The Couple: The must-read romcom with a difference Helly Acton 9781838773861

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

'A romcom with a difference' Sarra Manning

What if . . .

'Don't worry, you'll find someone soon.'
'So, why is someone like you still single?'
'Don't you get lonely, being all on your own?'

Became . . .

'Don't worry, you'll find yourself soon.'
'So, why is someone like you in a couple?'
'Don't you get bored, being with just one person?'

Millie lives in a society where being single is the norm. She's happy, she's successful and she has a close-knit group of friends (not forgetting her very grumpy cat, Bruce). Her life is perfectly organised and she likes it that way. The last thing she needs is romance messing it up, thank you very much.

That is, until she is partnered with a new colleague, Ben. He's everything Millie's not; spontaneous, chaotic and disorganised, not to mention annoyingly attractive. Together they're tasked with launching a revolutionary new pill that prevents you from falling in love.

So, when Millie starts to develop feelings for Ben, she knows she could lose everything she's ever worked for. Will she risk it all for love?

'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

Helly Acton is a copywriter from London with past lives in Zimbabwe, the Middle East and Australia. She studied Law at King's College London before following a more creative path into advertising. At 26, Helly took a career break to travel in Africa and Asia, before landing in Sydney. Six years and one life-affirming break up later, she returned home and threw herself into online dating in the city. Helly uses this experience as a single woman in her early thirties - torn between settling down and savouring her independence - as a source of inspiration.

Helly currently lives in Berkshire with her husband, Chris, their two young boys, Arlo and Jack and their little dog, Milo. Sometimes, she gets their names mixed up.