Member Reviews
Wow! I must say I really wasn't sure what to exspect since I've never read this author. I found myself very into this book & was looking forward to the next pages! I loved these characters & im really hoping Conor & Cassie get their books. Oh don't forget Becca! She deserves her own fairy tail! I was very impressed with the writing & I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
I love romantic comedies. This is an amazing read. I was pulled in from the beginning and didn't want to put it down. Laughs will be had. You will swoon for Cole. I loved the tension, the chemistry and even the bickering between Olivia and Cole. This is an amazing opposite attract/different walks of life that leads to marriage of convenience. I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series. As a first time read of Ann Marie Walker, I can't believe I haven't read her yet. I love finding new authors and this one is defiantly one I will follow in the future. I love her writing style.
I voluntarily read an advanced reviewers copy of this book
This is the first book that I have read by Ann Marie Walker and I loved it! I loved that the couple was not perfect. They both had their faults...were complete opposites and somehow when they were not arguing or insulting each other... they were absolutely perfect for each other.
Overall a great book, at the end when I got to the last page...it made me feel good, I had a huge smile on my face. I am looking forward to the next book, very good job Walker!
This book is not for me, but could be nice for people who like books with the hero and the heroin point of view.
Black tie Optional by Ann Marie Walker is a 2017 St. Martin’s Press publication.
This fast-paced, quick-witted romantic comedy is an ‘enemies to lovers’ themed story, with a side of opposites attracts.
Oliva is a humanitarian, hippie-ish, organic, animal lover, who is hounding the obnoxious, but very wealthy, Coleman Grant, about saving an endangered species.
The pair mixes like bleach and ammonia, sending toxic fumes into the air every time they meet. But, neither one of them are blind and secretly acknowledge, to themselves, a grudging attraction to the other.
But, when Oliva heads to Vegas for a girl’s night out, she drunkenly ends up in Coleman’s bed. The next morning, nursing a painful hangover all she wants is to make a hasty, albeit humiliating exit, but Cole surprises her with a little proposition.
Cole’s father left an odd codicil in his will, and it is apparently etched in stone. His grandmother is hoping Cole won't be able to find a bride in the allotted time frame, so that she can control his money.
Desperate to save all that he has spent his adult life working to achieve, Cole strikes a bargain with Olivia.
If she marries him, he will do whatever she asked to help her endangered species. Once the will is settled, his company is safe and securely in his hands, they can go their separate ways…. If they don’t kill each other first.
I haven’t read a romantic comedy like this one in a very long time, and after reading some serious, heavy, and dark material, I was ready for something fun.
Opposites attract, enemies to lovers, and pretend marriages have been covered six ways to Sunday, and this story doesn’t necessarily introduce anything all that unique or original to those tropes, per se, but the lightning fast pacing, the sharp wit and dialogue, the laugh out loud funny predicaments, topped off by the sizzling hot chemistry between the main characters, kept the story from falling prey to the dangers of predictability.
I did appreciate the level of intimacy, which stayed inside my comfort zone, and the character growth that developed in the midst of this zany, madcap, scheme.
At the end of the day, sometimes the most important thing is how entertained I was, how much fun I had reading the book, and if, by the last paragraph, I have come away with a smile on my face or find myself in better spirits.
That’s a pretty tall order these days, for me, but this story managed to pull it off, giving me a slight reprieve from life’s stresses, and if you can pull that off, you deserve a round of applause and have my sincere thanks.
4 stars
Black Tie Optional was just a really fun read. It kept my interest & the characters were entertaining. I liked the back & forth between Olivia & Cole- their chemistry jumped off the page.
I think this is the first book I've read by Anne Marie Walker but I will be reading more for sure. I look forward to the next book in the Wild Wedding series too.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Quintessential romance that was anything than normal in its telling...Cole and Olivia were such an amazing couple in their differences as well as their common goal...falling in love when it's least expected.
I enjoyed the author's portrayal of the uber rich, sophisticated man falling for the down to earth woman who pushes all his buttons, and not in a good way. The way the story was written drew me in immediately, and kept me engaged...completely saddened when the story ended...even though Cole and Olivia find their HEA...even if it was a most unconventional way. These are two characters I just couldn't leave behind when the story ended.
I'm looking forward to the story in the series, not only for Cassie to get her own story, but because I'm hoping to get more of my Cole and Olivia fix.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
A great steamy introduction to this author. I enjoyed her written work. A good steamy romance book.
This had a fun vibe and was a super entertaining read! I loved the idea of an enemies to lovers story so I was really looking forward to diving in. Cole and Olivia were both pretty stubborn characters in a very unique situation so it made for some really great scenes between the two. This is definitely a case of opposites attract and I liked the pull they had on one another.
Cole and Olivia were interesting characters but I never fully connected with them. I liked Cole but he was so hard during the majority of the book I never really warmed up to him until that last 25% of the book. I liked Olivia well enough but never felt like I really knew who she was. They had a lot of fun encounters and I liked their verbal sparring and animosity. That being said, I am a huge fan of animosity between characters and while I enjoyed it, I have to say it got drawn out and a bit excessive. It was nice getting to see them finally open up but it took a while to get there.
I did enjoy the book, I just had some issues with the characters which made it really hard to connect and love it. Here’s the thing though, I had a hard time putting it down so even though some things felt fast paced and other things felt drawn out, and the characters frustrated me, I kept right on reading because I wanted my HEA. Yes, some things were predictable and a bit over the top but it made for an entertaining read non the less.
Marriage of convenience?
I have not read a romance with the wedding theme of convenience so much fun.
Olivia and Coleman hate each other.
She stalks him every-single-day, even though he behaves like a gentleman with her. And believe me, there are days when she goes overboard.
But because of his need - read: a testament that will make him lose everything he built - Coleman finds himself having to ask a huge favor from his archenemy. And this meeting promises high explosions, sexy moments and uncontrollable passions.
Read. You'll have fun.
5 stars
If you read anything this weekend, read Black Tie Optional by Ann Marie Walker. Cole and Olivia will have you laughing from page 1, I kid you not.
Cole is a rich boy who apparently hasn't ever seen first hand how the other half lives. He's into making money and his daily encounters with Olivia (an environmentalist) won't deviate him from his goals. Of course, that's until he marries her.
I couldn't put this book down. I'm not sure what I was expecting but certainly, it wasn't anything like what this book delivered. It's hilarious!
If anyone asked me to pinpoint my favorite part of the story, I wouldn't be able to do it. Olivia with her "save the world's endangered species" spiel is funny, but when she introduces Cole to Bertha (her 1979 car) and tells him how to start it up, I couldn't stop laughing. Especially when she tells him to pump it 3 times, then say come on, baby. Also, let me not forget their rushed wedding in Las Vegas with Elvis and Olivia shows up in jeans and flip-flops. Her smart mouth is a total clash with Cole's upper-class mannerisms. And their banter and sexual tension are off the charts.
Seriously. This is one of those books that are super fun to read, light-hearted, and that you won't want to miss. I'd never read this author but I will sure be reading the rest of this series.
Sexy, Fun and Full of Feeling!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The story itself wasn’t anything new – standard hot billionaire man meets his match in gorgeous, complete opposite woman, needs an insta-wife to keep his fortune … then attraction ensues. But where this one differs is the writing, the amazing character development, the intelligent dialogue and the entertaining character antics. From start to finish, Black Tie Optional was exciting, chocked full of laughs and had a lot of heart.
Olivia and Cole steam up the pages as their enemies-to-lovers story slowly and enticingly morphs into a sexy romance that completely pulled me in. They had a lot of obstacles to overcome, including a greedy granny bent on driving a wedge between them. Their personalities were totally different. Cole was brooding, didn’t believe in love and enjoyed getting under Olivia’s skin. Olivia was quirky, sweet and knew how to take things as they came.
But together, they had amazing chemistry and kept me glued to their unfolding story and rooting for their happily ever-after.
This was my first read by this author, but it certainly wasn’t my last.
First time reading an Ann Marie Walker novel but it will definitely not be the last. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I have to say, if Coleman and Olivia were real people, I could sit all day and watch the back and forth dialogue between these two (with a bag of popcorn) and be beyond happy. Their comebacks to each other left me laughing out loud at 3 in the morning. Ah, Olivia has the kind of sass that I strive for everyday; she doesn't hold back. I wish I could point out all of my favorite parts (there are soo many of them) in this book that I loved but I don't want to spoil it for others. I will say this, the love scenes between these two, HOLY CRAP!! Off the charts hot, steamy, and sexy. I knew the moment these two came together would be scorching. One downfall for me, the ending or close to it, I wanted more!! I don't know, it felt a bit rushed for me. I guess I wanted to happen with the uninvited guest and more of a reaction from Coleman. Maybe it't just that I didn't want the book to end. I highly recommend this book; you will not be disappointed!
While this book had moments of humor, and spice--it doesn't quite meet it's mark. The plot is not original but it tried--and in some areas it succeeded.
It had it's laugh out loud moments, but some moments were down right cringe-worthy in it's efforts to be humorous.
Aside from that, the characters were fairly interesting--but I wasn't heavily invested. I was pleased with the outcome but unaffected. If any of that makes sense.
Because I've seen it done a few times, I can't say I'm too pleased with this particular read. But I was NOT completely disappointed. It's a good read for the time in-between.
"If you have seen the two movies (Two Weeks Notice & The Proposal) you will have much to remember and enjoy with this one. Olivia and Cole are most certainly the couple that had the intense sexual pull along with the tension of being enemies/frenemies, complete opposites. Their marriage of convenience from the both takes on a new meaning when they each allow for the intensity of their attraction to one another burn free and true. There was great banter between the two. There was a cast of supporting characters that makes Olivia and Cole stand out.
The quick agreement to marry for totally different reasons soon become the answer that each one had been looking for in different ways. Olivia thought she just wanted a way to save an endangered species. Cole just wanted to keep what he felt was his. Together they embark on this ruse that ensnared them both. Olivia was strong, different, outspoken, and at heart a woman. She gave as good as she got and she then gave a bit more. She did not coward under disapproval.
I get a good read form Ann Marie Walker with each new read from her. I look forward to more from this series. So, yes, I recommend this book to any and every one looking to laugh some, sigh some, and jut play stick to that one person that needs it most. This was the one for me.
What a fun book by a new to me author. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next one. I posted a review on Goodreads.
BLACK TIE OPTIONAL is a fun and sexy read, full of humor and laughter. I enjoyed the banter between Olivia and Cole a lot; the chemistry between them sizzles and leaps off the pages. While lust is very much a part of the attraction between them, I love that the author took the time to develop their relationship, and there was a pivotal scene wherein you can see how their relationship changed from lust and physical attraction to something deeper.
The story is well-plotted and well-written, and the pacing just right. I breezed through the story, foregoing sleep in order to know <i>what happened next</i>. It was that compelling.
I can't wait to read the next book, which features Olivia's friend and a prince!
Cole and Olivia were a fun and wild read, a clear case of opposite's attract. I enjoyed watching their relationship flourish and each of them learn the true meaning of love.
4 stars
Black Tie Optional by Ann Marie Walker was such a wonderful read.
The storyline entertained me all throughout, the characters Coleman and Olivia were likable, endearing and watching their relationship unfold kept me turning the pages late into the night.
What a great start to the Wild Wedding Series, can't wait for the next book!
*Purchase Links*
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Black-Tie-Optional-Wild-Wedding-ebook/dp/B01N27SP0C/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Target https://www.target.com/p/black-tie-optional-paperback-ann-marie-walker/-/A-52441903
B&N https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/black-tie-optional-ann-marie-walker/1125581429?ean=9781250120021
iTunes https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/black-tie-optional-ann-marie-walker/1125581429?ean=9781250120021
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy*
Black Tie Optional by Ann Marie Walker is book number one in the Wild Wedding series. This is Coleman Grant III and Olivia Ramsey's story.
Coleman and Olivia are complete opposites. Coleman is rich and doesn't seem too concerned about environmental issues. Olivia doesn't eat meat and is very active and loud about protesting environmental issues. Coleman hasn't had love from his family like Olivia even though her family is rather unique.
Olivia has been a pain in Coleman's side about saving endangered species on one of his projects. But maybe they can come to an agreement that will benefit both of them. See, Coleman needs a wife or he could lose everything.
I loved this story! The banter and chemistry between Coleman and Olivia was so much fun. At times they had me laughing so hard that my husband thought I was crazy. Oh, man, you just have to read this book. Between their stubbornness and the sexual tension there is never a dull moment. If they would just look at what's in front of them, they would see how great they can be together. Will their stubbornness prevent them from finding love?
This book is fantastic - funny, sexy, and heartwarming. I have found a new author. Yay!! I look forward to reading the next book in this series and other books by Ann Marie Walker.
FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.