Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: The Hating Game is the perfect contemporary romance. You will never want to put it down!

“Books were, and always would be, something a little magic and something to respect.” B

// Content Warning: Mature Content, Sickness //

– Premise –

The Hating Game follows Lucy Hutton, an executive assistant to one of the co-CEOs of a publishing company. She and the other executive assistant, Joshua Templeman, absolutely hate each other. Their work day consists of various games and pranks, but now that they’re up for the same promotion, the tension is rising…

“The trick is to find that one person who can give it back as good as they can take it.” 

– Plot-

This book is just pure entertainment. It’s funny, adorable, and engaging, with a fast-paced plot filled with cute and comical scenarios. The Hating Game holds the perfect blend of plot and romance, with no dull moments.

“I hope it’s not too forward of me to say, but your eyes are incredible, Lucy. I die when you blink.” 

– Setting –

This book deals with a lot of different locations, but the main one at play would be the publishing house they work for. I really liked that tiny glimpse into publishing.

“He did not smile back, and somehow I feel like he’s been carrying my smile around in his breast pocket ever since. He’s one up.” 

– Writing –

Sally Thorne’s writing style is quirky and witty. Every scene she writes is delightful and manages to evoke all the right emotions to keep you wanting to read more. 

“It’s a corporate truth universally acknowledged that workers would rather eat rat skeletons than participate in group activities.”

– Characters – 

I love these characters. Lucy is a great protagonist, who is both determined and profession, yet quirky and realistic. Joshua is the perfect love-interest, with plenty of faults but is never abusive or horrible. And they both are equally well-developed, with interesting and complex backstories and motivations, something I see left out all too frequently in contemporary romances.

“I have a theory. Hating someone feels disturbingly similar to being in love with them. I’ve had a lot of time to compare love and hate, and these are my observations.
Love and hate are visceral. Your stomach twists at the thought of that person. The heart in your chest beats heavy and bright, nearly visible through your flesh and clothes. Your appetite and sleep are shredded. Every interaction spikes your blood with adrenaline, and you’re in the brink of fight or flight. Your body is barely under your control. You’re consumed, and it scares you.
Both love and hate are mirror versions of the same game – and you have to win. Why? Your heart and your ego. Trust me, I should know.” 

– Conclusion –

Pros- Funny, adorable, and heartwarming
Cons- The ending is a little quick. 
Overall- 5/5 stars. 
The Hating Game is absolutely addictive. You don’t want to miss this amazing debut.

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