The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

“I have a theory. Hating someone feels disturbingly similar to being in love with them.” (The Hating Game, p.1)

For Lucy and Joshua, the lines between love and hate are blurred. A series of games; The Staring Game, The Mirror Game and The HR Game, to name a few, take place between them within the highly reflective office, where every movement is watched by the other and stored away to be used against them later. Their competition between each other is accelerated when they are both running for a promotion to become the Chief Operating Officer, ultimately winning authority over the other within Bexley & Gamin. But will Lucy finally be able to beat the man she can’t seem to get out of her head. Or will she have to resign …

Serial killer eyes:

A parallel to the lust filled eyes, only noted in moments of high tension between Lucy and Joshua. Arguments and confessions of feelings become synonymous with each other as their journey from a desire fuelled by hate turns into one that is fuelled by lust.

Metaphorical for the mutual burning that resonates within Lucy and Joshua when they feel both hate and desire, serial killer eyes are the gateway to informing the reader of the confusion between the two emotions. Both Lucy and Joshua are depicted to experience this blur of emotions when they argue, but this is also pointed out when there is a build of silence between them; in a moment of heavy breaths and stare downs.

Elevator kiss:

“When he leans in again and begins to move his mouth against mine, softly plying it open, the penny drops.

Joshua. Templeman. Is. kissing. Me.” (The Hating Game, p.68)

The elevator kiss is what initiates it all, an act of jealousy and rage induced passion. Joshua doesn’t believe Lucy really has a date with another guy, thinking he will catch her out. But when it is revealed that her date is in fact Danny from design, he realises his mistake.

The closed off space of the elevator enables a moment for them to remain hidden, a place of safety for Joshua to make his first move. The moment explodes with pent up tension, but Lucy indulges herself, reliving her dream about Joshua from the previous night in a moment when the denial of her feelings towards him slips away.

Paintball:

“Joshua pivots us neatly and blocks the shots with his body. I feel him jolting as he takes more hits and his arm raises to cradle my head.” (The Hating Game, p.100)

The team building day out for the Bexley & Gamin staff is for the purpose for uniting the two opposing companies, forcing them to work with the enemy. This is when Joshua begins to show another side to Lucy, he becomes her knight in shining armour, as he uses his body to take the hit during a paintball attack. It becomes apparent that Joshua cares for Lucy far more than he lets on as he cradles her in his arms in a desperate attempt to protect her.

The ‘Or Something’ game:

“You’re always beautiful.” (The Hating Game, p.179)

The 'Or Something' game is introduced once their relationship grows deeper, the idea that 'Or Something' will lead to an eruption of feelings and passion that for the moment is repressed, forced to be held back. It’s a tormenting promise that once one of them initiates the 'Or Something' game, Lucy will have to face her true feelings and ask the question, is she in love with Joshua Templeman?

Overall this novel is a refreshing read; the classic enemies to lovers’ narrative with a modern and exciting twist. Lucy and Joshua’s romance is down to earth and engaging, leaving you routing for their success, even in the face of competition and doubt.

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Thank you for reading, I really hope you have enjoyed this recommendation as much as I have. The edition that I have referenced is available for purchase on Amazon: Sally Thorne, The Hating Game, (Great Britain, Piatkus: 2017)

Mary