“I have a theory. Hating someone feels disturbingly similar to being in love with them.”-The Hating Game written by Sally Thorne. The Hating Game is no regular love story. Although most fairy tales start with love at first sight, this romantic comedy was more so the opposite. Consequently, the hate at first sight trope in this novel is what made it different from the other books I have read. The Hating Game is a romantic comedy that gives a unique version of what love would be if the partners were loathing rivals in the beginning. The Hating Game is Sally Thorne’s first novel ever written in 2009 and has been so successful that it is now a movie streaming on Hulu, Amazon Prime, Google Play Movies, and much more. 

This book’s main character is Lucy Hutton who has a rival in her workplace, Joshua Templeman. Lucy and Josh have been rivals ever since the companies they work for were forced to merge together to refrain from collapsing. Lucy did not intend on being hateful towards her coworker but ever since Josh made it clear he didn’t want to be friendly Lucy couldn’t help being anything but. Not only has Lucy succumbed to being in the same workplace as Josh but she is forced to sit in front of him where they enjoy annoying each other by playing childish games such as the staring game. This is where their rivalry most likely roots from when they are faced with competing for the same job promotion. 

Throughout the rest of the book, Lucy finds herself owing Josh a favor which is what leads them to have a better understanding of each other and a more meaningful relationship. As their close friendship continues, secrets and feelings are revealed that make the hating game amongst one another all the harder. With Lucy’s job position at stake, she can’t afford to let her rival win, so what will she do when her job and her relationship with Josh are on the line?

The Hating Game has something rare that not many other novels have. This book has the ability to make someone feel multiple emotions within each page. My favorite thing about this book is that it had so many questionable details in the beginning that were later on synchronized with explanations from the characters at the end of the book. Overall, this book is something I would recommend for an enemies-to-lovers trope that is simultaneously comedic. If you are interested in reading this book it can be purchased in Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or checked out from Verrado Highschool’s Library.