The Couple by Helly Acton Blog Tour

 Some books are like a breath of fresh air. 

That's exactly how I felt when I read the blurb for Helly Acton's latest novel The Couple. Having never read a book from this author before, I was excited to see if the concept actually translated well onto the pages.

Spoiler.... it did!

So I was rather pleased when I got myself a place on the blog tour so I could share my thoughts with all of you.

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.

In this book the idea of dating and relationships is flipped on its head.

It appears to be frowned upon to want to be in a couple, to crave companionship. In this world what is deemed acceptable is to be single and independent, career orientated and goal driven. Love is essentially for losers.   

Millie certainly fits the bill. She is a successful 29 year old woman who from the outside seems to have it all. Great friends, encouraging family and she's on her way too reaching the position in her career that she's always dreamed of.

Not quite perfection but very close.

This however all changes when Ben literally walks into her life (and nearly covers her with coffee). A new work colleague that somehow manages to ignite a sort of spark inside Millie.

What is this strange sensation that she's feeling and the real question is, is she willing to risk all that she has for something completely unknown?

The author of The Radio 2 Book Club Pick The Shelf returns with her brand new novel.

When the unlikely pair are placed together to work on original ideas for the launch of Oxytoxin, a pill that is an antidote to love, emotions are heightened and platonic lines begins to blur.

Could this pill stop Millie from falling in love? Is life without love even worth living?

This is a highly entertaining read.

A unique story with a brilliant concept. The author flips the world of relationships on its head. The idea of being in a couple becomes strange and almost wrong in this novel, being single is the preferred option and is actually encouraged.

Will Millie sacrifice everything she believes in for love?

Control is key to a stress free life and the suggestion of anything love related seems to increase tensions, creating cracks in picture perfect lives.

And at the heart of it all it still features what we all seem to face in this day and age - judge or be judged. Can't we all just be who we want to be and make our own choices without fear of upsetting or offending others?

What I really like is the combination of humour with more serious moments. Giving the story a real edge. Sort of Bridget Jones like. Comedic yet down to earth and realistic.

The Couple is a smart, engaging and though provoking novel. A romance, but not as we know it. Refreshing to read with a great mix of relatable and hilarious dialogue along with a storyline that gives us a new outlook on love. 

I loved this novel and if you like the sound of it you can purchase a copy now but if you'd like to find out more about The Couple then I implore you to follow the rest of the blog tour outlined below: