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The Couple

The must-read romcom with a difference

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The Couple

By: Helly Acton
Narrated by: Laura Aikman
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£5.99/mo after 3 months. Offer ends on 5 July 2026 at 11:59 BST. Cancel monthly.

Buy Now for £14.32

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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
'A romcom with a difference' Sarra Manning
'Funny and clever. I loved every single line' Lucy Vine
'So clever. 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


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? Contemporary Love, Dating & Attraction Relationships Women's Fiction Funny Witty Feel-Good
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I loved the unusual angle of the story the humour and belief that love will win out!

an unusual approach to love

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I really enjoyed the topic and it made a nice change to have everything turned on its head for a new perspective on romance! Although very predictable & unsurprising, it was an enjoyable & easy rom-com listen.

Thought provoking but lovely

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A book you don't want to end. Characters that feel like a favourite old cardy.

Feel good, happy read

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I loved the concept of this book. I’m 44 and single and always say I choose peace over the wrong relationships. Having been guilty of many an internet date in the hopes of finding someone, now it will take a very special person to share everything I’ve created on my own with. This book, while the concept was exaggerated, is kind of close to home. I really enjoyed the different look on being in a relationship and whilst in the end, it’s still a story about love, it was really nice taking a different path to get there.

Done in one day, couldn’t stop

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This was a lot of fun listening to, once you got into the swing of the reverse reality.
My only objection is that no one ever “says” anything, everyone “cries” whatever they’re saying.

Fun!

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