Who Would Like This Book:
If you love enemies-to-lovers office rom-coms, get ready for a witty, banter-filled rollercoaster. The Hating Game features sharp dialogue, delicious slow-burn chemistry, and two quirky rivals who can't decide if they're about to fight or kiss. It's perfect for readers who crave a mix of laugh-out-loud moments, palpable sexual tension, and endearing (if occasionally immature) characters. Fans of snappy, character-driven romance and anyone who likes a contemporary workplace setting will be hooked.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Not everyone fell head-over-heels for this one. Some readers found the rivalry a bit too childish and the characters frustratingly immature at times. The single POV and repetitive inner monologue wasn’t for everyone, and the setting - though fun - felt generic or lacked depth to some. If you’re sensitive to fat shaming, body image digs, or crave more developed side characters and a less fluffy version of office dynamics, you might find this one misses the mark.
About:
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne revolves around the workplace rivalry between Lucy and Josh, who despise each other but find themselves sharing an office after a merger. As they compete for the same promotion, their interactions are filled with witty banter, mind games, and emotional vulnerability. The story is a mix of romance, comedy, and tension, with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers plot that keeps readers engaged. Thorne's writing style is described as cute, light-hearted, and funny, making it an entertaining and enjoyable read for fans of contemporary romance and chick lit.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book may contain themes that could be triggering for some readers, such as workplace harassment and body image issues, though they are contextualized within the story's dynamics.
Has Romance?
The romance is a central element of the story, characterized by significant emotional and physical tension between the main characters.
From The Publisher:
Soon to Be a Major Motion Picture!
USA Today Bestseller
Debut author Sally Thorne bursts on the scene with a hilarious and sexy workplace comedy all about that thin, fine line between hate and love.
Nemesis (n.) 1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.
2) A person's undoing
3) Joshua Templeman
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can't understand Joshua's joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy's overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude.
Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job…But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn't hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn't hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.
Ratings (665)
Incredible (92) | |
Loved It (236) | |
Liked It (188) | |
It Was OK (86) | |
Did Not Like (47) | |
Hated It (16) |
Reader Stats (1208):
Read It (710) | |
Currently Reading (4) | |
Want To Read (282) | |
Did Not Finish (23) | |
Not Interested (189) |
25 comment(s)
edit: changing this rating to 1 star because it uses the r-slur and uses the words 'cleft palate' as an insult. i can't even believe i didn't originally notice this, but no. absolutely not.
*3.5
This majority of this book was very underwhelming, sadly. The chemistry between the characters was a bit lacking, but that doesn't mean I didn't like it. The ending was really good, and I died for a second reading it, so some aspects of the book I did enjoy, but as for that its a bit of a meh from me. Also, it was very fast paced and easy to read, so I liked that too.
3 stars. first book of 2022!!! pretty cliché enemies to lovers novel, overall I thought it was kinda bland. there’s definitely cute moments and I commend Sally Thorne for her ability to write lovable, easy-to-root-for characters, but if you’re looking for an outstanding romance novel with depth and spontaneity, this isn’t the one to read.
It is so bad, I want to give you a zero, but that's not possible, so I give you a one.
The main characters in this book are both fairly unhinged and childish. However, they are fairly equal in their bad decision-making. They are both jealous and kind of stalkers. However, the story is a super fun read. Good points: a fast, fun story with lots of foolishness but no "totally contrived fight for the sake of plot". Bad points: the focus on their physical sizes (he is tall and buff, she is short and delicate) is both stereotypical and discussed about one billion times, which was a bit weird, but whatever.
boring
This jumped from a 2 star too 4,5 stars in my second reread. I don't how I read it last time that made me dislike it so much but I absolutely loved it this time. It was so cute and quirky, was in love with the banter and the tension was intriguing. Such a good read!
3.5 stars
This book reminded me of Practice Makes Perfect, but I liked this book slightly better due to Joshua.
reread on 4-5 november
Loved it had me laughing and interested right on page one
I didn’t realize how far this game stuff really went because I was just expecting it to be just them hating each other and that’s was it but nope
Josh and Lucy’s relationship is cute but it not like my all time favorite but I still like them together I just feels like I’m missing something but don’t know exactly what
It’s like I like them together but it wasn’t necessarily like “I can’t wait for the moment when there finally together” if that makes sense
(I wrote that before I read the epilogue and I’ve changed my mind 🥺💕)
And I absolutely adored their banter it was hilarious
And the way josh cared for Lucy was adorable and really warmed my heart 🥺
my only complaints are that it was hard for me to tell who was talking because it would just be dialogue and it wouldn’t say who said what
sometimes I would get it and then other times I would have no idea but it wasn’t to bad just a little annoying
And Lucy objectifying josh made me uncomfortable
I think the epilogue made me feel completely different about the book
Because before I very unsure and I felt like I was missing something but it was really sweet and love that they are finally together and happy 😊
But I do wish it didn’t go by so fast
four stars ⭐️
3.5
ending was lowk cringe but the rest was good
What can you read after
The Hating Game?
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