Another Dumb Jock

By: Jeff Erno

Narrated by: Ezekiel Robison

Jeff Irwin and Brett Willson raised a fine son, Adam, in their unconventional, judgment-free family. But being the son of two dads has its challenges. Although Adam loves them, he's determined to prove he's not gay, like they are. To this end, he's become the star pitcher of his high school baseball team, a true jock.

Then Adam is suspended after he gets into a fight at school, and his dads find out his grades are slipping. Determined to put him back on track, they hire him a tutor: a short, nerdy kid named Trevor. Despite his resistance, soon enough Adam's worst nightmare comes true when he finds himself attracted to Trevor. This gives him a choice: follow his heart or become just another dumb jock.

©2013 Jeff Erno (P)2017 Dreamspinner Press

4.5 stars- Add some happy to your reading list

Another Dumb Jock is a standalone sequel which focuses on the teenage son of the main characters from the first book. Told from a single first person POV, their son is a jock who identifies as straight at the beginning of the book. As I didn’t read the first book, I can’t compare or contrast the stories but I like the idea of revisiting a couple and their children 20 years later.

The author does a fantastic job capturing the voice, thoughts, and emotional turmoil of a teenager without creating an immature character who simply frustrates me. The dialogue feels very age appropriate and there were plenty of moments that made me laugh out loud, both as a parent and from Adam’s perspective. The flow was perfect. It was an easy, faster read with a steady pacing that kept me engaged every time I listened. As well written as Adam is, the narrator delivers an equally fantastic performance that embodies Adam’s youthful voice. His tone, speed, and the emotion in his voice brings the characters to life making it a truly enjoyable listen.

I don’t know that I’d consider this a lighthearted book because the author does confront quite a few ugly truths in the world, particularly with LGBT youth. However, the overwhelming hopeful tone left me with a warm heart and huge smile. The familial and peer based conflicts were well developed and relatable for all readers with complete resolutions. I really loved seeing the support and strength of Adam’s family unit. His character growth throughout the book showcased the effect his family’s bond had and his speeches brought tears to my eyes (happy tears). The romance in Another Dumb Jock is age appropriate, so you’re not going to be listening to a lot of steamy scenes play out. Rather, Mr. Erno delivers a YA romance that will leave you with a full heart and wide smile. This is definitely a feel-good story I’ll revisit when I need some happy in my day.

*Reviewed for Alpha Book Club*

Great narration, cute story!

I liked this a bit more than I liked book one. First, I thought it was great that Jeff and Brett spent time and really thought out the implications of raising kids. I think all couples should do that – not just gay people! I loved that they had a plan and a way to handle sexuality as an issue – no matter which way it fell. (Wouldn’t that be great for all parents to do?!)
I thought Adam and Trevor were ridiculously sweet with one another and the fact that Adam is like Brett and Jeff is like Trevor – but NOT – was a nice take on the jock/nerd story. This wasn’t a repeat of book one – 20 years later. Adam and Trevor are different people and their struggles are different in a much, much different time.
The sensuality felt appropriate for the YA title – most of it was off page and only discussed a bit.
I liked this as a YA story but I’ll be honest – I’m not a YA fan (in general) so I would have probably skipped this if not for the narrator. I absolutely love Ezekiel Robison and I had enjoyed the first book and I KNEW with Ezekiel as narrator it would be great and … it was!
Ezekiel has a way of just drawing you into the story. He’s easy to listen to and he does a great job of differentiating every character without going over the top. He absolutely added to my overall enjoyment of this story and I was happy to have chosen it based on his narration alone.

For the story I’d give this a 4 of 5 stars, for the narration 5 of 5, overall 4.5 of 5 stars

Fantastic

This is the perfect book for anyone who is in high school and dealing with their own self identity. The Dumb Jock Series is a series that I have read multiple times and would love to see the other 4 done become available in audio. If you haven't read any of these. They are a must. Each one will have you in tears from both laughter and emotion.

A little idealistic

Though I like these types of stories, and the narrator was good, the story just seemed a little too idealistic and simple in its characters.