Book Review: Big Stick Energy by Sarina Bowen

Big Stick Energy was fake dating perfection and gave me all the good vibes! Darcy and Eric were adorable together, and I loved the development of their happily ever after. You won't want to miss this one!

Big Stick Energy (New York Legends #2) by Sarina Bowen

A hockey team captain and a bubbly staffer mix business with pleasure when they start fake dating through the wedding season in this hot sports romance perfect for fans of Mariana Zapata and Elle Kennedy.

Darcy Kendrick is used to putting out fires. As an overworked admin to a hockey team, she’s seen it all. But nothing prepares her for accidentally DMing her very private, very NSFW fantasy to the subject of this fantasy: team captain Eric Tremaine. Nobody actually dies of embarrassment. Right?

But when a wedding invite puts them on a collision course with her chaotic family and his emotionally fraught past, Eric suggests a plan: they fake-date their way through the “Wedding Experience.” It’s mutually beneficial. Totally strategic. And definitely not real. Except between mini tacos, slow dances and lingering glances, Eric starts to wonder if the sharp-tongued assistant with a bottomless to-do list might be the one person who truly sees him. And for Darcy? The fire in her heart might be the only one she can’t put out.

It’s supposed to be fake. It’s supposed to be temporary. So why is it so hard to walk away?

5 out of 5 stars

Big Stick Energy was entertaining and sweet with just the right amount of emotion and tension mixed in. I loved it! I love it when a story hits just right and has me smiling and happy the entire time. I loved everything about Darcy and Eric, from their fake dating to their flirting and longing and all their off-the-charts chemistry. It was an exciting and fun read!

Darcy was fantastic! I loved her tenacity and how hard she worked. I loved learning about her crush on Eric and how one accidental DM changed everything. I loved Eric and what a sweetheart he was, and how he tried to be all the things to everyone. I adored all the fun scenes mixed in, some were totally hilarious. I enjoyed Darcy and Eric’s playfulness and seeing the chemistry between them simmer and their attraction grow. They were the perfect match! They each had hard, unfortunate histories that created some mild drama, but I liked how they were there for one another. I thought the development of their relationship was well done, and I loved their growth. When the passion between them finally exploded, it was super hot!

There was a great group of characters involved, and Eric’s teammates had me cracking up at times. I enjoyed seeing Zoe and Chase again, and even Darcy’s boss. That man is all kinds of grumpy, but I love seeing his heart shine through. Darcy’s family was a piece of work, but I liked the baby steps to create change for some of them. I felt for Eric and what was learned about him, and how much pain his family was in. I loved that there was some healing happening for all of them.

This was an excellent read that gave me all the good vibes. I laughed, I felt for them, and even got a little choked up. It was well-written and engaging, with wonderful scenes, charming characters, and just the right amount of spice. The second book in the New York Legends series was a winner!

Complimentary copy received.