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A review by the_bookish_fiend
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

 I felt quite let down by this novel. There's nothing I love more than a sensually crafted enemies to lovers trope, and yet the novel lacked in its execution.

The story opens with Lucy plainly stating her vehement dislike for Josh. Her motives behind the hatred are simply told to us by the author, rather than explored as a way to build tension and suspense.

The protagonist were bland and unimaginative,  there was little to be garnered about them from the story.  Lucy's character is a poorly constructed amalgamation of short jokes and country bumpkin stereotypes while Josh sports the typical "bad boy" traits and vaguely estranged family background. 

The writing is repetitive and difficult to follow at times, we jump from plotline to plotline with little relevance or cohesion. We are offered the same clichéd story lines you'd expect to find in a romance novel but without any new twists or perspectives. 

Overall this was a disappointing read, especially because there is so much potential to build an intriguing story around the enemies to lovers trope, but this novel falls completely flat. I found myself bored with the characters and their romance which is the opposite of what you want in a romance novel. Neither their love nor their hatred was developed properly which definitely contributed to the overall feeling of "meh" I encountered while reading the book. 

If you're looking for passion and romance, I'd encourage you to find a different read.