The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (Start Date: February 13, 2017)

[ShoSho , Moderator]

IMO it's good , the only problem is that sometimes (once or twice every hour) you can hear the narrator swallowing ,which is not too bad.

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Yeah, I swallowed a lot while reading it. LOL!

[Gisela, Moderator]

Not many people look at my name badge and make the connection with the farm’s name.

I confess I googled it. The song is "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" by The Beatles. Just in case anyone else was wondering.

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Gisela wrote: "Not many people look at my name badge and make the connection with the farm’s name.

I confess I googled it. The song is "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" by The Beatles. Just in case anyone else was..."

I thought about googling it but was too lazy. I was going to ask if any of you knew the connection! Thanks G :D

[Lara]

Gisela wrote: "Not many people look at my name badge and make the connection with the farm’s name.

I confess I googled it. The song is "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" by The Beatles. Just in case anyone else was..."

As a Beatles fan I figured that out from the name of the farm. They also have a song titled "Strawberry Fields Forever"

[ShoSho , Moderator]

**clears throat**
I don't know any Beatles songs at the top of my head. I have definitely heard a few over the years but I have never listened to them :P

[Lara]

I read this over the weekend, though wasn't feeling well, so didn't get around to posting. It was fun, though didn't have a lot of surprises. I knew Joshua's issue related to the wedding almost as soon as it was mentioned.

Lucy is hysterical, though she's pretty good at being blind to her own emotions and is a bit too eager to be liked, given her position.

I also love her father. Her parents are awesome.

[Lara]

ShoSho wrote: "**clears throat**
I don't know any Beatles songs at the top of my head. I have definitely heard a few over the years but I have never listened to them :P"

I got into them when John Lennon was killed and it became all Beatles all the time. Those two songs are very well-known, but then many of their songs are.

[Carly - Resident Supergirl]

This is probably the slowest burn I've ever read and I absolutely love love it! Josh says something about the "slowness" that makes it all make sense and me love it even more!
Chapter 16
(view spoiler)[He says about how Lucy is the type to freak out...like about slapping the kitchen counter and saying if we did it right here right now, you'd freak out afterward run out the door and then things would be all awkward. He is SOOOO right and I love him even more for that! (hide spoiler)]

PS - was almost late for work this morning because I didn't want to put the book down!

[Carrie]

ShoSho wrote: "IMO it's good , the only problem is that sometimes (once or twice every hour) you can hear the narrator swallowing ,which is not too bad."

Yes I noticed that too. Yeah the sounds of her swallowing is very slight but you will notice it. I just think maybe she tried to record it in few sittings possible.

[Carrie]

ShoSho wrote: "**clears throat**
I don't know any Beatles songs at the top of my head. I have definitely heard a few over the years but I have never listened to them :P"


I hear the Beatles a few times a week, the boyfriend is a rather big fan.

[Carly - Resident Supergirl]

ShoSho wrote: "Carly - Resident Supergirl wrote: "Who are you guys picturing or am I the only person who has a casting session in my brain as I start a book and get their descriptions? LOL

"

I never imagine ce..."

I don't know how or when that started for me Sho honestly haha, but I was trying to be an actor/screen writer for almost 10 years so might just be engrained in my film casting brain.

[Carly - Resident Supergirl]

Gisela wrote: "How about Anna Kendrick for Lucy?"

Gisela I like the idea of her too! I think I started think Portman almost purely because of the way she acted in Where the Heart Is, she was so funny in that. lol.

[Carly - Resident Supergirl]

Gisela wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

I am noticing and swooning over the same little things as you are apparently! haha.

(view spoiler)[post it, the origami swan! swoooooon (hide spoiler)]

[Carly - Resident Supergirl]

Um...HOLY HELL *Fans self*
Chapter 25
(view spoiler)[ Just read through their first rumble in the sheets, that was SO worth the wait...I LOVE these two to death. (hide spoiler)]

I'll be done with this by this evening...for sure HA.

[Gisela, Moderator]

I finished yesterday morning and immediately started it again. The book isn't perfect but I can forgive a lot in a book that has such excellent banter AND a wonderful slow burn!

Since we already mentioned a few songs...
Anyone else think of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" when Josh says:“We’ll never, ever be friends.”?

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Gisela wrote: " The book isn't perfect but I can forgive a lot in a book that has such excellent banter AND a wonderful slow burn!

."

Totally agree!

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Carrie wrote: "I just think maybe she tried to record it in few sittings possible. "

Yes it seems when she gets tired of reading this happens. I really enjoyed the audiobook despite that!

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Carly - Resident Supergirl wrote: "Gisela wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

I am noticing and swooning over the same little things as you are apparently! haha.

[spoilers removed]"

Yes Josh and his little romantic gestures! He is swoon-worthy!

[ShoSho , Moderator]

I finished it too and loved! I want more from this author! her next book is coming in summer 2017, I can't wait for it :D

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Just an FYI, as I don't think I'm in any real danger. But, I'm about 118 miles south of the Oroville Dam (California) that's in danger of bursting. They have evacuated that area, but not mine. I do live on the river delta, though, surrounded by levees. It is such a domino effect; if one goes, we could lost the next one... then the next. There are a couple of storms coming, but they shouldn't be as heavy as the last couple, where we lost power. **fingers crossed**

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Lisa Kay wrote: "Just an FYI, as I don't think I'm in any real danger. But, I'm about 118 miles south of the Oroville Dam (California) that's in danger of bursting. They have evacuated that area, but not mine. I do..."

OMG I saw that on the news last night and immediately thought of you. I was going to message you to make sure you were alright!

[ShoSho , Moderator]

I just remembered something about the book
(view spoiler)[
I find it very icky when a lover moves from someone to their brother/sister! I just can't stomach it. Ewww both of the siblings had sex with the same person?! Ick! (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Totally agree with you, ShoSho. One of my "ick" things, too.

[Gisela, Moderator]

ShoSho wrote: "I just remembered something about the book
..."

(view spoiler)[I thought it weird that Patrick would pressure Josh to go to the wedding. Did nobody think it would be awkward for Josh to be there? Then again, we don't have Josh's POV and we don't know if he and Patrick talked things out before Patrick and Mindy got engaged. I really wish we had the whole book from Josh's POV! (hide spoiler)]

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Gisela wrote: " I really wish we had the whole book from Josh's POV!"

I WANT! Or even a chapter! I really want!

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Ditto!

[Carly - Resident Supergirl]

OMG finished it last night...seriously LOVE this author and SO impressed it was her first novel! I am seriously going to go through withdrawals...need to find another book like this ASAP haha. The ending was even just...amazing. Going to write my review now :-D

Sho...
(view spoiler)[ Yeah I agree with you on the brother moved in on his ex...I feel like Josh should have been a hell of a lot more scorned over THAT because this was quite literally a bros before hoes situation. (hide spoiler)]

...but as you are all are saying there was a lot we missed out on not having Josh's POV. I think a novella is in order!

[Carly - Resident Supergirl]

Here is my review :) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Carly - Resident Supergirl wrote: "I am seriously going to go through withdrawals...need to find another book like this ASAP haha"

I listened to most of it all over again! That last chapter....

(view spoiler)[
I'm actually happy that he wasn't pining after Mindy at all. I think Patrick should have felt icky for having sex with his brother's ex!!! lol and Mindy for having sex with her ex's brother! (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Great review, Carly. I didn't picture that actress for Lucy's part, until you posted the pics that are in your review. But, yup, that's Josh.

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

ShoSho wrote: "I listened to most of it all over again! That last chapter...."

I did the same thing. LOL!

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Quick questions as they come to me:
(view spoiler)[
1. Did you guess that Josh was secretly attracted to Lucy from the very beginning and that her smile blew him away as much as it did?

2. What did you think his notation coding was all about in his calendar? Did you figure out it has something to do with Lucy? If so,at first did you think it was pro or con?

3. Did you know the roses & "you're always beautiful" card were from Josh? What did you think about him not signing it?

4. Did you figure out what was up with Josh's reluctance to attend his brother's wedding?

5. Did you blame Lucy for her reaction to finding out about his ex marrying his brother and thinking she was his "shield" for the wedding?

6. How did you like the way Lucy stood up to Josh's father?

7. Was Lucy too nice to be an effective boss? Do you think she could eventually "toughen up" a bit and not let people slide with their project due dates?

8. Did you think one of them would actually get the promotion? Do you think the author copped out by not having this happen?

9. Do you re-read books? If so, would this book be on that shelf?

10. Will this author be an "auto-buy" author when her next book comes out?

I may have more... (hide spoiler)]

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Answers to the LK's question
in spoiler, some people haven't finished yet.

(view spoiler)[
1. Did you guess that Josh was secretly attracted to Lucy from the very beginning and that her smile blew him away as much as it did?
No I thought he has the same feeling as her. Hating her but attarcted to her at the same. I didn't think he'd be in love with from the second day!!! What a great revelation that was!!!

2. What did you think he was notation coding in his calendar? Did you figure out it has something to do with Lucy? If so,at first did you think it was pro or con?
Swoooooon I had no idea what it could be. I didn't think it had anything to do with her.
Xs for when he wanted to kiss her awwwww

3. Did you know the roses & "you're always beautiful" card were from Josh? What did you think about him not signing it?
Yes I thought it'd be from Josh. I guess he'd thought she would realize they are from him. He had written the message, she should have recognize his hand writing.

4. Did you figure out what was up with Josh's reluctance to attend his brother's wedding?
I thought it had something to with an ex most likely the bride. But because Patrick said Mindy is wondering if there was some sort of family feud going on I didn't think Mindy thing was a big deal and there was something else going. I was also hoping that the ex wasn't the bride as I said I find it icky!

5. Did you blame Lucy for her reaction to finding out about his ex marrying his brother and thinking she was his "shield" for the wedding?
No I liked that she didn't make a scene and her reactions were very logical and in tune with her character

6. How did you like the way Lucy stood up to Josh's father?
Woohooo Goooo Lucy :D

7. Was Lucy too nice to be an effective boss? Do you think she could eventually "toughen up" a bit and not let people slide with their project due dates?
No she can be nice and be an effective boss. I actually have a big boss who is one of the nicest woman I've ever met and she's a great manager and boss. I think Lucy needs to say "No" a bit more and she'd be great

8. Did you think one of them would actually get the promotion? Do you think the author copped out by not having this happen?
I knew from the start that Josh would not compete because of what he said when she was sick. ( What if I make this all go away or something like that) but I was thinking we would see what would happen after the interviews. I really liked how it all went down though! It wasn't a cop out at all it was very romantic IMO

9. Do you re-read books? If so, would this book be on that shelf?
Very rarely and when I do I usually don't read the whole thing. I skip some parts unless I do a reread by audio.
I think I will come back to this book and do a complete relisten!

10. Will this author be an "auto-buy" author when her next book comes out?
Yes I'll probably pre-order the audiobook the moment I see it on Audible. (hide spoiler)]

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Edited my post to add the 3 additional Qs

[Gisela, Moderator]

Answer's to Questions

(view spoiler)[

1. Did you guess that Josh was secretly attracted to Lucy from the very beginning and that her smile blew him away as much as it did? I knew he was attracted and probably hated her because he didn't want to be. The fact that he was in love from the very beginning surprised me but I thought it was cute, he reminded me of Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables. Gilbert teased Anne when they were kids because he was in love with her. Later on when they both became teachers he took a job farther away so she could have the one closest to home. Of course she didn't know...

2. What did you think his notation coding was all about in his calendar? Did you figure out it has something to do with Lucy? If so,at first did you think it was pro or con? I had no idea what it was but looked forward to findidng out.

3. Did you know the roses & "you're always beautiful" card were from Josh? What did you think about him not signing it? Yes, I knew! I think he knew she would recognize the hand writting but at the same time wanted to be able to deny it.

4. Did you figure out what was up with Josh's reluctance to attend his brother's wedding? I figured it had something to do with his dad. Josh didn't have a problem talking about Mindy with Patrick and he didn't talk about his dad. He mentioned Patrick and his mom in casual conversation but not his dad.

5. Did you blame Lucy for her reaction to finding out about his ex marrying his brother and thinking she was his "shield" for the wedding?No, I would have freaked out too. If there was nothing to hide then why hide it? Iwould have thought it suspicious too and mad as hell for walking into the situation blind.

6. How did you like the way Lucy stood up to Josh's father? I was cheering for her, finally someone stood up for Josh. The dad was a complete asshole.

7. Was Lucy too nice to be an effective boss? Do you think she could eventually "toughen up" a bit and not let people slide with their project due dates? I think she was learning to be firmer about the due dates and she's practically running the things now, so I think she would be very good at he job.

8. Did you think one of them would actually get the promotion? Do you think the author copped out by not having this happen?I knew what was coming, Josh's question and his appointment made me suspect he would try to get another job.

9. Do you re-read books? If so, would this book be on that shelf? I do and I already did! LOL! :D

10. Will this author be an "auto-buy" author when her next book comes out? I will definitely read the next one and hope it lives up to the greatness of this one. I felt the same way about , but was disappointed in . I'm keeping my fingers crossed! (hide spoiler)]

[Carly - Resident Supergirl]

Lisa Kay wrote: "Great review, Carly. I didn't picture that actress for Lucy's part, until you posted the pics that are in your review. But, yup, that's Josh."

I honestly could NOT get Portman out of my brain for some reason and it was mostly because of that movie she was in with Ashton Kutcher - No Strings Attached, where his character ALSO constantly quips about her being so short, haha. She was really cute and funny in that flick.

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Carly - Resident Supergirl wrote: "Lisa Kay wrote: "Great review, Carly. I didn't picture that actress for Lucy's part, until you posted the pics that are in your review. But, yup, that's Josh."

I honestly could NOT get Portman out..."

I haven't seen that one, but it sounds good. I'll give it a try :)

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

@ ShoSho - Added a spoiler above to the DQs.

:o)

(view spoiler)[
#1 – Yes, I thought he felt the same way, too. Funny! And fun.

#2 – I didn’t think they had anything to do with her, either. Well, other than possible noting when she did something “wrong.” LOL! However, I started suspecting at some point, but I’m not sure when that was.

#3 – Yeah, I knew right away. Her crying really got to him, as she was really hurt. And yes! She should have recognized his handwriting.

#4 – Yeah, I was suspecting an ex… and strongly suspecting she was marrying his brother.

#5 – I felt her reaction was totally believable. She was torn up, with good reason. Sure, as an observer, I could see that she shouldn’t be, but if I’d been in her place, I would have reacted the same way. I thought Mindy was a bit of a bitch, to tell the truth.

#6 – LMBO!

#7 – I concur.

#8 – Yes, that was a big hint. I don’t think it was a cop out, either. It was realistic, as he had fallen in love with her.

#9 – I reread a lot. I don’t often reread a book back-to-back, like I did this one, though. But, it does happen! Yes, will definitely come back to this one in the future, too.

#10 – Ditto! (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Carly - Resident Supergirl wrote: "...No Strings Attached..."

Yes, cute movie.

[ShoSho , Moderator]

@Gisela

(view spoiler)[
#1. OMG you're right! What a great comparison
#6. That he was!
10. I haven't tried Rusty Nailed yet but as you said I think I'll be disappointed. (hide spoiler)]

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Lisa Kay wrote: "@ ShoSho "

#5.LMAO

[Gisela, Moderator]

Lisa Kay wrote: "....



@#5 (view spoiler)[ I agree, why would Mindy tell Lucy about dating Josh if it was old history? And to bring up an ex at your wedding? Umm hello! That tells me that she's not completely over Josh. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Really, Gisela. Time & Place, anyone? LOL!

[Lara]

My answers to the questions:

1. Yes, I knew, but not that specifically

2. I had no idea. She was certain it did, but I couldn't figure out if that was the case.

3. Yes, and I figured he thought she would know based on their conversation

4. Yes, immediately (view spoiler)[I could tell by the significant looks they gave each other when talking about it. I agree with ShoSho that it makes Mindy look bad. Plus, I could tell that Josh wasn't upset with his brother about it from that first conversation (hide spoiler)]

5. No, Lucy's reaction was reasonable, though he did kind of warn her

6. That was an awesome scene! And I also loved the reactions of the others

7. I thought Lucy was effective--people did do their jobs. She mostly needed to work on her boundaries

8. Yes. No. I wasn't sure how it would be resolved, but thought that was a very realistic way (view spoiler)[except for the conflict of interest angle (hide spoiler)]

9. Yes, I reread books all the time. I enjoyed this one a lot, but don't know yet if I'll want to reread it. I choose rereads based on my mood at the time

10. Well, I got this one from the library. So, I'm more likely to request the next one early so I'm first on the holds list

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

@ Gisela

#1 – Oh, yeah. I remember that story now.

#4 – Logical conclusion.

#5 – Yeah, I definitely wouldn’t have liked walking in there “blind.”

#6 – **chuckles**

#9 – Looks like you joined the club!

#10 – I felt the same about those.

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

@ Lara

#3 – Yeah, that went completely over her head.

#5 – He did give her a warning… but he wasn’t specific.

#6 - **chuckles**

#8 – Ah!

#9 – I’m a very moody reader, too.

[Carly - Resident Supergirl]

Answers to questions:

(view spoiler)[1.Did you guess that Josh was secretly attracted to Lucy from the very beginning and that her smile blew him away as much as it did? It was cliche and destiny for him to be attracted to her from the very beginning but I was okay with that because that makes for a great rom com I did NOT expect him to say literally the beginning though lol.

2. What did you think his notation coding was all about in his calendar? Did you figure out it has something to do with Lucy? I thought it was the amount of times Lucy made a more clever quip then other times...but definitely knew it had to do something with her!

3. Did you know the roses & "you're always beautiful" card were from Josh? What did you think about him not signing it? - Yeah the other guy wasn't near as romantic so I figured they HAD to be from Josh and wanted them to be.

4. Did you figure out what was up with Josh's reluctance to attend his brother's wedding? I thought it was because of the dad...did not even OCCUR to me that Patrick was marrying the tall blonde who dumped him...but then that wasn't the issue it WAS his dad...should have been more of an issue I think , haha.

5. Did you blame Lucy for her reaction to finding out about his ex marrying his brother and thinking she was his "shield" for the wedding? Not at ALL I would have been PISSED, and felt trapped considering he suspiciously drove his DAD's truck...she had every right in the world to be mad, plus that makes for a great moment for them to kiss and make up ;)

6. How did you like the way Lucy stood up to Josh's father? I loved that she did that, but wish Josh would have chimed in after awhile, because he's a big boy and it was odd to me that he never bothered to stand up to him, himself.

7. Was Lucy too nice to be an effective boss? Do you think she could eventually "toughen up" a bit and not let people slide with their project due dates? - She gets done what needs to get done and I think were she in that sort of position she would adapt and overcome!

8. Did you think one of them would actually get the promotion? Do you think the author copped out by not having this happen? I didn't know how it was going to come about, but I figured Lucy would be the one to get it...figured Josh was going to sabotage himself or something but was delighted to hear him resign and get a job doing what HE was good at elsewhere, that way they are both happy and still have a rivalry :)

9. Do you re-read books? If so, would this book be on that shelf? - I don't often re-read books however, I VERY much want to "re-read" this by listening to audiobook at some point for sure!

10. Will this author be an "auto-buy" author when her next book comes out? Already following her and waiting impatiently! Hope she doesn't disappoint! (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

@ Carly

#2 – You’re so clever.

#4 – Yes, really, when you think about it… there were two good reasons Josh didn’t want to go to the awful wedding!

#5 – LOL! Make-up sex is usually pretty good. **coughcough**

#9 – The audio was great and I’m glad I “re-read” via audio. However, I started with the audio and had to switch b/c I wanted to devour the book to faster than the narrator could speak – at 2Xs. LOL! It really grabbed me.

#10 – Oh! I should follow her. Good idea.

[Lauren]

The book finally came in from the library and I've started listening.