xlivingthroughpagesx 's review for:

The Ick by Holly McCulloch

3.0

lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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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.