Black Tie Optional (Wild Wedding)

by Ann Marie Walker

[Lynn]

Black Tie Optional is the first novel in the Wild Wedding series by Ann Marie Walker.

Over the past few months, Coleman Grant III stop for his morning coffee means running into the irritating hippy known as Olivia Ramsey. It's a tedious way to start the day but pales in comparison to the huge issue he has with regards to the company he runs...the one he may lose. When Ms Ramsay just happens to be attending the same event in Las Vegas as he is, Cole decides on a business proposition that will not only resolve his business predicament but rid him of the hippy chick too. Only, his plans don't unfold as he expects.

Olivia Ramsey's passion for saving endangered species has led her into the daily path of Coleman Grant III. He's a typical, stubborn corporate CEO who lacks compassion for the environment, even if he is drop-dead gorgeous. When their paths cross at an event in Las Vegas and Cole suggests a solution to her latest wildlife cause, she accepts. However, three months living as Mrs Grant doesn't turn out to be quite as she expected.

The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable between the sworn enemies as they reach their temporary ceasefire...marriage! On the surface, both appear to be as unalike as chalk and cheese, but as they get to know each other, both are trying to come to terms with events from the past. Issues that have to be overcome if they want to move forward in the lives either alone or together.

I loved the author's writing style and how she moved the relationship between Cole and Olivia along as the sexual tension between them became increasingly combustible. Entertained, I remained engaged within the book as the storyline unfolded. As the main antagonist within the plot, my only criticism is the way the Grandmother's role faded away without any explanation. Despite this, Black Tie Optional is a highly entertaining read. It's the first novel I've read by Ms Walker and I'll definitely be following future releases in this series.

Overall, the first novel in the Wild Wedding series is a fun, flirty and sexy, enemies to lovers romance… a perfect read for a hot Summer's day by the pool.

***arc generously received courtesy of St. Martin's Press via NetGalley***