"The Hating Game" is a romantic comedy novel by Sally Thorne that follows the story of Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, two executive assistants at a publishing company. They share an office and have a fierce rivalry, often engaging in playful yet intense games to outdo each other. Their competitive relationship takes a turn when they both vie for the same promotion. As tensions rise, Lucy begins to see a different side of Joshua, leading to unexpected feelings. The story explores themes of love, ambition, and the fine line between hate and attraction, making it a popular choice among fans of contemporary romance.