The Honey-Don't List

Honestly, I enjoyed this book more then I thought I was going to and it became a quick easy light read.I wouldn’t say the romance was a strong factor, I liked Carey and James but I just didn’t feel that build up and chemistry. Tbh I was more into seeing what nonsense Melly and Russ where going to do next as they were a dysfunctional mess and just a nightmare.Of course Christina Lauren’s wiring is great, its in 2 points of view with also clippings from the media.Overall I enjoyed the plot and I did get drawn in, I just didn’t find it strong on the romance side

I would like to start out by saying that I absolutely LOVE this writing duo (Unhoneymooners is one of my favorite books I’ve ever read) and this miss will not dissuade me from reading future stories of theirs.With that being said, this book was definitely a miss. I kept waiting for the humor and spark that’s so signature for their love stories and it never happened. The two main characters lacked backbones and even in the end, I’m not sure they really got them.Readers Digest Version: 2 wimpy assistants (who work for an HGTV-like couple) accompany their bosses (who are married but hate each other) across the country on a book tour. They’re trying to keep it from the public that the stars are on the cusp of divorce. That’s it.I also had a really hard time reading about their bosses go took up like 85% of the pages. They were straight up emotionally abusive. I’m assuming their situations were supposed to be funny, but they just left me uncomfortable and Disgusted.Here’s to hoping their next book hits the mark! I believe in their talent. This one just wasn’t for me.

Carey and James both work for Melly and Rusty Tripp, the remodeling and design darlings of HGTV. Carey has been with the Tripps since she was a 16 year old working the cash register at their first store, but James was just recently hired as a structural engineer. Now, both are stuck on a tour bus as the Tripps promote their new book. The only problem is, Rusty and Melly can't stand each other, and Carey and James are tasked with keeping their marital troubles under wraps - a job neither of them bargained for and neither of them are in any position to quit.I can't believe how many negative reviews this one is getting because I really enjoyed it! Melly and Rusty are AWFUL, but Carey and James are sweet and their story is very romantic and charming. And, as is pretty typical with CLo books, I laughed many, many times. This is the perfect escapist, happy read, especially for these uncertain times.

The Honey-Don’t List by Christina LaurenRomantic 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.

Song/s the book brought to mind: Can’t Help Falling in Love by Haley ReinhartI have to say that I am really surprised by the amount of people that didn't enjoy The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren as much as I did. Although granted this is only my second book by them, but I thought it was a quick, breezy read that had plenty of heart and a cute romance!I didn't laugh out loud as much as I did during Twice in a Blue Moon, which is the other Christina Lauren book I've read, but I definitely laughed out loud and chuckled multiple times. There is just the teeny tiniest bit of steam, and I would probably give this a 1/5 on a steaminess scale (or less, honestly), but I really like books like that so that part was a win for me.Carey was a frustrating character for me because I really wanted her to stand up for herself with her boss Melissa. But she did mostly redeem herself at the end which made me happy. I was really interested in her motor disorder, dystonia. The author's note was very informative, and I liked that they included something a lot of people probably know nothing about, I definitely had no idea it existed, and I thought it was nice to raise more awareness.I love how this duo can write a book and make it feel like it's coming from one voice. Everything was so seamless, and I really enjoy their combined writing style, frankly I'm also just impressed with how fast they can write books! I read The Honey-Don't List in basically one sitting and finished it the same day I started. Overall it was a sweet, light read, and I loved the plot of being 'behind the scenes' of a TV show. I was actually thinking how much the show was relatable to Fixer Upper and towards the end a character does mention Joanna Gaines. I'm sure this was the whole point, but I still really liked that association since it's a show I've watched and loved.I would recommend The Honey-Don't List to current fans of Christina Lauren and anyone looking for a lighter romance with lots of drama, that has very little steam. I noticed that this duo already has another book coming out this year and I can't wait to read it!