The Hating Game: TikTok made me buy it! The perfect enemies to lovers romcom: the TikTok sensation! The perfect enemies to lovers romcom

I really, really enjoyed this book. I normally read fantasy books with magic and mythical creatures, with a little romance in them, so this is the first romantic comedy/romance I've ever read, and I honestly loved it! I finished it in just a few days. I loved the character arcs and seeing them develop. I laughed out loud, I cried, I got excited and annoyed. I felt all the feelings! The story was fun to follow and I honestly didn't know how it was going to end. The end surprised me which was great because it was predictable. If you're into this genre, I'd definitely recommend this book! I enjoyed it so much I bought another of her books 99% Mine, and can't wait to get started on it!

After watching the film, I really wanted to finally read the book. I was NOT disappointed ✨️ The characters were fun and relatable and I adored getting to know them throughout the book. I adore the rapport between our two main characters and the back and forth banter is hilarious. It makes me want my own version of Josh in my life to verbally spar with! There was a nice amount of spice but with the tension built up I would've loved more 🌶 There really was so much more depth to the book than the film and I loved those juicy little details that were simply cut out and missing from the screen adaptation. It's nice to feel like you can get to know the characters on a deeper level whilst flipping the pages and creating your own visual world. Overall a great read. I've never read any Sally Thorne books before but that is certainly about to change after diving into this one ✨️ (I don't star rate books but have to for the sake of Amazons review system)

I AM IN A PUDDLE OF FEELINGS. GAAAAH. I finished this book days ago, and I still can't deal with the fact that it's over. I both regret and don't regret the binge-reading (finished in less than 24 hours...mid-work week). I'm just glad I have this in both audio and Kindle format so that I can read/listen again and again whenever I want because THIS WAS TOO GOOD. (The audio is done really well, FYI.) I love love love hate-to-love romances, and this one is done so well and so uniquely. We've got forced proximity on a daily basis, glorious banter, and oodles of sexual tension. OODLES. If you follow me on Twitter or have read other reviews by me, you might know that I am not a fan of the short and petite heroine thing. Not every damn heroine needs to be a tiny redhead. So I wasn't impressed at first when, lo and behold, Lucy is only five feet tall. Pair that with Josh, who is over six-foot. Authors tend to write these stereotypical pairings without thinking of the logistics; if you take a moment to think about it, making out with a height different of over a foot is going to be uncomfortable at best, and possibly even quite painful. BUT NOT SALLY THORNE. Sally actually thought this one through and acknowledged the difficulties. Lucy has to climb at times, Josh has to bend down or pick her up (to put her against a wall!!!!!!!), there's a lot of "I think you're too big for me"... Thank you so much, dear sweet Sally, for not just ignoring real world problems. (P.S. I want Anna Kendrick in this role right now.) Lucy was a great character in general. The whole story is narrated from her point of view, and I really felt like she was real. She was hilarious, but also snarky and unsure and flawed. She knew and liked who she was, but she also struggled with self-doubt at times. It drove her absolutely mad that she could get on with everyone except Josh. But, like I'm sure a lot of people can relate with, her desire to be liked by others often meant she was taken advantage of. By everyone...except Josh. Oh, Josh, you were clearly what Lucy needed. I would have found Josh annoying, too. He's very clearly a Smart Guy, but also sooooo serious. Unlike Lucy, he doesn't try to make friends with everyone, and the reason for his standoffishness is revealed later. What was refreshing was that he was Ridiculously Good-Looking, but he hated being objectified. When Lucy remarked on his looks, it put him on edge. I'm not used to seeing that, especially from a hero. He could be quite direct, but Josh showed he cared when it counted. I especially loved a part in the middle where he had to take care of Lucy; there were so many wonderful and funny moments in that, as well as a few that showed a deeper side to him. Yes, I loved just about everything about this book, but I really loved was how we didn't have to wait until the very end for things to sizzle. Sally introduces the physical fun relatively early on through some super sexy make-out sessions. The sexual tension runs constantly as the two stare at each other across their desks, and, being an office romance, there are of course moments when the tension gets to be too much and a few not-so-original hiding places are utilised. That being said, it never gets too explicit. And really, their banter is hot enough as it is. Full disclosure: there is a bit of a love triangle in this. Josh doesn't consider himself a "nice guy". In fact, he's a bit bitter about the whole nice guy thing. And Lucy is a nice girl, at least outwardly (she has a bit more spunk on the inside...hahahahaha). She wants a nice guy, and she tries to be interested in a nice guy, but the niceness cannot compare to the intensity of her "hatred" for Josh. He even encourages her to try it with the nice guy, dares her to be with him, in fact. This was maybe the only time I felt a bit off about the book. The style of writing and voice were very witty and well-paced in general. Time was shown to pass without unnecessary fillers and enough drop-ins to scenes here and there that truly added to the story and the development of feelings. Honestly, that's one of my biggest issues when reading: unnecessary fillers or there not being enough time for feelings to really develop. But no, these two have worked together for a few years, and the book covers a few months, so I could 100% believe the eventual love between them. There's a reason I finished this within 24 hours, despite having to work/sleep/etc. It was just so damn good. I'm genuinely worried that it's ruined other hate-to-love books for me for a while, as I've never read a hate-to-love done this well, and I've read quite a few great ones! I will admit that while I'm eager to see what Sally writes next, I'm a little bit nervous that it won't live up to the greatness of The Hating Game!

OH MY! This novel debuted in August 2016 but it’s a Top Read 2017 for me! It’s a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, office romance. “I have a theory. Hating someone feels disturbingly similar to being in love with them.” Joshua Templeman is tall, dark and handsome, but also humourless, icy and unrelenting in his pursuit to make Lucy’s life a misery. From the first day they met, when he completely blanked her sunny smile, they’ve been rivals and enemies. They play games of one-upmanship and tit-for-tat. “I’m getting dangerously high on his smiles. This is my third one now? I’m stuffing them in my pockets. I’m cramming them into my mouth.” Lucy Hutton is a five-foot-nothing firecracker who resembles a Disney princess. She gives back as good as she gets but, deep down, yearns to be Joshua’s friend. Why didn’t he want to be her friend? They sit day-in day-out playing various games – the Mirror Game, the Staring Game, the HR game. Lucy thinks the aim of the games is to make the other one smile. That was never Josh’s aim. When a new promotion comes up for grabs, the Hating Game begins, but one insane, hot moment in the elevator throws Lucy completely off-kilter, followed by a night of sickness where her enemy shows a hidden side to himself, and her view and perception of Josh starts to unravel. “Shortcake.” The sweet little word dissolves and I swallow. “I’m not going to kill you. You’re so dramatic. “ Then he presses his mouth lightly against mine. I just LOVED everything about this book!! It was refreshing and I adored the author’s writing style. I found the story funny and moving. I loved the hate-flirting, the witty dialogue, the sexy, slow romance of Josh and Lucy’s budding relationship, and the trust and the truths that emerge. I loved how much they understood one another. Once they crossed the enemy line, all their animosity translated and transformed into some electric foreplay. This story made laugh and it made me cry. The conclusion made me melt so much that I was just a useless, slushy puddle by the time I read the final line. Gah! Just a FABULOUS book and I cannot recommend it enough! I’m chomping at the bit for this author’s next release. Cannot wait!!

There's really nothing new or exciting in this book compared to any other romance book you pick up. It's got the same formula, same type of characters, similar dialogues, and similar resolutions. Honestly, it took me some time to finish it, and I just wanted it to end so I can move on. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad book at all. It's fun, simple, and swoon-worthy at times, but there's nothing else to it. Lucy was like any other female protagonist/narrator, sweet, irritating, blind to everything around her, lust-filled and filled with doubt even when the truth slaps at her. Josh was also our typical male love interest, hard and stern exterior with a marshmallow heart. It just didn't do it for me. Maybe I've read too many romance so I'm bored with the same formula, but I just couldn't enjoy it as much as I was hoping for. I did enjoy their back and forth banter, and there were some great quotes too, I also liked how Josh was patient and didn't allow misunderstandings to brew for too long. All in all, this is an okay romance story. Writing is good, it's enemies-to-lovers and rivals to lovers, sunshine and grumpy. If you enjoy simple romances and just want to read something light, then this is a good fit. The conflict didn't last long and they didn't really have any issues near the end as it usually does. But other than that, I can't say that I would be inclined to pick it back up.

Where do I begin with this complete and utter gem? There is something about this novel that consistently draws me back - I have read it at least 4 times since my discovery of it earlier this year and I still cannot get enough. My hard copy is filled with bookmarks and post it notes and is beginning to wear along the spine, the pages are now appearing dog eared and over-read (which is slightly disastrous for those of us who like our books to remain in good condition) and so the decision was made that a kindle copy had to be purchased - which is even better news for me because, hello?? so much easier to cart around now, i'll probably read it even more than I already have been! - let's be honest, there's no probably about that. We will start with our protagonist - Lucinda Hutton. Career minded, driven, intelligent, funny, beautiful (but doesn't know it) - our very own Strawberry Shortcake. It is damn near impossible to not fall in love with her and her authentic demeanour despite (or maybe because of?) her continuous - and sometimes self obstructing - desire to be liked by everybody she meets. Contrast to our hard faced Joshua Templeman, typical tall, dark and handsome and shamelessly curt - who's only desire, it seems, is to have everyone quaking in fear around him. A first encounter, a fleeting moment, a smile not returned and Lucy is utterly convinced that since the first day of their working relationship Joshua Templeman has been one up, walking around with her smile in his front pocket - smug as can be and this will just not do. Sally Thorne creates a humorous dynamic between the pair that sees them constantly competing - the aim of their game to make the other smile or cry. Lucy is nice and Joshua cannot think of anything worse and so everything they do revolves around their unwavering resentment for each other and their childish games and witty exchanges are hilarious to follow. It becomes flagrantly obvious very early on in the story that Josh is not the hard-faced person he makes himself out to be and when a surprising, unexpected (and don't forget steamy) kiss occurs between the pair the dynamic of the couple completely shifts and we're thrown into what feels like an alternate universe where we find that Joshua Templeman's hard exterior has all along been protecting the softest of centres. I devoured the book within one evening the first time I read it, staying up until 4am to finish it - I completely and utterly fell in love with Joshua the more I learned about him. He is a character you can easily connect with, he is flawed but has the kindest of hearts. With each new encounter between the pair his tough exterior is slowly chipped away and what's left is a shy and delicate romantic - it is enough to make any lady swoon! Their romantic encounters, adorable nicknames and intense/passionate connection is charmingly beautiful, sickly sweet - enough to give the reader cavities, I swear - and so tender (I basically grinned the entire way through) I could go on to write essays, articles even books about this book - I have so many thoughts and feelings about the characters and their connection. Every girl dreams of a love like this and I think it really hits the spot for those who love the chick-lit genre. Of course I would recommend this to anyone I know, anyone I don't know - just every living soul really. And I would love to have in depth discussions with fans of the book for their take on both characters connection together and their individual characters and backgrounds. I implore you all - give it a chance, because I promise you will not be disappointed. Sally Thorne has set herself apart from many of the authors I read and has fast become one of my favourites and I am exceedingly excited to see what she will bring to the table next.

Disclaimer: The followinThis story has a lot, and I mean A LOT of hype surrounding it. I kept seeing sky high recommendations for this book from everyone (all of my Goodreads' friends who have read it, have given it 5 stars!!!), so naturally I was intrigued. But really, the ebook price is ridiculously high so there was no way that I got myself that. Instead I got to wait for weeks for my paperback to arrive all the way from UK. All the more time for me to read more high praise coming my way on Goodreads, in different Facebook groups, in blogs... Yay? And while I actually quite enjoyed the story, I feel that all the hype made my expectations way too high for any book. Ever. I quite liked our heroine Lucy with her quirks, but really, Josh is the one who stole the show. There really *is* something about these distant and aloof kind of heroes that does it for me. I guess it's my catnip? Plus it didn't hurt that when they did get past the 'I hate you so much that I would love to strangle you right here' Josh was all about taking it slow. Like really slow when Lucy was all about jumping his bones. I really liked Lucy and Josh with their .. um, I guess banter is the best word to use here. Lucy's so strongly in the 'I hate Joshua Templeman' zone and it would really seem that Josh is all about hating her as well, but is it really so when they both keep glancing at the other one? They keep talking.. erm, arguing with one another and it is fun to read about and I really liked them together... It's just that I expected more than I got. I hate way too high expectations, but other than that it was a really good read and I think that if I hadn't read about all that hype for weeks before, I could have enjoyed it more.g review was originally posted on book blog The Book Challengers.

I love this book! It's cute and sweet, hot and sexy and fiery and passionate all rolled into one. I adore Lucy and Josh. Lucy is so sweet and kind and is the sort of person you would absolutely want to be friends with, whilst Josh is hard, brooding and stubborn; the kind of guy so many women are attracted to, but essentially the stereotypical bad boy...or is he? The two characters have so much going for them, but I would definitely say that Josh has a lot more layers than Lucy and was developed a lot better. We find out so much about him towards the end of the book and all his behaviour and moodiness suddenly makes perfect sense. The pacing of this was good. It moved pretty quickly, but not so quickly that it felt as though things were missing. The book starts off with so much hilarious friction, it was a joy to read. I found myself thinking, "How can two people work together and hate each other so much?" but it has to be said that the dislike always had a sense of humour and banter to it, rather than any malice. As the story progresses, there are some really, genuinely sweet and emotional scenes, some just because that was they way they were intended and some because they are so passionate and fiery that you can't help but feel the emotion. The way the story progresses was great and felt just the right side of plausible. I loved the twist at the end. I was initially a little torn after first finishing this, as I didn't know whether I wanted to give it four or five stars. The only negatives I can think of are that there were some sections (either certain things that were said or done) that felt a little bit cringey. but on reflection, I didn't feel that it was enough to downgrade the book to four stars. This was such a lovely, sweet, feel good book and I would love to read more like it. Given that I'm not a fan of romance books, this one ticked all the boxes and I'm glad I took the time to read it.

This book was absolutely amazing from start to finish. The story, emotions, and characters stayed with me even after I finished reading. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read!

I loved this book from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down for a second it was just so good. This is like the holy grail of the enemies to lovers trope and I don’t think I’ve ever read anything with this trope that’s written so well. The characters, the plot, the style *chefs kiss*

Principalmente compré este libro porque lo vi tan bien de precio que dije pues por probar tampoco voy a perder tanto. Con lo que no contaba era con todo lo que iba a ganar. WOW. Sigo sin superar este libro, de verdad. La forma que los personajes y la historia te atrapan y no te dejan soltar el libro. Sí que es verdad que al principio el enemies es llevado a un extremo que te quedas ????? Tampoco hace falta. Pero muy rápidamente se rompe la barrera y aunque sigue esa rivalidad se va viendo como los personajes van cayendo (o habían caído ya antes sin darse cuenta 😉) y es algo maravilloso. La forma en la que Josh y Lucy se complementan, se conocen tan bien, como se han dejado absorber por esa rivalidad que realmente era mucho más. Increíble, 100% recomendando. Tanto la lectura como la compra. Si sois fans del romance, del enemies to lovers, este es vuestro libro. Además no es muy difícil de entender (por ser en inglés, que quizá eso pueda tirar para atrás) y el ritmo es muy dinámico y pasan los capítulos que ni te enteras. Los últimos capítulos uf, menuda montaña rusa. Shortcake 🍓♥️

Das war so ein gutes Buch. Ich war erst etwas skeptisch, weil ich den Kleinkrieg der beiden nicht so positiv entgegengeschallt habe aber am Ende war die Umsetzung super. Die Charaktere fand ich beide so toll und die Persönlichkeiten sind super klar geworden. Natürlich war es klar, wie es ausgeht, weil es eben Romance ist, aber die Umsetzung und der Weg dahin ist so gut gelungen. Auch Josh Vergangenheit konnte ich super nachvollziehen. Ich hatte echt das Gefühl, dass ich genau verstehe, wie es ihm geht. Das Buch hat mich so gut unterhalten! Ich will es gleich nochmal lesen :D! An Deutsche, die sich unsicher sind, auf englisch zu lesen: Ich fand die Sprache sehr einfach. Kalt versteht man einige Dinge vielleicht nicht richtig, aber aus dem Kontext wird dann immer alles klar.

it starts off pretty slow but towards the middle gets really juicy. i would give it a 3.5 stars because of how it dragged on a lot until it got into their final connection or communication.Cute ending tho.