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Dumb Jock #3
Appearances Matter
Todd Hoffman, age sixteen, doesn't have an easy life. Not only does he live with his alcoholic mother in a rundown mobile home, but he's also a bit of a social outcast at school. He doesn't have the nice clothing, shoes, and car the other students have. He has only one really close friend, Shannon, but even she doesn't understand him completely. He knows he can never confide in her his deepest secret. He can't tell anyone, not even his favorite teacher.
But Todd finds a way to express his feelings when he learns about fan fiction. Being a gifted writer, Todd begins to write stories--gay stories--about another boy he's secretly crushing on. He posts the stories on a fan fiction website.
When the object of Todd's affection one day notices him and asks him out, Todd feels like he is suddenly living a dream, that his literary fantasy is becoming real. Soon, however, he realizes that reality and fantasy are two different things, and he has to determine if Galen, the high school soccer team captain, is the boy of his dreams or just another dumb jock.
This is book three of the Dumb Jock series, and the story is linked to the previous books by featuring several common characters. Jeff and Brett are present as are Adam and Trevor. Book three is a continuation of the first two installments, but also serves as a standalone read.
But Todd finds a way to express his feelings when he learns about fan fiction. Being a gifted writer, Todd begins to write stories--gay stories--about another boy he's secretly crushing on. He posts the stories on a fan fiction website.
When the object of Todd's affection one day notices him and asks him out, Todd feels like he is suddenly living a dream, that his literary fantasy is becoming real. Soon, however, he realizes that reality and fantasy are two different things, and he has to determine if Galen, the high school soccer team captain, is the boy of his dreams or just another dumb jock.
This is book three of the Dumb Jock series, and the story is linked to the previous books by featuring several common characters. Jeff and Brett are present as are Adam and Trevor. Book three is a continuation of the first two installments, but also serves as a standalone read.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2012
11 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Erno
71 books643 followersJeff Erno currently lives in southern Michigan. He holds a bachelor's degree in business management and human resources. Jeff began writing stories in the late 1990's and initially posted them to a free online amateur website. The positive feedback he received from readers encouraged him to continue, and this eventually led to the publication of his first novel, Dumb Jock. Erno has subsequently published several other novels.
His greatest passion in life is writing, and he hopes to be able to continue sharing his work with readers worldwide.
His greatest passion in life is writing, and he hopes to be able to continue sharing his work with readers worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 4, 2022
Adoro a série de livros Dumb Jock! São sempre histórias com adolescentes Nerds X Atletas. Os 3 livros tiveram casais muito fofos, não tem enredo super impactante, mas é gostoso de ler 🤩
November 12, 2012
I love a good nerd/jock novel. I find them fresh and interesting even though some people claim that they have been retold a hundred times. But have they? If you go looking for them, you could only come across one or two. So, when Jeff Erno came out with the third installment of the Dumb Jock series, I had to read it.
The story starts with Todd Hoffman. He has had a pretty rough life since his mom is an alcoholic and they basically live in a trailer park. He is an outcast of life who finds comfort in writing gay fan fiction. His life completely changes after he wins an essay contest at school and his secret crush, Galen Caulfield, notices him and asks him. Galen is the local high school soccer team captain and heart robe. Sparks fly and soon, they find themselves madly in love with each other. But, things are not perfect since their relationship is forbidden by several factors. You have to read this story to find out what they are.
I loved the fact that several previous characters of the series are featured and are linked perfectly well. The one think that I didn’t like was the ending. It was just too sudden. I was expecting a few more chapters, but that left me wanting to read part two of this tale. Overall, Dumb Jock 3: Appearances Matter was an amazing read. I highly recommend this novel to everyone who has read the previous book in the series and for those who enjoy a good nerd/jock theme novel.
The story starts with Todd Hoffman. He has had a pretty rough life since his mom is an alcoholic and they basically live in a trailer park. He is an outcast of life who finds comfort in writing gay fan fiction. His life completely changes after he wins an essay contest at school and his secret crush, Galen Caulfield, notices him and asks him. Galen is the local high school soccer team captain and heart robe. Sparks fly and soon, they find themselves madly in love with each other. But, things are not perfect since their relationship is forbidden by several factors. You have to read this story to find out what they are.
I loved the fact that several previous characters of the series are featured and are linked perfectly well. The one think that I didn’t like was the ending. It was just too sudden. I was expecting a few more chapters, but that left me wanting to read part two of this tale. Overall, Dumb Jock 3: Appearances Matter was an amazing read. I highly recommend this novel to everyone who has read the previous book in the series and for those who enjoy a good nerd/jock theme novel.
February 6, 2017
2.5 stars rounded up to 3!
Well, I’m not entirely sure how to feel about Appearances Matter, the third installment in the Dumb Jock series by Jeff Erno. Once I got used to Erno’s writing style, I really enjoyed the story about Jeff and Brett. The second installment has already been a little repetitive in style, but it had the father – son elements between Jeff/Brett and their son Adam making it quite interesting.
Unfortunately, Appearances Matter is once again very similar. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the story in itself, but it was rather easy to see things coming after having read the first to books in the series. The main characters were also a little flat and I just didn’t care about them that much. It was still an okay story and I’m therefore rounding up the 2.5 star rating. I might still go for the other parts of the series in order to not leave in unfinished, but I really hope that we will get a slightly different setting and better character development in the next one.
Well, I’m not entirely sure how to feel about Appearances Matter, the third installment in the Dumb Jock series by Jeff Erno. Once I got used to Erno’s writing style, I really enjoyed the story about Jeff and Brett. The second installment has already been a little repetitive in style, but it had the father – son elements between Jeff/Brett and their son Adam making it quite interesting.
Unfortunately, Appearances Matter is once again very similar. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the story in itself, but it was rather easy to see things coming after having read the first to books in the series. The main characters were also a little flat and I just didn’t care about them that much. It was still an okay story and I’m therefore rounding up the 2.5 star rating. I might still go for the other parts of the series in order to not leave in unfinished, but I really hope that we will get a slightly different setting and better character development in the next one.
September 5, 2013
My review of Appearances Matter.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 4, 2012
Seemed too easy. Nice read but the ending was no where close to reality.
August 30, 2012
I love this book.
June 23, 2025
Okay, so I'm a big fan of the series — I devoured the first book, and it hit hard, especially that hospital scene. The second book was terrific too. With the narration shifting to the jock, we got to see Brett and Jeff as loving parents, and the father-son dynamic instantly pulled me in. I was able to overlook the somewhat repetitive structure: boy meets jock, they fall in love, everything seems fine, sudden tragedy, hospital scenes, happy ending.
The third installment, however, fell a bit flat for me. The main character, Todd, lacked the spark that made Adam so engaging in book two. What made Another Dumb Jock shine was not only Adam’s development through his relationship with his father, but also Trevor’s big, sassy personality.
Todd started off promising, especially with the glimpse into his troubled family background and that well-written essay — classic Jeff Erno, with emotional depth and a solid narrative voice. But from chapter three onward, when the romance took center stage, the story slipped back into the familiar formula. Honestly, I found myself thinking, “Maybe I’m reading these too fast?” It started to feel repetitive.
Also, while I initially loved seeing Jeff Irwin reappear (his introduction in the first two chapters was terrific), by the end, the whole perfect-parent setup felt too familiar. As for Todd’s family drama — it started strong but ended up feeling underdeveloped. I was sure it would serve as the main tragedy of this book, but instead, we got a sudden, unexpected gay hit-and-run plot twist. It came out of nowhere, and like his mother’s alcoholism, it was resolved far too quickly, without much emotional payoff.
So all in all, book three felt a bit flat. I'm starting to grow tired of the recurring narrative structure, but I still recommend the series and Jeff Erno’s work in general. His writing style is sweet and unique, and he knows how to hit emotional beats — even when the story arc repeats. I’ve already got the next book downloaded, but I think I’ll take a break for a day or two and read something else first.
The third installment, however, fell a bit flat for me. The main character, Todd, lacked the spark that made Adam so engaging in book two. What made Another Dumb Jock shine was not only Adam’s development through his relationship with his father, but also Trevor’s big, sassy personality.
Todd started off promising, especially with the glimpse into his troubled family background and that well-written essay — classic Jeff Erno, with emotional depth and a solid narrative voice. But from chapter three onward, when the romance took center stage, the story slipped back into the familiar formula. Honestly, I found myself thinking, “Maybe I’m reading these too fast?” It started to feel repetitive.
Also, while I initially loved seeing Jeff Irwin reappear (his introduction in the first two chapters was terrific), by the end, the whole perfect-parent setup felt too familiar. As for Todd’s family drama — it started strong but ended up feeling underdeveloped. I was sure it would serve as the main tragedy of this book, but instead, we got a sudden, unexpected gay hit-and-run plot twist. It came out of nowhere, and like his mother’s alcoholism, it was resolved far too quickly, without much emotional payoff.
So all in all, book three felt a bit flat. I'm starting to grow tired of the recurring narrative structure, but I still recommend the series and Jeff Erno’s work in general. His writing style is sweet and unique, and he knows how to hit emotional beats — even when the story arc repeats. I’ve already got the next book downloaded, but I think I’ll take a break for a day or two and read something else first.
April 30, 2014
Using a much used formula, this novel for the YA audience began quite well. The first person narrative held my attention during the initial part, which was Todd Howard's moment of glory. He was receiving recognition for his writing talents that were encouraged by his English teacher.
As he delivers his essay to the entire school, I felt elated that such an honest and forthright young man could see beyond the labels that were so indiscriminately used to hurt his fellow students.
His passion is conveyed to the students and one in particular. For a long time, Todd has been crushing on a jock, an utterly unattainable one, or so he thinks. But that is about to change. When Galin Caulfield, the golden haired son of a U. S. Senator professes his mutual attraction to the average looking Todd, it appears that his dreams have come true.
Unfortunately, what follows as their initial attraction blossoms into real love, the story becomes formulaic, stagnating in a host of previously used events and the storyline begins to fall apart. Use of manipulative scenes, alcoholic mother, fear of exposure, unrealistic acceptance of homosexuality by fellow students and team mates, a quick finale that slips in gay bashing by a friend that is never explained makes for just an average, easy read.
There's just not enough going on here to really make this story rise above the rest of the myriad of other average coming out stories.
As he delivers his essay to the entire school, I felt elated that such an honest and forthright young man could see beyond the labels that were so indiscriminately used to hurt his fellow students.
His passion is conveyed to the students and one in particular. For a long time, Todd has been crushing on a jock, an utterly unattainable one, or so he thinks. But that is about to change. When Galin Caulfield, the golden haired son of a U. S. Senator professes his mutual attraction to the average looking Todd, it appears that his dreams have come true.
Unfortunately, what follows as their initial attraction blossoms into real love, the story becomes formulaic, stagnating in a host of previously used events and the storyline begins to fall apart. Use of manipulative scenes, alcoholic mother, fear of exposure, unrealistic acceptance of homosexuality by fellow students and team mates, a quick finale that slips in gay bashing by a friend that is never explained makes for just an average, easy read.
There's just not enough going on here to really make this story rise above the rest of the myriad of other average coming out stories.
June 2, 2013
This was a good and fairly average M/M coming of age romance. I have enjoyed books by Jeff Erno previously, and this was shaping up to be no exception. But then I got to the end.
Number one, the scene with the President, and the bill passing so fast was unrealistic.
Number two, you really didn't get resolution about Yvonne and why she did what she did. Was she jealous? Was she just a jerk? You don't really find out. Sure she spoke to the media, but that didn't tell me anything.
Number three. The thanksgiving scene. I cannot tell you how much I felt like hurling the book across the room. It simply made me gag. Too much sweetness, what with everybody giving speeches on what they were thankful for. How every single good character just shows up.
Look, I know that a romance needs a HEA. That really refers to the main protagonists. Not every single character needs to have their lives turn out perfectly.
However, I still enjoyed the rest of it and I will not let this one book stand in the way of how I view the author in general.
Number one, the scene with the President, and the bill passing so fast was unrealistic.
Number two, you really didn't get resolution about Yvonne and why she did what she did. Was she jealous? Was she just a jerk? You don't really find out. Sure she spoke to the media, but that didn't tell me anything.
Number three. The thanksgiving scene. I cannot tell you how much I felt like hurling the book across the room. It simply made me gag. Too much sweetness, what with everybody giving speeches on what they were thankful for. How every single good character just shows up.
Look, I know that a romance needs a HEA. That really refers to the main protagonists. Not every single character needs to have their lives turn out perfectly.
However, I still enjoyed the rest of it and I will not let this one book stand in the way of how I view the author in general.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2016
Another great installment in the Dumb Jock series. Yet another sweet and romantic story. Jeff Erno uses the same formula he's used with the two previous books, and why change it if it ain't broke right?
I agree with others that the ending was a bit too good, too fast. Almost truly unrealistic. But hey, its fiction, so anything goes. If you can overlook that sentiment, then this is just another amazing book.
If I had to rank the books in the series so far, this one would probably be last. However, I still loved this book and love the series even more. Can't wait to read the sequel.
I agree with others that the ending was a bit too good, too fast. Almost truly unrealistic. But hey, its fiction, so anything goes. If you can overlook that sentiment, then this is just another amazing book.
If I had to rank the books in the series so far, this one would probably be last. However, I still loved this book and love the series even more. Can't wait to read the sequel.
August 10, 2016
3.5*
I'm a sucker for jock (popular kid)/ "nerd" (please let me disappear into the background kid) stories. This was a fun read (insta-love), though I hate how the mothers in these stories all have like crazy issues. Jeepers. I do like how Brett and Jeff show up. *Happy dance*
I was left with things that made me go hmmm...
I'm a sucker for jock (popular kid)/ "nerd" (please let me disappear into the background kid) stories. This was a fun read (insta-love), though I hate how the mothers in these stories all have like crazy issues. Jeepers. I do like how Brett and Jeff show up. *Happy dance*
I was left with things that made me go hmmm...
February 1, 2014
D'ya know, this book followed the same jock, tutor, coming out, tragedy formula of the others in the series, but really I didn't care. They were sweet books with a great message for ... I was going to say teens but really it's for everyone ... about how it's okay to be yourself, it might not always be easy but if people don't like you for you then it's their problem, not yours. I enjoyed these books, a lot.
April 11, 2015
Boy meets boy, time passes, then boy and boy fall in love. Good things happen, then some bad things, but love prevails.
It seems like a simple recipe, but Jeff Erno is able to make it romantic, fun and keep you wanting more. It's a very enjoyable book that made me happy that I found it and read it. (I actually devoured it over two days, and was sorry work and other matters kept me from reading it in one "sitting".)
I recommend it.
It seems like a simple recipe, but Jeff Erno is able to make it romantic, fun and keep you wanting more. It's a very enjoyable book that made me happy that I found it and read it. (I actually devoured it over two days, and was sorry work and other matters kept me from reading it in one "sitting".)
I recommend it.
January 20, 2014
Another great book by what is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. However, this book leaves me with some questions. How did they get the law pushed through so fast? What happened to the people that didn't like the relationship?
All in all, a great addition to the series. I hope there will be more in this series.
All in all, a great addition to the series. I hope there will be more in this series.
December 15, 2016
I really enjoyed Appearances Matter, which they actually do, as many of the characters find out. The concept of this series is a good one, and an often true one - high school jock and high school "nerd" fall for one another and must deal with secrecy or turbulence. Or both, in that order. The author knows his turf and has created a good series of books that appeal to gay coming of age fans.
August 27, 2012
4.5 stars. I am so happy that we got another look at all these awesome guys again! Now I am going to be looking for another one in the future since I didn't expect this one at all. I loved seeing all the boys again, and I loved Todd and Galen!!
June 20, 2013
The Conclusion Of This Book Series Was Great I Loved It I Absolutely Loved This Series(I Do Hope More Books Come Out For This Series)It Was Great,Loved How The Main Characters In The First Book Appeared In The Second And Third Book I Will Gladly Re-Read This Series In The Future.
August 14, 2013
I have only read the second book and now this one. Frankly it was not as good as the second one. Probably because the theme is similar. Nonetheless it was ok and if another get done am sure l will read that too.
August 8, 2013
I liked this one as much as both previous books. It was amazing to meet everyone from other books again. Hope there will be another sequel.
September 28, 2012
A satisfying read from a wonderful series!
January 28, 2013
This was a series that was great from start to finish. I'm sad it's done. I absolutely loved this entire series!! JEFF ERNO ROCKS!!!
September 8, 2013
A little too fast was the romantic development for my taste. But I always have to remember that kids do fall fast. A good story over all. It made me look into the author's other books.
October 28, 2013
Poorly written and one dimensional. For more, see Booklikes: http://katiebabs.booklikes.com/post/6...
January 30, 2014
Awwwss, cute, touching, everybody from book 1 and 2 were in it... Loved it!!
September 21, 2014
Very unrealistic, but I like it.
January 10, 2014
Jeff Erno is becoming one of my favorites authors. Love this stories.
February 3, 2014
Great read, went through this whole series extremely quickly
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews