3.25 stars. 
 This was cute. Really fucking cute and insanely addictive, which was exactly what I was in the mood for. 
 Contemporary romance is generally my least favorite genre, so I wasn't sure if I would enjoy The Hating Game. Fortunately, I am utter trash for a well-done enemies to lovers trope, and this is set in a publishing house, so it ended up being a pretty entertaining read. 
 It did take me a few chapters to get into (Lucy kind of annoyed me at first), and there were a few parts where the story dragged a bit. I also felt like there were a lot of minor plots that could have been better explored. The old drama with Lucy's ex-friend Val, the trip she was planning to visit her family, and the way things ended up with the job competition...I know this is a romance, but those all felt like missed opportunities that could have made Lucy a more well-developed character. Sure, having a significant other is nice, but *steps up onto podium and switches on PSA microphone* having close relationships with friends and family is also important to a person's happiness and wellbeing. 
 To be clear, this book is still absolutely ADORABLE, and so much fun. The romance is cheesy but cute, almost cuter than these two guinea pigs eating the same piece of grass. 
 (this is one of my favorite GIFs ever, it is truly a beautiful love story) 
 Overall, reading this book felt like eating a massive cloud of fluffy cotton candy. Maybe it's not the most substantial meal I could've chosen, but it was sweet and enjoyable and I have no regrets. :)