Real When I'm With You

Determined to save face, Effie makes a deal with Aiden, the cute barista at her local coffee shop – they’re going to fake date to prove Chelsea wrong. But the more time they spend together, the more Effie realises she can be her true authentic self with Aiden. As the line between real and fake becomes blurred, will Effie be able to turn her new pretend life into reality?

Real When I’m With You takes a well-worn trope – fake dating – and gives it a fresh spin in this story about authenticity versus the need to fit in, told through a neurodivergent lens. The cast of neurodivergent characters includes not just Effie and Aiden (who has ADHD) but also Aiden’s friends, Gigi and Tess, who welcome Effie into their fold. The book cleverly subverts other tropes too – Aiden’s ex-girlfriend Caro is not a source of competition for Effie, but of solidarity. Serious topics like toxic friendships and Autistic shutdowns are handled with a delicate touch, ensuring a light tone throughout.