Format: ARC
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads 
If you’re looking to kick off your holiday reading with something funny, heartwarming, and full of festive charm, Kristen Bailey’s Big Nick Energy is the perfect pick.
The story follows Kay, a librarian who finds herself caught in the middle of the most chaotic—and entertaining—love triangle imaginable. When she unexpectedly bumps into her ex, Nick, at a Christmas market, it feels like fate is offering her a second chance. But then, in a hilariously disastrous tangle with a Christmas tree-netting machine, she meets another Nick—this one a grumpy tree farmer with a heart of gold. Soon, Kay is juggling Finance Nick’s polished, big-city romance with Farmer Nick’s cozy, heartfelt charm, all while trying to keep her head (and her reindeer onesie) in check.
This was the first holiday book I picked up this season, and it absolutely did not disappoint. I could not put it down. Bailey balances laugh-out-loud comedy with tender, emotional beats that gave the story real depth. Kay was such a relatable heroine—I adored her clumsy mishaps, her chemistry with both Nicks, and her journey to rediscovering her own creative spark.
The love triangle element was deliciously angsty. Love triangles aren’t for everyone, but when they’re done right, they keep you guessing—and this one had me unsure of how it would all turn out until about halfway through. I loved both relationships for different reasons, which made the choice feel just as complicated for me as it was for Kay.
The supporting cast is just as wonderful. Kay’s best friend, Lucy, steals every scene she’s in, and I sincerely hope Kristen Bailey gives her a book of her own in the future. The inclusion of a dementia storyline was handled with care—touching without ever overwhelming the rom-com spirit.
Holiday rom-coms are notoriously tricky to get right, but Big Nick Energy nails the blend of festive fun, heart, and humor. It’s a five-star read for me, and I’ll definitely be picking up more of Kristen Bailey’s books. If you’re searching for a holiday rom-com that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even tear up, this is one to add to your list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
English (US) · 