Dating You / Hating You Book Review - No Spoilers
Life has this funny way of turning your best moments into your worst nightmares in the span of a single phone call. One minute you're celebrating a perfect evening with someone who feels like they could be "the one," and the next you're staring across a conference table at that same person—except now they're your direct competitor for the promotion you've worked years to earn. I've learned that timing is everything, and sometimes the universe has a wicked sense of humor about when it introduces you to people who matter. When I picked up Dating You / Hating You by Christina Lauren, I was expecting a light enemies-to-lovers romp in the entertainment industry, and while I got plenty of laugh-out-loud banter and pranks, I also discovered a surprisingly thoughtful exploration of workplace sexism, ambition, and what happens when professional rivalry collides with undeniable chemistry.
Plot Summary
Evie Abbey is a talented literary agent who meets the charming Carter Aaron at a Hollywood Halloween party—and their connection is instant, electric, and promising. But when Evie's agency merges with Carter's the very next week, suddenly her dream colleague becomes her biggest competition. With only one senior position available after the merger, Evie and Carter find themselves locked in a professional rivalry that quickly escalates into an all-out prank war involving decaf coffee switches, self-tanning lotion sabotage, and increasingly creative workplace schemes. As they navigate the cutthroat entertainment industry, rampant workplace sexism, and their undeniable attraction, both must decide whether winning the promotion is worth losing each other—and whether they can find a way to have both their career dreams and their unexpected love story.
Why I Love This Book
What sets this book apart is how Christina Lauren balances hilarious romantic comedy with genuinely important commentary about women navigating male-dominated industries. Evie's struggle with workplace sexism, microaggressions, and being underestimated despite her obvious talent felt painfully real and timely. I loved that the book doesn't shy away from showing how exhausting it is to constantly prove yourself while your male counterparts are given the benefit of the doubt. The prank war between Evie and Carter is absolutely delightful—goofy and creative without ever feeling mean-spirited or career-destroying. Both characters are likable, flawed, and believably human. The writing is witty and sharp, with dual first-person POV that lets you inside both characters' heads. While this is less steamy than typical Christina Lauren (more fade-to-black than explicit), the emotional intimacy and romantic tension more than make up for it.
Who Will Like This Book
This book is perfect for readers who love contemporary workplace romances with strong feminist themes and enemies-to-lovers dynamics. If you enjoy romcoms with substance—books that make you laugh while also making you think about gender inequality in professional settings—you'll adore this story. Fans of lighthearted but meaningful romance with witty banter, creative pranks, and Hollywood/entertainment industry settings will be completely satisfied. The lower steam level makes this ideal for readers who prefer romance that focuses more on emotional connection than explicit scenes.
Trigger Warnings: Workplace sexism and misogyny (significant theme), sexual harassment in professional settings, microaggressions, bullying, workplace power dynamics, references to unfair treatment based on gender. The book addresses these issues thoughtfully but they are prevalent throughout the story.
Tagged As
Contemporary romance, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, Hollywood romance, entertainment industry, talent agents, romantic comedy, feminist romance, prank war, dual POV, first person, Christina Lauren, slow burn, career-focused heroine, gender equality themes, office rivalry, forced proximity
🌶️🌶️Steam Level
Warm (2 out of 5 chilies): This is one of Christina Lauren's less steamy books, focusing more on emotional connection and romantic tension than explicit content. There are kissing scenes and some intimate moments, but most sexual content happens behind closed doors with minimal detail. The romance builds slowly with plenty of banter, longing glances, and emotional intimacy. Perfect for readers who prefer their romance with more fade-to-black moments and less graphic detail, while still enjoying the chemistry and attraction between the main characters.
