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. Carey Duncan has worked for home remodeling and design gurus Melissa and … 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.
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The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren
Romantic comedy mildly. Contemporary romance. Written from the viewpoints of both the hero and heroine in alternating, titled chapters.
Carey and James work as assistants to the Tripps. It’s up tp the two of them to manage the details of the famous couple in their public personas.
I really liked Carey and was rooting for her throughout. She “made” the company with her designs and organizational work. I really hated that Melly took such advantage and stomped all over Carey. James was more a question. He’s trying to build up his resume and doesn’t want to be just an assistant and he can’t afford to just walk away from his job. I would have liked a bit more background on his prior job or why he couldn’t just start over. He’s only 26.
But moving on…the middle of the book was the best with the couple getting to know each other. James was good about noticing the little things and paying attention.
In the end it was enjoyable but not as good as other books by this author.
3.5 rounding up to 4 because it’s still a lovely romance happily ever after.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.
This is a modern-day classic Christina Lauren rom-com. It reminded me of a delightful fictional version of what Joanna and Chip Gaines of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” relationship might look like but only in a different fashion. In this novel the characters are Melissa (Melly) and Rusty Tripp, and their escapade takes place behind the scenes and in their private lives. They have a new show and book signing about to launch. Appearances aren’t always as they seem, and the Tripp’s are extremely successful and have it all. The public sees one side of them, but no one sees their private side except Carey, their assistant, and James, their engineer, and boy, do they see it all and it’s not pretty. Carey and James’ relationship is a bit icy at first, but surprisingly, sparks fly and their relationship takes off.
I will say that this novel took about 100 pages to really get interested in (therefore, 4 stars instead of 5) as there was a lot of background provided. It was sluggish reading at first, but then it took off from there. What l really liked was the author’s creativity for fictitious characters who are on an HGTV-like show and running with the story. I definitely escaped the crazy world we live in, and when I want something fun and light to read, I consider Christina Lauren another go-to author.
The Honey Don’t List is the latest novel by Christina Lauren, the combined pen name of author duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. This story paints the picture of a forty-something home decor couple who should be riding the high of the completion of a successful series, the release of a new book on marriage, and the launch of a brand new series. The reality is that she is controlling and he is straying, and their home restoration brand is on a nosedive.
Carey McCann has been working for Melissa and Russell Tripp since she was 16. Now 26, Carey had hoped to be further along and at least being given credit for the designs and ideas that are hers alone, but is the hardworking, always on call assistant to Melissa Tripp. James McCann is an engineer who was offered an engineering job but wound up in the role of assistant to Rusty Tripp. And once the Tripps embarked on their book tour, Carey and James are in the awful position of keeping them under control so they don’t ruin everything for all the others in their employ.
In a 21st century rom-com, the exploits of James and Carey as they try to protect their bosses from their own actions while finding they just might have more in common than not, is a window into reality tv and young relationships. You will laugh, gasp, and wonder how on Earth they will make it through this never ending week. I very much enjoyed this book and do recommend it!
I give this book 3.5 Stars, which I will round up to a 4 with Bookbub.
The aspects of the book was fun and flirty. I love Christina Lauren and their books. The Honey-Don’t List was a book I truly enjoyed.
My favorites: The story line and how it takes a new unique style. I love a fixer upper! I enjoyed the characters who had me smiling from time to time. I have not read book like this one and that was a breathe of fresh air for me.
The stumble I had with the story, the chemistry was on the low side for me. I honestly like James and Carey. I was hoping for just a little more “Sweeps you off your feet” factor.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book. It was nice to have for a weekend read and forget the world for a little while.
Carey Douglas and James McCann are opposites in every sense of the word. She barely finished HS and he’s an MIT graduate, but they both work as assistants to Melissa and Russel Tripp respectively.
When they are saddled with accompanying the home remodeling couple on a promotional trip, right before the launch of their new show, they’ll get way more than what they originally bargained for and will find themselves leaning on each other to get through their days.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s beautifully written, funny and touching in many ways.
The characters are relatable and lovable. Where Carey has allowed herself to be taken advantage from for years and doesn’t know how to assert her wants and needs in the job place, James knows exactly who he is and what he wants. I loved the way their relationship developed and they discovered each other.
The backdrop and the secondary characters are also a great addition to the story and I honestly couldn’t have liked it more if I tried.
The amazing power duo, Christina Lauren does it again! This time with another fun and zany romcom and an amazing chemistry between Carey and James, assistants to HGTVs design team Melly and Rusty Tripp behind Comb+Honey.
I adore HGTV and watching fixer upper and design shows that this was a very creative behind the scenes look on how dedicated assistants and their thankless jobs manage to keep up the facade.
I enjoyed the narrative and seeing the story from both Carey and James’ points of view. This was a quick read and one that will surely make your heart swoon and rooting for these two.
I recommend this book for a nice respite and laugh out loud moments that is surely needed by all during these trying times.
An interesting story that shows us that not everything is what it seems to be, as is the case of the couple Melly and Rusty Tripp, who became famous, having their own show, but their real wedding is falling apart.
To help maintain the farce – and fame – they have an assistant, Carey, who has lived with them for ten years, and has them as parents.
Joining the group is James, an engineer who becomes Tripp’s assistant, and together with Carey, they live more because of the older couple than having a life of their own.
The book brings several passages with the pain of reality (especially among famous people) and makes us think, but it is not the funniest book of the duo.
3 stars
Ms. Lauren has written a character you would love to just tell her where to go. Melissa Tripp went through a personality change the minute the family store took off. Now she is so busy trying to stay on top, she has gone from Dr.Jekyl to Mr. Hide. Caught in her crosshairs is her husband Rusty, her assistant Carey Douglas and Rusty’s assistant James McCann. Carey has been with the Tripp’s since the beginning. She has an eye for detail, that has you envisioning her projects. James has been with them a couple of months, hired to be engineer more than an assistant. On the bus tour, James and Carey rely on each other to the point they have feelings for each other. Trying to keep the Tripp’s on schedule was just about impossible. Then Typhoon Melissa comes through and everything is ruined. Can they all find their way back to the beginning where things were simple?
Carey Duncan started working for Melissa and Rusty Tripp when she was 16. Now, at age 26, she has seen them grow from owning a small store to become home remodeling and design gurus.
James McCann has been hired to be the director of engineering. With a solid degree in engineering, he recently lost his job when the company he worked for was caught in crooked shenanigans. While his job is mostly as a gofer, at least he is employed.
With her long years in the company, Carey is responsible for coordinating just about everything. She also has a natural eye for design and is the person behind some of the things that Melissa and Rusty have accomplished.
Melissa is narcissistic and considers herself the star of it all. Rusty is more laid back and that results in frequent fights between them. This already rocky marriage is really pushed to the edge when Rusty is caught having sex with a co-worker. Enter Carey to try and repair the damage between them and make sure the show stays on the road.
Carey isn’t impressed with James at first because she thinks he is a stuck-up jerk. But after Rusty’s latest fiasco, they come together to keep things together as they prepare for a road tour. Along the way, both of them gain more appreciation for the other. But Melissa and Rusty appear to be hell bent on destroying everything they have. Can Carey and James stop these two from ruining everything they have worked for?
Here we have two “children” with too much money and success needing to be constantly babysat by their handlers. Meh. There is no way I would have taken the crap that Carey did. Thank goodness she had James to help her. Sorry, but this was simply too boring for words and not my cup of tea.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I knew this book was going to be good when the characters start out in a police interview. Something juicy happened!! I enjoyed how the story evolved and how it was mixed with the interviews that occurred. We learn Carey’s past with Melissa and Rusty. We see how different Carey and James are, but they both have circumstances that have them wanting to stick through their jobs with the Tripps. I enjoyed the way this book progressed, the way the job brought Carey and James together, the way the reader sees both POVs and the craziness that ensued! This book gave me the feels and I didn’t want to put it down!
This was a story of a woman, Carey, who works for a couple, the Tripps, that steal her architectural designs and treat her like a slave. Even though Carey and James find their HEA I believe there should have been stronger consequences for the Tripps. The meanness of the Tripps sometimes makes you forget this is a comedy. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
In The Honey Don’t List, Carey Douglas has worked for the Tripp’s for many years from their startup to where they are today as TV show hosts and about to release a new book of marital advice. When Carely stumbles upon Rusty in a compromising position as they are about to go out on a book tour, she knows there’s going to be trouble. Melissa and Rusty are in a constant state of drama and discontent that isn’t going to play well as they try to sell their book.
Rusty’s assistant James and Carey get tasked with keeping Melly and Rusty’s indiscretions out of the public eye. Their close proximity has them getting friendly, and even more than that as they deal with this challenging task. As Carey and James learn more about each other in the process, a real relationship develops between them.
But when the Tripp’s marital situation goes ballistic, some secrets are revealed that could have a serious impact on whether James and Carey’s relationship will also survive.
This story was a fun read, in spite of the marriage-in-trouble aspect. I really liked the contrast of a relationship in decline with the budding relationship between James and Carey. The story of these two relationships keeps the story moving forward and I was completely engaged with the story throughout. James and Carey are an adorable couple. Kudos to shedding light on dystonia, an incurable movement disorder.
Overall entertaining and humourous, I enjoyed this story.
The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren was a fun and light read about two people trying to survive a bad situation only to find something they never unexpected. Carey Douglas has worked for the Tripp’s for a long time. They have quickly gained fame, but there is more going on behind the scenes and now, Carey feels more like a babysitter. Enter James, who was hired for one job, but now seems to be the other half of the babysitting team. Can they survive the book tour they now have to go on? The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren was charming read. Carey and James were fun characters to get to know and watching them navigate their situations will make you chuckle.
Happy reading!
Working for the Tripp’s is an all day and night task. As a married couple they have designed rooms, made furniture, wrote a book, and produced a show. All this success came at a cost. Josie and James are the two assistants who work to maintain the brand and the image.
Overall:
The story follows the lives of four characters. Two of the characters are assistants who work closely with the Tripp’s. The Tripp’s are the social media sensation married couple.
Essentially, the reader gets an unexpected romance brewing between two unlikely characters thrown together for damage control. This part of the story is cute and fun. In a nutshell your getting a work place romance .
The Twitter or online social media posts were confusing to read. Personally I got the gist of what these authors were trying to illustrate without the proof of the written posts.
I’m disappointed my wild imagination didn’t come to fruition with those interview transcripts. I thought the authors were leading the readers into a completely different direction. I was way off base.
Christina Lauren will always hold a spot at the top of my favorite list for writing Beautiful Bastard, Stranger, and Player. Unfortunately, those three books are the only books to grace my favorites list. Every book since those three have been a battle for me. Each book good, but not memorable the same way those three books were.
Reality shows are all the rage. This story might make you think about what really goes on. Have you ever felt like you owed someone just about everything? I can understand Carey’s thinking, but I think it’s sad that she was in the situation she was in. As you read this you may see your present or previous bosses in Melly or maybe James. I think one thing we should always remember is to talk with each other. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I think you will too. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
I’m just going to keep this review short and sweet. The Honey-Don’t List is a book that you’re either going to love or you’re going to hate. For me, it was just an ok read. I thought the idea of the story was fun and different. I love home remodeling shows and would be perfectly happy lounging around the house, watching HGTV. I was excited to see where this writing duo would take this story.
What I liked: As I previously stated, the plot was unique. I found the characters to be likable and loved the humorous moments.
What I didn’t like: For me, this book didn’t read as a contemporary romance or even romantic comedy. Yes, it had both of those elements, but the romance between the two main characters really took the back burner in this story. I felt like the main focus of the story was the Tripps, when it really should have been on the budding relationship between James & Carey. So, while I found the characters likable, I was left wanting and needing more. I wanted to know why these characters were together? Why should I be rooting for the two of them? In the end, I just felt like there was something missing.
Overall, this book was an ok read. While there were some aspects that I liked, I just found the story to be lacking and wanted more. So, while this book isn’t a 100% hit for me, I’m still glad I checked it and gave it a chance. I adore this writing duo and will be looking forward to see what they release next.
I enjoyed this book it kept me entertained throughout I just didn’t connect with tthe characters like I normally do. I thought the premise of the book was great but it seemed to steer in a different direction. I loved the office romace connection and the crazy journey this book took us on. There were some really great parts to the story that made it so enjoyable and the writing was done perfectly. Overall I missed the connection and the emotional feeling you normally get with this genre but it really is a good read. I look forward to reading more from these ladies.
I am a huge fan of HGTV, anything home improvement, and Chip and Joanna Gaines so The Honey-Don’t List was right up my alley. During a time where I am stressed about the world and homeschooling, while still trying to work from home and be sane, this book was a fun escape.James, the hot-nerd engineer, and Carey, the do-it-all assistant, have to work together in keeping everything seemingly afloat when it comes to their bosses, Melissa and Rusty Tripp. The Tripps are a famous married couple who are experts in home remodeling and design.But everything is not as it seems, and the couple that is the face of a perfect marriage is falling apart and it’s James and Carey’s job to keep their secret safe from the public eye.I loved this rom-com from Christina Lauren, these authors always giving us something new. I laughed, I felt the tension both from the Tripps and the oh so delicious flirty chemistry between James and Carey, and felt the pain when the secrets exposed threatened a relationship that ended up being so much more than what was bargained for. Readers looking for an escape, for a couple of fun hours behind the scenes of a reality tv type book should give this one a try.
Often times, everything is not all as it seems and this story drives home that point in several different ways. You don’t always get to do exactly what you love. You don’t always get the recognition you deserve. Not every beautiful relationship is beautiful behind the scenes. Carey and James will not only have to navigate dangerous waters they find THEMSELVES in but must also navigate those of their respective charges (yes I know they are adults, but when people act like children lol..perhaps you need to treat them as such). While the story is funny (not quite hilarious, but it has its moments), there is some underlying depth here, not only in the relationship between Carey and James but also between the Tripps. I enjoyed the story.
This is almost an anti-romance of sorts. During this intense journey we are experiencing the implosion of a marriage that started strong but when fame came knocking, Melissa, got lost. Rusty, her husband, is frustrated that his wife can’t see what is truly happening to their marriage and lashes out in a hurtful way. Their team realizes that they will need chaperones on their book tour to make sure everything runs smoothly and that they will place nice wit each other. This forces Carey and James, their assistants to attend when they were both looking forward to a week of vacation. Carey has been working for the Tripp’s for 10 years and has become an integral part of their success. The sad part is that she allows Melissa to bulldoze her which just reinforces her low self-esteem. James is desperate to rebuild his career after the firm he worked for imploded from a scandal. He was hired to be the engineer on the projects but ends up as Rusty’s assistant. Now Carey and James start out rubbing each other the wrong way but as the volatile book tour continues, they find themselves needing each other to survive the avalanche that is Melissa and Rusty Tripp. This is the romance, Carey and James’ slow burn during the turbulent book tour on a bus. The quiet moments when they find common ground in their passion for building as well as the beauty in their differences. But Carey’s journey to finding her voice and standing up for what she wants and what she is truly worth provides a wonderful reminder to each of us to not be afraid to pursue your passion. Will James find a way to be a part of Carey’s future? Or will his own ambitions get in the way? I enjoyed this book though it took me a while to really get into the rhythm of the story and be fully invested in the characters journey. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.