What do you think?
Rate this book
Second Chance Teacher Romance #1
Aaron After School
Aaron Hage was devastated when his wife died. Now he’s a single dad teaching in a small town high school and he absolutely, positively won’t risk his heart again. The teacher in the next classroom—Jill Davis—has him in the friend zone anyway, so why is he having these romantic thoughts about her?
Jill considers Aaron her best friend, one who’ll listen to her when she disparages men—she’s given up on them after the last loser.
Aaron and Jill are best friends. Colleagues. There’s anything but romance. Rules are meant to be followed in school, but one word changes everything. Now nothing will ever be the same between them … for better or worse.
Jill considers Aaron her best friend, one who’ll listen to her when she disparages men—she’s given up on them after the last loser.
Aaron and Jill are best friends. Colleagues. There’s anything but romance. Rules are meant to be followed in school, but one word changes everything. Now nothing will ever be the same between them … for better or worse.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2022
58 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 19, 2022
Enjoyed this story!
What a wonderfully told romantic story in Aaron After School by Malrisa Kriscott. This author brings the story to life. The characters had a lot of depth, and were very realistic. The reader is introduced to a widower, Aaron, who is deeply guarding his heart. Aaron's collegue, another teacher, Jill likes, really likes, Aaron, but she has settled for being just his friend. It's a clean, cozy romance with the thought of being soulmates, and having divine intervention, to help Aaron, allow his heart to feel again. It is a very well-written plot, and I enjoyed it. It’s one of those embraceable stories. If you love a good Christian Romance, this book should be next on your list. This is the first book in the Second Chance Teacher Romance series. I will definitely add more of this author's books to my bookshelf. Aaron After School is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
What a wonderfully told romantic story in Aaron After School by Malrisa Kriscott. This author brings the story to life. The characters had a lot of depth, and were very realistic. The reader is introduced to a widower, Aaron, who is deeply guarding his heart. Aaron's collegue, another teacher, Jill likes, really likes, Aaron, but she has settled for being just his friend. It's a clean, cozy romance with the thought of being soulmates, and having divine intervention, to help Aaron, allow his heart to feel again. It is a very well-written plot, and I enjoyed it. It’s one of those embraceable stories. If you love a good Christian Romance, this book should be next on your list. This is the first book in the Second Chance Teacher Romance series. I will definitely add more of this author's books to my bookshelf. Aaron After School is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
March 7, 2022
This is the story about two teachers who realize their feelings for each other after years of friendship. Aaron is a widower with a young daughter and Jill is single and never married. They start to date and feelings develop quickly. There is good banter back and forth and the interactions with the daughter are adorably cute. It's a bit predictable in the story but sometimes that is exactly what you crave. It's a clean romance with only kissing shown on page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2022
This was a very sweet story with some drama and angst. I loved Aaron and Jill, don't to forget Evie. They are really nice people. We get to know them qiute well, and I liked following their romance-story. I also loved their relationship with God. Thank you for this story!
May 4, 2023
I’m not ordinarily drawn to Christian Romance novels–but I really enjoyed the synopsis for Aaron After School, so I decided to give this one a try. It sounded like it would be a sweetly written love story, and that’s exactly what I got. Aaron and Jill have known each other for years and have built a strong foundation around their friendship, but the thought of taking things further was never really a thought for either of them. Even with Jill having a secret crush on Aaron, she didn’t think there would be a chance at romantic love between them, until Aaron is called to see Jill in a new light.
I appreciated that neither character is written as perfect people. Jill has had plans to travel and teach overseas, a goal that is suddenly questioned when she decides to see what could potentially come from having a deeper relationship with Aaron. At one point, when she mentions her goals on traveling, Aaron abruptly tells her that if she chooses to do that, there can be no “them.” It felt like some sort of subtle ultimatum, without any want or need to discuss it. On the flipside, a new coworker stirs up feelings of jealousy within Jill, at one point wondering how Aaron feels about this particular person, and if it’s someone who could maybe become a threat later on down the road. Jill and Aaron may be sweet, but there are still obstacles they need to overcome together, not just as a couple but individually. Should Jill fulfill her dreams in helping others in other countries, and is Jill the right person for Aaron?
The connection between Jill and Aaron’s daughter is super cute and special. Initially there seemed to be some wariness, which is expected when it comes to children accepting new people in their lives, but it was nice to see the two focus on strengthening bonds and taking those much-needed steps to possibly becoming a family. There are moments where both Aaron and Jill pray for assistance, help, and/or understanding, but it didn’t feel like it was overpowering and didn’t take over the overall vibe and experience. It was a definite five-star experience for me.
I appreciated that neither character is written as perfect people. Jill has had plans to travel and teach overseas, a goal that is suddenly questioned when she decides to see what could potentially come from having a deeper relationship with Aaron. At one point, when she mentions her goals on traveling, Aaron abruptly tells her that if she chooses to do that, there can be no “them.” It felt like some sort of subtle ultimatum, without any want or need to discuss it. On the flipside, a new coworker stirs up feelings of jealousy within Jill, at one point wondering how Aaron feels about this particular person, and if it’s someone who could maybe become a threat later on down the road. Jill and Aaron may be sweet, but there are still obstacles they need to overcome together, not just as a couple but individually. Should Jill fulfill her dreams in helping others in other countries, and is Jill the right person for Aaron?
The connection between Jill and Aaron’s daughter is super cute and special. Initially there seemed to be some wariness, which is expected when it comes to children accepting new people in their lives, but it was nice to see the two focus on strengthening bonds and taking those much-needed steps to possibly becoming a family. There are moments where both Aaron and Jill pray for assistance, help, and/or understanding, but it didn’t feel like it was overpowering and didn’t take over the overall vibe and experience. It was a definite five-star experience for me.
June 16, 2022
Aaron After School by Debra Chapoton is a sweet charming read. I absolutely loved reading it. It’s well written with a great story and terrific characters.
May 13, 2022
This is my first experience reading something by this author. It is the first book of the series, Second Chance Teacher Romance. Jill and Aaron are both teachers and have been friends for a long time. He is a widower and she is single. They both feel more than friendship for each other, but for their own reasons, make no move to pursue a relationship. Jill feels she has too much going on and is too busy to start and maintain a relationship, and Aaron isn't interested in romance and is happy just taking care of his daughter. The two just may have a chance at happiness if they are willing to step out of their comfort zone. This is a sweet, clean, charming story that will warm your heart. The characters are likable and endearing and I enjoyed getting to know them. An enjoyable story I am happy to have had the opportunity to read.
I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
March 9, 2022
Sweet second chance romance with a strong Christian theme. Not preachy, just right.
Recommended.
Jill has given up on dating. Aaron vowed to never risk his heart again. Now they teach in adjacent classrooms. This is a heartfelt story of broken hearts, second chances, and that irresistible chemistry that will had me hoping for a happily-ever-after ending.
First book in new series.
Recommended.
Jill has given up on dating. Aaron vowed to never risk his heart again. Now they teach in adjacent classrooms. This is a heartfelt story of broken hearts, second chances, and that irresistible chemistry that will had me hoping for a happily-ever-after ending.
First book in new series.
October 10, 2023
📚THE STORY📚
Jill has been a high school English teacher for a while and is considering taking a job teaching overseas after struggling with a tough year - but now she's facing some troubling health concerns and isn't sure what her future holds.
Aaron lost his wife years ago, leaving him a single father of a vivacious 9 year old girl, Evie. Evie wants a mom, and she's starting to pick up on the budding romance between Aaron and his best friend from work, Miss Jill.
💕THE ROMANCE💕
We are told in the story that Aaron and Jill have been close friends for years, with flirting and closeness that was obvious to everyone. But the story starts just as they begin to realize their romantic feelings for one another.
They bond over shared aggravations as teachers and while hanging out with Evie. The miscommunication and temporary breakup in Act 2 goes by quickly, and once they realize they want to be together, the romance goes from 0-60 within a few chapters.
Jealousy plays a large part in the development of their romance, with both of them at various points thinking the other is dating or interested in someone else. In fact, the book opens with a red herring of sorts, with Aaron being pointed romantically in the direction of a cute new teacher.
✝️FAITH ELEMENTS✝️
Both characters are Christian. They pray and attend church. Aaron's daughter has a very open, earnest faith and goes to a club at church, but we never actually see the specifics of what this club does or what really goes on at Aaron's church.
Jill's parents are also religious, and they mention how special it is to pray together as a couple. Sure enough, Jill feels very close to Aaron when they pray together.
There is some discussion about whether people become angels when they die. It is stated that the resolution of Jill's health issues is a miracle and implied that this miracle resulted from Evie's prayers. I found this strange in a book where Aaron's grief over his late wife is so central - it made me wonder why Evie's prayers for Jill to get well are so simply answered while Aaron's prayers for his first wife as she was dying apparently went unanswered. Of course, this is a very simplistic theology and not how prayer or human bodies work! But the way it's treated in the narrative made it tough to get much deeper with it.
📝MY THOUGHTS📝
One of my writing professors in college always said "start your story where it starts." She usually was using this to warn people against spending too much time slogging through exposition in the beginning - but here, I found myself thinking of her when I read that Aaron and Jill's romance had been simmering for years. I wanted to see more of them getting close and falling for each other, because the parts we do get are lovely!
As a former teacher, I really liked the details of teacher life, from sub plans to football games to the annoyances of room sharing to parent teacher conferences. Things do get kind of negative at times, with Aaron and Jill being judgmental of or irritated by their colleagues, and their colleagues and students more often depicted behaving badly.
I liked the way the book centers around the fall semester, from the football season and midterm grades to Halloween and Thanksgiving. It grounds the book in time and builds out the setting. Plus, the Thanksgiving surprise at the end was well set up, adorable and fun.
Jill has been a high school English teacher for a while and is considering taking a job teaching overseas after struggling with a tough year - but now she's facing some troubling health concerns and isn't sure what her future holds.
Aaron lost his wife years ago, leaving him a single father of a vivacious 9 year old girl, Evie. Evie wants a mom, and she's starting to pick up on the budding romance between Aaron and his best friend from work, Miss Jill.
💕THE ROMANCE💕
We are told in the story that Aaron and Jill have been close friends for years, with flirting and closeness that was obvious to everyone. But the story starts just as they begin to realize their romantic feelings for one another.
They bond over shared aggravations as teachers and while hanging out with Evie. The miscommunication and temporary breakup in Act 2 goes by quickly, and once they realize they want to be together, the romance goes from 0-60 within a few chapters.
Jealousy plays a large part in the development of their romance, with both of them at various points thinking the other is dating or interested in someone else. In fact, the book opens with a red herring of sorts, with Aaron being pointed romantically in the direction of a cute new teacher.
✝️FAITH ELEMENTS✝️
Both characters are Christian. They pray and attend church. Aaron's daughter has a very open, earnest faith and goes to a club at church, but we never actually see the specifics of what this club does or what really goes on at Aaron's church.
Jill's parents are also religious, and they mention how special it is to pray together as a couple. Sure enough, Jill feels very close to Aaron when they pray together.
There is some discussion about whether people become angels when they die. It is stated that the resolution of Jill's health issues is a miracle and implied that this miracle resulted from Evie's prayers. I found this strange in a book where Aaron's grief over his late wife is so central - it made me wonder why Evie's prayers for Jill to get well are so simply answered while Aaron's prayers for his first wife as she was dying apparently went unanswered. Of course, this is a very simplistic theology and not how prayer or human bodies work! But the way it's treated in the narrative made it tough to get much deeper with it.
📝MY THOUGHTS📝
One of my writing professors in college always said "start your story where it starts." She usually was using this to warn people against spending too much time slogging through exposition in the beginning - but here, I found myself thinking of her when I read that Aaron and Jill's romance had been simmering for years. I wanted to see more of them getting close and falling for each other, because the parts we do get are lovely!
As a former teacher, I really liked the details of teacher life, from sub plans to football games to the annoyances of room sharing to parent teacher conferences. Things do get kind of negative at times, with Aaron and Jill being judgmental of or irritated by their colleagues, and their colleagues and students more often depicted behaving badly.
I liked the way the book centers around the fall semester, from the football season and midterm grades to Halloween and Thanksgiving. It grounds the book in time and builds out the setting. Plus, the Thanksgiving surprise at the end was well set up, adorable and fun.
September 21, 2025
Aaron and Jill
So a teacher that had lost his wife years ago thinks he has a message from God telling him to try dating, at first the newbie teacher is thought of but it was actually someone already super close to him, his daughter instantly wants her as a mom, it is so sweet. Even the parents get in on a proposal. This has a good sized excerpt for the next book, another set of teachers.
So a teacher that had lost his wife years ago thinks he has a message from God telling him to try dating, at first the newbie teacher is thought of but it was actually someone already super close to him, his daughter instantly wants her as a mom, it is so sweet. Even the parents get in on a proposal. This has a good sized excerpt for the next book, another set of teachers.
November 3, 2025
I found that I couldn't stop reading this romance book because of the way this magnificent storyline is written. The characters will pull at your heartstrings and might even have a few tears fall. I found this book to be realistic in a lot of ways and even though it is heartbreaking it is heartwarming as well. Get ready because this romance book is really well written and extremely hard to put down.
April 11, 2022
I have to say that this is a good book and I enjoyed reading and laughing with it and this is my opininon. I think that anybody who would like this author's style of writing would enjoy this book and this is my opinon. I received this book for free thru an Advanced Review Copy, ARC, with an honest review freely given.
November 25, 2022
Two teachers, years of friendship, and feelings between them that are stronger than friends. The author brings the story to life with her writing and the development of the characters. An enjoyable read for a weekend curled up with a good book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2025
This was so cute. I love how staff and students thought they were already together. Great ending! Loved all of the characters!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2025
The beginning of the Second Chance Teacher Romance series. Aaron and his daughter Evie and teacher Jill's well written story with a very good storyline, great characters and a happy ending. I enjoyed reading their story. I liked the covers.
April 7, 2022
Aaron and Jill's Story . . .
Aaron and Jill are teachers who have been friends for some time. But each has reasons for not taking things any further. When Aaron’s wife died, he didn’t want romance back in his life. He took care of his daughter and was content. Jill is single, but feels she is too busy to start a relationship, and her crush on Aaron has kept her from looking too hard. But both of them begin to feel more. Will one of them make the first move to talk to the other about a relationship? Are they ready to start dating and trust where it will lead?
This is a pleasant story line with likable characters and good dialog. Are both of them ready to move out of their comfort zone and give love a try? Is there a HEA waiting for them?
Aaron and Jill are teachers who have been friends for some time. But each has reasons for not taking things any further. When Aaron’s wife died, he didn’t want romance back in his life. He took care of his daughter and was content. Jill is single, but feels she is too busy to start a relationship, and her crush on Aaron has kept her from looking too hard. But both of them begin to feel more. Will one of them make the first move to talk to the other about a relationship? Are they ready to start dating and trust where it will lead?
This is a pleasant story line with likable characters and good dialog. Are both of them ready to move out of their comfort zone and give love a try? Is there a HEA waiting for them?
January 8, 2025
Aaron and Jill have been co workers and friends for awhile. Aaron is a widower with a little girl. Just when Aaron gets up the nerve to ask Jill out and become more than friends, she is hit with some major, possibly life changing, decisions. What will Jill decide? Will their new relationship survive? Do they let fear take over or give it to God? This is the first book in an interconnected series with a Christian theme. The story can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. I look forward to reading about some of the other characters mentioned. I received an ARC copy from the author. Review voluntarily given.
July 12, 2025
This was a cozy little story about 2 teachers falling in love. The perfect palate cleanser for me.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews