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The Big One

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Some flames refuse to go out...


When Ellie awakes with an epic hangover the day after she caught her boyfriend cheating, it isn’t the pounding in her head causing her to scream. It’s the discovery of the late-night message she sent to the boy she loved ten years ago. The one she hasn’t seen since their week-long whirlwind summer romance in Door County. The boy she gave her heart to and forgot to take it back.

You know... “The Big One”.

​When they reconnect online, the years haven’t diminished their chemistry one bit. Desperate to find out if he’s really her one true love, she lets her meddling wingmen convince her to do the craziest thing she’s ever done in her well-planned life. She hops on a plane to surprise him… in Italy.

When Ellie waltzes back into his life, Liam is determined not to let her slip away again. He’s spent ten years trying to forget her, and now he’ll do anything to convince her to stay. But even though the sparks still fly between them, the reality of their lives threaten to tear them apart again.

Can true love conquer all, or will real life finally extinguish the flame burning between them?

354 pages, Paperback

First published May 22, 2019

200 people are currently reading
196 people want to read

About the author

Katherine Hastings

26 books274 followers
USA Today bestselling author Katherine Hastings writes books that make readers laugh, swoon, and escape into unforgettable adventures. From hilarious women’s fiction to swoon-worthy romance and high-stakes suspense, she weaves stories filled with heart, humor, and a dash of chaos.

Her books have been AUDIE Award-nominated for Best Humor and have won the SOVAS Award for Best Humor, proving that laughter and storytelling go hand in hand.

When she’s not crafting page-turning tales, you’ll find her in Wisconsin, snuggling her husband, two Boston Terriers, and the world’s naughtiest cat. If she’s not writing indoors, she’s outside with her horses, ducks, and Sebastopol geese—because life is better with a little fur and feathers.

Her happy place? Floating in the lake with a book, a cold drink, and a plate of Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds.

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5 stars
85 (42%)
4 stars
75 (37%)
3 stars
28 (14%)
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8 (4%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
May 3, 2019
-Jenna, 4 stars

This was a super cute story! I really loved the storyline. It had steam, romance, and a lot of laughs. And Liam and Ellie were adorable together! Liam's a total romantic and Ellie, I really enjoyed her grit. They had such good chemistry together. And it being set mostly in Italy... the author was really descriptive and it felt like you were there with the characters.
Profile Image for A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog.
2,787 reviews107 followers
May 5, 2019
This was a cute second chance romance story. Liam is a hottie and Ellie is a cutie! You just want them to be together so badly! The one problem I had with it is that Liam didn’t have an accent at all. But I understand that would be difficult to write. Regardless it was still a really cute story with lovable characters. Oh and the supporting characters! Don’t even get me started on Nita and Louie. Hilarious supporting characters who definitely need their own books! If you like second chance romances this is a must read.

Reviewed by: Alexis B.
Profile Image for Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading.
1,495 reviews27 followers
May 22, 2019
Getting over a cheating boyfriend requires a heavy night of drinking. Too bad Ellie wakes up with more than a headache the next day. She also discovers that in her drunken state, she’s sent a random text to the the one who got away ten years ago . . . a summer romance she’s never been able to forget!

After reconnecting online Ellie discovers they still have amazing chemistry all these years later. After another night of too many dirty martinis, Ellie lets her sister, Nita and best friend Louie talk her into booking a last minute flight to Italy to surprise “The Big One” to see if they still have something or to finally close that chapter of her love life forever.

Worrying that her impulsive trip across the Atlantic may be her worst mistake ever, Ellie quickly realizes that the boy she fell in love with is now a gorgeous man. And, he couldn’t be happier than to see her standing in his hometown of Naples, much to the delight of the audience of cafe patrons who witness their romantic reunion that literally stopped traffic!

Can Ellie and Liam make the most of their second chance at love or will the one secret Liam holds be what tears this couple apart forever?

The Big One was the perfect summer romance! It’s a really sweet story about reconnecting and having a second chance at the love that got away. Liam is crazy romantic, and I loved his grand gestures while showing Ellie all of the reasons she should stay in Italy with him. I really liked that Ellie, who is usually the voice of reason took such a gigantic leap of faith by making the unexpected trip of a lifetime. The author also does an incredible job of describing the gorgeous city of Naples and the surrounding areas so that readers feel like they are experiencing everything right along with Ellie!

Nita and Louie added the perfect amount of comedy. Honestly, every girl going through a breakup needs a best friend wingman like Louis and a super supportive sister like Nita! They are utterly hilarious . . . especially when a bit of jaeger is involved and always have Ellie’s back.

The Big One was funny, sweet, romantic and sexy as can be! 4 stars.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews186 followers
May 21, 2019
Ellie caught her boyfriend cheating, got drunk, then did what no woman shouldn't do, text when drunk. See, she woke up hungover to realize that she had drunk text a very old flame, a boy she loved 10 years prior, so yeah, she's not feeling so great about that. It was a one week affair when she was 18 to a boy she gave her heart to, and feels like she never got it back. But really, what do we really know about love at 18?! Well, this opened up some communication online, and they find that they have chemistry still, so what does she do? She gets together with some friends, has a few drinks, and then next thing she knows, she's off to surprise him out of the blue. Maybe Ellie needs to drink less when she sobers up on the plane over the ocean. Now she's on the journey to find out if Liam is truly her soulmate. This story was a cute story that I enjoyed quite a bit, as the romance makes the heart happy. I loved the descriptive prowess of Katherine Hastings, since it took place in Italy, as I felt like I was there with them, which was the best part in my opinion, as I really want to visit there badly. Not to mention, who isn't a sucker for a second chance love story?! Finally, there was a cast of secondaries who absolutely added more to the story, which is always a plus, so if you want to see how it all panned out, one click The Big One! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
2,326 reviews92 followers
May 21, 2019
Reviewed for She’s a Lip Biter Blog

Ellie Anderson met Liam Jansen one summer in America when they were both eighteen however he was from Amsterdam and had to fly back after a week. Now ten years later it’s their opportunity to reconnect when she drunk messages him.

The humour in this story is so good that at times I literally had to put the book down because I was laughing so much...Ellie Butternuts! 😂 The fun banter between the characters, the silly things they do and say, especially Louie who is an absolute card and the gentle ribbing and heckling all make for a fun story. Of course there are serious elements too and they are dealt with smoothly and carefully.

This story of second chance of love is slightly different with it’s added touch of living in two different countries and trying to make it work. It’s also about how opposites do attract and instant attraction. The friendship between Louie, Ellie and her sister Nita is a solid one and with these other aspects make for a well balanced book.

The descriptions of the various settings in Naples and the Island of Capri are outstanding making me want to drop everything and hop on a plane immediately.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.5k reviews260 followers
May 21, 2019
This is a new author to me, and I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. During a drunken evening Ellie sends a message to the one who got away two years previously, Liam. The setting for this story is in romantic Italy. This is a well written story which is sweet, steamy, humorous, and with hot chemistry and witty banter throughout. I was intrigued from the very beginning, and look forward to reading more from this talented author, whose work I recommend.
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews64 followers
May 10, 2019
This was such a good story loved everything about this book it had me in tears of laughter from the first to last page . The big one would be the first one that I have read by Katherine Hastings and there would be more in my kindle as soon as possible . This is a unique second chance romance that had me falling for the characters loved the way the characters are introduced . It had me die laughing with the way the characters meet again and just the journey those two go through . Nita and Louie need a book those two secondary characters just made the book even more funny . Can't wait to read more by the author .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10
Chemistry=10 steam=7 romance=9
humor=10 darkness level=1 action=1 mystery=3
enjoyment=10 angst=2 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 Blurb =10 Stars =5
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone =yes
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author=yes
Profile Image for Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf).
1,445 reviews24 followers
May 3, 2019
What a great storyline and book from Katherine! This is my first book from her but it likely won’t be my last! Ellie has just gone through yet another breakup, and while she’s trying to forget about it, she is reminded to the one the got away ten years ago – Liam. When they reconnect online and the chemistry is still there, Ellie decides to go out on a whim and travel to Italy to see if the spark is real. After a whirlwind reconnection, with some great witty moments from Ellie’s friend Louie, she finally thinks her luck is turning around and contemplates uprooting her whole life for love. But when Ellie finds out some big things that happens during their ten years apart, it changes everything and she runs back home, and we wonder if they will end up back together for good. I was rooting for Ellie and totally related to her way of thinking and it made the book that much better. Loved this book and would highly recommend! I just wish we got an epilogue to find out what happened afterwards!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Katie (readingaboutlove).
217 reviews
October 27, 2020
Let me just say that if you are into Romantic Comedies that will have you laughing so hard you almost pee yourself, then this is 100% the book for you. I can’t tell you how many times I was in a public place and just started cackling because one of Ellie’s friends made a movie reference or Liam commented on his “big hard man boobs.” Katherine’s writing is so jam-packed full of humor that, in my opinion, makes it completely different and better than most romantic comedies. She will have you completely swooning over the love story of her characters one minute and then have you laughing your butt off in the middle of the public library the next.

This love story is so sweet and romantic. I have never been more envious of a couple than I am of Ellie and Liam. Their story is something that I think most women have all dreamt about at least once in their life. They met when they were young and had a week-long summer fling that they both never quite got over. Ten years later, Ellie gets cheated on by her loser boyfriend Allen and she resorts to drinking her feelings away with her favorite guy Jack. On a whim, she decides to book a flight to Italy with the intentions of meeting up with Liam. When they reconnect the sparks between the two instantly come back and leave them wanting more than just another fling. But with Liam living in Italy and Ellie in the US, it’s not that easy for them to be together. And just when they begin to start figuring things out, Ellie finds out something about Liam that makes her wonder if he’s actually The Big One.

From their whirlwind summer romance to their spontaneous second chance getaway, Ellie and Liam are completely smitten with each other and determined to find a way to stay together. Their love is something that you only get once and so many people (including myself) hope and pray they get to experience in their lifetime. This book is going to take you to so many places and on so many journeys making you feel like you’re right there along for the ride. One laughter filled, heartwarming, and completely beautiful ride.

This was my first story by Katherine Hastings and I can honestly say that I have truly enjoyed every single second of her book. The high parts are full of laughter and love and the low parts are full of Jack, Jagermeister, and jokes between friends. I couldn’t help but fall in love with the idea of finding a hot foreign guy to whisk me off my feet, make love to me on a sailboat, and join my zombie relief squad. This book will inspire you to let go, be crazy, and put yourself out there in hopes of finding The Big One.
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
April 16, 2019
It doesn’t get much sweeter than this! The Big One is full of laughter and so much sweetness it’ll give you a toothache. This book starts you off giggling and takes you right into the “awwww!” zone before you can blink! Liam and Ellie are absolutely adorable together.
Time and distance have done nothing to stop the love that these two have for each other. They have that once in a lifetime true love that you just never forget. Once these two are back in each other’s lives it’s like no time at all has passed when it comes to their hearts. The sugary sweetness of them together is perfectly balanced with the laugh out loud humor that comes from Ellie’s sister and best friend making this book one of the best to pick up if you need something to brighten up your day.
Profile Image for Jane McFarland.
35 reviews
May 10, 2019
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.
Profile Image for She's a Lip Biter.
1,336 reviews30 followers
May 23, 2019
Ellie Anderson met Liam Jansen one summer in America when they were both eighteen however he was from Amsterdam and had to fly back after a week. Now ten years later it’s their opportunity to reconnect when she drunk messages him.

The humour in this story is so good that at times I literally had to put the book down because I was laughing so much...Ellie Butternuts! The fun banter between the characters, the silly things they do and say, especially Louie who is an absolute card and the gentle ribbing and heckling all make for a fun story. Of course, there are serious elements too and they are dealt with smoothly and carefully.

This story of second chance love is slightly different with it’s added touch of living in two different countries and trying to make it work. It’s also about how opposites do attract and instant attraction. The friendship between Louie, Ellie and her sister Nita is a solid one and with these other aspects make for a well-balanced book.

The descriptions of the various settings in Naples and the Island of Capri are outstanding making me want to drop everything and hop on a plane immediately.

Reviewed by Robyn
Profile Image for Jennifer.
959 reviews
May 21, 2019
What a fun, cute, sweet and at times sexy second chance read from Katherine Hastings. This is my first book by this author and i thoroughly enjoyed this story. Not only do we get this wonderful second chance love story between Liam and Ellie but we also have the romantic comedy aspect from Ellie and her friends and Ellie and Liam. All of the characters just made this read so fun from beginning to end. Yes there is love and heartache but all in the best of ways. And we get to have a small in depth tour of Italy during this story. So fun to be taken on a trip while reading about Ellie and Liam. I am now ready to book my ticket to go visit!
Profile Image for Alexis O.
22 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2019
I snagged an ARC copy of this book in a FB group I belong to, and I'm so glad I did! Seriously! What is not to love about this book? From a romance that will have you swooning, hilarious sidekicks, and a story that jets you off to Italy and really makes you feel like you're there, this book had everything I needed to get swept away. If you're looking for a romantic comedy that gives you all the feels, makes you laugh out loud, believe in love, and smile from ear to ear, this is the book for you. Five romantic stars!
5,043 reviews32 followers
May 22, 2019
Ten years ago Ellie and Liam had a one week romance but was cut short when he had to return to Amsterdam and she hasn't seen or heard from him since. When she and her friends go out drinking after she caught her boyfriend cheating she connects with him and decides to surprise him in Italy. Enjoyed reading all the places that they visited in Italy and they were so sweet together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
374 reviews22 followers
May 22, 2019
I totally enjoyed this book !!! This was a perfect introduction to summer book and my first for Katherine Hastings. The characters and the storyline totally kept me wanting to read more. This book is full of funny things that will keep you laughing.
What is you had a second chance for romance someone from your past? Would you do it? Read this book to find out what Ellie does?
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Twilla Wickedly Sweet and Synful Book Blog.
1,040 reviews13 followers
May 22, 2019
I enjoyed this funny romantic comedy. Liam and Ellie just made me swoon. They had me rooting for them so fast. I’ve been to Italy and this author describes it to a “T”! I love the supporting characters, Louie and Nita were a hoot! They had me laughing so hard! I needed this book. It came right on time. I’ve never read a book by this author. I plan to keep my eye out for anything else she’s written. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Nicole Ortiz.
2,119 reviews55 followers
May 27, 2019
This was a cute and funny second chance romance. Ten years ago two 18 year olds met had a wonderful week and fell in love, but they went their separate ways. After a bad breakup and a drunken night Ellie connects with Liam. She lives in Chicago and he lives in Italy. Another drunken night and she is in a plane to see him in person. The chemistry is still there between them and we go on a journey as these two get reacquainted. I loved the storyline and the characters. The only issue I had and this is just how I feel, I found Ellie to be a little annoying towards the end. But then redeemed herself.
I can't wait to read more from this series.
Profile Image for Petra.
1,560 reviews
May 15, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this sweet and funny story about Liam and Ellie. I liked the characters, main and secondary. They were described very lively as well as their surroundings, it’s just like being there with them. Overall a great read!

I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4,675 reviews
May 22, 2019
4.5 stars
This sure as hell is a well-written rom-com, with great dialogue, depicting Italy in such a way you're transported with the characters, amazing sidekick friends and a love story that overcomes time. Please give the girls their own stories!!!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,102 reviews23 followers
May 22, 2019
I really loved this book. The story line, the characters, even the angst. Ellie and Liam really kept my attention. But the humor between Ellie and her family (friends) is what drew me in and made me love this story so hard.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sherry.
583 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2019
This book is a great second chance romance. A night of drinking to get over a failed relationship led Ellie to try and reconnect to her first love Liam. She risked her heart by flying around the world to surprise him. They spend time together reconnecting but Liam’s secret comes out and threatens to end their happy ever after. Excellent read!
Profile Image for Rebecca Brown.
56 reviews
May 24, 2019
This will top your second chances list. After ten years Ellie finds Liam. Everything is lust into love again. I started wondering too....this is too happy something is missing. Bam! There it is. What's the fun without conflict right? The locations sounded beautiful. Always a HEA though-not to worry :)
Profile Image for Karen Galloway.
931 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2019
A Must Read Book

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. This is a really enjoyable, entertaining Book from Katherine Hastings and I didn’t want to put it down. It has a Great, entertaining storyline and really engaging, well written characters. It’s a very good, entertaining must read book that I really enjoyed reading
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
3,411 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2019
Every minute of this story is filled with happy romance.
I completely fell in love with these two characters who so deserved their HEA.
I laughed, cried, and cheered my way through this amazing book, and cannot wait for more by this author!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11k reviews128 followers
May 28, 2019
This is the 1st book I've read written by Katherine Hastings; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for poppy.
4,590 reviews28 followers
May 19, 2019
This was a really cute second chance romance and is Liam and Ellie's story I just loved these two they were so good together and had wonderful chemistry, you just cannot help but like and root for them. This was a really good read and is perfect for a lazy afternoon I really enjoyed it
Profile Image for Mandy Foley.
444 reviews
May 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, I laughed and cried, such a roller coaster of emotions, in a great easy to read book. So often drunk messaging an ex can go bad, but in this case it leads us on a grand adventure.
Profile Image for Julie Sherman.
1,465 reviews24 followers
May 23, 2019
Nice

This is a nice easy read by Miss Hastings. With nice character development and a smooth story line. It's about a couple that reconnect after years seperrated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews