I’ve read and enjoyed all of Sophie Cousen’s novels and her upcoming release is no exception. She continually delivers a heartfelt rom-com with sharp writing, well-defined characters and a compelling story. Cousens referred to 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝗪𝐚𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮 (Pub 11.18) as her most insane book yet, and "whoa nelly" she was not kidding. 

There were 3 stand out elements that hooked me:
*Magical realism with an AI bend.* Middle aged characters dealing with "growth crises" that feel fresh and authentic. 
* Completely new spin on a love triangle

It's one of those books that blends levity and humor with heft. The characters are endearing & authentic.  I would categorize this as 'romance adjacent". Light on the steam.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to read this wonderful book in advance! ❤️

To begin, I would like to highlight that Sophie Cousens has recently become one of my favorite authors, which made the experience of reading this novel feel like a true gift. From the very first pages, I found myself identifying with the protagonist, as we both struggle with dating and using dating apps. In today’s world, finding genuine connections has become increasingly difficult 💔. Thus, when she decided to take the test to discover her perfect match and he actually appeared, I anticipated a brilliant plot twist the revelation that Rob, in fact, ✨does not exist✨. While some might have walked away upon learning that he was a robot, Chloe’s choice to embrace this adventure was both engaging and endearing.

This is a story that manages to be funny and heartwarming, while also offering subtle reflections on life. I greatly admire the author’s ability to balance humor, warmth, and depth so seamlessly. Moreover, the unconventional romance portrayed here became one of the most memorable and delightful I have ever read ❤️ a concept I truly loved.

As usual, the author has created a charming love story. This one features Chloe who, at 31, isn’t where she thought she would be in life. She had aspirations of being an actress but is instead working as a PA and living with her parents. Her college writing partner is now a famous director living in Hollywood. She dreads facing him at their ten-year reunion at Oxford so she signs up for a mysterious dating service that promises to match her with her perfect man. As she gets to know her perfect man, Chloe feels an unexpected yearning for an imperfect man and someone she may have overlooked in the past.

This is a cute story though it felt a bit rushed at times. I also wanted a bit more chemistry between Chloe and her love interest(s). Still, an enjoyable lighthearted read. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Ok, wow. I did not see that coming. Without giving much away, I think this definitely brings up some important conversations. Probably not my favorite romance book, but I was entertained and binged it!

This story was very interesting. I wasn’t expecting it! Let me try to review it without giving anything away. Chloe is feeling lost in her life. Her peers expected big things from her, but life didn’t turn out the way she wanted. When she receives an invite for her college 10-year reunion, she starts to panic. She’s expecting to run into her former best friend, Sean, whom she hasn’t spoken to since he tried to turn their friendship romantic. Sean is now a successful director, while Chloe’s acting and writing career didn’t pan out. To cope with her anxiety, Chloe enlists the help of Rob, a match from a relationship service, to be her fake boyfriend for the reunion. Rob is incredibly perfect, but he’s also hiding a secret of his own. Along the way, Chloe reunites with composer John, a part of her theater friend group that she lost touch with. The weekend is filled with reconnecting with old friends, pretending to be in a romantic relationship, and blossoming feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read. It was completely unpredictable and kept me guessing throughout the book. I had mixed feelings about Chloe. I was rooting for her, but I wasn’t sure if I liked her. However, the other characters made up for it. This modern love triangle is devoid of any spice, with only one somewhat vague and non-descriptive closed door scene. Overall, this is a book that I recommend checking out.

Thank you, Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

This was a surprisingly really good romance. The way it started I was thinking it was taking a sci-fi approach which I was not going to be a fan of but as it progressed I really loved it. I loved the overall message of the story too. The idea this could be dating in the future is insane!!
But the fact that so many people compare their lives to what they see is such an important message too.

I also really loved her explanation of this story in the authors note. The fact she scrapped her idea twice and this was the outcome I think was really a great decision.

I have loved so many of Sophie’s books. I’m so thankful to have gotten an early copy from NetGalley and Putnam Books!! All views are my own! Releases Nov 18th!!

As always I enjoyed Sophie Cousens writing, but the sci-fi aspect just wasn’t for me. I could see others enjoying it more though!

This one is a tricky one to review. Sophie Cousens is one of my favorite contemporary authors.. so when I tell you I SCREAMED when I got this ARC! Initially, it took me awhile to get into the whole plot set up. Once the ball got rolling though Sophie never fails with her realistic characters and effortlessly warm character dialogue. She’s just never not cozy you know?

The fake dating trope is generally a winner for me, but unfortunately this one wasn’t. I don’t want to say much to avoid spoilers, but I just couldn’t get on board with the (fake) boyfriend character. I think the premise will ultimately be a hit or a miss with readers and I just happened to fall in the latter category. If you’ve enjoyed Sophie Cousens’ books in the past, you’ll find similarly hopeful, light and funny writing - it’s just a question of whether you can connect with one of the main characters.

Thanks to @netgalley and @putnam for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Releases November 18, 2025.

I am a huge fan of Sophie Cousens and genuinely not expecting the AI element and it worked for me. Really loved Chloe, she felt very well rounded and the ending was good but a little too quick.

Sophie Cousens delivered another engaging contemporary rom-com, balancing heartfelt emotion with light humor and a touch of self-discovery.

And Then There Was You centered on Chloe Fairway, 31, who was stuck living with her parents after a breakup and felt her life wasn’t going as planned. She was dreading her college reunion and the prospect of seeing her ex–best friend Sean Adler, now a successful director, she hires a mysterious dating service that matches her with Rob, the seemingly perfect plus-one. But over the weekend, Chloe began to question both Rob’s perfection and her own pursuit of an idealized life, she then realized that she needed to redefine what truly mattered to her.

I really enjoy Sophie Cousens’s writing style—it blends warmth, humor, and emotional depth in a way that makes her stories both entertaining and meaningful. Having read This Time Next Year and Is She Really Going Out With Him, I went into her newest release with high expectations, and And Then There Was You absolutely lived up to them.

What drew me in most were the core themes—personal growth, facing old regrets, questioning the allure of perfection, and reimagining what success really means. I also really enjoyed Cousens’s narrative style; her witty, heartfelt dialogue struck a great balance between humor and emotional depth. The characters themselves were another highlight. Chloe felt witty, self-deprecating, and wonderfully relatable in her vulnerability. Rob, the polished date she hired through the matchmaking service, was charming and seemingly flawless, while Sean, her former best friend and crush, carried the weight of unfinished business and genuine emotional honesty. I especially loved how Chloe’s dynamic with Rob contrasted so sharply with her dynamic with Sean. With Rob, their connection reflected illusion and her insecurities, whereas with Sean, the bond was raw, authentic, and a reminder that true connection is about acceptance, not perfection.

All in all, this was an engaging read—perfect for anyone who enjoys stories about self-discovery, revisiting the past, and reshaping expectations. This is a book that will mostly likely resonate with you.

Thanks Net Galley and Putnam for an advance copy in exchange for my feedback.

It took me a little while to get into this story, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. I would describe this book as a sci-fi romantic comedy, so if that’s not your preferred genre, it may not be your cup of tea. I found myself rooting for Chloe and really appreciated the way she grew and developed throughout the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely LOVED this book. This was so good I finished it all in a day! At some points this book had me literally laughing out loud. This is the a beautifully done perfect Sophie Cousens book. This felt very on brand with her other books, and I loved the theme of a secret agency that sets you up with an AI robot as a "perfect partner." The whole book was a very fun ride as the mishaps, and nostalgia of going to a college reunion and seeing old friends brings up varies emotions. Life is perfectly imperfect, and the ending was absolutely perfection and is such a feel good story the whole way through.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Such a great read with a fun twist!! This book gave me the feel of a classic romcom, I loved it!! It felt real and relatable, I think we have all been in Chloe’s shoes at some point!

Sophie Cousens really knows how to apply modern and futuristic together to make a jaw droppingly bizarre yet hilarious romance. The AI element is something any age could laugh about. I am positive now more than ever that I could never be a modern dating woman. I am only 33 but this made me terrified. Better hang on tight to my husband LOL

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

The good news is this was genuinely, one of the first plot twists I did not see coming! The human male love interest (loving how I have to differentiate) was actually pretty surprising as you are led to believe this is almost a second chance romance with Sean. It turning out to be John was actually rather clever and subtle.

Not so good news, the first 1/2 of this book reads as sci-fi satire, while the latter reads as an ironic romance. While I can give props to the author for a very unique premise, I was not into the whole AI boyfriend as a plot device to introduce fake dating and the ‘ol miscommunication trope.

Our main character is pretty insufferable and depressing to read about. Enter a secret dating service and the curtain falls to reveal a ROBO boyfriend! The main character suddenly realizes how sad and pathetic her life is, but with the introduction of a boss-mandated class reunion, she’s desperate to appear like she’s got something going for her, Robo boyfriend to the rescue! This half of the book could easily be think piece on modern day AI taking over the world and a real look at the average state of men and dating. (Google the “male loneliness epedemic” and you’ve nailed it on the head with the first two chapters alone)

Unfortunately the remainder of this book plays out just how a fake dating trope/friends to strangers to lovers might play out, just with a robot boyfriend.

The authors note makes me so sad, because the first and even second iterations of this would have been SO much better. I wish she would have taken a chance in a new genre because this was the shadow of what could have been.

I can’t stop thinking about this one. Such an unusual premise and thought provoking in light of all the technology we encounter today and the complexity of human relationships. I really enjoyed the story and seeing where it went.

I have read and enjoyed Sophie Cousens books before and I enjoyed this one as well. It has a different twist in it that I haven't seen done in books before.

Sophie Cousens has quickly become one of my favorite authors. All of her characters are so real, and Chloe was the same; she was perfectly flawed, and her loneliness resonates with me. This book raises an interesting issue that may arise in the future: AI companions and their supposed benefits and downsides. Rob was perfect, but sometimes perfect is not what you need. John was such a unique and unsuspecting love interest, I didn't realise that he was the "Second Chance romance". I loved that he was the 'Imp', but let her believe it was someone else. This is a story about the quiet type of love, one that is steady and has always been there.

I love Sophie Cousens she’s an auto buy for me. This is a sweet story but I didn’t need Rob. Would have been fine with just Sean and John. I think the story could still have the same growth for Chloe without the AI angle