A great spoof of sorts on the behind the scenes lives of famous home remodeling duos. It's almost a cross between Fixer Upper and the Devil wears Prada. We have an extremely dysfunctional couple who are stars of a home remodeling empire through tv, books, and media. Along with them, 2 assistants who are desperately trying to hide the crazy from the public to keep the brand alive. Pretty hilarious at times, and a fun story to delve into. The narration begins with police interviewing the assistants, so something has gone down that propels the story. Fun read!

This book reminded me too much of a Netflix movie to really enjoy it. It was too quick with some scenes. I just didn't feel the real building of a relationship. 3 stars for me.

The Honey-Don’t list is a fun story about how two people from two different worlds are forced to work together. I love Carey and James! They are the cutest together. Their slow build friendship is beautiful to watch blossom. I loved their banter and how they’re there for each other.

I loved the dialogue and how the story was written. I enjoyed that this was almost like a double story. Part of it is a hot mess and the other is endearing. As these couples tackle many hurdles, I was left wondering if anyone was coming on the positive side. There are many examples throughout this story that appearances can be deceiving. The fan tweets were cute, and the story is sweet and fun. It left me with a smile on my face.

I hate to say this but this was a disappointing read. The romance felt like an after thought. To be honest I was rooting for Rusty and Mellie. I don't even remember the H/h names. This book was more women's fiction with just one scene of steam.

Christina Lauren is one my auto-buy authors so .I will continue reading their books. I just hope this is just one small miss in their career.

The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren

I read this book in just about one sitting. It was fast paced and true to form, very fun and quirky. Carey and James are the assistants for Melissa and Rusty, who are are like a Joanna and Chip Gaines with their own reality home renovation show.

However, Melly and Rusty actually despise each other and are on tour for a book written on having a perfect marriage. I have read all of Christina Lauren's standalone books and this one was just ok for me. There didn't seem to be a ton happening or developing outside of what was already outlined in the cover synopsis.

Thank you for my advanced copy!

As someone who has spent far too much time watching design shows on HGTV-- I was really excited to read this book! The Honey-Don't List was another entertaining and fun read from the duo of Christina Lauren. The dysfunctional marriage of the design show power-couple, Melly and Rusty was hilarious. Their assistants, Carey and James are thrown into the middle of their imploding marriage and there is no shortage of entertaining drama. The love-hate relationship between Carey and James offers the perfect amount of banter. Carey's struggles with dystonia was an interesting addition to the plot line and I was glad the connection between her condition and author Lauren's family was explained in the acknowledgements. And adding in the interrogation transcripts, social media posts, book reviews, etc. throughout the book were a great addition too. Carey is definitely a character I could relate to--feeling stuck in a job, but too scared to take the leap and leave a job where she isn't appreciated. It was frustrating at times to witness everything she dealt with--I wanted her to stand up for herself more and maybe not be as forgiving. But The Honey-Don't List was a really great read. Definitely recommend!! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read the advance copy!

My blurb:
A dysfunctional version of Chip and Joanna Gaines go on tour and need to be managed by two employees who think they're better than each other.

2/5 stars
  4-5 / 5 steam level
[this rating is mainly for speech used rather than action]

This book was a hard one for me. It wasn't particularly funny by any means and the characters that you're supposed to be rooting for didn't really have much of a love story.  The first few chapters set the groundwork for the reader to understand the empire that Carey and James are working for.  This was tough for me because I thought it was pretty easy to grasp that the Tripps were indeed the Gaines' but with a crappy marriage.  I tried to push through that part assuming that the Gaines' don't exist in the world that Christina Lauren created- but alas, at the end of the book Mrs. Tripp makes a reference to Chip and Jo!  So that theory went out the window...
The formatting is a bit like Big Little Lies (the show... because I still haven't read the book!) where they're being interviewed by the police about something secretive and you don't find out what it is until the end. I would've been really into this storytelling technique if it paid off. I didn't think it paid off. 
Around 31% into the book I made a note that I was ready to start skimming.  Instead I put the book down and read a different book and came back to this one.
I think what I struggled with the most is not rooting for Carey and James.  They were more like side characters than the main characters of the novel.  Carey lacked a lot of gumption and I really dislike that in a character.  There was a communication issue that could have been easily avoided but was maybe necessary for the climax of the book (only if you thought of James and Carey as the main characters... which I did not and therefore didn't find the drama necessary). 
I would be wrong to not acknowledge that there is a weirdly abusive (verbal and emotional?) relationship in this book that is completely unhealthy and doesn't resolve in a way that was pleasing for me.
Remember that awesome movie Set It Up on Netflix? This was kind of like a take on that movie but not done as well. 
I will say also that as much as I wasn't wrapped up in the love story of the book, I did like James quite a bit.

So overall this book wasn't for me.  There will definitely be readers that love this book and like the variation from other CL books.  The good news is that this is the exception to the rule from me with CL books and I will happily still pick up their next book without thinking twice about it!

thank you netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Carey and James are assistants to the world's favorite home-improvement couple, and they can't stand each other. Christina Lauren always do an amazing job creating characters in both unique and relatable circumstances. We've all been in a job where we felt we needed to but couldn't leave. As we learn more about the reasons Carey and James got in their positions and why they need to leave we watch them become a team. It was such an interesting dynamic to watch them find themselves and realize their feelings for each other.

The home improvement duo sounded like it could have been any couple on HGTV and was probably influenced by all of them. Christina Lauren did another amazing job with this book. It's perfect for HGTV addicts, friends to enemies lovers, and anyone who needs a reminder that their job might not be as bad as it seems.

The Honey Don't List is the 4th single title book I have read by the amazing duo that is Christina Lauren. When I requested this book, I thought I would get carried away by the story as had happened with the other books, unfortunately that did not happen. No disrespect to Christina Lauren but I could not get into the story at all.
The characters seemed interesting (the assistants and the married/home improvement couple). Story looked interesting enough from reading the summary provided.

Christina Lauren once again delivers a witty, engaging book that sucks you in and makes you keep turning the pages.

In The Honey-Don’t List we find Carey and James, Assistants to Melissa and Rusty Tripp. Home remodeling and design giants which are embarking on a book and promo tour of their upcoming show in Netflix. Melissa’s and Rusty’s relationship has started to spiral, and it’s up to Carey and James to make sure the public do not catch wind of their deteriorating marriage. So we are treated to the adventure of Carey trying to help these two people , that she has seen succeed from small beginnings and James trying to keep Rusty out of trouble, but hating being an assistant.

Slowly the sparks come out and these two gravitate to each other. It certainly is a bit more tame than what I am used to from these two writers, but the dialogue is so engaging and entertaining that you can’t help but keep going. There are some surprises along the way, some which makes you wonder why Carey would devote herself to Melissa and then you start to understand why Rusty has started to stray. You want to hate Melissa, but in many ways you can’t help to feel sorry for her.

It does not disappoint

The honey don’t list is a super cute fixer upper story. This story to me resembled a light and fun story sort of like their ever popular Unhoneymooners.

I did like the story. I liked the fact that the main character had dystonia and it brought awareness to what that is. I had heard of it but I never understood in detail what it was. I liked both the characters, I liked their chemistry. The married couple who hated each other reminded me of a couple that was on HGTV that got divorced recently.

What I didn’t like : the guy wasn’t appealing to me. I think I picture him as this cute nerdy guy but not someone I can see as this attractive man like Christina Lauren’s other stories. And he kind of reminded me of my ex bf (description wise) and that was just a turn off to me personally as a reader

I have read quite a few of the Cristina Lauren's books and I love them. They always turn out to be a cute and fun read with so steam on top. Carey is such a loveable character and you want her to win in all areas in the end. I would have to learned more about James and seen more of behind the marriage fallout with the Tripps. This book keep me wanting more.

Carey Duncan has devoted the last 10 years of her life to Comb+Honey and the Tripps. Her job since she was 16 has been keeping Melissa's life together and helping with Rusty when necessary. From the outside, it looks like a dream job, working with one of the most famous design couples on their show, on the inside, it's a nightmare. James McCann is trying to escape the scandal of his last job when he takes the engineering job with Comb+Honey, unfortunately for him, he's jumping from one train wreck to another.

I absolutely adore this story, and Christina Lauren's writing style, it's descriptive but not overly wordy, they get the point across beautifully without complication. Initially, it seemed as though the book was going to be about the Tripps and their crumbling marriage, but quickly I realized it was about James and Carey. I loved Carey, she's such a sweet relatable character, feeling stuck a job she no longer likes because of real-life issues, it was amazing to see her stand up for herself more and more throughout the book. When we first met James, I didn't care for him (he reminded me a little of Joshua Templeman from The Hating Game, who I also didn't like at first). He gradually grew on me with every chapter and act of kindness towards Carey. I'm so torn on my feelings for Rusty and Melly and their treatment of Carey, part of me wanted to see if their marriage made it, but the other part is just glad James and Carey got an hea (I was a little concerned at 96%). I also really enjoyed the excerpts of the police interviews and tweets from fans (which had me laughing). This is such a great book, funny, sweet and a good reminder that appearances can be deceiving. Highly recommend. Thank you to Simon & Schuster for an ARC.

This was my first book by Christina Lauren and it definitely won't be my last! I've seen books by this duo everywhere recently, and the hype is definitely deserved. I really adored this romantic comedy.

I'm a Fixer Upper junkie, so I really loved the twist on the Jo and Chip Gaines dynamic. While I firmly believe in real life those two are nothing like the married couple in this book, I loved the darker, more twisted take on their fame and fortune. It made for an interesting side dynamic/story to read about while the love story between our two protagonists unfolded.

As far as the love story goes, I enjoyed the relationship between Carey and James! The hate-to-love aspect was fun in the beginning, and I loved their banter. But it's the later half of the story, when we learn more about their history, when I really fell for these two. James was so attentive, and Carey really came into her own, which was beautiful to see.

Fans of romantic comedies will love it! Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the ARC copy :)

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. To start I should confess I am a huge fan of all of the work by Christina Lauren (or rather the authors that make up this pen name). I love everything I have ever read by them. The Honey-Don't List did not disappoint. The characters were well developed and the story kept me engaged until the very end of the story. Have you watched a reality television show and wondered how the people acted in real life once the cameras were off? This book gives you a glimpse of one possible scenario. Rusty and Melly hit it big as home renovation and decoration specialists. Their brand took off and they gained popularity super fast. The only problem is that during all the sudden growth in their brand they didn't focus on each other. Carey and James are tasked with keeping the image/brand popular without exposing the behind the scenes drama of the stars marriage woes to the fans. Carey and James have their hands full and what ensues is a lot of drama, theatrics and a lot of entertainment for the readers. I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves chick lit, contemporary fiction or just wants a fun read.

The Honey-Don’t List, written by Christina Lauren, is another hit for me. Published by Gallery Books, this little gem will be released on March 20, 2020. The two authors behind the pen name have created another swooning romance that will steal your heart. After The Unhoneymooners and Twice in a Blue Moon, The Honey-Don’t List is my third book from them this year, and let me tell you one thing – once again, it does not disappoint.

Melissa and Russell Tripps are celebrities, the sweethearts of a famous home renovation show. On TV, this couple is perfection personified– a united front and a fun and stable couple, and they are respected and idolized by all their fans. They are the ultimate couple. Unfortunately for Carey and James, who work closely with them, the Tripps’ TV persona is nothing like reality. The couple can no longer stand each other.

As they all embark on the Tripps’ last book tour and the promotion of their new TV show, Carey and James’s sole goal is to make sure that nothing goes south. Unfortunately, the tension in the air grows thicker each day, especially when one of the Tripps becomes a lot less careful in public. The situation becomes unbearable for both Carey and James, but none of them can afford to quit. Carey needs the money for health insurance, and James needs this job for different, yet valid, reasons. As they team up to make this trip as smooth as possible, obstacles arise, but so does their chemistry. The sparks ignite a fire in each of them, pushing them to reconsider their path and making them wonder if in the end, it would all be worth it.

This book is simply amazing. The format of the book is engaging – a mix between the story, an interview transcript, and social media tweets. The characters are loveable for the most part, maybe not so much for the Tripps. Carey and James come from different worlds, but somehow, they find a way to complement each other. They truly care about one another, and with every interaction, they fix what’s wrong in each other’s lives.

The romance is sweet and hot at the same time. The characters are flawed, down to earth, and funny, which makes them relatable. I highly recommend this story. For me, the book definitely deserves a five-star rating.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love Christina Lauren and have read many of their standalone books. Their last book, Twice in a Blue Moon, was the first book that left me unsatisfied and wanting more. I felt it was their weakest book. The Honey-Don't List isn't the greatest comeback from that book but it's a good start. After 25 years of marriage, Melissa and Rusty Tripp can't stand each other so Carey and James are referees of sorts to try and keep up with appearances. Seeing behind-the-scenes with these two as assistants to a remodeling and design married couple was fun, up to a point.
This book is a hard balance between a marriage that's falling apart with a potential relationship that blossoms halfway through the book. The hatred between Melissa and Rusty is so volatile that it's hard to enjoy because it felt a little too realistic. Christina Lauren do their best to give us happy and romantic times with James and Carey but it's not quite enough to get 4 stars from me. I wanted more of the book to be about the young couple getting closer and getting to know each other but instead we got so much of Melissa and Rusty absolutely loathing each other, their relationship falling apart, and James and Carey jumping in to try and save it. Melissa is honestly quite horrible to Carey a few too many times and those moments are not fun to read. Rusty is no better with his cheating habits and putting in no effort to try and help in any way.
On the plus side, I liked getting to know Carey and her history with the couple as well as why she needed to stay with them for so long. While I felt we could have used at least another chapter for the build-up between them before they got together, it still worked for me. There is classic Christina Lauren writing in the way both character ogle each other and begin to realize their feelings for each other.
Overall, this isn't the strongest book from Christina Lauren but it's not the worst either. It's still a fun read that you can get through in a few hours and you'll enjoy yourself for the most part. I still look forward to future releases from these two and hope it's a long time before they run out of ideas.

This was a very sweet story, and I loved the growth of Carey from start to finish. James obviously mattered, but this really was Carey's story.

The characters were well-developed, with depth for even Melissa and Rusty, Carey's surrogate parents (-ish), toxic bosses, and home-makeover tv stars. The issues that arise and resolve over the course of the story feel very genuine. Which is that much more impressive when you consider some of the more outlandish things that happen, and the comedy woven throughout (I mean, this book has a couple from a reality TV show, so... ).

I adored James, in all of his nerdy-engineer beta-ness. I am a sucker for exactly his type! He started out a bit prickly and stuffed-shirt-like, but warmed up rather quickly.

Overall, this was a fantastic read and I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Christina Lauren.

Although clearly a play on the Gaines' success on HGTV, I liked this unique take on a modern topic. While I thought the protagonist and her love interest didn't have a ton of chemistry, I enjoyed the book overall. Thank for NetGalley for an ARC provided for review.

I very much enjoyed this story! 3.5 stars! Carey and James were adorable and I loved how James fell for her. I appreciated that he wanted to help her but didn’t take over for her.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.