Dumb Jock is a young adult gay romance.

Jeff Irwin is a smart, loving fourteen year old boy who doesn’t seem to fit in very well. Being a teenager is confusing enough, but for a boy who’s attracted to other boys it’s downright scary. And Boyne City, Michigan in the early 1980’s isn’t exactly gay friendly, which doesn’t make his life easy at all. When Jeff has to tutor the best looking, biggest jock in school he thinks his life couldn’t get any more complicated. When it does Jeff learns how to grow up really fast and face the person he wants to become.

Dumb Jock sticks with you long after you’ve finished the book! And this is entirely due to Jeff Erno’s ability to write wonderful characters. Jeff Irwin’s character is so likeable. Even if you’re not gay you’ll still be able to identify with him. The contrast between Jeff and Brett was only one reason to keep reading. Even though I found some of the language a bit too proper at times, Dumb Jock deserves a recommended read because every other element of the book is right on target. I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll just say that this is less about a boy coming of age and more about a boy who tries to stay true to himself. By the end of the story you’ll be grateful for getting to know Jeff Irwin! Dumb Jock comes highly recommended by this reviewer!

Reviewed by: April