REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: BLACK TIE OPTIONAL by ANN MARIE WALKER

 

The Proposal meets Two Weeks Notice in Ann Marie Walker's 
new standalone romantic comedy, Black Tie Optional!

 

 

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

Wild Wedding #1

Ann Marie Walker

Releasing May 30, 2017

St. Martin's Press

 

 

 

In Black Tie Optional (Wild Wedding #1) by Ann Marie Walker, Coleman 'Cole' Grant the third has exhausted every avenue to quash a clause his parents put in their will, so it looks like he'll have to get married, if he's to remain in charge of the family company. Asking the woman who has been harassing him with her humanitarian causes is perfect, especially since they'll both end up with what they want out of their agreement. Except what starts off as a marriage of convenience turns into so much more. Will Cole and Olivia confess their love for each other before it's too late?

Ms. Walker is a new-to-me author and this first book of her Wild Wedding series was a beguiling and fast-paced read that held my undivided attention from start to finish. Due to the delightful main and secondary characters that amused me with their dialogue; the plot that pits Cole against another secondary character and made this story a real page turner in discovering who would win, and the ending that had me smiling because Cole finally ascertains what love is since he's never really experienced the emotion before. The way this story started had me cheering for the heroine in hopes she'd be able to convince Cole to see things her way. Will Cole give in to whatever she's asking of him?

Both the main characters were riveting and made this story fun due to them being enemies and constantly butting heads -- so to speak. Because they couldn't both have what they wanted until the moment where Cole needs Olivia to make sure the family company continues to be run by him. Moreover, Olivia is resilient, sassy, and I liked how determined she was to get what she wanted from Cole. Even if it meant going against her better judgment and doing her best to fool everyone into believing she and the hero in love? Can they pull off the ruse? 

While Cole, I loved the way he interacted with the heroine, as she makes life interesting for him since it seems Cole is all work and no play. I also liked how kind and caring he was, and how much he loves his sister, which is proven by everything he does for her and the way he's always there for her when she needs him. Yet, what I liked most about the hero is how he handled everything thrown his way and that he was willing to do whatever it takes to win, even though love wasn't part of his plan.    

Overall, Ms. Walker has penned a really good read in this book that kept me entertained from start to finish and where this couple's intense chemistry had me believing these two are so right for each other, even if they did start out as enemies. The way this story ended left me with a huge smile on my face, as Olivia isn't afraid to go head to head with the person that wants to be in charge of the family company and I liked what she said to prove how strong her feelings are for Cole. I also liked how Cole realizes what he wants and is willing to fight for a future with Olivia. No way is he going to let one of the secondary characters meddling in his relationship win. Moreover, I liked how Cole surprised her with something he received from one of Olivia's parents that shows he had their blessing when it came to their relationship, despite how their relationship began. I would recommend Black Tie Optional by Ann Marie Walker, if you're looking for a fun read with witty banter, enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Kelly Elliott, Avery Flynn or Kristen Proby.

      

 

 

BLURB

The Proposal meets Two Weeks Notice in Ann Marie Walker's new standalone romantic comedy, Black Tie Optional, which New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst calls, "a fun, sexy romp that will keep every reader entertained!"

Everything about Coleman Grant III oozes power and sex. And not the perfunctory kind either, but the sheet clawing, heart stopping, gasping for air after you’ve screamed so loud you can’t breathe kind. From his dark wavy hair that stands in an artfully rumpled mess, to the blue eyes that sear your skin, to his full, sensual lips - on the surface he’s pure perfection.

Too bad he's an asshole. An arrogant, uptight corporate raider hell bent on destroying the environment one species at a time.

Everything about Olivia Ramsey screams hippie humanitarian. From her blond hair tied in a sloppy bun, to her faded jeans with the Bonnaroo patch sewn on the thigh, to her combat boots still splattered with mud from the previous day’s site visit.

So it makes perfect sense that they would get married. In Vegas. Stone-cold sober. Cole needs a wife. Olivia needs to save an endangered species. But what starts as a marriage of convenience soon turns into a battle of wills and sexual tension. Love is a game, and Olivia and Cole are ready to win.

 

 

 

Ann Marie Walker writes steamy books about sexy boys. She's a fan of fancy cocktails, anything chocolate, and 80s rom-coms. Her super power is connecting any situation to an episode of Friends and she thinks all coffee cups should be the size of a bowl. If it's December she can be found watching Love Actually but the rest of the year you can find her at AnnMarieWalker.com where she would be happy to talk to you about alpha males, lemon drop martinis or supermodel David Gandy. Ann Marie attended the University of Notre Dame and currently lives in Chicago.

 

Tasty Q&A with Ann Marie Walker

Favorite writing place. 

Honestly it varies from book to book, but Black Tie Optional was written almost exclusively at the corner table of my local Starbucks and I have the gold star rewards to prove it haha.

If they could sit and write in a different country where would it be? 

I've had the chance to visit the UK recently and as a result am thinking of basing my next series there. Maybe it's my love of Hugh Grant rom-coms, but after a few days in Notting Hill, the ideas were flying!

Co-writing have you done it with another author, if not, would you?

The first series I wrote, Chasing Fire, was co-authored with Amy K. Rogers. It was a wonderfully collaborative process but we always knew I would write solo as well (hence publishing under both our names versus one pen name) due to Amy's demanding "day job".

Name three things on your desk right now.

Coffee mug (a necessity), cell phone (a distraction), and a frame with a print of the first fan art someone ever made based on one of my books (a reminder).

What are you favorite types of stories to read?

Romances, especially ones with humor. I remember reading Beautiful Player at the hair salon and I literally laughed out loud. It was such an amazing feeling, which is why I couldn't have been happier when Library Journal used that exact phrase to describe Black Tie Optional.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

The second book of the Wild Wedding Series will feature Olivia's best friend Cassie as the female lead. All the characters from BTO will make appearances along with a few new ones as well. The first chapter is actually included at the end of book one, but here's a little teaser:

ICING ON THE CAKE 

Cassandra Miller doesn’t have time for men. She’s far too busy preparing to open a cupcake shop with her silent partner and best friend, not to mention catering her brother’s wedding. And let’s face it, it’s not like Prince Charming is going to stroll into the bakery and sweep her off her feet.

Henry has been a Prince his entire life but for one wild wedding he wants to be nothing more than an “Average Joe”, or in this instance, “Average Hank”. But when a case of mistaken identity and a batch of burned cupcakes ends in a night of passion, Cassie and Hank must decide if theirs is a recipe for disaster or the makings of true romance.

 

 

 

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