Coupling Up

by Jo Lyons

A brilliantly funny, feel-good romantic comedy from Jo Lyons, perfect for fans of Portia MacIntosh, Abby Jimenez and Love Island !

The most adventurous thing unlucky-in-love primary school teacher Libby has done this year is buy an air fryer. So when she finds herself trading places with her twin sister during the summer holidays, to be a contestant on reality TV show Love on the Island, she is way out of her comfort zone.

Jetting off to a villa in Mexico full of promiscuous muscle-mountains coupling up with glamorous women with frozen foreheads and hidden agendas, and a she-devil executive producer hellbent on exposing her to ridicule, should be her worst nightmare but somehow Libby does end up catching feelings... for the one guy who is forbidden fruit. Gorgeous, sexy, show producer Cameron.

Suddenly Libby's summer is picking up. But she'll be kicked off the show and lose her chance with Cameron unless she learns how to become a crazed, fame-hungry, media whore… and fast.

Yes, love is about staying true to yourself. But it's also about taking risky leaps of faith.

And if true love is the prize, has she got what it takes to win?

Audible Audio

Expected publication May 15, 2026

Reviews

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

Coupling Up by Jo Lyons, Louise and Libby are twin sisters roommates and best friends Louise has been dating tyrone and he’s recently moved in while Libby loses her job and her boyfriend at the same time. Louise was picked to be on Love Island and Tyrone being a lawyer is trying to get her out of it and newly single Libby decides to prove her boyfriend wrong that she isn’t a stick in the mud she’s going to spontaneously decide to go to Love Island so Louise doesn’t have to go. During the interview section before they get officially picked Libby cannot believe how hot Cameron one of the producers is and she is instantly in love. when everyone arrives on Love Island Libby doesn’t know it but someone else has their eye on Cameron and when she learns Libby also likes him tries to make her privately and publicly suffer she looks like the worst ho bag and messiest character ever to exist on a reality show. Not all is what it seems though because not only does Libby have feelings for Cameron he has feelings for her as well. Do not read this book if you take your literary reading as a personal persona because this was written for shits and giggles and that’s exactly what you’re going to do giggle throughout the whole book. I didn’t like the bathroom humor at all but I know the way we speak in America in the way British people are comfortable speaking are two different things. I did feel the revenge part was much to do about nothing because I thought it would make a bigger splash but as I said if you love to laugh and love books involving reality shows then you will probably like this one there’s some Insta love and a couple of unnecessary sex acts but they’re not long in one page should get you past it. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Case · Rating 2 out of 5]

To me, summer reads are supposed to be fun. Lots of sun, pools, bad decisions, and a little bit of chaos. So a reality TV romance set somewhere hot sounded like the perfect escape, and I was pretty happy to get a chance to pick up Coupling Up where the newly single and unemployed Libby takes her twin’s place on a Love Island–type show and ends up tangled in a bit of a forbidden romance with one of the producers. Easy drama, built-in tension, lots of potential.

And to be fair, the start delivers on that. It’s fast, very consumable, and easy to fall into. If you’re just looking for something quick and a bit chaotic, it does hook you early.

Libby is written as quirky and relatable, and I kinda liked her until her entire personality became reliant on being obsessed with Cam (after a single 5 min phone call). From there most of her decisions feel impulsive at best and completely baffling at worst. It’s hard to root for a main character who doesn’t seem to understand the world she’s in or show much interest in even trying to, especially when that character is a teacher.

Cam doesn’t balance that out either. He’s nice, he’s hot, he’s patient… and that’s about it. The book keeps insisting there’s this intense connection between them, but it never really builds it, so the romance ends up feeling one-sided or maybe just a lot of pent up lust.

All that is a bit annoying but the bit that really started bugging me the most was actually the tone. This book lives and dies by its reality TV setting, but it doesn’t seem to actually like reality TV or the people who watch it. The contestants are exaggerated into caricatures of just hot dumb grown-up children, the drama feels convoluted snd forced rather than fun, and the structure of the show makes less sense the more you think about it. The whole thing ends up feeling oddly condescending, like it’s poking fun at this genre of TV and everyone who likes it while still expecting you to buy into it as the only plot.

And that disconnect shows up everywhere. The dialogue and references don’t really match the supposed age group (Coldplay obsession??) and the humour leans heavily on awkward bodily-function jokes. By the time the conflict really ramps up, it’s less fun mess and more throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks. Events happen quickly, logic is optional, and the whole thing starts to feel more like a string of chaotic ideas than a cohesive story.

I can absolutely see what the light, dramatic, escapist romance with a bit of behind-the-scenes reality TV intrigue that this was trying to be, but the humour and insta-love plot weren’t for me. If you’re in the mood for something quick, unhinged, and don’t mind rolling with the chaos, this might be a good read for you.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Sannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story follows Libby, a teacher who just lost her job and her boyfriend at the same time. She lives with her twin sister Lois and she gets to know that her sister's fiancé Tyron has decided to move in with her sister and also that her sister is selected for a reality TV show 'Love on the Island' which she auditioned for earlier and is not interested in joining anymore. While Tyron is trying to figure out a way to get Lois out of the show's contract, Libby impulsively decides to go on the show in place of her sister in order to provide some privacy to the love birds and also to prove her ex that she isn't that boring. While on a videocall with one of the producers of the show, Cameron, Libby instantly falls for him and he becomes another motivation for her to go on the show.

This is a fun summer read. It's funny and full of drama and is a fast read. What didn't work for me was the insta-love between the main leads. The connection didn't feel real, it just felt like lust. There was not as much build up of there connection and bond as it was described to be there which just made the bond look forced. Didn't really like how the FMC was basically a simp for the MMC since the moment she laid her eyes on him. And there was so much unnecessary praise for the MMC every minute that it just felt like a way to justify the insta-love.
Another thing I didn't like about Libby was how she was judging the her female co-contestants for being smitten over the male contestants after meeting them for like five minutes while she herself was instantly in love with Cameron the moment she lead eyes on him in the video call.
I liked reading about the behind-the-scenes and the drama involved in reality shows like Love Island but I think it's not for the fans of these shows given the way the show is described and portrayed. Most of the contestants were showcased as superficial and dumb who didn't really care about genuine connections.

If you are looking for a fun, unhinged and quick summer read, you can go for this. But I wouldn't recommend it to someone who hates insta-love and lack of deep connection between the main leads.

Thank you so much Net Galley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book.

[Charlee Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for my digital ARC. I selected this one based on a fun cover and interesting and light rom-com synopsis.

Who may enjoy this one… someone looking for a rom com that’s light, quick, and filled with love at first sight, mistaken identity, and reality tv lovers. If you like Bridget Jones’ Diary, it’s got those vibes with a British female lead. And a she’s all that energy of FMC who is super hot and amazing and has no idea.

SPOILERS… Not a personal favorite because I didn’t like how rapidly they fell in love and voiced that they loved each other and wanted to love in together after a week with writing that for me only supported lust. I found the FMC unlikable. She read like a mid-life matron who was actually a 26 year old who is a self-made virgin who is on fire instantly for one dude. It felt like to make the instant love story work, the author went to the extremes of writing every five seconds how absolutely perfect the MMC and how ridiculous or evil every other person was. It clearly was a book for fans of reality tv and the authors note said she had a connection to a Love Island participant so perhaps the drama was closer to reality than it read, but it seemed to be a mockery of reality shows and the types of people that go on them more than a for the fans. Finally, I struggled with enjoying all the awkward bathroom and digestive issues commentary. I want a little removal from reality with romances not discussing immediately with your love interest about your IBS - and maybe some was lost in translation for me and a British audience would hit more with the voice and phrases that aren’t common in the USA that may be funnier or better understood. The FMC spoke as a character from England, but the rest of the characters presumably not from England and specifically one from Canada all also said things not common to non-London residents which made it less realistic for me.

[P.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

After losing her job and getting dumped over text, Libby learns that her identical twin's fiancee is moving in with them. They also learn that her sister, Lois, has earned a spot on Love on the Island, a reality show that her fiancee and Libby take turns watching with her because they both hate it. While her lawyer fiancee is trying to figure out a way to get her out of the contract she signed, Libby decides to switch places with her. This will get her out of the house so the lovebirds get some alone time and show her ex that she can be impulsive and fun. As soon as she FaceTimes with one of the producers, Cameron, she is smitten. But relationships between the staff and contestants is forbidden and the executive producer also has a thing for Cameron. So when she suspects that Libby and Cameron are closer than they claim, she immediately puts Libby on the show and does her best to make her look like the slutty villain.

While I did think that the relationship between Libby and Cameron went from 0 to 100 pretty quickly - especially since their times together were limited, I loved the humor and reality tv craziness. I don't particularly like watching those types of shows, but reading about it behind the scenes was entertaining. I found it interesting that the author mentions in her note that the book was inspired by her niece being on a similar show. This is an entertaining, hysterical read that's a perfect palate refresher.

Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Jo Lyons for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[The Lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

​I am giving Coupling Up by Jo Lyons a 3-star review. ⭐⭐⭐
​I enjoyed this read, but no more than that. While it was an entertaining experience, I don’t think I’ll remember what this book was about by the end of the year.
​A big thank you to NetGalley, the author Jo Lyons, and the publisher for providing this eARC. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
​The Review
​The story centers around a high-stakes reality TV dating show where the contestants must navigate the "ultimate game" of love. We follow Libby and Cameron as they deal with the cameras, the competition, and their own growing connection. Overall, the story is funny and fast-paced, which made for a lighthearted reading experience.
​The Good
​Libby is a good FMC and Cameron is a good MMC; they both serve their roles well within the plot. The pacing is a major strength here, as the book moves quickly and keeps the humor consistent throughout the "game". If you are looking for a quick, "beach read" style romance that doesn't demand too much emotional heavy lifting, this fits the bill perfectly.
​The Not So Good
​Despite the leads being "good," I didn't actually fall in love with any of the characters. The connection felt a bit surface-level for me, to the point where I can't even find a specific quote from the book to highlight like I usually do. It lacked that certain "spark" or memorable depth that transforms a fun read into a lasting favorite.

[Liz Sturg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC read from NetGalley. The FMC just got dumped by her boy friend, she lost her teaching job, what else could possibly go wrong?? Oh yeah, her twin sisters fiance is moving in. But the light at the tunnel is that a year before her twin had applied to a love contest and she was selected to participate only problem is that her sister has a fiancé so what does the FMC do? She pretends she is her sister and go ahead with the show which is set in Mexico. She falls for the MMC who is the producer of the show and they try to keep it under wraps but with her no selecting men on the show to go on dates or spend the night with the contestants and director are becoming suspicious not to mention that she knows where the blind spots are on the show from overhearing the crew. The MMC and her finally give in and know that they have to be together but she doesn't want to him to loose his job. Turns out the crew has some dirt on the director and she can no longer blackmail them into not being together! I enjoyed the book and the awkward and funniness of the FMC on the show!

[Bárbara Araújo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited about this book because the premise felt fresh and different from the usual stories—and it definitely delivered an enjoyable read overall. That said, there were a few aspects that felt a bit far-fetched to me.

Libby is craving a break and some adventure in her life, which leads her to join a “Love on the Island”-style reality show. This setup was genuinely fun, and I especially loved the twist of her falling for someone who isn’t actually a contestant. Cameron is such a charming and endearing character, and he added a lot of warmth to the story.

However, the romance developed a little too quickly for my taste. Their connection jumps to love and major life decisions in a way that didn’t feel fully earned, making it harder to stay completely immersed in their journey.

Overall, I still enjoyed the book for its unique concept and engaging characters, even if the pacing of the romance didn’t entirely work for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this ARC.

[Megan O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fun dumb time this was!!!!! I love any book set in a reality tv world, in this case on Love (on the) Island!

When British schoolteacher gets dumped and her engaged twin gets cast on the show, she decides to take her place, not realizing what a mess she was stepping into! From villainous showrunners, to charming producers, to dumb dumb men and two dimensional women, to silly challenges in slutty costumes, this has allllll the trappings of the show it’s based on. Now is this a super book with strong character development and a plot that always makes sense? Nope - but that’s part of its charm! It’s fun, goofy, and the perfect lighthearted summer read. Now let’s get excited for next month and our new islanders!!

Thanks so much to Jo Lyons and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea for Coupling Up, and the story started well. But once we got to the reality tv show, the story seemed to be one big dose of chaos and I thought it just seemed a bit too far fetched. As someone who has not watched any shows like the one portrayed in this book, I think I am probably the wrong person to be reviewing it.
Overall the main characters Libby and Cameron were likeable and it would be perfect for a quick summer read - for the right reader!
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc for review.

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and BoldWood Books for the early readers copy of Couplin’ Up in exchange for my opinion.

2.5⭐️

I’m a huge fan of Love Island, so this book was a no brainer for me to read. I do remember though when I was at about 40% into the book, I actually thought it was almost done and then realized it most certainly was not. My struggles were mostly with the Villa scenes. The connection between Libby and Cameron was fine, but rushed. I don’t know. I just didn’t love it.

[Cami · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oof… this was kinda rough. I get the point with the “Love Island” comparisons, but it just felt really cringey the whole time. The plot felt super abrupt and piecey. I got the idea of it, I just think the execution wasn’t for me.