Real When I'm With You by Lucy Powrie
Two neurodivergent teens. One fake dating dare. Zero interest in playing the romance game by anyone else’s rules.
PRE-READING THOUGHTS:
I was intrigued from the start—fake dating is always a solid hook, but adding in a proudly asexual, autistic heroine and an ADHD/dyslexic love interest? That’s the kind of romcom twist I’m always hoping for. Sweet, awkward, full of boundaries and heart, please.
POST-READING:
As I thought...
Effie and Aiden’s story was a quiet triumph. Soft, respectful, and full of emotionally honest moments, it never tried to squeeze them into a neurotypical love story. Their connection felt real because it was about trust, not performance.
It surprised me by...
...how sharp it was underneath the fluff. The commentary on toxic friendships and being disbelieved in your truth hit hard. The book never stopped being kind, but it didn’t shy away from how painful it is to be constantly second-guessed.
MUSIC PAIRING
🎵 Featured Song: “Grow As We Go” – Ben Platt
🎶 Vibe Album: Immunity – Clairo
🎧 Artist Rec: mxmtoon
VIBE CHECK
🎨 Colour Palette: lilac, latte brown, lemon yellow, robin’s egg blue
🎧 Soundtrack: acoustic guitar, café clatter, nervous laughter, text pings
🌸 Season: Spring
💭 Mood: Vulnerable but hopeful
☕ Scent: Vanilla latte with oat milk & citrus peel
TAROT PULL
🌙 The Lovers (Moon Dust Tarot) – Not romance as cliché, but connection as truth. This card reflects the choice to show up honestly, be seen, and be loved as-is. Perfect for Effie and Aiden’s quietly radical story.
FOR FANS OF
📚 Loveless by Alice Oseman
📺 Heartstopper (Netflix)
→ Stories that celebrate love beyond labels, with neurodivergent, queer leads who are deeply lovable just as they are.