Thought provoking in many ways; mostly about the value/consequences of AI as a means to fill the desire for human connections. The friends storyline is lovely and plays out well with a satisfying conclusion.
Might be my favorite of SC’s books.

2⭐️ - not for me

This review may contain MILD spoilers. I was debating whether or not to use the tag, but I don’t think any of this really ruins the story, so read on at your own risk.

This was really not for me. I pushed through this for the review but I nearly DNF’d it several times. The blurb for this on both NetGalley and here on Goodreads I think is intentionally misleading, and I think for the sake of the reader there should be a disclaimer about the use of AI in this book. Not everyone wants to read about technology when they think they’re going into a sweet romance, and I personally wouldn’t have picked this up if it was mentioned. I see why the author did what she did, I just don’t personally agree with it.

I was thrown off immediately by the ChatGPT quote in the epigraph. I read an uncorrected proof so maybe it won’t be in the final copy, but that immediately made me wary of this book. Same with the above about the declaration, I think the author obviously did this to match the book, I just think the AI content/discussions disclaimer should be in the book description.

Other than my issue with the non-disclosure of the true topic of this book, I had some other problems with the story. First off, the FMC has a sex dream about WALL-E, which I found disturbing. There are so many robot icons out there, and you chose the lovable and dorky Disney character? Seriously? That was not a vision I needed, and I think picking another well known adult movie robot would have been a better choice.

I also have a HUGE issue with the choice to make Richard the dog a fake “support animal”. When John first goes to get on the bus and the driver asks for a certification, that really irked me. There is no such thing as a certification for a service animal! Emotional support animals are also NOT service dogs! Service dogs are trained to perform a task such as alerting to high heart rate or allergen detection, and thus are granted public access. “Emotional support” is not a real task, and your dog shouldn’t have public access. Calling your pet a “support animal” so you can take it places is a huge problem for real service dog handlers, and leads to access issues for real service dogs. I think this plot point should be removed entirely, as even John admits it’s wrong! This just perpetuates the idea that it’s okay to lie about your dog being a “support animal” because you don’t want to be without them, which harms real service dogs trained to perform life-saving tasks for their handlers. Please, Sophie Cousens, before this book releases change the plot of Richard to reflect this, or remove it entirely. Do your research on real service dogs and how harmful the idea is of “support animals”, and lying about your pet being a “support animal” is. Richard being “support animal” doesn’t add anything to the story anyway, he is just as cute without it.

Anyway. The rest of the plot was just blah. The FMC was immature, and the romance was basically nonexistent. John suddenly being the love of Chloe’s life when she basically only used him for his talent was just too far of a stretch for me, and I didn’t find myself rooting for them at all. I also think there should have been more of them after the reunion, as it seems like we hardly see them together before the ending makes a happy bow and calls it done.

Overall, if the author fixes the support animal issue I’d recommend this book to people who are a fan of Sophie Cousens. It seems like a lot of people who like her writing style really enjoy it, but as this was my first book by her I really wasn’t a fan. I also wish the AI topic was declared, as I wouldn’t have bothered to request this on NetGalley if it was, since it took me out of the story and reading the blurb is misleading when you just want a silly love triangle romance.

📖 ARC REVIEW 📖

“And Then There Was You” by Sophie Cousens

Chloe’s present day life isn’t what her past life expected it to be: working as a PA for a film company while harboring aspirations of being a screenwriter. When the invitation to her college reunion arrives, Chloe feels ashamed of her professional life and embarrassed to be single. After a run-in with an old acquaintance affiliated with “Perfect Partners”, Chloe decides to take a chance on matchmaking...with a twist. After all, if she can’t change her professional life, the least she can do is show up to the reunion with a date.

4 ⭐️

Between present day and flashbacks of the past, it’s obvious that Chloe cherished her time at Oxford. Through her journey to the reunion with her “perfect partner” in tow, Chloe is forced into deep soul-searching, painting an alternate picture of what her university experience was truly like.

“And Then There Was You” quickly took a turn I truly wasn’t expecting. Despite some uncomfortable moments due to the nature of her perfect partner, I felt connected to Chloe’s experience. In the end, Chloe learns that love can be found in unexpected places. If you’re looking for a quick read about reminiscing on college years and dating in the 21st century, this one is you!

I was instantly captivated by the cover featuring Sophie Cousens, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the ARC.

Coming into the book, I had no idea what to expect since I hadn’t read the description. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the storyline. Initially, I believed the main character (MMC) was a single individual, but I was completely mistaken! I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters and their relatable imperfections. Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if we could choose the perfect partner, but I suppose feelings are more important than perfection. This book is incredibly timely and explores themes of social comparison, the true essence of life, and the ideal match for us. It delves into the concepts of regret, courage, and the importance of seeking what we truly deserve.

I genuinely believe Cousens has become my new favorite author to follow. I devoured the book and will definitely want to listen to the audiobook when it’s released for an immersive experience. I also appreciated the author’s note at the end, which showcased her dedication to rewriting the book repeatedly to find the perfect theme and tone.

Overall, it’s an exceptionally well-written book! I wish I could say more without spoiling anything. I highly recommend reading this book when it becomes available. You won’t regret it!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for providing me with the ARC!

#BookReview #SophieCousens #RomComReads #ARCReview #BookRecommendations #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #NetGalleyReads #MustRead #BookLovers

I don't know if the term "jump the shark" is too harsh here, but I felt like the core of this rom-com was just too far out for me.
In this book, our heroine Chloe is fed up with dating apps, her ridiculous boss and she is just overall frustrated with where she thought she would be in her life at her age versus where she is. She is still getting over her ex who was a classic bad boyfriend. On the bright side, she has a great relationship with her parents and she keeps in touch with her best friend from college. I feel that her friendship with her friend was one of the best parts of the book and the most well-written connection.
Chloe runs into a business acquaintance who recommends a non-conventional dating service. This is where the story went off the rails for me. It was just too far of a reach for me. But, Chloe gets invited to her 10th college reunion, takes a date from the dating service and passes him off as her boyfriend for the weekend. Past relationships are revisited, some are repaired and some are seen in a new light.
Enough of this book was cute to make it worth reading. I just didn't enjoy this as much as her other books. But, definite extra points given for the author's notes where she gives a funny quiz on what type of man you should be dating. That part was so clever and so funny. I just wish more of the main story had been the same.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for providing this free e-book ARC for me to read and review.

3.5 stars
3.5 stars for the latest Cousens book And Then There Was You.
My introduction to this author was her book Is She Really Going Out With Him, and I really enjoyed that book--just a little bit more than this latest book. BUT I still enjoyed many aspects of this book.

First of all, I usually review by laying out the tropes, but for this book, it's a bit of challenge, and that is what I think will appeal to readers.
For example...
Is it friends to lovers? Kind of?
Is it fake dating? Kind of?
Is it second-chance romance? Kind of?

I enjoyed kind of not knowing exactly how this romance would play out. I think part of that is because it wasn't just romance. If you have ever felt your insecurities ramp up after scrolling on social media or dreading seeing college or high school friends, then this book will be an interesting journey for you. Chloe finds a fake date to accompany her to a class reunion for reasons that happen in many books, but there is quite a surprise at who she finds(which I will refrain from revealing). That said, for that alone and for the one chapter that is NOT from Chloe's POV, you should pick this one up!

Thank you NETGALLEY and Putnam books for the ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley I received an advanced electronic copy of the book to read and provide a review.

This was an absolute delight to read! I’m obsessed with the way Sophie Cousens weaves her stories and especially the romance between John and Chloe. Each page was captivating as it unfolded and ebbed between the allure and ease of technology versus the creativity and beauty found in unique nuances of humanity.

I was really satisfied with the resolution of the book and loved the topics explored by Cousens in a relatable and fun environment of a school reunion. Another great read!!

3.5 stars rounded up.

This one was interesting, concept wise. It started off a little slow for me, but did pick up a little further in. Because most of the story happens over a reunion weekend, it was harder to be invested in the romance piece. I didn’t feel like there was enough interaction to move things along so quickly. I did enjoy the punting scene and Richard the dog. All in all, I always do enjoy Sophie Cousens’ books and I did enjoy this one. I just wanted a little more out of it. But it reads well and very quickly.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was a super cute romance. The thought that this AI mate technology is right around the corner feels all too real. I found the plot totally plausible. If you're looking for a smart romance with little spice you'll enjoy this one!

Thank you to the NetGalley and the publisher G.P. Putnam’s sons for this ARC.

Let me start off by saying I do not like love triangles, but this really unique take on them was really interesting.

Spoilers ahead!

Chloe is not where she wanted to be in life or in love. So when she is presented with a unique match making service, she agrees. After answering many surveys she is matched with Rob who is Hanson and seemingly the perfect guy- if that’s possible. When she is told he is not human but an android built specially for her, freaks out and leaves.

Chloe has a college reunion coming and is embarrassed she has nothing to show for her life. She decides taking Rob for the reunion only maybe isn’t so bad.

But at the reunion she reconnects with old friends and debates if the “perfect” mate is all it’s cracked up to be.

This is quite the timely read with the increasing of technology and AI. But the author handles topics of loneliness, technology, and friendship in a really beautiful way.

VERY slow burn and I am here for it!

Rating: 3.75/5

Sophie Cousens has an absolute gift for writing stories that compel and entertain. And Then There Was You is no exception. The story revolves around thirty-one-year-old Chloe Fairway.

Newly single after getting out of a toxic relationship and living at home with her parents, she feels like she's stuck in life. Having been a playwright and actress in university, she was voted "most likely to succeed," which is definitely not the case years later. Stuck in a PA job with not much autonomy, Chloe feels like she's caught between who she thought she would become and the reality of where she is now. When news of her ten-year college reunion surfaces, all these insecurities bubble up to the surface. The thought of facing her old classmates, especially Sean, her once-best friend turned successful film director, fills her with dread. Wanting to show that she’s thriving, Chloe turns to an unusual dating service that promises to find her perfect partner. That’s when she meets Rob. On paper, he’s everything she could have dreamed of: handsome, articulate, intelligent, and endlessly attentive. Almost too good to be true, because he is. As a humanoid AI bot, Rob is naturally the perfect date to take along to the reunion.

Cousens asks readers to suspend disbelief as the story leans into futuristic themes, imagining matchmaking technology advanced enough to create a humanoid AI that feels real to the touch and is engineered to be everything the client wishes for. While this kind of technology is obviously decades away in the real world, it provides a clever framework for exploring very real AI-related concerns that are valid today. Rob represents the idea of perfection. Seamless, flawless, but ultimately lacking depth. His inability to truly feel highlights the gap between what we think we want and what actually makes relationships meaningful.

As a result, the author uses this setup to explore not only the humor and awkwardness of reunions but also deeper themes of identity and self-worth. Chloe hopes to mend old wounds with Sean, while also finding herself unexpectedly reconnecting with John, another friend from her university days. These interactions bring her face-to-face with the gap between who she thought she would become and the person she is now, and force her to reconsider what “success” and happiness truly mean.

What I loved most, though, was that beneath the speculative themes of this story, the book is ultimately a romance. Chloe's pursuit of a real relationship feels authentic, a little messy, and grounded in the kind of emotional honesty that algorithms can’t replicate. I really enjoyed how Cousens brought the narrative back to the fact that love isn’t about perfection.

That said, I would have loved to see the main romance blossom even further. The sparks between Chloe and the main love interest were genuine, and lingering a little more on their development would have made the ending even more rewarding.

In the end, And Then There Was You blends humor, warmth, and thoughtful reflection in a way that’s distinctly Sophie Cousens. While I do think the themes of this story won't appeal to everyone, it’s a story that entertains while also asking important questions about authenticity, identity, and the role of technology in our search for connection. Even if it stretches believability, it’s worth leaning into for the romance.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for providing me with the ARC!

Another great one from this author. This one has a very modern twist that challenges the realm of relationships in today’s world. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher’ for the ARC.

I love this author so I had really high hopes for this book. Unfortunately, jt was pretty painful to get through. A book about a woman dating a robot is just wild and I realized isn't really something that I wanted to read about lol. I also am not interested in okay writes or composing music so it was very difficult to relate to the main characters. I rated this two stars simply because I was able to make it all the way through the book and didn't DNF it. I hope this author will redeem herself with her next book because I have really enjoyed her previous work!

This was my first book by Sophie it was good but not one of my favorites. It was dating in the modern age . I will try to read one of her older books .
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the arc

I truly loved this book and how it unfolded. We start with Chloe being a PA living back at home with her parents feeling a bit like a loser. She graduated from Oxford with a band of friends who she has lost contact with. Now a reunion is on the horizon. How will Chloe face all her uni very successful friends? Enter a new dating firm Perfect Partner. We are introduced to Rob who seems to be the perfect man for Chloe. But is he? AI is everywhere now not so sure we are ready for an AI Boibot (boyfriend - emotional support bot). Chloe isn’t so sure about this AI bot but decides to give it a chance and take him to her class reunion to help her and support her. It all goes pretty well until John and his dog Richard sense something is not right. To find out what happens you will just have to read it. It’s a take on how we choose to live and what lies we tend to tell to impress others. Chloe has a huge lightbulb moment rebooting her life to reset and put her life back in her own hands. Wonderful story would recommend. Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for allowing me to read this ARC! Can’t say enough good about this one.

You can find Putnam Books on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PutnamBooks and on Twitter - @PutnamBooks

And Then There Was You: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/694957
Pub Date: Nov 18 2025
Archive Date: Nov 18 2025

There were parts of this story that I really enjoyed. As with other Sophie Cousens’ books I’ve read, there is an underlying message of not needing to have your life together by the time you are 30 and that the right guy for you isn’t necessarily the person who checks all the imaginary boxes. I also appreciated that this book is so timely, with the focus on impacts of AI on society - though done in a lighthearted, romcom way.

Unfortunately, I also had a few issues with the book. First, the story generally just made me sad which seems inherently at odds with a romcom. But I find all the ‘mean girls’ and ‘jock boys’ from college not having matured sad - I like to believe most people grow up and out of those unhealthy behaviors. I find the idea of dating a robot/AI depressing - for all the reasons Chloe eventually comes to. And I find the idea that Chloe has to have a boyfriend to make her feel validated (both generally and specifically for the reunion) heartbreaking.

Secondly, I found Chloe to be immature and self centered (e.g., when she runs into an old friend immediately asking about her crush instead of catching up with him, asking if his service dog is fake), and while she realized that in some ways, it was in the last 10% of the book so I didn’t really see her personal growth which I would have appreciated.

Thank you to Sophie Cousens, Putnam, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I usually enjoy a Sophie Cousens’ romcom but this one wasn’t for me. It’s the story of Chloe, a wanna be actor and playwrite who works as a production assistant for a one man shop and is recently out of a toxic relationship. Her 10 year college reunion is on the calendar and she feels like a loser - her classmates are successful in their careers and relationships, especially her former best friend and potentially “one who got away” who is now a big time movie director. With a spin on the fake boyfriend trope, Chloe visits a mysterious agency that provides her with the perfect man for her. Although lifelike in every way, he just happens to be an AI robot. I enjoy this trope but Cousens lost me with the AI futurism. I work with AI, it’s in the news daily now, yes there are very real ethical concerns. I turn to romcom for a lighthearted escape from daily life, so this was not my cup of tea.

This was such a good book. It was not a typical romance. It was also a commentary on AI and how the world is rapidly changing in this regard. This is all seen through a romantic lens. It ultimately follows the typical Romance structure, but was a lot more thought provoking. I truly enjoyed this book.

Chloe's life has not turned out how she planned. She wanted to be an actress or a screenwriter. Instead she's working as a PA for a no name producer, living with her parents and single. Oxford is having a ten year reunion and she doesn't want to go.

Then she learns about perfect partners, a new company making AI robots and now has a perfect partner to bring to the reunion. Except, it doesn't go exactly as planned but Chloe learns a lot about herself from her perfect partner.

Chloe Fairway was a playwright and actress in university, where she was voted "most likely to be famous." Years later, however, she has stopped writing. She lives with her parents and finds that the "leftovers" of single men in their thirties are horrible. One day, during yet another dreadful date, an old friend tells her about Perfect Partners, an exclusive and mysterious app where you can only join by referral. Her friend hands her a business card.

Chloe later receives a notice for her university reunion. Unwilling to show up dateless, she decides to use the business card to try the Perfect Partners app. Taking a chance, she meets a charming Irish guy who fits her "dream guy" description perfectly, only to find out he's a robot. She goes to the reunion with Rob, the robot, and reconnects with John, a friend from her university days.

John, who used to compose music for their theater program, was always there for her, helping her with plays and offering support whenever she needed it. The trip makes her realize that the perfect man for her might not be what she had imagined. She finds a genuine attraction to John, who had loved her without her even noticing. This experience makes her realize that sometimes, by digging up the past, you can find your future.

Thanks NetGalley it was sweet