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After the Bell
Some lessons begin after the bell rings…
Kennedy Voss thought she’d buried her chance at love when she buried her husband. A devoted principal in the small town of Harvest Hills at Sweet Pea Academy, she’s spent the last two years building walls around her heart while pouring everything into her students. Love was something for her past—until Griff Banks walked into her life...again.
Griff Banks never planned on small-town life, but the assistant principal job in Harvest Hills is the fresh start he needs. Focused on his career and finding his footing, love wasn’t on his agenda—until Kennedy Voss. Strong, beautiful, and off-limits, she stirs something in him he can’t ignore. And when his heart begins to reach for hers, he realizes he’s not just falling for Kennedy…he’s falling for the family she’s built too.
Set against the heart of a small town, After the Bell is a soulful Black romance about resilience, unexpected love, and the courage to open your heart again. With a strong heroine, a steadfast hero, and a love that feels like home, this story promises a happily-ever-after worth believing in.
Perfect for readers who
✔️ Workplace romance
✔️ Small-town southern charm
✔️ Strong Black heroines
✔️ Stepdad & family-centered love stories
✔️ Emotional second-chance romance with a happy ending
If you believe love can find you when you least expect it, you’ll fall for Kennedy and Griff’s story in After the Bell.
Kennedy Voss thought she’d buried her chance at love when she buried her husband. A devoted principal in the small town of Harvest Hills at Sweet Pea Academy, she’s spent the last two years building walls around her heart while pouring everything into her students. Love was something for her past—until Griff Banks walked into her life...again.
Griff Banks never planned on small-town life, but the assistant principal job in Harvest Hills is the fresh start he needs. Focused on his career and finding his footing, love wasn’t on his agenda—until Kennedy Voss. Strong, beautiful, and off-limits, she stirs something in him he can’t ignore. And when his heart begins to reach for hers, he realizes he’s not just falling for Kennedy…he’s falling for the family she’s built too.
Set against the heart of a small town, After the Bell is a soulful Black romance about resilience, unexpected love, and the courage to open your heart again. With a strong heroine, a steadfast hero, and a love that feels like home, this story promises a happily-ever-after worth believing in.
Perfect for readers who
✔️ Workplace romance
✔️ Small-town southern charm
✔️ Strong Black heroines
✔️ Stepdad & family-centered love stories
✔️ Emotional second-chance romance with a happy ending
If you believe love can find you when you least expect it, you’ll fall for Kennedy and Griff’s story in After the Bell.
- GenresRomance
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 12, 2025
Loved this soo much!!
September 1, 2025
🥰
4.5✨After the Bell was a solid debut! It’s short, but held my attention from beginning to end. I’m a sucker for characters who are struggling to accept love and help, and Dr. Kennedy Voss was the poster child for suffering in silence. A widow, single mother, school Principal, and all around independent woman who kept everything together, until she no longer could. But fret not, Dr. Griff Banks was there to peel back those layers and repair the broken parts. It was truly the pressure for me! I enjoyed this book; the dialogue, tension, and close proximity, was done well. I cannot wait to see what is next.
4.5✨After the Bell was a solid debut! It’s short, but held my attention from beginning to end. I’m a sucker for characters who are struggling to accept love and help, and Dr. Kennedy Voss was the poster child for suffering in silence. A widow, single mother, school Principal, and all around independent woman who kept everything together, until she no longer could. But fret not, Dr. Griff Banks was there to peel back those layers and repair the broken parts. It was truly the pressure for me! I enjoyed this book; the dialogue, tension, and close proximity, was done well. I cannot wait to see what is next.
September 15, 2025
2.5-2.75 ⭐️ the epilogue was my favorite part. I love the thought process behind the story I just don’t think it was executed to its full potential. For this to be author’s debut project it was pretty good. I know with time and nurturing her craft it will only get better.
May 25, 2026
Was this written by AI???
The book had an overly poetic writing style with too much use of similes that’s typical of AI. Examples:
“It wasn’t judgment. It was fatigue layered in concern.”
“Not empty—just taut.”
“not pressing, just present.”
“not challenging, not teasing, just… attentive.”
“And in the way he said it—not like pity, not like advice. Like belief.”
“and the smell of cereal somehow less ordinary and more like a nudge from life itself.”
Sudden change in writing tone with the school sex scene. That’s the only part that felt like it was written by a person.
There were mistakes that also make it seem like it wasn’t written and edited by a person:
Two of the FMCs sisters written to have the same husband “Marcus”
Similarly, one twin daughter had a dream about the deceased father and a page later, it said it was the other daughter
We get no explanation for the implied bad history with them. Like a fake attempt at an enemies to lovers trope.
The epilogue made no sense and did not align with the storyline of the other books in the series. They did not leave their jobs at the school…
Overall, it’s missing heart and depth; a human component to connect to.
The book had an overly poetic writing style with too much use of similes that’s typical of AI. Examples:
“It wasn’t judgment. It was fatigue layered in concern.”
“Not empty—just taut.”
“not pressing, just present.”
“not challenging, not teasing, just… attentive.”
“And in the way he said it—not like pity, not like advice. Like belief.”
“and the smell of cereal somehow less ordinary and more like a nudge from life itself.”
Sudden change in writing tone with the school sex scene. That’s the only part that felt like it was written by a person.
There were mistakes that also make it seem like it wasn’t written and edited by a person:
Two of the FMCs sisters written to have the same husband “Marcus”
Similarly, one twin daughter had a dream about the deceased father and a page later, it said it was the other daughter
We get no explanation for the implied bad history with them. Like a fake attempt at an enemies to lovers trope.
The epilogue made no sense and did not align with the storyline of the other books in the series. They did not leave their jobs at the school…
Overall, it’s missing heart and depth; a human component to connect to.
September 1, 2025
Not bad for a debut novel. This was a slow burn story about grief, moving forward, and allowing others to help carry your load. I wish the author spent more time on the front end exploring Griff and Kennedy’s past dynamic because it would have made her disdain for working with him make a bit more sense. I’m also not sure how I felt about their love story. Something just didn’t connect for me. There were also some editing issues. at one point there was a flashback but it wasn’t clear that it was a flashback at first so it was confusing. And towards the end the voice changed from 3rd person to 1st person POV sometimes within the same sentences🙄. While this wasn’t a favorite of mine, someone may enjoy it and I’m sure things will only improve as the author progresses in her career☺️
June 24, 2026
Sweetpea Academy is just full of inappropriately behaving, raunchy adults and I just love that for them.
Kennedy Voss is the top dawg aka principal at Sweetpea Academy. She is a widower raising their children and trying to hold it all together. For the past two years, she’s been pouring everything she has into the kids at school and her kids at home.
Her mentor, Dr. Whitaker, comes to her and lets her know that she’s hired an assistant principal to take the load off and the minute she hears the name, she hates everyone. She and Griff Banks have history that dates back to grad school when they were both mentored by Dr. Whitaker who is ultimately now both of their boss. Kennedy doesn’t want his help and makes it known to him. He knows she doesn’t like him and the tension between them is beyond awkward, so he tries to smooth it out. It starts with flowers as an olive branch and that turns into flowers delivered weekly to her office, them stealing glances, him getting close to her three kids and her eventually opening her heart to let him in. Mind you, all this is going on inside and outside of the school and nobody is supposed to know yet every damn body does.
These people are RECKLESS! In the office, on the desk, all over the building… just reckless. And again, I love it here lol
Kennedy Voss is the top dawg aka principal at Sweetpea Academy. She is a widower raising their children and trying to hold it all together. For the past two years, she’s been pouring everything she has into the kids at school and her kids at home.
Her mentor, Dr. Whitaker, comes to her and lets her know that she’s hired an assistant principal to take the load off and the minute she hears the name, she hates everyone. She and Griff Banks have history that dates back to grad school when they were both mentored by Dr. Whitaker who is ultimately now both of their boss. Kennedy doesn’t want his help and makes it known to him. He knows she doesn’t like him and the tension between them is beyond awkward, so he tries to smooth it out. It starts with flowers as an olive branch and that turns into flowers delivered weekly to her office, them stealing glances, him getting close to her three kids and her eventually opening her heart to let him in. Mind you, all this is going on inside and outside of the school and nobody is supposed to know yet every damn body does.
These people are RECKLESS! In the office, on the desk, all over the building… just reckless. And again, I love it here lol
September 3, 2025
Griff and Kennedy seemed to work well together in the work place but that didn’t transpire over into their love life for me. I missed where Griff and Kennedy actually connected romantically. I was wanting maybe certain cues or looking for certain moments to stand out that let me feel the romance of a slow burn but I never felt it between them.
Their relationship gave close friends so as the story progress it was just like “ok, he doing all of this for a friend he cares deeply about.”
I needed more for Griff and Kennedy to make sense romantically.
I liked Griff and Kennedy as separate characters which made me finish the story because I did want to see what would happen to them, individually.
At one point there was switching of 1st to 3rd person POV and that was also different for me.
I liked the overall story. The romance just wasn’t there for me which is why I rated it low.
Their relationship gave close friends so as the story progress it was just like “ok, he doing all of this for a friend he cares deeply about.”
I needed more for Griff and Kennedy to make sense romantically.
I liked Griff and Kennedy as separate characters which made me finish the story because I did want to see what would happen to them, individually.
At one point there was switching of 1st to 3rd person POV and that was also different for me.
I liked the overall story. The romance just wasn’t there for me which is why I rated it low.
September 16, 2025
I like it!
I like the story it was cute and had its’ tender moments. It was a slow burn in the beginning. Griff was very patience and kind to Kennedy from the start even though she was being guarded! I loved that he never pushed but was always there supporting. I wanted to give it more than ⭐️⭐️⭐️ but I felt like the story was missing key information that was needed in the story. I was a little confused on how we jumped from A to D in certain places. I would have like a little bit more in depth in the story. I know these series aren’t meant to be long but it needed more. Still I liked the story.
I like the story it was cute and had its’ tender moments. It was a slow burn in the beginning. Griff was very patience and kind to Kennedy from the start even though she was being guarded! I loved that he never pushed but was always there supporting. I wanted to give it more than ⭐️⭐️⭐️ but I felt like the story was missing key information that was needed in the story. I was a little confused on how we jumped from A to D in certain places. I would have like a little bit more in depth in the story. I know these series aren’t meant to be long but it needed more. Still I liked the story.
February 17, 2026
3.5⭐️
First of all, 6 kids is crazy lol BUT their family dynamic is cute. I loved how Griff would help her kids with homework before they even had kids themselves.
I really enjoyed this book but I feel like the book was rushed 😔. I wish it was a little longer because I feel like we would’ve gotten so much more from the characters. I truly loved the characters, Griff willing to wait until Kennedy was ready to actually date someone was so sweet. He was willing to work with her & take things slow.
The book did touch on grief & moving on but the way it was done was good to me. They both deserved happiness & got it.
First of all, 6 kids is crazy lol BUT their family dynamic is cute. I loved how Griff would help her kids with homework before they even had kids themselves.
I really enjoyed this book but I feel like the book was rushed 😔. I wish it was a little longer because I feel like we would’ve gotten so much more from the characters. I truly loved the characters, Griff willing to wait until Kennedy was ready to actually date someone was so sweet. He was willing to work with her & take things slow.
The book did touch on grief & moving on but the way it was done was good to me. They both deserved happiness & got it.
March 21, 2026
Found out this is the author’s debut novel and with that being said……well done!!
This is a fast paced slow burn somewhat novella in a series so given that I do think it was pretty good. The tension and forced proximity was great. Especially seeing how Dr. Voss (boss lady) was being a single mom ,after her husband suddenly died, to 4 kids, while also being there as a sister and friend, oooo n did I mention a school principal. The way Dr. Griff Banks came in and helped her carry the load was wonderful. The thing I think it was missing was more romantic or how she feel for him. It was giving more they are friends and coworkers and Griff was longing and pining after her and then 2 seconds later they were having sex so maybe a little more buildup but overall good!
This is a fast paced slow burn somewhat novella in a series so given that I do think it was pretty good. The tension and forced proximity was great. Especially seeing how Dr. Voss (boss lady) was being a single mom ,after her husband suddenly died, to 4 kids, while also being there as a sister and friend, oooo n did I mention a school principal. The way Dr. Griff Banks came in and helped her carry the load was wonderful. The thing I think it was missing was more romantic or how she feel for him. It was giving more they are friends and coworkers and Griff was longing and pining after her and then 2 seconds later they were having sex so maybe a little more buildup but overall good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2026
2.5⭐️ I’m rounding up.
This was a very difficult book to read. As short as this book is, there’s no reason it didn’t pick up and get interesting until 80/90%. I considered DNF’n the entire time; but was curious on how long this was gonna be drug out. There were multiple scenes that added no value to the story.
This is book 2 of the Sweetest Lessons Series and book 1 was good!!! It’s recommended to read them in order although they are standalones for the best reading experience. Book 2 did not hold up and has me wanting to skip to Off the Charts, book 6.
As an educator, I did find this story cute with it being in the school setting.
This was a very difficult book to read. As short as this book is, there’s no reason it didn’t pick up and get interesting until 80/90%. I considered DNF’n the entire time; but was curious on how long this was gonna be drug out. There were multiple scenes that added no value to the story.
This is book 2 of the Sweetest Lessons Series and book 1 was good!!! It’s recommended to read them in order although they are standalones for the best reading experience. Book 2 did not hold up and has me wanting to skip to Off the Charts, book 6.
As an educator, I did find this story cute with it being in the school setting.
September 6, 2025
After the Bell was a solid 3-star read for me. I appreciated Kennedy’s strength and the way she was trying to protect her heart after so much loss, and Griff was a patient, steady presence that balanced her well. Their story had a sweetness to it, and I loved the message of second chances at love.
That said, some parts didn’t fully pull me in the way I hoped, and I found myself wishing for a little more depth in certain moments. Still, it was a heartfelt story about resilience and learning to open yourself up again, and I can see it being the perfect cozy read for others.
That said, some parts didn’t fully pull me in the way I hoped, and I found myself wishing for a little more depth in certain moments. Still, it was a heartfelt story about resilience and learning to open yourself up again, and I can see it being the perfect cozy read for others.
August 31, 2025
I love a good forced proximity
Kennedy gave Griff the blues but his persistence and grounding in who he was as a professional and a lover broke her walls down. This was a great forced proximity romance, we get to see a grieving widow find love again with her professional nemesis. Daddy Griff is swoon worthy. He stepped right up to the step daddy plate and hit a home run, I can’t wait for more from new pen, J Valencia!
Kennedy gave Griff the blues but his persistence and grounding in who he was as a professional and a lover broke her walls down. This was a great forced proximity romance, we get to see a grieving widow find love again with her professional nemesis. Daddy Griff is swoon worthy. He stepped right up to the step daddy plate and hit a home run, I can’t wait for more from new pen, J Valencia!
August 31, 2025
well done!! t
This was a ten ten and so beautifully written! Kennedy was the epitome of a strong woman but you could see that strength too so much out of her but she kept pushing until Griffin comes along to let her know it’s okay to show you’re not okay! Ughh! This was good. Read like a narration to a perfectly shown lived story ! I cannot wait to read more from J!
This was a ten ten and so beautifully written! Kennedy was the epitome of a strong woman but you could see that strength too so much out of her but she kept pushing until Griffin comes along to let her know it’s okay to show you’re not okay! Ughh! This was good. Read like a narration to a perfectly shown lived story ! I cannot wait to read more from J!
October 7, 2025
This was amazing debut!! I don’t why it took me so long to read this book! I’m absolutely loved every second of it. This book deals with heavy topics like grief and death. It was beautifully written, as someone who understands losing a family member. The author did amazing showcasing life without them and finding new love and beginnings. Over I love this book. 4.5/ 5 stars
March 5, 2026
I loved the thought behind the characters. The story could've been executed better but for a debut, not too bad. The flow of the story seemed off or forced.
Kennedy and Griff start as an enemies of sorts (although one- sided) and turn into lovers. A smoother transition into who they become by the epilogue would've been great. Overall a cute little story though.
Kennedy and Griff start as an enemies of sorts (although one- sided) and turn into lovers. A smoother transition into who they become by the epilogue would've been great. Overall a cute little story though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2026
Something was Missing
The book had so much potential. I felt like the beginning started slow, the middle sped up, and the ending was just right. There was no real connection to why Kennedy didn't like Griff. I felt like there were a few holes in the story. It went from "I hate you" to kissing, and then to a family.
Again, the book had so much potential. 3.5 stars.
The book had so much potential. I felt like the beginning started slow, the middle sped up, and the ending was just right. There was no real connection to why Kennedy didn't like Griff. I felt like there were a few holes in the story. It went from "I hate you" to kissing, and then to a family.
Again, the book had so much potential. 3.5 stars.
September 1, 2025
Very well done, I really enjoyed it!
September 2, 2025
Kennedy and Griff
September 6, 2025
living again….
Grief is nonlinear. It’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay to receive help. “You don’t have to carry it all alone”. I loved Griff’s patience with Kennedy.
Grief is nonlinear. It’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay to receive help. “You don’t have to carry it all alone”. I loved Griff’s patience with Kennedy.
September 24, 2025
this was a cute short story, i actually enjoyed this .
October 2, 2025
I really enjoyed watching this book develop. It was a joy. I shed a tear or two.
October 7, 2025
As a daughter of a teacher, this is so real lol. I love Griff and Kennedy dynamic. OMG the banter had me rolling. If you want a quick read, I definitely recommend this book.
November 1, 2025
3.5 stars
December 15, 2025
Besides the typos, I loved this story!
March 16, 2026
I’m glad Kennedy stopped playing hard to get and stop feeling guilty to move on. Griffin is a good man. He comes with flowers, food, he plans dates and he good with kids. We love that!!
April 6, 2026
3.5⭐️
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews