First things first, but the cover? It is so gorgeous. The artwork is beautifully done, and the characters are conveyed perfectly. That being said, it’s not exactly how I envisioned Noah and Mia while reading, but still, it’s a gorgeous design that draws you in.

Now, onto the book itself. The Cuffing Game has a reality TV dating show premise that feels fresh and unique, something I haven’t really seen done before, at least not in this way. The reality show element was definitely the highlight of the book for me. I loved how it wasn’t just about Mia and Noah; we got to see a variety of personalities and interactions, which made the world feel fuller and more immersive. Every contestant had their own quirks, which kept things engaging.

However, while I enjoyed the overall premise, the romance between Mia and Noah fell a little flat. I just didn’t feel the connection between them. Mia’s dynamic with Noah was especially frustrating because she has this massive crush on him but treats him pretty terribly, which made it hard to root for them. I get the whole hiding a crush trope, but at times, it felt unnecessarily mean spirited. Noah, on the other hand, was a well developed character. His background and personality were built up really well, and I could see where he was coming from. Mia, however, felt less fleshed out and I never felt like I fully understood her, even by the end.

The writing itself leans toward the corny side, which sometimes works, but I wasn’t a huge fan of it here. It made certain moments feel forced rather than natural. That said, the ending, while predictable, was still cute and satisfying.

Overall, The Cuffing Game is a fun, lighthearted YA romance with an entertaining reality TV setting that takes center stage. If you’re looking for a college set dating show with lots of drama and a unique concept, this could be a great pick. But if you’re hoping for deep romance, it might not fully deliver.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lyla Lee, Harper Collins for the eARC of this book.