The Jock

03 · Reader evidence

What the evidence says

What readers repeatedly liked

• Likable Lead. Reader was utterly captivated by both Wes and Justin; Wes described as a teddy bear and Justin as fierce and strong; Reader praises that characters in the book are not afraid to show emotions. Supported by 2 sources (source 10594, source 10602).
• Satisfying Ending. Described as a positively beautiful story that left the reader floating on a cloud of feels and hope; The HEA in The Jock felt more satisfying than in The Quarterback. Supported by 2 sources (source 10594, source 10595).
• Strong Plot. The pressure placed on Wes is praised as an accurate depiction that made the reader’s heart ache; Reader describes The Jock as a solid read; Reader lists The Jock among Tal Bauer books they loved. Supported by 2 sources (source 10594, source 10602).
• Emotional. The trials and tribulations of the relationship put the reader’s heart through the ringer; Reader loved the intense angst of Wes being beaten down by internalized homophobia, depression, forced outing, and a roadside beating; The angst in The Jock felt more real compared to The Quarterback. Supported by 2 sources (source 10594, source 10595).

What readers repeatedly flagged

• Weak Prose. Writing feels too wordy at times, making the reader want to skip ahead to dialogue and action; The book felt like it was written by someone else and the reader could not muster any enthusiasm for it; Reader criticizes the book for including untranslated French text starting in Paris, which was frustrating to read. Supported by 3 sources (source 10594, source 10595, source 10602).

Where reader reactions differ

The current sources did not support a recurring split that could be reported confidently.

Individual observations

• Character Growth. The romance is praised for characters building each other up into better versions of themselves.
• Complex Characters. Reader who has read The Jock many times defends Justin’s behavior as understandable given his parents’ rejection, his mother’s hatred, their divorce, and the fragile family dynamic.
• Flat Characters. Justin is poorly written with no friends or life outside the relationship despite being an openly gay dancer.
• Unlikable Lead. Justin is described as whiny and annoying by multiple readers; Justin’s characterization in the sequel almost ruined the first book for the reader.
• Explicit Comparison. Reader vastly preferred The Jock over The Quarterback; Reader loved both books but preferred The Jock, rating it 5 stars versus 4.5 for The Quarterback.
• Strong Prose. The Swan Lake ballet reference is beautifully interwoven as a motif for Wes’s love, with the recurring line about white swans mating for life causing swooning.
• Emotional Intimacy. Wes’s love is described as having endless depths, more than enough despite him not having much.
• Found Family. Secondary characters are adored, especially Justin’s dad Nick who mended his relationship with Justin and championed the couple, plus endearing team moments.
• Strong Chemistry. Reader loved Wes and Justin together and was captivated by their pairing.
• Hopeful. The story left the reader floating on a cloud of feels and hope.

Reader sources

1. reschreads.com – Independent review
2. Reddit discussion
3. Reddit discussion