I'll Pretend You're Mine - by Tashie Bhuiyan (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Summer Ali has been making a name for herself in the music industry for years, slowly but surely climbing the charts--but the world doesn't know her stage parents are the ones who molded her entire public persona. Finally eighteen, Summer breaks free of their control and focuses on creating her own path. Upon running into writer's block, Summer grows eager to take any opportunity to shake things up--even if it means agreeing to a PR stunt with child-actor-turned-playboy Jules Moradi, famous for his tabloid escapades. At first, Jules keeps his distance, maintaining professional boundaries. But as time passes, his walls come down, and Summer uncovers who he is beyond his reputation, and it's someone more like her than she ever realized. As the lines blur between fake and real, Summer begins questioning who she is and what she wants--and if her dreams are worth sacrificing her heart"--

Book Synopsis

When singer-songwriter Summer is forced in a PR stunt, pretending to date an actor, she wonders what's real life and what's acting, especially as fake-dating leads to real feelings, in this contemporary novel from the author of Counting Down with You.

Summer Ali has been making a name for herself in the music industry for years, slowly but surely climbing the charts--but the world doesn't know her stage parents are the ones who molded her entire public persona. Finally eighteen, Summer breaks free of their control and focuses on creating her own path.
Upon running into writer's block, Summer grows eager to take any opportunity to shake things up--even if it means agreeing to a PR stunt with child-actor-turned-playboy, Jules Moradi, famous for his tabloid escapades.
At first, Jules keeps his distance, maintaining professional boundaries. But as time passes, his walls come down, and Summer uncovers who he is beyond his reputation, and it's someone more like her than she ever realized. As the lines blur between fake and real, Summer begins questioning who she is and what she wants--and if her dreams are worth sacrificing her heart.

The New York Public Library's Best Books of 2025
Child Mind Institute Book Winner - Best Kids' Books About Mental Health 2025

Review Quotes

"From the instant you are dropped into Summer's wild, celebrity world, you can't help but fall in love with her just like her fans. Her swoon-worthy 'pretend' romance will have you by the heartstrings, and her strength on her road to self-discovery will have you rooting for her on every page. Yet another wildly fun, deeply tender, incredibly heartfelt novel from Tashie Bhuiyan that will make you want to re-read it the instant you finish." - Emma Lord, New York Times-bestselling author of Tweet Cute

"I'll Pretend You're Mine has it all: charismatic characters, a swoon-worthy fake-dating romance, and a tender, nuanced examination of what it means--and what it takes--to follow your heart. Tashie Bhuiyan's gift for writing beautifully earnest coming-of-age novels is undeniable." - Ann Liang, New York Times bestselling author of I Hope This Doesn't Find You

"A sweet, swoony, banterrific rom-com wrapped in a deeply heartfelt and healing journey of selfhood and independence, I'll Pretend Your Mine is the perfect pick-me up--no faking necessary!" - Dahlia Adler, award-winning author of Cool for the Summer

"Tashie Bhuiyan has done it again. I'll Pretend You're Mine is a gentle, affirming story about a fake relationship that grows so real, it helps these characters become braver, better, and more assured individuals. Underneath the flash and glamor of celebrity is a beautiful love story rooted in friendship and healing, written by an author who understands exactly what makes a romance truly shine." - Racquel Marie, award-winning author of Ophelia After All

"A luminous story that unfurls with a steady warmth and tenderness, with characters who hold so much care for one another as they learn to navigate the pressure of perceptions and expectations in the searching of the self. I'll Pretend You're Mine explores, with such beautifully sincere narrative, the wonder of being seen and known and loved at your truest." - Christina Li, award-winning author of True Love and Other Impossible Odds

"This heartfelt coming-of-age story delves into myriad societal issues; Summer's exploring her sexuality, her best friend is queer, and Jules grapples with racial identity, self-doubt, and accusations of being part of a "diversity quota." Bhuiyan tackles challenging issues from a relatable teenage perspective while maintaining an overall light tone. An emotional and heartfelt story about growing up and finding connection in the public eye." -Kirkus Reviews