Book Review: The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren

The Honey-Don’t List
Christina Lauren
Published by Gallery Books on March 24th, 2020
308 pages
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Carey Douglas 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…

Well. I don’t think I should have read two Christina Lauren books back to back. But, I must listen to my app when it tells me what book to read next! This book just kinda fell flat. It definitely didn’t live up to Josh + Hazel.

I thought I was going to love this book because it’s like HGTV mixed with romance. I honestly didn’t like the behind the scenes drama! Melissa was just a major bitch to everyone. Carey needed to grow a back bone. Rusty needed to keep telling everyone’s secrets. James was perfect.

Just like all Christina Lauren books, this book had a bit of steam. Not my favorite, but it was there and I ate it up. I loved watching Carey and Jame realize they liked each other. I enjoy the co-workers to lovers trope, it’s fun. Of course, something happens and they don’t talk to each other for a while.

I feel like the ending wrapped up too cleanly and way too fast. I think the police aspect could have been left out. It felt pointless and it didn’t add to this story. I did like they included conversations from Twitter and excerpts from the Tripps’ book and other interviews.

☆☆☆☆