The Hating Game: A Spicy Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

Solid 4.5 stars ❤

This book was so adorable! I'm loving these adult RomComs so much lately and this is no exception! The banter between Lucy and Joshua's love hate relationship was perfectly done. The two of them together made this book so enjoyable and I was entertained by the ups and downs of their work place relationship. I can't wait to read 99 Percent Mine because I loved this one so much! It was a perfect read for February!

the description for the FMC almost had me pull my eyes out

Sally Thorne's The Hating Game builds a romance out of rivalry, sharp suits, and a shared office that feels a little too small for two very strong personalities. Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman turn everyday work life into a battlefield of staring contests, petty games, and simmering tension. A promotion raises the stakes and pushes their dynamic from playful hostility into something far more charged. Lucy is meant to charm with her optimism and sweetness, though her inner voice tells a different story. Her anxious spiral and constant second-guessing create a disconnect that did not work for me. Her outward confidence shows up in flashes through her wardrobe and bold moments. Though it often feels like a mask she struggles to keep in place. The contrast betwen her inner and outer personas shapes much of the emotional tone. Josh delivers the stronger presence. He is controlled, intense, and far more transparent once the story opens a window into his thoughts and feelings. His bold suggestion about Lucy testing their chemistry adds a spark that shifts the tension into something electric. Their physical connection follows through on that promise with scenes that feel playful, confident, and very hot. The romance follows a familiar path with the chemistry keeping the story engaging. Their workplace competativeness ends up paying off with a resolution that gives both characters space to grow. Lucy standing up for Josh with his family stands out as a defining moment for their relationship. It adds depth to her character and shows the kind of partner she can be when she steps into her confidence. The audiobook adds a smooth listening experience. Katie Schorr keeps each voice clear and distinct without pulling focus. The delivery stays steady and easy to follow working well for a story built on dialogue and internal tension. The ending is a soft and satisfying note. Both characters find success without sacrificing their relationship. Their shared future feels balanced. Their discussion about what their partnership will look like is filled with flirting and sparks. Which suits a story built on competition and heat turning into partnership.

The first 3 chapters are like reading a cosmo girl article.

The rest of the book flows well enough and is easy to digest.... the plot was so predictable, and the few twists and turns the book had were too easy to guess. Ending also fell flat.