Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - The Hating Game

Reviews tagging 'Emotional abuse'

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

61 reviews

pink_peony's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.75

So… the thing about this book was that I really liked the beginning. I was expecting an enemies to lovers story… and I feel like it almost delivered on that, but eventually didn’t.

First of all, I really liked how unique the two main characters seemed at the beginning, and their pettiness and banter was funny and enjoyable. But then suddenly still pretty early in the book everything changes. Suddenly they found each other attractive? And then suddenly I found myself not liking their relationship. It’s all physical, there wasn’t much connection at all, and I’m starting to feel like that’s a lot of romance books now. Not so much based on a deep connection but only on physical attraction, which is necessary, but cannot be the only thing. There’s a difference between love vs lust, and a lot of romance books seem to mix them up. Their whole relationship was not enjoyable to me and did not even feel like an enemies to lovers. That ended pretty quickly pretty early in the book.

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chelle22's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted

3.0

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melist6's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

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mattiedancer's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Writing: 3.75⭐️/5

Serviceably written, with some very fun sections!

Characters: 4⭐️/5

I mean, I might just be in love with Joshua, but I thought the characters we focus on were both fun and fresh in their development. I loved their quirks and personalities, and I loved getting to know both of them. However, the side characters definitely lacked some depth and, despite the fact that I love the main characters, I would have loved to see the development of side characters even just a touch more.

Plot: 4⭐️/5

A coworker who hates you, a merger that pushes you to work hard to save jobs, and a hot guy you have to stare at all day. Throw in a momentary illness, a wedding in which one of you needs a date, and a very hot scene in an elevator, and you have a captivating story. Sure, the paintball section drug on way too long in my opinion. Sure, the wedding section could have been condensed to include all the spicy scenes and fewer tense moments. Sure, I could have gone without the misunderstanding tropes times a few times. Sure, the ending lacked a little something something. But, damn, I had fun.

Who Should Read This Book?

Fans of a fast slow burn (trust me, it makes sense)
Fans of enemies to lovers
Fans of there’s only one bed!
Romance readers who are looking for a read with a bit more than just spice

Content Warnings?

Sexual content, vomit, illness, medical content, gaslighting, bullying, toxic family, toxic relationships,

Post-Reading Rating: 4⭐️/5

Cute, I love them.

Final Rating: 4⭐️/5

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purplepenning's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

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elizherlihy's review against another edition

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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

2.75

I have constantly seen other books that I like compared to this, and I have had it recommended. Once I started it and realized it was written in first person, I almost stopped there. I thought that Lucy seemed just oddly obsessed with her size? Just constantly reminding how short, little, tiny, mini and petite she was got old for me very quickly. I love an enemies to lovers usually but this just felt wrong. Josh was too possessive and controlling to be compelling for me. It was not my favorite but maybe I came in with too high of expectations after the hype.

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