At a glance
The Hating Game
Contemporary romance
The Hating Game
Executive assistants Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman sit across from one another every day while conducting an elaborate campaign of mutual irritation. A promotion for which only one can be chosen raises their office rivalry into a contest neither intends to lose. Forced interactions reveal attraction, vulnerability, and misunderstandings beneath the polished hostility, leaving Lucy unsure whether she hates Joshua or has been reading him incorrectly. Sharp and romantic, this workplace comedy suits readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers banter, competitive colleagues, forced proximity, and affection hidden behind games both players understand too well.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Peach Iced Tea + Competitive Espresso Martini
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Strong sexual tension · Open-door sexual content · Profanity · Workplace hostility · Alcohol
Alcohol-Free Pour
Peach Iced Tea
Peach nectar and lemon turn iced tea into a sweet, sunny break.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Chill and serve over ice.
- Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Highball glass ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Competitive Espresso Martini
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Sharp, polished, and impossible to ignore.
What you'll need
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled slightly ↗
- 1/4 oz simple syrup ↗
- Ice
Shop the spirits 21+Search Total Wine for Vodka · 21+ ↗Search Total Wine for Coffee liqueur · 21+ ↗
How to mix it
- Shake vigorously with ice until well chilled and frothy. Double-strain into a chilled coupe.
- Garnish: 3 coffee beans.
- Glassware: Coupe.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Coupe glass ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.