What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ick
Is it love? Is it hate? Or is it a chronic case of the ick?
Gem is chronically single, with a chronic case of the ick. Every man she meets seems perfect on paper, some of them even seem perfect in person - until she notices something... They snort when they laugh, they use too many exclamation marks, they love wearing a silk dressing gown, their jeans are just a bit too blue and a bit too skinny - and she's completely, irrevocably put off.
Gem claims it's her intuition telling her that they're incompatible, but her housemate, Shanti, doesn't agree. After a string of bad dates, Shanti, who is training to become a Clinical Psychologist, tells Gem that she'll pay her to take part in her study: Is intuition real?
Cue Atlas, who's putting the theory to the test. On paper, he passes with flying colours. He's employed, his hair appears to be his own, he has friends, a nice smile, and a decent sense of humour. But, as soon as she sees Atlas in person, Gem gets hit by the ick. He's carrying a bag that is so big it makes him look like a turtle. This, combined with his ridiculous name, means he already has two strikes against him. Every fibre of her body is telling her to leave the date early, but thanks to Shanti's study, Gem breaks all her own rules -- going on a second date, a third, and even a fourth, until she starts losing count.
Can Gem do the impossible and actually start falling for Atlas? And what happens when he finds out she's being paid to date him?
A sexy, swoon-worthy and hilarious romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Ali Hazlewood.
Gem is chronically single, with a chronic case of the ick. Every man she meets seems perfect on paper, some of them even seem perfect in person - until she notices something... They snort when they laugh, they use too many exclamation marks, they love wearing a silk dressing gown, their jeans are just a bit too blue and a bit too skinny - and she's completely, irrevocably put off.
Gem claims it's her intuition telling her that they're incompatible, but her housemate, Shanti, doesn't agree. After a string of bad dates, Shanti, who is training to become a Clinical Psychologist, tells Gem that she'll pay her to take part in her study: Is intuition real?
Cue Atlas, who's putting the theory to the test. On paper, he passes with flying colours. He's employed, his hair appears to be his own, he has friends, a nice smile, and a decent sense of humour. But, as soon as she sees Atlas in person, Gem gets hit by the ick. He's carrying a bag that is so big it makes him look like a turtle. This, combined with his ridiculous name, means he already has two strikes against him. Every fibre of her body is telling her to leave the date early, but thanks to Shanti's study, Gem breaks all her own rules -- going on a second date, a third, and even a fourth, until she starts losing count.
Can Gem do the impossible and actually start falling for Atlas? And what happens when he finds out she's being paid to date him?
A sexy, swoon-worthy and hilarious romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Ali Hazlewood.
- GenresRomance
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2025
20 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 14, 2025
Happy Release Day!
4,5 stars
I got a teeny tiny ick at the beginning (because who would run away from a date just because the guy had a soup for lunch??), but then it got better 😌.
This book was full of deadpan humor and I loved that about it. It was third person, present tense, which I know is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it made sense here and the style worked very well for me.
The romance was described in a matter-of-fact kinda way, which was charming and very refreshing. There was no unnecessary drama and even the third act breakup (which, okay, we could have done without, but I’ll let it slide) was not overly emotional.
I adored Atlas, I have a thing for cinnamon roll heroes, and he was very sweet. Gem was a bit of a weirdo, but she was not quirky or annoying. I liked her, and her way of describing the world made me laugh a lot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Pub Date: 6 Mar 2025
CW: loss of a loved one (off page), disability after a car crash, violence (off page)
4,5 stars
I got a teeny tiny ick at the beginning (because who would run away from a date just because the guy had a soup for lunch??), but then it got better 😌.
This book was full of deadpan humor and I loved that about it. It was third person, present tense, which I know is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it made sense here and the style worked very well for me.
The romance was described in a matter-of-fact kinda way, which was charming and very refreshing. There was no unnecessary drama and even the third act breakup (which, okay, we could have done without, but I’ll let it slide) was not overly emotional.
I adored Atlas, I have a thing for cinnamon roll heroes, and he was very sweet. Gem was a bit of a weirdo, but she was not quirky or annoying. I liked her, and her way of describing the world made me laugh a lot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Pub Date: 6 Mar 2025
CW: loss of a loved one (off page), disability after a car crash, violence (off page)
October 3, 2025
This book started off with promise but ended up being pretty mediocre.
At first I liked Gem, but the further I read the more obvious it became that she was the problem. She constantly finds “icks” in every guy she meets as an excuse not to commit, when really it is a defence mechanism covering up her own issues. Atlas, on the other hand, is genuinely likeable from the start. There was nothing to dislike about him, yet Gem nitpicked him over ridiculous things like his backpack or the way he ate soup. Meanwhile she had plenty of her own flaws that she should have worked on before judging anyone else.
I liked the psychology experiment angle and the subplot with Gem’s mum, but the pacing was way too drawn out. The whole point of the story is Gem’s commitment issues and projection, and it easily could have been told in half the pages. There was good comedy and some heartfelt moments, but I found myself frustrated with how long it took to reach the obvious conclusion.
And then the ending… after all the build-up, Atlas finds out about the experiment, they do not talk for two weeks, and then Gem throws him a birthday party. She gives a rushed, weak explanation for everything and he forgives her straight away. It felt unearned and way too neat, especially after all the tension.
Overall, I enjoyed parts of it, but the execution left me flat. Funny in places, heartfelt in others, but ultimately dragged out and wrapped up far too easily.
At first I liked Gem, but the further I read the more obvious it became that she was the problem. She constantly finds “icks” in every guy she meets as an excuse not to commit, when really it is a defence mechanism covering up her own issues. Atlas, on the other hand, is genuinely likeable from the start. There was nothing to dislike about him, yet Gem nitpicked him over ridiculous things like his backpack or the way he ate soup. Meanwhile she had plenty of her own flaws that she should have worked on before judging anyone else.
I liked the psychology experiment angle and the subplot with Gem’s mum, but the pacing was way too drawn out. The whole point of the story is Gem’s commitment issues and projection, and it easily could have been told in half the pages. There was good comedy and some heartfelt moments, but I found myself frustrated with how long it took to reach the obvious conclusion.
And then the ending… after all the build-up, Atlas finds out about the experiment, they do not talk for two weeks, and then Gem throws him a birthday party. She gives a rushed, weak explanation for everything and he forgives her straight away. It felt unearned and way too neat, especially after all the tension.
Overall, I enjoyed parts of it, but the execution left me flat. Funny in places, heartfelt in others, but ultimately dragged out and wrapped up far too easily.
February 17, 2025
Can I say that one thing this book didn't give me was the Ick?
It starts as a mild-mannered story, with Gem, our FMC, who finds it hard to commit because each time she meets a date, something inevitably puts her off, be it food, clothing, or a specific behaviour... also known as The Ick.
She marks down the first date of the book... because he ate soup for lunch!
Gem lives with her best friend, Shanti, who is training to be a clinical psychologist. She thinks there are commitment issues and that these 'icks' are more of an unconscious attempt to never say yes.
And so, the central part of the story starts. Gem is signed up for a clinical study for Shanti's thesis and has to date one person for a long time, despite 'icks' to see what happens.
Enter Atlas. - Okay, so he entered earlier. He's the soup eater. But what a wonderful character! He is that pure, gorgeous specimen, and you know he is just right for Gem. Only, can she get over the 'ick'?
And the side characters are just as great.
Uncle Mick, who is like a surrogate father figure; Jay, the miserable corner shop owner who despite not uttering a word through the book, has his presence, and Shauna, the attitude-filled young footballer.
I enjoyed reading this book because it goes deeper than the fundamental Ick issue. Gem's background and her relationship with her mother all contribute to how she is right now.
It starts as a mild-mannered story, with Gem, our FMC, who finds it hard to commit because each time she meets a date, something inevitably puts her off, be it food, clothing, or a specific behaviour... also known as The Ick.
She marks down the first date of the book... because he ate soup for lunch!
Gem lives with her best friend, Shanti, who is training to be a clinical psychologist. She thinks there are commitment issues and that these 'icks' are more of an unconscious attempt to never say yes.
And so, the central part of the story starts. Gem is signed up for a clinical study for Shanti's thesis and has to date one person for a long time, despite 'icks' to see what happens.
Enter Atlas. - Okay, so he entered earlier. He's the soup eater. But what a wonderful character! He is that pure, gorgeous specimen, and you know he is just right for Gem. Only, can she get over the 'ick'?
And the side characters are just as great.
Uncle Mick, who is like a surrogate father figure; Jay, the miserable corner shop owner who despite not uttering a word through the book, has his presence, and Shauna, the attitude-filled young footballer.
I enjoyed reading this book because it goes deeper than the fundamental Ick issue. Gem's background and her relationship with her mother all contribute to how she is right now.
March 14, 2025
really loved this hilarious book delving into what it TRULY means to have “the ick”. obsessed with atlas, an absolutely adorable and (for me) non-ick romantic interest. a lot of genuine and thoughtful moments regarding disability and how members of the public/ the entire world deals poorly with accessibility.
October 28, 2025
Slow to start but soon got into the story! Love how it shows problems which many people face in life through a fiction book.
March 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This book is about Gem, who always gets the ick from guys. Her friend is writing a psychology paper and offers her money to be in a study for it - can she get over the ick/is it real intuition/is it hiding something else?
I thought this was a current and fun take on a romance book. I’ve definitely had the ick so it was funny to read - even if it did take me a minute to warm to Gem, I did get there! (Also I’ve heard some bad icks but hers were not relatable to me 😂)
I liked how Gem and Atlas’ initial dating was a little awkward and realistic and it took her a little warming up! I didn’t quite know why Atlas liked her in the beginning honestly but he was very cute, easy going, and still had depth.
I think my issue was a personal one where sometimes I just hate when you know the conflict going in. Like the obvious conflict is going to be Atlas finding out Gem is dating him almost as an experiment and being hurt. So I personally don’t like that tone over everything, but thankfully it wasn’t too bad at the end!
I liked the characters, how the romance and story had some depth, and would definitely read another book by this author!
This book is about Gem, who always gets the ick from guys. Her friend is writing a psychology paper and offers her money to be in a study for it - can she get over the ick/is it real intuition/is it hiding something else?
I thought this was a current and fun take on a romance book. I’ve definitely had the ick so it was funny to read - even if it did take me a minute to warm to Gem, I did get there! (Also I’ve heard some bad icks but hers were not relatable to me 😂)
I liked how Gem and Atlas’ initial dating was a little awkward and realistic and it took her a little warming up! I didn’t quite know why Atlas liked her in the beginning honestly but he was very cute, easy going, and still had depth.
I think my issue was a personal one where sometimes I just hate when you know the conflict going in. Like the obvious conflict is going to be Atlas finding out Gem is dating him almost as an experiment and being hurt. So I personally don’t like that tone over everything, but thankfully it wasn’t too bad at the end!
I liked the characters, how the romance and story had some depth, and would definitely read another book by this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2025
4 🌟
ARC review
Gem never makes it past the first date. Everyone she dates gives her The Ick, and Atlas is no different.l and has no intention of seeing him again. Gem then makes a deal with her best friend Shanti who is doing a study on intuition and agrees to keep dating Atlas, to prove that The Ick is in fact real. Spoiler, in this story - it’s not.
I really enjoyed this! The romance was really sweet, even if you knew what was coming. I really liked Gem’s family elements and how that’s impacted her ability to form close relationships.
Atlas’ back story was kind of forgettable, I did feel like it was only there to make us feel bad for him as it was never addressed or aleuded to again but I guess that’s ok.
Overall a fun, cute read - would recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dialogue Books for the eARC!
ARC review
Gem never makes it past the first date. Everyone she dates gives her The Ick, and Atlas is no different.l and has no intention of seeing him again. Gem then makes a deal with her best friend Shanti who is doing a study on intuition and agrees to keep dating Atlas, to prove that The Ick is in fact real. Spoiler, in this story - it’s not.
I really enjoyed this! The romance was really sweet, even if you knew what was coming. I really liked Gem’s family elements and how that’s impacted her ability to form close relationships.
Atlas’ back story was kind of forgettable, I did feel like it was only there to make us feel bad for him as it was never addressed or aleuded to again but I guess that’s ok.
Overall a fun, cute read - would recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dialogue Books for the eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
4 ⭐️
ARC Review
This was such a cute easy read for me. I loved the characters and how the story developed.My own critique would have to be I wish Gem got to date more men just so we had a comparison to Atlas.
But overall I loved this story and the concept of it.
ARC Review
This was such a cute easy read for me. I loved the characters and how the story developed.My own critique would have to be I wish Gem got to date more men just so we had a comparison to Atlas.
But overall I loved this story and the concept of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
I absolutely loved The Ick. It’s a perfect example of a rom com that not only entertains but that encompasses deeper themes that raise a tear as well as making the reader laugh aloud. My full thoughts are on the My Weekly website.
June 13, 2025
Passible, but knocked down for the 4-5 errors in the book.
August 10, 2025
Easy read, really relatable. Laughed, almost cried. All the feels. Brilliant holiday read
May 7, 2025
4.5
such a funny and heart melting read i really enjoyed it. i loved all the people in this book especially gems mom!!
such a funny and heart melting read i really enjoyed it. i loved all the people in this book especially gems mom!!
April 1, 2025
I was quite intrigued by the premise of this book but was probably much more team Shanti at first, thinking that Gem’s icks were just her way of defending herself from hurt, but you do definitely start to see the reasoning behind things as you read the book. Gem’s mum and Uncle Mike made me chuckle whenever they were involved and alongside Shanti they just bought a bit of extra something to this.
Now, when it came to Atlas I struggled a little bit as he was described as having shaggy hair which I took to be long hair - which is a bit of an ick for me! But when you look away from the physicality’s you can see what a nice, genuine guy he is and I really did hope that everything would work out well for Gem and him.
Overall this was a light romcom that I looked forward to reading and really enjoyed.
Now, when it came to Atlas I struggled a little bit as he was described as having shaggy hair which I took to be long hair - which is a bit of an ick for me! But when you look away from the physicality’s you can see what a nice, genuine guy he is and I really did hope that everything would work out well for Gem and him.
Overall this was a light romcom that I looked forward to reading and really enjoyed.
February 28, 2025
Honestly it was a predictable romance but it was written well and with a different story working in the back ground for our main character which got me emotional. I would read one of Hollys books again
Read
March 6, 2025wanted to like it, fell a bit flat for me
November 19, 2024
Is the ick a form of intuition or a way of keeping people at arm's length? Gem seems to find something wrong with every perfect man that she meets, and it isn’t until her best friend Shanti proposes an idea that Gem truly comes to terms with the deeper meaning of her chronic case of the ick.
I enjoyed this book, but I really struggled with Gem, the main character. Her obsession with finding flaws in other people drove me mad. After a first date with Atlas, perfect on paper and handsome beyond belief, she starts racking up icks like no tomorrow. How can you bring a date to an end just because he said he had soup for dinner?
It began feeling like Gem was conceited and refused to overlook the simplest of things. However, her best friend Shanti, who is training to become a clinical psychologist, proposes an idea. Gem is to continue dating Atlas for six weeks to determine whether the ick is her intuition warning her off, or if the ability to be put off by something as simple as a large backpack that makes you look like a snail, is real.
As part of a study for Shanti’s course, Gem would be rewarded with some well needed cash and finds herself unable to say no. However, it quickly comes apparent that Atlas and his icks aren’t as bad as Gem initially thought.
Atlas is perfect in so many ways, even to me as the reader. And is not deterred by Gem’s standoffish behaviour. As things begin to escalate between the two, Gem is stuck between continuing to pursue what is making her happy or subsiding the guilt by telling Atlas the truth behind their growing relationship.
I loved the way that the beginning of a relationship is portrayed in this book. The butterflies as you begin to get to know someone new and start to fall in love was represented so perfectly it had me kicking my feet and swooning.
I kind of wish that the reason that Gem is so determined to find something wrong in other people was established earlier on in the book so that I didn’t spend the majority of it angry at her. I also wish that Atlas received a clearer explanation for the betrayal.
Other than that, it was an enjoyable read and the relevance of certain ‘icks’ gave it a sense of relatability and humour.
Thank you NetGalley and Dialogue Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
“She collects icks the way other people collect loyalty points”
I enjoyed this book, but I really struggled with Gem, the main character. Her obsession with finding flaws in other people drove me mad. After a first date with Atlas, perfect on paper and handsome beyond belief, she starts racking up icks like no tomorrow. How can you bring a date to an end just because he said he had soup for dinner?
It began feeling like Gem was conceited and refused to overlook the simplest of things. However, her best friend Shanti, who is training to become a clinical psychologist, proposes an idea. Gem is to continue dating Atlas for six weeks to determine whether the ick is her intuition warning her off, or if the ability to be put off by something as simple as a large backpack that makes you look like a snail, is real.
As part of a study for Shanti’s course, Gem would be rewarded with some well needed cash and finds herself unable to say no. However, it quickly comes apparent that Atlas and his icks aren’t as bad as Gem initially thought.
“Beautiful people get away with (or simply just get) too many things”
Atlas is perfect in so many ways, even to me as the reader. And is not deterred by Gem’s standoffish behaviour. As things begin to escalate between the two, Gem is stuck between continuing to pursue what is making her happy or subsiding the guilt by telling Atlas the truth behind their growing relationship.
I loved the way that the beginning of a relationship is portrayed in this book. The butterflies as you begin to get to know someone new and start to fall in love was represented so perfectly it had me kicking my feet and swooning.
“You have someone who is contractually obliged to listen to even your most boring and ridiculous worries and thoughts”
I kind of wish that the reason that Gem is so determined to find something wrong in other people was established earlier on in the book so that I didn’t spend the majority of it angry at her. I also wish that Atlas received a clearer explanation for the betrayal.
Other than that, it was an enjoyable read and the relevance of certain ‘icks’ gave it a sense of relatability and humour.
Thank you NetGalley and Dialogue Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2024
3.5🌟
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊.
FMC Gem is chronically single because every first date leads to her catching the dreaded "Ick". And once the ick has been acknowledged, it's impossible to see past it. Even the hottest of eligible bachelors becomes grotesque if he admits to something as unforgivable as eating soup for lunch. Gem's housemate and best friend, Shanti, thinks Gem's so-called "intuition" is a load of bull and decides her friend would make an excellent subject for her psychological study. She'll pay Gem to date a guy that gave her the ick, to test Gem's theory that ickiness is actually her brain's way of protecting her from a relationship that is doomed to fail. Gem agrees, because there's no way in hell this ick-tainted relationship will ever amount to anything. Right?
POOR ATLAS!! It's worth a read for the MMC alone because that cinnamon-roll, sweet bby angel puts up with A LOT. There's a good amount of diverse storytelling/characters here, and it shirks surface-level for something a little deeper (think Ashley Poston's 𝘚𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘚𝘭𝘪𝘱), but the only thing that never quite rang true for me was why Atlas put up with Gem in the first place. She was beyond rude to him and her whole 'ick' thing made me want to slap her through my kindle. GET OVER YOURSELF GIRL. The lack of self-awareness made her POV painful to read at times, but there's no denying she gets a pretty satisfying character arc at the end of it all.
One thing I can't abide in modern rom/coms is a lack of specificity - cookie cutter characters that say and do things with the emotional range of a build-a-bear, within the geographical range of a label-less map. The reason I love Ali Hazelwood's writing so much is because she makes references to specific things. I will care SO MUCH MORE if a character visits a Pret instead of a non-descript café, because then suddenly we're grounded in an actual world that we recognise and can draw from. That's something that Holly McCulloch does really well. And how refreshing to read something set in the UK for a change! The jokes land because the humour is specific and acknowledges the world around it.
A super quick and energising read, recommended for people who like their romcoms with a little bit of edge.
Flavourings: Golden Retriever MMC, Miscommunication Trope, Disability Rep, Commitment Issues, Stubborn FMC, Money Worries, Strong Mother/Daughter Relationship, Parent Death (off-page).
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊.
FMC Gem is chronically single because every first date leads to her catching the dreaded "Ick". And once the ick has been acknowledged, it's impossible to see past it. Even the hottest of eligible bachelors becomes grotesque if he admits to something as unforgivable as eating soup for lunch. Gem's housemate and best friend, Shanti, thinks Gem's so-called "intuition" is a load of bull and decides her friend would make an excellent subject for her psychological study. She'll pay Gem to date a guy that gave her the ick, to test Gem's theory that ickiness is actually her brain's way of protecting her from a relationship that is doomed to fail. Gem agrees, because there's no way in hell this ick-tainted relationship will ever amount to anything. Right?
POOR ATLAS!! It's worth a read for the MMC alone because that cinnamon-roll, sweet bby angel puts up with A LOT. There's a good amount of diverse storytelling/characters here, and it shirks surface-level for something a little deeper (think Ashley Poston's 𝘚𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘚𝘭𝘪𝘱), but the only thing that never quite rang true for me was why Atlas put up with Gem in the first place. She was beyond rude to him and her whole 'ick' thing made me want to slap her through my kindle. GET OVER YOURSELF GIRL. The lack of self-awareness made her POV painful to read at times, but there's no denying she gets a pretty satisfying character arc at the end of it all.
One thing I can't abide in modern rom/coms is a lack of specificity - cookie cutter characters that say and do things with the emotional range of a build-a-bear, within the geographical range of a label-less map. The reason I love Ali Hazelwood's writing so much is because she makes references to specific things. I will care SO MUCH MORE if a character visits a Pret instead of a non-descript café, because then suddenly we're grounded in an actual world that we recognise and can draw from. That's something that Holly McCulloch does really well. And how refreshing to read something set in the UK for a change! The jokes land because the humour is specific and acknowledges the world around it.
A super quick and energising read, recommended for people who like their romcoms with a little bit of edge.
Flavourings: Golden Retriever MMC, Miscommunication Trope, Disability Rep, Commitment Issues, Stubborn FMC, Money Worries, Strong Mother/Daughter Relationship, Parent Death (off-page).
March 5, 2025
4.75⭐️
no i’m sorry but the first initial ick of someone eating soup by choice resonated so personally with me it’s unhinged how valid i thought gem was
i genuinely just really loved this story, at the beginning the fmc was getting on my nerves but the more i read i could understand her thought process and where she was coming from, and seeing her battle with her feelings humanised her more as she genuinely felt like she was doing the right thing - and on the other end, i love how those closest to her held her accountable and she accepted it
moving on, i think i might be a teeny tiny bit in love with atlas too tbh, i can’t explain it but the way that man is not afraid to show his emotions and wear his heart on his sleeve?? i was eating GOOD thank you miss holly, he is such a sunshine man with a sunshine heart and i think he was just so perfect for gem
it’s only small, but i wish we found out what his tattoo was and the meaning behind it because i feel for him it would be sentimental - also, how his brownies were??
the relationships in this book were really wholesome and felt realistic, the friendship between tee and gem was imo beautifully done, i like how there they are for each other. the family dynamics with gem, her mum and uncle mike were such an entertaining read too i’m really glad we got to experience them
as someone who grew up with a family member in a wheelchair i know all too well the anxiety of anticipating how other people will perceive the disability, the three reactions gem notes, and the sadness of that realisation as a whole as it shouldn’t be a factor to treat someone differently
the reason this just missed 5⭐️ for me is i wish we had a tiny bit more growth for gem in her workplace - i know her last interaction with martin was a step in the right direction but i wish we got to see her get her credit where it was due
thank you so much to dialogue books and netgalley for the arc, i feel better knowing i got to live life reading this one 💌
no i’m sorry but the first initial ick of someone eating soup by choice resonated so personally with me it’s unhinged how valid i thought gem was
i genuinely just really loved this story, at the beginning the fmc was getting on my nerves but the more i read i could understand her thought process and where she was coming from, and seeing her battle with her feelings humanised her more as she genuinely felt like she was doing the right thing - and on the other end, i love how those closest to her held her accountable and she accepted it
moving on, i think i might be a teeny tiny bit in love with atlas too tbh, i can’t explain it but the way that man is not afraid to show his emotions and wear his heart on his sleeve?? i was eating GOOD thank you miss holly, he is such a sunshine man with a sunshine heart and i think he was just so perfect for gem
it’s only small, but i wish we found out what his tattoo was and the meaning behind it because i feel for him it would be sentimental - also, how his brownies were??
the relationships in this book were really wholesome and felt realistic, the friendship between tee and gem was imo beautifully done, i like how there they are for each other. the family dynamics with gem, her mum and uncle mike were such an entertaining read too i’m really glad we got to experience them
as someone who grew up with a family member in a wheelchair i know all too well the anxiety of anticipating how other people will perceive the disability, the three reactions gem notes, and the sadness of that realisation as a whole as it shouldn’t be a factor to treat someone differently
the reason this just missed 5⭐️ for me is i wish we had a tiny bit more growth for gem in her workplace - i know her last interaction with martin was a step in the right direction but i wish we got to see her get her credit where it was due
thank you so much to dialogue books and netgalley for the arc, i feel better knowing i got to live life reading this one 💌
March 8, 2025
thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!
i want to say i love romcoms. romcoms (thank you EmHen) got me back into reading after years of school and literature made me stop doing it for fun. i've been reading less of romcoms now to make way for brain gripping fantasy but The Ick reminded me a lot of why i love this genre.
not tryna be funny, but Gem gave me the ick at the start. like, there is just no way anyone is this fussy about guys. imagine getting the ick because a guy had soup for lunch. soup!! which is fantastic!! the story took a while to get going, but i found that i really liked McCulloch's writing through Gem's voice throughout the whole story. and yes, Gem did grow me eventually.
there's just something about Atlas that did give me the ick at the beginning. it's neither the soup nor his giany bag, but just the way he's portrayed did give off the ick without a solid reason as to why, which i suppose is how we the reader are supposed to feel, and fall in love with Atlas alongside Gem through the six weeks of dates she's supposed to go on with him.
okay but seriously, how could she get the ick from him...... he's like the perfect golden retriever boyfriend and according to her descriptions, a super hot guy. though their fight at the end was a little too short and not that dramatic, i liked the Atlas themed birthday party she threw to apologise, and because she knew what it means to him. though i do like the exploration of how her fear of commitment comes from being worried that she won't be there for her disabled mother. that was kinda powerful.
" the happiness on his face. it's there for everyone to see. and it's there because he is happy to see her. "
i liked Shanti's character a lot, as an asian with a preordained life by her parents and being unwilling and unable to step out of that it. damn, i'm glad she got her happy ending starting her new upcycling fashion empire.
99% chance of me devouring author's backlist titles soon.
i want to say i love romcoms. romcoms (thank you EmHen) got me back into reading after years of school and literature made me stop doing it for fun. i've been reading less of romcoms now to make way for brain gripping fantasy but The Ick reminded me a lot of why i love this genre.
not tryna be funny, but Gem gave me the ick at the start. like, there is just no way anyone is this fussy about guys. imagine getting the ick because a guy had soup for lunch. soup!! which is fantastic!! the story took a while to get going, but i found that i really liked McCulloch's writing through Gem's voice throughout the whole story. and yes, Gem did grow me eventually.
there's just something about Atlas that did give me the ick at the beginning. it's neither the soup nor his giany bag, but just the way he's portrayed did give off the ick without a solid reason as to why, which i suppose is how we the reader are supposed to feel, and fall in love with Atlas alongside Gem through the six weeks of dates she's supposed to go on with him.
okay but seriously, how could she get the ick from him...... he's like the perfect golden retriever boyfriend and according to her descriptions, a super hot guy. though their fight at the end was a little too short and not that dramatic, i liked the Atlas themed birthday party she threw to apologise, and because she knew what it means to him. though i do like the exploration of how her fear of commitment comes from being worried that she won't be there for her disabled mother. that was kinda powerful.
" the happiness on his face. it's there for everyone to see. and it's there because he is happy to see her. "
i liked Shanti's character a lot, as an asian with a preordained life by her parents and being unwilling and unable to step out of that it. damn, i'm glad she got her happy ending starting her new upcycling fashion empire.
99% chance of me devouring author's backlist titles soon.
March 12, 2025
Gem hasn’t had much luck with dating, but if she’s being honest, a lot of that is her own doing. She believes wholeheartedly in the ick - the instant, gut-level reaction that tells her when a potential partner is a hard no. It only takes one tiny thing to send her running. Case in point: her first date with Atlas, who seems sweet, handsome, and perfectly nice… until he casually mentions that he eats soup for lunch. Immediate ick. Date abandoned.
Her psychology student roommate, Shanti, thinks this is ridiculous and challenges Gem to take part in a study on the ick. The catch? She has to go out with Atlas at least six more times, enduring every cringe-worthy moment, in the name of science (and, let’s be honest, for the money). But as the dates progress, something unexpected happens - each "ick" she once found unbearable starts to seem… well, kind of endearing. And as the weeks go by, Gem realizes she’s falling hard. Now, if she has any chance at a real relationship with Atlas, she’ll have to come clean about the experiment before it’s too late.
I won’t lie - this book took me a bit to warm up to. At first, Gem’s fixation on the ick was frustrating, but as her backstory unfolded, I really grew to understand and appreciate her character. Her journey felt realistic, and the book does a great job of exploring how past experiences shape our relationship fears. Shanti, her best friend and roommate, was one of my favorite characters - her sharp psychological insights and unwavering support added so much depth to the story. And Atlas? He’s not just there as the love interest; we get to see his personality, ambitions, and struggles, making him just as well-developed as Gem.
This is a quirky, heartfelt rom-com that might take a little time to click, but once it does, it’s fun, funny, and surprisingly insightful.
Her psychology student roommate, Shanti, thinks this is ridiculous and challenges Gem to take part in a study on the ick. The catch? She has to go out with Atlas at least six more times, enduring every cringe-worthy moment, in the name of science (and, let’s be honest, for the money). But as the dates progress, something unexpected happens - each "ick" she once found unbearable starts to seem… well, kind of endearing. And as the weeks go by, Gem realizes she’s falling hard. Now, if she has any chance at a real relationship with Atlas, she’ll have to come clean about the experiment before it’s too late.
I won’t lie - this book took me a bit to warm up to. At first, Gem’s fixation on the ick was frustrating, but as her backstory unfolded, I really grew to understand and appreciate her character. Her journey felt realistic, and the book does a great job of exploring how past experiences shape our relationship fears. Shanti, her best friend and roommate, was one of my favorite characters - her sharp psychological insights and unwavering support added so much depth to the story. And Atlas? He’s not just there as the love interest; we get to see his personality, ambitions, and struggles, making him just as well-developed as Gem.
This is a quirky, heartfelt rom-com that might take a little time to click, but once it does, it’s fun, funny, and surprisingly insightful.
May 12, 2025
I didn't love this book and I didn't hate it. I didn't really connect with any of the characters, partly because it was written in a third person POV and partly because the MFC was unlikeable.
Gem gets "the ick" on pretty much all of her dates which means she never gets past the first date, which means she never actually gets to know anyone but she's convinced that the ick is her intuition telling her there is something fundamentally wrong with the person. It takes a large amount of money for her friends psychology study for her to actually look inward at herself and realise she is the problem, not the person she's dating.
So when Gem goes out with Atlas and then gets the ick because he ate soup for lunch, she ditches him but then in order to get the money, she has to go out with him again. Actually spending time with him makes her realise that she can get past the ick, but she's determined to find out what is wrong with Atlas. When he confides in her about some trouble he got into when he was a teenager (20 years ago) she decides this is what her intuition was warning her against which seems a little far-fetched to me. Being in trouble as a teen and becoming a well rounded member of society shows personal growth and dedication to being better, he's clearly not the same person.
I don't feel like Gem ever grew as a person or as a character throughout the book. She still believes in the ick and her intuition but she's now in love with Atlas so she's determined to be with him anyway, so really her intuition means nothing in the long run.
Thanks to NetGalley and Renegade Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Gem gets "the ick" on pretty much all of her dates which means she never gets past the first date, which means she never actually gets to know anyone but she's convinced that the ick is her intuition telling her there is something fundamentally wrong with the person. It takes a large amount of money for her friends psychology study for her to actually look inward at herself and realise she is the problem, not the person she's dating.
So when Gem goes out with Atlas and then gets the ick because he ate soup for lunch, she ditches him but then in order to get the money, she has to go out with him again. Actually spending time with him makes her realise that she can get past the ick, but she's determined to find out what is wrong with Atlas. When he confides in her about some trouble he got into when he was a teenager (20 years ago) she decides this is what her intuition was warning her against which seems a little far-fetched to me. Being in trouble as a teen and becoming a well rounded member of society shows personal growth and dedication to being better, he's clearly not the same person.
I don't feel like Gem ever grew as a person or as a character throughout the book. She still believes in the ick and her intuition but she's now in love with Atlas so she's determined to be with him anyway, so really her intuition means nothing in the long run.
Thanks to NetGalley and Renegade Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
March 9, 2025
Gem is chronically single, with a chronic case of the ick. Every man she meets seems perfect on paper, some of them even in person - until she notices something...The Ick. Gem claims it's her intuition telling her that they're incompatible, but her housemate, Shanti, doesn't agree. After a string of bad dates, Shanti, who is training to become a Clinical Psychologist, putting the theory to the test. Cue Atlas, who, on paper, passes with flying colours but as soon as Gem sees him in person, she gets hit by the ick. Every fibre of her body is telling her to leave the date early, but for the study she goes on a second date, a third, & even a fourth, until she starts losing count. Can Gem do the impossible & actually start falling for Atlas? What happens when he finds out she's being paid to date him?
This book can’t help but put a smile on your face, it’s a heartwarming read with loveable characters, and with lines like “Cheese fixes everything”, how can you not enjoy?
Yes it’s a little predictable but it doesn’t matter as the journey to get there is just so enjoyable. Gem is a quirky character (with enviable toastie filling ideas!) & her relationship with her family members is just totally endearing. The way Atlas’s character is absorbed into this world, despite a completely different upbringing, is also a very nice touch.
Everyone will find a relatable element in this cosy romcom, I feel we all have a little bit of Gem’s ‘Ick’ wisdom in us - I for one completely agree that soup is not a real meal!🤣 The shining star in this title for me though is the strength of the friendship and familial connections, providing a light-hearted read with an underlying message of not giving up on your dreams. A really enjoyable read.
This book can’t help but put a smile on your face, it’s a heartwarming read with loveable characters, and with lines like “Cheese fixes everything”, how can you not enjoy?
Yes it’s a little predictable but it doesn’t matter as the journey to get there is just so enjoyable. Gem is a quirky character (with enviable toastie filling ideas!) & her relationship with her family members is just totally endearing. The way Atlas’s character is absorbed into this world, despite a completely different upbringing, is also a very nice touch.
Everyone will find a relatable element in this cosy romcom, I feel we all have a little bit of Gem’s ‘Ick’ wisdom in us - I for one completely agree that soup is not a real meal!🤣 The shining star in this title for me though is the strength of the friendship and familial connections, providing a light-hearted read with an underlying message of not giving up on your dreams. A really enjoyable read.
May 9, 2025
Thank you #Thelck #Netgalley The Ick is a light, charming, and funny read that taps into a very relatable modern dating dilemma: the dreaded "ick"—that sudden, inexplicable turn-off that kills attraction stone dead.
Gem, the story’s lead, has a habit of cutting things short after one date because of it. Whether it’s a weird laugh, awkward shoes, or an unfortunate sneeze, the ick always strikes, and Gem moves on. That is, until her best friend Shanti calls her out and challenges her to prove the ick is real by pushing through it on a series of dates.
Enter Atlas. He's handsome, interesting, and gives Gem the ick almost immediately. But for the sake of the “study,” she keeps seeing him, determined to treat this like an experiment. As she peels back the layers and gets to know him, her assumptions are challenged, and her feelings start to change in ways she didn’t expect.
The premise is simple but well-executed, making this a perfect weekend or holiday book. McCulloch’s writing is witty and easy to sink into, and the chemistry between the characters has a slow-burn charm. It's not trying to be groundbreaking—it’s just feel-good fiction done well.
While it’s a predictable romcom at heart, The Ick stands out with its modern dating lens and likeable characters. It’s playful and self-aware, and it pokes fun at how easy it is to self-sabotage in love without ever being mean-spirited.
If you’re after something fun, sweet, and a little bit thought-provoking, this one’s worth a spot on your TBR.
Gem, the story’s lead, has a habit of cutting things short after one date because of it. Whether it’s a weird laugh, awkward shoes, or an unfortunate sneeze, the ick always strikes, and Gem moves on. That is, until her best friend Shanti calls her out and challenges her to prove the ick is real by pushing through it on a series of dates.
Enter Atlas. He's handsome, interesting, and gives Gem the ick almost immediately. But for the sake of the “study,” she keeps seeing him, determined to treat this like an experiment. As she peels back the layers and gets to know him, her assumptions are challenged, and her feelings start to change in ways she didn’t expect.
The premise is simple but well-executed, making this a perfect weekend or holiday book. McCulloch’s writing is witty and easy to sink into, and the chemistry between the characters has a slow-burn charm. It's not trying to be groundbreaking—it’s just feel-good fiction done well.
While it’s a predictable romcom at heart, The Ick stands out with its modern dating lens and likeable characters. It’s playful and self-aware, and it pokes fun at how easy it is to self-sabotage in love without ever being mean-spirited.
If you’re after something fun, sweet, and a little bit thought-provoking, this one’s worth a spot on your TBR.
February 23, 2025
Gemma easily gets the ick, leading her to a lot of first dates. Often they're for petty reasosns as hearing they eat soup for lunch or carry an large backpack. Which is exactly why she feigns an emergency to leave her first date with Atlas. A little fed up with Gemma's attitude, best friend and clinical psychology student Shanti offers to pay her to participate in her final study. All she needs to do is agree to dating Atlas for six weeks to see if she can overcome her ick.
This was such a fabulous read. Gemma's fear of emotional intimacy and rejection is relatable, but she was so frustrating, especially at the end when she refuses to tell Atlas about the study. She's someone whose been closed off to everyone except her disabled mum, uncle and best friend after childhood experiences taught her to be disappointed by people. Atlas was such a sweetheart, his backstory was heartbreaking but gives insight as to why he's a solid and dependable man who keeps surprising Gemma at every turn. He knew to give Gemma space while showing he saw her and wanted to be with her. If I had any complaint it would be that I found the research study unbelievable. For any studies involving human test subjects, you need ethics approval well in advance of any study (and I also doubt you'd be paid that much!).
Another heartfelt and charming rom com from Holly McCulloch.
Thanks to Renegade Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
This was such a fabulous read. Gemma's fear of emotional intimacy and rejection is relatable, but she was so frustrating, especially at the end when she refuses to tell Atlas about the study. She's someone whose been closed off to everyone except her disabled mum, uncle and best friend after childhood experiences taught her to be disappointed by people. Atlas was such a sweetheart, his backstory was heartbreaking but gives insight as to why he's a solid and dependable man who keeps surprising Gemma at every turn. He knew to give Gemma space while showing he saw her and wanted to be with her. If I had any complaint it would be that I found the research study unbelievable. For any studies involving human test subjects, you need ethics approval well in advance of any study (and I also doubt you'd be paid that much!).
Another heartfelt and charming rom com from Holly McCulloch.
Thanks to Renegade Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
March 25, 2025
I really liked the authors note at the end of this book. Everything Holly said is true. People look down at rom-coms but they are one of my favourite genres to read. Every romcom is different. Some pure fluffy loveliness, some utterly heartbreaking. The Ick is a joyful romp but it's more than that too. It has deeper themes, written really well. Holly's Mum is disabled and needs a wheelchair, and the lack of accessibility which makes being spontaneous almost impossible is something I hadn't really thought about before.
I could really relate to Gem getting the ick on dates, as I've been there too. It does disguise a deeper issue, which is the fear of trusting someone new.
Gem's best friend Shanti is training to be a clinical psychologist and she persuades Gem to be the subject of her research paper. Gem is tasked with continuing to date someone who's given her the ick to see whether it really is intuition of incompatibility, or if it's simply masking deeper issues.
The test subject is Atlas. Now it may be no surprise that despite Gem's reluctance, she finds herself falling for him. But I think sometimes having stories follow a somewhat predictable arc, provides a comfort that mood readers need.
Of course there are bumps in the road, but I'm a sucker for a happy ending and The Ick delivers on all levels.
A perfect comfort read.
I could really relate to Gem getting the ick on dates, as I've been there too. It does disguise a deeper issue, which is the fear of trusting someone new.
Gem's best friend Shanti is training to be a clinical psychologist and she persuades Gem to be the subject of her research paper. Gem is tasked with continuing to date someone who's given her the ick to see whether it really is intuition of incompatibility, or if it's simply masking deeper issues.
The test subject is Atlas. Now it may be no surprise that despite Gem's reluctance, she finds herself falling for him. But I think sometimes having stories follow a somewhat predictable arc, provides a comfort that mood readers need.
Of course there are bumps in the road, but I'm a sucker for a happy ending and The Ick delivers on all levels.
A perfect comfort read.
March 17, 2025
Gem has a problem—no matter how great a guy seems, she always finds something that instantly puts her off. From the way they laugh to their fashion choices, she just can't help catching "the ick." Her housemate, Shanti, a psychology student, decides to challenge Gem’s instincts by paying her to participate in a study about intuition. Enter Atlas, a guy who checks all the right boxes—except for his unfortunate turtle-like backpack. Determined to follow the study’s rules, Gem keeps dating him, even as she fights her usual urge to run. But what happens when real feelings start to develop, and Atlas discovers the truth?
The characters in this book are really fun, and I loved their interactions. Gem is witty and relatable, though at times she can be a bit much. Atlas, on the other hand, is a great love interest, and their dynamic makes for a very entertaining read. The humor throughout the book is one of its strongest points, making it lighthearted and enjoyable.
One thing I really liked was how the romance developed without unnecessary drama. Even the third-act breakup, which is common in romance novels, wasn’t overly emotional or dragged out. It felt natural and realistic. Overall, The Ick is a funny, refreshing rom-com that keeps you smiling the whole way through.
The characters in this book are really fun, and I loved their interactions. Gem is witty and relatable, though at times she can be a bit much. Atlas, on the other hand, is a great love interest, and their dynamic makes for a very entertaining read. The humor throughout the book is one of its strongest points, making it lighthearted and enjoyable.
One thing I really liked was how the romance developed without unnecessary drama. Even the third-act breakup, which is common in romance novels, wasn’t overly emotional or dragged out. It felt natural and realistic. Overall, The Ick is a funny, refreshing rom-com that keeps you smiling the whole way through.
January 25, 2025
Book Review: The Ick by Holly McCulloch
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you to Dialogue Books, Holly McCulloch, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
The Ick is a fun, lighthearted rom-com that explores modern dating with a relatable twist: Gem, our protagonist, is plagued by the dreaded “ick” that ruins every potential relationship. The premise is fantastic—quirky, unique, and perfect for anyone who’s ever judged a date for something trivial (we’ve all been there).
While I loved the idea behind the story and its exploration of intuition in relationships, I found the writing style (third-person present tense) a bit off-putting—it’s not my personal preference, though others may enjoy it. Some sections felt repetitive, which slowed the pacing for me. That said, Gem’s journey, her growth, and the dynamics with Atlas were enjoyable, with plenty of humor and heart along the way.
If you’re after a charming, easy read about the ups and downs of dating and the ick-factor, this is worth checking out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you to Dialogue Books, Holly McCulloch, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
The Ick is a fun, lighthearted rom-com that explores modern dating with a relatable twist: Gem, our protagonist, is plagued by the dreaded “ick” that ruins every potential relationship. The premise is fantastic—quirky, unique, and perfect for anyone who’s ever judged a date for something trivial (we’ve all been there).
While I loved the idea behind the story and its exploration of intuition in relationships, I found the writing style (third-person present tense) a bit off-putting—it’s not my personal preference, though others may enjoy it. Some sections felt repetitive, which slowed the pacing for me. That said, Gem’s journey, her growth, and the dynamics with Atlas were enjoyable, with plenty of humor and heart along the way.
If you’re after a charming, easy read about the ups and downs of dating and the ick-factor, this is worth checking out.
February 11, 2025
🌟🌟🌟.5
TROPES:
🎐Golden Retriever MMC,
🎐Miscommunication Trope,
🎐Stubborn FMC
🎐Disability Rep
I was this close to throwing my Kindle when Gem ditched a date over "soup". But somehow, this book totally won me over.
Gem is the queen of The Ick - every guy she dates has "something" that makes her run for the hills. But when her best friend ropes her into a psychology experiment, she agrees to keep dating Atlas (a guy she already wrote off) just to prove her theory that The Ick is real. Except… it turns out, maybe it’s not.
This book had me cackling with its deadpan humor and painfully relatable dating struggles. I loved the chemistry, the slow realization that Atlas is actually GREAT, and the way it captured those early relationship butterflies. Atlas is the ultimate cinnamon-roll hero (seriously, what a patient man), and while Gem frustrated me A LOT, her growth made the journey worth it.
A quick, fun rom-com with a little extra depth - definitely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dialogue Books for providing me the eARC!
TROPES:
🎐Golden Retriever MMC,
🎐Miscommunication Trope,
🎐Stubborn FMC
🎐Disability Rep
I was this close to throwing my Kindle when Gem ditched a date over "soup". But somehow, this book totally won me over.
Gem is the queen of The Ick - every guy she dates has "something" that makes her run for the hills. But when her best friend ropes her into a psychology experiment, she agrees to keep dating Atlas (a guy she already wrote off) just to prove her theory that The Ick is real. Except… it turns out, maybe it’s not.
This book had me cackling with its deadpan humor and painfully relatable dating struggles. I loved the chemistry, the slow realization that Atlas is actually GREAT, and the way it captured those early relationship butterflies. Atlas is the ultimate cinnamon-roll hero (seriously, what a patient man), and while Gem frustrated me A LOT, her growth made the journey worth it.
A quick, fun rom-com with a little extra depth - definitely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dialogue Books for providing me the eARC!
February 24, 2025
I loved the romance in this book - it's gradual development as Atlas and Gem learned more about each other and their genuine connection. The only issue being the manufactured start - if Gem had followed her intuition it wouldn't have been able to develop as Atlas gave Gem 'the Ick'.
It's clear that this is Gem's way to protect herself, and it was wonderful to see what happens when she is forced to break down her barriers. And who wouldn't want to be with Atlas - he was wonderful. My real question was why did he persevere when Gem is really rather rude and standoffish initially. I was waiting to find out he was conducting his own study as to how to make someone fall in love with him when they are clearly not into him, but no; it turns out Atlas is just downright lovely.
I'm not a big fan of the third act breakup - I couldn't understand what made Gem's actions such a massive issue that couldn't be resolved by good communication, but that didn't distract from this great little read.
It's clear that this is Gem's way to protect herself, and it was wonderful to see what happens when she is forced to break down her barriers. And who wouldn't want to be with Atlas - he was wonderful. My real question was why did he persevere when Gem is really rather rude and standoffish initially. I was waiting to find out he was conducting his own study as to how to make someone fall in love with him when they are clearly not into him, but no; it turns out Atlas is just downright lovely.
I'm not a big fan of the third act breakup - I couldn't understand what made Gem's actions such a massive issue that couldn't be resolved by good communication, but that didn't distract from this great little read.
March 3, 2025
Every time Gem goes on a date, she finds something wrong with the man. It might be the tiniest thing, it might not even be logical, but without fail it sends her running. Until it occurs to her flatmate that this congenital case of The Ick makes the perfect case study, and with a little monetary encouragement, Gem finds herself dating the same man more than once. Which leads to quite the predicament.
It took me a while to get into this. Third person present tense isn’t my favourite and it felt slow to begin with, but Gem and Atlas on the page together were a delight, and I enjoyed how their relationship developed, particularly Gem’s gradual realisation of her feelings. The drama is low-key and entirely realistic, the wry observations and sense of humour are very British, and the supporting cast is just quirky enough to be believable. I’m very glad I persevered, because this turned out to be a memorable read and I’m now on the lookout for other books by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
It took me a while to get into this. Third person present tense isn’t my favourite and it felt slow to begin with, but Gem and Atlas on the page together were a delight, and I enjoyed how their relationship developed, particularly Gem’s gradual realisation of her feelings. The drama is low-key and entirely realistic, the wry observations and sense of humour are very British, and the supporting cast is just quirky enough to be believable. I’m very glad I persevered, because this turned out to be a memorable read and I’m now on the lookout for other books by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews