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.

If society's views on relationships were different and the norm was to be single, would you risk everything for love?

About the Author

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.

Reviews
The Couple is the book I will say, from here on out, I wish I'd written. The concept is genius and the writing is funny and thought-provoking. I don't usually give books ratings but when it's a 5 star, it's a 5 star * Carrie Hope Fletcher *
Warm, witty and thought-provoking * Abbie Greaves author of The Silent Treatment *
I inhaled the book in less than twenty-four hours. Helly has absolutely smashed it once again. The Couple is funny, smart and thought-provoking, and so clever in the way it turns so many of our assumptions about love and relationships on their head * Freya Sampson *
So clever, so thought-provoking, I loved it * Sophie Cousens *

The Couple is a fresh, funny, razor-sharp take on society's views of relationships that will have you screaming "YES!" and "OMG she's talking about me!" on every page.

Helly's got that brilliant knack of hooking you in from the moment you open the book, with utterly relatable characters and dialogue that sizzles. It's feminist, it's provocative and it was a total joy to read

* Hannah Tovey *
A completely genius concept that shines a light on the often archaic ways that society views relationships, or lack thereof. I adore Helly's characters and the way she always manages to write funny and soulful feminist fiction, that has the ability to make us all stop and think. This book is not one to miss! * Sara-Ella Ozbek *
Only Helly Acton could turn the world on its head and still write the most relatable novel in human history. The Couple is so good, I don't have words to define the goodness. It's funny and clever and the concept is one I'm angry I didn't think of. I raced through it in a day, loving every line and every page. I can't recommend it highly enough * Lucy Vine *
A romcom with a difference * Red Magazine *
A love song to female friendships, making your own choices and not caring what everyone thinks. The Couple turns everything we know about relationships on its head and delivers a sparkly, witty and warm story, packed full of heart * Lynsey James *
This clever, funny read is a real breath of fresh air. * Fabulous, The Sun on Sunday *
Very enjoyable, heartwarming...a quick and intriguing read that offers something a little different for fans of the contemporary fiction genre. * CultureFly *
Another thought-provoking, clever-concept novel from Helly Acton. And be prepared for some real laugh-out-loud moments. * Woman's Own *
Hilarious * Irish Sunday Independent *



Book Information
ISBN 9781838773847
Author Helly Acton
Format Hardback
Page Count 400
Imprint Zaffre
Publisher Zaffre
Weight(grams) 629g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 162mm * 36mm