Book Shelf: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Nemesis (n.)
1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome;
2) A person’s undoing;
3) Joshua Templeman.
 
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can’t understand Joshua’s joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy’s overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude.

Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job…But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn’t hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

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Review: 

The Hating Game is Sally Thorne’s debut novel and is a sensational tale perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Alice Clayton. Sharp, fun and deliciously written, The Hating Game will have you absolutely falling in love with its two main characters and addicted to the thrilling chemistry they share!

Lucy Hutton hates Joshua Templeman; hates him with a passion. And the feeling’s mutual. Lucy and Josh can’t be in the same room with each other without snapping and snarling and practically biting each other’s head off….and considering they work at the same company, desks directly across from each other as the assistants to two different publishing CEO’s it makes for a lot of fiery days at the office. Passive aggressive doesn’t come close to describing Lucy and Josh’s relationship, and when they’re both nominated for the same promotion, the game is on. Lucy can’t understand Josh’s surly, uptight approach to everything and Josh is clearly confused by Lucy’s bright clothes, overly nice attitude and ability meet every one of his quips with an even better one of her own. There’s a fine line between love and hate and Lucy is determined to beat Josh for her dream job, but as she gets to know him in a way she wasn’t expecting, Lucy is about to realise that just maybe she doesn’t hate Josh as much as she thinks she does…..

Having just completely devoured, The Hating Game, I have no qualms in saying it’s definitely become one of my all-time favourite books. Bewitching and charming from beginning to end, The Hating Game is a beyond brilliant debut that is wonderfully well written, features likable characters and chemistry that is to die for with banter that will have you grinning from ear to ear.

Author Sally Thorne fills The Hating Game with some seriously sassy and sharp dialogue, most of which comes from Lucy’s mouth or from that of her “nemesis” Josh, making for some highly entertaining and smile inducing reading. The Hating Game introduces readers to main character Lucinda “Lucy” Hutton who is a genuine gem to follow. Lucy is a sharp, independent and capable woman who is woefully likable and down to earth. Lucy’s just a riot if I’m honest. I completely love this girl.

And Josh! What a surprise of a man! From his surly attitude and stickler for order in the beginning of the novel, Josh shows his true self as the story progresses and I only found myself adoring him more with the turn of each page. The depth of his feelings for Lucy were heart-warming, and it was fabulous to see him act determined yet so at ease as he sets out to win Lucy’s affections.

I’m so very in love with Lucy and Josh and the romance they share. Thorne writes them so beautifully, and I felt every electrically charged moment between them; from the witty banter they frequently engage in to the sizzling kisses and smouldering touches, to the whole heartedly endearing moments within the story where they look after or stand up for one another---it’s so perfect. I truly did believe I was watching two people fall in love; two individuals who had been focal points in each other’s lives for some time but who were only just (especially in Lucy’s case) beginning to realise how they really felt about the other. There was no one who could give as good as they get but these two and they truly were perfect for each other.

Simply charming, The Hating Game has a fabulous tone and pace. The story is so fun and flirty and features a romance that is just to die for. A solid debut, The Hating Game guarantees Sally Thorne is one to watch!

Rating:

Source: Purchased by me from The Book Depository
Publisher: William Morrow
Format: Paperback
Release Date: August 9th 2016
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I absolutely ADORED this book and I cannot wait for more from Sally Thorne!