The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Title:The Hating Game
Author: Sally Thorne

Genre: Contemporary
Paperback, 365 pages

Publication: August 9th 2016 by William Morrow Paperbacks 

Source: Personal library
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Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can’t understand Joshua’s joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy’s overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude.

Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job…But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn’t hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

 

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve been wanting to read The Hating Game since I heard there was going to be a movie made. And it’s been awhile since I picked up a Contemporary novel. The Hating Game was a light and fun read about two nemesis co-workers who make a point to make each other's life a living hell. Their ‘games’ get more combative when they compete for a upper management position.

The Hating Game was a quick, fun, brain candy chick lit. I love the Enemy to Lover trope and seeing Lucy and Josh fight the chemistry brewing between them. And while I enjoyed it for the most part, the plot was predictable. Its always everyone else but the characters who realize that they're deeply, madly, in love with one another. Josh was an unexpected surprise. His character had so much depth and emotion. Even I was falling in love with Josh! Lol. I liked Lucy character but she had her moments. I wasn’t a fan of her being so clingy, borderline obsessive stalker-ish. She also kept sexualizing Josh, it was kind of gross. Of course, men do it all the time, but it doesn’t mean I like reading about women doing it. It’s off-putting either way. But Lucy 2.0 towards the end I liked. The confident, take no shit Lucy. Her speech with Josh’s dad was everything. Talk about a smack down!

The Hating Game was a nice break from my usual YA and Fantasy books. It was a really fast read and I finished the book in 3 day(it normally takes me a week or two). All in all a solid good read. 

 

 

Air Awakens by Elise Kova

Title: Air Awakens

Author: Elise Kova

Genre: Fantasy NA 

Series: Air Awakens # 1

Paperback, 342 pages  

Publication: August 27th 2015 by Silver Wing Press 

Source: Personal library

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The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.

Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all—the Crown Prince Aldrik—she finds herself enticed into his world.

Now she must decide her future: Embrace her sorcery and leave the life she’s known, or eradicate her magic and remain as she’s always been. And with powerful forces lurking in the shadows, Vhalla’s indecision could cost her more than she ever imagined.

MY THOUGHTS

This past year everywhere I looked, I saw Elise Kova’s name and books. I was curious and knew I had to check out one of her novel. I decided to go with an older title, Air Awakens. If I had to describe Air Awakens I’d say it’s like the movie Ever After with Drew Barrymore and the anime The Last Airbender. Totally different genres but what I think describes the book best. And for Air Awakens, it works.

I had no expectations when I started the book. I practically went in blind without reading the synopsis. And I’m so glad I did because I was delighted at how much I enjoyed Air Awakens. I was enthralled within the first chapter. So much so I didn’t want to stop reading. Vhalla was a hit and miss for me but I understood she was 18 and her life was changing. Hopefully we see more growth in the coming novels. I absolutely loved Aldrik, typical mysterious brooding male lead but of course, there’s always more than meets the eyes. The tension and chemistry between Aldrik and Vhalla’s was sweet (minus his stunt at the beginning). Loved seeing how shy and awkward they were with each other.

This series has a lot of love and I can definitely see why. I am glad that all the book in the series is out and I can read it all at once. I can’t wait to start book two. I highly recommend Air Awakens if you haven’t already read it. Not a fan of the covers, but the story within is excellent!