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renpuspita's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Another book I read that already pass its hype time (the book was released in 2016 and I read it like...8 years later, lel) but I'm glad that I give The Hating Game a chance! I'm LOL'ing, smiling, and smirking reading the "hating games, staring games, how you doing games" between Lucy and Joshua, although it's a no-brainer to guess the trope is more than enemy to lover or grumpy x sunshine. It's more like "he fell first and she fell harder". Not that hard to predict, lol.
I know that the narrative and dialogues can be to immature especially because we read this book from Lucy's PoV, so the hatred feeling is more from her and not Josh. This is the case when I wish I know what Josh thinking about Lucy but hearing his confessions is already confirm my guess. Beside his action also mirroring his feeling, like why bother to nurture your nemesis to health if you hate her guts? Love it is. The witty banters is sure the highlight of the book, I keep laughing and snort while reading the back and forth between Lucy and Joshua. The sexual tension is OMG, TOP OF THE CHART 🔥🔥🔥, and followed by steamy sex scene too. Actually, the sexual tensions itself is already enough, lol.
The first part is hilarious, the middle seems dragging with the tug and pull war between Lucy and Joshua although the sexual tensions are the live saver. The last part is ASTOUNDING. My favorite scene is when Lucy smack talk Josh's father and since his father is a big jerk compared to Josh, he deserve it. I have a "Way to go, Lucy!" moment when she defend Josh and in that time I know that she falling in love so hard to Josh. The first sentence that Thorne write about love and hate is visceral finally come to full circle. Another favorite part I love is the confession part between Lucy and Josh that reveal many things, like how wrong Lucy was about Josh. Heh, both just like kindergarten children who like their opposite gender but decide to go full attack rather than admit it. I know the bantering look immature and childish and I know with the wrong mood or preferences this book might be not for everyone. But I like the way Thorne write it with some humor and cheeky remarks.
However, this book is not without a weakness. Thorne's writing can be too over the top and dramatic. Also hyperbole to the core. Since I'm in a good mood while reading this book, I'm willing to let it slide. Beside, some of the witty banters and Lucy's descriptions are hilarious to read. Like, Lucy is not shy to admit that Josh's body is sexy and I'm now have an urge to browsing man's pictures with macho body, lel. She describe that Josh is so handsome and if I see the actor that portrayed him in the movie, well duh, I agree. Yeah, it was nice to read a female-gaze paragraph that describe how hot the hero was. Is it cringe? Nah, it's depend on your preference. I really have a blast and grinning from ear to ear after finish reading the last page.
The wedding chapter that lead to Lucy and Josh's love confessions now officially become my favorite and I'm afraid I'll reread it for some times. I also praised Thorne to not write about third-act breakup and the angsts are actually pretty tame. For how childish and immature Lucy and Josh act with their "games", I'm surprised and impressed to read how mature they solve their fight toward the end of the book without the need to make it more dramatic or long. While Josh's boss is a lecherous man, I'm glad Lucy's boss, Helene is an example of a good leader. Yeah, reading about Helene support Lucy with her presentation to get the position of COO is like a dream, but it feel nice to read a not toxic boss. Although, the setting is not that clear. I don't know if this book set in America or maybe Australia since Thorne's basically live in Canberra, since the setting of the office, the wedding venue etc is barred of any mention of city. The insight to publishing world is a nice addition, tho.
I will fondly remember The Hating Game if I want to recommend "(not really) enemy to lover" book and I'm also looking forward to watch the movie version.
Also..with how petite Lucy (5 ft, she's basically me) and how TALL Josh (6,4 ft, WTF? No wonder Lucy feel small compared to Josh's huge and macho body! But his stamina when it's come to bed sport is 🔥), I have a slightest idea maybe it's influence some author that love to write their heroine as petite as possible and the hero is basically a giant 🙃, IYKWIM.
I know that the narrative and dialogues can be to immature especially because we read this book from Lucy's PoV, so the hatred feeling is more from her and not Josh. This is the case when I wish I know what Josh thinking about Lucy but hearing his confessions is already confirm my guess. Beside his action also mirroring his feeling, like why bother to nurture your nemesis to health if you hate her guts? Love it is. The witty banters is sure the highlight of the book, I keep laughing and snort while reading the back and forth between Lucy and Joshua. The sexual tension is OMG, TOP OF THE CHART 🔥🔥🔥, and followed by steamy sex scene too. Actually, the sexual tensions itself is already enough, lol.
The first part is hilarious, the middle seems dragging with the tug and pull war between Lucy and Joshua although the sexual tensions are the live saver. The last part is ASTOUNDING. My favorite scene is when Lucy smack talk Josh's father and since his father is a big jerk compared to Josh, he deserve it. I have a "Way to go, Lucy!" moment when she defend Josh and in that time I know that she falling in love so hard to Josh. The first sentence that Thorne write about love and hate is visceral finally come to full circle. Another favorite part I love is the confession part between Lucy and Josh that reveal many things, like how wrong Lucy was about Josh. Heh, both just like kindergarten children who like their opposite gender but decide to go full attack rather than admit it. I know the bantering look immature and childish and I know with the wrong mood or preferences this book might be not for everyone. But I like the way Thorne write it with some humor and cheeky remarks.
However, this book is not without a weakness. Thorne's writing can be too over the top and dramatic. Also hyperbole to the core. Since I'm in a good mood while reading this book, I'm willing to let it slide. Beside, some of the witty banters and Lucy's descriptions are hilarious to read. Like, Lucy is not shy to admit that Josh's body is sexy and I'm now have an urge to browsing man's pictures with macho body, lel. She describe that Josh is so handsome and if I see the actor that portrayed him in the movie, well duh, I agree. Yeah, it was nice to read a female-gaze paragraph that describe how hot the hero was. Is it cringe? Nah, it's depend on your preference. I really have a blast and grinning from ear to ear after finish reading the last page.
The wedding chapter that lead to Lucy and Josh's love confessions now officially become my favorite and I'm afraid I'll reread it for some times. I also praised Thorne to not write about third-act breakup and the angsts are actually pretty tame. For how childish and immature Lucy and Josh act with their "games", I'm surprised and impressed to read how mature they solve their fight toward the end of the book without the need to make it more dramatic or long. While Josh's boss is a lecherous man, I'm glad Lucy's boss, Helene is an example of a good leader. Yeah, reading about Helene support Lucy with her presentation to get the position of COO is like a dream, but it feel nice to read a not toxic boss. Although, the setting is not that clear. I don't know if this book set in America or maybe Australia since Thorne's basically live in Canberra, since the setting of the office, the wedding venue etc is barred of any mention of city. The insight to publishing world is a nice addition, tho.
I will fondly remember The Hating Game if I want to recommend "(not really) enemy to lover" book and I'm also looking forward to watch the movie version.
Also..with how petite Lucy (5 ft, she's basically me) and how TALL Josh (6,4 ft, WTF? No wonder Lucy feel small compared to Josh's huge and macho body! But his stamina when it's come to bed sport is 🔥), I have a slightest idea maybe it's influence some author that love to write their heroine as petite as possible and the hero is basically a giant 🙃, IYKWIM.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Body shaming, Abandonment, and Vomit
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Medical content, and Fatphobia
lizzie_b99's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was very cute in a "this is behaviour I'd never accept in real life but it's cute in fiction" sort of way. IRL I'd never accept a partner who quite literally reported me to HR multiple times, but I chose to suspend my disbelief.
I didn't love thatJosh says excessive compliments on his body make him uncomfortable, but Lucy continues to compliment his body anyway. Yes, she does compliment other aspects of him, but I think her body commentary was excessive. Also, a lot of the description for Mr Bexley, who we're clearly meant to not like for various reasons, focuses on his size. The fatphobia was really unnecessary and over the top. I would have liked there to be more closure or retribution for Mr Bexley and his harassing behaviour. By the end of the novel, we're supposed to assume that Lucy will get the COO job, and since Josh has left she won't have that buffer with Mr Bexley. Has he ever been reported to HR? will his behaviour ever be addressed? I would have liked some closure on this plotline. I also was disturbed by Josh's lack of intervention with Bexley's behaviour. He could have stood up to him more, but he chooses not to. I didn't love that he chooses not to use his privilege to protect her . I did find this novel to be cute and a good palette cleanser. A good pick if you love romance novels and want a no-think type book.
I didn't love that
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Cursing, and Body shaming
Moderate: Sexual harassment
crazyylizard's review against another edition
Reading about privileged people bullying is not romantic. Add in an ax murderer and this could be a good book, but I know the goal of this book is for the two jerks fall in love. Pass.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Ableism, Xenophobia, Misogyny, and Racial slurs
sydneylmeyer7's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual content, and Body shaming
mashley512's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming and Fatphobia
mishaps's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, Vomit, Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism
ericaqu's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming
britwalsh16's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I made the mistake of watching the movie first. I usually like to read the book before watching the movie, but I really wanted to watch the movie & I kept putting the book off. & then the movie really made me want to read the book.
I really loved the book! The chemistry between Lucy & Josh is amazing! I really wish I didn’t know when certain scenes were coming, or what was gonna happen before I started to read it. But that’s the price i paid for watching the movie.
I really loved the book! The chemistry between Lucy & Josh is amazing! I really wish I didn’t know when certain scenes were coming, or what was gonna happen before I started to read it. But that’s the price i paid for watching the movie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Minor: Body shaming, Stalking, Alcohol, Bullying, Vomit, Cursing, and Medical content
psliz's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
thought it was okay but upon further inspection, it's terrible because its characters are horrible people
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Sexual harassment, Bullying, Body shaming, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Ableism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Toxic relationship and Racial slurs
ireadtoescape_'s review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Lucinda is so problematic! Lol.
The fact that whenever she describes Bexley’s incompetence, she speaks about him being fat and never actually mentions what really makes him incompetent. All the creepy sexual harrassy stuff? Nah. He *is* fat though and apparently that’s all that makes him terrible. She references him as such multiple times ☹️
This was made worse for me with how very often she spoke about just how small and teeny tiny she is. 💀 This book came out in 2016, right!!?? 👀👀 Sally, you ought’a know better, boo! 5 foot nothing hahahahaha 😶
There are a number of weird references that made me cringe when she said them. Comparing your somewhat messy apartment to a slum in Kolkata is so racist! 😷 What do you mean?!! I struggled to read past that. I also noticed the use of the “old” spelling of Kolkata in the book 👀👀. The name was corrected to right spelling in 2001…!
Not long after that there was a problematic reference to albinism to describe someone Lucy hated. 🫤 I hat to re read that because I honestly couldn’t believe it.
Then there were just a bunch of obtuse comments relating to mental health that seemingly messed with this lily-white world of Lucy and Josh.
Lol. What’s with the hate on blondes? 😂😂 Sending love to all the blondes tall and brown-eyed🫶🏾
Also, the ridicule of short men?? So unnecessary. Just to emphasise how big big Josh is all big and big. Urgh. Because it’s not like we had any idea how big and perfect he is.
The writing was also so sporadic. Parts of it just threw me off but I honestly didn’t care enough to try and understand it or keep track. Josh’s pining was cute until it got a bit creepy and controlly. The creepy blue-eyed fetishisation wall paint business??? Girl, run!!
Sally, girl… 👀👀👀
The fact that whenever she describes Bexley’s incompetence, she speaks about him being fat and never actually mentions what really makes him incompetent. All the creepy sexual harrassy stuff? Nah. He *is* fat though and apparently that’s all that makes him terrible. She references him as such multiple times ☹️
This was made worse for me with how very often she spoke about just how small and teeny tiny she is. 💀 This book came out in 2016, right!!?? 👀👀 Sally, you ought’a know better, boo! 5 foot nothing hahahahaha 😶
There are a number of weird references that made me cringe when she said them. Comparing your somewhat messy apartment to a slum in Kolkata is so racist! 😷 What do you mean?!! I struggled to read past that. I also noticed the use of the “old” spelling of Kolkata in the book 👀👀. The name was corrected to right spelling in 2001…!
Not long after that there was a problematic reference to albinism to describe someone Lucy hated. 🫤 I hat to re read that because I honestly couldn’t believe it.
Then there were just a bunch of obtuse comments relating to mental health that seemingly messed with this lily-white world of Lucy and Josh.
Lol. What’s with the hate on blondes? 😂😂 Sending love to all the blondes tall and brown-eyed🫶🏾
Also, the ridicule of short men?? So unnecessary. Just to emphasise how big big Josh is all big and big. Urgh. Because it’s not like we had any idea how big and perfect he is.
The writing was also so sporadic. Parts of it just threw me off but I honestly didn’t care enough to try and understand it or keep track. Josh’s pining was cute until it got a bit creepy and controlly. The creepy blue-eyed fetishisation wall paint business??? Girl, run!!
Sally, girl… 👀👀👀
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, and Fatphobia
Minor: Racism