Big Nick Energy

by Lani Lynn Vale

Big Nick Energy is a compilation of things that I’ve written as companion pieces to already published novels.

Get updates on your favorite couples during COVID-19. These stories were written in the very first weeks of the Covid-19 Pandemic. You’ll see some of your favorite couples as they navigate that time period. Their coping mechanisms to being locked down can be kind of…flamboyant.

Somethin’ About That You’ll get some of the ‘rest of the story’ from Banner and Perry’s new life together far away from their family and friends. But don’t worry, big, rich, all grown up and famous Slone and Titus make appearances in their update. You’ll also get the story between Blue and Titus that you’ve been waiting for in Titus’s very own short story.

But don’t despair, Viddy and Trance, as well as their kids, have their own Christmas story, too!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, Novella, Anthologies, Short Stories, Contemporary Romance

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2023

About the author

Lani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.

Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when you adore a particular author's writing, fall in love with all of their characters, and want more. And when an author gifts you with that more? *chef's kiss*

That's what I got with Big Nick Energy. I got the chance to visit some of my favourite people EVER and I still want more. LLV creates such vibrant, warm, and amazing characters. People who feel as real as the people in our lives. They're full of heart and their emotions, good or bad, are genuinely felt as you read.

This was such an unexpected yet incredibly wanted gift for the holidays!

[Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book! I was so glad that we got a compilation of short stories from so many of the characters I’ve loved over the years from LLV! We were able to get updates from where these characters are after their books finished, and also the realistic aspect of COVID-19 and the aftermath and living through it from their points of views.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Tammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book!
Catching up with old friends and meeting a few new ones.
This author always gives me a fast paced story that I gobble up like fast food.
A fun collection of stories that gave me just a little more about characters I know. But at the same time I got teases of couples I don't know and now want more.
A great little Christmas gift for Any LLV fab

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a set of diffrent shirts and while I normally don’t like those types of books, it was amazing getting little updates for some of my favorite characters and also a few little new things. If you are a huge fan of LLV and her characters, then you really don’t want to miss this!

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a mish mash of different stories or snippets from all (or it seems like it, lol) books this author has written. If you are a fan of hers and have read her books, this will be a fun catch read. But if this is your introduction, you will probably be wondering...what the hell???

[London · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Alex(Books-In-A-Storm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing. I loved it. I loved all the story. I can't wait for what ever comes next. I was laughing when I read this one.

[Lisbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to revisit some of the old characters, I liked it.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Nick Energy🧑‍🎄

Big Nick Energy is a compilation of short stories by LLV that were written during the beginning of the pandemic and show how our favourite characters are dealing with life in lockdown🥹 Great stories that I enjoyed and finished too quickly❣️

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review😍

[Kodie Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Nick Energy is exactly what it says it is. A completion of short stories complied into one for all the Lani lovers to love the heck out of and finally get to peak at our much loved OG characters as well as some new faces.

It will never bore me to visit my favourites and get a peak into past scenes and present and this book came at the perfect time really.

Not going to lie there were moments I cursed Lani in fear of what she was doing but I also know she finds away to right it and that she did. I laughed, I gasped, I cursed like crazy and whilst I didn't cry.. I did feel all kinds of ways whilst reading these little snippets.

Banner has my heart and I am so glad that their story got tied up in a little bow with a beautiful baby with those gorgeous eyes.
Trance had me fearing for life. Viddy is just everything. They will always sit on my top 3 favs of all time for Lani.

we got a peak at Titus and Blue and just how they came to be. In very Lani fashion it was chaotic and great all in one.

We get to pop into the circus and see Kristoff and Marlow and how they became them. It hit the spot just right.

Elliot and Blaine... Sighs of perfection I swear to christ. I have been a reader of Lani's since the beginning, they are my OG's and the momma and poppa of our Freebirds.

Silas my man.

Kettle my sweet man.

Snickers are life period.

Dixie is never growing old and pissing his pants in my mind. The haemorrhoid cream is a different battle all together.

I also had a mask that said fuck off on it.

Crying tears of happiness at the wedding dress greetings still being a thang.

I too once was in a birthing poo whilst my very best friend brought her son into the world. I too said the same thing Linc.

Sorry Linc. Conleigh deliverd a toddler.

Radar ... that had me crying.

Ok poor Mina.

Covid hair cuts are life.

Finley I've got my eye on you sir.

Baby making weather is life.

These little snippets are perfect representations of life in the middle of a world wide pandemic. The resentment and the fear. The hope and the joy. The frustrations. The loss. Covid was gutting for me like everyone. I lost a lot more than I though I would. I work in health care and saw it all. Lani as usual did a great job of representing everything that was those two years.

I loved these little snippets. This is less of a review and more of a running internal monologue of my thoughts whilst reading it. Now I feel like I have to go have a date with some old and much loved faces.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon / Apple / Nook / Kobo

Big Nick Energy is an unexpected, though, thoroughly welcomed, surprise compilation of some of Lani's best couples. Trace and Viddy, their kids, have their own short stories, and they all put me so in the holiday mood! I think my favorite is still Banner and Perry, but Slone and Titus are probably second. The heat is seriously yummy in each short, and the whole compilation makes me want to go out and re-read, and in some cases, read for the first time, the original stories for each couple.

ARC provided by Uplifting Author Services for an honest review.

Review: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly what it says, a compilation of stories from during the pandemic. Although we do get Banner and Perry’s birth story. I love that their daughter got her grandparents’ eyes. During that one there is a moment with Trance (Banner’s father) that made me yell NO! Thankfully things work out. Of course the moment with Radar had me in tears. Radar will forever be the best book dog ever for me!

We also get Titus and Blue’s story and although it is a short one it is good. I loved knowing they were able to finally get together. They both have loved one another for a long time but somehow life just kept getting in the way.

We also get the story of Kristoff who works for the Singh Circus. We’ve met him a few times in the other books. He has a little girl and intrigued me. I enjoyed his story a lot.

Elliot and Blaine are so wonderful and I am right there with Gabe in what they have made him do twice. Poor Gabe! There kids had me rolling with laughter as well.

Silas and Kettle were amazing as always. I can see Silas being so upset because he had to order beer. It’s just doesn’t taste the same as the beer you go buy for yourself. Kettle and his can of Lysol made me laugh but not as much as the trunk load of snack cakes.

Dixie is the character who always knows what to say when things are falling apart or knows how to make someone laugh. So hearing that he is getting older made me sad. However, in true Dixie fashion he handled the pandemic as only he could. Went into the woods and then snuck off.

I felt for Linc and the birthing pool but totally understood Conleigh. I would have wanted my mother as well. Not to mention those three women had it handled. They didn’t do anything a hospital couldn’t do.

Mina had me in tears because I felt every moment of worry with her. I can only imagine what all was going through her mind.

Finley, well I really need his story at some point because I know that particular Hail has one. I bet it is a good one too.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Storied Conversation

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers have reasons to rejoice as just in time for Christmas comes this decadently delightful collection of short stories and snippets featuring some of Ms. Vale's most beloved characters, along with some secondary characters taking center stage. Pulling readers in from the very first word to the last, it's an emotional journey that shows couples living their lives in Lani's world while showing other couples finally making their way to each other.

The stories set amidst the backdrop of COVID are especially emotional. With storylines depicting couples and their kids coping with the pandemic, with tales that were reminiscent of that chaotic time, I found a sense of solidarity. These characters felt what we all felt during that time and there was a feeling of comfort because of it.

With the longer stories I found rich and rewarding storylines, while the shorter stories were a decadently delightful appetizer. On a whole this collection was a bountiful feast full of steam, laughs, and a few tears. It was a heartwarming collection with appealing characters and entertaining storylines that showed Ms. Vale at her best. It's a collection that I wholeheartedly recommend as it was a satisfying read that has me ready for more!

[Turtlex · Rating 5 out of 5]

like meeting up with old friends, it’s been awhile but the feelings remain the same

If you want to be reunited with past characters this is the one. Some real bangers. The gooders. Aka some of my absolute favorite couples and legendary stories. The ones you never wanted to end/ and they haven’t. The happy goes on with new milestones. With a few new or not so new couples finding happiness as well. Quickly. These are all short stories or vignettes.
There are some epic one-liners and intensely amusing scenes. Covid humor is good and needed, this period of time left it’s mark. For some a festering wound still. Being told how many people can attend a family dinner? Being told you can only have one person at the hospital, or in the delivery room. Making people pick and choose between family. Trauma.
Having our bleach product orders cancelled, not being able to find hand sanitizer or being overly enthusiastic and getting sprayed down with antibacterial spray. People and their, let’s say, innovative anti-sick barriers when in public. The sky’s the limit for weirdness in this era of La LLaRona. Excellent read.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is a compilation of stories written as companion pieces for novels that have already been published. I loved getting updates on some of my favorite characters from the past. It made me realize just how much I had missed these characters and just exactly how much I was invested in their stories as I was originally reading them. These also take place in and were written during the first week of lock down for covid. We got to spend more time with Banner and Perry and see how their life after moving away from family and friends was going. We got to see Stone and Titus and a story about Blue and Titus and I so loved that we got it all from Titus's point of view. You have to love a man who has had it bad for a girl since high school. The Christmas story in this book is about Viddy and Trance and their kids. It was so good. You do not want to miss the opportunity to dive back into these characters life. I had to best time reading this book.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big Nick Energy is a fantastic compilation of short companion stories from Lani Lynn Vale. Lani wrote these quick snippets during the pandemic and it gives her readers a new perspective for some of our favourite characters of her books.

My favourite short story has to be Titus and Blue’s story that we’ve all been dying to read. I love that they each had a crush on one another while in high school and it’s continued on into adulthood.

I definitely loved reading about characters from Lani’s previous books and series including the Singh Circus series. I love getting to hear how they each handled surviving during the pandemic and definitely loved all the familiar banter!

I definitely would recommend this little companion compilation!

[WhyChoose Book Boyfriend Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really, really loved this book of little stories. I enjoyed catching up with old favorite couples and seeing what they've been upto.

As just mentioned I loved seeing servel of my old favorite couples in these stories. I also got caught up on some couples I had just plain forgot about.

Mrs. Vale had me laughing, and teary eyed, and cursing her out for what she was doing to one of my most favorite couples, Trance and Viddy.

I thought this was the perfect chrism-misy book that there is. If you enjoy catching up with characters of Mrs. Vales then this is the perfect book for that.

I'm giving this book 4 Stars out 5 Stars

[Nicole]

4.5 Stars
This delightful gift to us from Lani Lynn Vale hit the spot. I loved getting updates from some of my favorite characters. It was interesting to see them dealing with the Pandemic. One of the things that made me squee with happiness was getting Kristoff's short story! I have been wondering about him and his daughter so that right there made my Christmas. Then we get a short story for Titus and Blue. Another wonderful Christmas present from Lani. I would so recommend this book because trust me you are going to gobble it right up. It is must read updates on the characters from Lani's writing world. It does not disappoint!!!

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I remember reading these when LLV first sent them in emails during the pandemic and looking forward to each email. So, when I learned she was compiling them into a book, along with some new short stories, I was excited!

I always love catching up with the older characters from her first stories. It definitely makes me fall in love with them all over again. And I loved the new ones as well. LLV writes some of the best and most amazing characters I’ve ever read. Every time I read one her stories, I feel as if I’m living the story along with these characters. To me, that’s what make a amazing author.

Angela - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Sarah Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so nice to go back and read a bit more of my favourite characters. This is a brilliant page turning compilation of stories that were written at the start of the covid pandemic. I had this devoured in an evening and my only criticism is that this wasn't longer stories as i could have read so much more.

In Lani's true fashion she brought brilliant short stories filled with humour, wit, family, friendships and love which makes this world that Lani has weaved an amazing place to be.

I was gifted a copy of this book by the Author and this is my honest opinion

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[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book you don't know you need until you read it. Catching up with characters that you have fallen in love with over the years warms your heart, gives you a tear or two, makes you laugh and ultimately makes you happy. There was a little of everything in this collection from love, heat, secrets, passion and family. This book leaves you with so much energy wanting to do nothing but read all the series again to just revisit one more time and remind yourself why you fell in love with these characters and the series in the first place.

[Becca Stanfield Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what LLV tells you, compilation pieces, companion stories. They are exactly the quick visit we need to learn about how some characters come to be and reminders of our favorite past or OG characters.

This book puts so many things together that it has something for everyone. I loved reading about Kristoff and Marlow.

Although these Covid shorts reminded me that I’m happy I lived in a small town that wasn’t completely shut down and that time is over. It was hard for us all.

A great read, highly recommend this book. Told in multiple POVs.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, you all GET THIS BOOK NOW!!!

If you have been missing any of your favorites now is the time to get an update on them. Lani wrote this collection during COVID times and oh it is just as hot and sexy as the originals. Everyone from Trance to Ash to Pace this book had all of our loveable characters. It's filled with how they felt during the pandemic and how the kids handled it all. We all love them and honestly, it was nice to read how some of our older characters have returned with so much sass. Enjoy this catch up story.

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)

I must be on the good list! We are getting a little bit of everything with this story, and it was great!!! We get to watch a new Spurlock enter into the world, while also shaking our world a little bit :(. We get a little of circus life; when we learned about Kristoff and his baby girl, I had fingers crossed we would get something. Then we get all these little snippets of what happened in the world of our favorite characters when covid held us all hostage. Thank you so very much for this!! I give this 5 stars.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big Nick Energy by Lani Lynn Vale is a heartwarming and entertaining compilation of companion pieces to already published works. The stories were written during the first weeks of the Covid-19 Pandemic and feature some of the author's best couples, including Trace and Viddy, Banner and Perry, Slone and Titus, and Blue and Titus. The characters are vibrant, warm, and feel as real as the people in our lives. The book is well-written, easy to read, and filled with emotions, surprises, humor, witty banter, family, friendships, and love. Overall, I would give this book a 4-star review for its engaging characters, heartwarming stories, and entertaining plot.

[Jane.w · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

This was a nice short compilation of short stories. I’ve read some of them as a newsletter member but it was still nice to refresh my memory. My favorites were Titus and Blue’s story and the gathering of Banner and Ford’s family during Christmas. It was neat to see how their family is with grandkids in the mix. The other shorts during Covid were interesting. A little too short to really get into it but neat to go down memory lane of the stories I’ve read. Made me think about rereading some of them.

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Oh wow! I absolutely love these stories so much. I got to catch up with all my favorite couples and a look into their lives during the pandemic. Trance and Viddy captured my heart so much and I still love them so much, they have always been one of my favorite couples. If you are a fan of Lani Lynn Vale's world you are going to love this book almost as much as I did. Highly recommended!!!

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best short story books I have read in a very ling time. All of my favorite characters and families together going through the corona together. And all the new additions since it was the perfect baby making weather, LOVED IT!!!! ~Jen


Absolutely loved this! Short stories where we get to visit our favorite characters was exactly what I didn't know I needed. This is worth the quick read! Most definitely recommend. ~Andrea


Big Nick Energy is a wonderful collection of stories by Lani Lynn Vale. This collection lets catch up with some of your favorite characters from her books as they find interesting ways of dealing with Covid. I loved reading this book and looking forward to go back and reading books that these characters are in. I find this z perfect book for anyone who is fan of this author. ~Dawn

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catching up with the gang for the holidays! I'll admit that I loved catching up with Banner and Perry and seeing Trance and Viddy again, but after their little reunion I kind of lost interest because all of the switching about was really confusing. I would have enjoyed it more if it was a longer story catching up with that whole family instead of many tidbits with lots of book couples through the years. I enjoyed part of it, but overall I could have skipped it.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compilation of stories which were written at the beginning of the covid pandemic, which are short stories, with engaging and relatable characters.
This is a well written story which is easy to read, with emotions, surprises, humor, witty banter, family, friendships, and love, which leads to an entertaining and heartwarming page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.