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Misconduct
Groomed and seduced by his teacher, a sixteen-year-old attempts to put his life back together as a changed young man.
With college on the horizon, Jasper is determined to make the most of his final two years of high school. Between classes, varsity soccer, and the constant pressure from his demanding father, he’s trying to do everything right. Being a junior should feel like a reward, but Jasper struggles to fully enjoy his status as a popular upperclassman.
Then he meets Mrs. Weber, the new algebra teacher. She’s sharp, encouraging, and for the first time in a long while, Jasper feels understood. What begins as friendship quickly blurs into something more, and Jasper finds himself pulled into a relationship he doesn’t fully understand. When the affair is exposed, he’s forced to accept a devastating truth: he was groomed and manipulated.
Now Jasper must confront the fallout and aftermath of their entanglement as a changed young man. If he can't return to the boy he used to be, can he recover from the damage of her misconduct?
Content Warning: Sexual content, profanity, drug use, sexual abuse of a minor by an adult.
With college on the horizon, Jasper is determined to make the most of his final two years of high school. Between classes, varsity soccer, and the constant pressure from his demanding father, he’s trying to do everything right. Being a junior should feel like a reward, but Jasper struggles to fully enjoy his status as a popular upperclassman.
Then he meets Mrs. Weber, the new algebra teacher. She’s sharp, encouraging, and for the first time in a long while, Jasper feels understood. What begins as friendship quickly blurs into something more, and Jasper finds himself pulled into a relationship he doesn’t fully understand. When the affair is exposed, he’s forced to accept a devastating truth: he was groomed and manipulated.
Now Jasper must confront the fallout and aftermath of their entanglement as a changed young man. If he can't return to the boy he used to be, can he recover from the damage of her misconduct?
Content Warning: Sexual content, profanity, drug use, sexual abuse of a minor by an adult.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
2 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Renna
18 books56 followersChristopher Renna is an author. He's also a Developmental Editor with a focus on the work of young writers and indie authors. He lives in New York with his husband, two children, and their rescued dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 4, 2023
4.5/5 stars
Misconduct tells the story of Jasper Taylor, a 16yo high school junior who is sexually abused by his married female teacher. It follows along as he is groomed, seduced, raped and manipulated by his teacher 22 years his senior and the aftermath after their affair comes to light.
Jasper is a sympathetic, likable, and realistic picture of a teenage boy who just wants to fit in and is determined to do right by his last two years of high school. He has supportive (if a bit overbearing) parents, a brother who looks up to him, and a strong friend group. So he is not the vulnerable person who appears to be easily victimized. He struggles with coming to terms as a rape or sexual assault survivor when he was never subjected to physical violence and when he eventually went along with it. The book advocates for male victims of rape and seeks to give them a voice in the face of a double standard and a society who don’t believe men can be raped. I thought it was eloquent, compassionate, and moving in its portrayal. I honestly cried for him and read the whole book in a single sitting.
Initially categorized as YA, the book may be a bit too sexual to be appropriate, but I do think it is still valuable to be read by its intended audience especially with the subject matter that could affect them. (The homoeroticism between Jasper and his male peers was a bit much though and I don’t know how realistic that was.) The book joins its contemporaries and holds its own—contemporaries like Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wall Flower about a teenage boy and his struggles after being abused by an aunt as a child, Laurie Halse Anderson’s Twisted about a high school senior falsely accused of rape, and most similarly Barry Lyga’s Boy Toy about a teenage boy still dealing with being groomed and molested by a teacher when he was only 12. Each one is affecting and powerful, and each are must-reads in my opinion.
Misconduct is a moving portrait of a young man groomed by an authority figure, giving an eloquent voice to male victims of rape.
*I received an eARC of this book via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review
Misconduct tells the story of Jasper Taylor, a 16yo high school junior who is sexually abused by his married female teacher. It follows along as he is groomed, seduced, raped and manipulated by his teacher 22 years his senior and the aftermath after their affair comes to light.
Jasper is a sympathetic, likable, and realistic picture of a teenage boy who just wants to fit in and is determined to do right by his last two years of high school. He has supportive (if a bit overbearing) parents, a brother who looks up to him, and a strong friend group. So he is not the vulnerable person who appears to be easily victimized. He struggles with coming to terms as a rape or sexual assault survivor when he was never subjected to physical violence and when he eventually went along with it. The book advocates for male victims of rape and seeks to give them a voice in the face of a double standard and a society who don’t believe men can be raped. I thought it was eloquent, compassionate, and moving in its portrayal. I honestly cried for him and read the whole book in a single sitting.
Initially categorized as YA, the book may be a bit too sexual to be appropriate, but I do think it is still valuable to be read by its intended audience especially with the subject matter that could affect them. (The homoeroticism between Jasper and his male peers was a bit much though and I don’t know how realistic that was.) The book joins its contemporaries and holds its own—contemporaries like Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wall Flower about a teenage boy and his struggles after being abused by an aunt as a child, Laurie Halse Anderson’s Twisted about a high school senior falsely accused of rape, and most similarly Barry Lyga’s Boy Toy about a teenage boy still dealing with being groomed and molested by a teacher when he was only 12. Each one is affecting and powerful, and each are must-reads in my opinion.
Misconduct is a moving portrait of a young man groomed by an authority figure, giving an eloquent voice to male victims of rape.
*I received an eARC of this book via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review
March 23, 2023
I truly don't know where to start with this, my brain is all over the place, but before I go any further this review there are going to be spoilers, proceed with caution. This was such a good book ( and good in the sense of the education and awareness brought by the subject matter at hand) but it was also very difficult to read. In misconduct we follow Jasper Taylor as he goes through the motions of being a teenager, his relationships with his family and friends, his school life and soccer and his very uncomfortable and unfortunate sexual assault"experience" with his algebra teacher. It was such a hard thing to read, I hated Audrey with a passion, the way she manipulated Jasper, the way she got mad every time he said no and showed discomfort with every encounter they had. My heart dropped when the whole thing unfolded because this whole ordeal truly changed Jasper's life forever and my heart broke when he had to accept that he was a victim of sexual assault and I loved how this book truly emphasized that there are more subtle ways you can be assaulted and the way Jasper was assaulted is one of them. This book is such a helpful tool for us to educate ourselves and other young boys especially who may be in the same situation jasper is in to know that that they were also victims and taken advantage of and to also know how to help overcome and deal with situations like this. I also loved Jasper and Tey's friendship it was truly beautiful to see, I adore them and their bromance, and it was comforting to know that Jasper has such a loving and supportive friend. His parents were also amazing and supportive, not a lot of kids have such supportive parents especially when it comes to situations like this , even if it's a girl that's a victim.
The book was very triggering and detailed even the emotions Jasper was experiencing were detailed so it was quite intense but the book does have trigger warnings in the beginning of the book.
Very difficult book but so important to read,and it was well done and we'll written, it carries such a strong and empowering message, I hope whoever is going through what Jasper was going through finds this book helpful, comforting and impactful. Thank you to Booksirens for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
The book was very triggering and detailed even the emotions Jasper was experiencing were detailed so it was quite intense but the book does have trigger warnings in the beginning of the book.
Very difficult book but so important to read,and it was well done and we'll written, it carries such a strong and empowering message, I hope whoever is going through what Jasper was going through finds this book helpful, comforting and impactful. Thank you to Booksirens for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2023
This book touched on a topic that much of society shies away from, underage sexual assault and predatory behavior directed towards a male from a female. While I have read books with a similar premise from a female’s perspective, this is my first from a male’s. Part of what makes this novel stand out is how different characters react to it. Other males congratulate the teenage boy on his experience, not fully understanding or grasping that the teenager is a victim not a hero or depiction of masculinity, he is a child.
It's hard to read, especially at the beginning when the main character acts like a child, his mind is focused on sports and school, hanging out with friends, and wanting to ask out his cute classmate. As the reader, we know what is going to happen but we are unable to warn the character, we have to sit back and watch it all unfold, we have to watch the child suffer.
While this book is considered young adult, I feel like I got more out of it reading it as an adult.
I would recommend this book, it was well-written and took on a topic that deserves more attention.
It's hard to read, especially at the beginning when the main character acts like a child, his mind is focused on sports and school, hanging out with friends, and wanting to ask out his cute classmate. As the reader, we know what is going to happen but we are unable to warn the character, we have to sit back and watch it all unfold, we have to watch the child suffer.
While this book is considered young adult, I feel like I got more out of it reading it as an adult.
I would recommend this book, it was well-written and took on a topic that deserves more attention.
February 20, 2023
This story is, for lack of any other words: Intense.
I hated it, but I loved it! Truly, this is Christopher's best work to date!
I read this book in two days, and it gripped me by the shirt and didn't let me go until I finished the last page. The story of Jasper and his first sexual experience is an uncomfortable one, and while I didn't enjoy it, as I read on, I continued to realized just how important this story was, that it could potentially help those who have been in Jasper's shoes. How many men/boys need to know that defining what happened to you doesn't make you weak, a liar, a bad person, or any other shaming words. This story held a significant purpose, and by the time I finished, I felt tears attempting to come forth.
There are many triggering moments, so I don't suggest reading it without knowing that the scenes are incredibly detailed right down the emotions Jasper and those who love him experience.
Underaged drug and alcohol use are also included.
There's a youthful energy that flows through the pages as well. You see Jasper trying to find himself, trying to fit in, loving his family, trying to get good grades and be a soccer star, enjoying the rest of his childhood, and also knowing very quickly that adulthood is on the horizon. I enjoyed watching him when he was hanging out with his group of friends, attempting to find the courage to ask the darling Kaylee out on a date. Adorable.
Then I wanted to hug and hold Jasper, knowing he was just a kid that got mixed up in a very serious and devastating situation.
Being a mother to a son who is very quickly turning sixteen, my heart sunk in what Jasper's mother felt. What his dad felt. What any parent would feel in this very real story that continues to happen to boys/men all around the world.
The message found within these passages was beautifully empowering, and it is my hope that this book finds the right soul in need of a friend who understands what they've been through, like Jasper.
Cue Tiktok Sound: (Crying) Why would you write this? Why would you write this book? 🥺😭😭🩵
I hated it, but I loved it! Truly, this is Christopher's best work to date!
I read this book in two days, and it gripped me by the shirt and didn't let me go until I finished the last page. The story of Jasper and his first sexual experience is an uncomfortable one, and while I didn't enjoy it, as I read on, I continued to realized just how important this story was, that it could potentially help those who have been in Jasper's shoes. How many men/boys need to know that defining what happened to you doesn't make you weak, a liar, a bad person, or any other shaming words. This story held a significant purpose, and by the time I finished, I felt tears attempting to come forth.
There are many triggering moments, so I don't suggest reading it without knowing that the scenes are incredibly detailed right down the emotions Jasper and those who love him experience.
Underaged drug and alcohol use are also included.
There's a youthful energy that flows through the pages as well. You see Jasper trying to find himself, trying to fit in, loving his family, trying to get good grades and be a soccer star, enjoying the rest of his childhood, and also knowing very quickly that adulthood is on the horizon. I enjoyed watching him when he was hanging out with his group of friends, attempting to find the courage to ask the darling Kaylee out on a date. Adorable.
Then I wanted to hug and hold Jasper, knowing he was just a kid that got mixed up in a very serious and devastating situation.
Being a mother to a son who is very quickly turning sixteen, my heart sunk in what Jasper's mother felt. What his dad felt. What any parent would feel in this very real story that continues to happen to boys/men all around the world.
The message found within these passages was beautifully empowering, and it is my hope that this book finds the right soul in need of a friend who understands what they've been through, like Jasper.
Cue Tiktok Sound: (Crying) Why would you write this? Why would you write this book? 🥺😭😭🩵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2023
I have so many thoughts on this book! First off, it really does bring light to the idea that women can engage in predatory behavior to children. It's not always just men. It is a lot to process as we are engaging with this predator through Jasper's perspective. I know I had to set the book down every once in a while and come back. It's written so well to be able to convey all these emotions and events to the reader. I definitely did not think I was reading a book as it was playing in my head.
I also loved the friendship that Jasper had with Tey. They are the stereotypical guy best friends in high school and that brought such a fun feel to the story. It kind of brought it back down to earth. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters and the writing. It was so much fun to read, even as it did tackle a problem head on.
4/5 stars! **Thank you to BookSirens for a free review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily!
I also loved the friendship that Jasper had with Tey. They are the stereotypical guy best friends in high school and that brought such a fun feel to the story. It kind of brought it back down to earth. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters and the writing. It was so much fun to read, even as it did tackle a problem head on.
4/5 stars! **Thank you to BookSirens for a free review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily!
September 11, 2025
5-star READERS' FAVORITE review
"Poignant and thought-provoking. Renna tackles a bold and important subject with a great deal of emotional intelligence, tact, and narrative detail."
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
"Poignant and thought-provoking. Renna tackles a bold and important subject with a great deal of emotional intelligence, tact, and narrative detail."
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
October 19, 2023
Sexual Abuse is not important until it happens to you.
High school is a place for young people to gather and learn about life and important knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for future success and survival.
Schools are intended to be safe places to interact with teachers, students, sports, libraries, computers, cell phones, the internet, friends, family, and yourself as you learn how to think, react, analyze, investigate, distinguish and evaluate ideas and information. It also includes the effects of government, weather, the environment, society, culture, history, economy, military, and community. It is a lot to learn and understand in a short time at a young age.
When you throw in the chaos of current events, social skills, life activities, hobbies, interests, future planning, dreams, and the critical food, clothing, and shelter, it is a lot for anyone to sort out. Doing it while undergoing continuous changes to your body and mind with growth, sickness, and injury affecting your physical, mental, and emotional health while being ravaged by hormones creating sexual thoughts and reactions, it is a wonder that anyone can survive to legal adult age.
Adults are held responsible for learning much including how to control themselves. Yet the education process is not able to provide the individual training matched to each individual's needs.
The justice system is not a good solution for the governmental and society failures in education, economics, and customs.
The world is a mess, and everyone suffers. But if the teasing, blaming, finger-pointing, and attempts to raise your status by putting down others could stop, the world might be worth living in.
High school is a place for young people to gather and learn about life and important knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for future success and survival.
Schools are intended to be safe places to interact with teachers, students, sports, libraries, computers, cell phones, the internet, friends, family, and yourself as you learn how to think, react, analyze, investigate, distinguish and evaluate ideas and information. It also includes the effects of government, weather, the environment, society, culture, history, economy, military, and community. It is a lot to learn and understand in a short time at a young age.
When you throw in the chaos of current events, social skills, life activities, hobbies, interests, future planning, dreams, and the critical food, clothing, and shelter, it is a lot for anyone to sort out. Doing it while undergoing continuous changes to your body and mind with growth, sickness, and injury affecting your physical, mental, and emotional health while being ravaged by hormones creating sexual thoughts and reactions, it is a wonder that anyone can survive to legal adult age.
Adults are held responsible for learning much including how to control themselves. Yet the education process is not able to provide the individual training matched to each individual's needs.
The justice system is not a good solution for the governmental and society failures in education, economics, and customs.
The world is a mess, and everyone suffers. But if the teasing, blaming, finger-pointing, and attempts to raise your status by putting down others could stop, the world might be worth living in.
March 5, 2023
Let me start off by saying that this was a great read in the sense of bringing attention to male victims. At the end of the book, the seriousness of the situation shone through more and the tone was well written. The tone was here and there throughout, but the last few chapters was where it really stuck out.
I gave this book 3 stars instead of 5 as it lost me for a while for about half of it. I know it was about something that could happen to a typical teenager, but the way all the boys flirted and touched each other, I had a hard time taking it seriously. It was almost like I was reading a totally different book about LGBTQ+ teens trying to find themselves and figure out who they are. Maybe I don't understand teenage boys all that well, but I don't recall the ones I knew experimenting with each other or being as immature as they had been (those two statements are unrelated).
Also the use of "gonna" and "wanna" was starting to grate on me - even used by parents.
And the last minor thing to mention is that near the beginning, she said 38 isn't that old, but then when the news article came out, it said she was 32.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I gave this book 3 stars instead of 5 as it lost me for a while for about half of it. I know it was about something that could happen to a typical teenager, but the way all the boys flirted and touched each other, I had a hard time taking it seriously. It was almost like I was reading a totally different book about LGBTQ+ teens trying to find themselves and figure out who they are. Maybe I don't understand teenage boys all that well, but I don't recall the ones I knew experimenting with each other or being as immature as they had been (those two statements are unrelated).
Also the use of "gonna" and "wanna" was starting to grate on me - even used by parents.
And the last minor thing to mention is that near the beginning, she said 38 isn't that old, but then when the news article came out, it said she was 32.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2026
3.5 🌟
This was an engaging read, largely down to the well developed main character.
The teacher was less developed, and really just took on the role of predator - I have no idea what made her tick.
I also found the friendships a bit odd - the boys kissed and grabbed each other, and were always flirting - a lot more than the typical bro banter.
The writing was decent but there were a distracting amount of typos.
It felt somewhat preachy/educational at times, like it would be helpful to a boy in Jasper’s situation, but overall it held my attention.
This was an engaging read, largely down to the well developed main character.
The teacher was less developed, and really just took on the role of predator - I have no idea what made her tick.
I also found the friendships a bit odd - the boys kissed and grabbed each other, and were always flirting - a lot more than the typical bro banter.
The writing was decent but there were a distracting amount of typos.
It felt somewhat preachy/educational at times, like it would be helpful to a boy in Jasper’s situation, but overall it held my attention.
May 25, 2023
Well-developed characters. Interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. A good, solid read.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
May 1, 2023
This was a really uncomfortable story to read. I was going through Jasper’s experience with him. Really well written.
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