"We Three Kings" is a heartwarming and witty holiday story about Maggie, a kind-hearted woman who does everything for her family and friends. Though her choices may be predictable, the warmth and love in her actions make the journey utterly captivating. Kristen Bailey’s storytelling is full of joy, humor, and charming situations, and Harri Dobby’s narration brings these to life beautifully. The friendships, banter, and emotional connections shine, making this an uplifting and endearing listen that reinforces the power of kindness and love. A delightful holiday treat!

Much thanks to Kristen Bailey, Dreamscape Select, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Possible spoilers

This was a wonderful, heartwarming Christmas novel. I adored Maggie and her IT kings. Maggie was sweet and kind and open-minded, but not meek or a pushover. Just a good person. A great lead character. Some might say she shouldn't be in lead positions if she can't make the hard decisions; some might also say she should have handled the situation differently. Both arguments are addressed in the narrative, and I see where they come from; it's probably wise to keep some distance between you and your subordinates. But their work environment and Maggie's personality wasn't going to allow that. I found her struggle very relatable and sympathetic, and I predicted its resolution pretty much from the moment the conflict was introduced.

Frank was probably my least favorite of the three kings, but not because he wasn't likeable, more that he just didn't have a very strong personality. Poor guy was the bane of Maggie and Leo's fledgling relationship, lol. Also I think he'd benefit from an autism assessment. One of my favorite moments was Maggie's heart-to-heart with his mom.

Jasper was my favorite king. He was hilarious, and I loved his relationship with Miles. Loved that they'd been life-long sweethearts. If I hadn't been so eager for things between Maggie and Leo to progress, I'd have wanted more time with Jasper. Their sabotage of the hunt (the reindeer onesie!), and the baby foxes.... So. Funny.

As for Leo.... I wasn't completely satisfied with his character. Well, no, that's not accurate. As a character he was lovely. Definitely a worthy love interest, very boy next door and sweet and thoughtful, with hidden depths and skills. Impromptu babysitting was another favorite sequence. A man comfortable with children and who knows what to do with a baby? Lock his ass down!

I guess it was his relationship with Maggie that left me wanting. It felt very much like playing red-light-green-light. She's his boss and isn't fully aware of how much he likes her---RED LIGHT. She calls him to chat and somehow lets a nip-slip---GREEN LIGHT*. He's too shy in the aftermath to talk to her and leaves her hanging---RED LIGHT. When they next see each other they flirt and hold hands---GREEN LIGHT. Gemma needs an emergency babysitter---RED LIGHT. They need to shower and he's supposed to have an empty flat---GREEN LIGHT. Surprise, flat isn't empty---RED LIGHT.

It continues to go back and forth like that to the point that I don't believe they ever actually had sex in the book. All that build up with no payoff? Not a good way to write a romance, even a subplot. No one likes a tease. Soooo frustrating. (Toward the end I was distracted and maybe it happened and I missed it. Pretty sure it didn't but apologies if that's the case.)

*What happened after the nip-slip, which we learn about later, felt out-of-character to me. She's just learning how he feels about her and discovering how she feels about him, and neither of them seem to have a bold enough personalty to be that, er, proactive. It bothered me the whole novel. It just didn't feel right.

Two last small things---First, I wish the flashbacks had been more clearly marked, because I didn't always realize it was the past at first and got confused. Second, don't Brits say "Happy Christmas" as opposed to Americans' "Merry Christmas"? I don't think "Happy Christmas" was ever said here. I mean, Brits can say "merry" if they want to, I was just confused. It might have been an edit made for the US market.

So it wasn't perfect, but it was pretty darn good and I wouldn't be opposed to more of Bailey's work. *checks library* Damn, they don't have her books, but I was able to tag them for possible future purchase. Fingers crossed!

If you're looking for a heartwarming novel full of holiday spirit and which has great characters, give this one a shot.

Maggie faces a tough choice: lay off one of her three beloved coworkers once the holidays come to an end. This heartwarming Christmas romance follows her holiday adventures as she navigates work drama, unexpected attraction to a colleague, and chaotic festive escapades.

I loved the characters in this story. It went on a little too long for me, fueled more by humorous episodes than a strong narrative drive. I was uncomfortable with the inappropriate nudity, which was borderline sexual harassment. Overall, though, it was a light, fun read.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

#WeThreeKings by #kristenbailey is a 4⭐️ read for this Christmas! It really hit that holiday vibes, and got me into the mood for the end of the year with a sweet note we all need.

This was a good book. It's definitely not what I thought it would be. It looks like and seemed like a RH and it is definitely not. It's also not a there are 3 choices and she has to choose. So if that's what you want this is not it. I spent a good portion of the book being disappointed because of that and also it's total lack of spice. It did, however, pick back up at the end for me which is why I rated it in the middle. It's a good story and good book but maybe not for me.

4.5/5
Extremely well narrated. Loved the found family aspect. As well as the repeated fake dating. It was fun how different all the MMCs were.

We Three Kings delivers a delightful holiday romance filled with heartwarming moments and charming dynamics. The friends-to-lovers arc between Maggie and Leo is incredibly sweet, with an office romance twist that adds a dash of excitement to their relationship. Leo's love-at-first-sight attraction brings a swoon-worthy intensity, making their journey from coworkers to something more truly captivating. Maggie shines as a character—she's a great friend, a supportive boss, and someone who genuinely cares about the happiness of those around her.

The story's structure features Maggie's time with each of the three boys. Each boy brings something different to the table, showcasing unique qualities that make Maggie's holiday experiences memorable. Their distinct personalities stand out, creating an enjoyable contrast and allowing each character to have their moment in the spotlight. This book is perfect for anyone seeking a cozy romance with a holiday spirit and a healthy dose of charm.

I was so pulled into this story!! I loved Maggie’s character. Her dilemma she is faced with at the beginning of the story knowing after the holiday one of her coworkers will have to be cut from the team. Each of her three co-workers are inviting Maggie to their family celebration as she will be spending the holidays alone. This embarks on such a heartfelt, loving adventure with all these coworkers. I love the bond she has with each of them and the friendships she makes. The families she meets too! The audiobook was done by Harrie Dobby. Her voice was so easy to listen to and really told the story so well.

We three kings

Maggie is a boss lady at an IT firm. With the holidays coming up, she is invited to stay with each of her nerdy work friends (all male). They are a close group of friends and all joined the IT firm within a year of each other.

Jasper, Frank, and Leo all take their chance at courting Maggie and showing her around their hometowns after hearing she’ll be spending the holidays alone. The catch? Maggie has been told she has to cut one of them after the holidays as they downsize. Fake relationship trope x 3.

I enjoyed getting to know each of the “kings” and how their personalities contrast from each other.

If this isn’t already a Hallmark movie, it should be ! Cute and fun. This is my second Kristen Bailey book and it did not disappoint !

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Select, and Storm publishing for the ARC/ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Maggie works in IT, and her three coworkers all invite her to stay with them over Christmas. Before she leaves for her holiday, she finds out she has to fire one of them. The book goes through her adventures with each of the men, and they are so good! They are not all romances, and I loved the friendship relationships just as much!

I want to start by saying that the audiobook is very well done. The narrator did an excellent job with the different character voices.
This book was simply adorable and an absolute must read for this holiday season. The story centers on four people who work in the IT department at their job. Maggie is the manager in charge of Jasper, Leo and Frank. Maggie is told that her department has to downsize and she needs to pick one of them to let go. This is heartbreaking for Maggie as she has become very close friends with all of them and has a romantic connection with Leo. Maggie spends part of the Christmas holiday with all three guys getting to know their families. This story was very well done. We get to know all four characters very well and the found family aspect is very sweet. The relationship between Maggie and Leo is so special and how the other two guys help them get together is lovely. It is funny and not overly Christmasy but just enough to make it a delightful holiday read.

Another Christmas winner from Kristen Bailey full of her trademark banter, wit and heart narrated by the fantastic Harrie Dobby. ‘We Three Kings’ could best be described as a cozier ‘The IT Crowd’ (early 2000s UK TV show) Christmas romp com with a dash of romance.

Twentysomething Maggie is an IT manager of a close-knit team of fellow young nerds – the shy Frank, snarky Jasper and calm Leo. But just before the Christmas holidays, Maggie is told she must make one redundant all while they’ve organised for her to spend their Christmas holidays with her so she won’t be alone. Who will Maggie choose? And why is she seeing Leo in a different light?

Yet again Harrie Dobby brings to life Kristen Bailey's book with her soothing voice that has the right amount of expression and drew me into the fun and antics as Maggie goes to each Christmas celebration. She is the perfect choice for narrator.

I adored their little found family and how they all love and respect each other. Each of the different holidays was a lot of fun and I loved how sweet Maggie and Leo were together. The only thing I felt wasn’t as strongly conveyed is Maggie’s career given she was employed as a department supervisor in her early 20s. Also, perhaps THAT development with Leo came a bit too early on and a slower build-up of tension would’ve created a bit more sexual tension. But these were minor because I was too busy being swept up into each of Maggie’s Christmas holidays wondering whom she would pick. I also loved the Eve cameo!

Best listened to with a cheeseboard and prosecco.

Thanks to Dreamscape Select/Storm and NetGalley for the ALC.

This was so heartwarming, funny and adorable a proper rom-com but with men setting up the couple! Narrating was perfect.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the opportunity to review this ARC.

This book was so cute! Perfect holiday feel good read!

I think my favorite part of the book was the friendship between Maggie & the three guys. It reminded me a lot of New Girl. It was wholesome, fun and funny. All the wacky shenanigans had me laughing out loud.

The romance is cute and will definitely melt your heart.

The narrator did a fabulous job portraying the story. Loved the voices!

A wonderful holiday read that will put you in the spirit!

Kristen Bailey, you need to get this book to Hallmark channel to make the most darling, fun, and adorable Christmas movie ASAP. This book was phenomenal! It was so fun, and witty, and honest. I loved the main character. Your writing so beautifully allowed the reader to feel like her best friend. She was so fun to walk alongside her wild journey at Christmastime. Loved it! You are a fantastic writer.

In case you’re wondering based on the cover, this is NOT a reverse harem book.

We Three Kings is a cozy holiday workplace romance. Maggie develops her friendships with her found family who are there for her over the holidays when her parents are away. She is a cheerleader for the three men she supervises but has sparks flying with one of them. I wouldn’t say there is a miscommunication trope in this book, but more of a social anxiety struggling to communicate trope. Maggie is a female in a heavily male industry and I personally found her relatable because I have the same social awkwardness as her.

The audiobook narrator had a great voice and really added character to the story.

If you’re looking for a non-spicy cozy holiday rom com, this should definitely be a contender.

Maggie is the head of IT and she manages a team of awkward misfits in their basement office. But she loves them all. When they find out that her family will be on a cruise at Christmas, leaving her alone, they come up with a plan. She will spend time with each of them over the holiday break. Just as she is leaving the office on the last day before the break, HR tells her she has to pick one of her team to lay off. The company is downsizing. She spends the holiday break loving each of her employees more, all while dreading the decision. To make matters worse, she is falling for one of them. How will she ever decide?

Cute, funny, predictable. (I saw the ending from the moment the conflict was introduced.) I love how each family was so different, yet Maggie won over all of them. It was a great example about how you make your own family.

Harrie Dobby narrates the audiobook. She does a good job.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved We Three Kings! This audiobook was such a fun and heartwarming listen, perfect for getting into the festive spirit. Maggie Field is such a relatable character, and her holiday adventure with her three workmates had me laughing and rooting for her the whole time. Each of the guys (Frank, Jasper, and Leo) brings their own charm.

The story has the perfect blend of humor and emotional moments, especially as Maggie faces the tough decisions. Kristen Bailey really nails the balance between lighthearted romcom vibes and the more heartfelt dilemmas Maggie deals with.

The narrator, Harrie Dobby, was absolutely amazing too! She captured each character so well, and made the whole experience so much more enjoyable. If you're into festive romcoms with a dash of workplace romance and lots of laughs, We Three Kings is a must listen!