The Hating Game Paperback – 1 January 2018

The best book I've ever read.

The Hating Game is a book I was compelled to buy because it was all over my insta feed. I tell you, Bookstagram is a really powerful medium to sell a book. Almost every other Bookstagram account I followed recommended this book. Seeing such rave reviews, I decided to read a sample on my Kindle. And the first few pages were so funny and interesting that I was sold to the story. Luckily, I do not regret my buy because the book was totally worth it. It was a short and fun read and by the end of it, I fell in love with Lucy and Joshua.Points I Liked About The Hating GameLucy: The character of Lucy seemed familiar yet very fresh. Sweet and lovely Lucy reminded me of a lot of characters that I have seen in rom-coms before, yet I did not feel anything about her was unoriginal. For me, she was the life of the book. I usually develop a soft spot for male leads in rom-coms but sometimes, the female characters are so strong and appealing that they easily overshadow the hot and hunky male lead. Lucy was one of the few female characters that not only outwitted but also outshined the male character. I found Lucy extremely endearing because she seemed to be proud of who she was and what she did. Even when Joshua teased her about her family business and her mother’s blog, she never resented her roots and gave it back to him in the best way possible. I adore women who are confident and witty.Joshua: I liked Joshua but not as much as I liked Lucy. Joshua is a regular rich, handsome and intelligent hero you usually find in rom-coms. He is like a little school boy who teases a girl only because he secretly likes her. He pretends to be a super-jerk only to transform into a caring and loving boyfriend. What I liked the most about him is his character development and backstory. Joshua has a painful history and I liked the way he handled things for himself. I also appreciate the fact that, like a lot of other wounded souls, he does not look at Lucy as someone who will help him move on in life. Rather he does that himself and allows Lucy to enter his life when he is more sorted. Yes, he does use Lucy as a shield when dealing with certain tricky situations but that does not mean he sees her as just that. She means more to him and does prove it time and again that he loves her and cares for her.Romance: I liked the pace at which romance blossomed between Lucy and Josh. The sexual tension between the two was evident and it slowly built up to such an extent that it gradually burst into a smouldering HAWT and unexpected kiss. The pacing of the book is just right.Dialogues: By dialogues I mean the conversations that Lucy would have with Joshua especially when they are on their supposed ‘hate’ mode. Their repartee would have me laughing hard till my belly ached. It is their witty banter that makes every reader fall in love with them. I love Lucy and Josh for their chemistry and romance.Here are some interesting quotes from the book:“Watching you pretend to hate the nickname is the best part of my day.”“What are you imagining? Your expression is filthy.”“Strangling you. Bare hands.” I can barely get the words out. I’m huskier than a phone-sex operator after a double shift.“So that’s your kink.” His eyes are going dark.“Only where you’re concerned.”Both his eyebrows ratchet up, and he opens his mouth as his eyes go completely black, but he does not seem to be able to say a word.It is wonderful.”“He did not smile back, and somehow I feel like he’s been carrying my smile around in his breast pocket ever since. He’s one up.”“All I want to do is kiss you until I fall asleep. I want to slide in between your sheets, and find out what goes on inside your head, and underneath your clothes. I want to make a fool of myself over you.”“Joshua is glaring at me with angry eyebrows. I use my brainwaves to transmit an insult to him, which he receives and pulls himself up straight.”Points I Did Not Like About The Hating GameNah. This book was funny and romantic. I have no complaints.Final View: The Hating Game is a typical rom-com that will keep you engaged and entertained. It has all the elements that define a good book. Lucy and Josh bickered their way into my heart and I would recommend this book to all my fellow rom-com lovers as I am sure these two will waltz their way into your hearts too.Originally published on Alphagirl.in

Love the characters and the plot. Realistic and believable. The character development is also really well done. The banter and sizzle is too good. No unnecessary drama. Beautiful love story. Also really nice to read about a hurt and cautious ML rather than typical alpha males.

(read the review till the very end otherwise you might develop misconceptions and miss a quite good read) okay....The story is very decent in itself.....sally thorne is a good writer....i could imagine in my head, the moments (specially intimate ones) as i read through the pages of the books....it is conveyed nicely and that's good....the points of this review are :- (i'll give no spoilers, just a very small one...which is in the very first chapters of the book, which can't affect anyone's reading experience even if they know it)1.) As the name suggests, both of the characters hate each other....which slowly and steadily evolves into love......the only thing i hated is....There is a third very nice guy (we'll call him "A").....who experienced some harshness because of the two of them2.)If the protaganist lady(Lucy) and the protaganist guy(Josh) are at a phase where they have clearly made out.....and half-ly hooked up....then why would the girl give false hope to "A"3.)Everything is going fine...our Lucy has developed a crush on "A".....but then she realises she doesnt have a crush on him anymore....and that is totally fine....but just tell the guy already....4.) Lucy and Josh (on whom the story is based)....in a way played together to hurt "A" 's feelings.....Josh, in a coversation, told Lucy that, "Go on a date with "A" , kiss him and if he kisses you better than me, date him, but if he fails to do so, then you are never allowed to kiss him again"5.) FIrst of all ( xD ), how can you tell a girl (whom you have feelings for), to kiss another guy, and, now there can be a opinion developed as to maybe Josh hasn't realised his feelings yet....but honeslty in my opinion...as you will progress through the story....you will realise youself that Josh is actually a dominant guy...who likes to make Lucy dance on his fingers.....6.) Lucy now wants josh...she realised she doesnt have a crush on "A" anymore......but she goes with Josh's plan anyway...7.) "A" being a very nice guy.....was always clear about his intentions about wanting to date Lucy...and.....he had doubts that something was going on between Josh and Lucy....so, on a dinner date, he straight up asked Lucy that "Are you single?....available?....you and josh aren't....right? "...(these are the exact lines from the book) to which Lucy replied "Oh....NOO...ABSOLUTELY NO !".....(and also this was at a point when she had made out with Josh almost twice)8.) And me who was biting my nails with anxiety, as i wavered my eyes from left to right to read, what i fear might happen.......LUCY and "A" KISSED.....how bad i felt honeslty9.) And after the kiss...Lucy actually did tell "A" that "I also enjoy spending time with you, but can we please be just friends ?"10.) Oh yeah right...but Lucy dont you think it's too late ?....how in the shakespeare, can u kiss someone and ask them to remain just friends...even though the guy clearly stated that he has intentions to date you.....i mean was Lucy trying to decide on Josh or "A" by choosing who kisses better?....because in the novel Lucy HAS clearly stated how she loves Josh's kisses and presence....i am just confused that IS THIS ACTUALLY THE MODERN LOVE THAT I AM NOT AWARE OF? xD....IF THAT IS HOW PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE IN THE SO CALLED "MODERN ERA" ? ("modern love" and "modern era" phrase that i am using is a reference to the book's introduction...it's mentioned there)11.) Anyways, AS THE SAYING GOES "never judge a book by it's cover"....you should go by it....i gave this novel 3 stars for a reason.....I AM SORRY IF LUCY SOUNDED LIKE A PLAYGIRL....cuz she isn't one....Lucy was the one who Approached "A" first...on her own...because she genuinely was interested in him and hated Josh to the core at that moment.....people's feelings do change, that is completely alright, just wish that "A" didnt have to suffer because of that....12.) The story in itself is a very decent read.....as i have mentioned.....this was just a small part.....that i didnt like...from the 370 pages......so yeah dont leave the other pages unread just cuz' of this...you can surely give it a try.....Josh has an actual second personality in which he shows how he cares for Lucy and wants to stay by her side and that he only teases her because he likes her....he gets jealous due to "A" quite some times....like a normal guy...so yeah...that was about it.... signing off-

Please believe me when I say this, you need this book in your life! I died while reading it. 😭😭😭😭😭It's so tender, heartmelting, meaningfully woven and beautiful! The thoughtful gestures, Lucy, Josh and their love will steal your heart forever and ever. God, they really did touch my soul with their deeply moving and pure feelings for each other in a really, really special way. Brb, sobbing. I feel like I'll need an eternity to recover from the effect they've had on me. I've most probably highlighted the entire book because it's just unbelievably magical. I promise, it'll be one of the best stories you'll ever read. 🥺❤️✨

Although such a legendary and amazing book, I did not enjoy the first 80-90 pages. Reason I think I don't like reading work stuff is books and the first few pages composed mostly of that. But I literally FLEW through the entire book. Its a must read and truly deserves the recognition it got. And the recognition Sally Thorne got for it was well deserved, it's Sally's DEBUT NOVEL and it's amazing as a normal boom but being her DEBUT NOVEL, it's exceeded all the expectations.

This is truly a 5/5 read. I just love the hate to love story and the way the story processes with no cringe. Just love it. The type of book I want to re-read again and again. The characters are also well portrayed and their development we see as the story goes. Totally fun and sexy!!! Go pick it up, NOW!!!!!