Picture an Australian storyteller who turned workplace rivalry into a global sensation—meet Sally Thorne! Hailing from Canberra, this USA Today bestselling author redefined romantic comedy with her debut novel, The Hating Game. With witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and a knack for breathing fresh life into classic tropes, Thorne has captured hearts worldwide, proving that love and hate are two sides of the same coin.
Thorne’s stories are more than just romance—they’re vibrant, relatable worlds where characters spar, spark, and steal your heart. Her ability to craft intense, laugh-out-loud narratives has made her a standout in contemporary romance, with a Hollywood adaptation of her debut cementing her status as a literary star.
The Making of Sally Thorne
Born and raised in Canberra, Australia, Sally Thorne grew up in Weston Creek, sneaking Harlequin novels from relatives’ bookshelves before she was thirteen. Her love for romance tropes—especially forced proximity and enemies-to-lovers—took root early. Before becoming a full-time author, Thorne worked as a public servant, drafting contracts by day and weaving fictional worlds by night. A creative writing course at the Canberra Institute of Technology sparked her journey, and a friend’s challenge to write a story with the prompt “nemesis” birthed The Hating Game in just six weeks.
Thorne’s transition from hobbyist to bestseller was meteoric. After connecting with romance novelists Christina Lauren online, she shared her manuscript, which led to a New York literary agent and a two-book deal with HarperCollins. Her Canberra home, filled with vintage toys and a haunted dollhouse, remains her creative hub, where she writes alongside her husband and pug puppy, Dottie.
Sally Thorne’s Unforgettable Stories
Thorne’s debut, The Hating Game (2016), follows Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, executive assistants locked in a hate-fueled rivalry at a publishing house. Their sharp banter and slow-burn romance earned the novel a spot in the Washington Post’s top 20 romance novels of 2016 and a Goodreads Choice Awards nomination. Critics hailed it for reinvigorating the rom-com genre, and its 2021 film adaptation, starring Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell, brought Thorne’s vision to the big screen.
Her second novel, 99 Percent Mine (2019), explores Darcy Barrett’s passionate reconnection with her childhood crush, Tom Valeska. Debuting on the USA Today bestseller list, it showcased Thorne’s knack for bold, protective heroines. Second First Impressions (2021) shifts to a retirement home, blending quirky characters with heartfelt romance, while Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match (2022), a historical rom-com, reimagines Frankenstein’s sister crafting her own lover. Each novel highlights Thorne’s signature style: snappy dialogue, intense chemistry, and unexpected settings.
Thorne’s writing process is organic—she avoids rigid outlines, letting characters guide the story. She spends months refining dialogue, often scripting it like a play to ensure each voice pops. Her Canberra surroundings, from bushland to the National Library, inspire her, grounding her fantastical tales in relatable emotions.
Why Sally Thorne Matters
Sally Thorne’s impact lies in her ability to make romance feel fresh and vital. By blending humor, heart, and modern sensibilities, she’s elevated the rom-com genre, tackling themes like consent and gender equity with care. Her diverse settings—from corporate offices to retirement homes—challenge stereotypes, proving romance thrives anywhere. With translations in over 25 countries and a loyal fanbase, Thorne has shown that stories about love can be both universal and deeply personal.
Her journey from public servant to international bestseller inspires aspiring writers, especially in Australia, where she’s a quiet literary giant. Thorne’s work reminds us that romance isn’t frivolous—it’s a powerful lens for exploring human connection.
- Lives in Canberra, Australia, with her husband and pug, Dottie.
- Key works: The Hating Game, 99 Percent Mine, Second First Impressions, Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match.
- Favorite tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, brother’s best friend.
- Owns a yellow 1972 Volkswagen Beetle and every Baby-Sitter’s Club book.
About Sally Thorne
Ready for a dose of witty, heart-melting romance? Snag The Hating Game and dive into Sally Thorne’s irresistible world!