Book Review: Big Nick Energy by Morgan Elizabeth

Big Nick Energy (Season for Revenge #4)
Pub Date: 24 October 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Panda Rating:

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📖 SYNOPSIS

When Connor Finch insists his one-time Tinder match, Shae, comes to his dad’s house for Thanksgiving with her two daughters, it’s because he refuses to let them be alone on her first-holiday post-divorce.

But when she arrives at the Christmas tree farm and ranch he grew up on, she meets his father—the crazy tall, built, golden retriever cowboy who tells her girls all about the magic of the stupid elf on a shelf.

Of course, when she later corners him and tells him thanks a lot for nothing and that she’s way too overwhelmed to have to deal with yet another responsibility, he feels terrible.

So terrible, he finds himself driving two hours every night just to deliver an elf, move him about, and create some Christmas magic for her girls.

But what happens when he decides meeting her the way he did was some kind of Christmas miracle, and he needs to convince Shae to give him a shot?

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Abusive relationship (recounted), on-page threats and intimidation by abusive ex

I’ve seen this holiday romance everywhere in the past couple of weeks and I can see why everyone recommends it! Aside from the fun puntastic title and the holiday vibes that make it a perfect fit for the season, it was also one of the most heartwarming and feel-good romances that I’ve read in a while. What starts as a slightly awkward and tension-filled first encounter (with lots of dubious side-eyeing) turns into a beautiful, healing romance full of incredibly sweet and thoughtful moments! If you love the grumpy x sunshine and single parent tropes and where he falls first and falls hard for her and her kids, chances are you’ll really enjoy this romance.

Shae and Nick have great contrasting personalities. Nick is the cuddly papa bear to Shae’s grumpy mama bear and they work so well together. Shae has gotten herself out of an abusive relationship and is starting fresh with her two girls. The story says a lot about how society perceives single mums vs single dads and despite being cranky, pessimistic, and even stubborn to a fault at times, she was an easy character to empathise with. She feels the need to take on everything as a single mum if only to prove to her haters that she’s more than capable of giving her daughters what they need. I honestly couldn’t imagine her being with anyone other than Nick, with his incredibly charming, thoughtful, and cheerful personality! There is so much healing that happens as Nick steps into the picture and helps ease Shae’s responsibilities by seamlessly stepping into the co-parenting shoes (without taking over and becoming the “hero” because she’s capable AF even without him!) but also as he becomes the safe space for all three of them. I’m not the biggest kid person but these girls were so adorable and my heart broke seeing how their trauma manifested in their everyday lives. There were many touching moments between Nick and the girls as their trust in him grew and he continued to prove his love for them. It was all so very sweet!

Things do get steamy between Shae and Nick as their relationship evolves. It gets sexy and a little bit kinky but stays predominantly sweet. Honestly, despite the darker moments when Shae’s ex resurfaced and the girls having to deal with the nastiness of school bullies and (even worse) their poisonous mothers, this was a comforting, feel-good, holiday romance that fully delivered on the Big Nick Energy! 😉 I would recommend it if you’re looking for a sweet and sexy festive romance.