This is a fine, light and breezy romance read. The main characters are young professionals who start off barely tolerating one another, but of course they're going to fall in love! Their bosses, celebrity home renovators Melly and Rusty, are simply awful, but it's pretty funny to see how much this seemingly perfect couple detests one another behind the scenes, and how hard their assistants have to work to get them to keep up appearances.

An enjoyable, upbeat spring read.

Funny, sweet and cute rom com. Not my favorite CLO book but it’s in the top 3. It’s comparable to Josh and Hazel’s guide to now dating. Carey and James have a great relationship although I’m not sure it was developed enough in the book, but they understood each other and complemented each other very well. They worked great as team once they stopped “hating” each other. If you like HGTV shows, you’ll enjoy this book for sure!

I loved this duo's last novel, Twice in a Blue Moon, but The Honey Don't list was just an OK read for me. I really liked Carey and James, but couldn't stand Rusty and Melly. While I love Chip and Joanna Gaines (clearly who Rusty and Melly were modeled after) their characters and story line in this book just didn't work for me. I feel like this could've been 1) a really sweet story of a 40 something married couple going through struggle but making it through) or 2) focused more on Carey and James without all the Rusty and Melly drama. While I did fly through this book (quarantine reading, anyone?) it definitely wasn't my favorite of theirs.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the free advanced copy of The Honey-Don't List, which is out now!

The Honey-Don't List is the fourth Christina Lauren book I've picked up in the last year after falling in love with The Unhoneymoonerslast summer. The book's start quickly reminded me of Big Little Lies, opening with a partial transcript of an interrogation/questioning of both James and Carey being questioned about their account of what happened the night prior.

At the age of 16, Carey scores the job of a lifetime working for Melly and Rusty at their family store where they sell and design home furnishings. Ten years later, they're the story's version of Chip & Joanna Gaines with a hit tv show, best selling books, and a bright future ahead of them. Or at least, that's how it looks from the outside. Behind closed doors, they appear to despise one another 25+ years into their marriage. Things can't be more tense for the two of them, except Carey and James are dragged right into it with them.

I really enjoyed Carey and James as characters but felt that Melly and Rusty fell a little too far into the background. I would've liked a little more character development for them and they felt a bit too much like a knockoff far from perfect Chip and Jo.

Given my love for the brilliant duo Christina Lauren, I was a tad disappointed by my lack of pure joy reading the book. I would definitely reach for one of their other books to recommend for a friend as a first read, but this book wasn't bad by any stretch of the word either. I just prefer some of their other books more, but you can still count on me grabbing their next book when it hits shelves.

I wanted a book to escape the current reality of our world. While this book did distract me from reality, this book was just lacking.

The supporting characters (Melissa and Russ), their business etc were too similar to a real life couple in the spotlight. Yes of their problems were not like the real life couple but even the goofiness of the husband was too much like the real man.

I have always found Christina Lauren's books to be well developed but this one just didn't hit the mark.

My dog only barks when she’s scared, and she also barks at President Trump — I promise this is relevant! In an attempt to assuage my Taff-mom guilt, I leave the TV on for her when I go to work, and I used to leave it on the news. One day during the 2016 primaries, one of my neighbors pulled me aside to ask if everything with Taffy was okay because she had been barking so much. I was concerned, but I assumed she was just seeing birds out of the window — that is, until I was teleworking one day, and I saw her rouse from a solid nap and bark at the TV when a Trump ad appeared. After that, I started leaving the TV on HGTV to lower her personal stress levels.

Is that a long way to say that I’ve watched a lot of Chip & Joanna Gaines? Sure. But I just wanted to give you the mental image of an elderly cocker spaniel barking vociferously at a TV screen, and also give you an insight to many moments of my quarantine. You’re welcome.

Melissa and Rusty Tripp are the biggest stars in home-construction TV, and they are starting an empire: books, new Netflix show, fame and fortune and all that accompanies it. Their brand is built on their marriage — she’s the one with a list, the one that wears the pants in the relationship, and he’s a clownish good old boy that likes to play with wood.** You’re not imagining the resemblance to Chip and Joanna Gaines, except for the fact that their marriage hasn’t been brought to the brink of ending (well….that we know of). It’s terrible timing, especially as they are about to start a book tour for their book about relationship advice.

Enter: Carey and James. Carey is Melissa’s right-hand woman of over a decade, and she’s basically a member of the family — in many ways, she’s the most essential member of the team (you’ll see what I mean when you read it). James has only been working for Rusty for two months, and he’s an engineer turned reluctant keeper. They are sent on the book tour to ensure that everything goes smoothly, and naturally, sparks fly and hijinks ensue.

The book opens with an “incident” and we end up going back in time to see how our heroes get there — it’s a good narrative trick, as it definitely got me hooked. I didn’t see many of the plot developments coming - yes, I knew Carey and James would fall in love, and I figured that Melly would be kind of a monster while Rusty was a philanderer, but other than that, I let myself be surprised by the story. I didn’t try to figure it out ahead of time, and it was such a lovely brain break.

Yes, it’s a little formulaic, but honestly, I find that comforting right now. Everything in the world is uncertain at this exact moment, so I loved knowing that there was a happy ending coming my way. However, even though the conceit is familiar, that doesn’t mean that it’s not still a snappy piece of writing. I find all of Christina Lauren’s books to be clever and well-written, which definitely applies here. They have a gift for drawing characters that are not only recognizable and lovable, but also quick-witted in a way that I can only aspire to be.

To be honest, the most compelling part of the story for me was the Melly-and-Rusty dynamic; yes, I was invested in seeing Carey and James fall in lust (let’s be real, that’s what that is), but it wasn’t the best part of the story to me. Usually, Christina Lauren are heavier on the romance for the plot, and I felt that it was a little different with this one. In no way is it a complaint; it was still a compelling story — I did just want to raise that, just in case.

All in all, I really enjoyed this read, and I am so happy that it released at just the right time. If you’re in a quarantine-induced reading slump, I’d recommend this one. Pro tip: best enjoyed with a glass of wine in the tub.

I really enjoyed this one! It's not like I'm that surprised, it is a Christina Lauren book after all, but every time I pick up another of their books I think, "Can this one be as good as the others?"
Spoiler alert: It is!!

This book follows the behind the scenes lives of HGTV's biggest stars, who secretly hate each other, and their assistants. (Imagine Chip and Joanna Gaines, but their love is fake and put on for TV-- I know, THE HORROR 😨)
Their assistants are sent with them on their book press tour as they gear up for the release of their new Netflix show to basically babysit them and make sure they play nice in public.
I thought the plot was fun and the main characters (who are the assistants, not the HGTV stars) are pretty likeable. There was good character development, and of course some romance.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a fun, rom-com read!
It's available now wherever you buy your books!

Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for my Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Author: Christina Lauren

Genre: Romantic Comedy/Fiction

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Thanks to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

THDL is light, fun, humorous, and just a wonderfully easy read. This is my first by the duo (Christina Lauren being the names of two wonderful ladies), and I can’t wait to read more from them! If you’re looking for fluffy romcoms right now – this one is for you! It’s out now, so…order it online? (Sob).

The storyline is fairly straightforward: Carey and James work as assistants/do everything people for powerhouse design/home remodeling couple Melissa and Rusty Tripp (think Chip and Joanna Gaines). Melissa and Rusty just published a new book on how they make their marriage work and are setting off on a book tour…but there’s just one problem: they aren’t making their marriage work. While they did love each other, fame seems to have ruined them as a couple. Carey and James are forced to tag along on the book tour to make sure the couple keeps up a good face for the public…and along the way realize they might actually like each other…and maybe even more than like each other. But will they be able to make their own chemistry work as they’re constantly focusing on the bickering Tripps AND trying to figure out their own futures?

RATING BREAKDOWN

Plot – 2/2: I loved this story. I’m a huge Chip and Joanna Gaines fan – well, I was a huge Fixer Upper fan at least – and it was fun to imagine what it might be like if they really weren’t the happy couple they seem to be. Not that I hope it’s true! Just a bit of a flip on reality. And I adored Casey’s story arc – I felt like I could be best friends with her.

Writing – 2/2: Christina Lauren has such an easy flow. I was able to just sit and read and read and read, not stopping for anything, because the writing was so inviting. It didn’t over complicate anything, I got an amazing sense of the characters and story through dialogue, and I never felt bored or disconnected.

Characters – 3/3: Like I already mentioned, I loved Casey. I related to her on so many levels She’s worked with the Tripps for 10 years – since she was 16 – and while incredibly talented, is also a bit lost. She isn’t very confident in herself, but as the book goes on, we see that confidence grow. Some of this is because of James – an engineer, so hello, instant connection to my own love – and his belief in her, but a lot is also because she starts to realize that she has her own dreams that are also worth something. The Tripps…well, I loved to hate them, honestly.

Feel – 3/3: This book was a cocktail of warmth and feel-good moments for me. It had all the characteristics of a romcom that I live for: love-able main characters with their own small flaws, which eventually cause a big conflict, but it’s okay because you know a happy ending is coming. Side-characters that drive you crazy, but it’s okay because the craziness adds to the love-ability of the main characters. All of the feels!

The Honey-Don’t List is a perfect book to either read on a beach (but not right now. Sob.) or curl up with on a rainy day and read cover to cover. I hope you get a chance to check it out soon! All the points. All the stars.

Happy reading!

This was an alright read. I liked the premise of the book. Two married television hosts, two assistants, and a book tour, oh the possibilities that can arise. While there was some interesting parts, the ride wasn't as fun as I thought it would be. I wanted more of the connection and development between Carey and James. There just wasn't enough of them together. There are other parts of the book that made the story more interesting but the romance lacked. I wanted to like The Honey-Don't List because of the backdrop but overall this was an okay read.

Behind-the-scenes reality TV romance

Carey Duncan started working for the Tripps ten years ago when she was 16 years old at their flagship store in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Since then the Tripp's careers have skyrocketed and made them the home remodeling/design sweethearts and they've taken Carey along as an assistant to Melissa Tripp. The only thing is that Carey never gets the credit for all the major things she actually does for the shows.

James McCann, an MIT graduate, was recently hired as a structural engineer by the Tripps but is mighty peeved when he is actually expected to be Rusty Tripp's assistant.

What the whole TV viewing world doesn't know is that Melissa and Rusty's marriage has been on the rocks for a long time. Now they are expected to be their best lovely-dovey best to each other on a bus book tour and Carey and James are thrown together to try to keep the cracks from showing.

The story is told in alternating chapters from Carey and James's points of view. I liked the slow burn of their romance and the way Carey comes into her own.

I wasn't sure how I'd like this book because I'm not much of a reality TV fan but enjoyed the story, even the parts about the lives of the Tripps, a lot.

I received this book from Gallery Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

The Honey Don’t List by Christina Lauren was an interesting read. The book blurb spoke to the two assistants of known personalities falling for each other. What it missed telling us was how ironic it was watching the dissolution of one marriage and the hope and promise of a new love.

The story line was like watching a train wreck. Melly and Russ were famous and just finished writing a book and opening a new TV show, but you knew something big was coming, but you just didn’t know when and where it would actually happen. Carey and James, their assistants ran around trying to keep the facade of the marriage bright and bubbly to the world. The strength of Carey even with Melly’s overbearingness was awesome! I loved James' quiet support.

I found the story interesting with distinct characters who were well rounded.The story line was a slow climb to a crashing climax, which was broadcasted by various pieces of writing from the future. The Honey Don’t List by Christina Lauren was a good read.

This is an okay read if you are big fans of these authors. I was a fan until I read this book. It is a really clumsy attempt to disguise a very famous, successful TV remodeling couple. And then to throw in a side romance between two people who don't even seem attracted to each other. I read it all the way through and of course could not like Melly and Rusty Tripp, there was way too much of their childish antics. As for Carey and James-Jimbo-Jambaliya I just didn't get their attraction. These authors are really talented and this is not up to what they usually deliver. So if you are a big fan then go ahead and get this one but if you are not then maybe better wait for the next book.

The Honey-Don’t List might be my favorite Christina Lauren yet! Hilarious and full of drama, The Honey-Don’t List is so much more than a contemporary romance, it’s a story about the meaning of family, acceptance, and self-worth.

Carey Douglas has worked as an assistant for power couple Melissa and Rusty Tripp since she was sixteen-years-old. Once owners of a small store in Jackson Hole, the Tripps are now superstars with multiple TV shows and a book about marriage. There’s only one problem, the Tripp’s hate each other. When Carey and Rusty’s assistant James find Rusty in a compromising position with someone other than his wife, the two are assigned babysitting duty, making sure the Tripp’s keep up the charade while out on a book tour. But what Carey and James don’t realize is that they have more in common than they think.

One of the big things I loved about this story was Carey’s character progression. She learns to fight and advocate for herself and discovers her own voice. In the same vein, James, while also a talented individual is so supportive of Carey, and that just made me like him that much more.

To the opposite effect, I despised both Melissa and Rusty Tripp for the entirety of the book. The way I thought of them was basically a cheap Chip and Joanna Gaines. Melissa was particularly nasty to everyone around her. Not only that but she seems perfectly ok with taking advantage of Carey’s loyalty to her, and using that to manipulate her.

If you are a fan of reality TV or other books by Christina Lauren, definitely check out The Honey-Don’t List. It doesn’t disappoint!

You won't catch me passing on a book written by my favorite duo. The idea of this story is great and had me intrigued. I liked the story of The Tripps. Once I saw all of these little puzzle pieces of what went wrong, I wanted to put it together. I did feel like the book was mainly about them. Carey and James just felt like side characters. I didn't get invested in their relationship like I should have. Overall I liked the book but, it isn't one of my favorites from them. I'll still be there on release day ready to read the duos' next book

Yay for another fun book by Christina Lauren! This book follows the story of Melissa and Rusty Tripp who is a giant power couple in the world of interior design. We follow the viewpoints of their assistants, Carey and James, who know that the Tripps’ relationship is far from the perfect picture they put on in the public. The couple constantly bickers and are controlling in almost all aspects of their lives. It’s a stressful job for their team to say the least.

Carey has been working for the Tripps most of her life, but she’s ready to leave her job. She feels vulnerable as this is the only job that she’s ever known. James, on the other hand, is stuck at this job due to financial scandal at his previous employment and needs to build up his resume. Both are polar opposites as Carey is more carefree while James is more uptight and by the book. Will the two survive this chaotic bus book tour?

This novel is a fast read and it has the quick-witted humor and entertainment factors that o enjoy in Christina Lauren’s Rom-Com novels. I like how they poke fun at the HGTV style show tropes and how they incorporate it into the plot. Its lighthearted for the most part and deals with some more serious issues as well. I liked the progression of James and Carey relationship. They try to make the best of their situation and by learning more about each other they start to develop romantic feelings. I did feel that things happen a bit faster (as far as the romance goes), but I felt it’s to be expected since they’re confined to the same space (stuck on a tour bus) together. I enjoyed the couple’s quiet moments. They do the best to keep a calm head even though their jobs are quite chaotic.

This was such a cute book! It was a bit predictable at some parts, but an overall fun read. Props to Carey for being a trooper for putting up with Melissa all those years. I don’t think I could have handled it.

Melissa and Russell Tripp are a couple growing apart in a very public arena. Their personal assistants, Carey and James are tasked with putting out fires for their bosses, which may be too much for their own budding romance.

For the most part James and I have kept to our own schedules since he joined Comb+Honey two months ago. It’s not that I dislike him, exactly, but the way he writes off my job as disposable and frivolous and treats me like I’m only intelligent enough for remedial assistant activities—unless he needs help performing one himself, of course—really pisses me off.

Carey Duncan has worked for the Tripps for ten years and is never credited for the designs she has created for their home redesign store and television empire. She has her reasons for staying with the Tripps, but she wants to take back her own life with less stress. During a promotional tour for their show, Melly and Rusty are a powder keg ready to blow at any second and Carey and her uptight colleague, James, must work together to keep their employers in line long enough to complete the tour. The last thing Carey expected was to fall for James.

Pop culture would have us believe that men look at women and immediately imagine them naked. That is not always the case, actually. As far as my job is concerned, I have generally been too busy and frazzled and worried about keeping it to think about Carey as a warm-blooded woman with responsive body parts. This morning is an exception. To be fair, though, the hotel does have the air conditioning on pretty high.

James McCann is not happy to be on this promotional tour with two of the most miserable and angry people he has ever seen. He planned to vacation in Florida with his family and now he is forced to babysit the Tripps. He is an engineer posing as a personal assistant. He is stuck in this godforsaken job because of shady dealings by the top dogs at his old firm and he needs to build his resume. But he’s developing a crush on Carey, the girl who quotes odd sayings, dresses down for every occasion and has bad eating habits.

James is button-down shirts, suits, and color-coded folders. Carey is Dolly Parton t-shirts, Funyons, and notebooks. Carey is “very clearly the Pigpen to his Schroeder”. I laughed so many times at James and Carey’s playful banter. I was also appalled at how Melly treated Carey after Carey gave up her young life and sacrificed her talents to please Melly. Being rich and famous does not always mean happy and content. On the other hand, don’t judge a book by its cover, it may surprise you.

Overall, this story stirs lots of emotions in the reader such as betrayal, lies, stress, love, laughter, and transformation. The authors do a great job delving into the ruins of a marriage made in public and discovering love in the most unlikely of places.

Thank you to Christina Lauren for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

3.5 Stars
Leave it to Christina Lauren to come up with a perfect idea of reality stars whose huge following think they are the perfect marriage and company...and are not! This had some terific moments and is a hoot.

3.5 STARS!

The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren was one of those reads that had great potential; but sadly for me I was a bit let down.

There were plenty of funny moments which I found to be refreshing. Carey, the heroine, was fun and witty. James was nerdy and cute. In the beginning he was kinda stand-offish but once he opens up to Carey, you see another side to him–a sweet and sexy side. These two couldn't stand each other! The close proximity of being stuck together with the disastrous Melly and Rusty really brought them closer together. So, you definitely get a bit of enemies-to-lovers between these two as well as a slow burn.

Though I felt the moments they shared to be sweet, there really wasn't much romance between Carey and James. The whole plot focused entirely too much on the Tripps and not enough on the main characters. Also, the moment their relationship has a slip is so obvious and if I'm being honest, it was pretty much unnecessary drama. However, the opening scene in this novel added an element of suspense and mystery which I rather enjoyed. We realize something happened but we aren't clear what exactly it is.

I'm a huge fan of Christina Lauren's older works but this one just wasn't a favorite for me. Fingers crossed the third time in this new era of the writing duo is a charm!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gallery Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

So adorable and modern and sweet and witty!

If you are looking for a light read, with contemporary characters and a perfectly happy ending, then you will love 'The Honey-Don't List.' I am a long-time fan of the writing duo known as Christina Lauren and just knew that this book would be the perfect antidote for our current and very stressful new reality.

The format of the book is very intriguing - it begins with interviews of the assistants to a well-known celebrity husband and wife. Clearly something scandalous has occurred and I raced through the book to find out what happened.

Melly and Rusty Tripp famous for their home remodeling, and have been married for many years. They even wrote a best-selling book and have a new television series coming up. But there are cracks in their carefully crafted public facade. Their problems become magnified when they go on tour together to promote their book. Their assistants Carey and James must ensure that Melly and Tripp actually get through their book tour without killing each other!

The dual points of view worked perfectly and I can always count on Christina Lauren to write a believable male point of view. Carey is quirky and imperfect and adorable and James is completely relatable as well. I love a good celebrity story and this clever book hit all the right notes. The dialogue was smart and witty and the romance was sweet and sexy and written perfectly.

As expected, the book tour is a disaster but the deepening relationship between James and Carey was both fun and heartwarming. This is a perfect escapist romance, with plenty of light moments and a clever format that will capture your attention for a few hours. I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Honey-Don't List' and hope that Christina Lauren keeps on writing these sweet and sexy romantic comedies that they do so well!

Everyone (in general) is very aware that what is in front of the cameras on reality TV is often VERY different than what is happening behind the cameras. Carey Douglas, having worked for Melissa and Rusty Tripp, beloved renovation stars, since she was 16 knows their lives better than most. James McCann is newer to the team but he is beginning to understand that Melissa and Rusty may not actually be the characters that they play on TV. When Rusty and Melissa are going on a bus trip to promote their newest show, Carey and James are lassoed into helping make sure that no one sees the man behind the curtain. Neither especially likes the other but enforced time together might just make them see another side.
This wasn't exactly enemies-to-lovers, more indifference-to-lovers. And even the "lovers" part didn't really feel like there was enough time for me really to see how the two would work together. The rest of the story is, in general, fast, fun, and fluffy but I'm used to more relationship-building from the Christina Lauren team.

Three stars
This book comes out March 24th
ARC kindly provided by Gallery, Pocket Books and NetGalley
Opinions are my own