumbled, the vibrations coursing along Nathaniel’s arms. He freed one to wipe the sweat from his brow, glancing up at a perfectly blue sky and wishing for one small cloud to block the sun so he could cool off. After crossing the yard back and forth a few more times he stopped, let the engine sputter into silence, and stripped off his shirt.
“Now we’re talking!”
Nathaniel spun around to see Caesar approaching from the house. He reached out a finger, like someone wanting to swipe frosting from a beater to taste it. Or sweat from a bare chest. Nathaniel knocked his hand away, shooting a glance toward the house.
Caesar rolled his eyes. “Nobody’s home. They’re still out shopping. Let’s go.”
“Go where?” Nathaniel asked.
“Anywhere you want!” Caesar said with a lewd grin. “Pick a room.”
“We talked about this,” Nathaniel said with a shake of his head. “No more risks.”
“Awww, come on! It’s been weeks!”
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. “More like four days. I woke up in the middle of the night to find you sucking my—”
“That doesn’t count.”
“Sure felt like it counted to me! And it went against the rules.”
“Oh, the rules!” Caesar said, waving his hands sarcastically. “Scary! I meant it’s been weeks since… You know.”
Since their pseudo-honeymoon. Nathaniel looked at the house again, feeling a longing before he steeled his resolve. He tossed his sweaty shirt at Caesar, then yanked the ripcord to start the mower again, steadfastly ignoring his boyfriend. Even when he stood in the way, Nathaniel plowed on, forcing
Caesar to leap aside. When the grass was thoroughly tamed and the air free from the engine’s growl, Caesar wasted no time in continuing his plea.
“Just think how good it’ll feel. How good it felt the first time.”
Nathaniel worked on removing the canvas bag full of clippings. “Why don’t you go think about it in the bathroom. By yourself.”
Caesar sighed. “I’ve done plenty of that lately, believe me. Besides, I wanted to return the favor.”
Nathaniel glanced up sharply. “Uh. No.”
“Uh. Yes. It’s only fair.”
“That’s not how this works. There are roles.”
Caesar shook his head. “No there aren’t.”
Nathaniel furrowed his brow in confusion. “I thought you liked it.”
“I did, but that’s like visiting London, loving it there, and never going anywhere else. I want to try new things. Visit new places. Paris. Moscow. Vienna.” Caesar grinned. “Bangkok.”
Nathaniel considered him carefully. “You need more from me. Something fresh.”
Caesar shrugged. “Yeah. Exactly.”
“Fine.” Nathaniel thrust his hand into the bag of grass, grabbed a fist full, and pulled it out again.
“Not that kind of fresh!” Caesar said, taking a step back.
Before he could escape, Nathaniel flung the clippings at him, picturing the grass swirling around his head like confetti. Instead the clump hit him square in the face with a wet smack, spreading across his nose before falling to the ground. “Sorry!” Nathaniel said hurriedly. “I thought—”
“You’re sorry?” Caesar said incredulously. “Like that was an accident?”
He came closer, so Nathaniel grabbed another fistful of grass in self-defense. Caesar, with nothing to lose, lunged for the canvas bag to arm himself. Nathaniel pelted him with another clump, this time hitting his shoulder, but Caesar wouldn’t be dissuaded. He thrust both hands into the grass clippings, pulling out two huge bundles.
“Oh, come on!” Nathaniel pleaded. “That’s too much!”
“An eye for an eye,” Caesar said.
“But I’m all sweaty and—”
Nathaniel didn’t need to continue. Grass splattered against his chest and stuck there. He tried wiping it off, but that only spread it around. He looked up, ready to complain, when the next batch hit him in the face. For a moment, all he could see was green. Once he wiped his eyes clean, all he could see was red. He grabbed the entire bag of grass, hoisting it into the air. Then he moved forward.
“No!” Caesar said, hands raised to ward him off. “We’re done!”
“We’re not done,” Nathaniel snarled. “Not by far. After I dump this over your head, I’m going next door and mowing the neighbor’s lawn for more.”
Caesar took off running, Nathaniel giving chase. They zigzagged across the yard, much of the grass spilling out on the way, but Nathaniel still had enough to get revenge. Caesar stumbled and fell, rolling onto his back, eyes wide with terror when he found Nathaniel standing over him. “I’ll do anything!”
Nathaniel’s grin was vicious. “Anything?”
“I swear!”
“So the next time we’re alone. Really alone. Who’s going to be on top?”
“You,” Caesar said instantly.
Nathaniel tilted the bag slightly, a few blades spilling out. “I have your word?”
“Yes!”
Satisfied, he tossed aside the bag and offered his hand. Caesar allowed himself to be pulled to his feet.
“You’ll be on top,” Caesar said. Then with a wicked gleam he added, “Bouncing up and down on my cock.”
Nathaniel shook his head. “You’re hopeless.”
“I know.” Caesar came close, reducing the space between them.
“I’m disgusting,” Nathaniel said, pulling back.
“I don’t care. I love you.”
Nathaniel kept his eyes locked with Caesar’s as they wrapped their arms around each other. “Say it again.”
“I love you.” Caesar said this with his head held high, proud of the fact.
Nathaniel swallowed. “If you ever want to get me in the mood, that’s all you’ve got to do. Just keep saying those words.”
“I love you, I love you, I love you.”
“I don’t mean now!” Nathaniel said with a laugh.
Caesar’s eyes were pleading. “Then when? Give me something to look forward to.”
Nathaniel leaned forward and kissed him. “Soon. I promise.”
Caesar squeezed him tight. Then he hopped up and wrapped his legs around Nathaniel’s waist. Nathaniel stumbled forward, but regained his balance. He spun around a few times, then lurched around the yard like a drunk. After one more kiss he fell to his knees and bent forward, lowering Caesar to the ground.
“Let’s go get clean.”
Caesar nodded. “Okay.”
Blurb
This isn’t a coming out story. Nor is it the tale of a lonely heart seeking companionship. This is about how I learned to fight.
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. Just listen to my story, Kelly Phillips, and when I’m done, please don’t walk away. Take this weary soldier into your arms so we can find peace together.
Something Like Thunder is the sixth book in the ongoing Something Like… series, shedding light on past events while leading the reader toward an exciting new future.
Bio
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 love and alienation that surrounded this decision. He’s been mashing laptop keys ever since.
Jay is a Lambda Literary Award winner and a fairly bad dancer. He also thinks that you’re really cool. Seriously.
Giveaway
Jay has brought an amazing prize pack which includes a $25 Amazon gift certificate, an Audible download code, one copy of any of his previous books (doesn’t include Thunder) in either paperback or eBook, and a set of signed art cards to give away to one lucky reader. Just leave a comment at the end of the post to enter. The contest ends on Sunday May 17th at 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.
I’m the first to comment! Wow! Meanwhile, I’ve read everything Jay has written and he’s positively amazing. Don’t miss this one.
I’m one of your long-time fans, having discovered you when you pubbed your first book! Love your writing, so please keep it up.
I love stories that are well written, make me laugh and make me shed a tear. Jay Bell can do all that and more. Happy tenth anniversary. xx
Grass clippings stick to absolutely everything. OMG.
I’m so excited for this giveaway because I’ve been wanting another book of Jays, but I can’t until I finish my TBR pile. I love the Something Like series so much! His characters are so real and I connected to Ben so much! Keep up the amazing writing!
I’m absolutely in love Jay Bell’s writing. I basically fall in love with every single one of his characters.. Doesn’t leave room for a real boyfriend though haha.
Jay Bell is such an incredible writer – producing such amazing books with the most engaging characters. I just can’t get enough of these wonderful books. I have followed some great gay writers but Jay really eclipses them all with such warmth, drama and emotion in every novel – just outstanding on every level! Happy anniversary Jay and thank you – through your writing you have enriched the lives of so many – long may you continue!
I’m so excited for Thunder!!! I love this whole series. 🙂
I am so excited.
I downloaded “Something Like Summer” one day while eating lunch in my favorite restaurant in Louisville–on a Friday when we were headed out of town for a weekend. So many times, I download books and they sit unread on my ipad in spite of the fact that I am an avid reader. Not this time–I devoured Summer that weekend, and found myself suffering the kind of withdrawal you get when you have submerged yourself in the lives of the characters in an engrossing book and it ends. Thankfully there were more to follow, and I am planning to savor “Something Like Thunder” when it arrives–I’m just not looking forward to the withdrawal when it’s over. Fortunately it’s Summer in Kentucky and I can focus on my garden and tomatoes!
A new author to me and having seen all the comments above i have to chance that soon 🙂
Thanks for the great giveaway.
This new book’s gonna make me cry isn’t it? They always do.
First let me tell you how much I enjoy your reviews that have helped me in finding good books to read.
I adore Jay Bell and have read almost all his books. He is the sweetest human being and hope he will continue having success both with his books and in his marriage. This is a really generous offer he has made with those awesome prizes!!
Glad you have enjoyed the reviews, and yes, I agree, it is a great contest!
I love his books and those art cards are gorgeous! What an amazing giveaway! I am putting this on the To Read list right now.
I love the art that you have with your books!
I’m intrigued by the different tone from the rest of the (amazing!) series, and the excerpt is definitely engaging!
I am so excited to read the new book! You are definitely my favorite contemporary author. Keep doing what do. 🙂
What an awesome giveaway!! ILove the books and will definitely have to try Jay’s audiobooks.
Jay, your Something series is one of my all-time faves. Even if I’ve fallen behind in my reading, I’ll get to the latest ones. Thanks being a bright star in a sea of (sometimes) mediocrity.
That is one heck of a prize package – wow! I love Jay’s books (and the associated art work by his husband). Something Like Thunder sounds like another great one. Thanks for the post and excerpt.
Love all of Jay’s books and Thunder sounds just as intriguing as all the other ones were.
I love Jay’s books SO MUCH! I’m so excited to read Thunder.
Joyfully Jay helped me discover Jay Bell one day I was bored at work and playing ariund on my ipad and I was looking for a new book to read and searched on google gay fiction and the first result that popped up into google was the Joyfully Jay website and after about 10 minutes on the website I came across Kamikaze Boys by Jay Bell so I read the excerpt on iBooks and I was hooked. I finished Kamikaze Boy that night so I went back and bought all of Jay’s work and I’ve never been happier, I love how Jay brings his characters to life my all time favorites are Ben & Jace from the Something Like series and Joey from Language Lessons. I look forward to reading Something Like Thunder, I would like to thank Joyfully Jay for introducing me to Jay Bell and finally I’d like to thank Jay & Andreas Bell for the amazing stories and the beautiful artwork.
Thank you so much Marc! I am so glad you found the site and enjoy the reviews. such a nice compliment and I am so glad you found some great books!
Huge fan of Jay Bell’s books in general. I will get this one for my birthday — it’ll be a few years after the release date. Would be great to be the lucky winner. Good luck to all.
I love you, Jay!
Congratulations on the new release! Looking forward to reading it! Such a great cover!
Congratulations to Jay!
I know the probability of me winning anything in less than 0, but oh well… whatever, I already have all the books I need. Good luck everybody!
This is so exciting I can’t wait for the book!!!!! ????
This one sounds a bit different from the rest, can’t wait to read it.
Great excerpt, looks like a good read. Thanks for the giveaway chance.
Jay’s books are amazing and have even helped a friend who is struggling coming out, getting his first real BF and taking that BF to prom this month.
I sure hope this one lands on audible too.
Looking forward to the newest book in the series. Thanks for the giveaway.
I cannot wait to read Something Like Summer! The Something Like series is my favorite!
Of course, I meant Thunder. I have lost track of how many times I have read Summer.
I am in love with this book series! Still haven’t read the Thunder one, so that prize would be awesome.
I have been with Jay since his first book. Every one of them is a must read. Looking forward to Thunder and everyone after.
I’m a massive fan of Jay Bell’s books and cannot wait til Thunder is out. Thank you for the opportunity to enter the contest!
Can’t wait for this. Love them all and looking forward to this.
I’ve purchased many of Jay’s books and this one looks to be another winner. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway!
I’m so excited for this, Jay has always been a favorite of mine.
I love your books, Jay! Can’t wait for Thunder ^_^
I’ve read and reviewed all of Jay’s books since ‘The Cat in the Cradle’ and am currently reading ‘Thunder.’ Thanks, Jay, for sharing your talent, wisdom, and friendship. Wishing you continued success! <3
Love all your books!! So excited to read the next one!
Great stories that just keep adding to an incredible collective universe
I’d love to win one of these prizes as this author is new to me. 🙂
Looking forward to reading the newest book in the series!
Sounds like a great story!
Jay Bell is still the best!
a decade of greatness. Cheers! 😀
More than Excited for Thunder.
I’ve got my eye on this one. And just got the eye candy I needed! An excerpt that is. Thanks for the treat!
Luv your work, and so does my cat.