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First Class Novels #2

First Class to Portland

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First Class to New York’s Janie Anderson returns home to Portland after her long awaited, once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City. She had spent two weeks in the Big Apple with the drop-dead gorgeous Matt Lathem, whom she had literally stumbled upon while embarking on her highly anticipated adventure. He had warned her that once her trip was over, so was their time together. But she had fallen head-over-heels for him anyway and had lacked the courage to tell him her true feelings. Heart-broken, she boarded the plane back to her life in Portland.

Back in Oregon, Janie tries to forget him and move on, only to have everything remind her of what she had left in New York: a fresh start and another chance at love.

When Matt realizes that the woman of his dreams and the love of his life is only a first class ticket to Portland away, he risks everything and boards the next plane for the West Coast. What had started as a “romantic fling” had blossomed into something he’d never felt before; an unyielding desire to spend the rest of his life with her.

When Matt shows up without warning, Janie’s world is once again tipped upside down.

First Class to Portland is an Adult Contemporary Romance novel that is the conclusion of Janie and Matt’s story that began in ‘First Class to New York’. It is the second book in the ‘First Class’ series.

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 2012

38 people are currently reading
357 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.

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5 stars
397 (41%)
4 stars
339 (35%)
3 stars
177 (18%)
2 stars
28 (2%)
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13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for 〰️Beth〰️.
809 reviews61 followers
March 9, 2020
Never Spoilers

This ends part two of the story of Matt and Janie and sets the stage for book three with a new couple.

You can suspend reality and enjoy the story. The epilogue has too many typos so it makes me wonder how it might have been added last minute.
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,044 reviews966 followers
November 23, 2014
Really enjoyed the second part of Matt and Janie's story... love them together. Both characters are so likeable and Matt's entire family is great. Really looking forward to the rest of the books in this series. The next one is Katy and Mark's story. What I love is that I am already very familiar with Katy and Mark from the first two stories... Katy is Janie's best friend and she went through something pretty horrible in this one so I'm really curious to see how her and Mark's relationship develops. On to book 3!
Profile Image for Bronwyn.
1,418 reviews38 followers
March 6, 2023
I have read 4 chapters (out of 14, so about 25%) of this book, but I’m still rating it because I skimmed through a lot of the other books. The writing doesn’t improve at all. There are still too many exclamation points ❗️and errors. The dialogue is so stilted.

This book had me frustrated from the get go with Matt and Janie going back and forth. When Matt finally ends up in Portland to win Janie back, he sits on his butt until the next day to go to see her. Then they keep missing each other. She’s not at her house when he goes there. He leaves her a gift, but she doesn’t call him. Instead, she calls her best friend Katy and they go out. Matt tires of waiting for Janie to call, so he goes back to her house only to find the house dark and quiet. WTH?? This is ridiculous! He decides to wait for her this time and when she finally comes home, he pours her heart out to her only to have her tell him she’s tired and wants him to leave. I really don’t like Janie.

Like I said, I skimmed through the rest of the books at this point. Of course Matt and Janie live happily ever after. The next book is about Katy and Matt’s brother Mark. Katy gets kidnapped and held hostage for a while and Mark takes care of her once she’s reached/escaped. I have no idea how it happens, but I can’t imagine this author can write that whole thing well. The court scene was eye roll worthy.

Each brother gets a book except for Andrew. Of course, he’s gay, so why would he get his own book? 🙄😡 The names have a tendency to repeat. Beth was Matt’s bi$ch of an ex-wife, but there’s another Beth who Matt’s brother Tim marries later on (at least I HOPE it’s a different Beth). Amanda was Janie’s weird real estate agent and there’s another Amanda later on. I have no patience to continue with this series. The writing is too dreadful.
Profile Image for A. Gorman.
Author 39 books107 followers
December 10, 2012
This is the second installment of the First Class books. As you know, Janie left Matt in New York and it all could be prevented if someone would have opened their mouth! Seriously! I wanted to shake them both!

There is some drama in this book. I absolutely love Katy. I wish I had a girlfriend like her. Someone strong and unwilling to be broken. Enter Matt's equally hot brother Mark. Woohoo First Class #3 hopefully will be as hot as I think it will be!

Anywho, in First Class to Portland, Matt and Janie finally get their heads on straight and open their mouths to let each other know how the feel. In such a short time, they found true love and happiness. Matt's family seems like a hoot, especially his mother! Janie's mother and boys are very supportive of her and she is so lucky to have them.

I loved this book as I loved the first one. There wasn't as many tears shed during this book, but I did cry in a few spots. I am so glad that Janie bumped in Matt in the airport in the first book. LOL If you love a good love story, then I would highly recommend this book, and the series! There is a little suspenseful drama, but we have to have something to get a brains thinking about book #3. I can't wait and from what I've read, I won't have to wait too long!
Profile Image for Alla.
1,040 reviews50 followers
December 10, 2014
3.5-4 stars

Here we have the conclusion to Janie´s and Matt´s story. It was a good read but I did like first one a little more I have to say, but still it was good.
It had some suspence and action that is not in the first one and we are introduce to the couple for the next book in the series, which I am pretty excited about reading.
Overall a good book.
Profile Image for Heidi R..
2,229 reviews
March 22, 2014
Wow, I flew through book 2 - First Class to Portland - in A.J. Harmon's First Class series! Definitely a 5 star read. The story continues immediately from the end of book 1 and brings more drama with it along with danger. Danger always makes for an exciting storyline. And, of course, a total love story! I love Janie and Matt.


Goodreads Synopsis:

First Class to New York’s Janie Anderson returns home to Portland after her long awaited, once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City. She had spent two weeks in the Big Apple with the drop-dead gorgeous Matt Lathem, whom she had literally stumbled upon while embarking on her highly anticipated adventure. He had warned her that once her trip was over, so was their time together. But she had fallen head-over-heels for him anyway and had lacked the courage to tell him her true feelings. Heart-broken, she boarded the plane back to her life in Portland. Back in Oregon, Janie tries to forget him and move on, only to have everything remind her of what she had left in New York: a fresh start and another chance at love. When Matt realizes that the woman of his dreams and the love of his life is only a first class ticket to Portland away, he risks everything and boards the next plane for the West Coast. What had started as a “romantic fling” had blossomed into something he’d never felt before; an unyielding desire to spend the rest of his life with her. When Matt shows up without warning, Janie’s world is once again tipped upside down. First Class to Portland is an Adult Contemporary Romance novel that is the conclusion of Janie and Matt’s story that began in ‘First Class to New York’. It is the second book in the ‘First Class’ series, followed by 'First Class Justice'.
Profile Image for BooksandBeyondFiftyShades.
1,350 reviews157 followers
November 24, 2014
Janie Anderson returns home to Portland after her had spent two weeks in the Big Apple with the drop-dead gorgeous Matt Lathem, the best two weeks of her life, with the man she could only dream to have a relationship with.

Back in Oregon, Janie attempts to move on with her life, without him. But her heart knows that she is only fooling herself. He set the rules in place at the beginning. Casual, no strings and when the two weeks were over they would each do back to their lives.

When Matt realizes that Janie is the only woman he could ever love, it’s too late. He wasn’t strong enough to tell her how he felt before he left, so drastic measures are needed. He flies to Portland to lay his heart at her feet.

Will Janie open her heart up? Or has the pain of being home and not hearing from him torn her feeling apart.

You will love the conclusion to Janie and Matt, the writing has grown with the story, the characters seem like they have deepened and the author does a wonderful job of Story-Telling.

I thoroughly enjoyed the two books in this ongoing series, and would definitely enjoy continuing the story line with the secondary characters making the forefront.

I highly recommend this book don’t forget book one is free:
Profile Image for Book Junky Girls.
840 reviews33 followers
February 7, 2014
Janie left New York heart broken and now has to accept she will never have Matt. Matt thought he could let her go, but after hearing why Janie left the way she did from her best friend Kate he has to decide if he will go after her. With their whirl wind romance can these to have a forever or will two weeks be all they ever had? Of course the answer is no and this ones shows their story to it's finish as well as setting up the next couple for the thrid book in the series.

I loved seeing Matt fight for what he wanted after finally realizing it and watching him woo the woman of his dreams. Seeing Janie happy and moving foward in her life you can feel how content she is with her life. And then there's the horrible part of the story where tragidity strikes and you see another Lathem brother step up and you catch a glimpes of how his story will start for the next book.

Had a blast seeing their happily ever after come to life and the way the story is written it's like you're there with the characters and invested in their lives. Can't wait to read more about this first class family so I'm off to start now!!.
Profile Image for Andrea Huseman.
12 reviews
April 1, 2014

This is the second book in the First Class series.**must read in order**
WOW! What a wonderful continuation of storyline and characters. It
immediately picks up the story where the first ended. You don't get that
feeling of time loss. Definitely see a growth of characters,both primary
and secondary. A great storyline that continues the formation of
relationships from the first book while introducing new ones. You simply
can't help but to love everything about it. Emotional mess at
times--crying, mad, totally devastated, humble,happy,--are just a few of
the emotions that fill these captivating pages. There were scenes and
dialogue that absolutely take your breathe away. Such HOTTTTT love scenes.
So realistic and enjoyable. You will look at a shower and desk so
differently. This is a 5 star read and I would highly recommend it. Give
this series and author a chance.....You won't be disappointed. AndreaAH.
(gc)
Profile Image for Jen Wildner.
271 reviews39 followers
November 21, 2014
I couldn't wait to read this book and find out how Janie and Matt's story ends. This book was just as good if not better than the first. I loved how Janie and Matt found each other, I just wanted them to do it again! After all the misunderstanding and heart ache in the first book I really wanted them to be able to get a chance and reclaim what they had. Janie is moving on with her list she made in New York and decides it's time to sell the house and move on with her life, no more living in the past. Not hearing from Matt is harder than she imagined it would be. Matt knows that Janie loves him just as much as he does her, but will he over come his fears and go to her? I am rooting for the happy ending and just when I think it's coming something goes horribly wrong, can Janie get to her best friend in time? Great job on this book AJ! I loved every part of it! It kept me guessing and I loved how it ended.
341 reviews21 followers
June 22, 2014
After reading First Class to New York and not being able to put it down, I had to instantly purchase First Class to Portland. I was not disappointed by this follow-up novel by AJ Harmon. Harmon has done another great job of writing the continuation of the love story between Janie and Matt and their second chance at love.

Harmon surprises the reader with her lavish writing skills and the beauty of the love between the two great characters. Not only does she test the relationship between Matt and Janie, but she allows it flourish and grow into this beautiful storyline.

Will Matt and Janie ever get the happy ending that they both deserve, or will Janie's uncertainty over moving on hinder her chance at love? You can only find out by reading this great follow-up novel by Harmon and witnessing the magic of her talent.

Can't wait to read the other novels in this series that follow the Lanthem brothers in their search for romance.
201 reviews14 followers
December 31, 2013
I am so glad that I came across this series as I absolutely love a nice romantic adventure and you have captured it with Matt and Janie - their insecurities about themselves - the two really helped one another out with their love for each other - Imagine to meet your soulmate by accident - don't want to spoil anything else but loved the ending --- can't wait to see if Mark and Katy get together - thank you again
Profile Image for AngelinaT.
634 reviews24 followers
February 8, 2014
Such a sweet romantic story. I loved this ending to Janie and Matt's story. I loved that these characters were in their 40s and it showed that if something is meant to be it will be. Fate stepped in for Janie and Matt and they found their HEA when others would have given up hope. Such a great ending too! I can't wait to read the next installment and I sure hope Danny gets what he deserves!
Profile Image for Margo.
25 reviews
September 20, 2015
Beautiful

Wow this book doesn't disappoint! It picks right up when Jamie goes back home to Portland heartbroken and confused. Matt is just as heartbroken, then finally goes to tell her his true feelings. loved that Matt & Jamie's story had a very HEA. My heart goes out to her friend Katy, then his brother Mark. Looking forward to see if anything comes between them.
Profile Image for C.
34 reviews
February 3, 2013
Oh the love is persistent. This is the second to First Class to New York. I liked this one better. There is love depicted naturally, communication, compromises, willingness, all about love but quite realistic and warms the heart.
Profile Image for Suzanne Keller.
119 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2014
Gives you all the answers on Matt and Janie, you were left with at the end of book 1. You also meet Matt's brother Mark and you learn more about Katy Janie's outspoken straight shooting best friend. What can I say but WOW this series is getting better as I read.
79 reviews22 followers
July 27, 2014
My only criticism is the book was too short. I would have liked more of Matt and Janie's story. I think I read it in one sitting. I was that engrossed and was surprised to find that I was at 94% already.

Great characters and a strong story line.
Profile Image for Lynn Smith.
2,682 reviews8 followers
July 27, 2014
Somehow I read this book before the first one. Wasn't no hardship to read it again. Was just as wonderful the second time. I loved Janie and Matt getting the happy ending they deserved. Sad for it to end since I loved them both. Looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Profile Image for Margaret.
318 reviews
November 25, 2014
Love

I loved how this book ended. It was well written and didn't disappoint me at all. Nothing beats a happily ever after. It also proves that love can happen more then one...even to the most stubborn people.
Profile Image for Janice.
652 reviews
January 23, 2013
This is the second book in the First Class Novels. Both books were excellent, a beautiful story about love. I really enjoyed both and can't wait to read the third novel.
483 reviews
January 22, 2013
Another excellent book from this author. I truly enjoyed this one, but thought First Class to New York was better. But still a great read.
Profile Image for Cianne Hurley.
4 reviews
October 7, 2013
It was clever and had a chilling aspect. I liked that there was a bit of everything.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,003 reviews33 followers
February 7, 2014
4.5 Stars
Review Under BookJunkyGirls
Profile Image for Susan.
117 reviews5 followers
March 1, 2014
Totally enjoyed the first book more, but this one was good too. I think you see more of Matt's romantic side in this one. Janie, well she was Janie!!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Stidham.
55 reviews10 followers
June 10, 2014
Excellent!!! This is the continuation of Matt and Janie's story from 'First Class to New York' and it is wonderful!
320 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2014
Fabulous!!

This was a wonderful ending to the First Class to New York. A very heart warming story and wonderful love scenes. Looking forward to reading more books from AJ Harmon.
Profile Image for Kayla Arno.
30 reviews
September 16, 2014
Matt is great now lets see if Mark is just as good..... Can't wait... On to the next book...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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