15 Books Like The Hating Game
Are you on the hunt for your next addictive read, craving that same electric chemistry and witty banter that kept you hooked in “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne?
Well, look no further!
If you’re yearning for more sizzling enemies-to-lovers dynamics and page-turning romance, I’ve got you covered.
Dive into this curated list of books that capture the essence of “The Hating Game” while offering their own unique twists and turns that are sure to leave you swooning and eagerly turning the pages.
So, grab your favorite beverage, cozy up in your reading nook, and get ready to fall head over heels for these captivating tales of love, rivalry, and everything in between.
Books Like The Hating Game
1. Beach Read by Emily Henry
“Beach Read” is a captivating novel that explores the lives of two authors from very different genres who find themselves neighbors for the summer. January Andrews, a romance writer, is grappling with writer’s block and a personal tragedy, while Augustus Everett, who writes literary fiction, is equally stuck.
As they challenge each other to step out of their comfort zones and write in the other’s genre, sparks fly and unexpected feelings develop.
Major Similarities:
Like “The Hating Game,” “Beach Read” features protagonists with contrasting personalities and careers, leading to a dynamic and engaging enemies-to-lovers storyline. Both novels are centered around the themes of professional rivalry and personal discovery, with a healthy dose of witty banter and romantic tension.
Additionally, each book delves into deeper emotional territories, offering readers a blend of light-hearted romance and meaningful character development.
2. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
In “You Deserve Each Other,” Naomi Westfield and her fiancé, Nicholas Rose, appear to be the perfect couple, but as their wedding approaches, they find themselves engaged in a relentless battle of wits. Each is too stubborn to end the engagement, leading to a series of pranks and sabotage in a bid to make the other back out.
However, this war of attrition leads to unexpected revelations and feelings, making them question what they truly want from each other and their relationship.
Major Similarities:
This novel shares the love-hate dynamic seen in “The Hating Game,” focusing on a couple who start off on seemingly opposing sides but gradually uncover a deep connection.
The engaging banter, emotional depth, and the journey from adversaries to lovers underpin both stories, making “You Deserve Each Other” a perfect pick for fans of Sally Thorne’s work. The book combines humor with heartfelt moments, showcasing the complexity of relationships and the path to understanding and love.
3. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
“The Unhoneymooners” is a hilariously charming story about Olive Torres and Ethan Thomas, who end up taking a honeymoon trip together despite their mutual disdain for each other. The trip comes about after everyone else at the wedding gets food poisoning, leaving them as the only two able to enjoy the all-expenses-paid vacation.
As they pretend to be newlyweds, their feigned affection starts to reveal genuine feelings, leading to unexpected complications and realizations about their relationship.
Major Similarities:
Much like “The Hating Game,” “The Unhoneymooners” excels in the enemies-to-lovers trope, with protagonists who start off despising each other only to discover a deeper connection. The story thrives on witty banter, situational comedy, and the development of romance in an adversarial setting.
The gradual shift from animosity to affection, coupled with a sunny, picturesque setting, provides a backdrop similar in vibe and theme to Sally Thorne’s novel.
4. 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne
In “99 Percent Mine,” Darcy Barrett undertakes a renovation project on her grandmother’s old cottage, which brings her into close quarters with her childhood crush, Tom Valeska.
Tom is described as “99 percent perfect” and “completely off-limits,” complicating matters further. As they work together, Darcy’s long-suppressed feelings resurface, challenging her to confront what she truly wants and how far she’s willing to go to claim it.
Major Similarities:
Written by the same author, “99 Percent Mine” mirrors “The Hating Game” in its focus on deep-seated attractions and the complications of acting on those feelings. Both novels feature strong, witty female protagonists and a compelling male counterpart, with a storyline that balances romantic tension, personal growth, and humor.
The chemistry between the characters and the evolution of their relationship echo the engaging dynamics found in “The Hating Game.”
5. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
“The Kiss Quotient” introduces readers to Stella Lane, a brilliant econometrician with Asperger’s, who has more experience in mathematics than in the dating world.
To improve her romantic skills, she hires an escort, Michael Phan, leading to an unexpected and complex relationship. As Stella navigates her feelings and desires, the arrangement with Michael takes on new dimensions, challenging both their perceptions of love, intimacy, and personal boundaries.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “The Hating Game,” “The Kiss Quotient” explores the themes of vulnerability, personal discovery, and unexpected love. Both novels feature protagonists with unique perspectives and challenges, creating a rich, emotional depth beneath the surface of their evolving relationships.
The blend of steamy romance, heartfelt moments, and character-driven storytelling makes “The Kiss Quotient” a compelling read for fans of Sally Thorne’s writing style and themes.
6. Well Met by Jen DeLuca
“Well Met” is a delightful romance set against the backdrop of a small-town Renaissance Faire. Emily Parker volunteers to help out with the Faire to be closer to her sister and niece but soon butts heads with the Faire’s organizer, Simon Graham.
Their initial antagonism, fueled by Simon’s strict adherence to tradition and Emily’s more free-spirited approach, masks an undeniable attraction that unfolds in the most unexpected of ways, especially when they embody their Faire personas.
Major Similarities:
Like “The Hating Game,” “Well Met” thrives on the enemies-to-lovers trope, showcasing a compelling dynamic between two characters who initially clash but gradually uncover a deep mutual attraction and understanding.
The unique setting of a Renaissance Faire adds a charming and quirky layer to their romance, echoing the original and engaging settings that enhance the relationship dynamics in Sally Thorne’s work. The blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and character growth parallels the delightful narrative style and emotional journey found in “The Hating Game.”
7. Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey
“Fix Her Up” follows the story of Georgette Castle, a professional clown who’s always been overlooked by her family and her childhood crush, Travis Ford, a retired baseball star who’s returned home after an injury ends his career.
When they team up to renovate Georgette’s house and boost Travis’s image, their fake relationship starts feeling all too real. Their journey is filled with witty banter, steamy moments, and the challenge of overcoming personal and societal expectations.
Major Similarities:
This novel shares the theme of fake relationships turning into something more, akin to the unexpected romantic developments seen in “The Hating Game.” Both books feature strong, relatable female protagonists and swoon-worthy male leads, with a storyline that balances steamy scenes with emotional depth.
The transformation of the characters’ relationships from convenience to genuine affection, underpinned by humor and personal growth, makes “Fix Her Up” resonate with fans of Sally Thorne’s engaging storytelling and character dynamics.
8. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
“The Flatshare” is a heartwarming and unique story about Tiffy Moore and Leon Twomey, two strangers who share an apartment but have never met due to opposite work schedules.
Communicating through notes left around the apartment, they start getting to know each other in a deeply personal way, leading to an unexpected and unconventional romance.
The novel explores themes of love, trust, and healing, as both Tiffy and Leon deal with their respective pasts and present challenges.
Major Similarities:
Much like “The Hating Game,” “The Flatshare” introduces readers to a novel and quirky premise that sets the stage for a heartwarming romance. The development of the relationship through written notes offers a fresh twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope, emphasizing communication and emotional connection.
The novel’s blend of humor, emotional depth, and the gradual unveiling of each character’s story echoes the engaging narrative and character development that fans of Sally Thorne appreciate.
9. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
“Love and Other Words” is a poignant and deeply moving story that alternates between past and present, telling the tale of Macy Sorensen and Elliot Petropoulos.
Reunited after years apart, their story unfolds through flashbacks of their teenage years spent bonding over books and their devastating breakup, leading to a present filled with unresolved tension and lingering feelings.
This narrative explores the complexity of first loves, the pain of loss, and the power of forgiveness.
Major Similarities:
The novel shares with “The Hating Game” a deep dive into the emotional and psychological aspects of relationships, navigating the intricacies of love, communication, and vulnerability. Both books manage to balance poignant moments with lightheartedness, creating a rich, layered reading experience.
The emphasis on past relationships impacting the present, coupled with a compelling blend of humor and heartache, makes “Love and Other Words” a resonant read for those who enjoy the depth and dynamics of Sally Thorne’s characters.
10. Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
“Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating” is a fun and quirky story about Hazel Bradford, an eccentric and free-spirited teacher, and Josh Im, a calm and collected guy who is everything Hazel isn’t.
Despite their differences, or perhaps because of them, they form a deep friendship, insisting that they’re just friends, even as they set each other up on a series of disastrous blind dates.
The more they attempt to find love for each other, the more they realize what’s been right in front of them all along.
Major Similarities:
Like “The Hating Game,” this novel excels in showcasing a dynamic relationship that evolves from friendship to something more, all the while denying their true feelings.
Both books are filled with humor, engaging banter, and a series of romantic misadventures that ultimately lead to the realization of a deeper connection.
The emphasis on characters who are opposites in many ways, yet perfect for each other, mirrors the delightful chemistry and evolving relationship dynamics that fans of Sally Thorne’s writing have come to love.
11. The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
“The Friend Zone” explores the complex relationship between Kristen Peterson, who is dealing with a medical condition that might prevent her from having children, and Josh Copeland, who dreams of a big family.
Their connection is undeniable from the start, but Kristen’s fears about her future hold her back from pursuing anything more.
As their friendship deepens, they are forced to confront the possibility that love might not be enough to overcome some obstacles.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “The Hating Game,” “The Friend Zone” delves into the intricacies of a relationship that starts off with a strong friendship base, challenged by personal dilemmas and emotional hurdles.
The novel excels in blending humor with significant, real-life issues, creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.
The emotional depth, engaging dialogue, and the protagonists’ journey from friends to lovers echo the compelling storytelling and character development found in Sally Thorne’s book.
12. Dating You / Hating You by Christina Lauren
“Dating You / Hating You” follows Evie Abbey and Carter Aaron, two Hollywood agents who meet at a party and hit it off immediately, only to find out later that their companies are merging, making them rivals for the same job.
What starts as a promising romantic connection quickly devolves into a series of competitive pranks and maneuvers as they vie for professional supremacy, all while struggling to ignore their lingering attraction.
Major Similarities:
This novel shares the enemies-to-lovers trope and workplace rivalry theme with “The Hating Game.”
The mix of competitive antics and undeniable chemistry between the characters, along with the humorous yet poignant exploration of modern dating and professional challenges, mirrors the dynamic relationship and engaging narrative that fans of Sally Thorne’s novel appreciate.
Both stories tackle the balance between career ambitions and personal relationships, creating a compelling, relatable, and entertaining read.
13. The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
In “The Ex Talk,” Shay Goldstein has been working at her Seattle public radio station for nearly a decade when she’s forced to team up with new hotshot Dominic Yun to save their struggling station with a fresh concept: a show where two exes give relationship advice live on air.
Despite the fact that Shay and Dominic have never dated, they pretend to be exes for the sake of the show, leading to unexpected consequences and real feelings.
Major Similarities:
Like “The Hating Game,” “The Ex Talk” utilizes a unique premise to explore the evolving relationship between two characters who initially clash but gradually develop a deep connection. The workplace setting, combined with the fake relationship trope, creates a fertile ground for humor, banter, and romantic tension.
Both novels skillfully navigate the line between love and hate, showcasing how genuine connections can form in the most unlikely of circumstances.
14. Not That Kind of Guy by Andie J. Christopher
Bridget Nolan, an ambitious intern with a strict no-fraternization policy, finds herself in a predicament when she develops a crush on her boss, Matt Kido, a former playboy turned state attorney.
When a legal loophole allows them to explore their attraction without breaking office rules, they embark on a no-strings-attached fling that quickly becomes complicated by deeper feelings and the realities of their professional and personal lives.
Major Similarities:
“Not That Kind of Guy” mirrors “The Hating Game” in its exploration of a workplace romance that defies initial expectations and professional boundaries. The novel combines witty dialogue, steamy encounters, and the development of a relationship that challenges the characters to reconsider their beliefs about love, career, and personal fulfillment.
Both stories delight in the tension and chemistry between the protagonists, offering readers a blend of romance, humor, and emotional growth.
15. Roomies by Christina Lauren
“Roomies” is the story of Holland Bakker, who develops a crush on a subway musician, Calvin McLoughlin, only to later orchestrate a fake marriage with him to help him stay in the U.S. and perform in her uncle’s Broadway show.
As their relationship deepens under the guise of marriage, Holland and Calvin are forced to confront the reality of their feelings and the complications of their arrangement, leading to discoveries about love, ambition, and belonging.
Major Similarities:
The premise of a fake relationship developing into something more, as seen in “The Hating Game,” is central to “Roomies.” This novel excels in creating a narrative that is as much about personal discovery and growth as it is about romance.
The characters’ journey from convenience to genuine connection, set against the backdrop of New York’s music and theater scene, offers a charming parallel to the engaging and dynamic relationship evolution found in Sally Thorne’s work.
Both books provide a delightful mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and a deep exploration of the characters’ emotions and motivations.
