Big Nick Energy

After a much-needed months-long break from rom-coms I was ready for some light-hearted fun and Kristen Bailey brought just the Christmas in October cheer I was hoping for!

The book opens in 2018 with Kay Redman being dumped during the Christmas season by her long-time college boyfriend Nick. It may sound sad, but how the event unfolds during a festive pub quiz night is one of the funniest in the book! 

Three years later, while helping her Nana with an enormous 10 ft. Christmas tree that was kindly donated to her but couldn’t possibly fit in her home, Kay calls the slightly gruff man who donated it to her, whose name is … you guessed it … Nick. He doesn’t make a good first impression.

These Nick fellows are batting zero so far.

Jump to December 2025 and Kay, who writes children’s books on the side while working as a librarian, is being encouraged to get out there and have fun again by her agent Davinia. When she bumps into now successful ex Nick at an outdoor London market and sparks seem to rekindle, she takes it as a sign that maybe fate is bringing them together again.

Fate is a funny thing though, and soon Kay encounters - in person this time - Christmas tree farmer/part-time Santa Nick who starts helping her with a book drive at nursing homes and schools allowing her to see a different, nicer side of him.

Hmmm … maybe these Nicks aren’t so bad after all.

Both guys seem to care about Kay … what’s a girl to do? Well, Kay’s hilarious bestie Lucy, co-workers Helen and Olga and especially her beloved spunky Nana, whose battle with Alzheimer’s hasn’t dimmed her ability to speak her mind, ALL have strong opinions on the issue! What do they think and which Nick will Kay pick?

Lucy, Helen, Olga and Nana aren’t the only one with strong opinions, and let’s just say that I’m pleased with Kay’s choice. What I’m also SO pleased with is how the events leading to the choice played out. There was no high drama, no hysterics and bad feelings … just a calm, adult realization with proper communication. What?? Two grown adults communicating like grown humans? Thank you Kristen Bailey for showing it can be done! 

This was an immersion read with my Kindle and the audio wonderfully narrated by Harrie Dobby whose voice is so lovely to listen to. Though the euphemism being played on in the title is spicy, this is clean, mild spice with the doors mostly closed. If you want a light-hearted, sweet holiday romance with likeable characters, fun banter, and all the “feel goods”, this is a perfect choice. My one and only complaint is I wanted more story for one of the Nicks. I’ll let you figure out which!

★★★★ ½