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First Class Novels #6
First Class Menu
Lindsey Dardin is at the height of her career. Executive Chef at two of Manhattan’s finest dining establishments at the young age of thirty-five, her professional life is on fire. But since her short-lived marriage in her early twenties, love has eluded her.
David Lathem loves his job as curator for the Atherton Gallery. And with his live-in girl, Freckles the cat, he seems content. But when he meets Lindsey he finally realizes his life is sorely lacking.
Lindsey offers David cooking lessons and they spend weeks in the kitchen getting to know each other and Lindsey falling head over heels in love with him. But David is too blind to see what’s right in front of him. Can he figure out what he wants in time?
First Class Menu is the sixth book in the ‘First Class’ contemporary romance series.
David Lathem loves his job as curator for the Atherton Gallery. And with his live-in girl, Freckles the cat, he seems content. But when he meets Lindsey he finally realizes his life is sorely lacking.
Lindsey offers David cooking lessons and they spend weeks in the kitchen getting to know each other and Lindsey falling head over heels in love with him. But David is too blind to see what’s right in front of him. Can he figure out what he wants in time?
First Class Menu is the sixth book in the ‘First Class’ contemporary romance series.
178 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2013
7 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Harmon
36 books219 followers AJ grew up in Perth, Western Australia. She is the third of six children and her first exposure to romance was her parents. Now married for almost 55 years, they have always been her example when working on her own marriage and parenting skills.
Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters and Georgette Heyer, were the writers she grew to love in adolescence and still loves now. Her list of favorite authors now has grown to include, not only historical but also contemporary authors as well. Sadly, she doesn’t have as much time to indulge in novels as much as she would like. Her family and now writing her own novels, keeps her very busy, but you will always find a book on her nightstand.
Other hobbies include cooking, one her favorite television shows is The Next Iron Chef on Food Network, and traveling, the UK and the Caribbean her favorite places to visit.
She and her husband of 28 years, reside on the west coast of the USA and have two grown children, making them empty-nesters, and recently adopted a rescued puppy, Max, from the local humane society.
Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters and Georgette Heyer, were the writers she grew to love in adolescence and still loves now. Her list of favorite authors now has grown to include, not only historical but also contemporary authors as well. Sadly, she doesn’t have as much time to indulge in novels as much as she would like. Her family and now writing her own novels, keeps her very busy, but you will always find a book on her nightstand.
Other hobbies include cooking, one her favorite television shows is The Next Iron Chef on Food Network, and traveling, the UK and the Caribbean her favorite places to visit.
She and her husband of 28 years, reside on the west coast of the USA and have two grown children, making them empty-nesters, and recently adopted a rescued puppy, Max, from the local humane society.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 14, 2013
another winner in the series!
October 7, 2013
A little cliche', but the first characters I've been truly excited about in this series in quite a while.
July 12, 2019
A quick read, it didnt have as much reading detail as I would have liked. Whereas it appears the other stories gave more detailed information about the main characters this one did not. In my opinion it mostly centered around the menu & cooking, not David & Lindsey & their immediate world around them.
For example I would have liked to have read more about David, why was he so shy about showing his art work? Even if he didn't want to show the pieces he felt were personal, if he was constantly drawing why wasn't there other less personal things for him to show? Was there a legitimate reason for his shyness?
And whatever happened to Lindsey's mom? How did she die? Why was her father in prison? Did she ever search him out? If not how could she not be curious about him or what he could share about her family history.
Plus whatever became of Lou? Ďid she become rich & famous? Or well known & comfortable ? Or was the hair salon the end of her career?
Maybe it's just me but I wanted more, in my opinion there were just so many more ways to spin this story. But as the saying goes opinions are just like #!? holes, everybody has one, this is just mine.
For example I would have liked to have read more about David, why was he so shy about showing his art work? Even if he didn't want to show the pieces he felt were personal, if he was constantly drawing why wasn't there other less personal things for him to show? Was there a legitimate reason for his shyness?
And whatever happened to Lindsey's mom? How did she die? Why was her father in prison? Did she ever search him out? If not how could she not be curious about him or what he could share about her family history.
Plus whatever became of Lou? Ďid she become rich & famous? Or well known & comfortable ? Or was the hair salon the end of her career?
Maybe it's just me but I wanted more, in my opinion there were just so many more ways to spin this story. But as the saying goes opinions are just like #!? holes, everybody has one, this is just mine.
April 2, 2018
David is sometimes a little clueless... but I think that is what made him more adorable in the end. It is what it is like for some men where they don’t know what is right in front of them
As for Lindsey, I felt sorry for. Sometimes I just wanted her to whack him on the head and say “hello, I’m here”.
But I loved this book thoroughly. Read it!!
As for Lindsey, I felt sorry for. Sometimes I just wanted her to whack him on the head and say “hello, I’m here”.
But I loved this book thoroughly. Read it!!
November 18, 2018
I love this book. From the first line to the last, it had me hooked. Something new is always happening and the family is fantastic. No spoilers and I’m going to post the same review for all 9 books. This is the umpteenth time I have read them. I give them another read when I want to be completely immersed in the Lathem family and come out feeling great. Wonderful romances. Read them all!
January 19, 2018
Another sweet, insta love story. These books (especially the books after Matt/Mark) go straight from I think I like you, to I love you to Lets get married. SO these are super insta love books. I can't stop myself from reading them though.
May 19, 2022
Lindsey and David's story can be simply put that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. The two fall in love while teaching him how to cook. But they also learn that together they are stronger than if they were apart. Another Lathem son has fallen - and it was a joy to read.
December 31, 2014
Lindsey Dardin Executive Chef at two of Manhattan’s finest restaurants, yet one thing is still missing, a relationship, love and one day the hope for a Family of her own. At thirty five, her dream is slowly dying.
David Lathem has finally found his dream job in a Gallery, yet his own talents are only seen behind closed doors. David is unlike all of his brothers, he is not the playboy, or the adventurist, he is just as handsome, but there is a sense of innocence about him. He is humble and doesn’t realize how striking he is.
Lindsey and David connect through cooking lessons, and even though the sparks are flying from Lindsey, David doesn’t have a clue. Their friendship develops throughout the Story, but you as a fan will want David to open his eyes, at the possibility of love right in front of him.
I am thoroughly enjoying the series of each brother, they are all different and well defined. All originally story lines that will keep you wanting to move on to the next. I would highly recommend the collection, because it’s hard to stop once you’ve connected to this family.
First Class Menu is the sixth book in the ‘First Class’ contemporary romance series.
Other Books on Kindle from Top Rated Romance Author AJ Harmon
A military romance by USA Today bestselling author, AJ Harmon
(For Mature Audiences Only – Adult Content)
David Lathem has finally found his dream job in a Gallery, yet his own talents are only seen behind closed doors. David is unlike all of his brothers, he is not the playboy, or the adventurist, he is just as handsome, but there is a sense of innocence about him. He is humble and doesn’t realize how striking he is.
Lindsey and David connect through cooking lessons, and even though the sparks are flying from Lindsey, David doesn’t have a clue. Their friendship develops throughout the Story, but you as a fan will want David to open his eyes, at the possibility of love right in front of him.
I am thoroughly enjoying the series of each brother, they are all different and well defined. All originally story lines that will keep you wanting to move on to the next. I would highly recommend the collection, because it’s hard to stop once you’ve connected to this family.
First Class Menu is the sixth book in the ‘First Class’ contemporary romance series.
Other Books on Kindle from Top Rated Romance Author AJ Harmon
A military romance by USA Today bestselling author, AJ Harmon
(For Mature Audiences Only – Adult Content)
June 13, 2013
Fist let me say that I loved the first few book in this series, but while the one before this was not my favorite I enjoyed the sweet story. This one I had to force myself to finish. I can count the number of books that I have not finished on one hand and I read ALOT! I gave this story two stars instead of one cause there were a few cute parts. I was really hoping to be able to give a 5 star rating cause the author is doing a drawing for the 5 stars, but I just did not enjoy this book.
While there were cute parts but the book felt very slow, almost like they were trying to stretch story line for every last word they could get from it, and jumped from one thing to another. I did not even care about the main characters until I was around 85% done with the story. By the time I got to that point I really just wanted to get it over with. This book should not have taken me more than a day to read ( I read the firs two books in the same day), it ended up taking me almost three days to get through it. I have bought all of the books not wanting to wait for when they have a free weekend since I enjoy them so much, until now. I will also buy the next since I loved the first three but I hope it will be better.
While there were cute parts but the book felt very slow, almost like they were trying to stretch story line for every last word they could get from it, and jumped from one thing to another. I did not even care about the main characters until I was around 85% done with the story. By the time I got to that point I really just wanted to get it over with. This book should not have taken me more than a day to read ( I read the firs two books in the same day), it ended up taking me almost three days to get through it. I have bought all of the books not wanting to wait for when they have a free weekend since I enjoy them so much, until now. I will also buy the next since I loved the first three but I hope it will be better.
June 12, 2013
Despite misgivings with some of the most recent books in this series, I'm still reading about the Latham family! Something just keeps drawing me in.
It was David's story this time and I love how he was portrayed....a middle son used to blending in around his brothers! Therefore it isn't so surprising that he is totally oblivious to his good looks. Whilst some people may not accept that men like this exist...believe me, they do!! At times it was cringeworthy (but in a good way) as David plodded along, totally unaware that a certain Executive Chef was falling in love with him before his eyes.
As with the previous books, we are given brief updates with other members of the family. Specifically in this book, we learn more about Katy's relationship with Shelby. Thankfully, matriarch Maureen isn't featured much!
Overall, I enjoyed this read, which was quick, fun & light. I give it 3* because I love the characters. Like FC Voyage & FC Hero, the writing is concise, and just doesn't flow, kinda like short scenes in a soap opera. However, I'll no doubt be reading about Tim in the next book.
It was David's story this time and I love how he was portrayed....a middle son used to blending in around his brothers! Therefore it isn't so surprising that he is totally oblivious to his good looks. Whilst some people may not accept that men like this exist...believe me, they do!! At times it was cringeworthy (but in a good way) as David plodded along, totally unaware that a certain Executive Chef was falling in love with him before his eyes.
As with the previous books, we are given brief updates with other members of the family. Specifically in this book, we learn more about Katy's relationship with Shelby. Thankfully, matriarch Maureen isn't featured much!
Overall, I enjoyed this read, which was quick, fun & light. I give it 3* because I love the characters. Like FC Voyage & FC Hero, the writing is concise, and just doesn't flow, kinda like short scenes in a soap opera. However, I'll no doubt be reading about Tim in the next book.
February 8, 2014
David is the typical middle brother, when we met him in previous books he was always doing some fly by your seat get rich quick scheme, but now we get to see what he's made of himself as an art curiator. He's always had to be cautious of women beause with the Lathem last name all they were interested in was money. Money he didn't have, so he just shut himself off from the possibility of love.
Lindsey has everything going for her career wise, with a great job as an executive chef. But she's missing something in her personal life and when she meets David she thinks she's finally met "the one", but geting him to see it may be more than she realizes.
Lindsey is your take life by the horns kinda girl, she sees what she wants and goes for it, her downfall though is seeing things sometimes that are not always there. David is cute and funny but completly clueless. And I mean no holds bard right in frount of his face but he still doesn't see it kinda clueless. Because of his past experiences he's closed off, it's takes brothers, sister-in-laws, friends, and YES even his Momma to make him see whats right in frount of him, but by the time he does will it be too late?
Lindsey has everything going for her career wise, with a great job as an executive chef. But she's missing something in her personal life and when she meets David she thinks she's finally met "the one", but geting him to see it may be more than she realizes.
Lindsey is your take life by the horns kinda girl, she sees what she wants and goes for it, her downfall though is seeing things sometimes that are not always there. David is cute and funny but completly clueless. And I mean no holds bard right in frount of his face but he still doesn't see it kinda clueless. Because of his past experiences he's closed off, it's takes brothers, sister-in-laws, friends, and YES even his Momma to make him see whats right in frount of him, but by the time he does will it be too late?
April 24, 2014
Not a standalone - # 6 in First Class Series. A 5-star rating for this wonderful read. This one has such a fun storyline with amazing enjoyable characters. A little different spin to the traditional love story. A fun journey watching this relationship bloom. A more passive innocent portrayal of a main male lead while the female is a stronger take charge type. It was nice to see the connection between two individuals with opposite lifestyles and up bringings find a connection. How the love of a career choice or hobby can help form a foundation for something more- love it!!!! Superb secondary roles to enhance and provide support. Great continuation and inclusion of the couples from previous books. Definitely see the personality differentials between this lead and the brothers that take leading roles in each book. So much warmth and comfort illustrated in dialogue and interactions. The smoothness and style of writing makes for a very quick read. Total satisfaction with this read. Highly recommend this series. AndreaAH
June 23, 2016
I loved this series by AJ Harmon, I had thought I had reviewed it when I read it but come to find I hadn't and that was two years ago and I still remember this series and the characters, What an interesting family and each book is dedicated to one member, its the type of family most of wish we could belong too. These books have the whole meal deal, laugh out load moments, sadness and family gatherings that would make a good movie series. Thank you AJ for your writing and giving me so many good memories of reading, Cheers
July 13, 2015
This is the sixth book in the First Class series. I was happy to see David’s story, and I really liked Lindsey’s character. I would have liked to see more into her past, and the relationship evolve a bit quicker so we could see more from them. I really enjoyed the story and am happy to see the Lathem family grow with each book and each son getting his happy ending. Maureen now has five sons married off, she must becoming ecstatic by now! I can’t wait to read Tim’s story next.
April 1, 2014
What can I say David isn't like all his brothers. He is the quiet artist who never knew what he wanted to do with his life. One thing is for sure unlike his brothers he knows “his” female without much outside help pointing it out. Does he need the push like all the other brothers a bit but he isn't like them.
September 23, 2014
so I like the book but it was a little slow for me I have work with food and drinks and there could have been a little more drama but all and all it was a great add on to the books.. now to the next book... (First Class rescue...) can't wait.. till next time..
February 8, 2014
Review Under BookJunkyGirls
May 25, 2014
Very cute...
August 31, 2014
Love this series love this author
October 16, 2015
Another good read from A. J. Harmon. Once again I enjoyed this story as well. Easy read light hearted story. Hooked on the First Class Series.
November 8, 2016
Struggled to finish
Cut story line with cooking lessons.
But I didn't feel the passion or interest of the characters. I just wanted to finish it since I purchased the set.
Cut story line with cooking lessons.
But I didn't feel the passion or interest of the characters. I just wanted to finish it since I purchased the set.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews