Reviews with content warning for Medical content - The Hating Game

Reviews tagging 'Medical content'

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

36 reviews

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.

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chelle22's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted

3.0

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luna_lovelace'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
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I watched the movie, multiple times, before I knew it was based on a book. So, of course, I had to read it! Although I love the movie, the book goes into detail about how their relationship develops.

Lucy was such a sweet person and I couldn't understand why Josh couldn't stand her being nice to everyone,

until much later when you realize people just walk all over her because she's nice and wants people to like her.

I definitely did a lot of awhing and laughin for a hate-to-love relationship!

I wasn't ready for the book to end, I wanted to see some more interaction with Lucy's parents, they seemed so sweet!

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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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tiredtori's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

3.25

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vanesst's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

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britwalsh16's review against another edition

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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.

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