Five beautiful couples. One deadly game. Who will escape alive?
Lyla Santiago has spent months working on a research project that could be the key to getting a permanent job in her field.
So, she can’t really drop everything to go to a desert island with her actor boyfriend Nico to film One Perfect Couple, a new reality TV show that Nico is sure will lead to his big break – can she?
Two weeks later, Lyla finds herself boarding a boat to an isolated luxury resort in the Indian Ocean.
The rules of the game are simple. Ten strangers have to survive together on the island – and the last couple standing scoops the prize.
There will be sun, sea, laughs and plenty of flirting.
What could possibly go wrong?
But when a huge tropical storm cuts them off from everything, the group must band together.
As tensions run high and fresh water runs low, Lyla realises that someone is playing this game for real – and they’ll stop at nothing to win.
Ten might have arrived, but who will survive to the end?
Buy a copy of One Perfect Couple here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Lyla Santiago is a virologist, struggling to find a permanent position in the science that she loves. Nico, her partner, is also struggling to find a way into the entertainment industry. When he’s invited to participate in a new reality TV show based on finding (or breaking?) perfect couples while they’re secluded on an isolated tropical island in Indonesia, he persuades Lyla to go along: he’s convinced this is going to be his big break through. They land on valentines day along with four other couples, but the game immediately knocks them for six. A tropical storm arrives that very night, and the isolated island becomes a prison, from which it’s not clear every one will escape. I’m not a fan of reality TV, so really didn’t know what to expect, or whether I was going to enjoy this book. But, within a few short chapters Ware had established a good cast of characters. One Perfect Couple is really a psychological thriller and a whodunnit that will keep you guessing until the very end. Who will make it out? Who’s to blame? And what was behind the whole plan in the first place? This is a book that will keep you turning pages through the night to find out more. A book for fans of Shari Lapena and Karin Slaughter. Kylie, SA, 5 stars
One Perfect Couple ended up being a totally different story to what I was expecting from the synopsis however, I still managed to read this book late into the night. A group of couples sign up for a reality show set on an island. When a devastating storm hits on the first night the contest doesn’t run as planned. Ruth Ware’s story addressed some serious topics and I found it to be more of a romantic suspense, rather than a thriller. I can’t give too many details without giving anything away however, One Perfect Couple was an intriguing story. Sharah, QLD, 5 stars
Ruth Ware has created a very unique and enthralling thriller. Loved it! Lisa, WA, 5 stars
An insight into the reality tv world with twists and turns. A great read! Had me turning the pages quickly… couldn’t stop reading. Recommend this book! Amanda, TAS, 5 stars
Who would know that a decision based on pleasing your partner would lead to you fighting for survival. One Perfect Couple is a story of love, personal growth, friendship and danger, all taking place on a seemingly beautiful tropical island. Riveting and hard to put down. Another memorable read from Ruth Ware. Highly recommend setting aside time to read, you won’t want to put it down. Linda, NSW, 5 stars
What a fantastic read! Loved it from the first page. It was easy to read, didn’t follow the normal rules for a story and kept me hooked for the entire book. Kay, QLD, 5 stars
This was a delightful edge-of-your-seat page turner! Absolutely unputdownable. A must-read for anyone who likes a thriller with a very smart edge! Kate, VIC, 5 stars
Island location, thriller, being stranded and Ruth Ware is the absolute best combination for a story so I was thrilled to be chosen to read One Perfect Couple for Better Reading Preview! The difference between One Perfect Couple and other location thrillers is the contrast of reality tv and science. Our main character Lyla is a scientist, and there’s a constant questioning of data and presenting facts in the midst of the aesthetics of fame, social media and a picturesque island. I found the relationship between Lyla and Nico difficult to understand initially but the storyline explores this dynamic, and the dynamic between them and the other couples on the island in the reality tv show as they deal with a large storm and the aftermath, and the ensuing mystery of what’s happening on the island. I would highly recommend this book- it’s the perfect binge to warm you up this winter! Emily, QLD, 5 stars
An intriguing story about five couples competing to find ‘One Perfect Couple’, with every person having something to gain, and something to lose. Ruth Ware has written this novel so well I was visualising everything as if I was on the island myself. Very engaging, hard to put down and keeps you guessing right to the very end. Highly recommend! Pennie, QLD, 5 stars
This was a big 5 stars from me! I really enjoyed this book and it grabbed me from the start. Reality tv show, One Perfect Couple, five couples put on a deserted island, isolated from the world to see if they withstand the tests in front of them. Then the storm comes and the whole situation becomes a survival nightmare. Will they be rescued and who will be left to rescue? Their characters are put to the test, who do they trust? Death, injuries, dehydration and starvation. Life has never been so tough. I highly recommend this book. It is the second Ruth Ware book I have loved as she doesn’t disappoint. Renee, QLD, 5 stars
This was my first book by Ruth Ware but definitely won’t be my last. The premise of this book was intriguing in that it combines everything we love about reality TV with a murder mystery. When Lyla’s boyfriend Nico convinces her that going on a reality TV show will be the big break in his career, Lyla at first is happy for him, until she realises that she will be going with him as the TV show is all about finding the One Perfect Couple. To Lyla, it sounds intriguing, an isolated island turned luxury resort in the middle of the Indian Ocean, how bad could it be? When a large tropical storm hits, and the contestants one by one start dying, Lyla starts to wonder if there’s more at play than just the aftermath of the storm. I loved this book! It was captivating, tense and really fast paced. I loved the reality TV concept and the change in characters personalities on and off camera. Ware sets this up nicely telling us from the beginning that certain people have been pulled in to fill personality traits and that there is always a villain on reality TV! Liat, NSW, 5 stars
An exciting, intriguing and action packed novel that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Just when you think you know what will happen next you are proven yet again how wrong you were. Absolute page turner , could not put it down. Thank you Ruth Ware loved it. Julie, QLD, 5 stars
What a ride! Thoroughly enjoyed reading Ruth Ware’s latest novel One perfect couple. I found myself tensing near the end when I could feel the danger coming off the pages. Always wondering who and how many people would survive, what should have been a fun and different life experience isolated on an island for a game show with strangers. But quickly became life or death situation. Ruth definitely kept me up late turning the pages with this book. Tracey, VIC, 5 stars
Loved this book! From the island setting to the little twists and turns, it was a captivating read. The story follows five couples embarking on a reality television show, told through the eyes of scientist Lyla – an unlikely contestant. When a big storm sweeps through, the idyllic island becomes a dark place. I couldn’t stop reading this one – snatching a quick page while cooking dinner, or waiting for children at sport. Highly recommend. Nicole, NSW, 5 stars
I’ve got one word for this book – wow! A desert island, four couples and a reality TV show. What could possibly go wrong? It appears a lot – which is extremely good for you, the reader! Firstly, not only has the author given us believable characters but secondly, has put them together in a story that could be the written version of the TV show Survivor. Stranded, and with no way of raising the alarm, what will the “contestants” do to ensure survival? The answer is “anything”. This book is one hell of a thriller which keeps you guessing right to its final pages. And it’s here I have to admit it’s the first time I’ve read one of Ruth Ware’s books however, it certainly won’t be the last! Diane, SA, 5 stars
Wow, wow, wow. Devoured this in one sitting. What a fabulous read. It kept me hanging from the first page to the last with twists and turns galore. There was not one moment where I wasn’t hanging to turn to the next page to see what would happen next and guessing who to trust and who not to trust within the story. Such a fast paced story that would keep you enthralled till the end. Absolutely loved this and would read it again and recommend to all. Tracy, WA, 5 stars
This great little read drags you on board for the ride & you don’t want to get off. Plenty of twists and turns in the plot. Very engaging characters with depth & something to say. Super!! Jane, QLD, 5 stars
Five beautiful couples. One deadly game. Who will escape alive? One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware without a doubt receives 5 stars from me. I could not put this one down. Staying up late on a weeknight is not my thing but I could not find a lull point in the book to stop. Fast paced, along with major suspense and action. If you have read anything written by Ruth Ware before then this book will be your new favourite and if you haven’t read Ruth Ware before then you are going to be in for a thrill of a ride! The plot was well-written with a whodunnit mystery within a setting of a reality tv filming in a remote island location. The author has included visual descriptions that make the reader feel they are trying to fight for survival along with the characters. If you are after a psychological/survival thriller with very careful plot reveals throughout and a that book ensures you keep those pages turning late into the night, then this is the book for you. Highly recommend!! Tara, NSW, 5 stars
A modern twist on Agatha Christie’s ‘And Then There were None’ with a reality TV overlay. It’s a compelling, fast moving thriller with lots of psychological suspense. I read it in a day! Five couples are selected to participate in a new style competition on remote, romantic island resort. Who will be the perfect couple? It appears to be the chance of a lifetime for Lyla’s partner Nico, a struggling actor. But the rules are vague, and right from the start things don’t go to plan. Lyla is a research scientist, sceptical about the show’s format and for her there’s too much that doesn’t add up. However, it’s about to get deadly serious. A major storm destroys their resort and they find themselves fighting for survival. Highly recommended, another great read from Ruth Ware. Terese, TAS, 4 stars
If you are a fan of reality tv, think Love Island crossed with Survivor then Ruth Ware’s latest novel The Perfect Couple might be your next read! Halfway through the book things take a definite turn and I found myself questioning at what point do our morals change in relation to circumstances beyond our understanding and usual situations. Juanita, SA, 4 stars
When I started this book I wasn’t really sure where it was going, and if it would be for me, but a few chapters in and I was hooked! Full of twists and turns, the author was masterful at building the suspense and I found I was unable to put it down and finished it over a couple of days. A perfect summer read! Hannah, SA, 4 stars
Ruth Ware takes reality TV to a whole new level with her latest thriller. Five couples on an Island compete for the ultimate prize but all is not sun, fun and romance. Readers will go on a twisty trip as the five couples compete against each other and Mother Nature. Ruth weaves a creative spin that captures the reader from the start. Highly recommend her latest thriller for those after a summer read with a spin. Kelly, NSW, 4 stars
Quite a turnaround from the start. It sort of morphed into Survivor and the storyline became stronger as it went on. An enjoyable read, would be a good holiday novel. Jane, QLD, 4 stars
Twists and turns to keep you guessing right up until the last page! Jacqui, NSW, 4 stars
This is the first book I read by Ruth Ware, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had read reviews comparing it to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, and whilst there are similarities, for me the book is more an atmospheric thriller than a mystery. The characters are well depicted despite a few cliches and I find that the story was addictive. Marjolaine, WA, 4 stars
I was skeptical before I started reading as I’m not a fan of the type of reality shows this was based on. But that soon changed with the introduction of the main female character not being the usual stereotype and I ended up enjoying the whole ride thereafter. Loved the women banding together to survive and proving how strong they could be, even in the worst possible conditions. The book was quick paced and yes, maybe some character and story holes, but I think the action that kept on coming made you forget about that and I really enjoyed the book. Haven’t read Ruth Ware before but will definitely check out her other books now. Katrina, VIC, 4 stars
One Perfect Couple was my first introduction to Ruth Ware – an amazingly talented author is the impression this book left on me. Five couples find themselves trapped on a storm swept island where they were enticed by being filmed in a reality TV Show but what they got out of the experience certainly isn’t what they expected or hoped for. It becomes a life or death scenario for the contestants so how will make it off the island? This is a must read for fans of fast paced thrillers. Catherine, NSW, 4 stars
Five couples are on an idyllic island looking for their big break with the new reality show, One Perfect Couple. Full of all the tension and drama you’d expect on a reality show, after a tropical storm hits the island, it becomes a race for survival. I enjoyed reading this and recommend this read. Luciana, WA, 4 stars
Wow! This is an addictive novel that will keep you turning the pages. The story begins with the two main characters, Nico and Lyla, winning a place as one of the couples on a reality show to be set on an island. Lyla is initially reluctant but is tempted by the thought of a relaxing holiday on a tropical island. However the events that follow will have you wishing that Lyla trusted her first instincts. I loved the atmospheric setting in this book, the deserted island and a brewing storm really set the mood. Once the storm hits the roller coaster really begins. The story is no longer a game on a reality tv show and more a race for Lyla to stay alive, while those around her are not so lucky. The suspense in this novel reaches fever pitch and will have you staying up all hours until you finish. I can’t believe this was my first Ruth Ware novel but I’ll be reaching for more after this. Kim, VIC, 4 stars
Here is the book for all reality television fans. Who will be the survivor, the traitor, the hero or the villain? Of course, it’s all about the journey – one you won’t want to miss! Can hardly wait for this reality TV book to be made into a blockbuster movie! KB, SA, 4 stars
I wasn’t sure I’d like One Perfect Couple as I’m not a fan of reality TV shows, but boy was I wrong! So many twists & turns it definitely was not what I was expecting. It’s an extremely well written roller coaster ride. A few slow climbs but the thrill of the twists & turns definitely make up for them. Don’t be fooled like I was, this is a fantastic read for all. Katrina, QLD, 4 stars
A reality TV show to be filmed on a tropical island; five couples will participate. What could go wrong? As it turns out, a lot goes wrong and it goes wrong fast once a devastating storm hits the island. I guess you could describe this book as a cross between Lord of the Flies and an Agatha Christie locked room mystery. I loved the strong female characters, particularly in light of the fact that some started out as shallow women obsessed with their appearance. It’s incredible what adversity can reveal of someone’s true character. Did I enjoy this book? Definitely yes. Would I read another Ruth Ware book? Yes again. I big thumbs up for this book. Judi, QLD, 4 stars
Hooked from the start, I thoroughly enjoyed One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware. This slow burn thriller draws you in with all the drama, tension, action and intriguing characters. Would make a great holiday read, it was easy to breeze through. Mena, NSW, 4 stars
I’m not a fan of reality TV so wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book, but the twists and turns in the plot kept me guessing till the end. Lyla and Nico, both struggling with their careers, are invited to join four other couples on a remote island to find the “One Perfect Couple”. Winning could mean making it to the big time! After only 24 hours on the island, a severe storm hits and gives the plot a whole new direction. Who do you trust when you have only known the other contestants for a matter of hours and who will make it out alive? Lyla narrates the story and makes it easy to keep track of all the characters and events as they occur. Watching the true personality of each character revealed as their facade is stripped away, adds to the drama and tension which continues to ramp up right until the end. A good plot, an engaging and fast moving read and realistic characters all contribute to the intrigue of this novel. However I wouldn’t call it a “thriller” as such. It was definitely suspenseful but didn’t have me sitting on the edge of my seat. Janice, NSW, 4 stars
Ruth Ware’s One Perfect Couple is a high-tension thriller combining reality TV suspense with primal fear. The story follows Lyla, a researcher facing professional and personal challenges, and her boyfriend, Nico, an aspiring actor. Nico sees a chance to break into the industry through a new reality TV show, The Perfect Couple, and Lyla joins him. On Ever After Island, an isolated tropical paradise, they compete against four other couples. The initial excitement quickly gives way to unease as the first challenge leaves the participants shaken. A violent storm on the first night then cuts them off from both the crew and the outside world, stranding them without communication or assistance. Ware skillfully builds tension, depicting the island’s oppressive atmosphere. The lack of fresh water, rising paranoia and body count heighten the urgency and danger. Written from Lyla’s perspective, the story also includes diary entries from another character, making it easy to follow. Ware’s talent for creating multifaceted characters shines through, making each couple’s interactions and conflicts believable. The relentless narrative pace kept me eagerly turning pages. The island setting, both idyllic and menacing, is the perfect backdrop for this tale of survival and betrayal. One Perfect Couple is a testament to Ware’s prowess in psychological suspense, blending reality TV allure with raw terror. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Antony, VIC, 4 stars
The setting of a new reality show was a great concept. The different personalities ensured there was plenty of drama. I was expecting a different ending but thought the author wrapped it all up perfectly. A great read that I highly recommend Susan, NSW, 4 stars
I thought being centred around the filming of a reality series that I would not enjoy this book. However, the story was more than that. Plenty of drama, mystery and tension that I found it hard to put down. A really fantastic read. Natalie, NSW, 4 stars
I didn’t enjoy this book much unfortunately. It was difficult to connect with any of the characters, excluding Lyla for one thing. It was an odd concept and plot which I struggled to get in to and found it hard to read the whole book. Maybe if you like the bachelor , love island and those sort of reality tv shows you’d enjoy it, but it just wasn’t for me Julia, WA, 3 stars
This is the first Ruth Ware book that I have read. Once I got into the book I couldn’t put it down. Not too many twists and turns but overall a good read. Not a big fan on reality shows on TV but I could read this book. Looking forward to reading more of Ruth’s books in the future. Christine, WA, 3 stars
I had mixed feelings after reading this book. There were parts where I was utterly engrossed and other parts where I just wanted to skip on ahead. It is more plot driven than character driven and I found most characters a little shallow and unlikeable. I couldn’t quite connect with any of them. The plot was a little predictable but I was curious on how it was going to play out. Overall, it had a great premise and there were some aspects I enjoyed, but other aspects that missed the mark for me. Christine, VIC, 3 stars
I was hooked from the beginning, it felt real! Like a combination of Lord of the Flies and Survivor. The storyline continued to build the more I read and the characters were love or hate, but there was a point in the book, where the drive to keep reading was lost. There was no suspense towards the ending and it fell flat. Melissa, QLD, 3 stars
Buy a copy of One Perfect Couple here.
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