Sophie Cousens has a gift for writing stories that blend warmth, wit and a touch of the unexpected, and And Then There Was You is no exception. What begins as what seems to be a charming contemporary romance takes and intriguing turn with a surprising sci-fi element. At first I wasn’t sure how the genre shift would sit within the story, but to my surprise, it quickly drew me in and added depth to both the plot and the characters.

The emotional pull of the relationships, paired with the imaginative twist, made this novel stand out from the standard rom-com fare. I found myself invested not only in the love story but also in the bigger “what if” questions the book posed. Cousens manages to balance lighthearted humor with moments of poignancy, resulting in a story that is equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking.

If you’re looking for a romance that dares to step outside the usual boundaries and isn’t afraid to play with genre, And Then There Was You is a delightful choice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam publishing for the advanced readers copy.