Sophie Cousens’ And Then There Was You arrives like a warm, witty rom-com played out on the page, but it isn’t only about meet-cutes or clever one-liners. It uses a modern twist — an engineered companion — to ask what we want from love, from success, and from the messy business of becoming an adult. Gentle, funny, and occasionally sharp, the novel balances lighthearted scenes with quieter moments of doubt and growth, making it one of Cousens’ most conversation-starting books yet.
Plot Summary — What Happens (Without Heavy Spoilers)
Chloe Fairway is thirty-one, living back with her parents, and professionally stalled in a production assistant role — a far cry from the screenwriting career she once imagined. Facing the ten-year college reunion and the prospect of seeing old classmates who “made it,” Chloe panics.
On a whim (and more than a little social anxiety), she tries a matchmaking service called Perfect Partners. The match she’s set up with — Rob Dempsey — is uncanny: charming, literate, and seemingly tailor-made for her tastes. There’s a twist: Rob is not quite what he appears to be.
As Chloe navigates public appearances, private questions, and the pull of an old friend who’s done well in the industry, the story becomes less about the gimmick and more about identity, authenticity, and what it means to want connection in an era of designed perfection.
Voice and Tone — Why Cousens’ Writing Works Here
Cousens writes with a rom-com’s ear for timing — the jolt of a line that lands, the small embarrassments that feel true to life — and she layers on a tender intimacy that keeps scenes from drifting into empty quips.
The novel’s narrator avoids long, overwrought introspection; instead, Cousens lets humor and quietly empathetic details reveal Chloe’s interior life. That approach makes the story breezy where it should be, and genuinely affecting when Chloe confronts deeper doubts about her career and relationships.
Many reviewers have praised Cousens’ blend of wit and emotional sincerity, calling it one of her most balanced works.
Characters — Who to Care About (and Why)
Chloe is the book’s steady heart: flippant in public, uncertain in private, and stubbornly human in ways that invite instant sympathy.
Rob — the “perfect” date — is written to provoke both attraction and unease; he feels like a love interest plucked from fantasy but slowly reveals limits that underline the novel’s themes.
The supporting cast — Chloe’s family, old classmates, and the now-successful friend from her program — bring lively contrast to the narrative. Reunion scenes feel vivid and charged, highlighting the pressure of public comparison and old dreams resurfacing.
Cousens excels at the little moments between characters: tentative compliments, awkward greetings, and unexpected kindnesses that make the story feel grounded.
Themes — What the Book Is Asking
At its center, the novel explores expectation vs. reality. It looks at how adulthood often diverges from the glossy plans we make in our twenties — and how reconnection can both sting and heal.
Other key themes include:
• Authenticity in Modern Dating
The speculative twist — a meticulously engineered partner — raises the question: is perfection something we actually want, or something that robs us of real discovery?
• Pressures of Success and Self-Worth
The reunion becomes a symbolic arena where Chloe confronts who she thought she’d become and who she actually is now. The comparison, envy, and quiet hope woven into these moments feel incredibly relatable.
• The Human Need for Imperfection
Through humor and a soft speculative edge, Cousens suggests that the unpredictability of real people is what creates lasting connection.
Pacing and Structure — Does the Story Hold Together?
The novel moves with an easy, inviting rhythm. The first half focuses on Chloe’s current life and the comedic build-up to the reunion, while the second half introduces emotional questions that deepen the story’s stakes.
Some readers will love this gradual shift from lighthearted rom-com energy to something more reflective. Others may prefer a consistent tone. Still, the structure supports the message: life is part-performance, part-self-discovery.
The balance between humor and heart is one of its strongest qualities.
What Works — And What Might Not Work for Everyone
✔ What Works
- Charming narrative voice with sincere emotional beats
- Clever use of technology as a relationship mirror, not a gimmick
- Relatable portrayal of career doubts and reunion anxieties
- Funny, warm scenes that feel like a modern romance film
- Strong thematic thread about authenticity and acceptance
✖ What Might Not Work
- Readers wanting a straightforward, trope-only rom-com may find the speculative twist unexpected
- A few emotional turns may feel heavier than typical rom-com territory
- The question of engineered companionship might feel slightly unsettling to some
Overall, the book lands more often than it falters, especially if you enjoy stories that blend humor with meaningful questions.
Final Thoughts — Who Should Read This Book?
And Then There Was You is perfect for readers who enjoy romance that sparkles but also has something to say about self-worth, modern expectations, and vulnerability. It’s witty without being frivolous, heartfelt without being overly dramatic, and imaginative without losing emotional realism.
If you’ve enjoyed Sophie Cousens’ earlier novels, this one will likely feel like a clever, refreshing evolution of her style. If you’re looking for a rom-com that entertains while making you pause and reflect, this book is absolutely worth your time.
