The Saving of Benjamin Chambers

Uni Files #0.5

by Anna Bloom

Benjamin Chambers needs saving, he just does not know it yet. Bored of his life of repetitive gigs with a band going nowhere fast and one night stands with girls who are only interested in his role as a lead singer, something has got to change. It’s just what do you do when the only life you know involves messing around with guitars and attempting to run away from any female attention that comes your way.

Ben has a New Year’s resolution and one that he is determined to keep, quit the band and get a life of his own. Little does Ben realise that on his last night with his band Sound Box he is going to meet a girl who will turn everything he knows upside down.

As Ben sets himself the challenge to find ‘The Girl’ again, he may be about to learn that in an effort to rescue her, he himself will be the one to be saved.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2013

About the author

Romance without limits!
A book hoarder and coffee addict at heart Anna's main existence in life is to create beautiful words about exquisitely flawed characters. She's a slow burn Princess and all about working for that happy ever after, but she guarantees when you get it, you'll fall so hard you might never want to surface again.
Be prepared to oooh and aaah and squeal with delight as Anna takes you on a journey you are unlikely to forget.
Anna lives at in Surrey, the UK, with her husband and three children. She happiest writing (thinking of ways to make you swoon), drinking coffee and snuggling up on the sofa in the evenings for a binge of her favourite shows or reading in bed. She loves to chat with her readers on social media so if you love the words come and find her, she sure loves to talk.

Sign up for Anna's newsletter here and receive a FREE NOVEL The Truth About Love: https://www.subscribepage.com/AnnaBloom

Reviews

[Zoe Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

You should all know by now how much I love my bestie Anna, and how much i am infatuated with Mr Benjamin Chambers. Like it’s obsessive and damn right scary…if he was real, I’d be stalking his ass and telling him he should be mine and not Lilah’s. But damn, we cant download fictional characters no matter how hard we want to, and that is something i will have to live with!

But yes, The Saving of Benjamin Chambers is just that. Ben is bored with his life. He’s bored of not going anywhere, he doesnt want to be in the band anymore, he’s awkward around girls, hence never having a girlfriend and when he does sleep with them, the morning after he wants out asap! Yupp, that is our beautiful Benjamin, he hates attention. The Saving of Benjamin Chambers comes before The Art of Letting Go. We get a glimpse into Ben’s life before meeting Lilah and of course, the 9 months of searching for her after that brief meeting at her work’s Christmas do.

We know that Ben met Lilah at her Christmas do, but we dont know the specifics of how it happened, but let’s say he was infatuated from the beginning, knowing that he needed to save her from something, as well as being saved himself – despite not knowing it. When he plays at her Do, he cant stop watching her and then he loses her at the end of the night. Although he was going to quit the band before the gig, he decides to spend the next year looking for her and one night, one freshers balls fate seems to step in and he sees her. HE ACTUALLY FOUND HER! and by god, he is not going to let her go now, nope, he is going to make her his, so he can save her and she can save him. Thank god for being roommates and of course, on the same course ;) So much time to spend together!

If you have yet to read The Art of Letting Go and have the utmost pleasure of falling in love with my sexy and cute guitar player, then get your butt to amazon, download it, read it then read The Saving of Benjamin Chambers. Anna has a unique style of writing, she combines sarcasm, humor and britishness all into one, along with laugh out loud moments, tender moments, crying moments and everything in between!

READ IT please :)

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read a copy of this book.
This is Ben’s story before he met Lilah. He is a sweet, caring, thoughtful, and true romantic, but he is bored with his life, and covers the nine months of searching for Lilah.
This is a beautifully written story, which is emotional and humorous. I recommend Anna’s work for all.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun reading Anna Bloom’s THE ART OF LETTING GO and adored Ben Chambers. If you haven’t read THE ART OF LETTING GO, it’s not necessary to enjoy THE SAVING OF BENJAMIN CHAMBERS.

Firstly, can I take a moment to talk about the cover? I’m totally digging it and I really think it reflects Ben and what he stands for. Secondly, ah, Ben! He was loads of fun in THE ART OF LETTING GO and I loved how his relationship with Lilah began. In THE ART OF LETTING GO, we find out Ben and Lilah met at her office Christmas party, but we don’t know exactly how the introduction occurred. THE SAVING OF BENJAMIN CHAMBERS answers this as well another important question regarding a particular gift Lilah gives Ben.

What I really enjoyed about SAVING BENJAMIN CHAMBERS is getting to know a side of Ben we didn’t know. One of the reasons I dislike first person narrative is that it limits us to what another character is thinking and we have to rely on the narrator and trust that person to give us the complete picture. I’m also not a fan of novellas or books written in another character’s point of view because a lot of the information of the first book is often recycled. Here Bloom gives us an original story and it was a real treat getting to know Ben. He spends 9 months waiting and hoping to find Lilah and it was so much fun reading the journey!

I wish I could go into detail about my favorite scenes, but I don’t want to give any spoilers. Let’s just say, I really liked the scene when Ben first spots Lilah. It’s easy to understand how and why she didn’t recall Ben. It does say a lot for Ben to keep an eye out for the woman who captured his interest and when he finally sees her again, you’ll be cheering (even if you’ve read LETTING GO and know the story). You’re heart will go out to Ben when you realize how unhappy he is with his life and we all can associate with him in that aspect.

If you’re a fan of New Adult, you really need to check out Anna Bloom’s THE ART OF LETTING GO. Feel free to read THE SAVING OF BENJAMIN CHAMBERS before LETTING GO or after, either way I believe you’ll have a great time getting lost in Bloom’s world.

This review and more are posted at Literary, etc

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I love a book from the guy's point of view! This is a New Adult book and is British so it's a little foreign but I think it just adds to the seduction of this series. Oh Ben...he is amazing. He's kind of floundering, playing in a band that he has threatened to quit so many times. And this is it, tonight is the night. And after this gig, that's it. He's not sure what he'll do after that, but...
And then he meets HER. Ben, the guy who stays away from girls, never had a girlfriend, and he can only move closer to her, stand in her personal space, want more of her. At the gig, he watches her, he learns things, senses things about her and when he lets her slips through his fingers and out the door before learning her last name, he vows to stay in the band as he's sure that is the way to find her.

This story puts a huge smile on your face as you're reading it. I don't think I ever stopped smiling. I love Ben throughout The Art of Letting Go and through this novella. He is the guy, the one you want to fall head over heels for you. Just read what he does to find Lila and what he does when he finds her. Tell me you aren't smiling when you read it. I'll call you a liar.

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all have our favourite couples from books and Ben & Lilah are one of mine. The love Ben has for Lilah just makes me sappy and girly – terms definitely not normally associated with me. I will deny we ever had this conversation, right? *winks*

I always want to know what makes a character tick and I loved this insight into Ben’s POV. I definitely got my Ben fix!!

Ben has been drifting aimlessly for a while. The band doesn’t fulfil him like it used to and girls don’t hold his attention for more than one night; until her. When a chance encounter changes everything:

“That very moment gives me something completely different to live for.”

Ben has finally found his North; he just has to find his Lilah again!!

The author captured Ben perfectly for me in this novella. I was full of the warm and fuzzes at the end. It makes me want to read their story all over again!!

Note: Copy kindly received from author in exchange for honest review.

[Beth (YA Books Central) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guest Review (Tiffany): As if I didn't already love Ben Chambers!!! Now I officially think he is the most romantic guitar player EVER!!! This little book gives the reader Ben's side of the story about how he met Delilah. And what a sweet story it was!!! Ben has been in the same band for 10 years and the night of what was suppose to be his last gig he meets the girl of his dreams, Delilah. Ben spends the next 9 months trying to find this girl. He stayed with the band hoping that would help him find her. Fate steps in and all things fall into place when he realizes they have both enrolled together at a University and will be roommates!! Does Delilah feel the same for Ben as he does for her? I highly recommend this book and The Art of Letting Go. Loved them both!! I give it 4.5 stars

[Crystal Wilke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I love the Uni Files Series so far. The Saving of Benjamin Chambers is Ben story before he meets Lilah. It shows his up and downs till that night his life is forever changed. If you have read any of the Uni Files series then you definitely want to read Ben's side of the story before it all began. Ben is sweet, caring, thoughtful and a Romantic. If you haven't already fallen in love with Ben Chambers then you will or you'll fall even more in love with him.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads .

"I know that I will do anything to save her from whatever is causing her sadness and by doing that I have a feeling she will save me."

It's no secret that I fell in love with Benjamin Chambers in The Art of Letting Go. I loved the book, I loved the characters. I loved it all. I've said it a thousand times and will continue to do so. When I found out Anna was writing novellas from Ben's POV for some of the more important scenes from his relationship with Lilah, I was so thrilled I could have done cartwheels. This was a perfect start.

The Saving of Benjamin Chambers is a short novella that I absolutely devoured. I was sucked in from the first page and I thoroughly enjoyed finally getting inside Ben's head. From the pre-Lilah scenes to the first time he set eyes on a sad, beautiful girl that he was pulled towards, to the months until they actually met and experienced an immediate attraction to each other, the scenes and inner dialogue was great. Anyone who has experienced that type of immediate, intense attraction to another person will appreciate this story. Fans of The Art of Letting Go will fall even more in love with Ben… if that's at all possible.

"She can thank me tomorrow or the day after that, or even the day after that because one thing is for sure, I am never letting that girl escape again."

Ben is sweet, sexy and swoony. I loved having the opportunity to see the events of their first meeting from his perspective. His voice was convincing and discernible from Lilah's in the first novel. Anna did a fantastic job telling his story in this novella. This series has humor and heart and I can't wait for the next installment in their story, regardless whose perspective it's from.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All quotes come from the review copy and may differ from the final version.

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This novella is short and sweet. Not sugary sweet, it's a bit more feisty than than that. It's set before The Art of Letting Go however it can be read as a standalone (but I'd recommend you don't!).

First Line of The Saving of Benjamin Chambers:

"I don't need to open my eyes to know that there is something not quite right."

My Thoughts on The Saving of Benjamin Chambers:

I loved Ben in The Art of Letting Go. He is swoony guitar-playing good guy and one that gave me all the feels. I'm not sure how I would have felt about him if I read this novella first. He gets hit hard with insta-love and while it feels romantic, it doesn't feel very real.

Still it was fun to read about his first meeting with Lilah. Hint - nothing like that crazy girl remembers! This novella captures the fun vibe that I loved about Ben, he makes me laugh and I get that he wants out of the life he seems to be stuck in. BUT falling for a girl after one conversation and making that a basis for altering his life makes him seem a bit shallow and immature. But seriously, don't just read that and abandon the series, he isn't either of those! Pinky swear! And this series is so much more complex and creative than an insta-love beginning might suggest.

Overall a fun addition AFTER reading The Art of Letting Go but don't judge Ben by this book alone. I loved the scene where we saw them meeting again for the second time from Ben's POV, it was just as sweet, funny and steamy as when we saw it from Lilah's POV.

Who should read The Saving of Benjamin Chambers?

The Uni Files is a fun series for fans of NA books. I love the UK university setting and the mix of humour and FEELS in these books so if that's your cup of tea, then you will love these. I recommend reading this one as part of the series.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read this AFTER reading The Art of Letting Go and felt it prevented spoilers. It is written in Ben's POV and takes place right before he met Lilah. While a good portion of this story is mentioned in The Art of Letting Go, I enjoyed Ben's story and reading more of their chance encounters. If you're reading this series, I would definitely recommend this novella.

[Nikki]

Ben Chambers is the guitarist and lead singer for Sound Box. The group has been together for ten years. At this moment in life, Ben is tired of the drunken one night stands and wants something more out of life. He wants a relationship. He is ready to quit the band because he is tired of the monotony of their sets. His passion isn't there anymore. Then one day at a gig, he meets Lilah and his view of his life is instantly changed. He decides that he wants to be with her. He loses sight of her at the party, and then decides that he will spend the next year in the band so that he can have the chance of crossing paths with her again. Nine months later they do. And he is super excited and refuses to allow for her to disappear again. This then leads into the next book. Loved the fact that I was able to see how Ben started off and to see Ben's side of their initial meeting. - I received an arc for an honest review.

[Christina (Christina's Book Corner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the art of letting go and needed more and when it was asked to do a review of Ben's story I was like hell yeah so this is Ben point of view of the art of letting go he wakes up next to a girl he doesn't know he want to quit the band and when he tells his bandmates of 10 years that he's quitting he meets Lila at the Christmas party and everything changes so he stays with the band and he enrolls in college and sees her I loved this story . I love Ben of course we see more of the bandmates and I think Dave is so funny so check out this novella .

Favorite quote
Dave announced that if he ever hears me play that song again he's going to beat me to death with my guitar

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did really like Ben and his band mates. I liked that this is a New Adult series that's based on characters older than freshmen in college. They do actually seem like New Adults.

However, I don't really like the idea of what Ben's new "purpose in life" is about. And I'm not generally a fan of love at first sight (or "insta-love").

I was also distracted by the lack of contractions. The dialogue seemed oddly formal most of the time. This, however, is a problem I have with many, many books.

Overall, though, I really liked the main character and I'm looking forward to starting "The Art of Letting Go."

*I received an ARC from the author. It does not impact my review*

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really came to love Ben in The Art of Letting Go so I was really excited to be able to read about his background, how he and Lilah met, how he was before, and to get to know his thought processes and his point of view on things. This short little story provided me with all that information and enabled me to really connect with Ben, which caused me to love him even more. Once again, Anna Bloom captured my attention with her British humor and her story telling ability. The Saving of Benjamin Chambers is a great asset and prequel to The Art of Letting Go, and can be read either before or after that novel. I really enjoyed it.

3.5 Stars

[Gina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben has been playing in the rock band, Sound Box, for the last nine years, but he is determined to quit. When he tells his bandmates he is quitting, they think he is kidding. On what is supposed to be his last gig with the band he meets Lilah and is instantly taken with her. Unable to catch her after the show, Ben continues playing with the band and resolves to find her. Nine months later after not locating her her decides to enter the university. Will he ever be able to find Lilah? A very good prequel that makes me want to read the series. This is my honest review. All opinions and observations are my own.

[Sheila Schoenauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but good read. Unlike the previous books in this series this book is written from Ben's POV. It was great reading about how Ben first met Lilah and then getting his perspective on the Fresher's Ball when he finally found Lilah after looking for her for months. I fell in love with Ben in The Art of Letting Go and I fell even more in love after reading this short story. I have to say that I love the part at the music store with Big Baz and the Gibson. It's like getting the inside story on how and why that was the perfect gift! I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Bel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick short story told from Bens POV on how he first met and fell in love with Lilah and the fact that he searched for her for nine months and she had no clue. Only to then end up in the same history course as her and living in the room next door. Loved seeings things from his perspective, added that little bit extra to the rest of the series. I received this in exchange for an honest review.

[Briana Pacheco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, fun read showing readers who Ben Chambers is and giving insight into the first time Ben and Lilah met. I haven't read The Art of Letting Go yet so I can't really compare anything.

I did enjoy this little novella though. Now, I'm off to read book 1.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great retrospective told from Ben's point of view on his first meeting with Delilah when he and his band, Sound Box, played at a bank function. It's a quick read and kept me entertained and intrigued from beginning to end. This is a must-read for fans of The Uni Files. This is my honest review of an advance reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading Ben's side of how he and Lilah met, especially since she didn't remember the first time and was drunk for the second meeting. It's everything a novella should be, a short, quick read that still gives you enough information to add to the story.

[Sharryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed with this short story giving Ben's POV

[Kaitlyn Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

review to come

[leena · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOWOWOWOWOW.THIS IS SO PERFECT LIKE REALLY PERFECT.THIS NOVELLA MADE MY LIFE.❤️;D

[Sammi Sweetsz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Bens POV. Its Nice seeing things more from his perspective. Plus I like his pov from the moment they met since she doesnt remember him at first at the freshers ball.

[Jean Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ben and lilah. This is a cute getting to know Ben story. I loved all the books I read in the series about these two

[Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story seems promising from this novella so off to book 1 - The Art of Letting Go.

[Sharon Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy sigh! I somehow missed reading this little gem when I binge read the rest of the Uni Files series earlier this year. It as lovely to read from Ben's POV his first meeting and subsequent search for Lilah. Only now I've read this I find myself wanting to re-read the rest of the series so that I can carry on swooning over Ben, and laughing at their antics. As always Anna Bloom's writing is beautiful. This is a short read, but very enjoyable.

[Sharon Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy sigh! I somehow missed reading this little gem when I binge read the rest of the Uni Files series earlier this year. It as lovely to read from Ben's POV his first meeting and subsequent search for Lilah. Only now I've read this I find myself wanting to re-read the rest of the series so that I can carry on swooning over Ben, and laughing at their antics. As always Anna Bloom's writing is beautiful. This is a short read, but very enjoyable.