I equate Christina Lauren with romance which is why I was surprised and disappointed by The Honey-Don't List. Carey and James were unwilling assistants following their married employers on their book tour, and their employers were a mess. I was more interested in the married couple's dysfunction and how Carey worked to keep their scandals away from the public. Even though Carey was an interesting character, I thought that Christina Lauren could have uncovered more. It's hard to describe this as a romance since it played such a secondary role to the overall story. It's sad that I cared more about the couple that was in desperate need of a divorce instead of the budding romance between James and Carey. The Honey-Don't List was entertaining and a quick read, but don't expect an all encompassing romance.

Melissa and Rusty Tripp are basically Chip and Joanna Gaines... but like, extremely toxic. Carey, Melissa’s assistant, and Rusty, an engineer for the Tripps’ design show (but basically Rusty’s glorified assistant), are tasked with babysitting their two idiot bosses. They need to make sure the couple gets along publicly while they are on their marriage advice book tour.

I don’t know what else to write about this one. I didn’t love it, and I didn’t hate it... it was just kind of meh for me. I didn’t like any of the characters that much (there just wasn’t any depth there), and the story was okay. It felt like a pretty disorganized book to me, and think it could have done much better with some good editing. I enjoyed the format of the normal chapters mixed with tweets, articles, and chapters from the Tripps’ book. It was also a really quick read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an early copy of this book for an honest review.

It's pretty much impossible for me to not like a Christina Lauren book. They've proved themselves time and time again. Their streak continues with The Honey-Don't List.

This is going to be said a lot, but you can't read this book without immediately thinking of Chip and Joanna Gaines. Carey and James work for Melissa and Rusty Tripp - HGTV darlings who are set to take over the world. They have a home decor store, a tv show, a book about their perfect marriage, and a soon to be released Netflix series all riding on their brand - a down-home couple in love, designing perfect spaces together. Only the whole thing is kind of a sham. Melly and Rusty barely talk, Melly wrote the entire book, and Carey, Melly's overworked assistant is the one doing all the design work while getting none of the credit.

Carey has been working for the Tripps for 10 years, so she can't help but look at Melly and Rusty through rose-colored glasses. They're like surrogate parents to her. James joins the staff shortly before their national book tour under the pretense of being a structural engineer but ends up being treated as Rusty's assistant much to his dismay. Carey and James’ relationship starts out quite prickly, but when the two accompany the Tripp’s on a book signing tour, they find themselves bonding over their shared quest to keep the Tripp's marriage problems under wraps.

I enjoyed The Honey-Don't List. I think it could have been about a hundred pages longer. - I wanted more cute moments between Carey and James to really build their relationship. Their romance felt a little rushed between all the drama of the Tripp's situation. I thought both Carey and James are great characters - I'm always into a buttoned-up man who turns out to be secretly swoon-y. I also could have done with some retribution for the Tripps...they're kind of the worst.

The Honey-Don’t List is a first for me from duo Christina Lauren and it was like HGTV gone bad. Melly Tripp is Joanna Gaines meets Regina George. Loved by all , but has a nasty real-life personality. There’s a Chip Gaines-esque character as well (Rusty Tripp), but he’s pretty much what you’d expect if Chip drank a lot of beer and was fed-up with all the antics. Even though he makes some mistakes, you actually feel kinda bad for him and he’s quite likable, I think.

Carey has been with the Tripps since she was a teen. She’s brilliant, but her life revolves around Melly and only Melly. Melly provides everything Carey needs and makes her life a living hell. James thought he was being hired on as an engineer for the Tripps' show, but in reality, he’s Rusty’s handler.

Of course the future of the Tripps’ career depends on their new book about having a great marriage and their new show on Netflix, but you know that’s where all hell is going to break loose. Rusty is an unhappy loose cannon, Melly is controlling and self-obsessed, and they loathe each other. Cary and Jimbalaya are somehow supposed to chaperone them, keep them out of the media, and fix it all. As you might expect, this all makes for a great romcom drama. Easy read and highly enjoyable.

I received an advanced copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

The Honey Don’t List is a contemporary romance about two assistants of famous DIY show personalities who are stuck together on a trip despite their dislike of each other. I really enjoyed this book, like I do all of Christina Lauren’s books! I do wish that it was a little slower of a burn before the official relationship was created, though I understand it still provided the needed drama afterward. I like when the couples don’t get together for the first time until later in these hate-to-lovers romantic trope books. ⁣
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I also kept picturing the book’s two reality stars as Chip and Joanna Gaines (though I’m guessing the blonde. etc. characteristics were to set Melly apart from Joanna as much as possible)... but I hope they have a better marriage than the fictional characters do. Those two were obnoxious but also the perfect contrast to the two main characters and their developing love story. ⁣

I’m a fan of Christina Lauren and was excited to read The Honey Don’t List. This one follows in their writing style and there are some very steamy scenes. The character development is amazing and I’m always left feeling like I really know them. The main couple Carey and James are that enemies to lovers follow that can be found in all the Christina Lauren books. Since the story also goes into the relationship that Carey and James have with their employers Melly & Rusty we learn about them as well. I wish there was more about Carey and James as a couple. Melly & Rusty could be a book all on their own. The focus was almost more on the working relationships and the parts with Carey & James romance was rushed at times.
Overall a sweet romance! In my top 3 Christina Lauren favorites.

Thank you Gallery Books and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was a quick and fun read. A lighthearted workplace romance. Carey Duncan and James McCann don’t really know anything about each other. When tasked with traveling with the power couple they work for, the close quarters create opportunities. Their banter was witty and watching them fall for each other was endearing.

I really enjoyed this book. Its a great romantic comedy with a bit more depth than the other books of theirs. I didn't find it quite as funny as the others but I still chuckled a bit and I really loved the characters that were created. I also felt like they had really great development. Overall I think it was a great book and if you've loved their past books this one is definitely worth checking out!

4.5 I loved this enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy! Carey has worked for Gaines-like couple Melissa and Rusty Tripp as Melly's assistant since she was 16. James, a genius engineer, is just starting as Rusty's assistant after a disastrous last job. As they start on a road trip from hell for the Tripp's book tour, Carey and James have to figure out how to keep Mellie and Rusty from killing each other and it turns out to be hilarious and touching and hot and lovely! The depth of character is wonderful and I love the growth too. It's fun and romantic and highly recommended!

I became a Christina Lauren fan after reading The Unhoneymooners last summer. I loved the premise for The Honey-Don't List, especially in an age where millennials (myself included) love living vicariously through HGTV shows. Unfortunately, this book fell a bit flat for me. I found that the two main characters (Carey and James) fell for each other pretty early on in the novel, preventing from much of a build-up in their relationship. Alongside this, I felt like there was too much focus on the Melly and Rusty's marital issues and banter, taking away from the romantic relationship that formed between Carey and James. With this being said, it was still an enjoyable read that I'd recommend if you're looking for a light-hearted story to mix in with some heavier books on your reading list.

I’m always looking forward to reading a book by Christina Lauren. This duo can bring the smiles and the sexy out very easily.

As soon as I saw The Honey-Don't List as an option to request it, I was requesting away and happy to dive into it.

The plot involves Carey Fern Duncan and James Westman McCann helping a well-known HGTV couple, Melissa and Russell "Rusty" Tripp. The Tripp's have become quite successful between their popular stores, Comb+Honey, the upcoming launch of their new book, and their new TV series, New Spaces.

Carey works for Melly who is the designer half of the Tripp's couple. At first glance, everyone believes Carey is just Melly's assistant but the truth is that Carey is the one who has been designing for them the whole time. From the first window decor on their first store to now. Carey has been working for them since she was sixteen. One of the reasons why she does not want to leave her job is because she has a medical problem requiring good insurance.

James, an MIT graduate, gets hired as an engineer but he soon realizes that his real job is to become Rusty’s assistant. He’s frustrated with the position but he can't quit since he’s starting over after his last job was a disaster.

Then, there is a big secret. No one knows that the perfect TV couple can’t stand each other in real life. They're nothing but a sham. Melly craving the media attention and Rusty following any skirt that crosses his path. And you guessed it, our hero and heroine are assigned to keep them in line and to avoid the truth coming to light before their TV show debuts or before they kill each other.

This was a fun and fast read. I liked that the heroine had a disability and how the hero reacts to learning about it. There was good banter but not as much as I've seen in these authors' prior work.

Cliffhanger: No

3/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Gallery Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The set up of this book was unique. It starts out interview style. At first I was confused about the line of questioning, but I caught on a few chapters in. Carey and James are both personal assistants to reality home improvement couple, Melly and Rusty. As the story unfolds, the reader gets to know more about the main characters as well as the supporting characters that are integral to the story. This is listed as a romance book, and it is, but I feel it was more light suspense. There were instances where I wanted to skip to the next interrogation transcript to find out what the heck was happening. To be completely honest, I reread the first chapter twice just to make sure I was understanding what was going on. I was a bit disappointed in how the plot played out. There is a HEA, but it's eventual happening fell short for me.

I've been a fan of Christina Lauren's books since what feels like the beginning. I'm talking their Beautiful Bastards days. Lately, they started focusing more on stand alone books and with how quickly they are being released I honestly cannot keep up. But I was fortunately enough to get this arc and I was pumped to jump back into one of their stories.

The Honey-Don't List is quintessential Christina Lauren. They give us one cute couple (and maybe one not so cute one), nice banter, an interesting story line and a lovely romance. It was exactly what I wanted this book to be. I flew through it, and enjoyed every minute.

I've already mentioned the cute couple, but I will mention it again. I enjoyed all of the characters in this book. Christina Lauren can do no wrong when they create their characters. Carey was a relatable character and I enjoyed reading her story, especially how strong she is, and how open she is about her therapy. James was also a sweetheart. I love how their relationship unfolded.

While I wouldn't rank it as my new top favorite Christina Lauren book, it is probably within the top 5! If you are a long time Christina Lauren fan, or new to them, this book is definitely worth checking out. If you love cute stories and are a fan of contemporary romances, this book is for you. If you want a quick escape from reality, this book will certainly work.

I absolutely adored this story. Parts of this felt like they were a real celebrity couple and I was reading about them in People Magazine..

Carey Duncan has been working with the Tripps' (Melissa and Rusty) since she was 16. Now she and Rusty's assistant, James, are stuck babysitting the couple while they are out promoting their book tour.

Both Carey and James are manipulated and stuck into their positions. Commiserating over their helplessness, Carey and James become close. But the closer they become the more things start to fall apart for the Tripps'.

Can Carey and James keep up the shame and keep their jobs? And what about Carey and James together?

Definitely one-click this emotional, funny read.

Carey has worked for Melissa & Rusty Tripp, design & home gurus, since she was a teenager. She started with them in their tiny hometown store, and has stayed with them as they shot to fame. James, an engineer with a degree from MIT, was technically hired as an engineer for their show, but has become Rusty's glorified handler. When a situation arises, Carey & James have to get on a bus with the Tripps and go on their book tour. As they travel up the West Coast, Carey & James get to know each other. Both know they just need to hold on a little bit longer, and that they have to keep their bosses' true life a secret. Spending time together leads to them feeling things they haven't ever felt, and they're left with a big decision - what is truly important to them?

I really enjoyed this story! I thought Carey and James were great characters, and I loved that James was so supportive of Carey & was able to anticipate what she needed. I liked the pacing of the story as well! The progression felt very natural & believable. Melissa & Rusty's empire felt very much like they were modeled after Chip & Joanna Gaines, but they were very unlikeable (but like the author intended them to be that way). I thought this was another solid book from the Christina Lauren duo, and it would be worth picking up!

I love this book so much! From the very first pages it really hooks you and makes you want to keep reading. James is about my all time favorite type of hero- smart, nice dressed, but not pretentious, notices things about you. I sympathized so much with Carey just doing what she'd be trained to do without realizing that her job had eaten her life. If I had any complaint at all it would be that the romance gets a little short changed for the plot and I wouldn't have minded a tiny bit more resolution at the end.

I'm a Christina Lauren superfan and will happily read anything they write. However, I'm starting to wonder if they're churning out books too quickly at the moment. The Honey Don't List (and Twice in a Blue Moon before this) is a cute romance, but I was missing a strong connection to the characters and their story.

Carey and James are assistants to a home reno super couple. To the public, the stars are the perfect example of a wonderful marriage and partnership. Behind the scenes, they're on the verge of divorce. In an attempt to keep their legacy in tact, they embark on a book tour, hoping to convince everyone that all is well. Carey and James must keep them from fighting, yelling, or even interacting much when they're not in front of fans.

As they spend time on the road, feelings develop between the two. However, they're torn between their professional obligations and their new romance. Plus, Carey has a twisted relationship with the stars that keeps her focused solely on them.

This novel has the unique aspect of taking a celebrity couple (strong nods to Chip and Jo Gaines) and wondering what would happen if they actually hate each other. And what that means for those who work for them. It's certainly a different setting for a relationship, but I just never connected that strongly with Carey and James.

At first they seemed to dislike each other, but suddenly got over that. Maybe I'm just a little tired of the enemies to lovers trope.

The celebrity couple were simply awful and manipulative, so I didn't really enjoy reading about them either.

Overall, I flew through the book (as I often do with Christina Lauren) because I wanted to find out what happened. It just lacked some of the substance I've found in other contemporary romance novels. If you're a fan of theirs though, you'll want to give it a shot!

I love a good slow burn romance and this one was great. It had sweet and heartfelt moments, funny moments, and overall entertained me.

Carey has been Melissa Tripp's assistant for a long while. In fact, she's worked for the Tripps her entire adult life. James has recently started and he is an engineer, but also assisting Rusty Tripp. The Tripps are a DIY power couple with a show and now a book deal. The problem... they can't stand each other. While on a book tour, their assistants have to go to keep them in line. And it's a wild ride.

I really loved the romance aspect of this book, but there was so much about the couple that Carey and James worked for... I do wish that part wasn't such a big piece of the story. If this would have focused more heavily on the main couple and their romance, it may have been a 5 for me. I loved these two so much! I honestly think this book is more women's fiction than romance, though I loved the romance so much!

Christina Lauren are such a strong writing duo. Their words flow seamlessly, and I enjoyed their newest book lots. If you're looking for a work-place romance that has that delicious slow burn, pick up The Honey-Don't List

This is my second book by these authors. It was an entertaining and fun read, but ultimately not my style. A little too steamy for me and the hate to love was too fast. I mean, they didn't like each other, then a couple of days later, they are making out in a swimming pool. Nothing against the book - just not for me. Thanks for the arc!

I enjoyed this! Just not enough to really give it any higher of a rating.

There wasn't really anything <i>bad</i> about it, there just wasn't anything quite good enough to make it something really special and/or something that I'll remember down the road. I will say I LOVED the romance between Carey and James once it got going. They were so soft and sweet to each other, but there's sexiness too.

I think my biggest problem was that the pacing just felt really off, particularly in the beginning. The idea behind this is really good, but I don't think the execution was quite there. I would've liked the book to have started a little earlier, I think, and give us scenes of Carey working for the Tripp's throughout the years. It would've provided a lot more context and made the flow of everything less off feeling.

Something that definitely left a sour taste in my mouth was when Carey and James referred to the woman that Rusty cheats with as a "whorebag," especially when Rusty himself was never called something so nasty. The woman in question was definitely being shady af in the context of the situation, but I don't know, it just rubbed me the wrong way.

I did however like some of the health related rep. Carey has a medical condition called dystonia, which I do not know much about other than what was described in the book, so I can't comment if it's accurate, but I always appreciate when health conditions are added in a book. She also very casually and positively talks about going to therapy and I really enjoyed that.

Overall, I certainly don't regret reading this book. It was fun and fast and had some of the Christina Lauren that I love so much in it, but for me it was missing that spark of something extra special that I so often find in their books.