So, I just finished The Hating Game Book, and let me tell you, it’s one heck of a rollercoaster. This isn’t your average office romance—it’s the kind of story that hooks you from the first page and doesn’t let go. The Hating Game Book is witty, laugh-out-loud funny, and filled with the kind of heartwarming moments that make you want to hug the book when you’re done.
It’s witty, laugh-out-loud funny, and filled with the kind of heartwarming moments that make you want to hug the book when you’re done. Sally Thorne delivers a romance that feels fresh, even while playing with familiar tropes, and she does it with a unique voice that stands out in the genre.
The story revolves around Lucy Hutton, a quirky and bold executive assistant at a publishing house, and Joshua Templeman, her brooding, no-nonsense colleague. Their rivalry begins as they compete for the same promotion, but as the tension between them builds, so does an undeniable attraction, leading to an explosive enemies-to-lovers journey.
What sets The Hating Game Book apart is its ability to balance humor, tension, and genuine emotion. It’s not just about the romance (though that’s a highlight); it’s also about the playful push-and-pull dynamics, the sharp dialogue, and the characters that feel alive. There’s an energy to the writing that makes every scene pop, keeping you entertained from start to finish.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of romantic comedies or just looking for a feel-good read, this book has something for everyone. It’s no wonder people can’t stop talking about it—it’s a story that leaves you smiling long after the final page. Let’s dive into why this book is such a hit!
Table of Contents
The Vibe: Light, Fun, and Deliciously Romantic
The tone of The Hating Game Book is like sinking into your favorite rom-com with a glass of wine—over-the-top, unapologetically cheesy, but ridiculously entertaining. Sally Thorne doesn’t just dabble in humor and romance; she nails it. From page one, you’re dropped into a whirlwind of sharp wit, crackling tension, and a workplace rivalry so fiery it practically smokes.
What hooked me was the dialogue. Lucy and Joshua don’t just talk—they duel. Their exchanges are a masterclass in sarcasm and sass, each line hitting like a well-aimed dart. It’s fast-paced, clever, and somehow never veers into trying too hard. You know those scenes in rom-coms where the chemistry is so thick you can almost touch it? That’s every single interaction between these two. Their banter isn’t just funny; it’s layered with just enough tension to keep you flipping pages way past bedtime.
Yes, the book leans heavily into the enemies-to-lovers trope, but honestly, that’s half the fun. It embraces the drama and the ridiculousness, turning what could feel predictable into something irresistibly charming. If you’re hunting for a feel-good escape, The Hating Game Book delivers all the laughs, swoons, and secondhand butterflies you didn’t know you needed.
The Plot: Enemies in the Office, Lovers on the Horizon
The premise of The Hating Game Book is deceptively simple but works like a charm. Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are executive assistants at a publishing house that has recently merged two rival companies. Now, they’re stuck working side by side in the same office, and surprise—these two despise each other. Or at least, that’s what they believe initially.
What really hooked me into The Hating Game Book was how the tension between Lucy and Joshua slowly evolves. In the beginning, it’s all about petty office pranks, snarky remarks, and childish competitions, but there’s something more under the surface. As the plot progresses, it becomes clear that their hatred is just a mask for something deeper, something far more complicated. The chemistry between these two is undeniable, and the more they clash, the more you start to feel the slow burn building. It’s like witnessing a slow-motion collision but in the most captivating way imaginable.
And here’s the kicker: the stakes aren’t just about the romance. Both Lucy and Joshua are vying for the same promotion, making this story about more than just love—it’s about ambition, pride, and the desperate need to come out on top. The Hating Game Book knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Lucy and Joshua: The Heart of the Game
Lucy Hutton
Lucy is the type of character you just can’t help but love. She’s quirky, bold, and refreshingly unpredictable—one moment she’s plotting some petty revenge on Joshua, and the next she’s caught admiring his perfectly sculpted physique, all while pretending not to notice. It’s the kind of chaotic energy that makes her a joy to read. But what really stood out to me about Lucy isn’t just her sharp wit or snarky comebacks—though those certainly keep the story fun. It’s her vulnerability. Beneath that tough exterior and constant banter, there’s a woman who’s afraid of being overlooked, underestimated, and stuck in mediocrity.
At the heart of The Hating Game Book is Lucy’s deep desire to prove herself. She’s not just fighting for a promotion at work; she’s fighting for her own sense of worth. It’s this drive that makes her relatable, and it’s why, as much as you might laugh at her inner monologue, you’ll also root for her every step of the way.
Lucy’s character is one of those rare finds in rom-coms—she’s not just the funny sidekick or the perfect love interest; she’s messy, real, and full of contradictions. Her complexity is what makes her stand out in a sea of one-dimensional characters.
Joshua Templeman
Joshua is the perfect foil to Lucy. On the surface, he’s everything you’d expect from the classic “tall, dark, and brooding” hero, but there’s so much more to him than just the physical allure. His emotional depth sneaks up on you, layer by layer, as the story unfolds. He might seem distant or even a bit rude at first, but as the plot thickens, it becomes clear that his feelings for Lucy run deep—way deeper than he’s willing to admit. And honestly, that’s what makes his character so satisfying. The way he tries to mask his emotions, only for them to leak through in the smallest, most unexpected ways, is a real treat.
Joshua doesn’t talk much, but when he does, it’s hard to ignore. His moments of vulnerability are the ones that get you.
The Romance: Tension, Tropes, and Tons of Chemistry
If you’re a fan of classic romance tropes, The Hating Game Book is like a dream come true. Enemies-to-lovers? Check. Office romance? Check. The man falls first and harder. You bet. This book practically oozes all the elements that make the genre irresistible, and it does so with a level of charm that’s hard to resist.
The chemistry between Lucy and Joshua is electric. Honestly, it’s the kind of slow-burn tension that builds up so gradually you’re left on the edge of your seat, eager for the next confrontation, the next moment of vulnerability. They start off hating each other with every fiber of their being, which makes the moments when that hatred starts to shift into something else all the more satisfying. The way their interactions go from sharp, sarcastic exchanges to something that’s undeniably deeper? It’s the chef’s kiss perfection.
Is it over-the-top at times? Absolutely. Some of the scenes, like the infamous elevator scene, border on absurd, but that’s kind of the magic of The Hating Game Book. It knows exactly what it is and doesn’t shy away from leaning into those moments of pure, almost ridiculous romantic tension. It’s self-aware without being obnoxious about it. Sure, there are clichés aplenty, but they’re embraced wholeheartedly, and honestly? That’s what makes it so fun. There’s something about reading a book that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering on every promise of romance.
The Good, The Bad, and The “Eh”
Let’s talk about what works in The Hating Game Book because this book gets a lot right. First off, the dialogue—oh man, the dialogue is a chef’s kiss. It’s sharp, snarky, and laced with this undeniable chemistry between Lucy and Joshua. Their banter is the kind of playful teasing that keeps you hooked and laughing out loud, page after page. The wit here isn’t forced; it feels natural, like two people who are too smart and too stubborn to admit they’re into each other. And that’s the magic of this book—it never takes itself too seriously. It’s just pure, unadulterated fun.
Now, let’s talk pacing. The Hating Game Book moves at the speed of light, in a good way. It never lingers too long on anything and always keeps you on your toes. Whether it’s the tension building between Lucy and Joshua or the dramatic moments of their rivalry, the plot whips along, making it impossible to put down.
What really makes this book stand out are the characters. Lucy and Joshua are complex, layered, and real. You’ll find yourself rooting for them, even when they’re acting like total opposites. The romance itself? Well, it’s sweet, spicy, and exactly what you crave in a rom-com. There’s enough tension and heat to make it sizzling, yet enough heart to make you care about the outcome.
That being said, it’s not perfect. Let’s dive into what didn’t quite hit the mark.
Should You Read The Hating Game Book?
If you’re someone who loves a good romantic comedy with plenty of wit, sizzling chemistry, and a hint of drama, then The Hating Game Book is worth your time. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s what makes it so enjoyable. Sure, it has its flaws—no book is perfect—but honestly, who cares when you’re having this much fun reading it? The charm of The Hating Game Book lies in how it completely embraces the romantic comedy formula without ever pretending to be anything else.
There’s something incredibly refreshing about a book that knows exactly what it is and owns it. You’re in for a wild ride of banter, attraction, and, of course, a little bit of workplace drama. But at the heart of it, it’s about Lucy and Joshua, and their slow-burn enemies-to-lovers journey. Trust me, if you enjoy those moments of tension where you can practically feel the characters’ chemistry crackling, this one’s for you.
So, should you read The Hating Game Book? Absolutely. If you’re looking for something lighthearted that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even fall a little in love with office romance all over again, then don’t hesitate. Just be prepared to fall hard for Joshua Templeman. I can’t promise you won’t.
The Hating Game Book Final Thoughts
As I turned the last page of The Hating Game Book, I found myself smiling like a fool. The romance, the banter, the chemistry—everything about it stayed with me long after I finished reading. It’s the kind of rom-com that makes you want to keep it on your shelf for a rainy day when you need something to lift your spirits. Even days later, I’m still thinking about Lucy and Joshua, and that’s not something every book can pull off.
10/10 would reread. It’s the perfect kind of fun escape, and I’d gladly dive back into this world anytime.
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