Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are executive assistants at a recently merged publishing house who occupy a shared office and nurse a mutual, intense loathing. Their workplace conflict manifests through petty psychological games and constant verbal sparring. When both are nominated for the same high-level promotion, their rivalry escalates into a high-stakes battle for professional dominance. However, a sudden elevator encounter shifts their dynamic, forcing Lucy to question whether Joshua’s rigid coldness and her own competitive instincts are masking a significant physical attraction.
Readers who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope and fast-paced romantic comedy will find this narrative satisfying. It appeals to those looking for witty dialogue, office politics, and the tension of a slow-burn romance. The story provides a detailed look at how professional competition can evolve into emotional intimacy. Readers walk away with a story about navigating vulnerability in a corporate environment and the realization that hatred and passion often occupy the same space.
Practical, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Escapist Adventurer. Which reader are you?
Insights from The Hating Game
“I have a theory that hierarchy is naked and visible to those who are at the bottom.”
Lucy wears bright colors and vintage clothes like a shield. She uses her quirkiness to feel visible in a gray office.
“I’ve had a bad week. I’ve had a bad year.”
Joshua remembers every single outfit Lucy has ever worn. It shows how much space she takes up in his head.
“Lapis lazuli. Cerulean. Cobalt.”
The paint color game is actually a way to map out their feelings. They use shades of blue and red to say what they can't admit.
“I want to be your favorite person.”
Joshua’s apartment is empty and cold because he is terrified of making a mistake. He lives in a state of permanent caution.
- Published
- 2016
- Language
- EN
