Book Review: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – A Battle of Wits That Steals Your Heart
- Joao Nsita
- Mar 13
- 8 min read
Updated: Mar 14
Introduction
What if the person you loathe most in the world turns out to be the one you can’t live without? In The Hating Game, Sally Thorne spins this delicious question into a contemporary romance that’s equal parts hilarious and heart-melting. Debuting in 2016, this office-set romantic comedy follows Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, two executive assistants locked in a feud as sharp as their wit. Thorne, an Australian author with a knack for crafting swoon-worthy tension, delivers a tale that’s become a modern classic. If you’re craving an enemies-to-lovers romance that crackles with banter and simmers with chemistry, this book is your next obsession. Prepare to laugh, blush, and cheer as hate blurs into something dangerously close to love.
Book Summary
The Hating Game unfolds in the sleek offices of Bexley & Gamin, a publishing house born from a rocky merger. Lucy Hutton, a quirky optimist with a Smurf obsession, thrives under her artsy CEO, Helene. Across the desk sits Joshua Templeman, a meticulous grump assisting the stern Mr. Bexley. Their days are a battlefield of petty games—Staring Game, Mirror Game, HR Game—each vying to outwit the other. When a promotion dangles above them, promising one supremacy over the other, their rivalry escalates. But an unexpected elevator kiss shifts the stakes, forcing Lucy to question if Josh’s cold exterior hides a softer side. This enemies-to-lovers romance shines with its workplace antics, slow-burn tension, and a premise that hooks you from page one—hate might just be love in disguise.
Author’s Style and Craft
Sally Thorne’s writing is a firecracker—sharp, bright, and impossible to ignore. Her prose blends humor with heat, crafting a narrative that’s as addictive as a binge-worthy sitcom. Told solely from Lucy’s POV, the story immerses you in her quirky mind, balancing snarky observations with vulnerable beats. The pacing is a slow burn, stretching the tension like a taut string before snapping into steamy payoff. Dialogue is Thorne’s superpower—“I type my password: IHATEJOSHUA4EV@”—each exchange a volley of wit that reveals character depth. Lucy grows from a people-pleaser to a woman claiming her worth, while Josh’s icy façade cracks with subtle charm. Thorne’s office setting doubles as a stage, amplifying every glance and barb into a performance you can’t look away from.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Beneath its rom-com sheen, The Hating Game explores rivalry, vulnerability, and the thin line between love and hate. The titular game symbolizes how passion—whether anger or affection—fuels connection. Lucy’s Smurfs are a quirky emblem of her clinging to joy, while Josh’s rigidity reflects a shield against rejection. Thorne probes workplace dynamics, spotlighting how competition can mask attraction, a relatable dance in today’s pressure-cooker offices. Themes of self-discovery ripple through Lucy’s arc—shedding her “nice girl” skin to embrace her edges—mirroring society’s push for authenticity over perfection. This contemporary romance isn’t just fluff; it’s a mirror to the messy, thrilling ways we find love where we least expect it.
Strengths
This book is a masterclass in enemies-to-lovers romance, wielding its strengths like a seasoned duelist. The chemistry between Lucy and Josh is electric—think charged silences and a paintball showdown that’s pure foreplay. Thorne’s humor lands every punchline; Lucy’s HR complaints about Josh’s shirt colors are petty perfection. The slow-burn romance builds exquisitely, peaking with moments like Josh’s quiet care during Lucy’s fever—small acts that scream louder than grand gestures. The office setting, vivid and claustrophobic, amplifies their tension, making every interaction a high-stakes game. These elements weave a reading experience that’s funny, sexy, and deeply satisfying, leaving you rooting for love to win the war.
Areas for Improvement
Even a gem has flaws to polish. The single POV, while immersive, leaves Josh’s inner world a tantalizing mystery—dual perspectives could’ve deepened his arc. The pacing, delectably slow at first, rushes the resolution, tying up their rivalry too neatly after such buildup. Secondary characters like Helene and Mr. Bexley feel underdeveloped, mere props in Lucy and Josh’s orbit; fleshing them out could enrich the stakes. Some might find Lucy’s quirks—like her Smurf fixation—a touch overdone, risking caricature. These hiccups might irk fans of tighter plots or balanced narratives, but they’re minor scuffs on a shiny surface. A bit more grit in the ending could’ve matched the story’s fiery start.
Comparative Analysis
Against Christina Lauren’s The Unhoneymooners (Amazon), The Hating Game shares snappy banter but roots its tension in a workplace, not a vacation ruse. Compared to Thorne’s 99 Percent Mine (Amazon), it’s lighter, prioritizing rom-com charm over raw angst. It echoes Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient (Amazon) with its quirky heroine, yet swaps STEM for publishing flair. Thorne reinvigorates the enemies-to-lovers trope with office stakes, challenging rom-com norms by blending hate with heat so seamlessly it feels new. Its contribution? Proving workplace romance can be both hilarious and hot.
Target Audience
This book is catnip for romance readers who adore enemies-to-lovers and workplace romance—think women aged 20-40 who devour Tessa Bailey or Ali Hazelwood. Fans of witty banter and slow-burn tension will swoon, especially those who relate to Lucy’s quirks or Josh’s guarded charm. Book clubs craving light, discussion-friendly reads will find fodder in its themes. Content warnings are mild—steamy moments, light language—but it’s tame for the genre. Its appeal lies in its relatability: who hasn’t clashed with a coworker only to wonder what’s beneath the surface? This contemporary romance is a perfect escape for dreamers and cynics alike.
Personal Impact
The Hating Game hit me like a caffeine jolt—funny, flirty, and unexpectedly moving. Lucy’s chaos felt like peering into my own quirks, while Josh’s thaw stirred a soft ache for hidden kindnesses. I laughed until my sides hurt, blushed at their elevator kiss, and lingered on the idea that love can sneak through hate’s cracks. It left me giddy, craving a re-read to catch every barb again. You need this book—it’s a reminder that even our nemeses might hold the key to our hearts.
Conclusion
The Hating Game is Sally Thorne’s knockout debut—a romantic comedy that turns rivalry into rapture with wit and warmth. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves a battle that ends in a kiss.
Grab it on Amazon and let Lucy and Josh spar their way into your soul.
In a genre packed with tropes, this book stands tall—a love story that proves the heart’s fiercest fights are the ones worth winning.
About the Author: Sally Thorne, hailing from Canberra, Australia, traded a career in government paperwork for the vibrant world of romance novels. Her debut, The Hating Game, rocketed her to USA Today bestselling status, lauded for reviving rom-com flair. Now living with her husband and pug, Thorne pens stories that blend humor and heat, inspired by her love for colorful fiction. Explore more at SallyThorneAuthor.com, Goodreads, and HarperCollins.
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FAQ Section
What is The Hating Game about?
It’s an enemies-to-lovers romance about Lucy and Josh, office rivals vying for a promotion, whose hate sparks into unexpected love.
Who is Sally Thorne?
An Australian author who debuted with this USA Today bestseller, known for witty romantic comedies.
Is it a typical romance?
Yes and no—it leans on tropes but elevates them with sharp banter and workplace stakes.
What’s the main theme?
The blurry line between love and hate, plus vulnerability and self-worth.
Is it steamy?
Moderately—expect tension and kisses, not explicit scenes.
Who should read it?
Fans of rom-coms, enemies-to-lovers, and workplace romance.
Any content warnings?
Mild—steamy moments, light language, no heavy triggers.
How does it compare to the movie?
The book’s richer in depth and banter; the film simplifies but keeps the charm.
What’s unique about it?
Its office games and slow-burn chemistry make it a standout rom-com.
Why read it?
For a funny, sexy escape that proves love can win any game.
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Romance Community Resources
For more romance novel reviews, discussions, and recommendations, check out these fantastic resources:
Dear Author - A trusted source for honest and well-thought-out reviews, often featuring witty commentary.
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Romance.io - A site with a comprehensive database of romance novels, offering user-generated reviews and recommendations across various subgenres.
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