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 elseโs rules.
I was intrigued from the startโfake dating is always a solid hook, but adding in a proudly asexual, autistic heroine and an ADHD/dyslexic love interest? Thatโs the kind of romcom twist Iโm always hoping for. Sweet, awkward, full of boundaries and heart, please.
Effie and Aidenโs 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.
...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 didnโt shy away from how painful it is to be constantly second-guessed.
๐ต Featured Song: โGrow As We Goโ โ Ben Platt
๐ถ Vibe Album: Immunity โ Clairo
๐จ Colour Palette: lilac, latte brown, lemon yellow, robinโs egg blue
๐ง Soundtrack: acoustic guitar, cafรฉ clatter, nervous laughter, text pings
๐ญ Mood: Vulnerable but hopeful
โ Scent: Vanilla latte with oat milk & citrus peel
๐ The Lovers (Moon Dust Tarot) โ Not romance as clichรฉ, but connection as truth. This card reflects the choice to show up honestly, be seen, and be loved as-is. Perfect for Effie and Aidenโs quietly radical story.
๐ Loveless by Alice Oseman
๐บ Heartstopper (Netflix)
โ Stories that celebrate love beyond labels, with neurodivergent, queer leads who are deeply lovable just as they are.