Real When I'm With You

Author: Powrie, Lucy

Romance & relationships stories (Children's/YA)

Published on 3 July 2025 by Scholastic in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 352 pages
372 x 130 x 24 | 248g

A summer of fake dating just got real...

Effie is fed up on playing third-wheel to her best friend Chelsea.

She dreams of being the main character in her own life. Just

when she thinks romance isn't for her, Effie meets irresistibly

cute barista Aiden at her local cafe. 

When she's with him, she doesn't have to hide she's autistic and

can be her true self. But when Chelsea makes a snide remark about

how she's never had a boyfriend, Effie and Aiden strike up a

deal: they'll pretend to date. 

But as their fake feelings start to feel ... real, can Effie cast

aside what everyone else thinks and follow her heart?

Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Elle McNicoll

A whole cast of neurodivergent characters, including an autistic,

main character who learns how to be herself and find love. 

fake-dating tropes and a handsome barista love interest

An exclusive interview with author Lucy Powrie included!