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The Couples cover art

The Couples

By: Lauren Mackenzie
Narrated by: Emer Heatley
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Publisher's Summary

Three couples, one night. And the life that follows...

Eva looked out of the window of the charmingly crumbling guest house and thought she might be sick. She could see Frank lying on the grass in last night's clothes - it wasn't clear whether he was conscious or not. Her husband, Shay, was in bed. She loved him, of course she did, just right now the person she most wanted to see was Connor. She didn't want to think about what had happened to Bea or how Lizzie was feeling...

Frank's birthday had given them an excuse for a night away. The three couples, caught between caring for the children and worrying about their parents, were ready to have a good time. The drink flowed, Dublin felt a long way away and when Frank proposed they swap partners for the night, they forgot they were stressed about their finances and exhausted by their responsibilities. In the heat of the moment, it's deliciously reckless, and makes them all feel young again. The women text the man of their choice.

One night. No obligations. No expectations. No falling in love. The only rule? No falling in love.

But life doesn't follow the rules.

©2023 Lauren Mackenzie (P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Critic Reviews

"Devilishly delicious...about six fascinating and flawed people and their imperfect relationships, their vulnerabilities and betrayals. Empathetic, entertaining and enthralling." (Liz Nugent)

"I adored The Couples! A nuanced and entertaining novel of keenly observed relationships that gripped me from start to finish. Stunning!" (Danielle McLaughlin, author of The Art of Falling)

"A witty, sharply observed tale of modern relationships... Mackenzie's novel is both funny and devastating in turn. A brilliant exploration of love, sex, friendship and ambition in contemporary Ireland." (Victoria MacKenzie, author of For Thy Great Pain Have Mercy on My Little Pain)

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The credibility of the characters and their relationships

A great read, authentic, powered by acute observation of behaviour and an ability to put it into words. A very engaging story with a strong structure and narrative. Really enjoyed it.

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Easy listening, great story

Very easy to listen to and so easy to get lostt in these couples lives. Enjoyed the story line of how this one night changed everything and go their lives unravel after it.

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