The Hating Game by Sally Thorne Published by William Morrow Paperbacks on August 9th 2016
Pages: 384
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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.
I can’t believe The Hating Game is Sally Thorne’s first novel. This book is such a joy from beginning to end. It has all the makings of a great enemies to lovers romance: a quirky, smart, sweet but lonely girl; a gorgeous, intelligent but antagonistic hero; tons of banter and bickering; hilarious shenanigans; and a slow burn. However, it’s the execution of the refreshing plot that makes this story so lovely.
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are complete opposites—from their personalities down to their wardrobes—and they openly detest each other. They sit across from each other—literally facing each other—at work where they engage in various daily, childish games of one-upmanship that only increase when they vie for the same promotion.
One event changes the nature of their relationship, and while still suspicious of his motives, Lucy’s assumptions about Joshua begin to dismantle. The story is told entirely from Lucy’s point of view, and always wondering what Josh is truly thinking makes it all the more enjoyable. I felt drawn to Josh even when he’s being a jerk, knowing there is more beneath the surface.
The story is not just filled with plotting and backstabbing. There are tender moments throughout, and some absolutely hysterical antics. And when Josh and Lucy begin to lower their swords… cue the magnetic attraction and let the swooning commence.
“His smile is worth a thousand of anyone else’s.”
I wouldn’t be surprised to see this book brought to the big screen. Witty and charming, The Hating Game is sure to delight born romantics.
Recommended for fans of:
Enemies to lovers stories
Office romance
Quirky heroines
Romantic comedy
About Sally Thorne
Awesome review. I’m so glad you liked it. 🙂 ♥