I’d give this 4.6/5. This is my first Ruth Ware novel but with a comparison to Agatha Christie, I felt compelled to check out One Perfect Couple. I thought it was a clever premise. The characters felt fully fleshed out and believable. The suspense was enough to keep me curious but did not lead to a stressful read. This was a great mystery for the summer.

This was a fun, fast-paced read that felt like a feminist Lord of the Flies. I really enjoyed this one, and it's ending was satisfying despite not featuring the typical thriller plot twist!

This one didn't work as well for me as some of Ruth Ware's other books. That said, if you are a fan of the jerk getting his just desserts, then this is a great one for you!! There are strong women characters and women characters that find their strength as well.

What didn't work for me: The murderer is obvious from very early on. Any twist is about relationships and motives for things that didn't happen. Not the killer's motive, which is written off to psychopathy. My disconnect may also be related to not being into reality TV or online personalities. I had a very hard time relating to characters until their pretences were stripped away, letting some humanity show through. And I've been through grad school like our main narrator! Unfortunately, this was only true for a few characters, and for the most part characters actions were just the thing for the plot to move along.

3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4

This was fairly good as mild thrillers go. I liked it because it actually didn't feel like a thriller for the first part. And even when it started to, it was kind of in an eery creepy way and less in an omg serial killers, murders, etc. thriller kind of way.

I'm a reality show fan, so I enjoyed that One Perfect Couple is about the filming of a couples adventure type dating show on an island. The main character, a scientist named Lyla, is an unlikely reality show contestant. But her boyfriend Nico is an aspiring actor and thinks this could be the big break he needs for his career. So, she agrees to go on the show with him, which is being filmed on a remote island with several other couples. But soon after they arrive, things start to go very wrong.

There were a few details that drove me a bit crazy... Like the fact that none of the reality show contestants seemed to realize they'd have to give up their phones while filming. Anyone who's seen pretty much any reality show competition knows this is pretty much always the case. Some of them were also shocked there were cameras in the bedrooms, which hello?? It didn't appear that anyone had actually read the contract for the show before they signed it.

Anyway, this didn't really feel like typical Ruth Ware to me, but I was entertained enough and think it will be a great summer read for many.

What happens when you are stranded on a desert island with strangers? This is the tale of Lyla after her boyfriend lands them a spot on a new reality TV show. But when the storm of the century hits the island, the remaining contestants are stranded with no ability to contact the outside world. How will they survive? Ruth Ware has done it again with another thriller. Enjoyable every second, even when it started to have Lord of the Flies vibes.

This was such a fun read since I am a huge fan of reality tv and I love thrillers. The author did a great job of tying the story together in the end. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

If Ruth Ware has no fans, I’m dead. This was soo fun. Especially because I love reality TV and I love thrillers even more. This was basically if Love Island and Survivor had a baby, and that baby grew up to be homicidal. Perfect summer beach read IMO! Her books never really have any major twists or turns… but her stories are always so…cozy for me? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

WOW 🥲🤩

At 45% in, I found myself a bit puzzled about where the story was heading. However, if there’s one thing Ruth Ware excels at, it’s delivering plot twists and masterfully connecting all the dots by the end!

Having previously devoured her novel “It Girl,” I was both pleasantly surprised and extremely excited to receive an ARC of “One Perfect Couple.” This new novel is set on a supposedly “romantic” island, where one perfect couple challenges the endurance and resilience of five other couples. What the participants don’t realize is that the grand prize at the end isn’t a pile of cash—it’s the chance to leave the island with their lives intact.

Who will make it out? Which couple will emerge victorious? You’ll have to read it to find out!

I live a thriller set in an island. Even though this has been done before I loved the twist on it with the reality show aspect. There were some pacing issues for me but I mostly enjoyed it. I liked the twist at the end, which I pieced together but Ruth’s twists aren’t normally for me so this one worked well.

Couples travel to a remote island in the Indian Ocean to film a reality television show called One Perfect Couple. There they will perform challenges and the one who under performs will be sent packing. The characters are an interesting mix of people who are hoping to use the show to jumpstart their aspirations for fame. Then a brutal storm hits, and the contestants will be tested in more ways than one! Having handed over all their phones upon arrival, the contestants are cut off from the mainland and the real challenges begin. Faced with death, injury, dehydration, alliances, and dwindling supplies, survival becomes the name of the game. I found this book to be captivating and tense! Set on a remote island, it also had that trapped feeling that I enjoy in books. I enjoyed how realistic this book felt. When the cameras were no longer rolling, we got to see their true personalities and motivations. The book kicks off a bit slowly, but don't let that fool you. Once it picks up, it's a rollercoaster! Ruth Ware has a knack for crafting thrilling tales, and this one is no exception, even without her signature big twist at the end.

What I love about Ruth Ware is that her stories never get stale or plot repetitive; she has the ability to keep her readers guessing, on the edge of their seats, every single time.
With a sort of "Survivor" set-up, One Perfect Couple brings together a cast of unique characters, each finely developed, and a few unlikely heroes. The plot unfolds to a completely satisfying ending and leaves you wanting more Ruth Ware.
Highly recommend!

this is for fans of THE BACHELOR, LOVE ISLAND or LOVE IS BLIND… but want more thrill. orrrr should i say, murder 👀

read if you like: reality tv shows, books set on private islands, murder mysteries, slow burn mysteries

a moment for this book cover 👏🏼 now let’s get into it. Ware’s books have always been hit or miss for me. even though i rated this 3.5 stars, i enjoyed it and its in the top 4-5 of her books for me! the setting of this is a vibe and i liked the premise as well—it gave me THE GUEST LIST meets ONE BY ONE. lots of drama, tension, a slow burn mystery and lots of twists. the ending was too wrapped up for my thriller taste, but this was an easy popcorn thriller binge that you can enjoy poolside this summer! it would also make for a fun book club pick. much to discuss 👀🌴🔪

ONE PERFECT COUPLE follows four couples on a new reality tv show set on a private island where they compete to see if their bf/gf truly makes them “one perfect couple” or if they’re actually better off with someone else on the island. juicy!! the problem? the MC has a plan and it gets blown up the first day—and then a huge storm comes and they’re cut off from the mainland

why 3.5 stars—the ending, but the pacing was also a bit off. it started super interesting, then was slow, then really shocking things happened (no really, i gasped at some of them iykyk) and then it ended. i also had to take notes to keep all the people straight 😅 there were 2 parts of the ending that made me *eye roll* and if those were tweaked, this would be a strong thriller. part of the ending was savage and as a girlie, i’m v happy about it (you’ll know what i mean when you finish 😉).

some twists really shocked me and i’m happy Ruth Ware went there. i favor THE TURN OF THE KEY, but i liked this new trope for her. despite being hit or miss, she will remain an auto-buy author!

Lyla ends up following her boyfriend, Nico, to an audition for a reality show. This is not something she wants to do at all but Nico needs this. The next thing she knows, she is in the middle of an island in the Indian Ocean with no cell phone and no way off.

Well, Lyla has gotten herself in a mess. She has the good intention of getting kicked off this island first. But it turns out, Nico is the first to go. Then it all goes downhill from there and you will need to read this to find out!

When I first started reading this book, I was not a fan. The reality show premise was just not doing it for me, especially the section where they all meet. Lots of characters and not a lot substance. But, as the tale moved along, it got better and better. It is a bit far fetched but the intensity just keeps building.

Need a good thriller with an ending with a punch…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

This was the perfect thriller beach read, and as it's almost summer that means this book was the perfect one for me to pick up.
So let's start with what I love. I loved the setting, and the fact that it takes place on a reality tv show. I feel like the TV show aspect really amps up the suspense for the book, because immediately from the start you can tell something just does not feel right with it. It made me feel like I was watching the show Survivor, which is one of my guilty pleasures. I love a locked room thriller, and the fact that they are stuck on the island made the suspense ramp up and gave me even more anxiety.

Now for the parts I didn't love so much. Lyla and Nicos relationship felt weird to me. It didn't feel like this is a pair that would ever be together in real life, so that did take me some time to get on board with. Also I kept waiting for there to be the classic thriller twist, especially at the end, and needless to say I am still waiting for it, since there never was one. The ending was predictable and not at all surprising, though with that said I still enjoy the lead up to get to the end.

I was starting to lose my faith in this author because I had not liked her last few releases but this give me a renewed faith in her writing. Overall I would recommend this book.

A unique take on suspense! This was the first book I've read by Ruth Ware, definitely not the last because I thoroughly enjoyed it. The contestants of a reality tv show stranded on a deserted island with meager food and supplies, some in need of medical help and one possibly a killer. I mean...who could ask for a better plot? I don't want to give any spoilers but there is plenty happening to keep you reading this good adventure. My thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Another amazing book from Ruth Ware. The suspense was great and the characters were interesting. I love that all of her books are wildly different.

Oh, what a bizarre narrative. While thoroughly having enjoyed "The Woman in Cabin 10", a paperback of which is used as fire starter in this novel (is there a deeper meaning here), Ruth Ware's books after have not lived up to that standard in my opinion. The premise of "One Perfect Couple" is interesting based on the current popular culture interest in reality shows which might lead people to select this as their beach read. The murder is quickly obvious, as is the rationale for the person behind the show they are on the island to film. Every character felt like too much like a caricature of what the general opinion is of people who do their occupations. As a reader, it was hard to connect to anyone who would feel the need to become famous by going on such a bizarre reality show. Based on the strength of some of her past novels and the subject matter, this may find a large audience. As most people know, there is no such thing as "One Perfect Couple" or one perfect book for everyone.

Thank you to Scout Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the arc in return for an honest review.

What a summer read! Several couples competing on a reality show on a island to vie for the one perfect couple. When a storm approaches, dead bodies start piling up.

Ruth Ware's latest is thrilling, and kept me reading. I loved the island survival setting and the strong women characters. It was gripping from start to finish. Definitely recommended for those who love suspense books, survival stories, or reality TV.

Review will be posted on 6/13/24

Lyla, a scientist, and Nico, an aspiring actor, have been dating for two years, but have hit a wall as their relationship doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Nico has an opportunity to go on a new reality show, One Perfect Couple, and convinces Lyla to join him as it would really bolster his career. She reluctantly takes time off work to join him and once they get to the remote Indonesian island, she thinks this might be a good vacation. There are romantic huts, beautiful water, palm trees, and lots of booze. Except behind the beautiful facade, there are some concerns. The director seems off, not to mention, most of the crew leaves every night and returns in the morning. One night a really bad storm hits the island and there's a lot of damage to the rooms and one of the palm trees falls on a hut and kills someone. To make matters worse, the boat with the director and supplies never returns. Did they go missing during the storm? Now the couples are stranded on this island with minimal communication (the director took their phones!), and have limited water and food. Cue the panic! What seemed like The Bachelor has turned into Survivor, especially as people start to turn on each other. One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware is a suspenseful novel, perfect for readers who like some thrilling moments in their beach reads.

Lyla and Nico's relationship really didn't make sense to me in One Perfect Couple. She is this smart scientist and he is struggling, not to mention a jerk at times. I was surprised Lyla even went on this show as she doesn't seem to be the type, but I get the plot needed to move forward. Despite this, I thought the rest of One Perfect Couple was horrifyingly believable. It quickly turned into Survivor and had some Lord of the Flies vibes. Also, there is some violence in this beach read, so be forewarned. Ware creates such anxiety about being stuck on this island that it kept me flipping the pages. It was a true locked room moment (in this case a remote island), it really added to the suspense. I was rooting for a few of the women to take over and take down some of the questionable men on the island. This was my first Ruth Ware novel and it definitely won't be the last.