A review by lizzie_b99
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

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 that
Josh 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. 
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