The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

For a while, I have been in the mood for a “rom-com” type of book, and I am so pleased I got my hands on Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game because it was definitely what I was looking for! The story focuses on two co-workers, Lucy and Josh, who despise each other so much they make a game out of it and this game intensifies when they compete for the same promotion. What pleased me so much at this point is that Thorne does not endorse gender inequality in the workplace. Lucy is just as capable as Josh to get the promotion, which makes the story all the more interesting because the reader has no idea who would get the job. Both characters have their strengths and weaknesses that are explicitly portrayed throughout the story, but one strength that I admire about Lucy is her determination to succeed in her career and not being tied down to someone like her mother decided in doing.

This story has many laughable moments that are both caused by Lucy and Josh. Although Lucy and Josh are both dedicated and driven employees, they never cease to annoy and tease one another. This sort of teasing reminded me of what I heard in school, which was, “if someone teases or makes fun of you, that means they like you”. I was wondering if that would be the case with between these two characters, and sure enough, romantic feelings and emotions are explored throughout the story.

Truthfully, the plot was a bit predictable with the inevitable romance between the two main characters. However, I was surprised a few times with some of the revelations about Lucy and Josh. They have secrets, insecurities and other feelings that are all revealed in this contemporary “rom-com” type of story!