A really unique and interesting idea for a story, where in a slightly alternative reality to ours being single is the norm and relationships are looked down on. As someone who has chosen to be single, the clever way that Acton flipped the roles around really resonated with me and I highly appreciated her challenging the norms and prejudices of our relationship culture. The pairing of Millie and Ben were adorable together, with some really witty banter keeping the feel of the story light while discussing some deeper issues. I did find the story dragged a bit towards the end, with the same points being repeated but overall really interesting and enjoyable read.

I loved the concept of this book. It turns the status quo completely on its head and in this world, being single is regarded as the sane, healthy choice whereas being in a couple is seen as strange and something to be ashamed of. Millie works at Slide, an app for no-strings hook-ups. She is ambitious but risk aversive and terrified of change. Her goal is to become chief creative officer but she is up against fellow Slider, Sasha. The decision will be made following a new campaign. To promote a new product. Oxytoxin. A pill that will mend broken hearts, or even prevent people ever falling in love. The only fly in the ointment is new employee Ben. Partnered with Millie, they have an instant connection. She feels flustered around him and is happy in his presence. But Ben is a free spirit and contrary to most, he believes in love and wants to be part of a couple. As they spend more time together, their growing feelings cannot be ignored. But Millie does not want to fall in love. She cares what other people think. She doesn't want to deviate from her life plan. Ben becomes increasingly repulsed by Slide's campaign, and ultimately quits. Declaring his love for Millie, she is faced with a choice. Carry on being cynical and live a safe, predictable life. Or take a leap of faith and give her and Ben a chance. Witty, interesting and original, The Couple is a brilliant read that raises some interesting questions.

This was a great read. Imagine our world where the ‘norm’ is to be single. Being in ‘a couple’ is frowned upon and couples pay higher taxes and rent. Our main character, Millie, works on an app called ‘Slide’ where people connect for no strings sex and then rate each other. Millie likes routine, has a life plan and while she doesn’t ‘Slide’ often, she doesn’t want to be in a couple. Ben, a clumsy, adventurous, fly by the seat of his pants kinda guy, starts working in Millie’s department and they team up to work on the advertising for the company’s new project... Oxytocin. An antidote to love! Take 2 pills and never fall in love again, or no longer have feelings for that person who broke your heart! It was a great premise. A little predictable but a fast, fun, enjoyable read. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own.

Millie, 29, works for ‘Slide’ the worlds fastest growing no strings attached sex app in a world where singledom is the norm and couples are scorned. Ben joins the company and the pair have to work on creative ideas for the launch of Oxytoxin, a pill that is an antidote to love so a perfect ‘ partner’ for Slide. This is such an entertaining read and it makes really valid points as you progress through. The characters are so good, though not all likeable - yes, you Sasha. Millie is intriguing in her devotion to being in control, her desire for a timetable and singledom. Ben is her polar opposite, he’s funny, random, clumsy, has a liking for hangman and crosswords and zero filter which of course makes him so lovable. What develops is witty, funny, some of it is cheesy on occasions, at times maybe a bit corny but overall it’s just such good fun. The idea of Oxytoxin appalls which allows for some toe curling at the thought and with some of the research they carry out. The reality TV show ‘Single Me Out’ is equally the curling but then it’s reality TV (

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) around her, she's never lonely. She has her dream job at a big tech firm and is on track to become the company's youngest ever Innovation Director. 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. Sure, everybody has that one coupled-up friend who messes up the numbers at dinner parties, but it's a bit eccentric. You know, like having a pet snake or living off the grid. Why rely on another person for your own happiness? Why risk the humiliation of unrequited love or the agony of a break-up when you can do everything yourself? No, Millie is perfectly happy with her conventional single life. So when Millie lands a new project at work, launching a pill that stops 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 with him. Is this the spark that science and society are trying to suppress? This is a heart-warming and thoughtful read. As funny as Acton's debut The Shelf, this book will make you query the set ideas that society has set upon us. Loved it, have already been recommending it to others.