If you’re a fan of sizzling workplace romances and love a good enemies-to-lovers story, this week’s pick is a must-read: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. This book has it all: witty banter, office politics, and a romance that’s hotter than a summer day. 

Meet Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, executive assistants to the co-CEOs of a major publishing company. These two aren’t just coworkers—they’re sworn rivals. Their relationship is a masterclass in passive-aggressive maneuvering and snarky comments, transforming their office into a battlefield of sharp wits and heated exchanges. 

Lucy’s vibrant, unconventional style and boundless enthusiasm is a stark contrast to Joshua’s somber, joyless demeanor. While Lucy brings a splash of color and a bright attitude to the office, Joshua’s presence is marked by a strict adherence to professionalism and a palpable lack of joy. Every day is a new round in their ongoing game of one-upmanship. Whether it’s through strategic office pranks, pointed comments, or covert sabotage, their dynamic is a rollercoaster of antagonism that makes for some seriously entertaining reading.

So, it’s no surprise that when a new executive position opens up, Josh and Lucy are the top contenders. But, they both agree that working for each other is absolutely out of the question. So, they make a high-stakes deal: whoever doesn’t get the job will quit and walk away from the company. 

It can’t be that simple, though, can it?

As the competition heats up, they start to see each other in a new light. Lucy begins to wonder if the man she’s been butting heads with for so long is actually the person she thought he was—or if there’s a lot more to him than she ever realized. Their simmering tension reveals that their animosity might be masking something deeper. And are we all for it! 

Thorne’s witty and engaging writing brings Lucy and Josh’s tumultuous relationship to life, blending humor with heartfelt moments. The evolving dynamic between the two characters is both charming and steamy, making for an irresistible read that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Thorne’s ability to balance humor with deeper emotional resonance is what makes The Hating Game a standout read. The dialogue crackles with wit, and the chemistry between the characters is palpable, making their eventual romance all the more satisfying. The book expertly captures the excitement and tension of a classic enemies-to-lovers story while adding its own unique spin.

If you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy with sharp dialogue, endearing characters, and a compelling twist on the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, The Hating Game is your ultimate book of the week. Grab a copy and prepare to fall for this delightful story that proves sometimes love and hate are just two sides of the same coin.

Does The Hating Game get our stamp of approval?

Engaging Plot: Does the book have a compelling storyline that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end? We are suckers for a cheesy romance novel, especially one that plays on the trope of enemies to lovers, workplace romance. The chemistry between Josh and Lucy is incredible, and the unique writing makes the plot so much more entertaining.

Well-Developed Characters: Are the characters multidimensional, with realistic motivations, flaws, and growth throughout the story? Definitely. Lucy and Joshua are multidimensional characters with realistic motivations and flaws. Their development throughout the story is genuine (mostly) and very entertaining. 

Strong Writing: Is the prose well-crafted, with vivid descriptions, realistic dialogue, and a consistent narrative voice? Without a doubt. Thorne’s prose is sharp and well-crafted, featuring vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue. The narrative voice is consistent and engaging, making the book one of our favorites!

Emotional Impact: Does the book evoke a range of emotions in readers, from laughter and joy to sadness and empathy? Oh, boy. Yeah it does…From laughing and smiling like giddy girls to screaming and balling our hands into frustrated fists, we felt it all. 

Originality: Does the book bring something fresh and unique to its genre or subject matter, avoiding clichés and predictable plot twists? The enemies-to-lovers trope isn’t a new one. But, it is one of our favorites, so we’ll overlook that minor detail. The way Thorne went about it was unique – the whole idea of the hating game they play is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. 

Pacing: Is the pacing of the story appropriate, with a good balance of action, exposition, and character development? It was slow enough to build tension and take you by surprise, but not so slow you weren’t engaged. 

World-Building: Does the book create a richly imagined world that feels immersive and believable? It would have been pretty hard to mess this part up, and she definitely didn’t. The setting was perfect. 

Theme and Message: Does the book explore meaningful themes and deliver a message that resonates with readers? The book delves into meaningful themes like love, personal growth, and the thin line between love and hate. The message resonates well and adds depth to the comedic romance.

Resolution: Does the book provide a satisfying resolution to its central conflicts and story arcs? Totally satisfying. The way the story wraps up feels just right. I don’t think the logistics of him loving her the entire time are the most believable, all things considered, but wouldn’t change the ending. 

Overall Enjoyment: Most importantly, did we enjoy the book? Do we even need to answer this? We LOVED this book! 

Have you read The Hating Game yet? 

If you’ve read The Hating Game, what did you think of it? If you haven’t read it yet, are you going to?