Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware due to be published May 21, 2024.
When Lyla’s boyfriend, Nico – an aspiring actor – asks her to go on a new reality TV show she decides she will go. They will compete against four other couples for a cash prize. Let’s just say it doesn’t go well. It sounds like paradise, and is, until a storm comes, they are cut off from the mainland, and it’s a matter of life and death to survive. Will any of them make it out alive?
I am a big Ruth Ware fan, and this book did not disappoint. It was fast-paced and had me hooked from the very beginning. The “contestants” ended up turning their reality TV show into a real battle for survival until the shocking ending. Ruth Ware did a wonderful job of describing all the characters, so I was invested in them to make it out alive. It was all things you want a thriller to be – suspenseful, tense, terrifying, and action-packed.
I loved it – in my opinion one of her best - definitely recommend this one!
#NetGalley #RuthWare #GalleryBooks #OnePerfectCouple

This book was a bit like the show survivor but with some crazy twists!
Lyla and her boyfriend Nico decide to join the cast of a new reality tv show called One perfect couple! The basis is five couples go to a private island in the Indian ocean where they compete against each other trying to stay together and be the last couple standing! Not long after they arrive things start going horribly wrong! To make things worse a terrible storm hits the island leaving them stranded! No way to reach any help at all!!
What a wild ride! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one! I thought it might be a little played out but boy was I wrong! It was definitely different! Definitely hang on for a wild ride and enjoy the experience! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Thank you to Scout Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read One Perfect Couple early in exchange for an honest review, Ruth Ware is one of those authors that I read every single book coming out no matter what. One Perfect Couple was the perfect murder mystery/thriller I have read in a while. I'm usually tired of books taking place on a secluded island, but this one changed the vibe completely. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. Lyla is a virologist who is in a relationship with Nico who is an aspiring actor. Nico receives a call from his agent about a show called "One Perfect Couple" where five couples go to compete. Consider it as survivor, but with twists. Once they fly into Indonesia, Lyla and Nico meet up with the four other couples to get to know one another. Once the game begins, Nico is the first contestant to get eliminated leaving Lyla by herself on the island. However, that night a HUGE storm comes through knocking down the power, destroying a few of the huts. Some contestants die, but was it a result of the storm or is one of the contestants a murderer also? Read to find out :)

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware is a quick, addictive little read.

The first thing to know about this book is that unlike most of Ware’s books, this is part survival thriller and part psychological thriller. It’s got a couple twists in store, but fans of hers who are expecting a straight up psychological thriller should probably tweak their expectations just a little.

I don’t read a ton of “survival thriller” type stuff but I think the blend of that with the psychological thriller elements really worked for me. One Perfect Couple goes by really fast. The survival aspects of the story keeps thing moving at a rapid clip, while the psychological thriller elements give it that something extra where you know there’s more going on than meets the eye.

I would describe the plot of this as a locked island survival-slash-psychological-thriller. Five couples are on a deserted island filming a “Love Island meets Survivor” reality TV show called One Perfect Couple. Things go awry very quickly and there’s dead bodies washing up on shore before long.




Plot-wise, a lot of the book is focused on the survival elements. So, this book is much more straight-forward than your typical psychological thriller. If you’re hoping for something really tangled and twisty, this is probably not going to do it for you. However, I do think this book keeps things interesting. Straightforward definitely does not mean boring, and there’s plenty of excitement and wondering what might happen in this book.

A lot of that is a testament to Ware doing a great job of foreshadowing just enough and planting little hints of something “off” so you know there’s more in store. You can really feel her experience as a writer and her keen understanding of how to create tension and suspense, even outside of a standard mystery context.

Let’s be clear, this is not really a mystery novel.

I feel like I should really reiterate that this is decidedly not a who-dun-it. There’s a constant question of what will happen next, but this isn’t a psychological thriller where there’s dead bodies everywhere and no clear indication of who did it and a ton of suspects. It’s not that type of story. I mean, there’s a brief wisp of that in there, but that’s really the crux of the story.

One Perfect Couple is, however, a entertaining and quick survival thriller with some psychological thriller and suspense elements that I think was a lot of fun to read. I think if you can let go of the “murder mystery” idea and embrace that it’s a thriller with suspense, and there is some mystery in how the situation might be resolved, I think a lot of her fans will also like this book.

Read it or Skip it?

I think as long as you know it’s a survival thriller slash psychological thriller and that sounds good to you, this is easy to recommend. It’s fun and fast and exciting ride.

If you’re on the fence, as long as you’re okay with this not being a standard murder mystery novel, I’d say give it a shot, especially if you like Ware’s writing style. This book goes by quickly, and I think most thriller fans would enjoy it.

Ruth Ware is one of my favorite authors whose novels I find impossible to put down. Her latest book, One Perfect Couple, is a perfect example of why I enjoy her work. The story is centered around a reality show that features couples. However, things take a dark turn pretty quickly. As someone who loves reality TV, I was immediately hooked by the premise of the story. The novel also features several smaller mysteries that are woven into the larger plot, adding to the intrigue. I found the character development to be excellent, I was so invested in their outcomes. From the adrenaline-pumping premise to the lightning-fast pacing, this novel is the ultimate beach read for thrill-seekers and mystery lovers alike.

This novel by Ruth Ware follows the cast of a new Love Island type show designed to find one perfect couple. Lyla is the main character who reluctantly agrees to go to an Indonesian island for an elimination competition. Her apprehension is well founded: the young couples endure a harsh tropical storm, infighting, violence and deprivation.

This book is sure to be a huge summer hit! The action of fast paced, and the story of the couple immersed in a reality contest that turns into a battle for survival had me completely hooked!

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC. I'm definitely a Ruth Ware fan so I was excited to read her book early. In true Ruth fashion, I devoured it quickly. I thought the main character, Lyla, was well written and likeable except for the fact that she agreed to do this reality show despite having no desire to. That's a huge ask for someone not interested in acting/modeling/influencing. I wouldn't go through with it for some mediocre boyfriend.

Overall, I liked it. I can see this being on the bestseller list for the summer pretty quickly.

Once again, Ruth Ware masterfully sets the stage for chaos and uncertainty right from the start! With each turn of the page, you're left wondering what twists lie ahead and who holds responsibility for the unfolding events.

The narrative revolves around Lyla, a virologist, and her boyfriend Nico, an aspiring actor, as they embark on a couples reality show set on a deserted island. From the outset, they're thrust into a series of challenges, beginning with navigating a treacherous storm filled with wind, water, and chaos.

Ware expertly crafts a narrative brimming with insanity, immersing readers in the gripping tale as if they themselves are navigating the challenges alongside the characters. The fast-paced nature of the book keeps you on the edge of your seat, fully engaged in the captivating story she unfolds.

Overall, this thrilling read offers a whirlwind of excitement and immersion, showcasing Ware's skill at spinning a compelling and enthralling story.

It was the book I never knew I needed so bad in my life until it popped up on my feed …

I am a sucker for anything Ruth Ware, I mean let’s be real, I think we all are .

I read The Woman in Cabin 10, years ago and it still haunts me . That book threw my world off kilter and had me sleeping with the light on for months . I loved it ! (Mind you, I read it ON a cruise ship) That’s the exact books I love to read ! I want my world shaken up, I want to be scared! Make me check under the bed before hopping in!

So, when I saw this pic pop up on my feed I nearly I fell over . I neeeeeded this book and there was no way I could wait until May.

So I begged. I pleaded. I hit the request button and prayed.

Well Lordy, Lordy and Hallelujah!!!! My bookish prayers were answered.

Oh heyyy cutie, come to mama!!!!

This book sure does deliver! Every expectation I set was exceeded. Gosh dang it, I sure do love Ruth Ware.

The pace was set and the dialogue was perfection. I was instantly submerged into my book and the only way out was thru….

I zipped through this little chunkster. At 400 pages I figured I’d have to take a break here and there but honestly i flew right through and read cover to cover .

The Perfect Couple, breaks the mold and set an incredibly high standard for thrillers to come.

Before I slip up and spoil the big twist, check out this teaser:

Lyla is in a bit of a rut. Her post-doctoral research has fizzled out, she’s pretty sure they won’t extend her contract, and things with her boyfriend, Nico, an aspiring actor, aren’t going great. When the opportunity arises for Nico to join the cast of a new reality TV show, One Perfect Couple, she decides to try out with him. A whirlwind audition process later, Lyla find herself whisked off to a tropical paradise with Nico, boating through the Indian Ocean towards Ever After Island, where the two of them will compete against four other couples—Bayer and Angel, Dan and Santana, Joel and Romi, and Conor and Zana—in order to win a cash prize.

But not long after they arrive on the deserted island, things start to go wrong. After the first challenge leaves everyone rattled and angry, an overnight storm takes matters from bad to worse. Cut off from the mainland by miles of ocean, deprived of their phones, and unable to contact the crew that brought them there, the group must band together for survival. As tensions run high and fresh water runs low, Lyla finds that this game show is all too real—and the stakes are life or death.

A fast-paced, spellbinding thriller rife with intrigue and characters that feel so true to life, this novel proves yet again that Ruth Ware is the queen of psychological suspense.

The premise of the couples reality TV show was a little cheesy IMO, but once the storyline diverted to a mystery of survival I was hooked. I loved the foreshadowing in the radio calls & diary entry’s because they kept me questioning who could really be trusted. Even when there seemed to be resolution, more pieces kept falling into place which made the ending more substantial.

One perfect couple by Ruth Ware

As always Ruth ware spins the perfect setting of chaos and the unknown right off the bat! What will happen and who is to blame!

This book circles around Lyla who is a virologist and is her boyfriend Nico is an aspiring actor. They get the opportunity to be a part of a couples reality show on a deserted island, where they face a series of challenges. The first challenge is to make it thru a horrendous storm, wind, water, waves and chaos!

Ruth ware weaves a chaotic, show of insanity and throws you into the awesome story making you feel like you are trying to get thru the challenges as well! What a great read! I love this fast paced book and being immersed in this spun out story!

What an INCREDIBLE story. Full disclosure - I'm an absolute sucker for anything that Ruth Ware writes. This book had absolutely everything that I was looking for - a psychological thriller, characters who felt like they were organically developed, a fast-paced plot, and a little hint of reality TV thrown in. I genuinely had a hard time putting this book down to go to bed or take care of real-life responsibilities. The characters all felt developed enough that I cared about what happened to each of them and none of their traits felt forced. I love it when an author shows me who a character is rather than telling me - I kept learning little tidbits about each one up until the very end of the story. There were no dead spots in this plot. It started fast and kept going until the very last page. I think we're going to be seeing a LOT of buzz when this book is released and all of it will be well deserved. My only complaint was that it ended. I'll be recommending this book to anyone who is a thriller fan. It was fantastic.

Another Ruth Ware classic! I will forever read her books. I devoured One Perfect Couple in I think 5 hours. Could not put it down! Lyla is a virologist and her boyfriend Nico, a failing actor and they get a chance to join a new reality show called the Perfect Couple. The adventure in paradise turns into a nightmare quickly after a storm and some shocking twists unfold. I loved the characters, and the ending was amazing. Don’t miss this one! 5/5 ⭐️ thank you to netgalley, Ruth Ware, Gallery Books, and Gallery/Scout Press.

My ears always perk up when I hear a new Ruth Ware is coming out, and I was thrilled to get my hands on an early copy of her newest, One Perfect Couple. The book is set around a reality competition of the same name, with the idea that couples will mix and match (or stay together) on an Indonesian island until the final couple is crowned the winners. Lyla, a virologist, is convinced to go on the show by her actor boyfriend Nico. Her misgivings about the lax production soon prove warranted when a storm rips through the island, leaving the cast stranded, with two dead, one seriously injured, and one cast member who has escalating abusive tendencies. It's a little bit like Love Island turns into Survivor, with a healthy dollop of UnReal thrown into the mix. It was a terrifically good time. I'm sure this is going to be one of the most coveted vacation reads of 2024.

Wow this book was great. It definitely started as a slow burn and I wasn’t sure where the plot was going but once it got started, it got really good. Things turned terrible very quickly for the cast on this remote island. I felt all the terror and dread as they encountered worse case scenario after scenario. I was on the edge of my seat until the end and was speeding through the book to find out how it all ends. I loved it. It all came together so well and all the ends were tied up nicely. A great read! Ruth Ware has done it again. 4.5 stars!

I LOVE THIS BOOK!
I love Agatha Christie, I love vacations gone wrong and if you didn't know it, I love a competitive reality show with all of my heart.

In One Perfect Couple, we meet Lyla who is slowly talked into following her aspiring actor boyfriend Nico into filming a love-based reality show on a brand new resort on a small island. What is a bad idea becomes worse when it's clear that not all is what it seems. Is this a real show? Where is the staff? Is this a real hotel? While a storm rages off the coast, lyla knows she needs to figure out what is happening.

Excellent story, unique and captivating. I wouldn't expect anything less from Ruth Ware! #oneperfectcouple #ruthware #gallerybooks

I was surprised when I looked on Goodreads and realized that this is my first Ruth Ware novel, as I have seen a lot of her work before so I assumed I'd read something she wrote by now. Like our main character, I am not a reality television person at all so I'm not really sure why I chose this one to read. I kept waiting for a twist to be thrown in and I thought of at least two, but they never happened. The storyline was straightforward as far as who the bad guy was and I guess I just expected more? The "why" of the show was explained at the end, which was nice. Overall I liked it but I'm not sure it's particularly memorable.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an ARC copy of One Perfect Couple!

I'm not a big fan of reality shows so I almost skipped this one, but I'm really glad I didn't! The story felt like a train wreck that I just couldn't look away from. I stayed up way past my bedtime promising myself "just one more chapter", "just one more chapter" over and over. The ending was somehow frustrating and satisfying all at the same time. I am predicting that this will be the Summer 2024 vacation read of the year!

4.5 stars, rounded up.

This book was pretty much the perfect thriller. I eat up a “stuck on a deserted island” setting every time, and this one was fast-paced, exciting, and wild.

The character development was just enough that I understood the characters and their motivations, but I wasn’t bogged down by introductions and trying to keep everyone straight. It was a great mix of likeable characters and despicable characters, and I loved how realistic they all were. I am fascinated by stories that explore the complexities of humans when they are desperate to survive. This plot point was done so well in One Perfect Couple.

The plot of was well-executed and I genuinely let out a few gasps in anticipation of certain events in the storyline. Some parts of the novel reminded me of the movie, “Clue” which is a favorite of mine, and I loved the whodunnit/who can you trust? aspect.

Fantastic thriller!