Is 'It Started With The Hickeys' A Romance Novel?

2026-06-19 14:39:44
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5 Answers

Expert Editor
Yes, and a delightfully self-aware one at that! The title alone screams rom-com, but what surprised me was how the author subverts expectations. Instead of just leaning into the silliness, the hickeys become this metaphor for leaving marks—both literal and emotional. The pacing is brisk, the dialogue crackles, and there's just enough romantic tension to make you kick your feet. Perfect for fans of 'The Love Hypothesis' who want something fluffier but equally charming.
2026-06-22 07:09:29
13
Xenia
Xenia
Favorite read: A Kiss For Every Bruise
Story Finder Engineer
Absolutely—it’s romance with a capital R! The hickeys are just the gateway drug to a full-blown love story. Think of it as a rom-com movie in book form: visual gags (imagine explaining those neck marks to coworkers), witty comebacks, and a third-act confession that’s equal parts heartfelt and hilarious. If you’re craving something that doesn’t skimp on either laughs or longing, this delivers. The epilogue alone had me giggling into my pillow.
2026-06-22 07:48:41
2
Contributor Sales
Oh, this one's a fun little gem! 'It Started with the Hickeys' is absolutely a romance novel, but with a playful, modern twist. It leans into the tropes of enemies-to-lovers and accidental intimacy (hello, hickeys as a plot device!) while keeping the tone light and steamy. I adore how the author balances humor with genuine emotional tension—like when the protagonists bicker over who 'started it' while clearly suppressing sparks. The banter reminds me of 'The Hating Game,' but with more physical comedy.

What really sold me was how the hickey isn't just a gimmick; it becomes this recurring symbol of their messy, unavoidable attraction. The novel doesn't take itself too seriously, but it still delivers swoony moments. If you're into rom-coms with a splash of absurdity and a lot of heart, this one's a blast. I devoured it in one weekend and still grin thinking about the laundry scene.
2026-06-22 18:34:16
2
Ian
Ian
Favorite read: It Started With A Kiss
Helpful Reader Accountant
From a storytelling perspective, 'It Started with the Hickeys' fits snugly into contemporary romance. It's got all the hallmarks: dual POV, slow-burn chemistry, and that delicious 'forced proximity' element when the characters have to deal with the aftermath of those hickeys. The novel cleverly uses the hickey trope to explore vulnerability—how something so trivial becomes a gateway to deeper connection. I'd compare it to 'Beach Read' in how it blends humor with emotional depth, though it's decidedly less angsty.
2026-06-23 16:07:07
15
Reviewer Sales
100% a romance, and refreshingly unapologetic about it. What I love is how the book embraces its own ridiculous premise—like, who'd think hickeys could carry a plot?—but then layers in genuine character growth. The female lead’s journey from 'Ugh, this guy ruined my neck' to 'Wait, why do I care so much?' feels organic. It’s got that addictive quality where you keep saying 'one more chapter' until 2 AM. Bonus points for the side characters, who steal scenes with their chaotic matchmaking energy.
2026-06-23 21:21:35
15
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