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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3.5 Stars! Honey Don’t List was an easy to read story with a unique storyline that I enjoyed. I did have a bit of trouble initially warming up to the characters but as I got used to their quirkiness I found them more endearing while they had to make the best of the interesting situation they found themselves in.
OMG! How I missed the cute characters of Christina Lauren!
Carey and James have a lot of chemistry together and make a wonderful couple with a lot of interaction. They end up getting closer thanks to their complicated bosses, the famous couple Melissa and Rusty.
Carey has worked for them for a long time and can no longer get her own life back. Having lost her dreams and identity, she lives to satisfy Melissa who doesn’t value her to the same extent.
With the growing tension between the couple over a Book tour and a TV show, Carey finds the support she needs in James who has the same task as her: make the famous couple doesn’t kill themselves before the start of the next season of the show.
I loved Carey too much and found myself in her shoes several times, incredible how I managed to identify myself so much with a character, but I swear I expected a stronger attitude on her part at the end towards Melissa that oppressed her for many years.
The book alternates the protagonists’ pov, with testimonies at the police station and gossip on social media.
I loved it!
5/5 stars
A different way love is found! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Loved this slightly different story of two people thrown together in close quarters who find that they just do not want to live without each other. They are both attractive and quirky people who are thrown into a situation that is so far out of their control that the only thing they can do is to find a little happiness in each other.
4 Stars
I reached out the publisher on this title and was lucky to have them send me a copy of the book a bit early, which I was very grateful for.
This was a very quick read, not too deep, really just kind of a sweet story. It took a chapter or so to get into it, but I did enjoy it after that. It was fun to see the inside of a home remodeling show world, and have all the little pop culture references. I did like the two main characters, Carey and James. Their romance was sweet, and for the most part realistic. I liked the added issue that Carey had with her health, as well as the little secret she had that kind of blew up the whole company. I didn’t see that one coming. There were also transcripts of interviews with both James and Carey that started the book, as well as being interspersed between chapters in the books. Those interviews made me very intrigued to find out just what happened to lead to them having to do what seemed like police type interviews.
Unfortunately I was still a bit disappointed at some things. You see, the Beautiful Bastard series is where I first started with these authors, and their last few books have been way far away from what those were. Yes, they may be better written to some people, but I miss the sexiness of those. I miss some of the over the top humor, the true romance that those books were. Lately their books have been more contemporary fiction, women’s fiction might be a more precise term. And that isn’t really my type of story that I read. This one had enough of the romance element in it to keep me going, but the sex was so much of a fade away scene that I missed what first made me a big fan of Christina Lauren books.
So take my review as you will. I know some of my readers prefer the fade to black scenes for their romances, while others are like me and like the heat. It was good enough that I can recommend it to people looking for a quick, fun read, and good enough to keep me looking forward to future books by Christina Lauren.
Few things make me happier than getting the chance to read and review ARCs of authors that I admire. One of the many things I adore about CL is their ability to give each character an authentic and unique voice. I had no trouble determining character perspectives even during excerpts of the Tripp’s book; you have no issue identifying each voice.
Carey’s long time working for the Tripps ultimately has left her in a hard spot. She is loyal but, honestly, they take advantage of her. Optimistic and hardworking, Carey is one of those down-to-earth heroine’s that makes you wish you were friends. Not that she would have time to meet up with her schedule. James, on the other hand, is a bit of a grouch with a backstory that makes you think “Maybe I’m okay with his grumbling because I would be SO much worse.” Their relationship is a milder form of enemies-to-lovers. I thoroughly enjoyed the inclusion of police interviews and twitter. It added an extra level of tension, leaving readers wondering when everything was going to hit the fan.
While I loved the sweet and spicy romance between our h/H, I also loved the underlying messages in this story. Relationships are often messy and take work. No matter the age of a relationship, new or old, communication is key. Most of all, if you aren’t in a good place, then get some help. I loved the representation of mental health in this lovely rom-com.
The Honey Don’t List was exactly the lighthearted, sweet and sexy romp that I needed during this time of uncertainty. Carey and James failed to oust Josh and Hazel (Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating) and I am always Team Olive (The Unhoneymooners) but this was such a fun read!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was an alright read. I liked the premise of the book. Two married television hosts, two assistants, and a book tour, oh the possibilities that can arise. While there was some interesting parts, the ride wasn’t as fun as I thought it would be. I wanted more of the connection and development between Carey and James. There just wasn’t enough of them together. There are other parts of the book that made the story more interesting but the romance lacked. I wanted to like The Honey-Don’t List because of the backdrop but overall this was an okay read.
“… more than just seen, I feel visible for the first time in maybe forever”
I’ll be honest if took me a few pages to engage in this read. Once I did….I couldn’t put it down. Wasn’t sure if it was the book or just things going on in life that were distraction me. I usually devour these authors books from the start. Glad I kept with it ~or I’d have missed out on a great story.
“…focus on making plans rather than beating myself up about the past—and to start finding a way to make each of them happen.”
So many life lessons intertwined with humor, loyalty, frustration, self discovery,self worth, acceptance, beginnings and endings. I wish we could get a glimpse of a few years down the road to see where everyone’s journey takes them (hint, hint).
“Contentment comes in a trickle, though. It’s like a faucet dripping; slowly, my bucket is filling.”
I liked this book. The story was a entertaining blend romance, reality, humor and emotions. Carey and James were interesting characters and I thought quite relatable. I found the chemistry between this couple good and I liked how they originally didn’t like each other but then that whole enemy of my enemy (or in this case my enemy that has to put up with the same difficult bosses that are annoying) is my friend works it’s magic and their relationship moves in a different direction. A fun read that is a mad-cap romantic romp.
I love Christina Lauren and I’ve read all their books, however, with The Honey-Don’t List I couldn’t connect with the characters, but the story itself I did enjoy and it had the typical Christina Lauren humor. Carey and James are personal assistants to two TV renovation stars whose marriage is imploding, however, while trying to keep their bosses sane they find love and support in each other.
I wanted to love Carey, I really did, however, she frustrated me so much. I constantly found myself yelling at my kindle for her to stand up for herself and get the attention she deserves. Towards the end I did like her more, but it took so long to get to that point. James, I did enjoy. He was hard working and supportive and just wanted to recover from the loss of his previous job.
Melissa and Rusty (the bosses) almost seemed like the main focus of this story at times instead of Carey and James, which took a lot away from the story. It was a slow burn, there was some romance, but this story felt more women’s fiction. Not saying I did enjoy the story, it just took me longer to read than most books because I couldn’t connect.
The Honey-Don’t List is an fantastic read. You will just love watching the chemistry between Carey and James. Both of them over qualified for their assistant jobs and yet their is just something about them that draws you in. Carey once you get to know her you get why she is so loyal to her job. I just love James and his ways. He will make you swoon for him by the end of this one. I can guarantee you will be smiling by the end of this one. I love how Christina Lauren take you on this journey of falling in love. You really need to read this one.
The Honey Don’t List is exactly what I hope for when I open a Christina Lauren book. The characters are relatable, there’s witty banter, and someone, somewhere is going to learn not to make assumptions about people.
That said, I found that The Honey Don’t List felt a little different than previous CL books. While narrated by Carey and James, there’s another couple that’s front and center and driving the story. Melissa and Rusty are a “Fixer Upper” style couple who have found success much in the way of Joanna and Chip Gaines. Honestly it was sort of hard to imagine anyone but them while reading and that horrified me because Joanna and Chip are surely nothing like Melissa and Rusty! But I digress.
Carey and James are assistants to Melissa (Melly) and Rusty. Right from the start it’s made known that America’s favorite HGTV couple is in trouble. Carey and James, thanks to an indiscretion of one of their charges, end up on a tour bus to keep Melly and Rusty in line while promoting their new book on – can you guess? – Marriage. Carey sees James as a stuffy, sexy nerd who doesn’t have time for her because she’s just an assistant. James isn’t sure about Carey, but they’ve spent little time together, something he wanted to maintain. The bus trip changes everything for all of them.
Unlike most Christina Lauren books I’ve read, James and Carey quickly learn they were wrong about they other. This was actually kind of nice because much of the book – when they’re not trying to herd Melly and Rusty – is them getting to know each other with a low threat level. The conflict they face is even low-level stuff which may have been dragged out a little too long, but that’s just me.
Back to Melly and Rusty. They do take up a huge amount of the book as their relationship quickly falls apart. James and Carey work ridiculously hard trying to keep the couple off social media while navigating their own burgeoning relationship. Readers know that SOMETHING BIG has happened because the chapters are occasionally connected with a police report from some point in the future.
I did find the characterization of James and Carey to be delightful. James is the perfect 20s man, appropriately respectful of Carey when they’re intimate and blind to gender norms when he takes over in the kitchen. He even wears moisturizer! Carey has worked for Melly and Rusty for 10 years and all of her adult life. She suffers from a condition that the authors present with respect and clarity. Despite that, Carey works hard for Melly, even when it’s clear that Melly may be taking advantage of her. She’s loyal to a fault and willing to stay in the background. I would have liked her to realize this on her own rather than James pointing it out, but sometimes we all need an objective observer to point things out to us.
3.5 Stars for The Honey Don’t List. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.
I was quite excited when I was approved by NetGalley to read and review a new book by these authors whom I’ve read before and thoroughly enjoyed. The Beautiful Bastard Series & Wild Seasons Series were incredible and I was hoping I would similarly enjoy The Honey-Don’t List. Unfortunately, this felt like it was written by two completely different authors. Let me say that this book was written and edited well, I’m just not a fan of the new direction they seem to be taking. This is just my opinion and it’s my hope that other readers will enjoy this new style more than I did. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
This writing duo always leaves me with a big ole cheesy grin. I love their stories, their writing, and their characters.
Carey Douglass began working for the Tripps when she was sixteen. At there mom and pop shop, she proved herself invaluable and eventually moved her way up to Melanie Tripp’s assistant. The Tripps were more than her employers in those days, they became pseudo-parents and not only provided financial and insurance support to Carey, but they also provided emotional and familial support. But as their brand grew, not only were Carey’s needs overlooked and her talents taken advantage of, the Tripps also lost sight of their marriage.
James McCann, was a bright young engineer, with a dynamic career ahead of him. All he needed was to gloss over his previous job and start anew. When the opportunity to work for the hottest design team in the industry came, James jumped at the chance to be their engineer. Only, his job morphed into something he didn’t bargain for; assistant to Rusty Tripp.
Keeping this duo’s troubles out of the public eye was a full-time job for both James and Carey. And when you spend that much time together, you either end up hating each other, in love or both.
Heart-warming and touching, The Honey-Don’t List was a delight!
It’s a honey-do list for Carey and James!
Carey Douglas has worked for Melissa and Rusty Tripp of Comb + Honey Renovations behind the scenes as Melissa’s assistant and she is currently trying to smooth over everything during the release of their marriage advice book because they can’t let people know that their brand matters more than their relationship. James McCann needed the job with Comb + Honey after the company he last worked for imploded all over the news but when he had to travel during the book tour with Carey, Melissa and Rusty and he realized how bad things could be preventing the public from finding out.
Christina Lauren take the start of an idea for the book and they take the idea in a direction that we don’t expect and make it all their own with Carey and James getting the acknowledgment for the work they have done.
The Honey-Don’t List starts with a book tour for a marriage advice book and ends up being where Carey and James fall in love tour.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked this book a lot but it is a bit different from types of books this author duo has written in the past. For one thing, with the dual focus on both James and Carey, our main couple, as well as on the Russ and Melly, the home improvement gurus that they worked for, there was less of a focus on the romance. I wouldn’t call this Chick Lit, but one major theme of the book is Carey’s journey toward taking control of her life. I’m an HDTV junkie, and I enjoyed both storylines, but I do think the book could have been a bit longer. That would have allowed more page time to be devoted to James and Carey’s romance.
Carey was a bit of a doormat initially, but given her background, I could see why she made the choices she did, and she finally stands up for herself in the end. She works as assistant to a married couple (Russ and Melly) who are famous co-hosts on a popular home improvement show and who’ve just written a book on how to have a successful marriage. Only problem is that they are actually barely able to tolerate each other. Carey, and James, a structural engineered who has been drafted into the role of minding Russ, are strong-armed by the network into being Russ and Melly’s minders on a book tour to promote the couple’s marriage advice book. Needless to say, the book tour doesn’t go well.
Carey is loyal to a fault and has no self-confidence because she feels Russ and Melly rescued her from poverty and are like her surrogate parents, but as the tour continues and she gets involved with James, she finally finds her backbone and starts to stand up for what she actually wants and needs in her life. She also comes to realize that the amount of stress she’s been under for years has probably exacerbated a chronic illness that she has. James also has his reasons for putting up with the situation but although the book is written half from his POV, we don’t get inside his head that much and don’t get to know him other than seeing his attraction to Carey grow as he gets to know her. I guess my main objection is that the book was too short to do justice to all of the storylines, but in overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fun, quick read about a dysfunctional home renovation couple (Melissa and Rusty Tripp) and their assistants trapped into wrangling them on a promo tour. I loved Carey and James’ budding romance but I didn’t get enough of itthe book focused more on the out-of-control Tripps and what Carey and James have to do to keep them in line. That being said, The Honey-Don’t List is a fun escape with humor, heart and just a touch of heat.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
3.5 stars
This story starts out with Carey and James being questioned by the police. You wonder just what has happened and it makes you want to hurry through the book to find out.
Carey has worked for Melissa and Rusty Tripp for nearly a decade. They are America’s favorite couple when it comes to home remodeling and designs. Carey started working with the Tripp’s when she was 16 and has helped them build their empire. But what the public would not believe is that the couple can’t stand each other.
James McCann was originally hired as a structural engineer but it turns out that he is Rusty’s assistant. James catches himself watching Carey and he sees that she is a strong woman that puts up with a lot from Melissa.
With a book tour coming up and the couple almost showing the public their true feelings towards each other. Carey and James are sent on tour to keep Melissa and Rusty on track and not at each other’s throats.
Can Carey and James succeed with the book tour? Will Melissa and Rusty blow up before the tour is over? What will the public think when they learn the couple is not perfect or in love?
I liked the storyline but there just seemed to be something missing to me. I would have liked more of Carey and James, maybe a second book. Anyway, I love other books by this author duo and will be reading more from them.
**Wicked Reads Review Team**
This was a quick and fun read. A lighthearted workplace romance. Carey Duncan and James McCann don’t really know anything about each other. When tasked with traveling with the power couple they work for, the close quarters create opportunities. Their banter was witty and watching them fall for each other was endearing.
This is a perfect blend of stress and smiles for me. Let me explain, though I probably don’t need to.
Man, Carey and James have a stressful job, awful bosses, and a crazy situation to try and control. Not to mention all being in tight quarters. Then, as love does start to bloom and attractions flourish, one of the crazy bosses is NOT okay with it. Control freak. I mean that woman was really somethin else. So, the crazy adventure of this book has these guys dealing with stressful situations that really put them to the test!
Now, as for the smiles. There are cute moments, sweet lines, pages that make you just grin the whole time you are reading them. Carey is vulnerable, hardworking, doesn’t even really know herself, but she goes through a transformation throughout the book. James is frustrated with his job, his employers, feeling stuck. I like how he treats Carey the whole time. I like how she becomes his focus. I like the man he is, and how they are together.
This can be chalked up as another instant hit from Christina Lauren. I keep hearing about it, and I totally get what the fuss has been about. It’s a great read.
Before I started this book I did read some reviews to get a feel for it, I am a big fan of this writing duo cause man can they write some steamy books . After reading a few many didn’t give it the best ratings so I was a little worried but in all honesty I did enjoy this book.
Yes the romance wasn’t as in you face or steamy as some of their other works but what it was, was better, it was REAL. I mean the romance between Carey and James was slowly built and (not to spoil anything) but it didn’t end with them married with a baby on the way living happily ever after…. they are together but in a realistic way.
Then the difficulties between Melissa and Rusty, of course are completely realistic since how many of us have our own design empower, but the basic theme of your drive for success basically replacing you family and marriage is realistic and happens all the time. The lack of intimacy and connection quite often causes partners to stray.
So in general I liked the book for its realness.