The Couple: The must-read romcom with a difference

by Helly Acton

The author of The Radio 2 Book Club Pick The Shelf returns with a new hilarious, thought-provoking and funny novel.

'Genius, funny and thought-provoking. 5 stars' Carrie Hope Fletcher

'Helly's writing is filled with such humour and warmth, it makes me laugh and think whilst seamlessly tackling complex ideas about modern society. What a triumph!' Abigail Mann

'So clever, so thought-provoking, I loved it' Sophie Cousens

'A fresh, funny, razor-sharp take on society's views of relationships. It's feminist, it's provocative and a total joy to read' Hannah Tovey

'Funny and clever. I loved every single line' Lucy Vine

Millie is a perfectionist. She's happy, she's successful and, with a great support network of friends and family (and a very grumpy cat), she's never lonely. She loves working at a big tech firm and is on track be promoted to her dream role. The last thing she needs is romance messing up her perfectly organised world.

Besides, normal people just don't have romantic relationships. Everyone knows that being in a couple is a bit . . . well, odd. You know, like having a pet snake or referring to yourself in the third person. Why rely on another person for your own happiness? Why risk the humiliation of unrequited love or the agony of a break-up? No, Millie is more than happy with her conventional single life.

So, when Millie lands a new project at work, launching a pill that prevents you falling in love, it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. That is, until she starts working with Ben. He's charming and funny, and Millie feels an instant connection to him.

Will Millie sacrifice everything she believes in for love?

Look out for Helly's debut novel The Shelf.

• ISBN10: 1838773843
• ISBN13: 9781838773847
• Publish Date: 27 May 2021
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 18 March 2024
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Zaffre
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 400
• Language: English

Reviews

[Joséphine]

Initial thoughts: I basically spent my twenties single, which drew a lot of unwelcome comments like, "Are you sure you don't want to get married?" or "I'm happy to introduce you to a friend!" That's why I loved the concept of The Couple — what if being single was the goal and people pitied this who were in a couple? Helly's satirical take worked so well and had me in stitches right from the very start.