The Hating Game by Sally Thorne follows Lucy Hutton, an executive assistant at a publishing company, as she navigates her tumultuous relationship with her office nemesis, Joshua Templeman. Set against the backdrop of a merging publishing house, the story explores themes of love and hate, revealing how closely intertwined these emotions can be. As Lucy and Joshua engage in a series of playful and competitive games, their initial animosity begins to blur into something deeper. This romantic comedy is perfect for fans of contemporary romance and those who enjoy witty banter and character-driven narratives. With its engaging plot and relatable characters, The Hating Game offers a delightful exploration of workplace dynamics and romantic tension.

Key Points

  • Follows Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman in a romantic rivalry at a publishing company
  • Explores the themes of love and hate through playful office games
  • Set in a merging publishing house, highlighting corporate dynamics
  • Features witty banter and character-driven storytelling
  • Perfect for fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedies
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393 pages
Literature
newtopiccyclegrowin
393 pages
Literature
213
/ 393
Thanks to the friendly and efficient people at HarperCollins,
especially my editor, Amanda Bergeron, for making me feel like one
of the family.
Speaking of family, I want to send love to my parents, Sue and
David, my brother, Peter, and my husband, Roland. Rol, thank you
for believing in me. Even though my pug, Delia, cannot read, she
has been remarkably supportive and I will love her until the end of
time.
Carrie, whoever or wherever you are: That one word, nemesis, was
such a gift. You gave me the prompt that sparked this entire book. I
am very grateful that you did.
Chapter 1
I have a theory. Hating someone feels disturbingly similar to being in
love with them. I’ve had a lot of time to compare love and hate, and
these are my observations.
Love and hate are visceral. Your stomach twists at the thought of
that person. The heart in your chest beats heavy and bright, nearly
visible through your flesh and clothes. Your appetite and sleep are
shredded. Every interaction spikes your blood with a dangerous kind
of adrenaline, and you’re on the brink of fight or flight. Your body is
barely under your control. You’re consumed, and it scares you.
Both love and hate are mirror versions of the same game—and you
have to win. Why? Your heart and your ego. Trust me, I should know.
It’s early Friday afternoon. I’m imprisoned at my desk for another few
hours. I wish I was in solitary confinement, but unfortunately I have a
cellmate. Each tick of his watch feels like another tally mark, chipped
onto the cell wall.
We’re engaged in one of our childish games, which requires no
words. Like everything we do, it’s dreadfully immature.
The first thing to know about me: My name is Lucy Hutton. I’m the
executive assistant to Helene Pascal, the co-CEO of Bexley &
Gamin.
Once upon a time, our little Gamin Publishing was on the brink of
collapse. The reality of the economy meant people had no money for
their mortgage repayments and literature was a luxury. Bookstores
were closing all over the city like candles being blown out. We
braced ourselves for almost certain closure.
At the eleventh hour, a deal was struck with another struggling
publishing house. Gamin Publishing was forced into an arranged
marriage with the crumbling evil empire known as Bexley Books,
ruled by the unbearable Mr. Bexley himself.
Each company stubbornly believing it was saving the other, they
both packed up and moved into their new marital home. Neither
party was remotely happy about it. The Bexleys remembered their
old lunchroom foosball table with sepia-tinted nostalgia. They
couldn’t believe the airy-fairy Gamins had survived even this long,
with their lax adherence to key performance indicator targets and
dreamy insistence on Literature as Art. The Bexleys believed
numbers were more important than words. Books were units. Sell
the units. High-five the team. Repeat.
The Gamins shuddered in horror watching their boisterous new
stepbrothers practically tearing the pages out of their Brontës and
Austens. How had Bexley managed to amass so many like-minded
stuffed shirts, far more suited to accountancy or law? Gamins
resented the notion of books as units. Books were, and always
would be, something a little magic and something to respect.
One year on, you can still tell at a glance which company someone
came from by his or her physical appearance. The Bexleys are hard
geometrics, the Gamins are soft scribbles. Bexleys move in shark
packs, talking figures and constantly hogging the conference rooms
for their ominous Planning Sessions.
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FAQs

What is the main conflict in The Hating Game?
The main conflict in The Hating Game revolves around the intense rivalry between Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, who are both executive assistants at a merging publishing company. Their competitive nature leads to a series of playful and often antagonistic interactions that mask deeper feelings. As they engage in various games to outdo each other, the tension escalates, forcing them to confront their true emotions and the possibility of love amidst their rivalry.
How does Lucy Hutton's character develop throughout the story?
Lucy Hutton begins as a dedicated executive assistant who is deeply invested in her job and the literary world. Throughout the story, her character evolves as she navigates her complex feelings for Joshua Templeman, moving from animosity to attraction. As she confronts her insecurities and the challenges of her workplace, Lucy learns to embrace her desires and assert herself, ultimately leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of love.
What themes are explored in The Hating Game?
The Hating Game explores several themes, including the fine line between love and hate, the complexities of workplace relationships, and the importance of self-discovery. The story highlights how intense emotions can manifest in both positive and negative ways, showcasing the characters' struggles with their feelings. Additionally, it delves into the dynamics of competition and collaboration in a corporate setting, reflecting on how personal and professional lives often intersect.
What role does the setting play in The Hating Game?
The setting of The Hating Game, primarily within a publishing company, plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' interactions and the overall narrative. The merging of two distinct companies creates a backdrop of tension and rivalry, enhancing the competitive spirit between Lucy and Joshua. The office environment serves as a catalyst for their playful games and conflicts, while also providing a space for personal growth and romantic development.
What is the significance of the games played between Lucy and Joshua?
The games played between Lucy and Joshua serve as a metaphor for their evolving relationship and the complexities of their emotions. Initially, these games highlight their rivalry and competitive nature, but as the story progresses, they reveal deeper feelings and vulnerabilities. The playful banter and challenges allow both characters to explore their attraction while also confronting their fears, ultimately leading to a more profound connection.
How does The Hating Game compare to other romantic comedies?
The Hating Game stands out in the romantic comedy genre due to its sharp wit, engaging character dynamics, and exploration of the love-hate relationship trope. Unlike many traditional rom-coms that focus solely on romance, this novel delves into the complexities of workplace relationships and personal growth. The clever dialogue and relatable characters make it a compelling read for fans of contemporary romance, offering a fresh take on familiar themes.

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