The Bookish Ashley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5 stars)

Sophie Cousens has a gift for taking familiar rom-com setups and infusing them with wit, warmth, and just enough heartache to make you ache for her characters. And Then There Was You is no exception—it’s a charming, heartfelt exploration of second chances, self-discovery, and the complicated ways we measure our own worth against the expectations of others.

The Story

At thirty-one, Chloe Fairway feels stuck. Her glamorous dreams of success in the film industry have fizzled, leaving her back at home with her parents and working a job that barely sparks joy. To make matters worse, her ten-year college reunion is looming. Facing old classmates is daunting enough, but the real gut punch? Running into Sean Adler, her former best friend—the man who chased the very career Chloe once wanted and actually made it big.

Desperate to save face, Chloe turns to a unique dating service and meets Rob, a handsome, bookish, impossibly perfect match who agrees to be her plus-one. He’s everything she should want. But as the weekend unfolds, Chloe starts to wonder if Rob’s perfection is all it seems—and whether the life she thought she wanted is truly the one that will make her happy.

What I Loved

Chloe’s relatability: Cousens captures that restless, late-twenties/early-thirties “What am I doing with my life?” feeling with precision. Chloe’s insecurities, humor, and resilience make her a protagonist you root for, even when she stumbles. The nostalgia of reunions: Anyone who has ever faced an old flame or rival at a milestone event will find themselves nodding along. Cousens nails the mix of awkwardness, wistfulness, and hope that comes with revisiting the past. Rob and Sean: Without veering into cliché, Cousens gives us two romantic dynamics that serve as mirrors for Chloe’s personal growth. One offers safety and illusion, while the other reflects authenticity and unfinished business. Watching Chloe navigate both was immensely satisfying. The humor: Cousens never forgets to keep things light. Even as Chloe grapples with identity and self-worth, the witty banter and comedic set pieces keep the story breezy and fun.

What Fell Just Short

The only reason I’m docking half a star is that the “mysterious dating service” angle could have been fleshed out more. It’s an intriguing setup that feels slightly underutilized once the reunion storyline takes center stage. Still, the heart of the novel is Chloe’s emotional journey, and that delivers in spades.

Final Thoughts

And Then There Was You is more than a romantic comedy—it’s a story about confronting your past, reevaluating your dreams, and realizing that success isn’t always about flashy achievements but about finding joy in the life that truly fits you. Fans of Sophie Cousens’ previous novels, like This Time Next Year, will adore this one, and newcomers will find it a perfect introduction to her smart, heartfelt storytelling.

If you’re looking for a book that balances laugh-out-loud moments with swoon-worthy romance and an uplifting message, this one absolutely belongs on your TBR.