A DVD reviewer who moons over a high school crush who barely noticed him. A crack team of assassins at war with each other. Double crosses and fate-filled internet searches. A snarky attitude carries the first section of the book, but then....

“Every computer in the world should have a button marked Take It Back. A convenient time-travel option that permits the withdrawal of bad choices, or the elimination of the wrong keystroke for the fumble-fingered. Take It Back. Be careful what you wish for.”*

Everyone has that story about the guy or gal they lusted after back in the day, who for whatever reason, didn’t turn into a dream date. Maybe the courage to ask them out was never summoned or maybe it was a case of unrequited infatuation. The thing is, the person often tends to become the subject of “what could have been” dreaming or rainy day internet stalking. On dark days, sometimes both. THE BIG CRUSH is the story of a missed high school love connection that turns out to be way more than David bargained for. His quest for a second chance with Daisy, his high school dream girl, sends him running for his life, revealing his secrets, and burning down his whole world.

THE BIG CRUSH is full of beautiful writing and complex characters. The story mixes nostalgia for lost love with a thrill ride full of gun-toting assassins with a pinch of the supernatural. The author gets into the heads of many of the characters, but he never lets the reader forget the story is David’s, by using his first person point of view, while relegating the others to third person.

I love the idea of second chances and revisiting the past. The action sequences make for a fun read and David’s ruminations about his life, love, and German Shepard give the book heart.

THE BIG CRUSH is the third installment of an unofficial trilogy set in Los Angeles. The city and a few crossover characters tie the stories together, but each provides a standalone experience.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for the opportunity to experience this novel in advance of its release.

*Please note that my review is based on uncorrected text.