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.

A fun romp of a book. My first read by these 2 talented writers. Now I will have to seek out others! Ok, I admit the plot is a bit far fetched— designers who aren’t as talented as their PR reps make them out to be. But enjoyable nonetheless. The true stars of the book are their Uber talented assistants and they were both endearing. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

I always enjoy a good love story by Christina Lauren. The Honey-Don’t List did not disappoint! I loved the development of the romance behind the scenes of a the television show. Also, Melissa Tripp has been one of my favorite characters to hate!

With a book deal and a new show, home remodeling and design experts Melissa and Rusty Tripp are about to hit it big, if they don't kill each other first. It's up to their assistants Carey and James to keep things on track, and maybe find some love along the way. The writing duo Christina Lauren have developed a big following with their romance stories, so their newest book will be highly talked about this spring. Having read it, it's exactly what you'd expect - a quick light-hearted cute romance that's ready to be made into a tv movie. Character development is kept at a minimum while romantic tension is kept at a maximum. Not exactly my usual fare (I will admit I skimmed over all the sex scenes), but sometimes it's nice to read something that doesn't make you think much.

In the acknowledgments, the authors talk about how their ideas didn’t quite transfer to their draft. It definitely felt like this, even while reading the final draft. The premise was interesting but it was a bit of a chore to read. Not their best book.

You know how supporting characters can add needed levity or make you love a story that much more? (I’m thinking of Sal’s dad in Kulti, Cassian in ACOTAR, Sarah and Lex in Coffee Girl, Cletus from The Winston Brothers, and the list goes on and on) Sadly, the Tripps were terrible supporting characters. They were so just genuinely unlikeable that I almost had a hard time getting through the book. I hate to say that because the romance between Jack and Carey was decent, but we just needed way more of them and less of Melly and Rusty. I have loved CL and what they write, but could have used a bit more of their witty humor in this one, and a little less Tripps, but still a solid 3.25 ⭐️ read. The 2nd half picked up and had better flow and redeemed the book a bit overall for me.

If you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of a home renovation show, this gives you an inside scoop. It also answered the question of whether or not you can work with your significant other without eventually hating them. Or what happens when one of them is addicted to the fame. The Tripps' started out with a small shop, and Melly has the vision of fame.

Having just finished a TV show with a group of people, they now have their own show and traveling on a book tour on their marriage. The problem is the trip is not going as planned and really just trying not to kill each other. Carey and James as their assistants are being tasked with "babysitting" them to ensure no drama makes it into the public, and damage their change of getting a second season. Hilarity ensues, a lot of drama, a few hookups, and lots of snark and wit. Basically all the good stuff.

Incredibly charming! This book was such a quick and easy to devour read. With a heartwarming story of hardwork, sacrifice and discovering your own worth, The Honey-Don't list needs to find its way on to your Honey-Do List.

Your main focus is with Carey. Starting out working for her bosses (world renown HGTV esk megastars Melly and Rusty Tripp) at the tender age of 16, she's been there from the get go of their small town store-front to the multi-million dollar empire it's become. That includes dealing with Rusty's "Structural Engineer" James. (Don't dare think to call him an assistant) But all is not as perfect in the Tripps personal bubble as they would have everyone believe.
Now with a major book tour, a new television show and their whole empire on the line, Carey and James have A LOT of damage control to keep under wraps. Add a general annoyance of each other that turns into something more and the pair have even more to handle then just the Tripps.
The juxtaposition of Carey and James budding romance alongside Melly and Rusty's imploding one was fantastically balanced. I think there were some missed opportunities to really flesh out the transition of the relationship between our main pair but I liked it for what it was. The pacing was a bit more intense then what I've come to expect from their particular writing style. The story didn't have as much room to breath but given the plot it works. Overall, great story. I have a feeling this will be ranked up high in favorite Christina Lauren titles for quite a few.

*E-Arc provided by Gallery Books Via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

I'm somewhat committed to Christina Lauren's newest novel.

The Honey Don't List, the latest novel by popular author duo Christina Lauren, follows Carey Douglas, the assistant to a couple famous couple for their home remodeling show. Unfortunately for Carey, her bosses aren't getting along despite their upcoming book on their rock-solid marriage. To ensure the book's success, as well as their upcoming new show, Carey is forced to accompany the feuding couple on their book tour with the couple's other annoying, but cute, assistant.

This was the fourth Christina Lauren book that I've read. Going into this book, I didn't set my expectations too high. While I find myself interested in the synopses of Christina Lauren's books, the execution always falls flat for me. While The Honey Don't List didn't knock my socks off, I overall enjoyed this story and thought it was one of the better plotted books of this author duo.

Like many other books by Christina Lauren, I was initially interested in this book because of the plot. There are many HGTV power couples (Joanna and Chip Gaines), and divorced couples (Christina and Tarek), who captivate viewers every week. Additionally, there's an air of distrust with some design shows for their shoddy work, staging, and quick remodels. Unlike some of Christina Lauren's other books where I found the execution of the premise fell flat, this book delivered what it promised. All of these behind-the-scenes aspects that people who watch home improvement shows wonder about are featured in this book.

Additionally, I enjoyed how this book was paced compared to some of Christina Lauren's other books. I read The Unhoneymooners earlier this year and found the plot to be all over the place. While I do think the ending of this book comes across as a little too melodramatic, I think the final article included in the book justifies its purpose. I could have done without the police reports throughout the book, but I did enjoy how article on the couple, as well as social media, was incorporated throughout the story.

Another aspect that I enjoyed about this book were the relationships, more so the relationships between Carey and her bosses rather than the romantic relationship. Carey's first job was working at a store owned by the Tripps, and while they provided many opportunities in her life, they also took many opportunities away from her. Additionally, I liked seeing the dynamic between Melissa and Rusty Tripp, especially on camera versus off camera. As for the romance, it was pretty standard. While I liked James as a character, the relationship in this book isn't especially memorable or the most interesting dynamic presented in the story.

While I overall enjoyed The Honey Don't List, I didn't have a particularly strong connection to any aspect of the story and it lacked something extra to make it stand out from other similar books. The best way I could describe this book is formulaic. This book presents all the necessary elements to make a coherent and easy read. On the other hand, in a romance, there's a large focus on the main character and the relationship that they develop with the male lead. Unfortunately for me, this was not the most interesting aspect of the book. In fact, this book may have been more successful with Melissa and Rusty as the main characters as they were more dynamic characters than the narrators who only watch the action take place rather than taking an active role in the story.

While I enjoyed this book more than some of Christina Lauren's other books, I still wasn't in love with it as I wanted to be after reading. I give this book three out of five stars.

My expectation for The Honey Don’t List was that it would be your typical adult romance novel. I assumed it would follow the same pattern, stereotypical plot, and in general not be anything that exciting. My expectations were certainly exceeded! While this is a romance, it is much more than that. It is about self discovery and self love. I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of it. The romance itself definitely was stereotypical, but I feel like that was actually a small part of the book. This was definitely one of my favorite Christina Lauren books that I’ve read so far.

I was so excited to get a copy of this book from @gallerybooks books! I love @christinalauren books! Between vacation and recovering from vacation 🤣, it took me a little while to get through. It was a super cute story and reminded me of a behind the scenes HGTV show! Carey and James have to go into repair/crisis mode when their bosses Melly and Rusty, stars of a new design show and a design empire have a huge marital crisis. James and Carey have to go on book tour with Rusty and Melly as they promote their new marriage advice book. I laughed a few times while they were trying to keep the press/fans from realizing that Carey and Melly’s marriage isn’t perfect. I love anything these two write! This was a feel good read and while it wasn’t my favorite by them, I really enjoyed it!

Design show gurus, Melissa & Rusty Tripp, are going on tour for their new book on how to have a happy and successful marriage, and, as far as the world is concerned, there's no couple better to give said advice than these two. Carey, Melissa's assistant, and James, Rusty's assistant and show "engineer," both know better: Rusty and Melissa are coming apart at the seams. The night before the tour begins, Carey and James are told they have to go and essentially babysit that couple to help them keep up appearances. Never having worked in such close quarters together, Carey and James begin to realize that, while the Tripps fall apart, something else might be coming together. I flew through this book! I'm still chasing the high that was Love and Other Words - I don't think any book will build me up and break me down quite like that book did, but this was a quick, feel-good read by the dynamic duo of Christina Lauren. Thank you to the authors, the publisher, and Netgalley for my review copy!

I enjoyed this quirky story. Seeing a new love begin against the background of a longtime marriage dissolving is a very good contrast. The two people who work for the dissolving couple alternate telling the story and it works well.
Fast paced, well done.

Everything Christina Lauren touches is GOLD! I LOVED this book and the characters and the whole story line!! If you love chick lit and “behind the scenes” looks at peoples lives then you will love this book!!

Christina Lauren books always have a unique voice that is personable, witty and realatable, giving you a direct connection with the characters. It does seem that their more recent ventures are veering more towards women’s fiction, than their previous rom-com, but their distinct writing style is still apparent.

Their latest release, The Honey Don’t List, follows Carey Douglas, a 26 year old, long-time assistant to the rising star duet of the Comb and Honey Brand, Melissa/Melly and Rusty Tripp. This rising home renovation duo are becoming legends in their field for their work and their relationship-partnership. The problem is, they spend more time nurturing their brand than their marriage which is now tumultuously falling apart. Carey, and new employee James McCann, who was hired as an engineer, but finds himself as a personal assistant to Rusty, have the unpleasant task of keeping the marital strife under wraps, far from public view. This is made more difficult by Nelly’s combative, obstinate behavior and Rusty’s ambivalence towards the relationship. The two assistants are both in positions in which they can’t leave their jobs and therefore find themselves forced to join in on an unexpected road trip promoting the warring couples new book. Jim and Carey’s somewhat contentious working relationship becomes something else as they decide that the best plan is to work together in a united front, and soon their animosity turns into something else.

This book obviously borrows inspiration, in part, from the Chip and Joanna Gaines media sensation and there are moments of laugh-out-loud dialogue, reminiscent of their previous books. But one of the main characters, Melly, was exceedingly unlikeable and I wanted Carey to stand up for herself more. The unlikely romance between James and Carey was sweet, but overall, the story felt a bit dull and lackluster. The pacing was also odd in that some chapters were really short and others extremely long. Overall, it was a cute, quick story, but ultimately not my favorite.