I was in desperate need of a book that could provide levity and humor. The Honey-Don’t List delivered!

Carey Douglas owes a lot to Melissa and Rusty Tripp. They gave her a job at 16 and have been quasi-surrogate parents for the past 10 years. So despite being overworked and given very little credit for all she contributes, she’s very loyal and devoted to the couple and the Comb+Honey business the Tripps have built - which started as a store in Jackson, Wyoming and is now a whole brand with a huge TV following.

But things are not good between the once loving Melly and Russ. And they are about to embark on a two-week bus tour promoting the release of their new book about marriage, when in reality they can hardly stand each other. So Carey and James, Russ’s assistant of two months, are sent along on the tour to make sure Melly and Russ play nice.

Not only were Carey and James looking forward to a much deserved couple weeks off, they don’t particularly like each other. James - and his MIT engineering degree - unintentionally make Carey feel inadequate and inferior, and because James was basically duped into assistant duties (think fetching coffee and performing all-around gopher duties) when he was expecting to be a design engineer, he’s generally grumpy around Carey.

But there’s nothing like a common goal to bring two “enemies” together to face insurmountable challenges!

Overall, I found The Honey-Don’t List to be an entertaining, charming story that touched on sweetness in the midst of a difficult situation caused by a narcissistic woman and her hapless husband. Carey was a fantastic heroine who, at the age of 26, was just coming into her own and learning to stand up for herself. James was a fantastic hero who saw Carey for who she is and wanted to support and encourage her to be all she could be. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them see who the other truly is and watching their relationship develop.

Was this book without some shortcomings? In my humble opinion...no. Transcripts from police interviews are sprinkled throughout the book that - while funny - didn’t have as much importance to the story as I thought they would. (What does it say about me that I was hoping the book would end with a heat-of-the-moment murder?) Also, realistically speaking...no one would make two lowly assistants responsible for keeping such a volatile situation from completely blowing up. And the ending, including the big conflict with the hero and heroine, felt rushed and less developed than it should have been.

But those things aside, this book was exactly what I needed right now - lighthearted and funny. It touched on some deeper subjects (health issues, verbal abuse, settling for less), but I don’t need every book I read to take me and my emotions on a roller coaster. I read Christina Lauren for the laughs. For the hilarious dialogue. For the poetic wordplay. On those counts, I wasn’t disappointed in the least!

* thank you to NetGalley and Gallery, Pocket Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

DNF at about 25% - I seriously just couldn't handle the completely blatant ties to Chip and Joanna Gaines, it was like this was an unauthorized memoir/biography weird situation. Not for me.

Carey and James are both assistants for Melissa and Rusty Tripp. It is up to them to manage the details of the TV Renovation couple public image, which becomes a real challenge when they really hate each other. Can they get them to get along long enough to make it through their book tour without them killing each other? Meanwhile Carey and James discover that they have a chemistry together. This was a fun, lighthearted book to read!

This was a fun read about life behind the scenes with a home improvement TV starring couple, the Tripps. Main character Carey was an assistant to the couple, but as it turned out she was the one who did a lot of the work. She worked all the time and had no life outside the job. And the couple fought constantly, making their upcoming book tour a challenging venture. Carey is detailed to go along to try to keep the train from wrecking, along with the good-looking engineer who was hired to do real engineering but is being used as the other train-wreck preventer. It was fluffy escapist reading, especially if you enjoy HGTV makeover shows!

Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for the ARC.

When a book starts with a police transcript, you know you are in for a treat! The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren is the first I’ve read of this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love a good romcom, and this book delivers just that. America’s sweethearts, the Tripps, aren’t all they are cracked up to be. It’s up to Carey and James to keep them in line and hope that their fighting doesn’t end up front page news. The Honey Don’t List is a fast-paced, exciting read full of humor and unexpected romance.

Carey Douglas is twenty-six at the start of this book and realizing that she needs a change. She has worked for the same people since she was sixteen and feels she has nothing to show for it. Stuck doing everything the Tripps don’t want to do and doing all the work they take credit for, Carey is at her ends meet. I like Carey. She speaks her mind, works hard at everything she does, and truly doesn’t ask for much. I empathize with her work situation. She is the unseen force behind Comb+Honey, the company owned and run by Melissa and Rusty Tripp. Despite all she does for them, most see her as Melissa’s personal assistant and nothing more.

James McCann is new to Comb+Honey. Taking a job as lead engineer two months prior, he’s yet to do what he was hired to do. Instead he plays assistant to Rusty Tripp and takes his frustration out on Carey. I like and empathize with James. He is caught between a rock and a hard place. He needs this job to help his resume, but he feels that he’s losing his skills. He’s stuck just like Carey by the Tripps.

When Carey and James catch Rusty cheating on Melissa the night before they leave for their book tour, the two wind up on babysitting duty. Both were looking forward to ten days off while the Tripps went on their book tour. Now they are stuck going with them, making sure the couple don’t fight in public and continue to be America’s sweethearts. It would look really bad if their marital woes wound up as front page news while they are trying to sell a book on marriage. Together James and Carey work to keep their jobs intact and find they have more in common than they realized.

Overall I really enjoyed The Honey-Don’t List. Clearly Christina Lauren had the Gaines in mind when they wrote the Tripps, other than the cheating and in general not liking each other that is. The Tripps are a trainwreck waiting to happen, and poor Carey and James are along for the ride. If you enjoy romcoms, I highly recommend you dive into this one. It will leave you smiling long after you finish.

I have been a huge fan of Christina Lauren the writing duo ever since I read their first book "Beautiful Bastard". So I was beyond excited to read a CL book about a home remodel themed book. (HGTV home remodel show).

This book is so different from other books I’ve read by the writing duo. It's about Carey Douglas, a 26 year old woman who has been working for the famous couple Melissa and Rusty Tripp, who have an HGTV like home remodel TV show. Carey is an assistant to Melissa Tripp, a famous home interior designer. Carey started working for the Tripps when she was 16 at their store. James McCan is hired as a structural engineer for Tripps TV show. Rusty and Melissa do not get a long AT ALL (we're talking should be divorced), and Carey and James become the Tripps handlers (aka babysitters) on a road trip to endorse a new book that Melissa wrote. Careyand James both have their own personal reasons for staying with Tripp tour even when it becomes unbearable. Theres a lot of drama going on in this one.
I loved the theme and Carey and James' characters. When I started reading the book I wasn't so sure after all if I was going to like it. Let me explain why... I couldn't stand Melissa Tripps character! It started off with her being such a mean witch. I thought wow, I really cant't stomach this character… not to mention Rusty the cheater.
But after I read deeper into the book, it wasn't so much about Melissa and Rusty as it was about Carey and James. I loved Carey and I could relate to her. I thought Carey and James were so cute together, and I found myself hoping they would get together.
The book was well written and the pace was perfect. It was told from Carey and James’ point of view.
I really enjoyed getting lost in this romance novel. I normally read mystery/suspense thriller genre so I love a good romance book once in a while. I’m giving it 4 stars and I see I’m in the minority here. So many different ratings for this book on Goodreads. It’s a different theme and writing style from the other books by Christina Lauren.
I also purchased the audible version of this book so when I couldn’t read I could listen to it. The narrators did a fabulous job!
I recommend this book or Audible book version to anyone who enjoys a good chic lit/romance novel.
*A very special thank you to the publisher Gallery, Pocket Books via NetGalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my HONEST review.*

While I love Christina Lauren's book, this one was not a hit for me. I didn't connect at all to the characters. Carey and James seemed to go through the motions, but I just didn't get any feeling from their actions. I enjoyed it, but just didn't love it, and honestly, it was forgettable.

I didn’t dislike reading this book but I was not in favor of the authors’ choice to write one character a certain way while sacrificing the character trait of another. I love strong heroines and beta males but these characters felt written to be that way instead of it a result of the story. It was way too convenient and forced. I did not find the police interviews necessary and feel a bit confused as to their purpose.

The Honey-Don’t List was just what I needed to push me through my reading slump. I was a little worried when I saw some fellow readers’ early reviews, but I really enjoyed Christina Lauren’s latest–and highly anticipated book. The problem is, they set the bar so high with The Unhoneymooners, readers keep expecting something similar. But do you really want something similar?? Just reread The Unhoneymooners!

Here’s what I liked about The Honey-Don’t List:

It’s a very “current” premise for a book, that I don’t believe has been done yet. I live in Texas where a very popular home improvement couple reside. I’m not one of those obsessed fans, though. I’ve only seen a handful of shows and never visited their Texas-size store. But I do browse their latest items at the local Target store. While I’m pretty sure they have a happy marriage (but like any of us could ever really KNOW), the idea of having to keep up appearances for your adoring public makes the perfect rom-com material. I would love to see this one as a movie.

But this story isn’t even really about the famous duo–it’s just the fuse that lights the match. Carey and James are the “assistants” given the impossible task of keeping the quarreling couple in line while they are on a book tour to promote the couple’s latest book–on how to have a happy marriage. I thought the characters of Carey and James were refreshing and unexpected. I enjoyed their backstories and what brought them to their current circumstances. Plus, James is a perfect book-boyfriend.

Something else unexpected–this book is basically a road trip book! And I love road trip books!

Pick this one up not expecting another The Unhoneymooners, but expecting something delightfully different!

Christina Lauren did it again! Another super cute and fun book. I always fall in love very quickly with the quirky, adorable characters they create with great personalities. “Honey-Don’t List” was another great read. ❤️
~side note yes I am still working but when the books are too good to put down you don’t! 😜
#julesbookshelf 📚 #christinalauren #honeydon’tlist

I enjoyed this one from start to finish. I've been a fan to CL book since I read the Wild Seasons series back in 2016/2017. I've had a few hits and a few misses when it comes to their books. Every time I see a new release I'm always excited to give it a try. I honestly don't even read the synopsis most of the time anymore. I dove in to THE HONEY DON'T LIST completely blind.

This book follows Carey and James, assistants to the famous Melissa and Rusty Tripp who are known for their home renovation show COMB+HONEY. I drew a lot of parallels in this couple to some of the popular home reno couples that I see on TV. So much so that I constantly was asking myself "who inspired these characters?!?" Almost to the point of distraction. LOL!

I think I would call this an office romance book. Carey and James end up forced to go on a book tour road trip with the tumultuous couple. Their job? Keep the public to learn the truth of what a disaster they really are! Ha. Good luck. I like the natural progression of their relationship over the course of the book. I did find the end a little cliche but still found myself smiling from ear to ear.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a fun office romance, romantic comedy with a dash of ridiculousness. This story will grab you immediately and you'll find yourself reading late into the night. a

Melissa and Rusty Tripp are a home decorating and design power couple, with a hit TV show and best selling novels. Carey is Melissa’s assistant, who runs her life and handles everything needing to be handled. James is hired by Melissa to do the same for Rusty as they start a bus book tour across many states. The couple’s on screen public personas are quite different than real life, and Carey works tirelessly to keep it that way, but now she has James in her corner. James starts to realize things aren’t quite as they seem and maybe Carey is behind more of the show that she lets on.

The Honey Don’t List is a train wreck of a romantic comedy, in a good way. The characters’ lives are so chaotic and messy, you just have to see it through. Funny and shocking, it’ll hook you in right away.

Carey Douglas has worked for home remodeling and design gurus Melissa and Rusty Tripp for nearly a decade. A country girl at heart, Carey started in their first store at sixteen, and—more than anyone would suspect—has helped them build an empire. With a new show and a book about to launch, the Tripps are on the verge of superstardom. There’s only one problem: America’s favorite couple can’t stand each other. But if they stop playing along—and start playing for keeps—they may have the chance to build something beautiful together. review: I am a big fan of Christina Lauren’s books but unfortunately this one missed the mark for me. I found the main characters Melissa and Rusty to be highly unlikeable and they reminded me a lot of Chip & Joanna Gaines (who I’m also not a fan of ha!). I wish the focus had been more on Carey and James’ relationship and less on the drama of the Tripp family. If you’re looking for a light hearted read right now, give this one a try, it may be right up your alley! rating: 3 out of 5 ⭐️

This is actually the first book that I have read by Christina Lauren. I really had no expectations for it, other than not very high ones given that this is a romantic comedy. the story starts off as if this was a mystery and the reader is left to wonder what crime has been committed.

Carrie is an assistant to a very demanding and often abusing author and interior decorator Melissa. She has been working for Melissa and her husband since she started her working career at 16. At 26 Carrie now finds herself in the mist of a scandal. Throughout the scandal she finds love in the most unexpected places, with the duo's engineer assistant James.

Through there ups and downs Carrie finds strength and motivation to live up her dream through James encouragement. When the most unexpected turn of events happen Carrie finds herself betrayed and alone. Of course eventually this has a happy ending.

I tried to sum up the story the best that I could without ruining anything. I'm not very good at summarizing. But what I am good at is what I do like. And what I enjoyed about this novel so much were the actual characters. I liked how developed each character was. The main character Carrie was likable although she was flawed the love interest James was likable and also flawed. Melissa her boss was extremely unlikely bowl but she was written purposefully that way and I enjoyed her parts. I loved Rusty and everything that he represented. When I say that I don't mean that I encourage men to act the way that he did. But the way that Christina wrote him was very well done. I found myself lost in this novel and spending most of my day reading it and finishing it. It was a very short one but really good one. The love scenes had me lost in the words and was a built up perfectly.

I'm giving this novel a five out of five because it had all the elements that I look for in a romantic comedy. It had comedy, it had love, it had whimsical moments, it had my heart pumping and racing, it had sexy juicy parts, and a satisfying conclusion,what more could I have asked for? Highly recommend.

This will be up on my IG and blog on 04/12/2020

Carey Douglas has been working for home remodeling and design gurus since the age of 16. Of course at the age of 16 Carey was simply a clerk doing everything in their start-up home design store. Back then the owners Melissa and Rusty Tripp let Carey do the window designing which drew at the customers in and before you knew it the Tripps empire grew. Soon the television show was into its third season and they were ready to launch another book and another New Show. The Tripps were on their way to superstardom except for one small bump in the road - the loving couple they portrayed was a fairy tale - the Tripps couldn’t send one another. And Carey on top of all her other duties, needed to help keep them from imploding in public.

James McCann, MIT graduate and engineering genius, was hired as a structural engineer, but the job wasn’t what he thought. James was regulated to assisting Rusty 1) to stay sober and 2) to help keep the squabbling pair out of the spotlight when their tempers got the best of them! Plus they kept all the engineering out of his hands!

Unfortunately, neither of Carey or James were in any kind of position to quit. Carey needs health insurance, and James has been promised the role of a lifetime if he can just keep the couple on track for a few more weeks.

As the miles rolled by on their bus tour promoting the Tripps newest book, James and Carey finally began to realize that neither has a dream job, and everything to lose - if the real secret behind the Tripps success were to be revealed.

What you do receive though are lots of laughs and a whole lot of sensualness and stolen moments which ultimately lead to revelations of true genius. However, on top of discovering the genius behind the Tripps empire also leads to uncovering a bit of betrayal that can blow up everyone's world.

Wonderful story and dynamite scenarios. An absolute sweetheart of a story I highly recommend.

Marilyn Rondeau

This was such a great read. I loved the characters, James and Carey. Well developed, romantic and thoughtful characters who grow together. I liked the plot and how well they mesh together. Such a great book as always from Christina Lauren.

Yesssss!!! THIS WAS SO FUN! Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for sending this book my way! It was adorable! It was witty, fun, sweet, and had that addicting flirty writing style that Christina Lauren have become known for. I did a happy dance as soon as this hit my kindle since I love Christina Lauren so much, I knew it would be good! This was such a. UNIQUE idea! I’d never read anything like it before! While it’s not my favorite from them, this is still a cute addition to the collection. It’s got that enemies to lovers, slow burn aspect that had me staying up late to finish. I will say though, towards the middle it did hit a bit of a dry spell which is why I did drop it a star. I still enjoyed it but the middle dragged in a little bit, though the ending really saved it for me. I was also missing some of the smut that I’ve read in previous books by Christina Lauren. I felt Carey and James were so passionate that I just wanted more smuttiness and when they did finally get together, it was cute but it fell a bit flat because I had such high expectations! I also really liked the Tripp’s, I thought that added a fun side plot to the whole book! All in all, another cute book from Christina Lauren!

Not my favorite Christina Lauren book but I still enjoyed it. I will obviously read their next book. Perfect for a quick, fluffy read.

To be honest, I was super nervous going into this book because I haven't enjoyed Christina Lauren's most recent releases and didn't know which way this one was going to go. The plot of The Honey-Don't List  sounded super fun, and I enjoyed it, but there's just something about their newer books that I'm not connecting with as much.

"I'm thinking about how the first few times I hear a new song - even one from a band I love - I don't like it. I resist the idea that something new could ever be as good as something old, but then slowly the new song works its way into my brain and I forget what it ever felt like to dislike it. Right now I'm looking at Carey's face, thinking it's like a song I've heard a few times now, and every time I hear it again I like it more."

I loved the plot and thought it sounded so fun. I enjoyed reading about James and Carey trying to keep their bosses from killing each other and not letting the world know that they actually can't stand each other, especially since their new marriage self-help book is coming out and they're going on tour.

Throughout the books there were short excerpts from a transcript and tweets, and I was so intrigued. I couldn't wait to find out what happened (tbh it was kind of anticlimactic. I think the excerpts hyped it up too much).

I enjoyed reading about Carey and James, but their relationship progressed too quickly for me to really feel invested. It seems like so much of their relationship growth happened off page, they went from not being able to stand each other one chapter, to James needing to make sure Carey was okay and trying to take care of her.

Overall this book was okay. If you've enjoyed their most recent books, then I definitely think you'll enjoy this one. I know this review seems a little more negative, but that's just because I had such high expectations because of how much I've enjoyed previous books, and this didn't compare for me.

If you've read this one, what were your thoughts on it?

This wasnt so great. I wanted it to be soooo much more. The problem with this book is the main characters story line and romance isnt even the point of the story and they have such a small role. I also feel their chemistry didnt click or work. I also didnt think the title fit this as they only mention this list twice in the whole story and it would have actually benefited the story to list many lists. I will continuously read this duo but this wasnt my favorite.