The Investor CEO & the Executive Assistant

The Centennial CEOs #1

by Linda M. Adams

She needed a job. He needed a challenge. Neither planned on falling for the person they couldn’t have.

 

Jackson Hargraves is at a crossroads. His company’s rapid growth has plateaued, his executive assistant is moving away, and his mother is still trying to arrange a loveless marriage despite his well-crafted playboy façade. His only refuge is meticulously adhering to his rules. And the sassy, self-confident woman at the door may be the answer to all his problems—or his downfall.

 

Julia Hanson dreams of building a consulting company. After her internship boss attempted to sabotage her MBA and career, she swore to keep her personal and work life separate. When her aunt arranges an interview with the handsome, rising-star CEO, Julia’s resolve is put to the test.

 

From their first glance, Jackson knew Julia would be the best kind of trouble. She’s beautiful, brilliant, and boldly challenges him. The recent graduate’s keen analytical mind—and wit—may be the strategic planning partner he needs to reach his billionaire goal and thwart his mother’s designs. And his company has the tools Julia needs to help her succeed.

 

So they agree to a two-year, high-profile commitment to reach their goals and dreams—with no dating allowed! Before long, living as neighbors becomes friendship, and their business dinners feel like forbidden dates. As the contract nears its end, they fear their rules won’t protect them, or his company, from their hidden feelings.

 

Can the CEO and his assistant find love and still work together without risking losing everything they’ve created?

 

The Investor CEO and the Executive Assistant  is a clean and wholesome workplace romance. It is perfect for fans of Bree Livingston, Ellie Hall, and Susanne Ash.

 

The Centennial CEO’s is a clean, no-spice romance series celebrating love, friendship, faith, and redemption. Each story stands alone, yet is connected through the relationship between childhood friends—left behind by their parents at a boarding school—who are committed to helping each other become billionaires.

 

Heartfelt and filled with sweet romance and a touch of mystery, The Centennial CEOs invite you to find that your past should not define your future.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2026

About the author

Linda Adams writes no-spice, inclusive, and faith-affirming contemporary and YA romance stories. She is young at heart and a hopeless romantic. Although retired, she has found her second calling as a writer.

She was born in Virginia Beach, yet lived in Colorado Springs for over thirty years. She has garnered an appreciation for diverse people and cultures through her world travels as part of the US Army and with her family.

Linda is now living in Portugal with her wife and border collie, Maya. When not writing, you can find her reading daily on her Kindle, traveling throughout Europe, and singing karaoke. She loves to hear from her readers.

Reviews

[C_Reads8811 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Super cute and clean romance story. Julia is very strong minded and outspoken, Jackson very goal oriented and suffers anxiety which was cute. 🥰 Thank you for the e-ARC #julia #jackson #churchgoers #lindamadams #thecentennialceos

[Vrsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of ARC (Advance Reader Copy)
The Investor CEO and the Executive Assistant - Linda Adams
The world is always a difficult place, and that’s why it is such a comfort to have your tight-knit circle around you that has your back through thick and thin.
A group of people, ones you can call your own, who are always there whenever you need them, and you are there for them vice-versa.
And that is what makes this book by Linda so appealing. It is like a tight, big, warm hug that you never would want to let go of.
Surprisingly, Julia just happened to find these people through a serendipity of sorts. A chance interview, too good to be true, which turned her life around. It gave her all the opportunities she needed and all the right relationships that turned out to be so strong and trustworthy.
Too good to be true, but made me hope to be a part of such a circle. As I stated above, the characters did face problems, but because of that thick group of friends, everything seemed almost like a cakewalk.
Also, initially I did feel the title of the book to be too long, but later I found that the book is the one of a 4-part series with similar titles and everything just seemed to fall in place for me.
I enjoyed curling up with this book, and I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a cute romance and a light read. Well-written.

[Erin Masura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful love story with two mature adults!
The author’s writing style is unique and easy to follow. She does an amazing job with foreshadowing, plot building and has you falling in love with the characters. Some characters more than others(if you had read it you will understand).
Julia the fmc is a strong willed, straightforward woman but she does so with class and not in vindictive nature. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to pursue it.
Jackson the MMC is top tier book bf material. He supports Julia, comforts her, protects her and lets her light shine.
Despite some crazy turns of events by some people our main characters rise above and bring those people’s world crumbling down.
This story had me feeling all the things, seeing the main characters love grow from a mutual trust and understanding is beautiful, and I will definitely read it again!

[Jessica Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes this workplace romance stand out is how believable it feels. The professional boundaries, ethical dilemmas, and internal debates about power dynamics are handled thoughtfully. The “no dating” policy isn’t just a plot device it actively shapes the characters’ behavior and choices. Julia’s determination to protect her career feels authentic, especially after her prior experience nearly derailed her future. The story understands that workplace relationships are complicated, and it treats those complications with maturity and care.

[MaryEllen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

I really like cheesy romances, but this is way more than just that.

Jackson and Julia are really good at their jobs. Their employees love them, and they are both powerhouses to come up against.

Privately, they both deal with anxiety and insecurity. Luckily. Never at the same time.

They each face a foe from their past in this story, of course, with the help of the other and the rest of the Centennial CEOs.

[Danny Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The alternating perspectives between Jackson and Julia significantly enhance the story. Readers get insight into Jackson’s calculated exterior and the softer emotions beneath it, as well as Julia’s internal struggles and guarded optimism. This dual POV prevents misunderstandings from feeling artificial and allows the reader to fully understand both sides of every conflict. It adds depth and balance to the narrative.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She wants to prove her worth and she will not mix business with pleasure. Luckily the firm she is at does not want co-workers getting romantically involved. A friendship is slowly building but her past Amy just ruin it all for her. See if she can have the career and the man she wants
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and great read

[Victoria Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel stands out for how it portrays the intersection of ambition and romance. Julia’s determination to rebuild her career and Jackson’s strategic mindset create a believable professional dynamic. The “no dating” policy adds authentic tension, making the emotional stakes feel grounded. It’s a refreshing take for readers who enjoy romance without sacrificing realism in the workplace.

[Linda Allbrink · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the premise follows a familiar “boss and assistant” trope, the execution adds freshness through character depth and emotional nuance. The internal conflicts are well-developed, though some plot points may feel predictable. Still, the strong character arcs and thoughtful pacing make it a worthwhile read within the genre.

[Wait · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is an excellent example of how clean romance can still be deeply engaging. The attraction is expressed through dialogue, lingering moments, and emotional tension rather than physical scenes. The chemistry feels earned and satisfying. Readers who prefer romance without explicit content will appreciate how the story focuses on emotional intimacy, mutual respect, and shared vulnerability.

[Daniel Olas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I appreciated most about this book is how it treats ambition and romance as two things that don’t have to compete. Julia’s determination to rebuild her career after being undermined felt very real, and Jackson’s struggle between image and authenticity added depth. It’s a soft, thoughtful romance rather than a flashy one and that works in its favor.

[Marcy Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an easy, enjoyable read you can finish in a weekend. The characters are likable, the story flows smoothly, and the romance is sweet without being over-the-top. If you’re looking for something light but meaningful, this book hits the right balance.

[Charlotte Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

For fans of wholesome love stories like those by Ellie Hall and Susanne Ash, this book is a perfect fit. It keeps things clean while still delivering strong emotional depth and romantic tension. The focus on values, respect, and personal growth makes it both uplifting and comforting to read.

[Daniel Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just a love story it’s about timing, boundaries, and learning to trust again. The “no dating” rule could have felt cliché, but here it actually adds emotional weight. You feel the tension because both characters have something real to lose.

[Catherine Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story. I loved the slow burn leading up to the HEA. I really enjoyed the faith based bits she included. very realistic and relatable. Bravo! 100% recommend

[EmmaInStories · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story touched me deeply. Julia’s struggles and self-doubt felt so real, and her growth was inspiring.