I loved this book. I wasn't sure I would because I do not love reality TV series. However, reading about the behind the scenes of a series was way more fun. I'm not sure how realistic the book would be, but if maybe I too would go crazy stranded on an island. Ruth Ware is typically an automatic read for me because she can keep the reader engaged and I'm rarely bored. This still held true after this read. If thriller is your jam, I think you would like this one.

“One Perfect Couple” by Ruth Ware is a compelling thriller that masterfully intertwines reality television drama with psychological suspense. The story follows Lyla, a post-doctoral researcher facing career uncertainties and a faltering relationship with her actor boyfriend, Nico. Seizing an opportunity to rejuvenate both her personal and professional life, Lyla and Nico join the cast of a new reality TV show, “One Perfect Couple.” Set on the remote Ever After Island, the show pits five couples against each other in a series of challenges for a substantial cash prize. However, as the competition progresses, unforeseen events plunge the contestants into real danger, transforming the game into a fight for survival.

Ware excels in creating a tense atmosphere, vividly depicting the isolation and unpredictability of the island setting. The dynamics among the diverse cast of characters are intricate and authentic, with each individual contributing significantly to the unfolding drama. Lyla’s evolution from a hesitant participant to a determined survivor is particularly well-crafted, reflecting Ware’s skill in character development.

In summary, “One Perfect Couple” is a thrilling exploration of human relationships under extreme pressure, set against the backdrop of a reality TV show gone awry. Fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven narratives will find this novel both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Ruth Ware’s One Perfect Couple is an atmospheric and captivating psychological thriller that examines the darker side of relationships and trust. Ware’s exceptional storytelling draws you into a web of secrets, lies, and tension as the story unfolds. The characters are well-developed, and the suspense builds gradually, keeping readers hooked until the final, satisfying reveal. A must-read for fans of twisty, character-driven mysteries with a touch of psychological depth.Ruth Ware’s One Perfect Couple is an atmospheric and captivating psychological thriller that examines the darker side of relationships and trust. Ware’s exceptional storytelling draws you into a web of secrets, lies, and tension as the story unfolds. The characters are well-developed, and the suspense builds gradually, keeping readers hooked until the final, satisfying reveal. A must-read for fans of twisty, character-driven mysteries with a touch of psychological depth.

I thought the story line of this was great., I was excited to read it. It had a great start, the middle was intriguing but then the end just fell so flat. It could have been such a good ending and book but it felt like it was a sloppy ending and poorly planned.

Ruth Ware is one of my all-time favorite mystery authors! This newest book by her did not disappoint!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!

Another suspenseful story from Ruth Ware! I love a locked room murder mystery and I really enjoyed this book.

Ruth Ware’s books pretty much always deliver for me. This one was exactly what I needed, when I needed it: a milkshake-y page-turner about a couple who embark on a trip to a remote island to participate in a reality TV contest. Soon after they arrive, a storm hits and chaos ensues—and bodies start dropping. I loved the island environment here—it gave major Lost vibes which I so enjoyed. This is an easy read that fully sucked me in; and while I felt the end kind of fizzled out a little, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. Highly recommend as a beach read or if you just need something easy and gripping to capture your attention.

This was not good. On the one hand, I don't want to be able to guess the twist too easily. On the other, I need to be able to understand it.

And this one? Oof. I found the entire premise unbelievable, and kept hoping that things would get better. I wanted a mysterious island murderer! And instead I got an angry white man, which is so common that I wasn't even surprised.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this novel. I just couldn't get into the story so I did not finish.

This fast-paced novel is a literal whirlwind when a storm ravages Ever After Island, the setting for a new love reality tv show. Five couples are chosen to compete for a grand cash prize. From the start, it is clear that the producers are disorganized and seem to be making decisions on the fly. There will be challenges, there will be love found and lost, and at the end someone gets a nice cash payout. A death occurs and the production team scatters with the first cast-off. From there the story turns bleak. What led to the death, how many more may die and as the storm creates it's own crises, who will make it to the end? Sleep with one eye open, and think twice about looking for love on reality tv. Thanks to Scout Press and Net Galley for the ARC. This was my honest review.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

I love when Ruth Ware leans into her Agatha Christie influence. It felt like One by One (another one of my favorite of Ware's), but on a tropical island instead of a ski chalet. I thought it was especially smart to have influencer characters who have become such an easily recognizable trope. The social commentary that was spawned by having filling an island with these types was so timely and well-done. I felt like Lyla was relatable and she made a perfect moral compass for the story. Overall, this was a great suspenseful mystery, perfect for a snowy day inside this winter.

Ruth Ware is an auto buy author for me. I was very excited when I got approved for this ARC! It has all of the things that you would expect from one of her books, drama, tension, suspense…and murder of course!

It starts as a reality show set on an island, and couples are competing for a cash prize. Then a hurricane comes and it now becomes a game of survival.

Going into this book, I expected a big plot twist, but didn’t get that this time. I feel like all of the information was given early on and there wasn’t the fun guessing game that there usually is. With that being said, I still really enjoyed the book. Ruth will continue to be an auto buy author for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such an entertaining read. I am guilty of loving trashy reality shows and it was entertaining reading about a reality show going very very wrong in “One Perfect Couple.” I loved the twists and turns and was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time. I am a huge Ruth Ware fan and I'm already looking forward to her next book.

I read One Perfect Couple in just a few days and I honestly don't know if I liked or hated it. The premise sounded so promising, but the characters were so deeply unlikable and there was so much unnecessary detail, that I felt like it fell flat for most of it.

The twists that occur towards the end of the novel were outrageous and so good. Once you get past the middle portion of the book and you start to understand what's going on...you'll be hooked. The twists, the reveal...they made the entire book worth every word. I saw part of the ending coming, but not all of it and it was truly mind blowing. It had me on the edge of my seat...for that alone, I think I can say I liked this book and recommend it to all my thriller fans.

I really enjoyed reading this novel! I am a reality show viewer, so reading about an extreme type of new show, is very plausible! It was an exciting book, with much suspense. The characters were interesting and described in a very vivid manner. The book kept my attention throughout, and I could not wait to see how things resolved and the outcome of the characters.

Oh man so I was trying to pick books by authors that I love so I could hopefully get a smidge closer to my end of year reading goal.
I had this ARC I never got around to due to a new job which required quite a lot of training. So I picked it up and got to reading.
If you like reality tv shows a la Survivor mixed with big brother then this will be a good read for you. For me…..it was just okay.
I have to say some of the characters made me want to shake them…..(Santana I’m looking at you with your insulin ma’am). I think most of us could see what was coming from a mile away but there is some comfort in that.
All in all just an okay read for me. 3.5/5 stars.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.

Thank you so much @ScoutPressBooks for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review (Release Date | 21 May 2024)

SYNOPSIS | Five couples are stranded on a remote island in the Indian Ocean while filming a reality tv show called One Perfect Couple (similar to Love Island). As a result relationships crumble, chaos ensues where only the strongest survive.

WHAT I LIKED:
- the setup of the dating show was such a fun concept
- whilst there are multiple characters, there is only one singular POV to keep track of
- very much a popcorn thriller with action packed pacing
- the journal entries were a nice touch

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- the lead up to the ending and the ending itself (it sort of just fizzled out...)
- no major twisty twists

One Perfect Couple was a fast-paced and easy read with a great variety of characters. Lyla was one of my absolute favorites with the way she combined common sense and brilliance. She was a fighter who thought through each new circumstance she was presented with and considered all the possible outcomes. Connor's dictator qualities made him easily unlikeable. The more problems that unraveled, the more interesting the story became. It's not your typical thriller, but it's definitely filled with suspense.