The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren
Product details
Web ID: 16836876So Cute!
If you know me you know that I love some Christina Lauren! I was in the mood to read a fun, lighthearted romance and I picked this one up because I know that I can always count on them to deliver. And this one sure did! From the beginning I loved the concept of following celebrities from home remodeling shows as I grew up watching HGTV lol. The characters of James and Carey were just so cute and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop and their characters grow. The drama with the Tripps was also just so funny to watch unfold. Overall this book was just such so fun to read and I really enjoyed it (especially as the first read in a 24 hour bingeathon). Rating: 4/5⭐️
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Slowed Paced but Engaging
There is nothing like starting a book with a police investigation to get you to sit up straight and pay attention! A huge fan of The Unhoneymooners and Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating, I couldn't wait to dive into the The Honey Don't List. To be honest, I was slightly disappointed. While the start of the story had my curiosity peaked, the overall pace was exceptionally slow. In fact, if the story had started any other way, I am not sure I would have finished it but knowing something/someone was being investigated is what kept my attention until it resolved. In either case, The Honey Don't List is a reminder to not believe everything you see on TV, the brightest smiles may be hiding the darkest secrets. Take everything you know about Joanna and Chip Gaines, flip it on its lid, and you have the “Anti-Gaines” - Melissa and Rusty Tripp: Decorator and Carpenter from a small town who have hit it big and have lost their minds! At the helm, trying the rein them in with their dear lives are Carey Duncan and James McCann. Carey has been with Melly and Rusty since she was 16 years old. For 10 years, they have been like family to her. She helps Melly design for the show and Rusty brings those designs to life. Through it all, she has never questioned their intent or loyalty to her and she has been blindly devoted to all things Comb + Honey. She would do anything for them, even attempt to cover up a secret she accidentally discovers when James, Rusty’s Structure Engineer (read personal assistant) recruits her to help locate him the night of their launch party. One loose thread from unraveling everything the Tripp’s have worked for and the remarkable future that is just about to kick off, James and Carey are forced to be placed on babysitting duty. They have one job and one job only, keep the Tripps from killing each other on a multi-city book tour and convince the world they are as loving to each other as they appear to be on TV. Stuck together for what seems like an impossible task with no way out, James and Carey find themselves growing closer and closer. It is true, misery really does love company. This was an unexpectedly cute story. The entire time I read it, I kept pictures Rusty as Chip Gaines - mainly because my knowledge of HGTV hosts is limited but when they do make a reference of Joanna, it confirmed that they were trying to paint a picture of a couple who would have the same personalities on the outside but be polar opposites behind close doors. I enjoyed the antics of the trip and the overall absurdness of the situation. Again, I would have thought the story was slow but starting out with James and Carey having to do police interviews, I was hooked immediately and wanted to know what finally got so bad that the police had to be involved! The verbal and nonverbal communication between James and Carey were the bread and butter of this story. Two people who hardly ever talked to each other, were never in the same room, but were aware of how much they loathed each other were able to put all of that aside just by taking the time to actually have a conversation. It is amazing how impactful first impressions or assumptions can be. When they let down their guards and understood they either would survive together or drown apart, they realized in more ways than one that they were perfect for each other and more alike than they initially assumed. As for the spice factor, the few times Carey and James got together were pretty steamy. While brief in description, the heated moments impacted the overall story - not only allowing the characters to let loose and blow off steam, but allow Carey and James to see a side of each other no one else knew. Overall, the book was a nice reminder to find your voice, stand your ground, and never let someone believe you have no other options when stuck in an impossible situation. While this book wouldn't be on the tip of my tongue if asked for a recommendation, I invite those who enjoy a nice HGTV-type farce to dive in and hang out with this over-worked, over stressed bunch.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A sweet, funny story with workplace romance
A married couple with their own design show, best seller books, and new projects in the works, sounded like everything was going well for America’s favorite design couple, Melissa and Rusty, but if you asked Carey and James, they’d tell you that appearances aren’t always what they seem. This story followed, Carey and James as they tried to manage and keep their bosses, Melissa and Russell (a.k.a Rusty) in check during their promotional tour of their newest book release about their marriage. Turns out that Melissa and Russell’s marriage was not like the image of a perfect, Russell was tried of the show, his lack of a marriage with Melissa. To make matters worse, Carey and James accidentally stumbled upon Russell with Stephanie in the throes of passion, a.k.a. “The no pants dance”, talk about awkward for them to see. With their new book, and new shows on the line, both Carey and James were stuck with the responsibility of making sure everything went according to plan which was making sure their bosses marriage didn’t get any worse or else they’d be both out of jobs. Carey’s entire day to day life was centered on one thing and one thing only which was managing and helping Melissa with the designs, the background work, and more. Carey was a hard working, kind person, but she was definitely over worked and treated unfairly by Melissa. Carey was actually very creative, and the actual person who helped make Comb+Honey the brand that it was. With Carey’s beautifully decorated window displays, furniture designs she came up with, she had a lot of input into what was so widely loved by all, but obviously Melissa took all the credit. There were moments throughout the book when Melissa acted totally unfair and like a bully by undermining Carey and her skills. You could imagine while reading I had the strong urge to give Melissa a piece of my mind, and help Carey out. Thankfully James was there to help Carey. James McCann was Carey’s coworker and de-facto assistant to Melissa’s husband, Rusty. Due to Melissa’s underlying fear that Rusty would inevitably sleep with another woman, she hired James as Rusty’s assistant. James on the other hand imagined he’d be working as an engineer on the show, not running errands and etc. James was intelligent, driven, at times very buttoned up (all those nice suits OOOO) and just kept to himself. As the story progressed though… James started to open up a bit and truly take notice of Carey while they were on the book tour. In a way, you could say that James was the one who fell first for Carey since he layers admits to himself that he definitely developed a crush on her. Initially I wasn’t sure about James, but obviously as I got more into the book, I quickly changed my mind and was like, “Hello Mr. Sexy/ nerdy engineer” *wink, wink. With all the work that Carey did for Melissa, she didn’t have much time for her personal life. Essentially, Carey had no life whatsoever outside of her job with the Tripps. With so much on her shoulders, and no one really to talk to about her stress and everything, I did like that Carey had a therapist to talk to. So that aspect was also nice to include in the story. With advice from her therapist to stand her ground and be more assertive, Carey made strides to do that especially against Melissa, it was a journey to see Carey go from simply accepting things and being a people pleasing to saying no and getting what she wanted. I really liked being able to read the interview transcripts that were provided as well as the different articles about the Tripp’s. Through the interview transcripts from the very beginning to through out the entire book, it created a sense of mystery as to, what happened?, why were Carey and James being interviewed about the Tripp’s?”. In a way, I was left coming up with potential ideas as to what could have happened that resulted with the police getting involved, and wondering what went down on July 14th? The romance between James and Carey was great. Workplace romance, forced proximity, yes please! Initially James and Carey were always so busy trying to maintain and do everything for Melissa and Rusty that they never noticed each other, or when they happened to be in the same room, it usually was spent trading bickering remarks to one another. Ironically enough, with the book tour and trying to keep Melissa and Rusty’s appearance of a happy couple, it brought Carey and James together in an unexpected way. I loved the sweetness they exuded together, as well as the communication between them. Also, James being intuitive and patience with Carey’s feelings and even with her disability with her hands, he was a sweetie. Overall the book was great. I loved seeing Carey become more assertive in what she wanted, speak her mind, and finally get the recognition she deserved. James and Carey got their happy ending, finally saying their “I Love You’s” to each other, and of course the promises of more things to look forward to together side by side. A sweet, funny, romantic book.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Romance mixed with HGTV type show
Book Review: The Honey- Don’t List by Christina Lauren This story is a lovely romance filled with wit, home design references and a bit of drama. You’ll love how Carey and James get to know one another while having the daunting task of insuring that, while on tour to promote their latest book and tv show, everything is sunshine and daisies for the highly loved “perfect” couple that is their bosses. Sounds easy, right
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Good Story!
Good story about people who work under less-than-ideal conditions, making the best of it and managing to keep their sanity and find love. Working for America’s favorite couple isn’t easy under the best circumstances but trying to keep your employers on their best behavior while on a book and television show tour proves to be more than it should be. Melissa and Rusty Tripp used to be the ideal couple. Starting out their home design concept with a single store, they have been married for a long time. Unfortunately, it’s all a façade as they can’t stand each other. Excessive drinking and Rusty’s infidelity could bring their house of cards tumbling down and cause them public embarrassment and ruin everything they have worked toward. As assistants to the Tripp’s, Carey and James are put in the awkward position of getting their employers to play nice and behave in public. They both need their jobs so they try to make the best of it. I kept thinking throughout this book that no job is worth this nonsense. The Tripp’s give a whole new meaning to dysfunctional relationships and even take it to new levels, but really, enough is enough! Life is short and I was surprised Carey and James put up with it for as long as they did. I enjoyed this story though much of it felt like a train wreck that you just can’t walk away from. I think, like Carey, I hung on, hoping things would get better. I started wondering if the Tripp’s enjoyed the attention and didn’t care about any repercussions their bad behavior would bring. I enjoyed the blossoming romance between Carey and James and felt they were good together. The character development overall was good and I had a lot of empathy for Carey and James due to the situation they were forced to participate in. Surprisingly, I also had empathy for Melissa and Rusty. They were probably great together at one time, but over the years, they lost their way and by the end of the book, I still was on the fence if they should even try to make their marriage work or cut and run. The story moved at a good pace, leaving the reader in anticipation of what was going to happen next and if Carey and James had scouted out the locations of the nearest exits. My Final Verdict: Overall, an enjoyable book for fans of contemporary romances and women’s fiction. This author has many books that also look interesting and will likely end up on my to be read pile in the future.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Great read with lots of steamy moments!
Synopsis: Carey Duncan seems to have the dream job: assistant to Melissa Tripp, one half of the golden TV couple & founder of the hugely successful Comb+Honey brand. While Melissa & her husband Rusty bask in the glow of fame & fortune Carey ensures every behind-the-scenes detail is pulled off to perfection. When Rusty is found in a not so flattering situation, compromising both his relationship & the public’s perception of the Tripps perfect marriage, Carey is forced to join the bickering couple on their week-long book tour. Worse, Rusty’s reluctant assistant James McCann is forced to tag along too. Can Carey & James protect their jobs by keeping the illusion of the Tripps perfect marriage intact or better yet will they be able to see the connection growing between themselves? Review: This is my second Christina Lauren read & I can confirm: I am officially hooked to any & everything they write. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Both Carey & James were relatable; my heart truly went out to Carey’s struggle for self-assurance, self-acceptance & finding her identity/voice. I also enjoyed the evolution of James’ character: from uptight businessman to a more relaxed guy you want to care for. On a personal level, the only thing that sort of annoyed me was the Tripps’ storyline simply because it mirrors the Gaines’ HGTV life (I am just NOT a fan of that couple & I can’t place why). But, I was able to look past that & focus on James & Carey’s growing relationship. I truly loved how Carey’s storyline evolved; you could see the strength, self-confidence & self-awareness grow as the story went on. I found myself rooting not just for her relationship with James, but for her own personal growth. I would highly recommend this book; it was fun, flirty & heartfelt!
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Honey, Do It!!!
I loved it!!! I loved everything about it!!!!! I shouldn't be so satisfied because the Tripp's are beyond manipulative and self-absorbed....and it took me quite a bit to warm up to Jim. Still. Carey's journey was sooooooooo worth the "trip." I loved all it's angsty head gameyness (yup thats a word). Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Not my favorite CL
Everything in Carey Duncan's life revolves around Melissa & Rusty Tripp. Carey has worked for the superstar couple since she was sixteen and the Tripps were just a couple who owned a shop in Jackson. Fast-forward ten years and the Tripps are home renovating icons about to embark on a book tour as well as revealing a new television show in just days and Carey works as Melissa's right hand helping her through literally everything. So when Carey and Rusty's assistant James discover Rusty being less than faithful, the picture perfect Tripp brand and all that they have been working for could come crashing down. In order to prevent the disaster of America finding out their Sweethearts can't stand one another, Carey & James are forced to road trip with the Tripps during their book launch to hopefully keep the couple out of the tabloids. Something that Carey & James both agree is not in their job descriptions. "The Honey-Don't List" is written by one of my favorite rom com writing duos, Christina Lauren. Because this book didn't quite measure up to the other two titles I have read by them, "The Honey-Don't List" falls into the just ok category for me. It has all the ingredients to be a sweet read for fans of this author but if you have yet to discover Christina Lauren books I encourage you to reach for "The Unhoneymooners" first.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com