The Ick

Is it love? Is it hate? Or is it a chronic case of the ick?

Gem's date is looking promising. Atlas is 6'2, with blue eyes, dimples and strong hands that look like they would be at home wielding an axe. But when he says he eats soup for lunch, Gem is immediately hit with the ick.

Suddenly she's painfully aware of his giant backpack that makes him look like a turtle, his colourful socks, and his hair that's just a bit too floppy.

Gem, who collects icks like others collect loyalty points, is adamant that the phenomenon is her instinct kicking in, but her housemate and best friend, Shanti, disagrees, and challenges Gem to take part in a study for her psychology course: Is intuition real?

Gem eventually decides to take part, but doing so means she has to break all her own rules. She sees Atlas for a second date, a third, and even a fourth, until she starts losing count. It's all for research purposes, of course - but what if the impossible happens and Gem falls for Atlas? And if he finds out she's being paid to date him, will he ever forgive her?

Forced-proximity meets enemies-to-lovers in this spicy, swoon-worthy and totally hilarious romantic comedy. Fans of Emily Henry, Ali Hazlewood and Mhairi McFarlane won't be able to put this sizzling romance down.

'Holly has perfected the art of comedy writing' Sophie Cousens

'Holly is the queen of the clever feel-good read - hilarious, heart-warming and real, with characters you'll fall in love with and be thinking about long after you finish the final page' Lucy Foley

'Your funny friend in book form. Warm, entertaining and cheeky' Abigail Mann

'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 friend's study and I was so curious to read how it all worked out' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This book was full of deadpan humour and I loved that about it. I adored Atlas - I have a thing for cinnamon roll heroes, and he was very sweet. . . Made me laugh a lot' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Icks are something I find hilarious for the pure ridiculousness of some of them so a whole book about it intrigued me. . . This is a fun read where you keep saying "just one more chapter"' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐