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.

Title: The Honey-Don't List
Author: Christina Lauren
Publisher: Gallery Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"The Honey-Don't List" by Christina Lauren

My Speculation:

What a rather exciting story this author gives us. We find this reality t.v. Couples Melissa and Rusty Tripp have their design show and are on tour with a new book out of 'their marriage and how they keep their love alive.' However, this is not true because these two are no longer in love with each other. So, what will happen next? Carey and James, who are employed assistances by the Tripps, are there to keep them in check. To see these two assistants, Carey and James, are now 'babysitting' Melissa and Rusty on this book tour trying to fight the bad press was quite interesting as they are trying to 'reign in their bosses and manage stressful situations.'

Be ready for romance, comedy, some mystery, and yes, even heartfelt emotion coming out from this story. After recognizing the situation, we find Carey and James were stuck in what went from 'enemies to partners, working to keep the Tripps' from any public meltdowns.' I felt somewhat sad over Melly and Rusty's situation at times, especially Melissa, in the way she treated people! What a hot mess! The beautiful part of this story was watching James and Carey fall in love with each other ... from 'cute, sweet, lovely, tend even to the scorching sexy' stuff!

Now, get ready to be entertained immensely by a read of some fun characters and chapters that will take you on quite a trip, or should I say 'disastrous book tour.'

Trying to rate this one was definitely hard. I have loved the other Christina Lauren books I’ve read in the past so when I saw this one was available to request I immediately did so. I went in thinking I was going to LOVE, LOVE, absolutely LOVE this one like the rest! But this one wasn’t bad it just wasn’t like all my other favorites. I’d have to give it like 3 stars vs 5 like all the other books I’ve read previously. This breaks my heart I so wanted to LOVE this book.

The Honey - Don’t List is similar to the home improvement show with Chip and Joanna Gaines. A show of which I absolutely love and adore. So I should have loved this book. But I struggled with blaming Melissa for Rusty’s affair. Say what?!?! After that it was really hard to enjoy this one. Still a Christina Lauren fan and can’t wait to see what’s next!

ARC kindly provided to me by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Did I like this book? I did! There are so many things I think this author-duo does so well with their storytelling, and near the top of this list (for me) is how their books aren't cookie-cutter versions of essentially the same story. Every standalone I've read of theirs feels different from everything else they've written, and I am so impressed by this.

THE HONEY-DON'T LIST is a more typical contemporary romance, with alternating POVs. I loved the integration of the heroine's movement disorder (this was SO WELL DONE!), and it's impossible for me to not love a hot, nerdy engineer hero. I also think the secondary couple was also written extremely well.

Did I love this book? Unfortunately I didn't. The setup is fantastic, but the execution just wasn't there. The pacing was uneven, and the whole story lacked the usual sparkle and charm I'm used to from a CLo read.

BOTTOM LINE
If you're looking for a typical laugh-out-loud CLo romcom, you might be disappointed with THE HONEY-DON'T LIST—it's a quieter kind of romance, and a fair amount of the plot does not focus on it, especially at first. Still, the writing is solid, and more mainstream fiction readers may find it hits the mark for them.

RATING: B- (3½ stars)

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!

Wow, here comes another amazing story that just wraps around your heart like a warm hug. I am writing this review in the midst of a global pandemic and times are rough around us. In the midst of the horrifying news, all I wanted when I picked up this book was a fun read where I was not thinking about the entire world just for a tiny bit. Thank you so much Christina and Lauren for giving me that escape with this beautiful story. I loved Carey and James. They romance gave me so much joy and a much needed diversion that has given me the strength to go back and tackle what is going on around me. This is stand alone book and I would highly recommend this book.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

I've been a big fan of this dynamic duo and, every book they put out, but...this one fell short for me. There was nothing wrong with the writing or story telling, but the connection of these characters weren't there. Home improvement/reno shows are all the rage these past few years (and yes, I'm a fan), but it just didn't do it for me in this read. It still a light romantic read with you cheering on for a HEA, so don't over look it!

I really enjoyed the premise of this story. The authors took the Joanna and Chip like couple and turned it into a behind the scenes story. Obviously the story is made up, but I could totally see this being true. I did find the mystery crime a little disappointing but overall I would definitely recommend this book to someone who likes romance and HGTV.

Another Christina Lauren rom-com in the books! These two can do no wrong in my opinion.   

Carey and James are the assistants to a very famous married couple- a couple that has gained their fame from their own home renovation show. This is basically Chip and Joanna Gaines but this couple is not the picture of a happy marriage they portray. ( I believe The Gaines are as great as they seem, and don't try to convince me otherwise) Carey and James go way beyond just assistants to the famous couple- they are keeping the whole facade together, at the expense of their personal life..but they soon find they can depend on each other. 

I absolutely loved the two main characters, Carey and James. They had instant chemistry and their relationship seemed so natural and innocent. This isn't a love to hate story- its more of a like to love story. They both had interesting back stories and I found myself really rooting for them as individuals and as a couple. 
I will definitely continue to be a big Christina Lauren fan!

Rusty and Melly (basically Chip & Joanna Gained) are set to go on a book tour for their latest release, but since they’ve been at each other’s throats 24/7, their assistants James and Carey are forced to babysit them and tag along on the tour. You can tell that there’s going to be a spark and love story between James and Carey, but sadly the focus was on Rusty and Melly.

Christina Lauren is a duo that I immediately request every time I see a new release, even after not loving their last book Twice in a Blue Moon. I fell in love with this cover and the description sounded so cute. However I realized pretty early on that The Honey-Don’t List wasn’t going to be a favorite of mine and ultimately it was a huge struggle for me to even finish. Like I mentioned before the focus is on Melly and Rusty and I don’t think I’ve ever disliked two characters more. They were both very rude and annoying and full of dislike. Carey and James weren’t much better either. While they weren’t rude, they were somewhat annoying and I just felt no connection with any of them.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3,5-4 STARS

This started really well, I find it entertain, sweet, heartwarming and fun at some points!I just felt that the romance was lacking to everything.

Even though I enjoyed the story I felt something was missing from the romance.This book had drama, romance, and some serious tension and slow burn!

But overall it was an enjoyable read. I think that maybe I was expecting something a bit different and this why I felt like it wasn't one of my best reads!

Let me start by saying that I LOVE Christina Lauren books. They never let me down, though some are better than others. This book wasn't my favorite, but it was still very enjoyable. Overall, I'm giving it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. I wish that the story dove a little deeper into the Carey and James as the main characters. Instead it almost seemed as if Rusty and Melly were also main characters, even though they weren't the main story line, I did enjoy seeing that story, but would have just liked a little more of Carey and James connecting instead of just seeming to fall into a relationship from nowhere. This was a light, easy read, which is exactly what I need right now. I would recommend this to anyone looking for something fun to read and will keep eagerly waiting for the next Christina Lauren book.

I always look out for romance books with unique storylines, basically a plot that differs from the usual boy and girl falling in love and living happily ever after. The Honey-Don’t List gave me just that. The book focuses on a love story that blooms on the background of a toxic workplace, a dramatic book tour and lots of unexpected (read : hilarious) events. If anyone video-recorded my facial expressions while reading this book, I would have won an Oscar.

• Christina and Lauren are the queens of witty banter, period. The story unfolded through some stressful situations, but Christina Lauren made sure to add their comical touch to the storyline which made me laugh my heart throughout the story. If you need 2-am hilarious partners, Christina Lauren as an author duo are just perfect.

• If I had to describe the female lead of The Honey-Don’t List in one word, it would be “precious”. Carey Douglas is just such an awesome character, and reading about her far-from-perfect life made me feel all kinds of emotions. She’s also someone who I think needs endless hugs. Carey’s character development throughout the book, specially how she chose to stand up for herself despite all the risks, has made her one of my favorite main characters from love stories. Sometimes in life, we have to go through a hard path ~ a path full of lies and conspiracy, in order to become the best version of our own-selves, and Carey’s life taught me just that.

• James McCann, our male lead, has become my new book boyfriend. I have a thing for people called James in books, I’m telling you.  The way he took care of Carey and made her see the way to fix her broken life just melted my heart.

• Now, about the romance between Carey and James ~ it was perfect in it’s own way. It had Christina Lauren’s signature comical element. I kinda wished that a more stronger foundation had been built for their relationship, but it’s fineee. It was cute and adorable and loveable and I was rooting for them from the very beginning of the book. The conversations that they had with each other were really heart-warming too. Carey and James’ relationship took a lot of twists and turns, and reading their story took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It was definitely a love story that I’ll remember for a long time.

In a nutshell, The Honey-Don’t list wrapped me in a cosy blanket of happiness. If you need a light and funny read to brighten up your mood during this sad time, definitely pick this book up!

Christina Lauren never fail to surprise me and I think that is what I love about their books. See, when I first starting reading this ARC, I thought....oh a take off on Fixer Upper and the Gaines couple. How wrong I was. This book was so much more as all their books are. The first part of their books seem so simple, and then they bring in the complex. As the story progresses, the layers deepen and before I knew it, I was so immersed in the characters lives. I loved Carey. She was such a stalwart assistant, doing so much, and no one seeing her until James comes along. Both characters will live in my head for a good while, which is what I am always looking for when I read a book. Kudos to Christina Lauren. You girls did it again!

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 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.

So I went into this expecting the usual cute and sexy funny rom-com and discovered a light on romance and more women's fiction. Not a bad thing...just took a bit to get use to the new style of writing from this duo team. That said it was a well written book and was a very good read. This story did have the romance but it wasn't center stage and you do get a HEA. You also get a look into lives falling apart. 3.5 stars
If you love women's/contemporary fiction this will be right up your alley.

3 1/2 stars

Carey and James work for two of the most self-centered people (well scratch that, Rusty wasn’t that bad). Now imaging having to go on a book tour with them to several different states. No thank you.

I thought Carey was hilarious. She had me laughing throughout the book. James I really liked a lot as well. Even when I probably should have been mad at him.

Melly, geez where do I start, she was horrible, and I couldn’t stand her. The fact that anyone put up with her is beyond me. Rusty was meh for me. Didn’t love him and didn’t hate him.

In fact, this whole book was meh for me. I love these authors and will always read their stories, but this one was just okay for me. Carey and James are what really kept things going for me, especially Carey. Did I mention I love her already?

If you like semi-cute stories with annoyed co-workers, turned lovers with crappy bosses on the side this story might be for you.

This review was originally posted on the Goldilox and the Three Weres blog.

The first Christina Lauren book I ever read and loved was Autoboyography. Since then, I've been wanting and meaning to read more of their books. I've even bought several but have never gotten around to reading any of them yet. I’m kind of glad The Honey-Don't List was my second C. Lo book because I enjoyed the hell out of it! I only meant to read a couple chapters before bed and ended up devouring it in one sitting.

I was instantly sold on the premise where two assistants who are kind of enemies get thrust together in a close quarters, everything is on the line PR nightmare where they have to keep the rocky relationship between their bosses a secret. The premise is what drew me to the book but the execution of that plot was pretty weak. It's the characters that really drove the story with the main couple being the whole reason the book was enjoyable for me.

I loved Carey! She's feisty, creative, and a total wallflower. Her chronic illness is the main motivation behind her being a modern day wallflower and I found it an interesting part of the story. I hated how she was treated by her boss. It's a super toxic relationship that has made Carey believe that she can't move on to bigger and better things.

Her budding relationship with her "arch-nemesis" James was everything! James is a total cinnamon roll! A very nicely dressed cinnamon roll but still a cinnamon roll. I still wanted to shake him for being an idiot in parts. What really worked for me is that he is as much stuck in his job as Carey is hers and the common ground allowed them to come together. I liked how supportive of each other they were together by the end.

I adored how the forced proximity allowed James to start seeing Carey as who she really is. I loved the two of them together but I wish we had gotten more of them together but away from work. I was rooting for their romance from the first. I may have swooned a bit when he offered to help her with the buttons on her jacket. As much as I loved the main couple, the romance felt a bit rushed in places and I couldn't quite suspend my disbelief as they went from "enemies" to friends to lovers. I wish it had been more fleshed out with a longer resolution/ending. I still enjoyed the story though!

I hated Melissa, Carey's boss, so much! Her and her husband, Rusty, are a couple of the most self-centered and selfish characters I've read in a while. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Rusty by the end. Even though he kind of got redeemed in my eyes, Melly is the worst and I feel like she didn't get the downfall she deserved but people might not agree with me on that. I may have been yelling at the book in a couple parts.

Overall, the romance was adorable and they kind of delivered on the premise! It was a quick fun read and it's made me more interested in picking up more of C.Lo's work. Which book of theirs should I read next?

I loved the premise, and considering I love the author duo, I expected to love this story.

Sadly, I found it simply okay. Which is still good; the book IS enjoyable. I think I just lacked a connection. Or felt the characters lacked one. What was lacking in romance was better developed in the back story, I think.