Then There Was You

by Darienne Leigh

Kirby Templeton has spent her entire life proving she’s enough.

As a nurse practitioner in a high-volume pulmonary clinic, she’s learned how to survive—keep her head down, work twice as hard, and never give anyone a reason to doubt her. It’s easier that way. Safer.

Controlled. Careful. Untouchable.

Until him.

Daxton Hudson is composed, infuriatingly observant, and entirely too good at getting under her skin. Assigned to train under her, he challenges everything—her authority, her patience… and the carefully constructed distance she keeps between herself and everyone else.

Because he notices. Everything.

Especially the way she looks at him—like she wants something she refuses to name.

And the worst part? He doesn’t look away.

What starts as friction turns into tension—thick, undeniable, impossible to ignore. The kind that lingers too long. The kind that feels dangerously close to something neither of them can control.

Because the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to keep their hands—and their thoughts—to themselves.

He pushes.

She resists.

And somewhere in between, the line between professional and personal begins to blur.

Crossing it would ruin everything.

But walking away? He doesn’t do that.

And she’s starting to realize… she might not want him to.

Then There Was You is a slow-burn, open-door workplace romance featuring sharp banter, explosive chemistry, and a man who refuses to stop until she gives in.

545 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2026

Reviews

[Ashley Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I picked up this book, I couldn’t put it down. I loved watching Kirby and Daxton’s relationship evolve and loved the internal dialogue as they both worked through how they were feeling. This book is sweet and a little spicy. The FMC is a brilliant weirdo in the best way and her quirky interactions were everything. The MMC is dreamy… a cinnamon roll with a spicy, unfiltered center when he talks to the FMC. 🫠🫠🫠

This book is So so so good.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost never, ever write reviews, but this was a must for me. I loved this book so, so much! The banter, the Taylor Swift references, the New Girl references. The swoon worthy love between these two characters. It was absolute perfection. I hope we get a book for Charlie and Tim. I’m also hoping for an audiobook in the future. I think I found my new favorite author! Thank you, Darienne for this masterpiece.

[Noelle Lavelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. So very relatable. The author nailed the internal monologues. I felt like she was in my own head. She described processes of real emotions and thought that I know I’ve felt in my own life but never had words to describe. There are laugh out loud moments and “smh” moments. Overall I would definitely recommend. I can’t wait for more from this author.

[Kenna Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! The banter was amazing and the personality of the FMC really shined. My only complaint is when reading on Kindle the chapters aren’t separated on the page which threw me off for the first few! Aside from that I loved the story and Daxton Hudson is swoon worthy.

[Chasity L. Fudella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I loved Daxton and Kirby’s back and forth and the pull they had to one another. I would recommend this book.

[Diana Garcia Del Prado · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! It had me hooked from start to finish! I loved all of the scenarios Kirby and Daxton faced. Daxton is such a perfect little golden retriever MMC. Kirby defending herself at work was kickass and Daxton backing her up. This book was just so amazing. Definitely give it a try!

[Kaya Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swoon

A man like Daxton is top tier book boyfriend. The way he helps Kirby find her spark again just makes me swoon.