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“This rom-com explores how vulnerability and the pressure to perform shape modern relationships. Mia’s perfectionism and Noah’s emotional guardedness create compelling romantic tension, while their intellectual sparring adds depth to their chemistry. Mia’s queerness adds to the book’s thoughtful diverse representation. A clever, contemporary romance that explores authenticity in an age of endless scrutiny.”

—Kirkus Reviews

The Cuffing Game

Written by Lyla Lee
Published by HarperCollins

It is a truth universally acknowledged that when there is a hot person, there is also someone with a crush on them.

Mia Yoon has a plan for everything. Get a full ride to her dream film school in Los Angeles, behind her mom’s back, and escape her middle-of-nowhere hometown—check. Produce her own dating show starring other people and their crushes—check. But everything goes off the rails when she has to enlist the help of her own secret crush, Noah Jang, a boy she’d rather hate.

Despite being a campus celebrity voted “most eligible student bachelor,” Noah can’t remember the last time he was in a relationship. And he’s perfectly content with that, thank you very much, especially since just the word feelings makes him uncomfortable. But he can’t stop staring at Mia, who keeps glaring at him in class. And when she asks him to be on her dating show—as one of the contestants—he can’t say no.

As Noah goes on more and more romantic dates on The Cuffing Game and Mia watches from behind the camera, something feels off. With the showrunner and contestant slowly falling for one another, can the show still go on?

Primary ISBN: 9780063330412
Publication Date: November 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 14 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Texas, Los Angeles CA)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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