The Hating Game: A Love Story I Couldn’t Love
Turning the pages (or, you know, scrolling) through book lists, I stumbled upon “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne — a title I picked up well before it became a buzz-worthy sensation. Having owned my copy since its nearing release, it was a bit of a rollercoaster when I believed I’d lost it. Let’s just say I was ready to shell out for a second copy — an embarrassing moment I’m glad didn’t happen. Although I cashed in on the opportunity to read a love story, I ended up asking myself, “Is this really what romance is about?”
Set in an office environment, “The Hating Game” follows Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, two executive assistants caught in an office rivalry that supposedly teems with sexual tension and comedy. I’m all for enemies-to-lovers tropes, so I thought I’d be in for a delightful escape, but I found myself struggling to connect with both the characters and the purportedly scintillating plot.
The Characters and Their Chemistry
Lucy is assertive, ambitious, and, let’s be real, a bit overly obsessed with Joshua’s physical attributes right from the beginning. Seriously, we’re talking a wet dream that goes beyond innocuous fantasizing. And then there’s Josh, who kisses her in an elevator to "prove a theory," leaving me scratching my head at the abrupt turn from dislike to desire. It felt contrived; where’s the authentic hate that paves the way for riveting romance? More often than not, my reaction to their interactions was, well, boredom.
Writing Style and Pacing
Thorne’s writing is engaging, but it lacks the spark I was anticipating from an office rom-com. Moments that could have evolved into humor felt flat instead, while Josh and Lucy spent the majority of the novel intensely gazing at each other rather than engaging in witty banter. I had jotted down various notes throughout my read, like Josh’s blue Post-its representing his masculine touch or his whimsical jealousy when Lucy interacted with another character. These tidbits were interesting but still failed to elevate the core romance for me.
Even a paintball match, often a scene ripe for laughter and hijinks, didn’t unlock much amusement; Josh’s jealousy during the match struck me more as childish than charming. And wow, the perceived emotional depth in their conversations often veered into confusing territory — like the moment Lucy expresses frustration about being wanted only for her body.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
The few moments of clarity for me were scenes like when Lucy discovers Josh keeps track of her outfits, or the time he playfully recites, “You’re not going to miss me, are you?” — all while I found humor in the absurdity of their situation. Yet, even these moments were often eclipsed by deeper flaws in their character development. Their dynamic felt more toxic than passionate.
Final Thoughts
While my reading experience felt disjointed and often lackluster, I know I’m not the be-all-end-all reviewer. If you thrive on office romances where tension is fueled swiftly by a series of eye-locks rather than substantial interactions, then "The Hating Game" could work for you. It’s a fan-favorite for a reason, after all, and may delight readers searching for something light and undeniably steamy.
For me? It’s a miss that had potential but ultimately fell flat. Perhaps these words will resonate with another reader who finds themselves in the same skeptical boat. Happy reading!