A review by booksnooksandglory
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

emotional 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

3.0

This book is being turned into a movie and I think it will be cringy.
TW: Workplace sexual harassment, Fat-shaming
I kept waiting for it to get better but I ended up just wanting to finish it.
Its writing style is not my preference, I like simple writing and most of the time the one in the book was too much. Since I can't properly describe it, here's the type of metaphors that are spread through the book:
We're leaning against a sunlit wall, dreamily licking ice cream cones, rapidly succumbing to heat stroke and nonsensical hallucinations.
If you like this you'll probably like the writing, this just isn't for me.

 Discussion on TW

Both tie into each other, the only plus-size character is the one sexually harassing the MC and that's how this book justifies referring to said character as Fat Little Dick (his name is Richard, hilarious, I know) but it has no justification in my eyes. The character being an ass doesn't justify body-shaming him, and let's not forget the fact that the only plus-size character is vilified. In terms of workplace sexual harassment, its mentions not explicit but it plays a role so if it's a sensitive topic keep it in mind. 

 Chemistry and Dynamic 

The MCs were in sync even when it made no sense which, was many times since this book barely has any continuity. I didn't get much of the enemies on their supposedly "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic, except the self-hate when Lucy (the MC) has any feelings or lust toward Josh (hero), which to me is the worst part of enemies-to-lovers.
I do not like how Lucy implied that she was gonna have "something" with Josh so that he'd be nice: Page 145 "If you don't want to be friends with me, I'll play the Or Something Game with you." I guess she's being cautious in case he rejects her but it felt icky. Page 175: Josh expresses he does not want anything sexual that day and she keeps pushing it.

What I expected would be the climax ended up being resolved in two lines, and the climax turned out to be abruptly developed yet predictable.
I really don't wanna come off as preachy but this book had so many problematic icks paired with writing I don't like and a lack of continuity for me to like it.
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