What do you think?
Rate this book
Dumb Jock #4
Dumb Jock: The Musical
"Dumb Book Four"
Evan Drake needs to be a role model to his younger brother Brandon, and although he's a star on his high school basketball team, there's more to him than meets the eye. He's interested in many things, including drama and singing, and when he joins drama club, he meets Noah Sheridan, and he's pretty interested in him, too.
Noah is a super smart, cute but nerdy kid who has written a high school play about two gay students who attended Boyne City High twenty years ago, and who, in real life, fell in love with each other. When the drama department elects to use the play for their high school musical, Noah urges Evan to audition for the lead role. Evan ultimately decides he wants to be in the play, but when he shows up to audition, it sends shockwaves throughout the school. His teammates are furious, and so is his best friend Bryan. As Evan and Noah grow closer, Bryan gets more traitorous, and it seems he wants nothing more than to see his former friend broken down.
Evan Drake needs to be a role model to his younger brother Brandon, and although he's a star on his high school basketball team, there's more to him than meets the eye. He's interested in many things, including drama and singing, and when he joins drama club, he meets Noah Sheridan, and he's pretty interested in him, too.
Noah is a super smart, cute but nerdy kid who has written a high school play about two gay students who attended Boyne City High twenty years ago, and who, in real life, fell in love with each other. When the drama department elects to use the play for their high school musical, Noah urges Evan to audition for the lead role. Evan ultimately decides he wants to be in the play, but when he shows up to audition, it sends shockwaves throughout the school. His teammates are furious, and so is his best friend Bryan. As Evan and Noah grow closer, Bryan gets more traitorous, and it seems he wants nothing more than to see his former friend broken down.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2013
9 people are currently reading
204 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 19, 2021
2'75 ⭐
Las ideas que intenta defender el libro, las situaciones que muestra... son realidades que tenemos que trabajar día a día. Sin embargo, creo que le falta profundizar mucho y mejorar la historia entre los protagonistas. Se me ha quedado todo muy justo
Las ideas que intenta defender el libro, las situaciones que muestra... son realidades que tenemos que trabajar día a día. Sin embargo, creo que le falta profundizar mucho y mejorar la historia entre los protagonistas. Se me ha quedado todo muy justo
June 18, 2016
3.5 stars I really enjoyed this. It's a fairly simple story, there's certainly some drama after Evan comes out but no main characters acting like idiots or making hugely stupid decision. They decide what they are feeling, then act based on that and what is right. Albeit with uncertainty and fear at times, but they act nonetheless. I always appreciate that.
I liked the play-within-a-book story arc, even though I haven't read Book #1, Dumb Jock, which the play was based on. It was interesting seeing those characters and having them reappear in this book. Given that that book took place in the 80's and this book is current so that Jeff and Brett (the MC's of Dumb Jock #1) are middle-aged with a family of their own, I'm assuming the author had the whole series planned out somewhat before starting book 1. Which I think shows in the way the stories weave together well, as opposed to feeling forced.
To be honest, I'm not sure if I'll go back and read Dumb Jock #1. I feel I got to know Jeff and Brett pretty well in this book, and I saw a lot of their story through the play. I am intrigued about Adam, their son, and his boyfriend, Trevor. So I will likely check out their book, Another Dumb Jock.
I also appreciated the thorough resolutions. I kept thinking each chapter was the last but was pleasantly surprised when it continued to wrap up not only our hero's story completely, but also to introduce the new one in the epilogue! I'm definitely intrigued by this character and his struggles, I won't spoil who it is!, and will be looking forward to the 5th installment of this series.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
I liked the play-within-a-book story arc, even though I haven't read Book #1, Dumb Jock, which the play was based on. It was interesting seeing those characters and having them reappear in this book. Given that that book took place in the 80's and this book is current so that Jeff and Brett (the MC's of Dumb Jock #1) are middle-aged with a family of their own, I'm assuming the author had the whole series planned out somewhat before starting book 1. Which I think shows in the way the stories weave together well, as opposed to feeling forced.
To be honest, I'm not sure if I'll go back and read Dumb Jock #1. I feel I got to know Jeff and Brett pretty well in this book, and I saw a lot of their story through the play. I am intrigued about Adam, their son, and his boyfriend, Trevor. So I will likely check out their book, Another Dumb Jock.
I also appreciated the thorough resolutions. I kept thinking each chapter was the last but was pleasantly surprised when it continued to wrap up not only our hero's story completely, but also to introduce the new one in the epilogue! I'm definitely intrigued by this character and his struggles, I won't spoil who it is!, and will be looking forward to the 5th installment of this series.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
September 26, 2013
My review
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 15, 2013
To read my full review, please visit http://onsilverwingz.blogspot.com/201...
Evan and Noah both know they are gay. When Noah writes a gay play for the drama club, he looks forward to Evan, the basketball jock, playing the lead role of the jock falling in love with the nerd. Their relationship mirrors the play that is based on Brett and Jeff from the first two books in this series. When Evan auditions for the play, the basketball team, school, and local church turns against Evan, forcing him to choose between basketball and participating in the play.
Noah is shy, gets bullied a lot for being gay, but still finds ways to use his talents to show the world who he is and his sexuality doesn't define him. Even though Evan is a popular and talented basketball jock, he still struggles with labels, his sexuality, and high school cliques. When they meet, they strengthen each other and help each other deal with bullies and other high school drama.
The best thing about this book is the positive ways it shows to combat negativity. When the characters are bullied, sad, depressed, or suicidal, there is also someone that cares and supports. Evan and Noah both tries to stand up for themselves in various ways, but they are reminded that someone cares about them and would stand up for them too. Labels are another central theme in the book. Evan struggles with the label and stereotype of being a jock but his interests are wider than the label. He can sing and he's in the drama club, and that's a whole different clique from the sports team. In the end, labels don't matter and even their sexuality cannot define who these characters are as a person.
Reading this book can remind you of your high school years and connect you with these characters that are struggling to find themselves. This is an emotional read that will leave you with hope and a conviction that the future will hold better things if you believe in yourself and don't give up.
Evan and Noah both know they are gay. When Noah writes a gay play for the drama club, he looks forward to Evan, the basketball jock, playing the lead role of the jock falling in love with the nerd. Their relationship mirrors the play that is based on Brett and Jeff from the first two books in this series. When Evan auditions for the play, the basketball team, school, and local church turns against Evan, forcing him to choose between basketball and participating in the play.
Noah is shy, gets bullied a lot for being gay, but still finds ways to use his talents to show the world who he is and his sexuality doesn't define him. Even though Evan is a popular and talented basketball jock, he still struggles with labels, his sexuality, and high school cliques. When they meet, they strengthen each other and help each other deal with bullies and other high school drama.
The best thing about this book is the positive ways it shows to combat negativity. When the characters are bullied, sad, depressed, or suicidal, there is also someone that cares and supports. Evan and Noah both tries to stand up for themselves in various ways, but they are reminded that someone cares about them and would stand up for them too. Labels are another central theme in the book. Evan struggles with the label and stereotype of being a jock but his interests are wider than the label. He can sing and he's in the drama club, and that's a whole different clique from the sports team. In the end, labels don't matter and even their sexuality cannot define who these characters are as a person.
Reading this book can remind you of your high school years and connect you with these characters that are struggling to find themselves. This is an emotional read that will leave you with hope and a conviction that the future will hold better things if you believe in yourself and don't give up.
September 18, 2013
Though Erno is a gifted writer and his dialogue is humorous and believable, this particular novel didn’t ring as true to me as the first and second additions to this series. Whilst I fell in love with Jeff and Brett and the family and friends they gathered, Dumb Jock: The Musical left a little to be desired.
You can read the rest of BJ's review at The Novel Approach
You can read the rest of BJ's review at The Novel Approach
September 25, 2013
This latest installment in the dumb jock series had less personal angst and more public anti gay conflict. I liked that the coming out came in the beginning. I was a twist to the first dumb jock book. I hope this is not the end of this series. I quite enjoyed it. I ran the gamut of emotions with the series. There were times I was so angry, I was in danger of throwing my reader. I cried like my mother had died. Don't let this be the end.
November 8, 2013
Erno keeps reworking Dumb Jock, but in this version, the story gets diluted and doesn't have the impact the original Dumb Jock did. This is just a shadow and not a very compelling one, unfortunately. It's more preachy and not as hard-hitting, but most of those who read the book already know that being gay isn't a sin or a crime, which means preaching isn't necessary.
October 8, 2013
Decent, but having read the rest of his novels, I know he can write better. This was way too flat and predictable.
January 16, 2019
It was a very enjoyable reading. Very sweet but not sappy. Loved it very much.
September 23, 2013
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
Dumb Jock: The Musical took me by surprise. I was ready to have another meltdown like I had when reading Dumb Jock (Dumb Jock #1) especially when I had to read about the deaths going on in that story. What we get instead is an unusually light read for a Dumb Jock book!
First, let me say that although this is book 4 of the series, this can be read all by its lone self. The backstories were well penned in by the author and any reader who has not read any of the books prior to this will never get lost. Those who have not read the previous book and liked or loved this one, they have a different feel to them, more serious, but also more romantic. This book is a light read, as I have said, but it is not lacking the wit nor the insights of the author. Curious yet? Pick up the series and give them a go, no regrets to reading great books.
In this one, Noah Sheridan writes a musical play with Evan Drake in mind for the lead role. He had always admired him from afar all the while thinking the guy of his dreams was straight. Evan is a good guy, raised by a loving, sweet, but head-sitting-squarely-on-her-shoulders kind of mom. He is also responsible for his younger brother while his mother works late. Apparently, Evan had always admired Noah's abilities as an individual, also from afar. When the two finally get the chance to get to know each other, they manage to create a furor over in the school. Evans decision to so openly out himself was just one event that led to what could have been a disaster, if not for a support group he never thought he'd have.
On the side, we have Bryan, Evan's best friend since way high. From the start of this story, Evan has serious doubts about his friend's sexuality but as his gaydar is practically absent, he says nothing. His coming out to the whole school and the community triggers a traitorous response from the one person he trusted most other than his mother and a domino effect is triggered resulting to some community drama involving the usual bigotry and anarchy.
With this kind of blurb and my insight to the story, you may wonder why I am saying this is a light read? Well, it IS a light read, and reading through this sent me to giggle and teen-age land - a somewhat similar response I usually get when I get tickled seeing Kurt and Blaine of Glee kiss, makeout or just go googly eyes each other - so yeah, teenage dreams here people. The scenes of the play acted out on this book was literally lifted from the first book. However, reading the first book never got me to giggling fits as that book had a very serious air to it. This, being a musical of sorts, shifted the story from seriousness to gleeness. So, every single time Evan and Noah acted the parts made so famous by the original Brett and Jeff, I had the giggle fits, grinning like a stupid Gleek. The song Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore, as sung by the late Cory Montieth, just kept popping into my head and I have to confess that Evan sort of reminded me of that late actor - sans the drugs and alcohol (sigh of complete relief!).
This may be a Dumb Jock book, but obviously for all of us fans to the series, there is nothing dumb or stupid about any of the characters or the plots. This particular installment is the lightest of the four and it also is, for me, the most romantic.
Dumb Jock: The Musical took me by surprise. I was ready to have another meltdown like I had when reading Dumb Jock (Dumb Jock #1) especially when I had to read about the deaths going on in that story. What we get instead is an unusually light read for a Dumb Jock book!
First, let me say that although this is book 4 of the series, this can be read all by its lone self. The backstories were well penned in by the author and any reader who has not read any of the books prior to this will never get lost. Those who have not read the previous book and liked or loved this one, they have a different feel to them, more serious, but also more romantic. This book is a light read, as I have said, but it is not lacking the wit nor the insights of the author. Curious yet? Pick up the series and give them a go, no regrets to reading great books.
In this one, Noah Sheridan writes a musical play with Evan Drake in mind for the lead role. He had always admired him from afar all the while thinking the guy of his dreams was straight. Evan is a good guy, raised by a loving, sweet, but head-sitting-squarely-on-her-shoulders kind of mom. He is also responsible for his younger brother while his mother works late. Apparently, Evan had always admired Noah's abilities as an individual, also from afar. When the two finally get the chance to get to know each other, they manage to create a furor over in the school. Evans decision to so openly out himself was just one event that led to what could have been a disaster, if not for a support group he never thought he'd have.
On the side, we have Bryan, Evan's best friend since way high. From the start of this story, Evan has serious doubts about his friend's sexuality but as his gaydar is practically absent, he says nothing. His coming out to the whole school and the community triggers a traitorous response from the one person he trusted most other than his mother and a domino effect is triggered resulting to some community drama involving the usual bigotry and anarchy.
With this kind of blurb and my insight to the story, you may wonder why I am saying this is a light read? Well, it IS a light read, and reading through this sent me to giggle and teen-age land - a somewhat similar response I usually get when I get tickled seeing Kurt and Blaine of Glee kiss, makeout or just go googly eyes each other - so yeah, teenage dreams here people. The scenes of the play acted out on this book was literally lifted from the first book. However, reading the first book never got me to giggling fits as that book had a very serious air to it. This, being a musical of sorts, shifted the story from seriousness to gleeness. So, every single time Evan and Noah acted the parts made so famous by the original Brett and Jeff, I had the giggle fits, grinning like a stupid Gleek. The song Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore, as sung by the late Cory Montieth, just kept popping into my head and I have to confess that Evan sort of reminded me of that late actor - sans the drugs and alcohol (sigh of complete relief!).
This may be a Dumb Jock book, but obviously for all of us fans to the series, there is nothing dumb or stupid about any of the characters or the plots. This particular installment is the lightest of the four and it also is, for me, the most romantic.
October 3, 2013
Evan and Noah know each other from school, but they’ve never been friends per say. That all changes when Evan tries out for the lead in the school play. Noah has done his research and written a play based on the story of two former Boyne City High students and the prejudice they had to endure when they came out as gay. Noah would love for the object of his obsession to play the lead, Evan. But Evan is not so sure he wants to play the role of a gay jock.
The more time Evan spends with Noah he comes to realize he wants to be more than friends. When he’s pushed to the limits by his best friend and fellow teammate, Bryan, Evan comes out. What he hoped would be a positive affirmation is quickly turned into an all out witch hunt by his supposed teammate. An ultimatum is issued. Evan can be in the school play and have Noah for his boyfriend, but he has to quit the basketball team.
Evan not only has to deal with the pressure of being a gay high school student, but he has to deal with bigots and a best friend that is now his worst enemy, and will stop at nothing to destroy him. When everything comes to a head, Evan will learn that the love of his family, friendship and tolerance run deeper than he initially thought. And the bond he’s formed with Noah only strengthens his resolve and their love for another.
I have not read the other books in this series, but I didn’t feel like I was missing something by not having read them. I loved that Evan was an all around great guy from the start, even defending Noah before they became friends because it was right, and Bryan was wrong. Evan came out early on in the book so there was not any of that back and forth angst with that aspect of the story, in fact, there wasn’t much angst in this book at all. It was just a well written, gay take on high school musical.
And the boys mothers, oh my god, hysterical! Noah has always known he was gay and his parents are very accepting. Evan only recently admitted he was gay not only to himself, but his friends and family. His mother and brother are less worried about his sexuality and more worried about the assholes at school trying to kick him off the basketball team for being true to himself. These were a couple of very passionate women and that passion was evident within the story.
What I loved most about this book was that for every negative, there was a positive. Erno dealt with some dark issues. Homophobia, bullying and suicide by leveling that playing field with love, support, understanding and compassion. There weren’t any naughty bits per say, but there was definitely some heavy petting. Evan and Noah were absolutely adorable! If you are a fan of Glee and High School Musical, I think you’ll really enjoy this book.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews *
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
The more time Evan spends with Noah he comes to realize he wants to be more than friends. When he’s pushed to the limits by his best friend and fellow teammate, Bryan, Evan comes out. What he hoped would be a positive affirmation is quickly turned into an all out witch hunt by his supposed teammate. An ultimatum is issued. Evan can be in the school play and have Noah for his boyfriend, but he has to quit the basketball team.
Evan not only has to deal with the pressure of being a gay high school student, but he has to deal with bigots and a best friend that is now his worst enemy, and will stop at nothing to destroy him. When everything comes to a head, Evan will learn that the love of his family, friendship and tolerance run deeper than he initially thought. And the bond he’s formed with Noah only strengthens his resolve and their love for another.
I have not read the other books in this series, but I didn’t feel like I was missing something by not having read them. I loved that Evan was an all around great guy from the start, even defending Noah before they became friends because it was right, and Bryan was wrong. Evan came out early on in the book so there was not any of that back and forth angst with that aspect of the story, in fact, there wasn’t much angst in this book at all. It was just a well written, gay take on high school musical.
And the boys mothers, oh my god, hysterical! Noah has always known he was gay and his parents are very accepting. Evan only recently admitted he was gay not only to himself, but his friends and family. His mother and brother are less worried about his sexuality and more worried about the assholes at school trying to kick him off the basketball team for being true to himself. These were a couple of very passionate women and that passion was evident within the story.
What I loved most about this book was that for every negative, there was a positive. Erno dealt with some dark issues. Homophobia, bullying and suicide by leveling that playing field with love, support, understanding and compassion. There weren’t any naughty bits per say, but there was definitely some heavy petting. Evan and Noah were absolutely adorable! If you are a fan of Glee and High School Musical, I think you’ll really enjoy this book.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews *
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
August 2, 2014
Jeff & Brett Redux...25 Years Later
Another sweet romance in the Dumb Jocks mould, this time revisiting the premise of the entire series, that of the 1980s high school love affair of Jeff and Brett which is now being turned into a high school musical by Noah, a Jeff "clone," more than 25 years later in the town where it all began. The Brett counterpart is Evan, basketball player par excellence, who gets wound up in the plot and embellishes it via a protective, and loving, relationship that he and Noah develop.
Sweet scenes, sometimes nasty scenes, redemptive scenes and downright stick-it-to-the-bigots scenes--all hallmarks of this series, bring a smile to the face, a churn in the belly, and a flutter to the heart. Nicely done and beautifully written.
Another sweet romance in the Dumb Jocks mould, this time revisiting the premise of the entire series, that of the 1980s high school love affair of Jeff and Brett which is now being turned into a high school musical by Noah, a Jeff "clone," more than 25 years later in the town where it all began. The Brett counterpart is Evan, basketball player par excellence, who gets wound up in the plot and embellishes it via a protective, and loving, relationship that he and Noah develop.
Sweet scenes, sometimes nasty scenes, redemptive scenes and downright stick-it-to-the-bigots scenes--all hallmarks of this series, bring a smile to the face, a churn in the belly, and a flutter to the heart. Nicely done and beautifully written.
March 21, 2014
I have a thing for Jeff Erno because when I used to write on Nifty way back in the day as Virtual Insanity, he was there posting Puppy Love. And nobody was really writing anything like that with the same level of emotion and aplomb that he was. I guess reading it back then, you could feel the emotion behind the character's actions and knew it wasn't just about getting off.
All that being said to say, Dumb Jock is a great series, Jeff is constantly growing as a writer and this was a great, fluffy, slightly angsty read. It was nice to see things come full circle for all of the characters in this series.
All that being said to say, Dumb Jock is a great series, Jeff is constantly growing as a writer and this was a great, fluffy, slightly angsty read. It was nice to see things come full circle for all of the characters in this series.
February 26, 2016
I'll admit first that this is the only book I've read in the series and I probably won't read the others but I loved this one. I brought it because I was looking for a jock/artistic m/m romance similar to my favorite non-canon pairing in a tv show and this one was perfect for that.
This book was funny but it had it's sweet moments. Seeing the wedding at the end did seem a bit much but I'm glad Evan and Noah got their happy ending. All the characters were interesting and I did like that Evan came out so early on and how he did it.
Would recommend.
This book was funny but it had it's sweet moments. Seeing the wedding at the end did seem a bit much but I'm glad Evan and Noah got their happy ending. All the characters were interesting and I did like that Evan came out so early on and how he did it.
Would recommend.
September 2, 2016
It was an easy read. Predictable. Touched on a few major issues like suicide, but that almost seemed like an afterthought...almost. I wish it would have elaborated more on the supporting characters like Linda and Alex. But still a nice story...good for a young reader.
January 22, 2014
A great and fitting end to the Dumb Jock series. Not spectacular, but good enough.
January 10, 2014
Loved the way Jeff used the characters from the other three stories. Another beautiful 5 stars story/romance.
October 3, 2013
Another great book in this series!!
February 3, 2014
Wet my appetite for the next one great just brilliant
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews