Published by Simon and Schuster on March 24, 2020
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Humorous, General, Women
Pages: 320
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
From the New York Times bestselling author behind the “joyful, warm, touching” (Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author) The Unhoneymooners comes a delightfully charming love story about what happens when two assistants tasked with keeping a rocky relationship from explosion start to feel sparks of their own.
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.
Few things make me happier than getting the chance to read and review ARCs of authors that I admire. One of the many things I admire about CL is their ability to give each character an authentic and unique voice. I had no trouble determining character perspectives even during excerpts of the Tripp’s book; you have no issue identifying each voice.
Carey’s long time working for the Tripps ultimately has left her in a hard spot. She is loyal but, honestly, they take advantage of her. Optimistic and hardworking, Carey is one of those down-to-earth heroine’s that makes you wish you were friends. Not that she would have time to meet up with her schedule. James, on the other hand, is a bit of a grouch with a backstory that makes you think “Maybe I’m okay with his grumbling because I would be SO much worse.” Their relationship is a milder form of enemies-to-lovers. I thoroughly enjoyed the inclusion of police interviews and twitter. It added an extra level of tension, leaving readers wondering when everything was going to hit the fan.
While I loved the sweet and spicy romance between our h/H, I also loved the underlying messages in this story. Relationships are often messy and take work. No matter the age of a relationship, new or old, communication is key. Most of all, if you aren’t in a good place, then get some help. I loved the representation of mental health in this lovely rom-com.
The Honey Don’t List was exactly the lighthearted, sweet and sexy romp that I needed during this time of uncertainty. Carey and James failed to oust Josh and Hazel (Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating) and I am always Team Olive (The Unhoneymooners) but this was such a fun read!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About Christina Lauren
Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/besties/soulmates/brain-twins Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has produced sixteen New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 30+ languages. (Some of these books have kissing. Some of these books have A LOT of kissing.)
