We are going to take a look at some books like The Hating Game by Sally Thorne.
The Hating Game is the story of Lucy and Joshua, bitter rivals as executive assistants in a publishing company.
Their constant clashes and passive-aggressive behaviors fuel their mutual dislike.
But when a promotion comes into play, their competitive games reach new heights, risking Lucy’s career.
Surprisingly, as they spend more time together, Lucy discovers a hidden side to Joshua, questioning her initial hatred.
She realizes there might be more to their relationship than animosity.
There’s something about people who initially don’t like each other getting into a relationship, so here are some more books like The Hating Game.
List of Books Like The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
- Happy Place by Emily Henry
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
- Battle Royal by Lucy Parker
- Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter
- Exes and O’s by Amy Lea
- Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
- Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Funny starting off a list of books like The Hating Game with a book called Happy Place, but it definitely fits. Happy Place was written by Emily Henry and published in 2023. It is about 385 pages long.
In this book we meet Harriet and Wyn, a couple so incredibly perfect on the surface. They are loved by their friends.
However, five months ago, they quietly ended their relationship without ever discussing the reasons behind their breakup. To make things more complicated, they’ve kept this secret from their closest friends.
Every year, their group of friends takes a week to go on vacation together, a tradition that has spanned a decade. This year, they find themselves sharing a cozy cottage in the enchanting landscapes of Maine.
The catch? Harriet and Wyn must share a room, all the while pretending to be the happy couple they once were. Instead of savoring fine wine, indulging in delectable seafood, and basking in the warm embrace of the sun on the coast, they now have to conceal their true emotions from their friends.
This particular week holds even greater significance for Harriet and Wyn, as it marks their final shared moments in the cottage. With the property soon going up for sale, they are determined not to let their personal issues mar the joy and camaraderie that has filled these walls for years.
Can they keep up the facade and ensure a seamless week for their dear friends?
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
The Unhoneymooners is a novel written by Christina Lauren. It was published in 2019, and is 416 pages long.
In this book, we follow Olive Torres, a woman convinced that she holds the title of the world’s unluckiest twin. From the moment she entered this world, a cloud of misfortune seemed to follow her every step, and recently, she even found herself without a job.
On the other side of the fence, Olive’s twin sister, Ami, appears to have been showered with good fortune. Luck seemed to dance in her footsteps as she effortlessly won various contests, winning enough stuff to fund her own dream wedding.
While Olive genuinely rejoices in her sister’s prosperity, there is one part she is not looking forward to.
The best man for Ami’s wedding is none other than Ethan Thomas, a rival who has become her sworn nemesis over time. The mere thought of spending an entire day in Ethan’s company during the wedding fills Olive with unease.
However, fate is funny. On the auspicious day of the wedding, an unexpected twist unfolds: everyone except Olive and Ethan falls victim to a merciless bout of food poisoning.
The honeymoon plans for Olive’s sister are abruptly derailed, and the non-refundable trip hangs in limbo. As luck would have it, Olive finds herself offered the opportunity to go on the honeymoon instead, with one small catch—Ethan is going to go with her.
And so, destiny sets the stage for an extraordinary adventure—a ten-day vacation to the enchanting paradise of Maui, alongside the very person who annoys Olive more than anyone else.
Reluctantly, they form a truce, realizing that their conflicting presence could tarnish their respective experiences.
To complicate matters further, an encounter with Olive’s new boss forces them to masquerade as a newlywed couple. A charade ensues, adding another layer of complexity to their fragile arrangement.
With each passing day, an unexpected development takes hold of Olive’s heart.
Surprisingly, she finds herself growing fond of pretending to be Ethan’s beloved spouse. Their forced companionship brings them closer, bridging the chasm of animosity that once separated them.
And as their bond deepens, unforeseen possibilities emerge, leaving us to wonder what destiny has in store for these newfound allies on their extraordinary journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance.
Battle Royal by Lucy Parker
Another book like The Hating Game is Battle Royal by Lucy Parker. It was first published in 2021, and the book is 411 pages long.
In Battle Royal, Slyvie Fairchild is a cherished contender from the hit TV show, Operation Cake, that aired four years ago.
Sadly, her dreams crumbled when she was ousted by the judge, Dominic De Vere, simply because he despised her unicorn cake.
Determined to prove him wrong, Slyvie poured her heart and soul into launching her own bakery called Sugar Fair.
On the other hand, Dominic, the beloved baker of the British King, may be a grumpy fellow, but he possesses an extraordinary talent for baking.
To his astonishment, he discovers that Slyvie will be joining him as a judge on the upcoming season of Operation Cake. Strangely enough, he finds himself strangely drawn to her, unable to banish her from his thoughts.
This infatuation becomes a vexing distraction when he learns that they will be rivals, vying for the chance to create a cake for Princess Rose’s wedding.
Now, a truly epic battle unfolds, pitting them against each other in a grand contest to claim the title of crafting the ultimate cake for the princess.
Who will emerge victorious? And will love unexpectedly find its way into their heated rivalry?
You can bet your mouth watering slice of cake that this story will serve up a delicious mix of competition and romance.
Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter
Lynn Painter wrote and published Accidentally Amy in 2022. This book is a little on the shorter side at 242 pages, making it the perfect weekend read.
The book follows Isabella, fondly known as Izzy, Shay. One fateful day, a barista repeatedly called out for ‘Amy,’ unintentionally changing her life.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Izzy decides to claim the name Amy and snatch the coffee for herself.
As Izzy turns around, she clumsily collides with the most breathtakingly attractive man she has ever laid eyes upon, accidentally drenching him in her spilled drink.
Rather than reacting with dismay, their encounter unfolds like a whimsical meet-cute, with sparks of connection igniting in every direction. It feels as if a fairy tale has come to life before their eyes.
But here’s the twist: as he prepares to depart, he casually remarks, “See you tomorrow, Amy.”
The following day, Izzy intends to clear up the misunderstanding when they cross paths once again.
However, her plans quickly unravel. On her inaugural day at her dream job, she discovers that the Vice President of her department is none other than the same guy from the coffee shop!
And let me tell you, he is not pleased with her little charade. In fact, he seems to possess a perpetually grumpy and arrogant demeanor, unimpressed by almost anything.
The burning question remains: will this Mr. Grump eventually warm up to Izzy, just as he seemed to have taken a liking to Amy?
Exes and O’s by Amy Lea
Exes and O’s by Amy Lea was published in 2023, and became popular on social media. The book is about 400 pages long.
Exes and O’s follows Tara Chen, a dreamer who believes in the power of love. As a fervent admirer of romance novels, she has devoured every story ever penned in that genre.
Despite her passion for love, Tara’s own reality has been devoid of romantic bliss. Recently, she suffered yet another heartbreak, marking the tenth time her love life had crumbled.
What’s disheartening is that each breakup echoed the same reason – she was too clingy, suffocating her partners with her overwhelming affection.
But Tara refuses to let her spirit be dampened. She remains unwavering in her pursuit of finding “The One,” undeterred even by the scars of ten failed relationships.
Yearning for that magical, serendipitous encounter, she faces a seemingly insurmountable obstacle in the form of modern dating apps, which have replaced the traditional means of meeting someone special.
Unfazed, Tara devises an audacious plan – rekindling the flames of her past loves with her ten exes.
And then enters Trevor Metcalf, a valiant firefighter from Boston who becomes Tara’s unexpected roommate.
Filled with determination, she asks Trevor to aid her in reconnecting with her exes, surprising him with her weird request. Against all odds, he finds himself agreeing to her offer.
During their shared journey, Tara and Trevor find themselves spending a lot of time together.
Surprisingly, while on their quest to mend past connections, Tara discovers a feeling inside of her. In Trevor’s presence, she feels liberated to be her genuine, unfiltered self, unburdened by pretenses or insecurities.
Perhaps her exes were never meant to be “The One” after all.
In the presence of Trevor’s unwavering support and understanding, she begins to question whether the fairy tale romance she has always craved might actually lie in the uncharted territories of their blossoming relationship.
Lose yourself in this captivating tale and discover the true depths of the human heart as it seeks its perfect match.
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
In 2022, Lucy Score wrote a book called Things We Never Got Over. It is a hefty 570 pages long.
In this book we go on the journey of Naomi Witt, who finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of events sparked by her twin sister, Tina.
It all begins with an unexpected twist: Tina, known for her chaotic tendencies, bails on her own wedding, leaving her bewildered fiancé standing at the altar.
Naomi, loyal and protective, steps in to aid her troubled sister, setting off a chain reaction of unforeseen circumstances.
Their paths cross in a quaint Virginia town named Knockemout, where life revolves around beer-drinking and brawling.
Upon arriving, Naomi discovers that Tina has a child—a revelation that introduces her to a new niece.
Yet, some people remain unchanged, and Tina is no exception. She seizes an opportunity to abscond with Naomi’s car, abandoning her sister to navigate the role of guardian for the young niece.
Stranded in Knockemout, Naomi encounters Knox Morgan, an irresistibly attractive man who hates drama—a trait in stark contrast to the chaotic world Naomi embodies due to her sister.
Despite her dire circumstances, Naomi finds solace in Knox’s compassion as he takes it upon himself to assist her. His intention is to extricate her from trouble swiftly, allowing him to return to his normal existence.
But as we know, life rarely adheres to our plans, and unexpected twists lie in wait.
Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
Another book similar to The Hating Game is Practice Makes Perfect written by Sarah Adams. It was published in 2023. The book contains 352 pages.
Annie Walker, a sweet and dreamy florist yearning for a blissful life alongside her perfect match, embarks on a captivating journey in the heart of Kentucky.
But here’s the catch: Kentucky’s tight-knit community leaves no secrets, and the ideal partner seems like a mythical creature in this small town, proven by Annie’s disappointing recent dates.
As her dating options dwindle, Annie questions if she’s meant for grand romance or if she should conform to the scripted love stories of her cherished movies.
Desperate for guidance, she seeks a helping hand.
Enter Will Griffin, an attractive and inked bodyguard bound to protect the woman set to marry Annie’s brother. Resisting attachments is Will’s mantra when it comes to dating locally.
Initially reluctant, Will finally agrees to help Annie, sensing her genuine desire for love. And so, they go on a remarkable series of “practice dates.”
What could possibly go awry? Well, emotions, of course!
As Annie gradually discovers hidden depths beneath Will’s tough exterior, the lines between friendship and something more start to blur, leaving them both uncertain of what lies ahead.
There are similar books to Practice Makes Perfect.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Lessons in Chemistry is last on the list of books like The Hating Game. It was written by Bonnie Garmus, published in 2022, and is about 400 pages long.
Lessons in Chemistry is set in the world of the 1960s and follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist.
Amongst a sea of men at the renowned Hastings Research Institute, Elizabeth stands tall as the lone woman on the team, fighting to be seen as their equal.
Only one person truly recognizes her worth – Calvin Evans, a genius chemist who has been bestowed with the prestigious Nobel Prize.
At first they do not care for each other one bit, but over time their connection grows in intellectual admiration and blossoming love.
Together, they become an unbreakable bond, and their love story flourishes, giving birth to a beautiful daughter.
However, fate, in its cruelty, takes an unexpected turn, leaving Elizabeth to navigate the waters of being a single mother, an undeserved burden she must bear.
Yet, life has a way of surprising us, and Elizabeth finds herself venturing beyond chemistry.
No longer confined to the laboratory, she takes center stage as the radiant star of a groundbreaking cooking show called “Supper at Six.” Her culinary revolution extends far beyond teaching the art of cooking; it is a call to challenge the established norms and redefine societal expectations.
Although her show captures the hearts of many, some traditional male executives find themselves getting upset over the content.
They yearn for her to conform to the archetypal role of a traditional housewife, but Elizabeth Zott is anything but ordinary. Her tenacity and unwavering spirit push boundaries, defying their expectations at every turn.
Each word in Lessons of Chemistry weaves its magic, leaving you with a sense of intellectual fulfillment that only great literature can offer.
You can check out some other books like Lessons in Chemistry!