We can agree to disagree that Hallmark is the epitome of cheese. Prior to reading “The Hating Game,” I avoided that level of cushy romance at all costs. Now I can only use two words to describe this stand-alone novel: game changer.

Written by Sally Thorne, “The Hating Game” follows Lucy Hutton’s whirlwind of emotions regarding coworker, and nemesis, Joshua Templeman. Both work as assistants to their respective bosses in a joint publishing house, which requires them to sit across from each other. Every. Day. They constantly play office games to pass the time, and frequently bond over their hatred of each other. If hatred is what it’s called when you dream about your coworker in a “less than appropriate manner.” When Lucy and Joshua are put up for the same promotion, tensions get unbelievably higher, and Lucy finally is forced to take a closer look at Joshua Templeman. Is he really the guy everyone thinks he is? Hilarity ensues in this adorable rom-com as we question, what is the difference between love and hate?

It’s no exaggeration to say that this book had me giggling, on the floor, rolling around in my unfolded laundry, at 2:30 a.m. Whatever part of me that was a stone-cold criticizer left the building as soon as I hit Chapter 6. Joshua Templeman is described as your typical ‘tall, dark and handsome’ male love interest with daddy issues; nothing new there. So why on earth was I falling for him along with Lucy? Actions speak louder than words, is all I can say. Joshua Templeman is the template, the blueprint, if you will, for all men to look towards. I’m a simple girl: bridal carry me to the couch with some tea and a blanket, and I’m yours.

Upon first cracking the spine of this baby I was a little bored, I had been putting this off on the prospect of reading it before the movie came out (Dec. 10 by the way). I’ve been led on by five star reviews and bright cover art before, so I had my doubts. After settling into Thorne’s writing style, and the mind of Lucy, I was hooked. Lucy’s internal dialogue, and determination to finish what she starts made her character different from most rom-com protagonists.

My opinion of cheesy rom-coms has since changed after reading “The Hating Game.” Throw them at me BookTok, I can take it. The story could be seen as trivial and repetitive, being on the ‘enemies to lovers’ spectrum, yet it was so unique in ways I can’t explain. Sally Throne enthralls, enchants and captivates in her 2016 novel “The Hating Game,” and has effectively changed my book preferences forever.