First Class Stamp

First Class Novels #8

by A.J. Harmon

Ben, the last of the Lathem brothers to remain single, has a mantra; he is happy and content. He tells himself over and over again hoping that one day he may actually believe it. Running his brother’s company and living the life of a well-to-do bachelor, Ben isn’t looking for love.

Sophia is a single mom and a devoted daughter. Helping out her dad in the family business, the corner market across from Ben’s apartment, her son meets Ben and forms a friendship, throwing Ben and Sophia into one another’s path. Romance and love are the last things on her mind, but Ben is what every woman dreams of marrying.

Maria works for Ben in Rio de Janeiro and her ten year old son has been Ben’s pen pal for years. When she is transferred to New York, will the smoldering lust that has lain dormant for years be ignited?

One man and two women. He has a choice to make. Where will his heart lead him?

(For mature audiences only – Adult content)

Genres: Romance

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2013

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I purchased the 9 book series so I am struggling to finish the last few books.

I really liked the first few.

I am not sure why but I could not connect to these characters either. There was a nice twist with two women in the story. I do like the Latham family but it has taken me forever to get through these books. Some of it was just silly for people who are supposed to be older 35 plus years.

[Mary Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Wauktown Thumper · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. I would have liked a bit more on the main characters, I don't know some more excitement or adventures or something. The story just appeared a little rushed in my opinion. And again the editing of repeated words and missed spelled words was getting to me.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tried and true bachelor never saw falling in love in his future, but when Ben comes face to face with Sophia all bets are off. Add in her adorable son Alex and the instant family fall down the wishing well of hopes and dreams - and all it took was about 30 books of stamps.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*

[Andrea Huseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is number 8 in the First Class series. A 5 star is definitely not a high enough rating for this magnificent book. It has a storyline that is absolutely brilliant with characters that completely captivate. A unique story written with so many emotions and massive heart. An immediate attachment occurs. An enjoyable journey filled with so much more than just the romance aspect. The meaning of true untouchable pure love is the underlining creation within this story. So many will recognize and relate to the real life themes and situations that are included . Respectful and positive terminology helps support those matters that can be very sensitive. The struggles and successes that often encompass these very life situations. How social and economic circumstances can lead to different results concerning the same event or life event. This story is enhanced by amazing characters. Each one grabs and holds the attention needed to make for a quick read. Distinct personalities with a vast array of surviving techniques. Hott scenes that were so appropriate for these roles. Great continuation and inclusion of previous couples. This one will reach stay with you for a long time. Just no way to not get emotionally involved. Outstanding -breathtaking- heart wrenching read!!!!! AndreaAH

[Book Junky Girls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben is the last Lathen standing and he's "happy and content" as a bachelor, between work and more work he's happy wih his life. 5 years ago he met a woman in Rio with a little boy and he's been pen-pals ever since, and now across the street he's met a 12 year old who a fan of baseball. He's enjoys spending time writing the now 10 year old boy in Rio and now hanging out with Alex. But with Alex comes his feisty mother Sophia and suddenly he's having to convines himself he's still "happy and content" with his current life. With Maria the woman from Rio transfering to New York and Sophia occupying his thoughts he's needs to decide what will really make him happy and content. And with meddling mothers in the mix you never know what's going to happen.

Loved seeing Ben's "fall from grace" and figure out that there's more to life than just work and that he could find someone who made him happy. Loved seeing the kids in this one and all the interactions brought more depth to the story.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the First Class series. First class Stamp is the eighth book in the series and it is based on the son, Ben. I like how Harmon introduced different family dynamics with this one. I felt for both single moms as he did for the boys. I was glad to see that even though he thought he didn’t want a family of his own, he could still be the best for those boys. Once again, great characters that are easy to relate too and understand. Also, an easy to follow story line that pulls the reader in. I really like Sophia and hope to see that she gets to finish college soon. I find myself sad that there is only one more left to read, the ninth and final one- First Class Farewell.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Suzanne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet brother Ben. First let me just say this is my favorite book of the series but wish it was longer. Why is it my favorite? Because I couldn't guess what was going to happen Ben had two very different paths which one will he take? I found myself yelling at my kindle WHY BEN WHY. In the end I was over joyed with the path he took, but I was worried till we got there. I wish the book was longer to tell more of the story.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Review Under BookJunkyGirls

[Janna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series is awesome

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't want it to end... Just love the Lathem brothers