This is one of those feel good romances that you sometimes need in your life. James and Carey are very likable, and the way their relationship progresses is very sweet. Mel, Carey's boss is a very believable antagonist, especially in today's world where success means managing your social media image as much as the actual work one does. This would be a great book club book.

The gist: Carey and James are the beleaguered assistants of Melissa and Rusty Tripp, a Gaines inspired Home Renovation superstar couple. Except the Tripp marriage is in shambles. *womp womp* Carey and James have to somehow keep the adoring fans from finding out that these two actually despise each other before the official launch of the couple’s new Netflix series.

I thought THDL was both clever and funny. Did it feel like the romance between Carey and James took a backseat to the Tripp family drama? Sure. But I didn’t mind it to much because I expected that to happen. And also…I’m morbidly fascinated with this phenomenon of making a living as a “personality” or by exposing your family…so watching the Tripp’s fake-life implode was perversely satisfyingly to me. It’s possible that I’m a jerk.

I’m glad that Carey and James each got their HEAs and the jobs they deserved. And this book made me laugh and helped me relax. So. Four stars from me. The Honey-Don’t List comes out next month. Thank you Netgalley and for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ever wonder about behind the scenes on the self help/diy reality show circuit? This fun and drama filled book takes us back stage, with a controlling diva and her worn out marriage and staff. Carey and James are the focus of the book, how they react and deal with the drama while finding their way to romance and ultimately a relationship. Excellent read. A TBR addition, for sure.

The Honey-Don’t List by writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings (aka Christina Lauren) comes out on March 24, 2020. I’d read a handful of negative reviews before diving into this one so my expectations were metered….but I really, really liked this book! No, it isn’t a rom-com like Unhoneymooners (also by Christina Lauren) but it is a compelling story about characters that feel real, and flawed, and have hurdles to overcome just like the rest of us. Characters who don’t have it all together, and are still finding out who they really are and what they want out of life.

Carey Douglas has been the unsung hero supporting a celebrity home remodeling couple, whose marriage is now falling apart right as they are attempting to launch a book about their relationship. Carey is madly trying to keep everything together, while battling her own insecurities, loneliness, and struggles with a disorder that causes pain and issues in her hands.

Along comes James, who is hired as an engineer (and assistant) and despite initially disliking each other he’s thrown together with Carey and starts to appreciate how hard she works behind the scenes. Their shared experiences spark something more, and they begin to fall in love…amidst the chaos reining all around them.

I definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a real, and heartwarming romance that is light on the cheese.

I received and ARC provided through NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:
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.

James McCann, MIT graduate and engineering genius, was originally hired as a structural engineer, but the job isn’t all he thought it’d be. The last straw? Both he and Carey must go on book tour with the Tripps and keep the wheels from falling off the proverbial bus.

Unfortunately, neither of them is in any 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. While road-tripping with the Tripps up the West Coast, Carey and James vow to work together to keep their bosses’ secrets hidden, and their own jobs secure. But if they stop playing along—and start playing for keeps—they may have the chance to build something beautiful together…

From the “hilariously zany and heartfelt” (Booklist) Christina Lauren comes a romantic comedy that proves if it’s broke, you might as well fix it.

From the New York Times bestselling author behind the “joyful, warm, touching” (Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author) The Unhoneymooners comes a delightfully charming love story about what happens when two assistants tasked with keeping a rocky relationship from explosion start to feel sparks of their own.

Review:
*heavy sigh* This will so disappoint me to leave as my review. Christina Lauren is at the top of my writing duo. I love the way they bounce off of each other and write the best possible stories. This one though, this one fell short. I couldn't even finish this one. I realized about a quarter of the way through that I had read the first quarter and had barely any recollection of what had even happened. Someone is treating their assistant badly, who has all the ideas. Then the hero is also kept unwillingly because of the same sort of situation on staff. It was obvious these two would eventually find their way towards each other. I was super excited to be issued this ARC, again, since I adore them. But, it was almost immediately that I was unhappy that this is the one I finally got to read. The romance between the couple seemed a bit rushed. There just wasn't that typical CLO spark that they have in nearly all of their books. However, all of that said, CLO is amazing duo and perhaps this book just wasn't for me. Perhaps, I was expecting a little too much in a different direction I was used to them writing. I think it could be more on me and my expectations than on the book itself.

I had a little trouble getting started on this one but whoa once I did. It’s Hgtv meets romance novel., I mean what’s not to love! Another great story by Christina Lauren... thank you netgalley

I would read anything Christina Lauren writes! Their newest release, The Honey Don’t List didn’t fail to disappoint! Although the chemistry wasn’t as evident as some of their prior books (looking at you Love and Other Words 🔥🔥🔥), the story was fun and easy to root for the main characters! Another hit from the queens of the Rom-Com!

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Well, the dynamic duo are back! (Cue the applause and cheers!)

After reading the last release Twice In A Blue Moon by this amazing writing team it seemed their magic was waning. Perish the thought! With this newest read they once again rise to the top of their game!

Do you watch HDTV? Those countless, mind-numbing renovation shows where a couple create someone’s dream home. Or perhaps flip a dive of a house into something beautiful? They’ve created an empire on their names, fame and creativity. Fair enough. But what happens when things start to go south?

Melly and Rusty are the latest king & queen of home-reno. Now it’s time to take the show on the road for the mandatory promotional tour. Guest appearances, autograph signing, etc. Except everything seems to be coming apart at the seams!

Enter the personal assistants!

Carey Douglas has been with team Melly and Rusty since they were a humble local storefront. The only job she has ever had!

James McCann is an engineer by training but due to a scandal with his previous employer, this is the only job he could get.That’s gotta’ hurt! A title of Engineer, but at the end of the day…Rustys’ errand boy.

Together, James and Carey have their hands full and must work together to keep their employers in line long enough to complete the tour.

A delightful, quick rom-com that I devoured so quickly I was shocked when reached the end! This may have lacked some of the previous biting, snarkiness, but was sweet, engaging and back to the clever humor that we’ve grown to love from this pair of writers. Joy!

Don’t miss out on the acknowledgement at the end! Gives you a true insight into the development of this book and their respect for each other. Fascinating! We could probably all take lessons from their working relationship!

A fabulous buddy read with Susanne that we both really enjoyed!

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Brenner at Gallery Books and Christina Lauren for an ARC to read and review.

Surely Christina Lauren wanted us to conjure up Chip and Joanna Gaines when we were reading about Melissa and Rusty, right? I mean sure the fictional versions were terrible to each other behind the cameras and only nice when they were in public, but isn't that what so many people suspect about the Gaines? That there is no way that they're as fun and sweet and loving as they appear to be?! The fictional version definitely opens up the fantastical possibilities of just how horrible reality tv stars can be. And while Melissa and Rusty weren't the main focus of this novel, they sure were an interesting side show to read about...and they definitely made me feel for their assistants, Carey and James.



This enemies to lovers, work place romance had the romantic comedy feel that we've come to associate with Christina Lauren. The mishaps and inner monologues of these characters provided many smiles but the thing that really stood out to me was Carey's storyline. Her history with Melissa and Rusty and why she stayed with them, despite their obvious willingness to take advantage of her was not what I expected at all.



The Honey-Don't List will make you smile while making you wonder what really does happen behind the scenes of those famous HGTV stars.

Adorable romance for lovers of HGTV and coworker to soul mates storylines. Classic Christina Lauren in form and function, but the juxtaposition of two romances - one fading and the other sizzling with possibility - really brought something extra to the story.

This book had me wondering what really happens to those perfect celebrity couples when the cameras turn off and I liked it! Even though I'm not one for home makeover shows it's hard to ignore how popular they've become in recent years. I found myself totally wrapped up in the relationship between Carey and the Tripps (perhaps even more than the relationship between Carey and James). The romance was a little light for my tastes, but I really enjoyed watching Carey and James getting to know each other and leaning on each other for support in such a chaotic setting. All the characters, even the crazy ones, were entertaining and it made for a really great read.

I absolutely loved this book! It was adorably cute with touches of realism. Christina Lauren reallllly know how to give the feels and write books that make us so happy and excited to read! I love how the book showed that we don’t always take the path through life that we hope for but can ultimately create something for ourselves that show our worth and hard effort just like Carrie did. I think people are going to throughly enjoy this book and I hope perhaps we can even have a sequel from it!

Unfortunately this book was not winner for me. It was good, but I really preferred The Unhoneymooners and My Favorite Half-Night Stand. I feel like the characters of Carey and James weren't fully developed enough and kept falling in the shadow of Melissa and Tripp. I will probably continue to read this author's works, but this one couldn't keep my attention.

THE HONEY DON’T LIST is certainly a cute book with a sweet love story and a few steamy sexy scenes, but doesn’t quite live up to THE UNHONEYMOONERS (which is why I picked this one up). If you are a fan of HGTV and the home renovation empire, this is a must read. The narrator toggles between James and Carey, two assistants for a Gaines-like couple who have their own renovation show, marriage advice book, and furniture store. The secret is that their relationship is crumbling behind the scenes, and James and Carey are tasked with not letting it leak to the public. However, as you can probably guess, as one relationship falters, theirs sparks some chemistry!

So, for me, this book was just ok. My mind kept drifting because I wasn’t 100% into the story and it seemed somewhat predictable. I liked the characters, and the inside baseball of publishing and TV marketing, but the plot was a little flimsy to keep me wanting to turn the pages. It all felt a bit rushed too, many a longer book and focusing on one character’s narration would allow for more connection? I still really like the was Christina Lauren does romance though, and looking forward to what comes next from the duo.

Can these authors do any wrong? Never. Thanks to NetGalley I found out about Christina Lauren. Their novels are contemporary and full of romance. Their characters are relatable and interesting to read about. I'm waiting for the Netflix adaptation very soon.

I love Christina Lauren. I’ve devoured every book since the Beautiful Series. I follow them on every social media available. Their new books seem to be going in a different direction and I love the stories still, but I miss the steam and smut.

In this book an adorable personal assistant Carey has worked for a Home improvement/ renovation couple Melissa and Russell for 10 years. She’s tired and over worked. She is the wife’s assistant and her husband hires a new assistant, James.
They have to go on a road trip together on a bus. Chaos ensues and sparks fly for James and Carey while fizzling for the Tripp’s.
While not as steamy it was a cute love story that made me happy. It had the necessary HEA but I wonder about the Tripp’s at the end of the book.
If you love CLos work this is definitely worth the read.

I reviewed this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to give this a 3.5 star but felt a 4 star is more fair. When I see a new Christina Lauren Novel is coming out, I wait with anticipation. I am a committed fan of the Christina Lauren rom-com books. I have read them all and never would I turn one down. The extra half star is because I know I hold their books to a higher standard than most Rom-Coms and do not wish to judge too severely.
This book has the usual charm and humor found in all Christina Lauren novels. It has characters you become invested in and a plot that is fun. The writing is well done and easy to follow. The thing it seemed to lack was a believable romance. That is the only part of the book that seemed forced.
This would make for a great weekend read for any fan of their works. This novel missed the mark of being something I would recommend to a first time Christina Lauren reader, though.

Thank you to NetGalley and Galley Books for an ARC COPY in exchange my honest review.

This book is exactly what you’d expect from this author! Fun, flirty and sexy.. I look forward to each of Christina Lauren’s books - they do not disappoint!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Cute and quick read. Melly and Rusty made me think of Chip and Joanna Gains - but if they hated eachother.

I enjoyed Carey and James' story.

The book had me wondering what really goes on behind closed doors.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book having heard mixed reviews. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed seeing the relationship between Carey and James grow, and especially seeing Carey grow more confidence and stand up for herself. I definitely could’ve used more steaminess but I felt like the tension and chemistry was built up well so I enjoyed the bit that was included. It was an easy read that kept my interest and made me laugh. While is not going to make a list of my favorites, it’s a fun and light romance to enjoy!