It's really difficult to find a 'gay geek meets straight jock' story that doesn't just seem rife with cliches. And thankfully, I didn't feel like Jeff Erno's Dumb Jock is one of those stories.

When Jeff Irwin is given an ultimatum and forced to tutor Brett Willson, he is not excited to have to spend time with someone he sees as just another 'dumb jock' (even if he is extremely attractive). But when Brett makes some hints that he might be similarly inclined, Jeff isn't even close to prepared for what is yet to come...

The character dynamics in this one are pretty great. The way the relationship builds, the interactions with the side characters, etc. are all spot on and I really enjoyed reading this. The main detractor for me was at a point early on in the book when Brett refers to Jeff as being like a puppy and says that no matter what he does to Jeff he knows he'll always be loyal to him. For a YA book to seem (even in a small way) to glorify that kind of approach to relationships left me a bit uncomfortable. Even though that relationship isn't what remains for either of the characters later in the book, there isn't really much of a real transition away from that viewpoint. But I'm definitely interested in reading the next book in the series. ( )

And another one...
Audiobook by the king of eargasms people...Jason Frazier!!!!!"

This book was recommended to me by a gay guy and I read it. I'm not a gay guy but I do enjoy reading gay romance and this one was very nice. I liked the story, I liked the style. I liked everything about this book and I'm looking into other books of this author. ( )

3.5 stars

I have opinions, but will have to be later... Doing this on phone... No bueno.

Updated:
First, my daughter is 14. Second, if my daughter was having sex at this age, I would for sure kick her ass. Third, I do NOT trust my daughter as much as this mom trusts Jeff, and my daughter's a good girl.

All that being said, I really felt for these characters. At once, they felt just the right tone of maturity for their age, immature and very mature... As I'm writing this, I do know that the story is told (or seems to be told) by the grown up Jeff about the teenage Jeff. BUT, that teenage Jeff could understand his submissive nature at 14 seems to indicate a level of maturity that very rare 14 year olds have. Their basic mode of being seems to be selfish and somewhat thoughtless. They do what feels good and have very little understanding of consequences. Jeff was a bit more mature than most, so it wasn't completely out of the realm of possibility. I know what it is to live with a parent that drinks, and I know the affect it has on a child. A child of such upbringing takes on adult behavior sooner than not. And having no role model, save his mother, Jeff seemingly has a lot on his plate.

There are scenes in this book that just hurt to read. And I felt such anger in others. The relationship between Jeff and Brett is completely uneven and at times made me so sad for Jeff. The ending did not justify the story for me and felt abrupt. Brett's behavior seemed more realistic for me than Jeff. His motivations and actions are more in line with how a 16 year old behaves. Jeff felt slightly off, although I still do really like him. ( )

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Set in the 1980's, DUMB JOCK illustrates the struggle of two young teens coming to terms with their sexuality and their growing love. Although the book is not autobiographical, author Jeff Erno looked to his own personal struggle of coming out as gay in a small northern Michigan town.

Jeff and Brett are as different as night and day in appearance and interests. Jeff is a slightly built freshman with no athletic talent whatsoever. His friends are other social outcasts, and he is often the target for mean remarks and cruel practical jokes. His mother loves and dotes on him while his father finds him odd and annoying.

Brett is a junior and the talented quarterback everyone hopes will take the team to a state championship. He runs with the popular crowd, attending parties and getting voted homecoming king. He is the last person people would think of being gay.

When Coach McDonald, gym teacher/football coach, uses the threat of failing freshman gym class as motivation for forcing Jeff to tutor Brett in English, no one would have guessed the final outcome. It doesn't take long for the two teens to become comfortable with each other and begin an emotional and sexual relationship. They aren't afraid to express their feelings to one another, but revealing their relationship in public in the tiny Michigan community would surely ruin their lives.

Jeff Erno tells the story of their young love with honesty and directness. He reveals their heart-stopping passion as well as the agony of fear and jealousy that threaten to break them apart. Times have changed some since the 80's, but small towns still breed the misunderstanding and prejudice evident in Erno's story.

DUMB JOCK is a bold example of one author's attempt to create a novel to help teens accept their own sexuality or better understand that of those around them. It is a worthy addition to any high school collection. ( )