The Big One - Katherine Hastings

What if we had a second chance with the one that got away? Would we take it? Would it be worth it?

Katherine Hastings gives that opportunity to Ellie and Liam in her rom-com novel The Big One.

We meet Ellie when she’s out with her best friend and sister, dancing and drinking away the pain of a cheating ex-boyfriend. After several rounds of shots, they take turns remembering the ones that got away. And there’s only one name that comes to mind for Ellie – Liam Jansen.

They’d met ten years previously and were inseparable for one magical, romantic week. But their relationship came to an end when she left for college and he returned to Amsterdam to resume his career as a professional soccer player.

She’d never forgotten Liam, and with the push of Louie and Nita, an over-intoxicated Ellie finds him online and sends him an instant message. With a decade of time – and an ocean – separating them, Ellie’s expectation of a response is low. She becomes a giddy teenager in love all over again when he answers. Hastings gives Ellie and Liam exceptional memories of and desires for one another. They are truly a match made in heaven.

Shortly after reconnecting, Ellie finds herself on a plane to Italy to surprise Liam. I had butterflies as soon as they come face to face again, and I’m not sure they ever left my stomach! Liam is sweet, sexy, and funny, and he spoils Ellie any chance he gets.

Hastings takes us on a grand adventure around Italy and we find out if Ellie’s booze-induced, half coherent message to Liam will be the best decision or biggest mistake of her life.

The complete cast of characters in this book, with the exception of the cheating ex, is incredibly loveable. Louie and Nita are the kind of friends everyone deserves. Between the aweing and laughter from cover to cover, The Big One is the perfect summer read.

I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.