Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance copy of One Perfect Couple. As a fan of Ruth Ware's previous work, I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. Readers should be aware that the story contains significant depictions of domestic violence and abuse, which may be triggering for some.

The plot felt like a disjointed blend of a tense thriller and a poorly executed reality show, reminiscent of a lackluster episode of Survivor. The characters lacked depth and chemistry, making it difficult to connect with them or become invested in their journey. I found myself rushing through the pages just to finish, which was disappointing given my excitement for this release.

While I appreciate the opportunity to receive a copy from NetGalley, One Perfect Couple didn’t deliver the gripping and cohesive narrative I’ve come to expect from Ware in the past.

One Perfect Couple is a slow burn in true Ruth Ware fashion. When a couple wins a trip to a remote island in the Pacific to film a reality tv show, it seems to good to be true. A free romantic vacation on an island? What could go wrong?

But as the show begins filming, little cracks begin to appear in the filming schedule, and then a contestant disappears...is this the reality show from hell? Or is it all part of the plan to bring in ratings?

So good! Love Ruth Ware so much! She is such a great writer. Thank you so much NetGalley and Ruth Ware for allowing me to read this book!

I liked this book immensely. It drew you in and held on tight with its tense scenes and dramatic reveals. I thought the story was going one way with the diary entries, but it went another way and I love when that happens. Great read for thriller readers everywhere.

Idk what to do with this author. She's had a couple of good books, but most have been duds. This one was pretty much a dud.

I'm a HUGE fan of Ruth Ware so when this book showed up to read as an advance reader copy, I jumped all over it. It's out now so no need to wait. This one hooks you from the beginning, like all her thrillers. This one is a true potato chip book. You just can't wait to hear what happens next. A couple set to go on a reality TV show turns into a deadly situation when there is an accident and everyone is stranded on the island and one person in intent on picking them off one by one and being the last one standing.

A huge thank you to Net Galley for the free book for honest review.

I love reality TV and Ruth Ware, so I was very intrigued by this one! Ruth has some of the best twists and turns! This book had me captivated and kept me turning the page.

4.5 stars

Just that premise alone had me bumping this book to the very top of my TBR which is why I started reading it almost as soon as I checked it out from the library. I love a good survivalist show like Alone so the premise instantly had me intrigued. Lyla was an interesting main character because she was only participating in the show at her boyfriend's request. Then the storm hits and everything goes from bad to worse. This was a page turning read for me that I couldn't set down. I was invested in these characters and how/if they were going to survive. I will say that this book has some darker subject matter so check trigger warnings if you need them or message me. All in all, for me this felt like a fun summer thriller and reinforces the fact that I really need to work on catching up on Ware's backlist as well.

Readers who love reality television (and especially shows like Alone or Survivor maybe...I haven't watched that one myself) and those looking for a page turning read perfect to lose yourself in should pick this book up. I think I'm landing on 4.5 stars overall and rounding up.

I typically love Ruth Ware, and I also love reality TV, but I knew right away that this wouldn't be the one for me. I couldn't connect with the premise, especially after reading several similar books.

I struggle with Ruth Ware books. Some I absolutely devour while others end up missing the mark for me. I think my biggest issue with her books are the endings and not quite sure I loved where this one went.

The concept of a couple's reality show on a private island sounded intriguing enough, but it felt pretty cliche with little depth to the characters. Then some really bad stuff happens and it turns into more of a disaster thriller than a psychological thriller and what you think is going to happen actually happens instead of giving us a twist that, in my opinion, would have saved the book instead of making it incredibly predictable.

I did listen to the audiobook of this one and was glad because the narrator did a really good job. If I had read the print/ebook, I probably would have DNF'd it.

A reality show for couples set in a tropical paradise... sounds too good to be true when Lyla and her boyfriend Nico get cast for the show. Turns out if it sounds too good, it probably is.

This was another page turner by Ruth Ware and I could not put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy to read and review.

In One Perfect Couple, Lyla’s academic career and relationship are both on the rocks when she reluctantly agrees to join her boyfriend Nico on a reality show called One Perfect Couple. They’re soon whisked away to a remote island, where they’ll compete alongside four other couples for a cash prize. But what starts as a fun adventure quickly turns dark as an intense storm leaves them stranded. With limited food, no phones, and no way to contact the outside world, survival becomes the main priority, and Lyla realizes this “game” has life-or-death stakes.

I’d rate this book a solid 3.5 stars. Ruth Ware delivers her usual suspenseful touch, and the novel keeps you on edge with a blend of reality-show tension and survival drama. While the setup felt familiar and the reality-show theme didn’t initially grab me, Ware’s storytelling pulled me in with high-stakes moments and twists that kept me guessing. Lyla’s character was relatable, and the thriller element added plenty of excitement. Although the ending felt a bit rushed, it’s an entertaining read for those who enjoy a mix of suspense, romance, and mystery.

Love Ruth Ware, author never disappoints. Another suspenseful thriller that makes me feel like I’m actually in the book. The characters keep you in your toes and guessing what’s going to happen next.

Lyla, a scientist, and Nico, an aspiring actor, have been in a relationship for two years, but they find themselves at a standstill, unsure of their future. When Nico gets the chance to appear on a new reality show called One Perfect Couple, he persuades Lyla to join him, believing it will be a boost for his career. Although she hesitates, she eventually takes time off work for the adventure.

Arriving at a picturesque Indonesian island, Lyla initially sees the trip as a vacation. With romantic huts, crystal-clear waters, palm trees, and plenty of drinks, it feels like paradise. However, beneath the beautiful surface, unsettling signs begin to emerge. The director's behavior raises red flags, and most of the crew mysteriously leaves each night, returning only in the morning.

The situation takes a drastic turn when a violent storm hits the island, causing significant damage to the accommodations. A palm tree crashes onto one of the huts, resulting in a tragic death. To make matters worse, the boat carrying the director and essential supplies doesn’t return. Did they go missing in the storm?

Stranded with limited communication—since the director confiscated their phones—and facing dwindling food and water supplies, panic sets in among the couples. What began as a glamorous reality show quickly spirals into a fight for survival, reminiscent of Survivor, especially as tensions rise and alliances begin to fracture.

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware is a gripping suspense novel, ideal for readers who enjoy thrilling twists in their beach reads.

One Perfect Couple is a thriller about reality show contestants stranded on an island. I’m not much of a fan for plastic reality shows, so probably not surprising that this book missed the mark for me. While the characters may have been written appropriately for this story, I found this book tough to get through.

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge Ruth Ware fan, but I could not get into this one. I did not finish it. I will try again when I can get my hands on a hard copy. Sometimes it helps to have the physical book in my hands.

While One Perfect Couple had excellent momentum for the first 2/3, I found the last third to be lacking. I initially thought it would be my new favorite Ruth Ware book, but it fell flat and ultimately left me wanting more.

I loved The It Girl but I have yet to find a Ruth Ware book I like. One Perfect Couple is a great vacation book if you're a fan of dating reality tv shows. I am not. As a result, it was not my favorite mystery thriller. But I don't watch reality tv.

Young readers may enjoy this one, or someone who enjoys reality TV. I've read quite a few of Ruth Ware's books and this was not my least favorite but it was close. I take the blame--I didn't realize what it was about. The characters were stereotypical wannabe reality stars. I didn't connect with or like any of the characters, at least until the end. In fact, I disliked the first two-thirds of the books so much that I wondered how I was ever going to get through it. However, the last third of the book makes it worth it! I loved the last 100 pages or so.

This book started off good! I was so interested as someone who loves reality tv and thriller books. This book had me wanting to continue reading. However, the ending fell flat for me. It is not at all how I would have expected or even wanted this story to go. Honestly it had me rolling my eyes because of how off the ending was. I thought it could have done something much better with the way it began.