What do you do when America's favorite celebrity couple starts spiraling out of control, becoming a train wreck waiting to happen?

Well, if you're unfortunate enough to be their assistants, you give up your vacation to do damage control.

Carey has been with Melissa and Rusty Tripp for ten years; she started working at their home design store as a broke teenager on the verge of dropping out of high school, and saw their rise to super-stardom. Carey does a lot for Melly behind the scenes--more than she gets credit for--but it's all worth it, even if she rarely has a day off and she frequently takes the brunt of Melly's temper. After all, Melissa and Rusty are basically her second parents, and she'd do anything for them. Besides, she needs the health insurance to cover the treatments for her dystonia.

James did not sign up to be an assistant, thank you very much. He applied as an engineer on the Tripp's show, desperate to have something on his resume, but got roped into being Rusty's assistant anyways. He's been in Wyoming for two months, and he's just trying to hold off a little longer before getting the heck out of there. James can't stand the beer and coffee and dry cleaner runs, hates the waste of his talent and education, and hates the reason he had to leave his previous (and only) job. At least Melly's assistant isn't terrible company...

Which is good, because with the Tripps about to have a blow-up in their seemingly perfect marriage--right as their new book on their perfect marriage is hitting the shelves--Carey and James are forced to go on the book tour with their bosses to do damage control, keeping their bosses in line. Carey and James haven't had many opportunities to be in each other's company, but now they have no choice. But the more time they spend together, the more Melissa and Rusty are drifting apart, the more Carey and James are finding themselves drawn to each other...

"The Honey- Don't List" is a fantabulous rom-com of epic proportions. So much drama, so much fluff, so much I-can't-wait-to-see-what-happens-next, so much I-can't-look-away-from-this-disaster... And when a book opens with transcripts of interviews with the police... Well, that just makes it even more of a page turner. Carey and James are phenomenal protagonists, and I especially felt drawn to Carey, who in her mid-twenties is still trying to figure out her life, which is hard when her life is full of NDA's and very few moments of stillness to think. That's not to say that James completely knows what he's doing, either; he thought he had everything planned out perfectly, only for it all to disappear and he is starting over. And I love love love that the more they get to know each other, the more they become attracted to each other. Not exactly enemies-to-lovers or friends-to-lovers, more of a we-barely-acknowledge-each-other-because-who-has-time-for-that?-to-lovers.

"The Honey-Don't List" is another A+ winner from the talented writer duo, Christina Lauren!

The Honey-Don’t List is a behind the scenes look at a home improvement show. It is not as much fun as it looks from your couch. Melissa Tripp is the high energy force behind the show while her husband Rusty just wants to build furniture. A book tour and a new show could go up in smoke if their assistants don’t keep them in line. Carey has no time for a life of her own until sparks fly between her and James. This is a fun read with a heartwarming finish. #TheHoney-Don’tList #ChristinaLauren #NetGalley

This was a light and yet enjoyable contemporary romance, with a believable and not overly contrived happy ever after. A great introduction to Christina Lauren for new readers, though longtime fans may not love it as much as previous books.

This was an enjoyable read for the most part. It’s very surface level for me. Doesn’t get too deep.

It was just really hard not to compare to the Netflix movie that came out last year.

I’ve always enjoyed these two women and their writing. I think it was just bad timing

Wow, I really enjoyed this book!

I love that this Christina Lauren title feels different from all the others I've read so far. This is my tenth title by them, and there's so much here that I enjoyed. The story starts out completely different than you expect; we begin with a police interview, alluding to some incident between the Tripps that involves our protagonists, Carey and James. From there, the book jumps backwards, beginning with a party that kicks off the downfall of Melissa and Rusty Tripp - your Chip and Joanna Gaines kind of couple, house designing and all - in a BIG WAY. Carey and James are their assistants and more who get assigned to managing the couple and keeping their perfect, loving image together as they launch their new book about - what else - their perfect marriage! Meanwhile, Carey and James find themselves becoming attracted to each other, a relationship complicated by their roles in the trainwreck that is the Tripps.

I think a lot of people go into Christina Lauren books wanting the typical romance they provide. And those are great! While there's definitely some of that mixed in, I enjoyed that this book took a more narrative, plot-driven approach than one that was character driven. I enjoyed the what-if, behinds the scenes look at what a couple like Chip and Joanna Gaines might be like behind the sickening, in-love image that we see on TV. (Can you tell I'm not a Chip and Joanna Gaines fan? Also, they get briefly name-dropped in the book, which is HILARIOUS because the whole time there is no one else to compare Melissa and Rusty to!) Even though the story is a different structure than we're used to, one that also has the police interview dispersed between the narrative, I think it's clever and exciting. It turns your classic romance into a mystery with a bit of suspense, and as you build up to the big event that the book spends its time alluding to, the payout is worth it. Everything makes sense, wraps up well, and is honestly one of the more fun books of theirs I read. I did dock it a star because I didn't really swoon, but I also don't think that was the point of the book! So that's just my own opinion. :)

I hope to see more books like this by Christina Lauren! It was definitely different and entertaining. If anything, it reminds me a bit of Sweet Filthy Boy in that way you're waiting to find out the fallout. And boy, is it a ride getting there!

Such a cute, albeit, predictable romance! Carey and James were relatable and I was rooting for them throughout. This was a light, feel-good book, and was a perfect palette cleanser after so many thriller novels in my queue.

This was another cute story from Christina Lauren. James and Carey aren’t the normal H and h and that was refreshing. The Tripps were a hot mess and utterly hilarious. I loved the hint of disaster sprinkled throughout the story. I think the best part was how James really helped Carey to see her worth. They ended up being so adorable together. If you’re looking for a funny, sweet, low-angst read, this is for you!

(3.5 stars) Ok so lets jus say I really love Carey and James as a couple. The storytelling for this was interesting as it begins with a police interview (which are sprinkled throughout the book) and you don’t know about the incident in question until almost the end of the book. This is a BTS look at fame and fortune, and how relationships aren’t as perfect as they appear. I really appreciated the chronic illness representation. Carey has Dystonia that affects her hands. The way James treats Carey’s illness also made me love him all the more. He’s a hot, nerdy guy with a heart of gold. *swoon* Overall, this was a cute rom-com style romance but not my favorite from Christina Lauren.
ARC provided by NetGalley and Gallery Books for honest review. Thank you!

"The Honey-Don't List" by Christina Lauren will be available on 3/24/20!

This story follows Melly and Rusty Tripp, stars of a popular home decorating show, and their assistants Carey and James. The Tripps seem like the perfect, loving couple and as their new book on marriage is about to hit stores they prepare to go on tour. The only problem is, their marriage isn't as happy as it appears. They are forced to hold it together or risk losing their TV show, their fortune, and their reputations. Carey and James, with their own livelihood and personal pressures at risk, are sent along on tour to keep the couple happy or at least keep up the illusion that they are.

This book was really fun. I loved the set up and the different twist on a romance novel. I do feel like this book is slightly different than what I have read by the authors in the past. There are still great characters and fun banter but there is a lot more outside conflict and I actually really loved the change. This isn't quite a "closed door romance" but it isn't quite as steamy as some of the past book by same authors. I really enjoyed the refreshing changes and look forward to more books by the author team in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Super cute, funny and heart-warming story. Exactly what I've come to love from this fantastic author duo.

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.

Very cute chick-lit romance to read this February. The story follows Carey and James, assistants to Melissa and Rusty Tripp who are famous home-renovation stars (think fictionalized versions of Chip and JoJo Gaines). But turns out Melissa and Rusty are not the picture-perfect married couple that the public thinks, and Carey and James have to manage that disastrous relationship while beginning to develop one of their own. The story kept me entertained and I read it in about a week. I'd recommend for a quick romance fix!

One of the things I enjoy most about Christina Lauren books is that they are fun, light reads. This one didn't engage me the way that others have. It might be the "Fixer Upper" premise, but I think it was more the focus on Rusty and Melissa's failing marriage and how horribly they treated Carey that really turned me off. As a reader, I felt for James and Carey and the situation they found themselves in. I might have enjoyed the book more with a stronger focus on them. If you're a Christina Lauren fan I'm sure you'll like this one, it just wasn't my favorite. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.

I’ve read many of Christina Lauren’s novels, and I am a fan of their work, but their last few novels have been a miss for me.

This was an okay story, but it fell a little short. It felt like the overall story development was too rushed, and it needed more romance and comedy. I was not as connected to the character as I usually am in one of Christina Lauren’s novels.

I still look forward to future releases from these authors.

Again another wonderful and funny book from Christina Lauren. I continue to look forward too and read every one of their books. I really liked all the characters this time around. Especially all the hatred between Melissa and her husband. The police inserts were funny as well, and kept you guessing as to what happened. It was honestly a pretty surprise twist. Not what I was expecting to have happened at all. The only thing I wish was an epilogue that went further into the future to see where these characters finally ended up. Otherwise another wonderful and perfect Christina Lauren book!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a chance to review this book! I have loved the authors previous rom-com novels but this was my first read of theirs that was more women’s fiction!

4 STARS

I LOVED the character development between both narrators! I felt for Carey and her predicament and was rooting for her to come out on top!

Love. Love. Love.

Christina Lauren does it again. I loved this wild ride of a book. Carey is the long time worker for a home remodeling duo, the Tripp's (a la Chip and Joanna). She's been working there since she was 16, and hasn't done anything else. It was easy to see that she is taken advantage of and there were lots of moments that had me screaming at my book for Carey to talk back and stand her ground. James is a new employee, he's an engineer trying to build his reputation back up and took a job that ended up being more assistant like.

The road trip with the Tripp's was crazy. Melissa and Rusy are fighting and it was Carey and James' job to keep them in line, which wasn't going super well. Things massively fell apart, just as you think it would. Most "perfect couples" are anything but.

Throughout all this Carey and James' realize their attraction to one another and start to fall for each other. They had a lot to work through, with themselves and each other. They were so good together, even through their ups and downs.

I’ve been a big Christina Lauren fan for years. Really, since they released their very first book. I look forward to every release, because I know the chances are high that I’m going to love it. They are really talented at having the perfect balance of sweet romance, swoony characters, witty banter, smart dialogue, and steaminess.

While The Honey-Don’t List had all of these things, it was one of the few times where I didn’t fall head over heels in love with their book. There was just something missing and I’m having a difficult time putting my finger on it.

I loved both characters. James was incredible, as their male protagonists usually are. And Carey was smart, hard-working, and sweet. I even loved the personal touch in this book, that Carey struggles with dystonia, which is something that affects members of Lauren’s family. I love that it doesn’t stop her or hinder her, and she’s strong despite what she deals with.

But I just didn’t fall in love with them with the same intensity that I’ve come to expect with Christina Lauren’s characters. I felt like a spark was missing. I’m used to a bonfire and it was more like a few candles and a space heater.

I think I just wanted more. More of everything. More resolution, more fire, more love, more tension and obstacles to overcome. I felt like the climax of the book was a little bit lackluster, and I didn’t feel like a lot of issues were emotionally tied up the way that I wanted them to be.

Ultimately, I think what I’m trying to say is I liked it. It was an enjoyable book. But I didn’t love it. It might work to the authors’ disadvantage that I have such high expectations of their books, but I can’t help it. I do recommend it if you need something light and sweet to read that won’t take you long to finish. I will be looking forward to their next book.

The Tripps were America's favorite home designing couple. People admired their work and their seemingly stable marriage, but their relationship was full of cracks. With both a book on marriage and new series soon to be released, their assistants, Carey and James, had been recruited to keep the scandals from becoming public knowledge. Along the way, the pair developed a fondness and appreciation for each other, which turned into more, but would this relationship survive outside the Tripp bubble?

This was another solid rom-com from Christina Lauren. As always, I laughed a LOT, and I was such a fan of the book's structure. It starts after some event, which required police intervention. So, throughout the dual POV narrative, I was getting these peeks at what was coming up. They also including press releases, articles, book excerpts, and social media posts, which were well placed and really added to the story.

Though most of the book revolves around the quartet on their road trip, the stars for me were James and Carey, both of whom, were sort of trapped in their jobs. James was a well educated engineer, but he was struggling to find a new position, because his last company was shrouded in scandal. He thought a year with the Tripps would be exactly what he needed to make himself marketable once again. Carey had been with the Tripps since she was 16, and believed she would not be able to find another job due to her lack of education, and the fact that she was "just an assistant". In reality, she did a LOT more than the normal assistant duties, she just didn't get credit for it. However, she was stuck, because she needed the health insurance for her medical therapies.

The two bonded over this, and the ridiculous situation they were stuck in. They went from being enemies to partners in crime, working together to keep Rusty and Melly from any and all public meltdowns. It was fun watching them navigate some sticky situations, and seeing them form a team of sorts. There were many, many funny moments, with some even being of the slapstick variety, but the situation between Rusty and Melly made me a little sad. I hate to see something that was once beautiful fall apart, but at least something beautiful grew out of the ashes.

I really enjoyed watching James and Carey fall for each other. They would show their affection in these little ways, and they quickly became each others' friend, confidant, and champion. Obviously, there were some missteps, but I was really happy with the way Lauren resolved it all. The moments they shared were sweet, lovely, tender, and sometimes very hot. I do wish we got to see more of these moments, but I will say, that I adored all the ones Christina Lauren gifted to us.

Overall, I had a great time on this disastrous book tour, and look forward to reading more from Christina Lauren.

4.5 Stars!

Over the past couple of years, I have become familiar with pretty much all of Christina Lauren's books. Some have been major hits for me, while a couple have been misses. The last book of theirs I read was on the wanting more from it side of things, so I decided to go into The Honey-Don't List with zero expectations. I didn't even read the blurb before starting it. I'm glad I did this because my mind wasn't expecting it to be anything like any other book they had written before...and it wasn't.

The Honey-Don't List was written in a way I liked. It started out with a police interview that grabbed my attention and gave me a little mystery. Then the story went back in time to where everything all began to slowly start to unravel that mystery with Carey and James' point of views.

Carey and James' story was more than just a romance. (In fact, the romance was on the light side in this book. It was still CL steamy, but took a back seat to everything else going on.) It was about two people in a horrible position due to their employers. The Tripps' dysfunctional relationship took Carey and James on a wild ride that was certainly entertaining in the way you would expect things to be behind a reality TV show. I would be the first to admit that the Tripps tended to overshadow anything going to on with Carey and James', but to me that was almost perfect because that's how the relationship between the Tripps, Carey, and James was.

While I loved reading The Honey-Don't List, I did have a couple of small gripes. One, things with the Tripps was left a little too open ended for me. Two, while I got just enough of Carey and James, I wouldn't have minded a whole lot more of them. I have a feeling the amount of time spent on their relationship might be a make it or break it thing for some readers. BUT, like I said, I loved The Honey-Don't List. It was fun and fresh and had some great humorous moments. That's really what I expect when I sit down with a new Christina Lauren book.