Review: The Hating Game

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

IF YOU LOVE RAINBOW ROWELL/STEPHANIE PERKINS/CUTESY FUN BOOKS THAN DROP EVERYTHING AND READ THIS!

*4.75*

Both love and hate are mirror versions of the same game- and you have to win. Why? Your heart and your ego.

I absolutely LOVED this book! It was so much fun! It's about 28 year old Lucy who is working for a publishing company and the company she works for recently merged with another company and now she's stuck sitting at her desk in front of Josh, a super tall, dark, broody, hot guy from the other company...and they completely hate each other. Like hate each other. This brings in all the humorous situations and witty banter that I always love so much from books. Eventually the hate starts to manifest into something more...sexual..after a heated kiss in an elevator, just when they are both up for the same promotion. The competition is fierce, the sexual tension is high, and my eyes were glued to every single word uttered on the pages of this light hearted, classic romantic comedy.

"Shortcake"
"Stop calling me shortcake."
"Watching you pretend to hate that nickname is the best part of my day."

Lucy is the polar opposite of Josh. She's quirky, sweet, and tries hard to get everyone to like her. Josh is broody, cold-hearted and cocky...but is he really? I ended up loving him and I really enjoyed watching him develop as the book progressed. And I pictured Matthew Daddario as Josh so that helped speed along my love for Josh.

"I've never had someone try to do this before."
"What, break your skull open? I'll use a hammer if I have too."
"Get to know me. And I never thought it would be you."
"Do you want me to stop?"
I almost can't hear his reply, it's so quiet. "No."


One of the things I loved about this book was this constant game-play in their relationship. They play the Staring Game, The Mirror Game, the HR Game, the Or-Something Game, its such a smart technique and I thought it really added a unique aspect to the cliche enemies-lovers trope. Their chemistry was so tangible and I couldn't get enough of it!! My favorite part of this was watching their relationship develop and both of their walls slowly come down.

He puts his hand between us on the couch, palm up, and then looks back at the TV. It's like he's put out a dish of seed and is now sitting very still, waiting for the cowardly little chicken to make a move. And it does take me a while. I tentatively pick up his hand and lace his fingers into mine. For a scary moment, he doesn't react, but as the warmth of his hand begins to flow into my palm, he gives a deep, delicious squeeze.

The writing was perfection in this book. I can't believe this is Sally Thornes first novel!! I'm so excited for more of her work! Her writing and dialogue reminded me SO MUCH of Rainbow Rowell in the best way possible. The banter was witty, refreshing, steamy, and LOTS OF FUN!!!

"Truth or dare," he says.
"Dare."
"Coward. Okay, I dare you to eat the entire jar of hot mustard I have in my fridge."
"I was hoping for a sexy date."
"I'll get you a spoon."

I couldn't get enough of the writing and these characters! I was absorbed and couldn't get enough of this fun cute relationship! I think this one would be a really fantastic movie, please make it happen?There is a reason for all the hype surrounding this one guys and you don't want to miss out! It's addicting, and so easy to devour! Can't recommend this one enough!!!!

*throws book at you* READ IT

"You hate me."
"I never have. Not for a second. I have always loved you."


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