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And Then There Was You
Listening Length: 12 hours
She's found the perfect man . . . There's just one big twist.
Stuck in a Production Assistant job and living at home with her parents after a painful breakup, thirty-one-year-old Chloe Fairway isn’t where she wants to be in life. The last thing she needs is to face the people who once voted her "most likely to succeed" at her upcoming ten-year college reunion. And she definitely doesn’t want to see her former best friend, Sean Adler, who is now a hotshot film director living the life Chloe dreamed of. Desperate to make a splash—and to save face in front of the man who might be the one that got away—she turns to a mysterious dating service.
Enter Rob, her handsome, well-read, and charming match, the perfect plus-one to take to her reunion. The more she gets to know him, the more perfect he appears to be. Could it be that this dating service knows her better than she knows herself? And can she overlook the one big catch? As Chloe reconnects with old friends, she begins to question everything she thought she wanted. Maybe, just maybe, revisiting the past is exactly what she needs to move forward.
She's found the perfect man . . . There's just one big twist.
Stuck in a Production Assistant job and living at home with her parents after a painful breakup, thirty-one-year-old Chloe Fairway isn’t where she wants to be in life. The last thing she needs is to face the people who once voted her "most likely to succeed" at her upcoming ten-year college reunion. And she definitely doesn’t want to see her former best friend, Sean Adler, who is now a hotshot film director living the life Chloe dreamed of. Desperate to make a splash—and to save face in front of the man who might be the one that got away—she turns to a mysterious dating service.
Enter Rob, her handsome, well-read, and charming match, the perfect plus-one to take to her reunion. The more she gets to know him, the more perfect he appears to be. Could it be that this dating service knows her better than she knows herself? And can she overlook the one big catch? As Chloe reconnects with old friends, she begins to question everything she thought she wanted. Maybe, just maybe, revisiting the past is exactly what she needs to move forward.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 18, 2025
783 people are currently reading
38239 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Cousens
6 books5,193 followersSophie Cousens has worked in television for twelve years. She attributes surviving this long to always knowing where the Post-it notes are kept, and her ability to carry six coffee cups at once.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,754 reviews
November 18, 2025
The FUTURE is NOW?
Chloe Fairway isn’t where she wants to be in life.
She couldn’t even manage to last 45 minutes with her latest “swipe right” so when she runs across a former colleague in the loo, she accepts the card she is offered- one for a new kind of dating service. It requires a referral and for her to complete a 42 page questionnaire but they guarantee to find you the Perfect Partner.
And, they do!
Rob, is “Ken Doll” handsome, and can actually carry on a conversation with her.
It can’t be this easy! There must be a catch!
There is.
Ken is a state of the art AI humanoid-indistinguishable from a real person….with the ability to do just about everything that a real person can do. A BoiBot.
Her 10 year reunion is coming up and Chloe, the girl who was once voted "most likely to succeed" doesn’t want to show up alone. She knows that the people she once called her best friends have all managed to find the things that have been so elusive for her, and she doesn’t want them to view her as anything less.
Maybe, she should sign the NDA and accept the free trial being offered in exchange for data, and bring Rob as her Plus One? He is as perfect as any “book boyfriend” that she has read about, but is having a hot boyfriend the metric that she wants to be measured by?
And, what if her ACTUAL imperfect “perfect person” is someone from her past who is also attending the reunion?
Last year I read my first Sophie Cousens book, “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” -a 5 star read for me, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite measure up to that one.
Rob may have been perfect on paper but AI is very literal, it doesn’t have a sense of humor-so I missed the playful banter that we usually get between our two leads. And, the rest of the dialogue with her friends and the REAL man who just MIGHT be her perfect partner was for me, kind of cheesy….
Although I was glad to see Chloe’s personal growth, over the course of this reunion weekend, this book failed to make me laugh or cry which are the emotions I am seeking when I pick up a Rom Com, so although it isn’t a bad book, it wasn’t a favorite of mine.
3.5 stars rounded down
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to watch for her thoughts on this one!
Now Available
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts
Chloe Fairway isn’t where she wants to be in life.
She couldn’t even manage to last 45 minutes with her latest “swipe right” so when she runs across a former colleague in the loo, she accepts the card she is offered- one for a new kind of dating service. It requires a referral and for her to complete a 42 page questionnaire but they guarantee to find you the Perfect Partner.
And, they do!
Rob, is “Ken Doll” handsome, and can actually carry on a conversation with her.
It can’t be this easy! There must be a catch!
There is.
Ken is a state of the art AI humanoid-indistinguishable from a real person….with the ability to do just about everything that a real person can do. A BoiBot.
Her 10 year reunion is coming up and Chloe, the girl who was once voted "most likely to succeed" doesn’t want to show up alone. She knows that the people she once called her best friends have all managed to find the things that have been so elusive for her, and she doesn’t want them to view her as anything less.
Maybe, she should sign the NDA and accept the free trial being offered in exchange for data, and bring Rob as her Plus One? He is as perfect as any “book boyfriend” that she has read about, but is having a hot boyfriend the metric that she wants to be measured by?
And, what if her ACTUAL imperfect “perfect person” is someone from her past who is also attending the reunion?
Last year I read my first Sophie Cousens book, “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” -a 5 star read for me, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite measure up to that one.
Rob may have been perfect on paper but AI is very literal, it doesn’t have a sense of humor-so I missed the playful banter that we usually get between our two leads. And, the rest of the dialogue with her friends and the REAL man who just MIGHT be her perfect partner was for me, kind of cheesy….
Although I was glad to see Chloe’s personal growth, over the course of this reunion weekend, this book failed to make me laugh or cry which are the emotions I am seeking when I pick up a Rom Com, so although it isn’t a bad book, it wasn’t a favorite of mine.
3.5 stars rounded down
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to watch for her thoughts on this one!
Now Available
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts
November 19, 2025
I have some pretty complex feelings about this book. I’m not the biggest fan of love triangles, and the unexpected sci-fi twist left me conflicted—I’m still not sure what to make of it. That said, I did enjoy the sections where Chloe confronts her past and present struggles: imagining how her life might have turned out if she had made different choices, not hurt certain friends, and chosen more fulfilling paths. Would she have found happiness, or just a different form of disappointment? Those reflections really hit home for me.
What worked best was the theme of a woman’s self-discovery as she attends her ten-year college reunion. Those moments of vulnerability and growth resonated much more strongly than the sci-fi additions. The heart of the story, for me, was the reminder that love isn’t about finding the “perfect man,” but about finding someone who accepts you completely, sees through to your heart, and loves you as you truly are.
Here’s a bit more about the setup: Chloe Fairway, now 31, doesn’t have the life she once dreamed of. Instead of becoming the successful screenwriter she aspired to be, she’s stuck in a soul-crushing production assistant job where her creativity goes unnoticed. She’s wasted years with her toxic ex, Peter, and is now back in her family home, helping care for her father in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, and swiping through dating apps filled with disappointing strangers.
By chance, she runs into an old colleague in a restaurant bathroom—while hiding from yet another bad date. This colleague hands her a card for a mysterious dating agency that promises to solve her relationship problems. Curious, Chloe decides to give it a shot. She’s matched with Rob, who appears to be everything she’s ever wanted—handsome, kind, successful, seemingly perfect. But when she attends her college reunion and reconnects with Sean and John, once her closest friends, Chloe begins to realize there’s another side to her past—and too many misunderstandings left unresolved. Through these encounters, she comes to see that “perfect” isn’t real, and that true love means being truly seen and accepted for who you are.
Overall, the last third of the book worked the best for me—especially once I adjusted to the sci-fi curveball. Still, the love story felt a little rushed, and some of the misunderstandings leaned on clichés. I also struggled with one major twist (which I won’t spoil for readers) that honestly unsettled me. It made me uneasy, but at the same time, I can see how it might resonate with others as a glimpse into the possible future of dating.
In the end, I’m giving this one three solid stars. I appreciated the pacing, Chloe’s journey of self-discovery, and Sophie Cousens’ creativity—which I always admire—but this just wasn’t my favorite of her works. I’m still looking forward to her next book and hoping it lands closer to the magic of her earlier novels.
🌟🌟🌟
Many thanks to NetGalley and Putnam/ G.P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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What worked best was the theme of a woman’s self-discovery as she attends her ten-year college reunion. Those moments of vulnerability and growth resonated much more strongly than the sci-fi additions. The heart of the story, for me, was the reminder that love isn’t about finding the “perfect man,” but about finding someone who accepts you completely, sees through to your heart, and loves you as you truly are.
Here’s a bit more about the setup: Chloe Fairway, now 31, doesn’t have the life she once dreamed of. Instead of becoming the successful screenwriter she aspired to be, she’s stuck in a soul-crushing production assistant job where her creativity goes unnoticed. She’s wasted years with her toxic ex, Peter, and is now back in her family home, helping care for her father in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, and swiping through dating apps filled with disappointing strangers.
By chance, she runs into an old colleague in a restaurant bathroom—while hiding from yet another bad date. This colleague hands her a card for a mysterious dating agency that promises to solve her relationship problems. Curious, Chloe decides to give it a shot. She’s matched with Rob, who appears to be everything she’s ever wanted—handsome, kind, successful, seemingly perfect. But when she attends her college reunion and reconnects with Sean and John, once her closest friends, Chloe begins to realize there’s another side to her past—and too many misunderstandings left unresolved. Through these encounters, she comes to see that “perfect” isn’t real, and that true love means being truly seen and accepted for who you are.
Overall, the last third of the book worked the best for me—especially once I adjusted to the sci-fi curveball. Still, the love story felt a little rushed, and some of the misunderstandings leaned on clichés. I also struggled with one major twist (which I won’t spoil for readers) that honestly unsettled me. It made me uneasy, but at the same time, I can see how it might resonate with others as a glimpse into the possible future of dating.
In the end, I’m giving this one three solid stars. I appreciated the pacing, Chloe’s journey of self-discovery, and Sophie Cousens’ creativity—which I always admire—but this just wasn’t my favorite of her works. I’m still looking forward to her next book and hoping it lands closer to the magic of her earlier novels.
🌟🌟🌟
Many thanks to NetGalley and Putnam/ G.P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
November 21, 2025
4.5⭐️ I am forever a Sophie Cousens fan and have zero chill when it comes to reading her books the second I can get my hands on them. I am entirely sure I read this one the day after its advanced copy hit NetGalley. While it was nowhere near the story I had envisioned, mainly because it’s insanely unique (and very timely), it was exactly what I needed.
I must admit that there is a fun, unconventional love triangle at the forefront; however, my alliance was firmly in just one man’s camp. It did not sway, nor falter. And as a result, the ending was that much sweeter.
The romance definitely stole the show here, but Cousens also gives us the most amazing side characters, and the entire reunion made for some truly hysterical, laugh-out-loud (as in belly laugh) moments. And while this is of course a romcom, the deeper exploration of AI and the importance of human connection in the time of such technological advancement makes for great discussions and self-reflection.
It’s important to note that the reviews are pretty all over the place for this book and that’s a good thing. While I loved the way she challenged herself to write outside her comfort zone, and ultimately enjoyed the end result, others were looking for more of her same, fabulous but classic, romcom style. Neither is wrong. I highly recommend checking this one out for yourself to see where you fall in the conversation. At the very least, you will be wildly entertained.
Read if you like:
▪️unique stories
▪️AI component
▪️second chances
▪️unconventional love triangles
▪️university reunions
▪️swoony romance
Thank you Putnam for my advanced copy.
I must admit that there is a fun, unconventional love triangle at the forefront; however, my alliance was firmly in just one man’s camp. It did not sway, nor falter. And as a result, the ending was that much sweeter.
The romance definitely stole the show here, but Cousens also gives us the most amazing side characters, and the entire reunion made for some truly hysterical, laugh-out-loud (as in belly laugh) moments. And while this is of course a romcom, the deeper exploration of AI and the importance of human connection in the time of such technological advancement makes for great discussions and self-reflection.
It’s important to note that the reviews are pretty all over the place for this book and that’s a good thing. While I loved the way she challenged herself to write outside her comfort zone, and ultimately enjoyed the end result, others were looking for more of her same, fabulous but classic, romcom style. Neither is wrong. I highly recommend checking this one out for yourself to see where you fall in the conversation. At the very least, you will be wildly entertained.
Read if you like:
▪️unique stories
▪️AI component
▪️second chances
▪️unconventional love triangles
▪️university reunions
▪️swoony romance
Thank you Putnam for my advanced copy.
January 12, 2026
Have you ever wondered how a love triangle involving two humans and an AI android would play out? It’s kind of fascinating, actually!
Chloe Fairway had big dreams for a future in acting, riding on the successful college collaborations with her best friends Sean, Akiko and John. Instead, she’s a thirty-one-year old personal assistant at a small movie studio, living with her parents and struggling to write screenplays that she can never seem to finish.
When a college reunion is announced, Chloe can’t bear to be seen as a failure. She’s also unsure how to face Sean, whose desire to be more than friends wasn’t well received and caused them to drift apart. He’s now a successful director and all her other peers seem to have found success as well. How can the girl voted “Most Likely to Succeed” face them?
A solution to her predicament presents itself when she runs into an old work acquaintance who suggests Chloe try a very hush hush dating service she swears will change her life.
Enter Perfect Partners. A 42-page questionnaire and one signed Non-Disclosure Agreement later, and Chloe has her plus one for the reunion and maybe beyond? She has a two-month free trial period to figure that out. The catch is that her perfect match “Rob” isn’t exactly … conventional … as men go.
One thing this reunion will make her question is: does she want “perfect” or does she want “real”?
I’ll leave the rest for you to discover. Personally, I really liked this. I thought it was an intriguing premise, and I enjoyed watching Chloe navigate her identity away from who she thinks she should’ve been versus being at peace with the person she is. This book also solidified every reason I never go to reunions!
I thought this would be a second-chance romance, and it kind of was but not in the way I was expecting, which was a nice surprise! The chemistry between Chloe and the one who wins her heart (I’m being vague on purpose) was very sweet and better than what I could’ve imagined.
This was an immersion read with my digital ARC and the audio from my library, and I’m so glad I waited for the audio. Kerry Gilbert did a wonderful job with the narration and even brought the non-human element to life, which helped in a story like this. I highly recommend the audio.
I know some readers struggled with this - maybe because it’s not Cousens’ typical book. The addition of sci-fi elements may have been a step too far for some. Personally, I admire her for trying something different. Her author’s note made me very sympathetic to her experience writing this! I’ll just say that if you love her writing, as I do, I think you’ll still very much find her in these pages!
★★★★
Thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons, NetGalley and author Sophie Cousens for this DRC to honestly review and to my library/Libby for the audio. It’s available now.
Chloe Fairway had big dreams for a future in acting, riding on the successful college collaborations with her best friends Sean, Akiko and John. Instead, she’s a thirty-one-year old personal assistant at a small movie studio, living with her parents and struggling to write screenplays that she can never seem to finish.
When a college reunion is announced, Chloe can’t bear to be seen as a failure. She’s also unsure how to face Sean, whose desire to be more than friends wasn’t well received and caused them to drift apart. He’s now a successful director and all her other peers seem to have found success as well. How can the girl voted “Most Likely to Succeed” face them?
A solution to her predicament presents itself when she runs into an old work acquaintance who suggests Chloe try a very hush hush dating service she swears will change her life.
Enter Perfect Partners. A 42-page questionnaire and one signed Non-Disclosure Agreement later, and Chloe has her plus one for the reunion and maybe beyond? She has a two-month free trial period to figure that out. The catch is that her perfect match “Rob” isn’t exactly … conventional … as men go.
One thing this reunion will make her question is: does she want “perfect” or does she want “real”?
I’ll leave the rest for you to discover. Personally, I really liked this. I thought it was an intriguing premise, and I enjoyed watching Chloe navigate her identity away from who she thinks she should’ve been versus being at peace with the person she is. This book also solidified every reason I never go to reunions!
I thought this would be a second-chance romance, and it kind of was but not in the way I was expecting, which was a nice surprise! The chemistry between Chloe and the one who wins her heart (I’m being vague on purpose) was very sweet and better than what I could’ve imagined.
This was an immersion read with my digital ARC and the audio from my library, and I’m so glad I waited for the audio. Kerry Gilbert did a wonderful job with the narration and even brought the non-human element to life, which helped in a story like this. I highly recommend the audio.
I know some readers struggled with this - maybe because it’s not Cousens’ typical book. The addition of sci-fi elements may have been a step too far for some. Personally, I admire her for trying something different. Her author’s note made me very sympathetic to her experience writing this! I’ll just say that if you love her writing, as I do, I think you’ll still very much find her in these pages!
★★★★
Thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons, NetGalley and author Sophie Cousens for this DRC to honestly review and to my library/Libby for the audio. It’s available now.
November 10, 2025
A solid 3.75
I will read anything Sophie Cousens writes. Her ability to weave contemporary women’s fiction with elements of magical realism, romance, and midlife crises without feeling redundant or cheesy is impressive, especially in such an oversaturated genre.
I have loved all of her past books, so much so that I stalked NetGalley daily until I was finally approved for her latest, And Then There Was You. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me.
The story follows Chloe Fairway, an Oxford graduate who once dreamed of becoming a successful actress and producer. After life dealt her a difficult hand including a toxic relationship, she finds herself back home, working as a PA for a nightmare boss. When her ten-year college reunion approaches, Chloe dreads facing her now accomplished friends. Determined not to show up alone, she turns to Perfect Partners, a dating agency that is anything but traditional. There she meets Rob, seemingly perfect in every way. The catch is that he is an AI robot.
Normally I would have put this book down at that point, but since it is Cousens, I kept reading. Despite the eye roll inducing premise, the book is not badly written. It simply felt pretentious at times and far too predictable. I missed her signature twist on the rom-com formula, the magic that usually makes her stories stand out.
That said, there were still plenty of laugh out loud moments that carried me through. I just hope her next novel avoids robots altogether.
I will read anything Sophie Cousens writes. Her ability to weave contemporary women’s fiction with elements of magical realism, romance, and midlife crises without feeling redundant or cheesy is impressive, especially in such an oversaturated genre.
I have loved all of her past books, so much so that I stalked NetGalley daily until I was finally approved for her latest, And Then There Was You. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me.
The story follows Chloe Fairway, an Oxford graduate who once dreamed of becoming a successful actress and producer. After life dealt her a difficult hand including a toxic relationship, she finds herself back home, working as a PA for a nightmare boss. When her ten-year college reunion approaches, Chloe dreads facing her now accomplished friends. Determined not to show up alone, she turns to Perfect Partners, a dating agency that is anything but traditional. There she meets Rob, seemingly perfect in every way. The catch is that he is an AI robot.
Normally I would have put this book down at that point, but since it is Cousens, I kept reading. Despite the eye roll inducing premise, the book is not badly written. It simply felt pretentious at times and far too predictable. I missed her signature twist on the rom-com formula, the magic that usually makes her stories stand out.
That said, there were still plenty of laugh out loud moments that carried me through. I just hope her next novel avoids robots altogether.
September 2, 2025
Shocked?? You and me both.
AI boyfriend with a stupid flat plot was not what I wanted out of this new one. Sadly, this was a huge miss.
AI boyfriend with a stupid flat plot was not what I wanted out of this new one. Sadly, this was a huge miss.
December 2, 2025
3.5 stars, rounding up! 💫 “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”
we’re following an anxious 30-something who is spiraling over her upcoming 10-year college reunion. she’s fresh out of a toxic relationship, living with her parents, & convinced she has nothing impressive to show for her life. so *NATURALLY* she signs up for a free trial of an ai humanoid boyfriend and brings him as her plus one…… and to be quite honest…. i was incredibly sat 🫣
i found it surprisingly interesting to read about a woman trying out AI this way. so many of these stories center around men using robot girlfriends for their physical needs… but this flipped it. this explored how women might use the same technology for emotional safety in a world full of gross & sometimes dangerous men. “is this dystopian horror or a perfect emancipation from the patriarchy?”
of course, generative ai is a terribly complex topic. but it’s one i find particularly interesting to explore through fiction. i find it comforting to know that other people are thinking about these big ai questions too. stories like this provide a thoughtful container to think about it the ethics of it all without feeling overwhelmed.
the romance itself wasn’t the strongest part & it definitely leans more women’s fiction than straight rom-com. but what really worked for me is that this felt like something DIFFERENT! i applaud sophie cousens for trying something new! her writing is genuinely so funny & you can tell she really knows her audience. she has such a distinct voice and she always manages to be so relatable & charming. I love her books!
we’re following an anxious 30-something who is spiraling over her upcoming 10-year college reunion. she’s fresh out of a toxic relationship, living with her parents, & convinced she has nothing impressive to show for her life. so *NATURALLY* she signs up for a free trial of an ai humanoid boyfriend and brings him as her plus one…… and to be quite honest…. i was incredibly sat 🫣
i found it surprisingly interesting to read about a woman trying out AI this way. so many of these stories center around men using robot girlfriends for their physical needs… but this flipped it. this explored how women might use the same technology for emotional safety in a world full of gross & sometimes dangerous men. “is this dystopian horror or a perfect emancipation from the patriarchy?”
of course, generative ai is a terribly complex topic. but it’s one i find particularly interesting to explore through fiction. i find it comforting to know that other people are thinking about these big ai questions too. stories like this provide a thoughtful container to think about it the ethics of it all without feeling overwhelmed.
the romance itself wasn’t the strongest part & it definitely leans more women’s fiction than straight rom-com. but what really worked for me is that this felt like something DIFFERENT! i applaud sophie cousens for trying something new! her writing is genuinely so funny & you can tell she really knows her audience. she has such a distinct voice and she always manages to be so relatable & charming. I love her books!
November 13, 2025
What does it say about me that I was kinda into Rob… jkjk, but honestly who wouldn’t want a perfect date?
I had a good time with this one, it’s easy to binge, humorous, and heartwarming.
Sophie Cousens books are firmly in the women’s fiction with romance category and this one has no shortage of self-discovery and growth from our FMC. The romance is pretty slow to start and it plays tricks on you. It took a solid 50% before I knew who the love interest was going to be —which was a fun change from the norm. I won’t give specifics (even though lots of other reviewers do) but I really loved the surprise element, for me this aspect read as very amusing satire.
Definitely one to read if you don’t mind lower angst and want something a little different than your typical “fake-dating” romance.
Whats to love…
- 30+ FMC
- self-discovery and growth
- fake dating (kinda…)
- love triangle? love quadrilateral? who tf is the love interest?
- well placed flashbacks
- second chance romance
- low angst
- a dash of satire, bc why not laugh about it (re:Rob)
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Putnam for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
I had a good time with this one, it’s easy to binge, humorous, and heartwarming.
Sophie Cousens books are firmly in the women’s fiction with romance category and this one has no shortage of self-discovery and growth from our FMC. The romance is pretty slow to start and it plays tricks on you. It took a solid 50% before I knew who the love interest was going to be —which was a fun change from the norm. I won’t give specifics (even though lots of other reviewers do) but I really loved the surprise element, for me this aspect read as very amusing satire.
Definitely one to read if you don’t mind lower angst and want something a little different than your typical “fake-dating” romance.
Whats to love…
- 30+ FMC
- self-discovery and growth
- fake dating (kinda…)
- love triangle? love quadrilateral? who tf is the love interest?
- well placed flashbacks
- second chance romance
- low angst
- a dash of satire, bc why not laugh about it (re:Rob)
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Putnam for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
January 15, 2026
This one has a pretty abysmal rating . . . so of course I liked it. What can I say? I am nothing if not consistent with my wrongreading capabilities. This was my fifth Sophie Cousens’ book and it is pretty clear at this point she is my idea of a good time when I want a cutesie romcom.
The story here is about Chloe who, despite being sort of an underachiever in her adulthood, has decided to return to Oxford for her class reunion. She doesn’t want to totally Romy and Michelle herself . . .
But it would be nice to at least appear to have a boyfriend. Enter Perfect Partners™ - a dating site like no other that matches Chloe up with Rob who is quite literally built for her . . .
I note quite frequently that originality or at least changing up the trope a bit earns bonus points for me - this one takes the familiarity of a fake dating plotline and freshens it up via AI technology. And of course it also includes making amends with the past and maybe realizing what you were looking for had sort of been there the whole time. I thought it was adorable and it even made me laugh out loud a couple of times. Maybe it will do the same for you????
The story here is about Chloe who, despite being sort of an underachiever in her adulthood, has decided to return to Oxford for her class reunion. She doesn’t want to totally Romy and Michelle herself . . .
But it would be nice to at least appear to have a boyfriend. Enter Perfect Partners™ - a dating site like no other that matches Chloe up with Rob who is quite literally built for her . . .
I note quite frequently that originality or at least changing up the trope a bit earns bonus points for me - this one takes the familiarity of a fake dating plotline and freshens it up via AI technology. And of course it also includes making amends with the past and maybe realizing what you were looking for had sort of been there the whole time. I thought it was adorable and it even made me laugh out loud a couple of times. Maybe it will do the same for you????
September 27, 2025
Sophie does not disappoint! I loved this book! it had a very interesting plot that intrigued me right away. only complaint was that the couple got together the second to last chapter! 🥺 I needed more of them together! 😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2025
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me.
I get the temptation to explore AI in fiction—it’s everywhere right now—but the execution here felt… off. The supposed love story didn’t land for me at all.
The male lead had a few endearing moments, but he often came across as oddly mechanical himself—emotionally distant, shutting down whenever things got real. Really ironic given he wasn’t the literal robot. And Chloe’s feelings felt conditional, like she only turned toward him once everyone else had clear flaws. It left a bad taste.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the advanced copy.
I get the temptation to explore AI in fiction—it’s everywhere right now—but the execution here felt… off. The supposed love story didn’t land for me at all.
The male lead had a few endearing moments, but he often came across as oddly mechanical himself—emotionally distant, shutting down whenever things got real. Really ironic given he wasn’t the literal robot. And Chloe’s feelings felt conditional, like she only turned toward him once everyone else had clear flaws. It left a bad taste.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the advanced copy.
November 20, 2025
3-3.5ish⭐️Listen, this book is wild and wacky and wonderfully weird and if anyone else had written it, I wouldn’t have finished. But it was written by the one and only Sophie Cousens so I actually enjoyed it! She called it her most insane book yet and she defo delivered!
I’m going to keep this review short and sweet for once in my very chatty life and just say that if you go into AND THEN THERE WAS YOU with an open mind and a decent sense of humor, I think you’ll have fun with it. I also think you should try to avoid spoilers at all costs!!!!
This definitely wasn’t my favorite by the author but it was oozing with the trademark SC charm we know and love, plus I chuckled out loud multiple times. It was probably the most unique (and insane) romance novel I’ve ever read and I think we could also use a little more fun in our literature from time to time! I also think whether you love it or hate it, this book will spark some very interesting conversations about an extremely relevant issue!
🏆IS SHE REALLY GOING OUT WITH HIM and THIS TIME NEXT YEAR are tied for my favorites by SC!
🥳PUB DAY: TODAY!
Thanks so much to @putnambooks for the early copy!
I’m going to keep this review short and sweet for once in my very chatty life and just say that if you go into AND THEN THERE WAS YOU with an open mind and a decent sense of humor, I think you’ll have fun with it. I also think you should try to avoid spoilers at all costs!!!!
This definitely wasn’t my favorite by the author but it was oozing with the trademark SC charm we know and love, plus I chuckled out loud multiple times. It was probably the most unique (and insane) romance novel I’ve ever read and I think we could also use a little more fun in our literature from time to time! I also think whether you love it or hate it, this book will spark some very interesting conversations about an extremely relevant issue!
🏆IS SHE REALLY GOING OUT WITH HIM and THIS TIME NEXT YEAR are tied for my favorites by SC!
🥳PUB DAY: TODAY!
Thanks so much to @putnambooks for the early copy!
September 9, 2025
5⭐️
This book was really sweet. This story follows Chloe Fairway and she is in a bit of a failure to launch situation. She's 31 living with her parents, not living to her potential at her job and failing at finding love or a partner. When she is recommended by an acquaintance to check out Perfect Match.
Perfect match is not quite what it seems and takes new take on AI. Overall I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was interesting and was really sweet, The AI boyfriend was a bit cringy at times or annoying but I kind of had to just let this all go,
I absolutely loved the MMC and was not expecting it at all. It ended up being one of my most favorite tropes. I'm not doing to share what that is as it's part of the fun.
In reality this book is not perfect and you have to just let go of reality. In reality this book is probably not a perfect 5 but to me is a 5 for my enjoyment. The fact I read this in one sitting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnamr for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own,
This book was really sweet. This story follows Chloe Fairway and she is in a bit of a failure to launch situation. She's 31 living with her parents, not living to her potential at her job and failing at finding love or a partner. When she is recommended by an acquaintance to check out Perfect Match.
Perfect match is not quite what it seems and takes new take on AI. Overall I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was interesting and was really sweet, The AI boyfriend was a bit cringy at times or annoying but I kind of had to just let this all go,
I absolutely loved the MMC and was not expecting it at all. It ended up being one of my most favorite tropes. I'm not doing to share what that is as it's part of the fun.
In reality this book is not perfect and you have to just let go of reality. In reality this book is probably not a perfect 5 but to me is a 5 for my enjoyment. The fact I read this in one sitting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnamr for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own,
September 8, 2025
Sophie Cousens’ 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘴 𝘠𝘰𝘶 is a light-hearted romantic comedy with a unique spin. Chloe Fairway was once a star student at Oxford and a prolific playwright-actress of school productions; now at 31, she’s living at home with her parents after a failed relationship and working as a personal assistant at a little known film production company. She’s in a rut and reluctant to return to campus for a ten-year reunion with no professional or personal successes to share. But when she receives a referral to Perfect Partners, a mysterious matchmaking service, she wonders if a distractingly handsome and perfectly charming plus-one is the answer.
The story is an amusing exploration of quarter-life crises and the role of new technology in the contemporary dating scene. Without giving too much away, I feel like people will either be a little intrigued by or be completed turned off by the plot depending on their thoughts on one of Chloe’s love interests. For myself, I thought it was an interesting spin on the love triangle and escort romance tropes. I do think the characterization and chemistry wasn’t as strong as it is in some of Cousens’ other works, but overall I found it to be a decent read.
3.5 stars. Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story is an amusing exploration of quarter-life crises and the role of new technology in the contemporary dating scene. Without giving too much away, I feel like people will either be a little intrigued by or be completed turned off by the plot depending on their thoughts on one of Chloe’s love interests. For myself, I thought it was an interesting spin on the love triangle and escort romance tropes. I do think the characterization and chemistry wasn’t as strong as it is in some of Cousens’ other works, but overall I found it to be a decent read.
3.5 stars. Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2025
What on EARTH ?!
How do I even review this without spoiling it? Some important conversations here. Although in the afterword she talks about two ideas that she wrote before this one. I liked the other two ideas better 🫣😬. Points for creativity for sure.
How do I even review this without spoiling it? Some important conversations here. Although in the afterword she talks about two ideas that she wrote before this one. I liked the other two ideas better 🫣😬. Points for creativity for sure.
December 7, 2025
Ok, for starters, I really loved the intent behind this story. Chloe, stuck in an unfulfilling job and dreading her ten-year college reunion, hires a mysterious dating service and is matched with the overly handsome, seemingly perfect Rob. But let's just say, nothing is as it seems!
This had some really great commentary on AI and the complexity of the human experience and how it truly cannot be replicated. But I don't completely love the way the concept was executed here. Without giving spoilers, I felt like the story took this AI experience a little too far. While I can absolutely see this kind of technology being a reality in the future (terrifying!), the way it played out here gave me the ick.
I really connected with Chloe and her feelings of failure, especially in the context of a reunion setting where you’re almost forced to compare yourself to others, but the romance itself felt a bit lacklustre. There's a sort of love triangle that develops, but for me, the use of flashbacks to reveal their history with Chloe just didn't feel that cohesive with the present timeline.
At the end of the day, I love Sophie Cousens! Her writing is so charming and ultimately, this story is definitely unique and will make you think. It just wasn't my favourite of hers!
(heat level: closed door)
This had some really great commentary on AI and the complexity of the human experience and how it truly cannot be replicated. But I don't completely love the way the concept was executed here. Without giving spoilers, I felt like the story took this AI experience a little too far. While I can absolutely see this kind of technology being a reality in the future (terrifying!), the way it played out here gave me the ick.
I really connected with Chloe and her feelings of failure, especially in the context of a reunion setting where you’re almost forced to compare yourself to others, but the romance itself felt a bit lacklustre. There's a sort of love triangle that develops, but for me, the use of flashbacks to reveal their history with Chloe just didn't feel that cohesive with the present timeline.
At the end of the day, I love Sophie Cousens! Her writing is so charming and ultimately, this story is definitely unique and will make you think. It just wasn't my favourite of hers!
(heat level: closed door)
October 26, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
3.5
I love Sophie Cousen's books as they always have something either slightly sci-fi mixed in or just generally quirky. However, this one fell a little short of her others. I still enjoyed the book, and it did have a great message pretty much saying that where you are in life is where you are meant to be, life takes us to where we are for a reason, and to not compare your journey to others. The relationships between the main characters was just a little strange (even though yes I know it's supposed to be) to where it didn't really incite a feeling of strong emotional attachment to them. You don't really feel invested enough to root for them. I still need to read some more of Cousens' backlog and I will continue to read from her, this one just wasn't a favorite.
3.5
I love Sophie Cousen's books as they always have something either slightly sci-fi mixed in or just generally quirky. However, this one fell a little short of her others. I still enjoyed the book, and it did have a great message pretty much saying that where you are in life is where you are meant to be, life takes us to where we are for a reason, and to not compare your journey to others. The relationships between the main characters was just a little strange (even though yes I know it's supposed to be) to where it didn't really incite a feeling of strong emotional attachment to them. You don't really feel invested enough to root for them. I still need to read some more of Cousens' backlog and I will continue to read from her, this one just wasn't a favorite.
January 12, 2026
Very interesting concept. Kinda weird, but I didn’t hate it.
December 9, 2025
This is a review of the ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is performed by Kerry Gilbert.
The book is a rom-com. The heroine is Chloe (31). She does not want to attend her 10 year college reunion alone. So she joins a mysterious dating service who pairs her up with Rob.
At the reunion she sees her former best friend Sean (who is now a famous director). She also sees another old friend John, who shows up with his emotional support dog Richard.
I found the premise of this book to be quite unique and intriguing. I was absolutely fascinated by the author’s note at the end. The author mentions how this book went through 3 different versions and she explains what they were.
Kerry Gilbert is wonderful as Chloe. The book is set in the UK so Chloe has a British accent. But Kerry is also able to do Irish accents and men’s voices superbly.
Overall, early on I wasn’t sure where this book was headed. There were definitely a few possibilities as to who would be Chloe’s true love interest. And maybe this could have all been settled earlier in the book. But I did find the futuristic aspects of the dating service to be very intriguing.
The book is a rom-com. The heroine is Chloe (31). She does not want to attend her 10 year college reunion alone. So she joins a mysterious dating service who pairs her up with Rob.
At the reunion she sees her former best friend Sean (who is now a famous director). She also sees another old friend John, who shows up with his emotional support dog Richard.
I found the premise of this book to be quite unique and intriguing. I was absolutely fascinated by the author’s note at the end. The author mentions how this book went through 3 different versions and she explains what they were.
Kerry Gilbert is wonderful as Chloe. The book is set in the UK so Chloe has a British accent. But Kerry is also able to do Irish accents and men’s voices superbly.
Overall, early on I wasn’t sure where this book was headed. There were definitely a few possibilities as to who would be Chloe’s true love interest. And maybe this could have all been settled earlier in the book. But I did find the futuristic aspects of the dating service to be very intriguing.
November 9, 2025
ֶָ֢.3.5 ☆ | This was...different. Not necessarily in a bad way, just not like anything I've read before.
⤷ ゛slight spoilers all throughout the review ֶָ֢ᐟֶָ֢ᐟ
This starts with our fmc, Chloe, on a date, which is awful.
▻ '𝘉𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘛𝘰𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳.
"What are you reading then?" 𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘥, 𝘯𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘱𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘨.
"𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯," 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮 "Well, rereading, it's one of my favorites."
"You should try the sequel, 𝘉𝘪𝘨 𝘔𝘦𝘯, it's much better," 𝘛𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, 𝘨𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘢𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘫𝘰𝘬𝘦.'
𐔌 I took a screenshot of this part and sent it to my sister. She said "kill him" which honestly? Quite a reasonable reaction because that literally wasn't the slightest bit funny ꒱
He says he isn't a reader, 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺. That he's more of a podcast guy & how he listens to Joe Rogan and how he's 𝘴𝘰 funny.
Chloe quickly left the table and went to the restroom and starts reading in there to avoid going back out to her date. That's when another lady comes into the restroom and turns out it's an old colleague of Chloe's. When Wendy offers Chloe a business card for an elite dating service that "changed her life" Chloe doesn't refuse. She scans the QR code that's on the card and leaves the pub soon after.
I get why she left the date halfway through, I would never be able to deal with a date like that.
Back to the dating service. Chloe has to fill out a 42 page questionnaire, but they guarantee to find you the "perfect partner". And they do find her the perfect partner. On the first "date", they hit it off. She truly thinks he's the perfect guy for her.
...Except he's AI, a robot, a BoiBot.
That's what I found to be weird. I was like, 𝘰𝘩! So this is like a robot kind of romance.
Then Chloe goes to her 10 year college reunion with Rob, and everyone loves him. I mean, he's the 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘯, how could you not?
Everyone but an old friend, John and his dog, Richard. As if they can tell something about Rob is off..
⚠major-ish spoiler⚠
I'm not trying to explain the whole book, but all this stuff happens.
And 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘎𝘰𝘥. Chloe doesn't end up with Rob.
She ends up with John, who's been in love with her for years.
She returns Rob to the dating service and two months later she sees Rob. Or someone who looks exactly like him. The Duchess of Dorset has a new boyfriend.
▻ This was good, different than what I've read before. Though the story was a bit odd, I really enjoyed the writing style and would definitely want to read more from this author in the future. Hopefully without the robots.
Thank you to Netgalley & the publishers for allowing me to have a copy of this e-arc!
⤷ ゛slight spoilers all throughout the review ֶָ֢ᐟֶָ֢ᐟ
This starts with our fmc, Chloe, on a date, which is awful.
▻ '𝘉𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘛𝘰𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳.
"What are you reading then?" 𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘥, 𝘯𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘱𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘨.
"𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯," 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮 "Well, rereading, it's one of my favorites."
"You should try the sequel, 𝘉𝘪𝘨 𝘔𝘦𝘯, it's much better," 𝘛𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, 𝘨𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘢𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘫𝘰𝘬𝘦.'
𐔌 I took a screenshot of this part and sent it to my sister. She said "kill him" which honestly? Quite a reasonable reaction because that literally wasn't the slightest bit funny ꒱
He says he isn't a reader, 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺. That he's more of a podcast guy & how he listens to Joe Rogan and how he's 𝘴𝘰 funny.
Chloe quickly left the table and went to the restroom and starts reading in there to avoid going back out to her date. That's when another lady comes into the restroom and turns out it's an old colleague of Chloe's. When Wendy offers Chloe a business card for an elite dating service that "changed her life" Chloe doesn't refuse. She scans the QR code that's on the card and leaves the pub soon after.
I get why she left the date halfway through, I would never be able to deal with a date like that.
Back to the dating service. Chloe has to fill out a 42 page questionnaire, but they guarantee to find you the "perfect partner". And they do find her the perfect partner. On the first "date", they hit it off. She truly thinks he's the perfect guy for her.
...Except he's AI, a robot, a BoiBot.
That's what I found to be weird. I was like, 𝘰𝘩! So this is like a robot kind of romance.
Then Chloe goes to her 10 year college reunion with Rob, and everyone loves him. I mean, he's the 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘯, how could you not?
Everyone but an old friend, John and his dog, Richard. As if they can tell something about Rob is off..
⚠major-ish spoiler⚠
I'm not trying to explain the whole book, but all this stuff happens.
And 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘎𝘰𝘥. Chloe doesn't end up with Rob.
She ends up with John, who's been in love with her for years.
She returns Rob to the dating service and two months later she sees Rob. Or someone who looks exactly like him. The Duchess of Dorset has a new boyfriend.
▻ This was good, different than what I've read before. Though the story was a bit odd, I really enjoyed the writing style and would definitely want to read more from this author in the future. Hopefully without the robots.
Thank you to Netgalley & the publishers for allowing me to have a copy of this e-arc!
January 5, 2026
Story 3.5 stars rounded up. Narration 4.5 stars
This was not the story I thought I was getting when I started listening. It’s a contemporary romance with science fiction components. If that makes sense? I guess it could also just be a sort of fantasy, but science fiction is closer. I admit to almost giving up about midway through, but stuck with it.
Chloe is 31, single and lives with her parents. She’s 2 years out of a controlling relationship and truly scared to try and date again. She hasn’t done anything she thought she would after college and works at a dead end job in a field she wants to excel in, but is pretty much just making coffee and shredding papers. Her college reunion is happening soon so she signs up with a secret dating app. She is matched with the perfect man. Probably too perfect. Taking Rob to the reunion was probably not the best idea she’s ever had. While at the reunion she reconnects with her former best friend Sean, now a famous director. She also reconnects with John, another close friend from college. Rob is the best looking guy at the reunion, the best dancer and the most athletic. Her female friends are envious and her male friends are in disbelief. He’s just too perfect. I’m going to stop there.
This was a British book and I usually really enjoy romances that originate there. I’m not even sure why other than they are so well done in most aspects. They don’t fall victim to the towards the end break up that normally happens in contemporary romances. They probably have something similar happen, but in a much better way. Hopefully that makes sense. The author’s an auto buy or Libby borrow for me now. I did have a few problems with the “secret” which I’m not telling here. It’s why I almost gave up. I did ultimately like(not love)the read/listen, but it wasn’t my favorite by this author.
This was not the story I thought I was getting when I started listening. It’s a contemporary romance with science fiction components. If that makes sense? I guess it could also just be a sort of fantasy, but science fiction is closer. I admit to almost giving up about midway through, but stuck with it.
Chloe is 31, single and lives with her parents. She’s 2 years out of a controlling relationship and truly scared to try and date again. She hasn’t done anything she thought she would after college and works at a dead end job in a field she wants to excel in, but is pretty much just making coffee and shredding papers. Her college reunion is happening soon so she signs up with a secret dating app. She is matched with the perfect man. Probably too perfect. Taking Rob to the reunion was probably not the best idea she’s ever had. While at the reunion she reconnects with her former best friend Sean, now a famous director. She also reconnects with John, another close friend from college. Rob is the best looking guy at the reunion, the best dancer and the most athletic. Her female friends are envious and her male friends are in disbelief. He’s just too perfect. I’m going to stop there.
This was a British book and I usually really enjoy romances that originate there. I’m not even sure why other than they are so well done in most aspects. They don’t fall victim to the towards the end break up that normally happens in contemporary romances. They probably have something similar happen, but in a much better way. Hopefully that makes sense. The author’s an auto buy or Libby borrow for me now. I did have a few problems with the “secret” which I’m not telling here. It’s why I almost gave up. I did ultimately like(not love)the read/listen, but it wasn’t my favorite by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2025
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 unique take on them was really interesting and thought provoking.
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 handsome and seemingly the perfect guy. 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 then returning him, 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!
I was disappointed that Richard wasn’t a real service dog and John did not share that he was on the spectrum. His behavior in the beginning of the book seemed to match that and I think we need some male leads that aren’t so tidy, yet still desirable. That fact that he didn’t actually need Richard as a service dog but just wanted him around, made him kind of yucky- and that was just sort of dropped on us like a bomb at the end.
Let me start off by saying I do not like love triangles, but this unique take on them was really interesting and thought provoking.
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 handsome and seemingly the perfect guy. 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 then returning him, 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!
I was disappointed that Richard wasn’t a real service dog and John did not share that he was on the spectrum. His behavior in the beginning of the book seemed to match that and I think we need some male leads that aren’t so tidy, yet still desirable. That fact that he didn’t actually need Richard as a service dog but just wanted him around, made him kind of yucky- and that was just sort of dropped on us like a bomb at the end.
November 9, 2025
Not every book is for everybody.
October 6, 2025
A fun and fresh story of self-discovery, success, our relationship with technology 💻, and a touch of sci-fi! I can always count on Sophie Cousens for a wholesome read! ❤️👏🏼
Thank you NetGalley for the arc
Thank you NetGalley for the arc
November 6, 2025
Buckle up, because there will be spoilers ahead, but I refuse to hide this review.
First, the marketing for this book is WAY off. It’s supposed to be a romcom, but the synopsis hides the AI plot behind the word “twist.” That isn’t a twist, but alright. Of all my issues, this is the one I could forgive.
Second, there’s a chatGPT quote used at the beginning. I thought it would play into the story somehow—the author’s way of bringing awareness to the absurdity of AI—but ultimately it isn’t.
My biggest issue wasn’t that this romcom mixed up genres, but that throughout the story there was so little discourse of the way AI is used and how it might be used in the future if we don’t limit it—and when there was mention, the reader was tipped to believe that the FMC (and I’d argue, the author) was going to dismantle this company because of how the product wasn’t what they “advertised.” But in the last 5% of the book the FMC all but gives two thumbs up to this robot man she rented to fool her old classmates by answering the company’s questions with these glowing reviews.
But my BIGGEST issue, and the one that dropped it from 2.5 to 1, was the minor mention of how Rob—yes, the AI robot was named Rob—left behind some books on writing plays and scripts for the FMC with his notes in the margins. You know what that sounds like to me? Like someone is trying to justify the use of AI when it comes to art.
TLDR; this was a MESS. This was my fist Cousens book, and given the other reviews saying it wasn’t like her other books, I still don’t know if I’ll ever read another of her books because of how the themes of this book landed with me.
First, the marketing for this book is WAY off. It’s supposed to be a romcom, but the synopsis hides the AI plot behind the word “twist.” That isn’t a twist, but alright. Of all my issues, this is the one I could forgive.
Second, there’s a chatGPT quote used at the beginning. I thought it would play into the story somehow—the author’s way of bringing awareness to the absurdity of AI—but ultimately it isn’t.
My biggest issue wasn’t that this romcom mixed up genres, but that throughout the story there was so little discourse of the way AI is used and how it might be used in the future if we don’t limit it—and when there was mention, the reader was tipped to believe that the FMC (and I’d argue, the author) was going to dismantle this company because of how the product wasn’t what they “advertised.” But in the last 5% of the book the FMC all but gives two thumbs up to this robot man she rented to fool her old classmates by answering the company’s questions with these glowing reviews.
But my BIGGEST issue, and the one that dropped it from 2.5 to 1, was the minor mention of how Rob—yes, the AI robot was named Rob—left behind some books on writing plays and scripts for the FMC with his notes in the margins. You know what that sounds like to me? Like someone is trying to justify the use of AI when it comes to art.
TLDR; this was a MESS. This was my fist Cousens book, and given the other reviews saying it wasn’t like her other books, I still don’t know if I’ll ever read another of her books because of how the themes of this book landed with me.
November 21, 2025
I have loved Sophie Cousens books since i read her first one but in my opinion, this is her worst book. I am sorry but the AI part was mind-numbingly boring and the main character was just so self centered that it was really hard to like her. I will read her future books, of course, but I wouldn't recommend this one.
October 10, 2025
I’m 70% through and just couldn’t do it. The AI boyfriend, the humor, the MC just didn’t do it for me. Really disappointed!
January 17, 2026
I normally really enjoy the books I’ve read from this author, but this one fell a bit short. There were some surprising moments and a few parts that genuinely made me laugh, but I just wasn’t as invested in the romance as I wanted to be. I didn’t really connect with either love interest, which made me not care about where the relationship ended up. I did appreciate some life lessons woven into the story, but I really wish the romance had been stronger…
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 25, 2025
Initial reaction: It was fine, but lacked the spark of more recent Sophie Cousens books. Interesting concept that I can see coming into reality. The "mystery" love interest seemed pretty obvious. I didn't really connect with much of this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 23, 2025
When picking up a new Sophie Cousens, I am always expecting a cute romance that will make me laugh. While this book delivered on making me laugh, though few and far between this time, it didn’t deliver on the romance for me.
We follow Chloe, who feels like her life is at a standstill. When she out is on a horrible date, she has a run in with an old friend who recommends this program, Perfect Partners. PP provides a “BoiBot” aka an AI boyfriend. Chloe thinks it’s crazy, though decides to do it anyways as she doesn’t want to show up to her 10 year college reunion single on top of everything else.
This book houses important discussions on AI and its impacts, which I appreciated. It’s terrifying that this is what the world may turn into in the future. We see a small bit of a love triangle in this one, but I felt nothing for it. The love interest, we barely get to know, and we don’t get much build up of the connection between the two characters at all.
This felt very lacking in all aspects for me. While it was a quick read, I just feel meh about it. Not bad, not good. Very disappointing for me from Sophie Cousens and probably my least favorite of hers to date.
Richard tho? The dog? The best part of the whole book
We follow Chloe, who feels like her life is at a standstill. When she out is on a horrible date, she has a run in with an old friend who recommends this program, Perfect Partners. PP provides a “BoiBot” aka an AI boyfriend. Chloe thinks it’s crazy, though decides to do it anyways as she doesn’t want to show up to her 10 year college reunion single on top of everything else.
This book houses important discussions on AI and its impacts, which I appreciated. It’s terrifying that this is what the world may turn into in the future. We see a small bit of a love triangle in this one, but I felt nothing for it. The love interest, we barely get to know, and we don’t get much build up of the connection between the two characters at all.
This felt very lacking in all aspects for me. While it was a quick read, I just feel meh about it. Not bad, not good. Very disappointing for me from Sophie Cousens and probably my least favorite of hers to date.
Richard tho? The dog? The best part of the whole book
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