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Overview:
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, published in 2016, is a witty and steamy contemporary romance novel that dives into the razor-sharp dynamic between two professional rivals, Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman. Forced to work side-by-side after a company merger, their relationship thrives on a daily exchange of barbed comments, passive-aggressive games, and an underlying tension neither wants to acknowledge. When they both compete for the same promotion, their “hating game” escalates into something far more complicated—and far more passionate. Sally Thorne crafts a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance filled with sparkling banter, heart-melting vulnerability, and sizzling chemistry.
Book Structure:
The novel is told entirely through Lucy’s first-person point of view, offering an endearing, quirky, and deeply emotional insight into her thoughts and perceptions. The linear progression of the story is tightly focused on the evolving relationship between Lucy and Joshua, mixing hilarious workplace antics with heartfelt moments of connection. The pacing balances light-hearted, laugh-out-loud scenes with steamy, emotional ones, ensuring a compulsively readable experience.
Summary:
✅ Lucy’s Inner Strength
Lucy Hutton appears sunny, sweet, and accommodating, but she hides a fierce competitiveness and a deep desire for respect. Throughout the novel, she learns to stand up for herself—both professionally and personally.
Lesson: Kindness and strength are not mutually exclusive; vulnerability can be a form of courage.
✅ Joshua’s Hidden Depths
Joshua Templeman is initially portrayed as cold, intimidating, and ruthlessly efficient. However, as Lucy gets past his frosty exterior, she discovers a man battling insecurity and loneliness, shaped by a difficult childhood.
Example: Joshua’s careful, thoughtful gestures—like taking care of Lucy when she’s sick—reveal his true tenderness.
✅ Their Fiery Chemistry
Lucy and Joshua’s relationship simmers with sexual tension from the very beginning, making their eventual connection explosive yet believable. Their banter, flirtation, and mutual obsession create a dynamic that’s both hilarious and heart-achingly romantic.
Example: The elevator kiss scene perfectly captures the transition from antagonism to undeniable passion.
Themes and Analysis:
? Breaking Down Walls
Both Lucy and Joshua have built emotional walls to protect themselves—Joshua with aloofness, Lucy with friendliness. The novel explores how genuine love requires letting someone see the parts you’re most afraid to show.
? Self-Worth and Ambition
Lucy’s journey isn’t just about finding love—it’s also about recognizing her own value in the workplace and asserting her ambitions without guilt.
? Love as Vulnerability
Love is portrayed not as a fairy-tale fix but as an emotional risk—opening oneself up to rejection, hurt, and, ultimately, connection.
Writing Style:
Sally Thorne’s writing is clever, sharp, and brimming with heart. She balances laugh-out-loud humor with aching tenderness, creating characters who feel richly alive. The dialogue is a particular highlight, crackling with wit and emotional honesty. Thorne’s playful prose often uses vivid metaphors and quirky observations that bring Lucy’s perspective to vibrant life, making the emotional beats hit all the harder when they come.
Cultural Impact:
The Hating Game became a runaway success, inspiring countless enemies-to-lovers romances in contemporary fiction. Its massive popularity also led to a film adaptation starring Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell. Thorne’s fresh, character-driven storytelling helped revive interest in workplace romantic comedies, blending classic rom-com elements with deeper emotional resonance.
Strengths:
✅ Exceptionally witty and fast-paced dialogue.
✅ Believable and electric enemies-to-lovers dynamic.
✅ Lovable, layered characters who feel real and vulnerable.
✅ Perfect balance of humor, heat, and heart.
Criticism:
❌ Some readers wished for more depth in Joshua’s backstory earlier in the novel to better understand his motivations.
❌ The work rivalry/promotion subplot could feel a bit light compared to the intense romantic focus.
❌ Readers not fond of slow-burn romances might find the payoff delayed compared to the tension buildup.
Conclusion:
The Hating Game is an irresistibly charming, laugh-out-loud, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance that perfectly captures the exhilarating chaos of falling for the one person you thought you hated. Sally Thorne masterfully combines humor, tenderness, and sizzling chemistry into a love story that lingers long after the final page. If you’re looking for a rom-com that’s as smart and snarky as it is swoony, The Hating Game is a must-read—and a modern romance classic.
