I wanted to read this book because I fully believe the ick is a real thing and I was so intrigued by how this book was going to be written and how it would develop. And boy did it meet every expectation. This book is so light and hilarious. I laughed so much and the writing was exactly how I would talk in real life which I loved. The characters were all so likeable (even gem with her silly little icks). Atlas is one amazing guy and I just loved their story so much. It was so nice to read something a little different and within the first couple of chapters I just knew I’d love this. It was so nice to read a book about someone who lives day to day in real life that is relatable too. I can’t recommend this enough!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Totally fine if unremarkable, dealt with some real world problems with sensitivity, all wrapped up in a bow at the end.

Really fun modern romance, especially enjoyed Shanti!

Atlas was 🥵 whilst I didn't really take to Gem. I totally get the ick premise and had it myself while in the crazy dating world, I think some of her reasons where a bit wild, like the ick because someone has soup for lunch? (Or maybe this is because I'm an avid soup lover!)

All in all fun read but lower rating for me as I didn't gel with the FMC and I also really do not enjoy third person (this is a me thing)

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.

“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.

Loved it - a perfectly pitched modern day romcom with some loveable characters and some deliciously awkward situations. Gem gets the ick with every man she meets- she's desperate to be in a decent relationship but Every. Single. Time. she finds herself irreparably turned off by the smallest detail - whether its the bag that they carry, their choice of food or something equally innocuous-once she's switched off, there's no going back.
Until Gem's best mate , psychology student Shanti, needs Gem to help her with her dissertation research - is it possible to get past the Ick and fall for the man again?
Luckily Gem has just the man in mind, and as long as he doesnt find out he's part of a dastardly experiment, no harm will be done...
The story-telling was fab, the pages flew by and I was totally rooting for Gem and her man throughout.

This book had a dry, understated humor that I really enjoyed. It’s written in third-person present tense, which I know isn’t everyone’s favorite, but it felt like a good fit here, and the style really worked for me.

The romance was told in a straightforward way, which I found both charming and refreshing. There was no over-the-top drama, and even the third-act breakup (which, honestly, I could have done without) wasn’t overly dramatic.

I loved Atlas—there’s just something irresistible about kind, soft-hearted heroes, and he was genuinely sweet. Gem was quirky in her own way but not in an over-the-top or irritating manner. I enjoyed her character, and her unique perspective on the world made me laugh a lot.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are entirely my own.

I loved this book! Funny in all the right places, good storyline and good characters! I love Hollys writing style! Will definitely be recommending this one!

Thank for the opportunity to read this eARC.

I was so intrigued by the title of this book as I find the concept of ‘icks’ really interesting. I’m very quick to find something off putting and find it hard to get over so knew I’d resonate with the main character in this novel, Gem. I did enjoy the story and found it humorous but I did struggle with the 3rd person POV. This is the main reason why I have rated as 3 stars - not perfect for me but still an enjoyable book that I would recommend happily!

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)

Thank you to NetGalley and Dialogue Books for this ARC.

Gem loves Bollywood dancing and experimental toastie flavours and frequently gets the ick when dating, calling it intuition, warning her off an incompatible man before it's too late.

Her flatmate Shanti who is studying to become a clinical psychologist finds this hilarious and wants to include her on a paid study about whether the ick is real and serves a real purpose. She creates a contract that Gem needs to go on more dates with the same person over the next six weeks and spend time with him to see whether icks can be overcome or whether they have been a sensible warning from the start.

Gem only reluctantly participates because it will enable her to buy an all-singing all-dancing wheelchair for her mother Georgie so she has to worry less about her.

Enter Atlas: he is good-looking, with amazing hair and mesmerizing blue eyes, he dresses impeccably and is in any way perfect. Well, almost. His name is Atlas, he carries an embarrassingly large bag around, eats soup for lunch and loves football. Ick, ick, ick, ick.

This is an extremely predictable plot using the forced proximity trope to bring two people together who normally wouldn't have had more than one date. It is however done with charm, and both main characters as well as several side characters are well-rounded and interesting. Gem's caring relationship with her mother and Uncle Mike is explored well.

There is also an amusing and longstanding competition between Gem and Shanti going on to get scowly Jay from the cornershop to smile - just once will do!

This reads well and fast. Recommended for being fun and witty and exploring the high expectations we have of ourselves and others. I would read more from this author.

Icks are something I find hilarious for the pure ridiculousness of some of them so a whole book about it intrigued me.

The MC is infuriating but not in a “can’t stand the book” way but in a way that made them interesting and added to the story. It’s rare I read a book where I want the MC to be forced to learn a lesson. Gem is not a bad person and I can see why she is the way she is but at parts I just wanted her friend to tell her to stop being so silly.

This is a fun read where you keep saying “just one more chapter”

Absolutely loved this book! I loved the characters storyline and could relate to being a bit picky when it comes to finding a partner. I loved how our MC took part in her friends study and I was so curious to read how it all worked out. It goes to show that not everything on paper is the same in real life and sometimes you could be surprised so don’t judge anybody.