Sally Thorne is an Australian romance author who became an international sensation with her debut novel, establishing herself as a master of the enemies-to-lovers trope and workplace romance. With a talent for crafting crackling sexual tension, razor-sharp banter, and deeply satisfying romantic payoffs, Thorne has earned a devoted following amongst contemporary romance enthusiasts.
The Hating Game (2016) launched Thorne's career with meteoric success. The novel follows Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a merged publishing company, whose mutual loathing masks intense attraction. The book's success was unprecedented for a debut, becoming a word-of-mouth phenomenon that dominated book clubs, GoodReads, and eventually led to a 2021 film adaptation starring Lucy Hale. The novel perfected the modern office romance formula: close proximity, constant bickering that's really flirting, and the delicious moment when hatred transforms into love.
99 Percent Mine (2019), Thorne's second novel, follows Darcy Barrett, a caustic, tattooed commitment-phobe who returns home to find her childhood crush - Tom Valeska, her twin brother's best friend - renovating her grandmother's house. The brother's best friend trope combines with intense sexual tension and Darcy's struggle with vulnerability, creating a romance that's both steamy and emotionally complex. The novel showcases Thorne's ability to write flawed, prickly heroines who feel refreshingly real.
Second First Impressions (2021) marked a tonal shift, offering a gentler, sweeter romance. The story follows Ruthie Midona, a mousy retirement home worker stuck in a rut, and Teddy Prescott, a wealthy, tattooed teddy bear of a man doing community service. This opposites-attract romance explores themes of stepping outside comfort zones, found family amongst the elderly residents, and the courage to want more from life. The age-gap element (Ruthie is older) and the retirement home setting make it Thorne's most unique work.
Her most recent novel, Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match (2022), ventures into historical romance with a dark, quirky twist. Set in a Gothic world where Angelika Frankenstein (yes, that Frankenstein family) uses her scientific knowledge to literally build her perfect man, the novel blends Regency romance with Frankenstein mythology, dark humour, and Thorne's signature banter.
Thorne's writing is characterised by electric sexual tension and chemistry, enemies-to-lovers excellence, workplace romance settings, banter-heavy dialogue, beta heroes (men who are sweet, respectful, and supportive), prickly heroines with walls to break down, and detailed, swoon-worthy romantic moments.
Common themes include the fine line between hate and love, vulnerability as strength, found family, characters trapped by their own fears or pasts, and the transformative power of being truly seen by another person. Thorne excels at creating heroines who are difficult, defensive, or damaged - and heroes patient enough to love them anyway.
Thorne's prose is witty and contemporary, filled with pop culture references and internal monologue that perfectly captures the chaotic thoughts of someone falling unwillingly in love. Her sex scenes are both steamy and emotionally resonant, never gratuitous but always satisfying.
Though her output has been relatively small, each Thorne novel has been eagerly anticipated by fans who appreciate her unique voice and mastery of romantic tension.
