Member Reviews

I enjoyed reading this book overall. It was Lord of the Flies meets reality tv and I love both! While an enjoyable read, it didn’t have anything remarkable. No super crazy twist or really crazy twist at all. The ending was kind of frustrating as well. While I think the setting was described well, the characterization lacked a little. Overall a strong 3 star read.

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Just a word of thanks to both netgalley.com, as well as Gallery Books/Scout Press Publishing for an advanced reading copy of One Perfect Couple in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Ruth Ware has been described as the second coming of Agatha Christie. I would tend to agree. I have enjoyed Ware's books starting with one of her first novels - In a Dark, Dark Wood. Her books are definitely page-turners, and they do remind you of the classic Agatha Christie novels.

As for One Perfect Couple? This was a really interesting read. Think of one of the reality TV shows - Survivor - in which contestants come to a remote island and have challenges to ultimately determine a winner. One Perfect Couple takes this theme and rolls with it. Our main character, Lyla, is a virologist in London whose academic work is going nowhere. Her boyfriend, Nico, is an actor who is also trying to find a steady job. Nico's agent tells Nico of an excellent opportunity for both he and Lyla - to co-star on a reality TV show called One Perfect Couple. Lyla ultimately agrees to be on this show - and that's where the intrigue of the book begins.

Five total couples, all trying to ultimately succeed and win this "survivor-like" competition meet and travel to Ever After Island - a remote island in the ocean. The couples have a meet-and-greet session with the production team and take in the beautiful sites on the island. Seems to be a wonderful trip.....until it doesn't.

One major turning point in the novel is a massive storm blows through the island - leaving the island in shambles. We discover that one of the contestants has perished in the storm, and that the production team (who had left the island by boat the previous evening), have not returned to the island. Tensions begin to build, and survival is at stake. The book then has similarities to "And Then There Were None" by Christie - and it does keep your interest.

I give this novel 4 stars. Really enjoyable and kept my interest. My only complaint? I was hoping for one more twist from the author - but I didn't get it. The novel ended a tad flat for me. However, for a psychological thriller that is both enjoyable and believable, One Perfect Couple certainly fit the bill.

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Ruth is at the top of her game with this book. It drew me in instantly and I couldn't put it down. Couples are brought to a remote island is Indonesia for a low budget reality TV show. After the first day a huge storm hits and wipes out the power and leave the contestants stranded. As they fight for survival, several of them die. Tempers flare and they break into factions. Will they get off the island? Who is plotting the murders. It is a page turner. Read it to find out. You won't be sorry.

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Love Island meets Lord of the Flies🖤. This was a quick compulsive read. The characters draw you in and make you want to keep reading. Ware is one of my favorite thriller authors and this is my sixth book by her. This one had a different feel than some of her other books, but I still enjoyed it.
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Lyla’s post-doctoral research project is on the rocks, and so is her relationship with her aspiring actor boyfriend, Nico. When Nico and Lyla are invited to join the cast of a reality TV show set on a deserted island, Lyla decides a respite in paradise might be just the reset she needs. They join four other couples to compete for a cash prize. But a massive storm leaves the couples cut off from communication with the show’s crew and civilization. All they have to survive on are meager rations and their own hunting and gathering. But ultimately, it’s not the hunger and thirst that’s killing the contestants.
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Ware did a fantastic job developing this cast of characters and making the reader invested in their fates. I loved watching the brilliant women on this island band together to fight to survive. While many of her other books focused on unraveling a mystery, I would say this one is more firmly in the suspense and psychological thriller category. This book is billed as a fresh take on Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.
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Thank you to @gallerybooks and @netgalley for this ARC. And thank you to @wild_lainy for the buddy read and great chat 🫶📚!
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TWs: toxic masculinity, misogyny, abusive relationship, people being unalived
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One Perfect Couple - Ruth Ware
4/5⭐️
Pub Date: 5/21/24

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One Perfect Couple might be my favorite Ruth Ware novel to date! The premise drew me in immediately, a reality tv show hosted on an island with five couples who complete challenges to see if the person they arrived with is actually the one. I was ready to dive into all the drama that happened on the island but then I remembered this is a mystery/thriller something is bound to go wrong. And boy did it, I LOVED the mode change to survivor and the girl power. I will say I was creating some crazy twists in my head which were wrong, there really wasn’t a twist, at least for me, which made the ending a bit underwhelming but the premise and page turning writing made up for it. Thank you Ruth Ware! 4⭐️

Thank you to Scout Press for an advanced reader’s copy of this title via NetGalley.

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I was excited to read this one, and even saved it for my spring break trip due to the tropical setting! I loved the premise – our main character travels to a brand-new, deserted island resort to star in a reality TV show with her aspiring actor boyfriend. Hoping to help him out, the two of them and the other main couples, will compete in a couples competition for a grand cash prize. Because this is a Ruth Ware novel, obviously, things start to go wrong pretty quickly. A massive storm strands the competitors on the island. Cut off from civilization, they have to work together to survive.

This got very “Lord of the Flies” very quickly. I didn’t hate the book at all, but it definitely wasn’t one big mystery to solve, like so many of this author’s other books are. The end twist didn’t seem very twisty at all. I enjoyed reading it, and it will definitely be a popular summer pick. However, I think this one missed the mark for me just slightly. That might have been due to what I was expecting versus what was delivered.

Overall, a fun thriller read. You’ll be on the edge of your seat, but there’s not really any mystery or secret to solve.

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Wow! This is my favorite book of 2024 so far, and this year some incredible authors have been churning out banger after banger! What a great year for readers like me! But let's get to One Perfect Couple. Well, it took me a perfect couple of days to read this book, because once I got to the 34 percent point on the second day, I knew it was getting finished on that day! I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what happens next.

So, Lyla and her beau sign up to be on a reality show set in paradise. She is reluctant, but she has love pulling at her to give it a go. When a storm rolls in, everyone is unprepared, and I mean everyone. The contestants of this "love" themed reality show, the production, everyone, and as you can imagine, chaos ensues. And death, did I mention that too?

It was a gripping read that had me from the start. The action doesn't let up, and I was gasping audibly throughout the entire book. It was entertaining, and it's going to stick with me, I already know. I'm going to have a book hangover from this, which isn't necessarily a bad thing!

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Ruth Ware's "One Perfect Couple" is a masterful thriller that grips you from the very first page. Set on a remote island during a game show, five couples are forced to confront not only the challenges of the game but also the terrifying forces of nature. When a storm hits, leaving them isolated and vulnerable, the true nature of each character is revealed.

What sets this novel apart is Ware's skillful storytelling, weaving together the suspense of the game with the personal dramas of the couples. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, the reader is drawn deeper into the story, unable to look away.

But "One Perfect Couple" is more than just a thriller. It's a story of resilience, teamwork, and the power of human connection. Despite the dire circumstances, the characters show incredible strength and courage, reminding us of the importance of sticking together in the face of adversity.

Overall, "One Perfect Couple" is a riveting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Ruth Ware has once again proven herself to be a master of the genre, and I can't wait for readers around the world to discover this gripping tale.

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This was okay. I liked the strong female characters but I found myself skimming through it to get to the twists and the end.

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First, let me start off by saying that I am a big Ruth Ware fan. I have read all of her books. My favorite is probably In A Dark, Dark Wood, but I also enjoyed The It Girl and One by One. I requested her newest book (One Perfect Couple) on Netgalley and I was thrilled to be given an advance copy to review.

The premise is catchy. Nico and Lyla find their way onto a couples' reality show (something akin to Love Is Blind, maybe). Only a short while into the competition, however, a terrible storm interrupts production and things become a lot more like Survivor or even the Hunger Games. The body count starts to pile up, and soon the reader is left wondering if there is something even more sinister taking place on the island. Will Lyla and the other contestants survive until rescue?

I enjoyed this book, but I did not love this book. If it had been my first Ruth Ware, I would not have been interested in continuing to read on. The premise is already just a little ways too out there and at a certain point the number of injuries and near-death experiences almost became comical. That being said, I think this is a perfect read for the pool, beach, or airplane. The cover even makes that clear with its palm tree background and neon font.

If you watched the TV show Lost and enjoyed the tropical setting plus the survival aspects, I think you would like this book. As for me, I'm glad that I read it and I owe the publisher a big thank you for letting me have an early copy. I will continue to read Ruth Ware's books, too!

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The initial description of this book did not really prepare me for what was to come. While it is a variation of a classic “locked room” mystery in the style of Agatha Christie—with the isolation in the form of a small island in the Pacific Ocean—it is also a story of survival, along the lines of Lord of the Flies. There were many scenes that made me very uncomfortable, and there is a lot of discussion of domestic violence; I was expecting the reality-show on a beautiful island setting to go in a different direction. The principal characters—5 couples who have agreed to participate on this reality show called “One Perfect Couple” are intriguing and just diverse enough to make their interactions very interesting. For me this was a quick read—I was pulled into the story from the first page and I really wanted to know how it played out. I’ve loved all of Ware’s books, and though this one was a bit of a departure, it was an engaging thriller with some unexpected moments. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I really have come to think of this author, Ruth Ware, as a modern day Agatha Christie. This work in particular gives And Then There Were None Vibes! The premise is five couples agree to go to a remote island in the Indian Ocean to compete on a trashy reality show about love. Lyla is an unlikely contestant who was before working as a scientist, but when she realizes it is unlikely her research funding will be renewed, she reluctantly agrees to go with her fame chasing wanna be actor boyfriend, Nico to the audition for the show. This after all could be the big break he's been hoping for....
Not long after arriving in paradise, Lyla realizes things are not what exactly what they seem, and things go very quickly from bad to worse as a sudden devastating storm cuts the contestants off from civilization and the producers who have brought them there. The tensions between the couples begin to explode as they do what they need to survive. This of course feels like a reality version of Lord of the Flies. No spoilers here, but this is the perfect summer read, a thriller that will keep you turning the pages and guessing what is coming next!
I recommend to anyone who loves a smart thriller with a psychological twist. Is it Ware's best? Probably not, but it's really all I want in a summertime read. 3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy!

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3.5 stars rounded up as it helped fill the jetlaggy wee hours.

A reality tv show goes horribly off course in this gripping thriller.

Scientist Lyla is persuaded by her wannabe actor boyfriend to participate in One Perfect Couple, a reality TV show set on a deserted island. Five couples are taken to a resort in the Indonesian ocean where they will be participating in challenges and eliminated one person at a time with, well it doesn’t really matter because they’ve barely cooed over the white sand and turquoise seas before a storm rampages through the island, wrecking all the support systems and putting the contestants out of touch with the show runners and, actually, anybody at all.

Love Island quickly becomes Survivor and then, this is Ruth Ware after all, Lord of the Flies as the contestants split into factions and the bodies start piling up. Unfortunately it takes quite a substantial amount of time to be able to delineate the different characters and most of them have very few memorable character traits. We have to be told over and again that Angel is French and beautiful and Santana is diabetic. Those that die early on are almost complete blanks. Even Lyla, as our narrator, is only defined by being a scientist so she’s analytical.

Is there a mystery? well sort of. Is there a twist? Again, sort of but nothing that even a not particularly engaged reader couldn’t work out while they were musing on it in the shower. But it is exciting: as well as keeping me gripped at 3am, I struggled to pry my nose out of the book for meal times.

Thanks to Gallery and Netgalley for the digital review copy.

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Ooohhh, this book was so good! Ruth Ware really hit it out of the park with this one. ONE PERFECT COUPLE is a destination thriller centered around a couples reality show on a desert island that quickly goes awry. The tension starts right away and continues to steadily ratchet up, along with the body count. Strong female characters and lots of action. Refreshing, original take on the destination thriller and reality show tropes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Galley Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Scout Press, for letting me read and review an advanced copy of this book, ‘One Perfect Couple’ by Ruth Ware.

Lyla is talked into participating in a reality TV show by her partner Nico, so that he can advance his acting career. That takes them to a remote island in the Indian Ocean, along with four other couples. After a rough first day of filming, there is no doubt in her mind that things will not end up well.

This story is a combination of a reality TV show (think ‘Love Island’), a disaster movie, survival, and, finally, ‘Lord of the Flies’. As the isolated group slowly loses hope and some of its’ members, the fight for survival takes over.

This is another of Ruth Ware’s outstanding stories, which leaves the reader guessing who will be the last person standing.

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Great thriller that you will fall right into. It was well written and easy to read. I really enjoyed all the characters and how well the storyline played out for the whole book.

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Lyla reluctantly agrees to join her boyfriend to compete in a reality tv show set on a tropical island. Things do not go as planned! Lots of suspense and twists. Ruth Ware always delivers.

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4.5 stars
Slightly confused in the beginning with the introduction of all of the characters, but was able to get a grasp fairly quickly. I haven’t liked the main character in a fair amount of thriller books, but I did like Lyla. I think some parts in the first half of the book were drawn out but overall I was interested in the story and wanted to keep reading.
I’ve read 2 other Ruth Ware books and this was my favorite.
Thank you Net Galley for my advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review!

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I absolutely flew though One Perfect Couple and enjoyed every minute of it!

Lyla’s boyfriend Nico is an aspiring actor, and when he gets the opportunity to be on a new reality show about couples on an island, Lyla reluctantly agrees to go along with it and be part of the show. The five starring couples make their way to a deserted island via boat, and things quickly go from bad to worse.

You could call this a locked room thriller, or a survival novel, or a psychological thriller, and all of those would be true. We do know who the killer is quite early on, but the motives and just how bad things might get are the unknowns. The couples must face a harrowing storm and its after effects, the chronic health condition of one member, low food and water supplies, and limited means of communication. It is tense and wild and fast paced, leaving me flying through the pages.

One Perfect Couple is a perfect summer read, bringing to mind tropical islands and scorching sun. It is pure binge worthy fun and I’ll be highly recommending it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books/Scout Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own,

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Always desperately waiting for the new Ruth Ware so can't wait to read this one!

I always think Ruth Ware's books have eras. Her first few are locked room, twisty, cinematic mystery thrillers. Her middle era had atmospheric, gothic mysteries with incredibly vivid settings, and her recent few have been more fast-paced.

This one sounds like a mix of early and late era, but I'll be curious to see when I read it where it fits!

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