This book made me laugh out loud.
A nice light read with well developed characters.
I loved the feminism themes

"The Shelf" initially promised a captivating blend of TV reality shows like "The Big Brother" and "Love Island," exploring gender roles through dumped girlfriends vying to be the "perfect girlfriend." However, the novel disappoints on multiple fronts. The exaggerated portrayal of the show's organizers and host as flagrant chauvinists becomes a tedious distraction, overshadowing the intended satire. The characters, relegated to predictable clichés, lack emotional depth, rendering it difficult for readers to invest in their fates. The humor, intended to be a highlight, falls flat, being both over-the-top and unrelatable.

While the feminist counterpoint is acknowledged as a positive, it fails to counterbalance the pervasive negatives. The exploration of sexism and feminism becomes diluted amid the book's reliance on stereotypes, cheap jokes, and an excessive focus on sexism. Despite initial excitement, "The Shelf" ultimately squanders its potential.

Helly Acton’s debut novel, “The Shelf,” is a delightful rom-com that will have readers laughing out loud and swooning with delight. With its witty humor, relatable characters, and heartwarming storyline, this book earns its well-deserved four-star rating.

The story centers around Amy, who finds herself unexpectedly dumped on national TV. Determined to prove her ex wrong and regain her confidence, she embarks on a quest to complete the infamous “shelf challenge” - finding a partner within a month. What follows is a hilarious journey of self-discovery, filled with outrageous dating escapades and unexpected twists.

One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in Acton’s comedic writing. The author infuses the narrative with sharp, clever humor that elicits genuine laughter. From witty banter to comedic mishaps, “The Shelf” strikes the perfect balance between hilarity and heartfelt moments, leaving readers entertained and fully invested in Amy’s romantic misadventures.

The characters in “The Shelf” are wonderfully relatable and endearing. Amy’s determination, vulnerability, and self-deprecating humor make her an engaging protagonist. The supporting cast, including her eclectic group of friends and quirky potential suitors, adds depth and charm to the story. Acton effortlessly captures the dynamics of friendship, showcasing the importance of support and camaraderie in navigating the ups and downs of love and life.

The romance aspect of the book is both sweet and satisfying. As Amy navigates the dating world, readers are treated to a range of humorous encounters and romantic entanglements that keep them guessing until the very end. The author skillfully crafts chemistry and tension between characters, delivering swoon-worthy moments that will make rom-com enthusiasts’ hearts flutter.

While “The Shelf” is an undeniably entertaining read, some readers may find the plot predictable or wish for further depth in certain storylines and character arcs. However, the novel’s laugh-out-loud humor and heartwarming moments more than make up for any minor shortcomings.

In conclusion, “The Shelf” is a laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming rom-com that delivers on its promise of entertainment. Acton’s witty writing, relatable characters, and feel-good storyline make this book a joy to read. If you’re seeking a lighthearted and hilarious escape, “The Shelf” is a delightful choice that deserves its four-star rating. Prepare to laugh, swoon, and root for Amy as she discovers that love may be found in the most unexpected places.

I was a bit apprehensive about reading this book, having seen some reviews, but I'm glad to say I really enjoyed it. I loved the idea of the reality big brother-esque TV show and adored the feisty, empowered women the show captured and formed even more. A fun and quick read.

According to her Instagram and Facebook feeds, all of Amy's friends are getting married or having children. Amy feels as though everyone's lives are moving forward except for her.

Amy's boyfriend surprises her with a a holiday to a mystery location and Amy is positive that he is going to finally propose. But he doesn't. Instead, Amy finds herself on a brand new reality TV show called The Shelf where she is dumped on live TV. Along with five other women who find themselves in the same predicament they must all take part in loads of humiliating tasks to see which of the women will be voted "The Keeper".

At first I absolutely hated this book and found myself wondering why I was wasting my time reading it. I thought it was going to be along the line of Bridget Jones / Shopaholic which would just show us how little women are worth without a man or children.

I was soon pleasantly surprised to find this novel full of feisty women who make no apologies for being who they are and what they want.

I don't want to give any spoilers but I was a little disappointed with the ending but only because I felt it a little too neat and tidy.

This was a very fun concept: a reality TV show in which women have been put onto without their knowledge by their (mostly) awful partners as a way of dumping them. Sounds awful right now but from it comes female empowerement and the revelation that you don't need a shitty relationship to make your life complte and best be on your own and happy than miserable in order to comform to what social media and society are pressuring you to think is the norm. A funny read that kept me entertained.

Laugh-out-loud funny, authentic and empowering, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I also recommend the audio version, narrated brilliantly by Daisy Edgar-Jones. Helly Acton has written a brilliant celebration of female friendship and solidarity. "The Shelf" is turbo-charged girl power in book form!

A light hearted, sometimes funny read which will appeal to the reality tv generation ie Big Brother watchers.

Wish I'd read this sooner.
Not the type of book I usually read but I really enjoyed this and couldn't put it down.

Hotly anticipated read for singletons and not-so-singletons everywhere!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this book in exchange for my feedback.

I loved this book, finished it in a day. Original story, funny, great characters, will
Be looking out for more by the author

This was very nearly perfect for me and I am just sorry it took me so long to read it!! What a fantastic author Helly Acton is

Love Island meets Big Brother.

The Shelf is a new TV show where women are brought on, broken up with in front of millions and taught ways in which they can improve themselves to satisfy the wants of men. Sounds sexist and ridiculous but Amy and her new found friends take it all in their stride, turning it into a positive experience full of girl power and female empowerment.

I loved this book! I thought it was such a unique and quirky idea for a book and I literally could not wait to see how it ended up. It left me feeling empowered and delighted to see how all the female characters formed friendships with one another becoming eachother’s biggest supporters.
Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

In The Shelf, Amy finds herself on a Big Brother-style reality TV show where a group of women are put together in a house, immediately after their partners have split up with them. They have to compete to be ruled ‘The Keeper’ – the ‘perfect’ woman who fits misogynistic ideals. I was disappointed by this and found the storyline very slow. I listened to the audiobook (read by Daisy Edgar Jones) but sadly I doubt I would have continued with it if I’d been reading the book itself. It worked as background listening for chores and walks but I wasn’t very engaged and, for me, its commentary on reality TV shows was far from groundbreaking.

I did not finish this. I found it to be really miserable and I don’t need that in my life at the moment. I disliked the wallowing and the sexism so couldn’t carry on.

'The Shelf' by Helly Acton is a contemporary piece of fiction, aiming to make a cultural commentary on the expectations that society has of women having a sole purpose of reproduction and motherhood, and the ridiculous notion of adult women being considered to have a 'shelf life' as though they are (quite literally) a carton of eggs that need using before they reach their use-by date.

This story follows the journey of freelance copywriter Amy Wright as she attempts to navigate her role of reality TV show contestant on 'The Shelf', and the new-found fame that it brings, whilst also dealing with the fall-out from her unexpected break-up and what it will mean for her life moving forward.

I was so intrigued by this reality show concept, it's something that I haven't really seen done before and I am a big fan of contemporary works that revolve around the idea of social media or reality tv shows, so I genuinely thought I would really enjoy it. I did start and finish the book in the same day, and it captured my interest long enough to be the first whole book I've read in just under a year- so its not that I didn't like it- there's just something about it that is a bit 'off' to me. Some readers have interpreted this book to be satire, as they believe that the characters and the whole concept of the reality show is so bizarre that it couldn't be anything else, but I could genuinely see a show like 'The Shelf' being made, and it being quite popular too.

This book certainly made some interesting points, it has a unique concept, and it is quite an easy read (once you get past the instant desire to rage quit at any scene that involves one of the male characters saying anything at all), but ultimately I don't think that I would be reaching for it again any time soon, and for that reason it receives a 3/5 from me.

Thirty-two-year-old Amy is feeling the pressure to get married and have children.
She has been in a relationship with her boyfriend, Jamie, for two years. When Jamie springs a surprise holiday on Amy, she thinks that he is finally about to propose.
However, instead of finding herself on a beach, Amy is suddenly on the set of a new reality show called The Shelf where Amy and several other women are dumped live on TV. Amy must compete with her new housemates to reach the final and be named The Keeper by taking part in degrading tasks.
Can Amy learn to love herself again?
Who will be crowned The Keeper?

Contemporary books can be hit or miss for me, but I ended up enjoying The Shelf.
I am glad that The Shelf is not an actual show, because the basis of it was so sexist and demeaning that it infuriated me.
The contestants on the show had different personalities and views, so it was interesting to see how they interacted.
Amy was a likeable and relatable protagonist. I enjoyed reading her journey.
The writing style was easy to follow and I found that I read the book fairly quickly.
While I wasn't blown away by this book, I did enjoy it and it made me think about the pressure we can sometimes put on ourselves to reach certain milestones such as marriage and having children.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.

This book, to put it frankly, was perfection!.
I loved the storyline right from the start, and found myself well and truly hooked until the end. My heart really went out to poor Amy, when her apparent relationship with Jamie comes to a very sudden, and unexpected end. When Jamie dumps her, Amy finds herself being left on a reality TV show called The Shelf, and that is where the story really takes flight!.

A funny, heart warming read about a group of women who are forced together on a reality show, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone!.

This was a frustrating read, as there were certainly feminist aspects to this but unfortunately it didn’t outweigh the sexist elements of the story - often undermining the feminist elements. I can certainly see what the author was trying to do but because the sexist elements were so strong in this, that they are my lasting memory of this. There were also just too many cliches and stereotypes.

Not one I would have finished if I hadn’t been sent it to review.

This was a bit of a twist on the reality tv programmes, one which I’m pretty sure wouldn’t be able to actually happen in real life.

I loved this story and the way the female characters dealt with what had happened to them. The tasks they were given make for hilarious reading, especially the one featuring dolls.

The ending was so well done. Definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a lighthearted read but at the same time wants to join in with a little bit of bashing the opposite sex.