Raegan Revord, known for playing Missy Cooper on the hit CBS show Young Sheldon, has added author to their list of achievements. Their debut novel, Rules for Fake Girlfriends, was published on September 2, 2025. The book is a young adult sapphic rom-com that follows a college student’s journey of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Revord, who is 17 years old, wrote the book between takes while filming Young Sheldon and during school breaks. They have described writing as a long-standing passion, fueled by their love for storytelling and books. In 2022, they started a popular online book club called Read with Raegan, which has over 175,000 followers on Instagram.
What ‘Rules for Fake Girlfriends’ Is About
The novel centers on Avery Blackwell, a rom-com-loving but perpetually single teen who changes her plans to attend Columbia University. Instead, she decides to spend her freshman year at her late mother’s alma mater in Brighton, England. On the train there, Avery meets Charlie, a local girl who proposes a deal: if Avery pretends to be Charlie’s girlfriend to make her ex jealous, Charlie will help Avery solve a scavenger hunt left behind by her mother.
As they explore Brighton together, Avery begins to connect with the memory of her mother, whom she loved but never fully understood. At the same time, her fake relationship with Charlie starts to feel very real. However, secrets eventually come to light, forcing Avery to face an uncertain future and question if love is worth the risk.
The story incorporates popular romance tropes like fake dating while also touching on themes of grief, identity, and found family. It is noted for its diverse cast of characters and healthy queer relationships.
“I love the romance stuff so much. I’m such a hopeless romantic myself,” Revord shared in a recent interview, discussing their approach to balancing the book’s romantic and emotional elements .
A Personal Connection to the Story
Revord has mentioned that personal experiences influenced the book. The strained mother-daughter relationship in the story was inspired by a real-life health scare involving a close friend, which made Revord think about how sudden news can impact relationships. This inspired Avery’s journey to understand her mother after her death.
Interestingly, the initial plan was for Avery to complete the scavenger hunt, but Revord and their editor later decided against it. They felt that leaving the hunt unfinished reflected the idea that connecting with a loved one doesn’t always require following a predefined path—sometimes, the memories and experiences alone are enough.
Inspiration from Other Rom-Coms
Revord cites Heartstopper by Alice Oseman as a major inspiration, not just for its portrayal of queer love but also for its emphasis on found family. Other influences include To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han, which popularized the fake-dating trope, and Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston.
The author wanted to create a story that felt both fresh and relatable, blending classic rom-com elements with authentic character struggles. The result is a book that appeals to fans of authors like Alice Oseman and stories like I Kissed Shara Wheeler and Love & Gelato.
Fan and Critical Reception
Early reviews have been mixed but generally positive. Some readers have praised the book for its emotional depth and charming romance, while others felt the scavenger hunt plot was occasionally overshadowed by the romance. Despite this, many appreciate the representation and heartfelt storytelling.
On social media, fans of Revord have expressed excitement about the release, celebrating the actor’s step into literature. The book has also been noted for its handling of grief and mental health, with readers finding Avery’s journey relatable.
Raegan Revord’s Journey Beyond Acting
In addition to their work on Young Sheldon and its spinoff, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Revord is actively involved in advocacy and charity work. They serve as a junior ambassador for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and support animal rescue initiatives. Recently, Revord came out as non-binary, using they/them pronouns, and hopes their visibility helps others feel seen and accepted.
Looking ahead, Revord has hinted at future projects, including a potential fantasy novel and hopes to adapt Rules for Fake Girlfriends into a film.
Credits: Wikipedia, Goodreads
