How to Read Ann Marie Walker's Books: The Recommended Path
When diving into the bibliography of Chicago-based romance author Ann Marie Walker, your starting point depends entirely on what flavor of romance you are in the mood for. Because her series span different tones—ranging from high-stakes romantic suspense to lighthearted, holiday-themed romantic comedies—there is no single overarching chronology connecting all of her books.
For readers who want intense chemistry, high drama, and a continuous storyline, the best place to start is with the Chasing Fire series. However, if you prefer witty banter, accidental identities, and low-angst rom-com setups, you should start with either Black Tie Optional (the first book in the Wild Wedding series) or Happy Singles Day (the debut of her Hashtag Holidays series).
The Complete Ann Marie Walker Reading Order
Here is the breakdown of Walker’s works grouped by their respective series, detailed in their optimal reading order.
The Chasing Fire Series (Co-authored with Amy K. Rogers)
This series represents Walker's debut and is a collaborative effort with her friend Amy K. Rogers. Unlike her later lighthearted rom-coms, this series leans heavily into steamy romantic suspense, featuring high-stakes secrets and intense physical chemistry. It follows the tumultuous relationship of media heiress Alessandra Sinclair and her forbidden first love, Hudson Chase. Because this series tells one continuous story, these books must be read in order.
- Remind Me (2015): The debut novel that introduces Alessandra and Hudson as they reunite and reignite a forbidden spark.
- Release Me (2015): The second installment, which raises the emotional stakes and unravels deeper secrets between the couple.
- Reclaim Me (2015): The dramatic conclusion to the main trilogy where Allie and Hudson must fight to secure their future together.
- Embrace Me (2016): A follow-up novella (often designated as book #3.5) that checks in on the couple during their wedding planning and vow renewal. It is best read after Reclaim Me to avoid major spoilers.
The Wild Wedding Series
If you love the tropes of classic 80s and 90s romantic comedies (think The Proposal or Two Weeks Notice), the Wild Wedding series is for you. Set against the backdrop of wedding chaos, these novels focus on humor, accidental situations, and sizzling tension. While the books are technically standalones centering on different couples, characters frequently cross over. The author recommends reading them in publication order to preserve the continuity of character interactions and avoid minor spoilers.
- Black Tie Optional (2017): A mistaken-identity rom-com featuring a fiery fling that turns into something much more permanent.
- Icing on the Cake (2018): A sweet and sports-infused romance that channels classic rom-com energy.
- Save the Date (2020): A wedding-planner themed romance full of banter and swoon-worthy chemistry. (Note: While some databases list a 2023 release date, this refers to the audiobook edition; the novel was originally published in May 2020.)
The Hashtag Holidays Series
The Hashtag Holidays series features holiday-centric romance novels that celebrate the funny, chaotic sides of special calendar days. These books are completely independent standalones with no overlapping character arcs, meaning you can read them in any order you choose.
- Happy Singles Day (2021): An anti-Valentine's Day rom-com following Paige Parker as her meticulously organized life is upended by unexpected love.
- Lucky Leap Day (2022): A fun, whimsical story about taking chances and finding love in unexpected places on Leap Day.
What to Know Before You Start
Before cracking open your first Ann Marie Walker book, here are a few tips to help set your expectations:
First, expect a healthy dose of humor and pop culture references. Walker is a self-proclaimed fanatic of 80s rom-coms and the television show Friends, and that witty, fast-paced dialogue shines through in her characters' banter. Second, be prepared for steam. Her books balance emotional depth with high-heat romance, particularly the Chasing Fire series, which features explicit, high-intensity relationship dynamics. Finally, note that while she has mentioned on her official website that a book focusing on Conor (a character from the Wild Wedding universe) has been in development, no official publication date has been set as of mid-2026.