A review by andisbooks
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

This was a really fun book right up to the very end. I loved Josh and Lucy and enjoyed watching how hard and fast she fell. I had to suspend my disbelief a few times (how many assistants get the invite to interview for a C-suite job???) but the romance was sweet and banter A+. This had some great tropes - paintball, taking care of the other character while they’re sick, family wedding, and an insane focus on clothes - I always knew exactly what the characters were wearing. 😂
What didn’t work for me was the lack of any character development separate from the romance, particularly on Lucy’s side. She gains more confidence in telling people off, absolutely, but a big theme in the book is loneliness and being homesick and neither are really addressed, save for the promise to visit her parents over the long weekend. Lucy’s one friend she makes is a secondary love interest and makes no effort to hide his feelings even after being rejected. There was also more “I’m so tiny and he’s so huge” than an Ali Hazelwood book, which definitely drew a few eye rolls. 
Is it true enemies to lovers? Nope. Did I still enjoy the different games and rules Lucy made up? Yep.