The Painting Game

An entertaining romantic comedy novel about two office coworkers battling it off.

Wait… That does not sound right. Let me try that again.

The Hating Game

Prepare for a delightful battle of wits, charm, and undeniable attraction in Sally Thorne’s sizzling romantic comedy, “The Hating Game.” Lucy and Joshua, two coworkers at odds, spend their days engaged in a hilarious and fierce rivalry at their office jobs. The air is thick with pranks, witty batter, and a palpable tension that everyone can see – except Lucy and Joshua themselves.

As they navigate their daily duels, an unexpected twist emerges: beneath their bickering lies an intense attraction that neither can ignore. The lines between love and hate blur, learding to a series of heart-pounding moments that will leave you laughing out loud.

Themes

“The Hating Game” explorers several themes that add depth and complexity to the story. However, don’t expect an enlightening read. This book is definitely one that you read for fun and I admitedly had the best time.

Here are some key themes:

Love and Hate

I bet you did not see that coming. That’s right, this book’s central theme revolves around the thin line between love and hate. Lucy and Joshua start off despising each other due to their professional rivalry. Both as assistants to the regional manager co-CEOs of a publishing house, they are pitted against one another for a promotion. But admidst the competition, unexpected glimpses beneath their facades reveal vulnerabilities, and steamy elevator scenes.

I have a theory. Hating someone feels disturbingly similar to being in love with them.

Lucy Hutton

Identity and Self-Discovery

Both Lucy and Joshua grapple with their own identities and personal growth throughout the novel. Lucy learns to stand up for herself and pursue her ambitions, while Joshua confronts his past and opens up emotionally.

At the beggining of the novel, Lucy is portrayed as someone who is reserved, accommodating, and concerned with maintaing a positive image at her workplace. She often avoids conflict and tries to blend in. However, Lucy’s interactions with Joshua push her to confront her ambitions. She gains a renewed sense of confidence and assertiveness, learning to stand up for herself and express her opinions openly.

On the other hand, Joshua is initially portrayed as enigmatic, aloof, and often misunderstood. He has a reputation for being cold and unapproachable. As the story progresses and Lucy comes to know him better, his layers begin to unravel.

“What is his deal? He always looks furious.” Danny shakes his head at my notepad and we do a bit more business-miming.

“That’s his face”

Lucy Hutton

Through his growing connection with Lucy, Joshua learns to open up emotionally and share his vulnerabilities. His interactions with Lucy challenge his preconceived notions about relationshipships, leading him to confront his own demons and develop a deeper understanding of his identity.

Conclusion

“The Hating Game” is a captivating journey that explores the thin line between rivalry and romance, proving that sometimes, the person you least expect might just be the one who steals your heart. With humor and wit Thorne’s novel is a delightful reminder that even the fiercest of opponents can make the most electrifying of lovers.