REVIEW: The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren

OUR REVIEW:

Shel: Surely Christina Lauren wanted us to conjure up Chip and Joanna Gaines when we were reading about Melissa and Rusty, right? I mean sure the fictional versions were terrible to each other behind the cameras and only nice when they were in public, but isn't that what so many people suspect about the Gaines? That there is no way that they're as fun and sweet and loving as they appear to be?! The fictional version definitely opens up the fantastical possibilities of just how horrible reality tv stars can be. And while Melissa and Rusty weren't the main focus of this novel, they sure were an interesting side show to read about...and they definitely made me feel for their assistants, Carey and James. Court: These types of stories do make you wonder, especially when some reality stars whose last name starts with K always ends up being true of the rumors, it is somewhat of a guilty pleasure of mine to read this trope due to that exact reason. And then...the author's ability to really make a manipulative bunch and whoa...I saw this train wreck going off the rails and what a ride it was.

Shel: This enemies to lovers, work place romance had the romantic comedy feel that we've come to associate with Christina Lauren. The mishaps and inner monologues of these characters provided many smiles but the thing that really stood out to me was Carey's storyline. Her history with Melissa and Rusty and why she stayed with them, despite their obvious willingness to take advantage of her was not what I expected at all. Court: Nope. Not me either. I really liked her story, and her character because she is still true to herself and really using all of the tools that we sometimes forget we have to be able to grow as a person. She got herself where she needed to be with therapy, and self affirmation, and just trying to grow up and take control and be assertive and I really like how that was all written. 

Shel: The Honey-Don't List will make you smile while making you wonder what really does happen behind the scenes of those famous HGTV stars. Court: We really flew through this one and definitely don't miss any of Christina Lauren's releases these days so check this one out too! 

BUY IT: https://amzn.to/32mee4y

SYNOPSIS:Carey Duncan has worked for home 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.