Rebecca Halstead has never been a bridesmaid, but she can certainly relate to the expression always a bridesmaid, never a bride. As one of Chicago's top wedding planners, Rebecca has had a front-row seat to countless ceremonies, yet her own walk down the aisle has started to feel like nothing more than a little girl's fantasy. She's the wallflower who, thanks to a clean bill of health from her oncologist, wants to live life to the fullest. If only she knew how. Brody Dixon hasn't heard the word no since he was drafted by the NFL. With cover-model looks and an arm that's earned him two Super Bowl MVPs, Brody can have his pick of women. But as the next celebrity bachelor on American Sweetheart, both his agent and publicist want him to clean up his image before the show begins. If only he knew how. Then fate and an impulsive wager bring these two opposites together, and an unlikely alliance is formed. For the next two months, Brody will get a crash course in romance. In return, he agrees to help Rebecca break out of her carefully constructed shell. On paper, it makes perfect sense. But as they struggle to teach each other, Brody and Rebecca just might discover that falling in love is the most important lesson of all.
Ann Marie Walker is the author of nine novels, ranging from romantic suspense to romantic comedy. She's a fan of fancy cocktails, anything chocolate, and '80s rom-coms. Her superpower is connecting any situation to an episode of Friends, and she thinks all coffee cups should be the size of a bowl. You can find her at AnnMarieWalker.com, where she would be happy to talk to you about alpha males, lemon drop martinis, or Chewbacca, the Morkie who is kind enough to let her sit on his couch. Ann Marie attended the University of Notre Dame and currently lives in Chicago.
Save the Date is book 3 in the Wild Wedding series by Ann Marie Walker. I didn’t read the previous books before starting this one - and while I can say Save the Date can be read as a stand alone, I’m now terribly curious about the other two stories, so I’m definetely going to read them (now in the correct order).
I loved Brody and Rebecca’s story. Their romance is sweet and fun, and while somewhat predictable, is still attention grabbing and interesting to follow. However, I would have preferred a slightly milder language, and I wish Brody could tame a bit his lust for women - any kind of woman he runs into seems to jingle his hormones, and in my opinion that makes Rebecca just one more. It doesn’t matter that he keeps saying she’s special and different - his reaction is just the same as with any other woman, except right at the very end.
Still, Save the Date is a fun summer read and if you’re not easily offended by some more explicit language, you should give it a try.
After going through a difficult time Rebecca is ready to leave it all in the past and embrace life to the fullest however her brother would prefer to wrap her in cotton and keep her safe. Brody has all the professional success he could want but his career is in jeopardy due to his partying ways off the field.
A chance meeting between the two and a mutually beneficial arrangement is agreed to, but they may be the ones in for a surprise as they may just find what they didn’t know they were looking for in each other.
Humor, heat and heart combine as two very contrasting people realize the only thing that really matters is their feelings for each other.
Rebecca is determined not to let her overprotective brother run her life now that she's been cancer free for awhile. She had no way of knowing one of his friends, though, the man who literally ran into her in the park, would be THE ONE. But will Brody persist in his relationship with Rebecca even knowing he does not have her brother's approval? And what about when he finds out her big health secret?
This a sweet, witty and fun read. Rebecca and Brody make for a wonderful couple, friends turned more. I love that they really were friends at first, even while being insanely attracted to each other. But what I love most? Rebecca. She's strong and tough and absolutely did not allow her very, very overprotective caveman of a big brother run her. She let him help her with her medical bills, but did not allow him to rule her every decision and behavior. Kudos to her!
This is the first book I’ve read of Ann Marie Walker’s and, after finishing, I’ve already got more of her backlist in my Amazon basket, ready to get to reading. I loved every minute of this book and Ms Walker’s writing style.
Save the Date is the third book in the Wild Wedding series after Black Tie Optional (Cole and Olivia) and Icing on the Cake (Cassie and Hank). Both previous couples - and their friend Conor - appear quite a lot in this book as they’re related to, or friends with Brody and Rebecca. I loved catching up with both couples - and that’s coming from someone who hasn’t even read the previous books! When reading any series, I love to read catch-ups with previously beloved characters and Ms Walker knows exactly how I like them to be. Still happy and still horny. As soon as I’ve read the first two books in the series I plan to re-read this one and I’m sure I’ll love the scenes involving the previous couples even more.
But onto the main show of this book - Brody and Rebecca.
I loved Rebecca. She was an enticing mix of lots of different contrasts. Sweet yet sexy. Shy yet ballsy. Confident yet filled with doubt. It made her all the more relatable as I think we’re all different depending on the situations we’re in or who we’re with. And that’s also what I liked - that Brody seemed to be the one that she could let loose and be herself with. That he could inspire such comfort to experience all her highs.
You could be forgiven for thinking that due to Rebecca’s previous illness, there might be melancholic moments in this book. Not so. Her cancer isn’t really touched on all that much and while it’s the reason for her desire to ‘live on the wild side’ - and obviously affects her outlook, and how others (okay, mainly just her big brother) treat her - it’s just another part of what makes up Rebecca. I was also pleased that I didn’t get too emotional over her cancer - but did find some of the statements quite poignant - and think I really should be following Rebecca’s lead in living life to the fullest.
The first time we meet Brody - he’s pretty much a douche. Also a bit clueless and with an ego the size of Texas. But I still really liked him. He’s terribly cheesy and so damn cocky - but that just means I get to watch him fall further when he gets hit by Cupid’s arrow. Am I a wee bit sadistic? It would appear so! His ‘transformation’ was subtle but also a massive 180. It was lovely to watch. I’m going to go ‘off the charts’ sappy here, when I say that the whole thing really gave me the feels and made me really believe in love. Awwww!
The whole book was cute and quirky and funny enough to inspire some laughs. It was never silly - okay, maybe on occasion, especially with Conor! - but it just was so wonderfully feel-good.
If I’m being super picky - I’m going to admit that I’m not sure I really understood the logic of how a bet about a date turned into the pair spending every day together, going to work, looking at houses. But I also don’t care because I was enjoying myself too much!
And it was a wee bit of a shame that we only got a highlight reel page or so, about some of the fun things that Brody and Rebecca had done during the time of the television show filming. But again, just a small niggle that also didn’t change my rating of this book.
I wholeheartedly enjoyed reading this book - and it was definitely the kind of story I was thinking about whenever I happened to put it down - and even now I’m finished. Very much a recommended read if you like fun, uplifting romantic comedies with great chemistry, banter and a smidge of sexiness. 5 stars.
I enjoyed Ann Marie Walker's "Save the Date," the third book in the Wild Wedding series. Main characters Brody and Rebecca were both quite likeable, and their banter as they got to know each other made me chuckle frequently. I especially loved Brody's terrible pickup lines and Rebecca's efforts to turn him into "less of a Neanderthal" through activities such as ballroom dancing. Their relationship development was a nicely paced slow burn, and I couldn't wait for the two of them to finally give into their feelings for each other.
There were a few things that didn't entirely make sense to me about the plot, however. For example, how did Rebecca have so much free time to spend with Brody while he was filming for the reality show? As a wedding/event planner, I would think her Saturdays would be very busy with work, but it seemed like a lot of Brody's filming as well as their dates were on Saturdays. Also, if Brody was being tracked by the paparazzi so closely, how did they miss that he was spending so much time with Rebecca and figure out that they were basically dating?
Further, as someone who has battled stage IV breast cancer for the past year, I have to comment on Rebecca's illness and the effects it had on her character and relationship with Brody - or rather, DIDN'T seem to have. The type of cancer she battled was never specified, but if she had any type of surgery related to it, she may very well have had concerns about sharing her scars with a new partner. The fear of recurrence wasn't addressed either, and that's a pretty big one for most cancer survivors. Achieving remission, while a huge milestone, does not mean that the cancer is cured. There's also the fact that Rebecca's chemotherapy treatments may have affected her ability to have children in the future, and Brody wanted a "houseful of children." Obviously, I am more sensitive to this issue than most readers, and I completely understand that this story is a rom-com and meant to be light and funny, but I still wish that this aspect of the story had been better developed.
At any rate, despite those issues, I really liked the main characters both individually and as a couple, plus the book made me laugh out loud. I recommend "Save the Date" for fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy and will definitely be reading more books in this series.
*ARC provided by the author via L. Woods PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
A brilliant, beautiful and humorous look at a Strangers to Friends to Lovers story that will have you hoping and even helping (well trying to in your mind) to get these two to confess their thoughts and feelings. Rebecca has not had the best of beginnings in her life but what she had, she loved fiercely and appreciated as well. When faced with the biggest challenge of her life it was with the love and support of her "new found" brother that she was able to conquer and come out stronger on the other side. Sadly said brother is now her self appointed body guard and overseer of her life. She wants to break free and experience all that she has missed. She wants to LIVE!! Brody, although from humble beginnings is now a star quarterback in the NFL. He has the finances and the looks and the talent but what he doesn't have is someone to share this with. He doesn't know that he needs this because he thinks he has it all. One day, when his world collides with the woman of his dreams, he knows he needs to find her again but how does he do that if doesn't even know her name? When fate takes a hand and these two are brought together again, a deal is struck and in the end who will win the better end of the stick? A refreshing story of friendship and love and laughs that will leave you lighter and happier in the end.
A brilliant, beautiful and humorous look at a Strangers to Friends to Lovers story that will have you hoping and even helping (well trying to in your mind) to get these two to confess their thoughts and feelings. Rebecca has not had the best of beginnings in her life but what she had, she loved fiercely and appreciated as well. When faced with the biggest challenge of her life it was with the love and support of her "new found" brother that she was able to conquer and come out stronger on the other side. Sadly said brother is now her self appointed body guard and overseer of her life. She wants to break free and experience all that she has missed. She wants to LIVE!! Brody, although from humble beginnings is now a star quarterback in the NFL. He has the finances and the looks and the talent but what he doesn't have is someone to share this with. He doesn't know that he needs this because he thinks he has it all. One day, when his world collides with the woman of his dreams, he knows he needs to find her again but how does he do that if doesn't even know her name? When fate takes a hand and these two are brought together again, a deal is struck and in the end who will win the better end of the stick? A refreshing story of friendship and love and laughs that will leave you lighter and happier in the end.
Rebecca finally has a clean bill of health after her cancer, and she wants to live life these days. However, she's got to convince her brother to stand down with the over protectiveness, which will be no easy feat. Brody came from humble beginnings, thought these days he's a star QB in the NFL & a player off the field, so he needs his image fixed. Rebecca literally runs into him and the sparks are flying, but she found him arrogant so he didn't get her name. When she does run into him again, she learns he's one of her over protective brother's friends, so you already know bro code will be enforced. This story was a hilarious story that kept me laughing a bunch, while a permanent smile was along for the ride. These interactions were perfectly witty, with a kicker of super sweet. In essence, it's the perfect happy place read that really gives readers a break from the chaos of the world (especially the US) which is worth all the stars in the world! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Save the Date is a fun contemporary romance where quarterback Brody Dixon needs to clean up his reputation now that he’s moved to Chicago especially after the gossip sites had a field day with pictures that went viral. His agent signed him up on a dating show but when he couldn’t get wedding planner Rebecca Halstead out of his head because he was used to women knowing who he was.
Rebecca Halstead just wanted to get back to normal because her over-protective brother was trying to arrange her life, but Rebecca was having none of it other than helping Brody learn to how to date in return to helping her check off some things she wanted to do.
I loved reading Save The Date because I loved Rebecca’s strength in preventing Cole from running her life after cancer but now, I need to read the other books in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rebecca is a wedding planner, one that doesn't have much spontaneity. She runs into a man in the park, literally, and sparks fly. But his cocksure attitude has her leaving the scene, so imagine her surprise when she encounters him again at her brothers house.
Brody is a Quarter Back and also a player. His ways seem to have landed him in trouble and in order to repair his image, his publicist has him signed up to find love and commitment on a reality dating show (like the Bachelor).
But he can't seem to forget Rebecca and their attraction so they make a deal to help the other out. Rebecca will teach Brody about romance and wooing woman while Brody will work to get Rebecca out of her comfort zone and to enjoy life more.
So what will happen between the two? Will Brody find love on a show or realize what he has in front of him? Definitely one-click now.
Such a fun strangers to friends to lovers romance. Who knew a chance "run in" with each other would lead to having so much more in common than they thought. Imagine fantasizing about a stranger you met only to show up at a small intimate gather to them being there....this is how this really starts off.
Rebecca has a past and yet now she needs to really "live" again and that should also include love. Brody is an NFL player who was just signed in Chicago. He may have grown up with nothing but now makes millions, he has everything he ever wanted except love. Who needs love anyway?
You will fall for both of these as individuals, and root for them to to get together. This book is fun and I loved all of the side characters just as much. This was my first book by this author, but now I need to go check out others.
Another fun and touching installment in the Wild Wedding Series! Rebecca and Brody's chemistry leaps off the page from the moment they bump into each other. While the both envision more bumping, they both realize the consequences of venturing outside the friend zone. Their flirty friendship evolves with just the right amount of sexual tension to add to the fun. With their friends, and Rebecca's brother intertwined in their lives and careers, both know the stakes are high - but sometimes chances are worth taking. I loved revisiting the characters from the earlier books and Rebecca and Brody fit right in. Not only was I pulling for their HEA, but for everyone to get their fairy-tale to come true. Walker never disappoints in this department and always finds a creative way to leave the reader believing in the power of love.
This is a great read and another solid entry in this enjoyable series. I thought that there was a lot of cuteness and humor in Rebecca and Brody's story but this book also adds healthy doses of emotion and a touch of seriousness to create a well rounded, well written all the feels type of romance. Brody and Rebecca could hardly be more different but that worked so perfectly for them and their story. I thought that they made a wonderful couple and I loved their clever banter and sparks generated by their impossible to resist chemistry. A very, very fun book! This is my independent, impartial review.
This is the 3rd book in Ann Marie Walker's Wild Wedding Series, and I really have enjoyed every book in this series. It is such a fun series, and the books are very engaging and fun.
Save the Date is Rebecca and Brody's story. They have amazing chemistry, flirty banter and a relationship rooted in friendship and connections. Their hesitance to venture outside of the friend-zone is very real and understandable.
Not only is this a fun, flirty and rewarding read because Rebecca and Brody are great characters and the writing is strong, but we get to visit some of Ann Marie Walker's previous couples, too, which always adds to the story in my opinion.
I’m absolutely loving this series. Rebecca has just been given the best news from her doctor and she just wants to get back to normal, but her brother is making it difficult for her to do so. Brody is a star quarterback and thinks he has everything, until he meets Rebecca. He can’t get her out of his head. I loved Rebecca and Brody’s story, I loved their banter, their chemistry, and even though they were so different, they were perfect together. A wonderfully humorous and fun read and I definitely recommend it.
Save The Date, the third book in the Wild Wedding series, is Rebecca and Brody's story. I love Rebecca's strength and both her and Brody are characters you can't help but route for. Starting first as friends, the connection between the two leads can really be felt and they are perfect for eachother. Save the Date is very well written, sweet, romantic and witty, everything I look for in contemporary romance. I definitely recommend it and I am going to go back and read the first two books in the series!
Save the Date is an enjoyable, fun story filled with a few crazy moments, lots of friendships and a happily ever after! This is the first book by Ann Marie Walker that I have read and I will definitely be checking our some of her other stories. A chance encounter throws Brody and Olivia into each other’s lives but they soon find out they their lives are more connected than they thought. I loved watching these two go from strangers to becoming friends and then finding the ultimate prize, love!
I found this story so sweet and funny too. Rebecca is back and is determined to live life to the fullest, with or without her brother's approval. As luck would have it, she literally crashes into Brody. Brody who is too cocky for his own good, but can also be genuine and sweet. These two have amazing banter and I love how Rebecca puts him in his place. I love how they started out as friends or friendly anyway, even tho the chemistry is off the charts..but one dare at the time and they challenge each other and make each other better in different ways. I think it's adorable and so sweet!
This is the 3rd book in this amazing series and is Rebecca and Brody’s story. Rebecca is a wedding planner, and Brody is a wealthy quarterback who is used to getting what he wants, and despite these two being total opposites, they are so perfect together. This is a beautifully written story which is humorous, emotional and an entertaining tale with witty banter and explosive chemistry. I recommend for all.
This book is a total stand alone even though it is third in the series. It was actually the first book in the series that I read and I did not feel as if I missed anything. If you have read the other books in the series then you just know more about the relationships with the secondary characters.
I loved this love story. It is a romance, reality show, and friends to lovers (kinda) all in one. I love the romance and it had just the right amount of hot chemistry.
“What a sweet and funny story. Save the Date was so delightful to read and is the third book of this amazing series! It follows the story of Rebecca and Brody’s story. They were totally opposites and as you can guess they were a match made in heaven. So well written and developed with humor and entertaining moments. Their chemistry was explosive! So romantic! Love this story and I highly recommend it to you!”
The Wild Wedding Series is one of my favorite rom-com series. I love the entire cast of characters this series has created. While Cole, Olivia, Hank, Cassie and even Coner lend support, Rebecca and Brody truly shine in Save The Date.
Their banter, and progressing relationship lead you on a slow burn journey you'll be happy you took.
Each book in this series can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the whole series.
Listened to audio; this is my favorite of this series; Rebecca and Brodie were more authentic characters. They worked on their friendship before jumping into bed with such other. More could have been revealed about her cancer diagnosis and some heartfelt conversations could have been had. Author missed those opportunities. You also get to find out how the couples from the first two books have been progressing. Predictable but a good read.
I absolutely love this series! Save The Date was a fantastic addition! I loved Rebecca and Brody! They were perfect for each other! It just took them a little while to figure it out! I loved the banter between them and their amazing chemistry! It was a fun, very enjoyable read with so many laugh out loud moments! If you like an enjoyable, fun romance, Save The Date is the Book for you!
I loved the way they met. The fact that she shocks him by not fawning all over him because he's so used to women just falling at him feet. Rebecca just intrigues him right from the start because of how they met the first time. Such a great story!
I enjoyed reading this book. They were very good together. I laughed Out loud a few times. I loved That they were “dating” without realizing they were falling hard for each other. I would Definitely read more books by this author.
Such a funny and witty Rom-Com!! I loved the meet-cute, bumping into one another, it was just right for this book!! First book I have read from Ms. Walker and it surely will not be the last. Great Book!!