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First Class Romance: A Sweet Romantic Comedy
She’s been jilted by a cheating ex-fiancé. He’s an arrogant billionaire who’s more interested in work than love.With hardly anything in common, can they find common ground to solve a major corporate problem, and maybe—just maybe—open themselves up to love?The last thing Adrina Taylor expected was an assignment requiring her to team up with Tony Vandenberg—a man whose family isn’t just swimming in money, but is constantly splashed across the pages of gossip magazines.Her job and his promotion to CEO of his family’s e-commerce empire are riding on their performance together on a corporate project.Though she’s used to working alone, she’s also feeling lonely and knows she needs to let her guard down.Can she overcome her commitment issues and find a way to trust Tony…with the project and her heart?
- GenresContemporaryRomance
226 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2024
18 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 13, 2026
First Class Romance by Emily Maxwell Review
First Class Romance by Emily Maxwell is a sparkling contemporary romantic comedy and the author’s debut novel, imagining what might happen when an ordinary woman and an ultra‑wealthy man are forced to collaborate despite first impressions that couldn’t be more awkward. The story follows Adrina Taylor, freshly recovering from a painful breakup, who is assigned to team up with Tony Vandenberg, the charismatic new CEO of a billionaire family‑owned e‑commerce empire, on a high‑stakes corporate project that could make or break both of their careers. Adrina, used to working alone and wary of trust after her past, immediately clashes with Tony’s polished but seemingly aloof demeanor. As they travel, juggle corporate expectations, and withstand gossip about them in the press, unexpected warmth and connection begin to grow between them, challenging Adrina’s fears about love, commitment, and vulnerability.
Once I settled into this story, I found myself genuinely rooting for Adrina as she navigates old heartbreak and fresh professional challenges with both grit and humor. What charmed me most was how Tony’s hidden kindness slowly emerged through shared glances, supportive moments, and laughter that eased the tension between them; watching Adrina learn to see beneath his billionaire‑boss exterior warmed my heart. I loved how the corporate travel and sightseeing added color and momentum without overshadowing the evolving emotional stakes, giving their connection plenty of small, meaningful beats rather than instant attraction. The slow‑burn enemies‑to‑lovers thread felt like watching two people grow braver about trust rather than falling into easy affection, and the clean, sweet romance (kisses only) made it feel perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt connection without heavy heat.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Because the warm chemistry, engaging slow‑burn romance, and heartfelt emotional arc made this debut a genuinely delightful and feel‑good read.
First Class Romance by Emily Maxwell is a sparkling contemporary romantic comedy and the author’s debut novel, imagining what might happen when an ordinary woman and an ultra‑wealthy man are forced to collaborate despite first impressions that couldn’t be more awkward. The story follows Adrina Taylor, freshly recovering from a painful breakup, who is assigned to team up with Tony Vandenberg, the charismatic new CEO of a billionaire family‑owned e‑commerce empire, on a high‑stakes corporate project that could make or break both of their careers. Adrina, used to working alone and wary of trust after her past, immediately clashes with Tony’s polished but seemingly aloof demeanor. As they travel, juggle corporate expectations, and withstand gossip about them in the press, unexpected warmth and connection begin to grow between them, challenging Adrina’s fears about love, commitment, and vulnerability.
Once I settled into this story, I found myself genuinely rooting for Adrina as she navigates old heartbreak and fresh professional challenges with both grit and humor. What charmed me most was how Tony’s hidden kindness slowly emerged through shared glances, supportive moments, and laughter that eased the tension between them; watching Adrina learn to see beneath his billionaire‑boss exterior warmed my heart. I loved how the corporate travel and sightseeing added color and momentum without overshadowing the evolving emotional stakes, giving their connection plenty of small, meaningful beats rather than instant attraction. The slow‑burn enemies‑to‑lovers thread felt like watching two people grow braver about trust rather than falling into easy affection, and the clean, sweet romance (kisses only) made it feel perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt connection without heavy heat.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Because the warm chemistry, engaging slow‑burn romance, and heartfelt emotional arc made this debut a genuinely delightful and feel‑good read.
January 3, 2024
This was a very sweet enemies to lovers story! Also, definitely a slow burn, wish we got a little bit more of them actually together, but they had a lot of cute moments throughout At first I was wondering how Tony would turn himself around and redeem his less than stellar first impression, but we quickly see his softer side come out the closer he gets to Adrina. Definitely recommend for a cute, quick, romance read!
January 6, 2024
I have a hard time believing this is a debut novel. Emily's writing is lovely and enjoyable. The story was paced well and the characters felt real. I will definitely be reading the next book Emily writes.
July 16, 2025
Very cute and easy read. had me impatiently waiting to read the next chapter everytime I had to stop. 4 instead of 5 because I'm not a huge fan of the third act breakup. Well written and look forward to reading the next one and others by Emily.
February 20, 2025
Sigh! I loved this enemies to lovers/rich guy and middle class girl rom-com. It was delightful from start to finish.
April 15, 2024
OVERALL STAR RATING: 4/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
It takes a lot of hard work and courage to put out your very first book. I’m always so happy to be a cheerleader for novelists just starting their publishing journey. This debut novel by author Emily Maxwell was a delightful opposites attract read!
This story follows Adrina Taylor and Tony Vandenberg who are assigned to work together on a corporate project for Drop, a mega successful e-commerce empire which is owned by Tony’s family. Tony is rich – as in billionaire rich – as in Jeff Bezos Amazon RICH! Adrina is the opposite of celebrity status but finds herself thrust into the Vandenberg’s world of private jets, chauffeurs, wining, and dining.
Adrina isn’t exactly looking for love after breaking it off with her cheating ex-fiancé. She immediately assumes that Tony is an arrogant and heartless trust fund baby. She jumps to quite a few assumptions while working on this project together and it doesn’t help when the paparazzi start snapping innocent photos of them together and start conjuring up completely fictitious dating rumors. Adrina is a bit taken back when she meets and hits it off well with Tony’s mom. Meeting his dad goes quite a bit differently. Genuine sparks start flying between Adrina and Tony, but her walls are built SO high up. Trust is not something she excels at since her failed engagement and she is in constant battle with the idea that someone of Tony’s social status would have any interest in someone of her rank.
If you’re a fan of billionaire and workplace romance, you’re going to love this one. Hard to believe this was Emily’s very first novel. Great writing and I can’t wait to see where this authoring journey takes her.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram at: aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
It takes a lot of hard work and courage to put out your very first book. I’m always so happy to be a cheerleader for novelists just starting their publishing journey. This debut novel by author Emily Maxwell was a delightful opposites attract read!
This story follows Adrina Taylor and Tony Vandenberg who are assigned to work together on a corporate project for Drop, a mega successful e-commerce empire which is owned by Tony’s family. Tony is rich – as in billionaire rich – as in Jeff Bezos Amazon RICH! Adrina is the opposite of celebrity status but finds herself thrust into the Vandenberg’s world of private jets, chauffeurs, wining, and dining.
Adrina isn’t exactly looking for love after breaking it off with her cheating ex-fiancé. She immediately assumes that Tony is an arrogant and heartless trust fund baby. She jumps to quite a few assumptions while working on this project together and it doesn’t help when the paparazzi start snapping innocent photos of them together and start conjuring up completely fictitious dating rumors. Adrina is a bit taken back when she meets and hits it off well with Tony’s mom. Meeting his dad goes quite a bit differently. Genuine sparks start flying between Adrina and Tony, but her walls are built SO high up. Trust is not something she excels at since her failed engagement and she is in constant battle with the idea that someone of Tony’s social status would have any interest in someone of her rank.
If you’re a fan of billionaire and workplace romance, you’re going to love this one. Hard to believe this was Emily’s very first novel. Great writing and I can’t wait to see where this authoring journey takes her.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram at: aliciasbooksanctuary
July 30, 2025
This is a debut novel 📖 and it was amazing 🤩 I read it in one night and I loved every second of it 🥰
Adrina. I loved this spunk that she had 💄 Her banter was absolutely on point 😆 It was so sad to see someone so vibrant 🧡 be dimmed by another person‘s actions 😔 (stupid cheating ex 😡). But I loved 🥰 watching her overcome and learning how to trust again.
Tony. I’m not gonna lie, his first impression was bad 🙄 Don’t you dare make fun of a girl for being engrossed in a book 😡 But he redeemed himself. He 100% redeemed himself 🫠 I was swooning 😍 over this man by the end of the book and the effort he puts in the show that he cares is phenomenal 💗
This book was fast-paced, but I loved how the end showed how their relationship developed after the book as well 🥰 We chemistry 🧪 was on point. The kissing 😘 scenes were perfection. And overall, it was just a fantastic story. I definitely recommend ☺️ go support a new indie author!
Adrina. I loved this spunk that she had 💄 Her banter was absolutely on point 😆 It was so sad to see someone so vibrant 🧡 be dimmed by another person‘s actions 😔 (stupid cheating ex 😡). But I loved 🥰 watching her overcome and learning how to trust again.
Tony. I’m not gonna lie, his first impression was bad 🙄 Don’t you dare make fun of a girl for being engrossed in a book 😡 But he redeemed himself. He 100% redeemed himself 🫠 I was swooning 😍 over this man by the end of the book and the effort he puts in the show that he cares is phenomenal 💗
This book was fast-paced, but I loved how the end showed how their relationship developed after the book as well 🥰 We chemistry 🧪 was on point. The kissing 😘 scenes were perfection. And overall, it was just a fantastic story. I definitely recommend ☺️ go support a new indie author!
July 24, 2024
'"I'll take care of Adrina, Collins. Thank you."
"Very good, sir."
I wait until Collins is out of earshot. "Wow, you'll take care of me...is that a threat or a promise?"'
I always love finding debut authors and First Class Romance by Emily Maxwell is one I am so happy I picked up!!
This is a fun billionaire and forced proximity romance that was easy to read and entertaining!
Adrina has already had her heart broken, but if anyone can break down her walls it's going to be Tony!
Such a fun romance and I can't wait to see what this author writes next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content: off-page death of a loved one, cancer, off-page relationship that ended because of unfaithfulness, negative and positive family dynamics, romance-kisses only.
"Very good, sir."
I wait until Collins is out of earshot. "Wow, you'll take care of me...is that a threat or a promise?"'
I always love finding debut authors and First Class Romance by Emily Maxwell is one I am so happy I picked up!!
This is a fun billionaire and forced proximity romance that was easy to read and entertaining!
Adrina has already had her heart broken, but if anyone can break down her walls it's going to be Tony!
Such a fun romance and I can't wait to see what this author writes next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content: off-page death of a loved one, cancer, off-page relationship that ended because of unfaithfulness, negative and positive family dynamics, romance-kisses only.
February 8, 2024
This rich celebrity, enemies to more, slow burn was amazing!
I cannot believe this is @authoremilymaxwell first book, but we need to convince her to make it a series.
If you want the little things to matter, then this is the story for you. Noticing things about her, that she doesn't have to say outloud was just too cute.
Style - Single POV, Contemporary RomCom
Intimacy - Mild (kisses only, low descript)
Language - None
Violence - None
Potential Triggers - Eavesdropping, Cancer (past), chronically parent, poverty
I cannot believe this is @authoremilymaxwell first book, but we need to convince her to make it a series.
If you want the little things to matter, then this is the story for you. Noticing things about her, that she doesn't have to say outloud was just too cute.
Style - Single POV, Contemporary RomCom
Intimacy - Mild (kisses only, low descript)
Language - None
Violence - None
Potential Triggers - Eavesdropping, Cancer (past), chronically parent, poverty
August 29, 2024
Super Duper Cute
Loved this fun little read and all its clean romance fuzzy-wuzzy-ness. The high class stuff gave me some anxiety, and I remembered why I don’t read billionaire romances (ha), but it seriously was cute and enjoyable.
****Content Warnings****
At the start, a family member had already passed away from cancer
Another family member is in poor health, hospitalization
History with cheating
Loved this fun little read and all its clean romance fuzzy-wuzzy-ness. The high class stuff gave me some anxiety, and I remembered why I don’t read billionaire romances (ha), but it seriously was cute and enjoyable.
****Content Warnings****
At the start, a family member had already passed away from cancer
Another family member is in poor health, hospitalization
History with cheating
March 9, 2024
Very cute
If you like traveling, workplace romances, character growth and billionaires, read this one! It has a lot of great parts and I'm glad I picked it up! Excited to see what else comes from this new author.
If you like traveling, workplace romances, character growth and billionaires, read this one! It has a lot of great parts and I'm glad I picked it up! Excited to see what else comes from this new author.
January 7, 2025
Emily Maxwell's debut novel, First Class Romance, is a delightful blend of enemies-to-lovers and billionaire romance tropes. Maxwell's engaging writing style and well-paced narrative make this a charming and enjoyable read.
January 12, 2024
Cute and quick read nothing really special about it
February 1, 2024
SUCH a cute story!! I loved every moment of it. What an amazing debut novel for Emily Maxwell! I can’t wait to see what she does next.
August 30, 2024
Sweet romance with a lot of heart! I was really rooting for Adina at the end.
May 10, 2024
This was such a cute debut romance!
First impressions are everything and Adrina can tell Tony is a jerk. When her boss gives her an assignment to work with him, she wants to refuse but know she really has no choice. But as she travels with Tony and sees the man under the gruff billionaire exterior and sparks begin to fly, she realizes first impressions can definitely be wrong.
What to love:
Workplace romance
Billionarie MMC
Enemies to lovers vibe
Forced Proximity
Reluctant to fall
Single POV
Slow burn romance
Siteseeing
Collins
Proctective hero
That ending!!!
This was such a fun, sweet romance full of so many of my favorite things! I love it when a character is determined not to fall but of course, does anyway! So many cute moments siteseeing and as Adrina realizes she completely misjudged Tony and of course, I always love a sigh-worthy grand gesture and a happily ever after! Can't wait to see what the author writes next!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review is not required.
First impressions are everything and Adrina can tell Tony is a jerk. When her boss gives her an assignment to work with him, she wants to refuse but know she really has no choice. But as she travels with Tony and sees the man under the gruff billionaire exterior and sparks begin to fly, she realizes first impressions can definitely be wrong.
What to love:
Workplace romance
Billionarie MMC
Enemies to lovers vibe
Forced Proximity
Reluctant to fall
Single POV
Slow burn romance
Siteseeing
Collins
Proctective hero
That ending!!!
This was such a fun, sweet romance full of so many of my favorite things! I love it when a character is determined not to fall but of course, does anyway! So many cute moments siteseeing and as Adrina realizes she completely misjudged Tony and of course, I always love a sigh-worthy grand gesture and a happily ever after! Can't wait to see what the author writes next!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review is not required.
May 10, 2025
Plot: Adrina gets chosen to spearhead a giant project at work to collaborate with larger company. Unfortunately for her, the annoying businessman, Tony, she met on her most recent flight works for the other company and is spearheading their end of this same project, requiring them to work together. After spending almost 2 weeks together, they become friends. Will their time together affect their feelings? Will the media twist what’s really going on? How will their affect their jobs?
What I liked: I liked that Tony stuck up for Adrina and also treated her respectfully
What I didn’t like: I didn’t like that Adrina only ever saw the worst in people. I also don’t like that her boss was so rude and such a suck up
Swearing: none
Physical intimacy level: swoony, closed door
Star rating: 3 stars
Trope: workplace romance, enemies to lovers (kinda), travel romance
What I liked: I liked that Tony stuck up for Adrina and also treated her respectfully
What I didn’t like: I didn’t like that Adrina only ever saw the worst in people. I also don’t like that her boss was so rude and such a suck up
Swearing: none
Physical intimacy level: swoony, closed door
Star rating: 3 stars
Trope: workplace romance, enemies to lovers (kinda), travel romance
May 29, 2024
This is one of those books I borrowed because people on Instagram were loving it. It's definitely a cute book! I really enjoyed the author's style. It was the perfect read for my vacation last month.
I really liked Adrina. I loved how down to earth and not concerned about what everyone thought about her she was. And how she didn't even know the guy she sat by was a billionaire. First impressions were not kind to him.
I liked the way this book was only told through Adrina's perspective. So the reader has no idea what Tony thinks about her, other than how he treats her. And it was fun to watch that change little by little.
This was a fun quick read. I hope to see more by this author soon!
I really liked Adrina. I loved how down to earth and not concerned about what everyone thought about her she was. And how she didn't even know the guy she sat by was a billionaire. First impressions were not kind to him.
I liked the way this book was only told through Adrina's perspective. So the reader has no idea what Tony thinks about her, other than how he treats her. And it was fun to watch that change little by little.
This was a fun quick read. I hope to see more by this author soon!
July 9, 2025
3 1/2 ⭐️ I was enjoying the book up until the end chapters. Then, the story kind of fell off for me. A few things did not make much sense to me and others were too quickly resolved, in my opinion. Then the epilogue left on a cliffhanger with one of those “sign up for my newsletter to find out what happens” things. Which, ok, you need followers, but this is an annoying way to get them. And there may be another book with these same characters? That’s what it sounded like. I’m not sure what it would be about.
September 14, 2025
For a debut novel I was incredibly impressed by the quality of this book! I would highly recommend reading this if you like enemies to lovers, beauty and billionaire-esque type plots.
The only complaints I have are she cried a lot😑….. and she was pretty judgy but mad/bugged that her boss was also the same kind of judgy?? And the epilogue was not what I would consider an epilogue. That was disappointing.
The only complaints I have are she cried a lot😑….. and she was pretty judgy but mad/bugged that her boss was also the same kind of judgy?? And the epilogue was not what I would consider an epilogue. That was disappointing.
June 1, 2025
great story
My first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. Enemy to lovers is my fav trope, and I loved how the story played out. It all all the situations - funny, frustrating, 2 people;e trying to say their feelings without actually saying it, sweet mommas and one very annoying father, and the jerk boss. I really liked the way it came together.
My first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. Enemy to lovers is my fav trope, and I loved how the story played out. It all all the situations - funny, frustrating, 2 people;e trying to say their feelings without actually saying it, sweet mommas and one very annoying father, and the jerk boss. I really liked the way it came together.
December 7, 2024
Great book!
May 12, 2025
Really cute
This is a cute story with a nice HEA ending. I enjoyed meeting rhe characters and watching them grow together. Just sweet kisses so good for everyone.
This is a cute story with a nice HEA ending. I enjoyed meeting rhe characters and watching them grow together. Just sweet kisses so good for everyone.
June 10, 2025
Perfect, clean romance !
January 16, 2025
I loved this one!
I really enjoyed how Adrina and Tony had to look past first impressions. I really loved how sweetly Tony did so many things to win over Adrina and she didn’t even realize at first!
I really enjoyed how Adrina and Tony had to look past first impressions. I really loved how sweetly Tony did so many things to win over Adrina and she didn’t even realize at first!
January 15, 2024
Loved the dynamics between Adrina and Tony! Lovely clean and wholesome romance!! can’t wait to see what other books Emily releases in the future.
October 6, 2025
I wanted to like this book so badly but I just couldn’t 🥲
Things that annoyed me:
- Why was Adrina constantly crying, on the verge of crying or talking about crying from the very first chapter until the very end?
- I felt like I was watching a ping pong match when it came to Adrina’s opinion on Tony. And when I say that, I’m not talking on a day-to-day basis, I’m talking about in a matter of seconds she’d be badmouthing him internally & the next she’d be second-guessing it & feeling bad about having those thoughts … & that was happening every other page!
- Adrina’s mom was annoying af. She was literally putting her daughter down for having a fun time with Tony & his mother out exploring a new city & tried to cover it up with “protecting her” but really just came off as jealousy.
- Teri was the absolute worst. Adrina should have told her to stick it with the way she spoke to & treated her.
- Jake was also an asswipe but whatever. That’s Tony’s fault for being soft & listening to him & letting him talk to/treat Adrina that way.
- Adrina & Tony saying I love you after 1- such a short period of time, 2- not going on a proper date or really even spending that much alone time with each other in order to truly know each other and 3- not even kissing each other yet - felt very unrealistic & out of touch.
- This was a YA romance which I should have known before starting it but that’s besides the point
Things that annoyed me:
- Why was Adrina constantly crying, on the verge of crying or talking about crying from the very first chapter until the very end?
- I felt like I was watching a ping pong match when it came to Adrina’s opinion on Tony. And when I say that, I’m not talking on a day-to-day basis, I’m talking about in a matter of seconds she’d be badmouthing him internally & the next she’d be second-guessing it & feeling bad about having those thoughts … & that was happening every other page!
- Adrina’s mom was annoying af. She was literally putting her daughter down for having a fun time with Tony & his mother out exploring a new city & tried to cover it up with “protecting her” but really just came off as jealousy.
- Teri was the absolute worst. Adrina should have told her to stick it with the way she spoke to & treated her.
- Jake was also an asswipe but whatever. That’s Tony’s fault for being soft & listening to him & letting him talk to/treat Adrina that way.
- Adrina & Tony saying I love you after 1- such a short period of time, 2- not going on a proper date or really even spending that much alone time with each other in order to truly know each other and 3- not even kissing each other yet - felt very unrealistic & out of touch.
- This was a YA romance which I should have known before starting it but that’s besides the point
January 23, 2024
This was a short and sweet romance. I enjoyed reading about Adrina and Tony. I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars because there seemed to be a lot of drama that at times I felt was unnecessary but it was still a really cute read! This was the authors debut novel and I feel like she did an excellent job of seamlessly flowing through the story. Thank you for a fun read!
This was a sweet and clean read!
This was a sweet and clean read!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews