Picture a Chicago storyteller who crafts steamy, witty romances that make your heart race—meet Ann Marie Walker! A University of Notre Dame alumna, Walker has carved a niche in contemporary romance with her addictive series like Chasing Fire, Wild Wedding, and Hashtag Holidays. Her knack for blending humor, heat, and relatable characters has won her a loyal following among romance readers.
With a love for 80s rom-coms and a self-proclaimed superpower of connecting any situation to an episode of Friends, Walker’s stories are as charming as a lemon drop martini. Her novels invite you into worlds where passion reignites, weddings spark chaos, and holidays bring unexpected love. Let’s dive into the life and works of this rising romance star!
The Making of Ann Marie Walker
Ann Marie Walker grew up with a passion for storytelling, though her path to authorship wasn’t a straight line. A proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she honed her sharp wit and love for narrative in Chicago, where she now resides. Her early career details are less documented, but her lifelong obsession with romantic comedies—think When Harry Met Sally—shaped her voice. Walker’s leap into writing came with a desire to craft stories that balance heart-pounding desire with laugh-out-loud moments, often co-authoring with her friend Amy K. Rogers.
Ann Marie Walker’s Unforgettable Stories
Walker’s bibliography sparkles with nine novels, spanning romantic suspense to rom-coms. Her debut, Remind Me (2015), kicks off the Chasing Fire series, co-authored with Rogers. It follows Alessandra Sinclair, a media heiress, and Hudson Chase, her forbidden first love, as they navigate a steamy second-chance romance. The trilogy (Release Me, Reclaim Me, and novella Embrace Me) is praised for its intense chemistry and high-stakes drama.
The Wild Wedding series brings Walker’s humor to the forefront. Black Tie Optional (2017) is a Proposal-meets-Two Weeks Notice romp where a mistaken identity leads to a fiery fling. Icing on the Cake and Save the Date follow, blending Notting Hill vibes with sports romance flair. Her Hashtag Holidays series, starting with Happy Singles Day (2021), celebrates anti-Valentine’s Day with Paige Parker’s perfectly organized life unraveling into love. Lucky Leap Day continues the holiday-themed hilarity.
Walker’s style is a cocktail of witty banter, sizzling tension, and heartfelt connections. Her characters—alpha males, strong heroines, and quirky sidekicks—feel like friends you’d grab coffee with (in bowl-sized mugs, naturally). Themes of second chances, defying expectations, and embracing vulnerability resonate across her work, making her a go-to for readers craving emotional depth with a side of fun.
Why Ann Marie Walker Matters
In the crowded world of romance, Ann Marie Walker stands out for her ability to make readers laugh, swoon, and cheer. Her stories celebrate love’s messy, beautiful chaos, resonating with fans who see themselves in her relatable characters. By blending 80s rom-com nostalgia with modern sensibilities, she’s carved a unique space in contemporary romance. Her collaboration with Rogers on Chasing Fire earned critical acclaim, with RT Book Reviews calling it “seriously sexy and sinfully steamy.” Walker’s growing fanbase eagerly awaits her next tale.
- Key Works: Chasing Fire series, Wild Wedding series, Hashtag Holidays series
- Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
- Alma Mater: University of Notre Dame
- Fun Fact: She’s a chocolate fanatic and Morkie mom to Chewbacca!
Ready to fall in love? Snag Remind Me or Happy Singles Day and dive into Ann Marie Walker’s irresistible world of romance!