Discovering "The Cuffing Game" by L.A. J. Ward: A Sweet Slice of Romance
When I first stumbled upon The Cuffing Game by L.A. J. Ward, I felt an immediate tug of curiosity. The promise of an enemies-to-lovers saga set against the backdrop of film school? Yes, please! Plus, the nod to Pride and Prejudice immediately piqued my interest—could this book deliver the charming nuances of Jane Austen while tossing in modern-day drama? Spoiler alert: it certainly gives it a run for its money!
Character Connections and Plot Threads
Meet Mia, an aspiring filmmaker far from her Texas home, whose tension-filled classroom debates with the oh-so-charming Noah have added a delightful spark of conflict. I found myself instantly rooting for her; she’s ambitious, clever, and has a dream that might just blossom if she can navigate her feelings for her crush-turned-contestant. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her initial reaction when Noah insulted her at a frat party—a classic moment of misunderstanding that set up their duality perfectly.
Then we have Noah—a beloved figure in the social media sphere who initially seems to be all charm and cameras. But as the narrative unfolds, we see glimpses of vulnerability that peel back his persona, especially as Mia sees through his ‘mask.’ Their dynamic creates a mix of tension and chemistry that kept me flipping the pages, eager to see how they would grow together—not just on set, but off it as well.
Writing Style and Themes
Ward’s writing flows effortlessly, balancing snappy dialogue with moments of introspection. I appreciated how she captured the college atmosphere, complete with the pressures of film school and the tender messiness of young love. The pacing felt just right; not rushed, but also not so slow that tension fizzled out. I found myself snickering at moments of levity while simultaneously feeling pulled into Mia’s creative world.
One observation I couldn’t shake—what’s with all the Mias? This makes it at least the fourth book I’ve read with a character named Mia! While I didn’t delve deeply into that naming trend, it’s always fun to wonder about common tropes in literature. 😏
Of course, I have to give a special shout-out to Matías. His presence was a refreshing addition—charming and endearing, and I found myself wishing he had more screen time. Perhaps a sequel? 🤭
Final Thoughts
The Cuffing Game left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s a delightful read filled with light-hearted romance, a sprinkle of reality TV drama, and commendable LGBTQIA+ representation, all wrapped in a beautifully designed cover. While I might be a tad jaded when it comes to sweet romances, this story managed to elicit genuine smiles and giggles, which I think resonate with so many readers searching for a heartfelt escape.
If you’re a fan of cute, uncomplicated romantic tales where characters grow beyond their initial assumptions and misunderstandings, then The Cuffing Game is undoubtedly the book for you. It blends charm with real-life struggles and offers a refreshing perspective on young love in a digital age.
Thank you to HarperCollins Children’s Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I’m already looking forward to seeing what L.A. J. Ward will conjure up next! 💖