The Marriage Test

by Ellie Monago

One tropical island. Four couples. They believe they’re on a TV show to save their marriages. But the people behind the cameras know all their secrets. They’re going to be revealed, one by one. Because everyone has something to hide…

An incredibly successful surgeon and her gorgeous partner enjoy a life of luxury. To get it, one of them had to hide a dark past…

A young couple are expecting their first child. Has one of them been unfaithful?

High school sweethearts, missing their two young children. But the suburban dream is becoming a nightmare…

A husband and wife running a successful business together. But with both their marriage and company failing, what is really happening behind closed doors?

But their secrets aren’t the only thing coming out under the bright lights. Because some of the people on this island have met before.

And one of them has a secret they'd kill to protect…

Who will pass the marriage test? And who will survive?

A completely binge-worthy, utterly twisted thriller that will have you turning the pages all night long! Perfect for fans of The Perfect Marriage, Freida McFadden and The Girl in Seat 2A.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Ellie Monago is the pen name of a novelist and practicing therapist. She’s also a wife and mother, and when you add it all up, she doesn’t wind up with much time for hobbies. But she’s an avid tennis fan, a passionate reader of both fiction and nonfiction—especially memoir (nothing’s as juicy as the truth!)—and she relishes a good craft cocktail. She spent most of her life living in the U.S. and now resides in Western Canada with her family.

Reviews

[Heathers_readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The marriage test” revolves around four different couples who have entered a reality tv show in the hopes of saving their relationship.

It is unclear in the beginning whether the show producer has good intentions and whether we can trust her. The story begins in format of a series of interviews conducted after the events took place, and then we go back to see how everything came to begin.

The chapters alternate POV between the different characters, each playing a part in the game, each with secrets and plans of their own.

It is clear from the beginning that something bad is going to happen, likely resulting in fatalities and the reader gets to figure out what exactly happens and the who, why, where and how of it all as the story goes on.

I enjoy the setting of a reality tv gone to hell within the thriller genre, the murder mystery of it all would make for much better viewing in my opinion 😂

Thank you to Bookouture, Ellie Monago and NetGalley for the EARC!

Publish date: September 3rd 2024

[OutlawPoet · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you watch reality shows – especially shows like Temptation Island, you’ll know what you’re getting here. It’s toxic relationships, cutthroat reality show producers, and DRAMA.

This is a fun one.

It won’t change your life and you’ll definitely look at reality shows with even more of a sneer than you do now, but it’s also a very entertaining popcorn read.

Nothing too serious, but a terrific vacation read!

• ARC via Publisher

[Yaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent way to describe this book is to think about Love Island, the Bachelor, and maybe even 90 Day Fiance (in all its toxic glory). There are four couples, a production crew, and then the investigators. While I couldn't relate to any character, they reminded me of certain people in my life, making me somewhat predict some of their behavior. Am I the only one who does this?

While the book is fiction, it is an excellent way to remind us that reality TV is as real as an Instagram Filter. Each chapter is told from the point of view of a different person, making the reading experience as if you were viewing a reality show and getting different insides. The book's first half focuses on the demise of the relationships and the reality show, while the other half focuses more on the actual murder.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it!! Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the advance copy.

[Mickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four couples head to a remote island where they will participate in a reality TV show. Cameras follow their every move and broadcast it to millions of viewers. Each couple have an issue that they think therapy, and this show will help them fix. But when producers are behind the scenes pulling strings, can they all leave the island unscathed?
Told through the perspective of 4 of the contestants (one from each couple), with Detective interviews scattered throughout, we follow the process of the show from day one when everyone arrives all the way to when they leave. For the most part, the first half of the book, the half where the show is being filmed, was a little boring. It was mostly just a whole lot of drama, and flirting. Honestly, the only reason I kept reading was because of the interviews in between. I was a little worried when the show wrapped up at 51%. I couldn't see how there was any story left. But then one of the characters is killed. The second half of the book is much the same as the first, just with the added tension of knowing they're trapped on the island with a killer.
This was a story filled with unlikeable characters, who spent their time lying, cheating and just being all out twats.
Despite the fact there wasn't a single likeable character, I did actually end up enjoying this one.

[Jenna Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think Marriage Boot Camp meets Unreal. The general premise of the book is that a show (similar to Marriage Boot Camp) is being filmed, but we get to read it from behind the scenes, from the casts POV. This book is multiple POV, which helps to build the suspense of whodunit since everyone has a different perspective. The book was fast paced and a great read for anyone who loves the combination of reality TV and a murder mystery!

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC! The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a juicy piece of storytelling which brings together four couples - each hiding their own secrets - competing on a reality TV show.

On a tropical island, a young couple expecting their first child, a surgeon and her glamorous partner, a suburban couple with 2.5 kids, and a pair of business owners gather, ostensibly to work on their relationships. But not only do they each have secrets, some of their secrets even overlap...

Ellie Monago has written an enjoyable story with believable characters. Aspects of their personalities have been crafted in a way that makes them relatable to most readers - something that also applies to a story that touches on everything from potential infidelity to possible divorce. Finally, the book delivers twists and turns aplenty keeping the suspense level high. It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Amber Rothermel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read! The idea of a reality show in a book was unique to me, and the premise had me seriously intrigued.

I like the fact that the dead bodies and the murderer was a mystery from the beginning. You don’t know who will end up dying or who killed them and why. This makes for a thrilling ride. A page turner! Not to mention, I’m currently watching Love Island, so the reality TV aspect was entertaining.

The ending felt a little bit rushed to me. Otherwise, this would have been a 5 star book. The killer’s reasons didn’t really jive. It seemed a bit thrown together.

All in all, I would highly recommend this book.

[Paula Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read if you need a good psychological thriller with many secrets, twists and suspects!
The story took off right away in this one. The premise with the reality show and couples was engaging. As a fan of reality shows, it immediately pulled me in. There was something hanging with a tragedy looming and it was exciting reading all the buildup. It was thrilling as the layers of the characters unraveled and their secrets were revealed in a great book of suspense.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I loved this one up until about 60%, and it sort of slowed down. If you’ have ever been a fan of the Show Temptation Island it had a few parallels. At least the set up of the reality series. Overall I did enjoy the book, but I think it could’ve been more enjoyable if it wasn’t quite so long. I did appreciate the short chapters. I still give it 4 stars, because I read it in two days. It was well written and it was obvious the author put a lot of time in writing a rather complex storyline.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a different concept for a book. I loved it. It kept me guessing right up until the very end. Every time I thought I had it all figured out I wasn't even close.

[CasuallyGle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

good premise, but dragged on for way too long with an unsatisfying ending

[Gali · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Marriage Test" by Ellie Monago is an exciting psychological thriller that will have you pouring over the pages from start to finish.

The concept is very interesting. Four couples participate in a reality TV show, “Relationship Rescue,” set on a tropical island in the Caribbean to save their relationships. Each couple has their own issues, secrets, and agenda: Pregnant Lauren and Tristan, Tatiana and Zarine (a gay couple), Cain and his wife Naomi (a Christian couple), and Blanche and Joshua (a suburban couple). The plot thickens when a murder occurs on the last day of the program, and they are stuck on the island with a murderer.

The author has concocted an intriguing concept, and her writing style is captivating and absorbing. I flew through the pages. The book is written in the first person from multiple perspectives and combines the police interviews of the cast and contestants. While I will never participate in a reality show or am a fan of it, I love reading about it. While the first half of the book focuses on the process, the second half focuses on the murder investigation while continuing with the show. After all, the show must go on...

The author does a great job bringing you into the characters' lives. I loved that each chapter was headed with the character’s name, as it made it easier to differentiate between them. As the plot unfolded, their voices became clearer. We got to know more about the characters who narrated the story than the others. They were more well-fleshed out. Each character has a secret or surprise that slowly unfolds as the story progresses. It is these secrets and surprises that keep the reader on their toes and encourage you to read the next chapter to find out more.

I didn't like most of the contestants (they were all self-centered and unlikable). To be accurate, I liked one or two of the contestants (Lauren, Cain, Tatiana), but my fondness fizzled out the more I got to know them. I found the process and the dynamics of the couples very interesting. I also liked how each couple had a different set of issues.

The author weaves together an excellent, unique book, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader hooked. Interwoven within this exciting tale are themes of family, loyalty, infidelity, toxic relationships, daddy issues, and hate speech on social media. I didn't guess the identity of the culprit(s), and the plot kept me guessing right up until the end.

While I loved the book, I didn't like the ending and found it abrupt. Because of that and because I am tired of culprits getting away with things they did, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars. It was an excellent book, but the ending did not leave me fully satisfied; I wanted a bit more closure and justice. I still recommend the book, as I really enjoyed the way it was written and the way the author expertly built the tension and atmosphere throughout the book.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

* Review in my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2024...

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four couples are on a tropical island to take part in a reality TV show and try to save their relationships. Each of the couples are hiding something. Things they don’t know the producers know and plan to reveal one by one. But one of the contestants is willing to do anything to protect their secret. Even kill. Who will survive the marriage test? And at what cost?


Heart-poundingly tense, twisty and addictive, The Marriage Test had me hooked. Moving between events on the island and police interviews with the producers, we know from the start that one of the contestants doesn’t leave the island alive, providing a sense of inherent danger. And there’s things simmering beneath the surface, dark secrets just waiting to boil over. Compelling, intricate and hard to predict, Ellie Monago has cunningly crafted this fast-paced thriller, barely giving you time to catch your breath from one twist before you’re hit with another one, exposing the truth behind so-called ‘Reality TV’ while asking how far we’re prepared to go to stop our darkest secrets from being revealed.


This is a story filled with flawed characters and unreliable narrators. They may say they’re here to save their relationships, but it is soon clear that all of the contestants have other motivations for appearing on the show, and they all have secrets they want to keep hidden, making it impossible to trust anything they say or that you think you know. I found myself particularly drawn to Lauren and Tatiana but there wasn’t one character I was rooting for and I didn’t really care if the couples stayed together. I was here for the drama and to try and solve a murder. The contestants quickly formed friendships, rivalries and even cross-couple flirtations. Meanwhile the producers and counsellors toy with them and begin revealing their secrets at the behest of Marla, the show’s executive producer. She was like an evil puppeteer pulling all the strings and watching things unravel with glee, seemingly not caring that she is messing with people’s lives. All she cares about is the ratings. But things unravel quickly, it's the perfect recipe for murder and everyone has a motive. 


After the murder the contestants are not only trapped on an island with a killer, they are also terrified they might be next and have no idea who they can trust, the tension really heating up as speculation about the killer’s identity is rife. At this point they are also faced with discovering how they have been perceived on the show and the social media speculation about which one of them is the killer, leaving them trying to prove their innocence and protect their image whilst also trying to salvage their relationships. I was on tenterhooks and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, desperate to finally know the truth. 


Jaw-dropping, riveting and suspenseful, this is a must-read for all thriller lovers.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book! Until I didn't.

I usually zip through books because I tend to be a fast reader. But this book was one I took my time with because it was deliciously gossipy and continued a trend for me in which I'm spending time in the world of reality tv. Previous books have had that theme and I've also been watching Unreal on Netflix and dipping my toe into The Perfect Couple which has a dash of reality t.v. about it.

In this book, four couples travel to a small island for season 3 of the Marriage Test. There are two relationship experts, Sam and Dave who are also husband and wife, and Julie is the onsite producer. But behind it all is Marla as the executive producer who is watching all of the action and putting together a show with edits that either favor or don't favor a particular person or couple.

There was a lot to unpack here but I will save it for you if you decide to read it. These four couples have their own secrets, both as couples and individually, and even with other participants who some of them know from their prior lives.

Why I didn't care for it at the end is primarily because, and this I'll use spoiler because I don't want to overshare for those who don't want to know: Blanche and Josh were a couple on the verge of breaking up because he was a spoiled man whose parents cut off the money supply which meant he had to go it on his own and it broke him. He started drinking more and womanizing while Blanche stayed at home with kids. Marla had a prior relationship with Josh and she maneuvered things so that they would come on the show and she decided to give Blanche the villain edit to help push him to divorce Blanche, leaving him open for her. She did this job and did it well, both on the show and the author here, Ellie Monago, gave Blanche the villain edit in the book and did that job so well that I truly came to despise Blanche. And I had a hard time doing a U-turn at the end to be happy for her getting what she wants: Justin. After she secretly destroyed Lauren. While Lauren was no prize, I was rooting so hard against Blanche that I couldn't stop. So weird, this author was weirdly effective at that! I felt like one of the social media minions who, behind the keyboard, likes or dislikes someone that they have never met!

The book was well written, though a bit overly long. I am looking forward to trying some of her earlier books.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.

This book brings together four couples on a remote paradise, all under the illusion that they are part of a TV show designed to help save their troubled marriages. But in reality, the cameras are watching for something else entirely—their deepest, darkest secrets, which are about to be exposed one by one.

The setup promises tension and drama, with each couple hiding something that could shatter their relationship. From a successful surgeon with a dark past, to a young couple expecting their first child amid accusations of infidelity, to high school sweethearts struggling with their suburban dream, and finally, a husband and wife whose failing business reflects their faltering marriage—each storyline offers potential for intrigue and emotional depth.

However, while the premise is intriguing, the book struggles to maintain momentum. The initial setup is captivating, pulling the reader in with the promise of secrets being unveiled and relationships put to the test. Yet as the story progresses, the pacing slows and the character development falters. Despite the potential for complex, multifaceted characters, it's hard to form an emotional connection with any of them. As their secrets are revealed, the lack of depth in their personalities makes it difficult to care about their fates or even the murder mystery that eventually surfaces.

The murder, which should have been a shocking twist, feels lackluster. The resolution is rushed, and the reveal of the culprit feels superficial, with motivations that don’t resonate. By the time the story reaches its climax, the reader's initial investment in the plot and characters has likely dwindled, and the final twist falls flat.

While the book starts with an exciting and unique premise, the lack of character connection and a disappointing conclusion ultimately undermine its potential. It’s an easy read with an interesting setup, but it may leave readers wanting more depth, suspense, and emotional engagement. If you enjoy reality TV-inspired dramas and light thrillers, it might be worth a try, but it doesn't deliver the intense suspense or satisfying payoff that its concept promises.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Marriage Test by Elie Manago, In The book we meet four LA couples all going to glass Island to be on a relationship rescue reality show. There’s Cain and Naomi the Christian couple, Lauren and Tristan she’s pregnant and desperate to be in love with Tristan and he’s there because he’s an aspiring actor and wants to use the show to gain popularity, there’s also Tatiana and Serena she’s a foot surgeon and Tatiana seems to be her entertainment and plaything and last, but definitely not least is Josh and Blanche their marriage is failing, as is his business but they’re all here because the show has 100% track record and supposedly they all want to rescue their relationship. Unfortunately most of them are hiding secrets and it’s mostly from the past but Blanche makes the bold move to have a new secret develop while she’s on the show as soon as she sees Tristan she gets the hots for him and he seems to really like her as well but at the same time seems over the moon for Lauren. The shells producer Marla zeros in on this like a ruthless heat seeking missile but that is an all she does they try to make the Christians in the group racist and homophobic as well as traipse out Lawrence infidelity but this is just the beginning once the murders start everyone is scared but the show must go on and it does, until even one of the therapist cannot stomach the duplicity Marla wants to dish out. If you like gossipy reality show horror stories then you will definitely like this book as I did for most of the book but I must be honest and say I was not happy with the way this book ended. I didn’t like Blanche and it seemed those that were being written as people we should dislike who are the ones are really dead like such as Kane Naomi josh Tatiana I also found it weird that when someone was murdered it was just like OMG another one bites the dust now let’s move on it was discussed but I DK I felt like something was lacking and I also thought that would be a different outcome for Julia but again IDK. I do love this authors books and find her writing style compelling and I do recommend this book I just didn’t find the ending as satisfying as I thought I would. #Bookoucher, #NetGalley, # EllieManago, #TheMarriageTest,

[Brittany Mowry · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review--3.5 Stars (Rounded up to 4 stars)

Pub Date: September 3, 2024

4 couples sequestered away on a tropical island to work on their relationships. A reality television show that promises to help them work on their relationships and marriages, however the producers are acting as puppet masters and know everyone's secrets. Who can be trusted and who can't?

The book moves between different POVs throughout multiple of the participants which is sometimes hard to keep track of, but helps the overall appeal of the book. The producer's motives aren't truly known throughout most of the book, I would say up until about 75% of the way through you truly believe they are there to help the participants and truly salvage their relationships. The therapists in the book are CRAZY. Their style of therapy is completely left field and I do not know anyone who would actually buy that this is real therapy. Its harsh, I'll say that.

When it comes to characters, few left a mark on me. I did not enjoy the main character Lauren much at all. She came off as a whiney, vulnerable young woman who wasn't really believable. I feel like no one in her position would do some of the things she found herself doing throughout the book. She needed to be written as more realistic. Blanche was a perfect villain, however, I found myself not liking her straight from the beginning, before any of the villainy actually started. Tristan wasn't realistic in how he treated the relationship in his relationship nor when it came to forgiveness, I feel there was so much more that could have been done with his character that what was--it left me wanting more. Tatiana was probably my most favorite character as she seemed the most down to earth and relatable of the bunch.

Overall I would recommend this book if you're looking for a tropical set thriller. It was a quick read, mostly easy to follow, and with a satisfying ending.

✨ Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Bookouture for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review ✨

[Joanna Lambert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four very different couples are chosen to appear on the reality show Relationship Rescue. Staying on Glass Island in the Caribbean, the couples will, at the end of the show, either opt to stay with each other or break up. The story is narrated from various viewpoints, and from the very start, some of the contestants are unhappy with Marla Regis, the executive producer. It is clear that her main aim is audience reaction, which sometimes is at odds with the four couples. The discovery of the body one of the participants on the beach throws the whole thing into turmoil.

I think the premise of the story was good, and in the light of the popularity of reality T V shows such as Love Island, gave the whole thing an interesting and relatable backdrop. The narrative from several character viewpoints, introduced us to the couples and showed their strengths and vulnerabilities. Despite this, I didn't warm to any of them and there were occasions when the story tended to drag. Marla certainly showed how unscrupulous she was, digging up secrets on each of them, only to broadcast these publicly, -sometimes with devastating results - all in the name of bumping up the ratings.

The murder (actually there are two) and the subsequent investigation by the police, give her even more opportunity to 'keep the cameras rolling'. The unmasking of the culprit and the ending seemed to arrive very quickly and the way the whole thing was eventually tied up left me feeling a little flat. I think followers of reality TV will enjoy this. However, although the whole thing is written well, it wasn't for me. When I read, I like to find at least one character I can empathise with. Sadly, on this occasion. there were none.

I would like to thank Bookouture, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Marriage Test in exchange for an honest review.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read where the story follows the path of four couples who enter a reality TV show named ‘Relationship Rescue’ which focuses on strengthening relationship bonds between couples. The book moves between the different POV’s of the characters and as the book progresses, we learn more about them and what has brought them to become a part of this. The filming of the show is quite short, only a week. There are two ‘relationship experts’ whose job is to interrogate the contestants, calling them out for bad behavior’s whilst supposedly assisting them in bolstering their unions. But do they cause more harm than good? of course they do, this is a TV show, and they want all the drama they can administer to increase ratings.

As we know in all reality shows, the cameras are always on, and microphones capture every word. The producer is hoping that secrets, betrayals, and the constant pressure in this environment will make for riveting TV and further her career. But for this to occur people will suffer, emotions are high and just when we think we know the ones we love sometimes we are in for a surprise. Then a murder occurs and soon mistrust will lead to several twists that affect the relationships of all involved.

Even though the concept of the book is different and engaging, it is not possible to really care for any of the characters and I think this did bring the book down. I was also disappointed in the end as I felt the way it resolved was in a rushed manner and the ‘culprit’ and their reasons for committing this crime to me seemed superficial.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Name of Book: The Marriage Test
Author: Ellie Monago
Genre: Domestic Psychological/Thriller
Publisher: Bookouture
Pub Date: September 3, 2024
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pages: 380

Four couples are participants on the TV show “Relationship Rescue” which talks place on a tropical island. The purpose of the show is - to save their marriages.
But the people behind the cameras know all their secrets so it appears all the marriages need to be rescued.

Who will pass this marriage test? Actually who will survive?
The Couples are:
• A surgeon and partner
• High school sweethearts
• A husband and wife running a successful business together.
• Lauren and Tristan a young couple who are expecting their first child and thrilled at become parents. However, Lauren make a comment sunder her breath – ‘What we aren’t – is in love!’.
(Although only four couples there are a lot of characters in this story but I was especially curious about these two.)


I have read several stories with this similar plot and was hoping for something ‘way’ different.
Although it kept me curious – it wasn’t ‘way different.

This is my third Ellie Monago and I am looking forward to her next story.

Thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 3, 2024

[Mackenzie Busalacchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marriage Test is a fast-paced, gripping, edge-of-your-seat locked-room thriller. Four couples are selected for season 3 of a popular reality tv series. While the first two seasons focused on happily-ever-afters for all of the couples, the show producer decided that, unknown to the contestants, season 3 would have a villain and a devastating breakup. As the couples get to know each other, secrets are revealed and betrayals come to light. Soon, no one knows who they can trust, including their loved ones. Then, when the drama seems to be at the max, one of the contestants is discovered dead on the beach. As the investigation remains ongoing, the contestants are forced to remain on the private island. With the cameras still rolling and social media obsessed with these game players, no one knows what will happen next.

The Marriage Test is told through multiple POVs, which adds to the fast-paced and exiting plot. The chapters are reasonably short and always end with a good cliff-hanger. None of the characters are overly likable; however, they are all well-developed and oddly interesting. Like I said, I didn't really like any of them but I wanted to know more about them. I definitely appreciated that the ending wasn't a nice, neat conclusion where everyone gets justice and the good guys win. It was somewhat open-ended and up for interpretation. This was my first book by Ellie Monago and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will definitely be reading more. This was an easy 5 stars!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reality tv show is going to be different. Different from the past two seasons. Different because some of the participants may know each other. Different because there are very dark, dangerous secrets hidden. Different because this year, some of the contestants refuse to play the producer’s games. And very different because this year, losers will leave the island… in a body bag.

The are four couples here to play the marriage counseling challenge, hoping to win prizes and have a better marriage. They are Cain (The Major) and Naomi, Tatiana and Zarine, Blanche and Joshua, and Lauren and Tristan. At first the couples follow the semi scripted instructions. These instructions seem planned to cause cheating among the couples and to force the secrets mentioned earlier to be aired. Couples are built up (Tristan and Lauren) to be fan favorites then pulled down (Lauren). Some secrets are too difficult to deal with and those lead to murder. Being trapped on an island, knowing there is a killer among you, could not possibly be part of the producers’ plan. Could It?

The Marriage Test is a quick read that looks at the underbelly of reality TV and how far people will go to be favorites and become influencers, possibly with their own shows. The isolated island location and the silently spying cameramen ad to the suspense. This is a fun, five star read.

Thank yo to NetGalley, Bookouture and Ellie Monago for this ARC.

[Amanda Varley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of reality TV like "Married at First Sight," this book will hook you right from the start. The plot revolves around four couples who sign up for a reality show to fix their relationships. But this isn’t the typical therapy sessions and challenges. There’s actual danger involved, and not everyone makes it out alive.

What I loved about the book initially was its reality show setting, which really drew me in. The story is told through the eyes of different characters, so you get to see the same events from multiple perspectives, which I found really interesting. The reality show actually ends halfway through the book. That’s when the real truth starts coming out, and while this twist was unexpected, I found myself a bit lost at times. There were references to events that hadn’t been fully explained earlier, which left me feeling like I’d missed something important.

The second half of the book shifts focus to what happens after the show, with investigations into the mysterious disappearances of some characters. This part felt a bit slow compared to the first half, but the ending tied things up nicely, which was a relief. Overall, it’s an engaging read about reality TV with a dark twist.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and author Ellie Monago for the opportunity to read and review this book as an ARC.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Marriage Test: A completely addictive and pulse-racing psychological thriller with a shocking twist by Ellie Monago is a gripping and intense exploration of the secrets that lie beneath the surface of seemingly perfect relationships. Set on a tropical island, the story follows four couples who believe they are participating in a reality TV show designed to save their marriages. 

Monago’s narrative is expertly crafted, with each couple’s storyline interwoven to create a complex and suspenseful plot. The characters are well-developed, each bringing their own unique issues and hidden pasts to the forefront.

The tropical island setting serves as a stark contrast to the underlying tension and deceit, enhancing the sense of isolation and vulnerability experienced by the characters.

The pacing of the novel is relentless, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Monago skillfully builds suspense, revealing secrets and betrayals at just the right moments to maintain a high level of tension throughout.

For fans of psychological thrillers, The Marriage Test is a must-read. Ellie Monago has delivered a compelling and addictive story that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. 

[Firetruckmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

For me, “The Marriage Test,” by Ellie Monago, is yet another reminder of why I don’t ever want to be on a reality TV program - and also why “reality TV” is really a huge misnomer. That being said, “The Marriage Test” is about four couples technically with marital or relationship issues. They all agree to “air it all” on a (heavily edited) TV show. The beginning opens with a bang that hooks one in. Then the backstory and introduction to the characters begins (including some of the production staff). It took me a while to keep the characters separate, although the chapters were headed with the character’s name I do wish that the “voice” had been slightly different for each character [maybe this is a time when an audio book would’ve helped!]. Once the murder happens, I felt like the book dragged on a bit too long with explanations, twists, and “who done it”s galore. I cannot even say I was satisfied by the ending - which was kinda sad because I was rather hoping for a more solid ending. I think if you like reality TV shows gone wrong (though some of the behind the scenes things seemed to be plausible), this might be a book you’d enjoy reading. It was a quick read.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy watching a reality show every now and again. The one I always make time for is Married at First Sight. Although the base is the same for every country, there a quite some differences. Some seem a lot more scripted than others. Some seem more like people coming on the show to promote their business or trying to get a job in the world of media. Some have down to earth people and some are like publicity shows for all kinds of products. 

How real is a reality show? If you have wondered about it, like I do, this will answer a lot of your questions.

The author alternates the points of view of different characters giving them the opportunity to voice their thoughts and this combined with short chapters makes it a fluent read. 

Secret after secret surfaces, each time throwing a different light on the characters. The twists seem to have twists and you need to pay proper attention in order to not miss out on anything. 

When someone stands by you, do they do it out of the kindness of their heart or do they have a hidden agenda..?

A well written story with interesting characters and a great setting. 4,5 stars

Thank you

[Samadhee Ismail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four couples in a reality TV show, to save their marriage an filmed in a tropical island. But what supposed to save their marriages becomes a nightmare when one of them gets murdered during the TV show and that one of them could be the suspect...

The plot of the story is interesting and intriguing. A reality TV show, couples with questionable past, lies, cheat deceit...it all adds up to a juicy TV show. Plus the fact that a murder takes place also seemed interesting. However, even though I liked the plot of the story, I found the whole story to be slightly slow burn and not interesting. The snippets of the interview between the detective and the producer is interesting although the first part of the book was boring. The characters are all unreliable and are told in different POVs. I do like the concept of using unreliable characters in the story but I felt it didn't really go well with the whole story. Despite the negativity, I do like the author's style of writing.

Overall this is worth 3 stars.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookoutes for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

[Patricia Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book will be a great read for fans of reality TV and social media but it wasn't really my cup of tea. Four self obsessed couples sign all their rights away to appear on a reality TV show and allow themselves to be manipulated in anyway the producers desire and require to make 'good telly'. The format for all reality TV I expect. However, things go wrong when murder interrupts the filming. Social media goes wild and the producer uses the murder as an excuse to extend her TV programme. I think my main problem with the book came from the fact that I couldn't warm to any of the participants despite their constant repositioning and character changes. In some ways I suppose this means the author was doing a good job! There were some clever twists during the search for the murderer but I found the ending very sudden and dissatisfying. I did finish the book but found it hard going so it's a 3* review from me. Others may well enjoy it more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent read that picked up pacing in the 2nd half. It centers on 4 couples who are on a reality show in the Caribbean to try to save their marriages. You learn more about each couple and their relationship problems during the first half; then, when a murder occurs, you get to see their reactions to the situation. I preferred the second half that contained the mystery.

It look me a while to keep all the characters straight. The chapters alternate between characters and I don’t feel that any of their voices were all that distinct. I had to keep stopping to remind myself who was paired up with who. None of the characters was all that likable but I didn’t really mind. I kept changing my mind on who the murderer was, and thought the overall twists were good. I liked the way it ended, as there were surprises up to the end.

Overall, decent read once I finally got into it with some good twists. I’m not a big reality show person but I bet those who are will like it even more. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.