Hey, book lovers! Today, I’m diving into a must-read that I can’t stop thinking about: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. Yes, I know I’m a little late to the party—this book has been out for a while—but, as every bookworm knows, sometimes the perfect read finds you at just the right moment (huge thanks to One Book Nerd, my go-to blog for spot-on recommendations!). And let me tell you, this one is totally living up to the hype. Plus, bonus points: there’s a movie adaptation, and spoiler alert—it’s just as fabulous as the book!
So, let’s chat about the book first because, obviously, that’s where all the magic starts.
The Hating Game – The Book That Won My Heart
If you haven’t heard of The Hating Game, let me break it down for you. The book is all about Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, two coworkers stuck in a major office rivalry. They work at a publishing company that’s recently merged, and now they’re vying for the same promotion. Their workdays are filled with playful (sometimes a little more intense) insults, competitive banter, and some serious sexual tension. I mean, this book gives the enemies-to-lovers trope a whole new level of spice and charm!
One of my favorite things about this book is the dynamic between Lucy and Joshua. Their interactions feel so real, so raw, and so funny. Lucy is quirky and fun, while Joshua is stoic, intense, and impossible to figure out. Their back-and-forth is what makes the story so enjoyable. It’s not just witty banter for the sake of banter—each snarky comment reveals something deeper about their feelings, and the build-up to their inevitable romance is just chef’s kiss.
Why I Can’t Put It Down
I’m a sucker for romance novels where the characters can’t stand each other at first but are actually madly in love deep down. There’s something so satisfying about watching two people realize that their “hatred” is just a mask for the chemistry bubbling underneath. Sally Thorne nails this dynamic in The Hating Game. The tension between Lucy and Joshua is electric from page one, and you can’t help but root for them, even when they’re at each other’s throats.
One of the reasons I’m hooked on this book is how well Sally Thorne writes both the humor and the heart. The story is laugh-out-loud funny, but it also has so much depth. Lucy and Joshua aren’t just cardboard cutouts of the typical romcom characters—they’re complex, flawed, and endearing. Their motivations, vulnerabilities, and fears feel real, and that makes their romance all the more satisfying. Plus, the office setting adds a fun layer of tension—who knew workplace drama could be so entertaining?
Also, shoutout to Thorne for creating a female lead like Lucy, who is confident in her quirks and doesn’t change who she is for anyone. She’s fun, smart, and a little bit chaotic, and I can’t get enough of her!
Let’s Talk About the Movie!
Okay, so now that I’ve raved about the book, let’s dive into the movie. If you’ve read The Hating Game, you know how risky it is to turn a beloved book into a film. There’s always that fear that the adaptation will somehow mess up the characters you’ve fallen in love with, but I’m happy to report that the movie version of The Hating Game does the book justice!
Lucy Hale (perfectly named for the role, right?) plays Lucy Hutton, and Austin Stowell steps into the role of Joshua Templeman. I’ll admit, I was a little worried at first—would they have the chemistry? Could they pull off the sizzling tension that’s so key to the story? The answer is YES. They absolutely nailed it. The chemistry between Hale and Stowell is off the charts, and they bring these characters to life in a way that had me grinning from ear to ear.
What I loved most about the movie is how well it captures the tone of the book. The humor, the tension, the slow-burn romance—it’s all there. Of course, some things had to be cut or shortened (it’s hard to fit everything into a 90-minute movie), but overall, the heart of the story remains intact. And honestly, isn’t that all we can ask for in a book-to-movie adaptation?
One of the best parts of the movie is seeing the office rivalry play out on screen. The filmmakers did a fantastic job of setting up the office space, which adds to the claustrophobic, tension-filled atmosphere. Lucy and Joshua’s desks are so close, and the way the movie frames their interactions in that space just amplifies the awkwardness and tension that we loved so much in the book.
Plus, the little details—like the color palette of their offices—subtly reinforce the opposites-attract dynamic. Lucy’s world is all bright colors and fun, while Joshua’s is sleek, clean, and controlled. It’s these small touches that really show how much care went into making the movie feel like an extension of the book.
The Swoon Factor
If you thought the chemistry in the book was good, just wait until you see it on screen. Lucy and Joshua’s playful rivalry heats up into a full-blown romance, and it’s everything I wanted it to be. Their steamy moments are just as satisfying as they were on the page, and the slow burn of their relationship feels even more intense when you can actually see them interacting. The elevator scene? Perfection.
And let’s not forget the moment when Joshua finally opens up about his feelings. I won’t spoil anything, but it’s one of those scenes that made me melt. Austin Stowell’s performance as the brooding, secretly soft-hearted Joshua is spot-on. He balances the tough exterior with just enough vulnerability to make you fall for him all over again.
Final Thoughts
I’m fully obsessed with The Hating Game—it’s got all the banter, tension, and heart I love in a good romcom. If you’re like me and love a mix of witty, playful romance with characters that feel real, this book should definitely be next on your list. And once you finish, do yourself a favor and watch the movie—it’s the perfect follow-up.
For now, though, I’m off to read more because I can’t wait to see where amazing authors take me next!