The Honey-Don't List
C**E
No chemistry and story falls flat
I'm a fan of this duo of writers and I have a hard time explaining exactly what went wrong with this latest story: the plot is okay but not much happens. The TV renovation couple are very unpleasant people and our H/h are both a bit too passive. The fact that they continued working with Rusty and Melissa made me think less of both of them because honestly Rusty and Melissa were downright hateful. Also, while we were told about the attraction between H and h, there is no chemistry at all and the writing falls flat - I just didn't feel it at all. In fact, there is an overall detachment about the whole thing that had me wondering more than once why I didn't just put it down and move on to something else. I'm sorry to be so down on the hard work of authors I usually enjoy but really this is one to pass on -- it felt like they were just phoning this one in.
M**L
Forget this book and read “Unhoneymooners” instead
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.
W**4
Another so so read, I so miss the Beautiful Bastard series and The Wild series days!
Another very so so read for me from what used to be my absolute favorite writing duo team .The book just was okay .I was at the 50 percent mark and I thought should I even keep going? Isn't that the worst book feeling when that happens. The Tripps were a aweful couple to read about ,the husband only at the last two pages redeemed himself a very little bit but my goodness that was a long way to wait .Very unlikable charters and seriously so abusive to their staff that it was kind of depressing. Than you have the two main staff characters Carey and James who should have had more backbone and definitely needed more spark between them both when it came to their relationship.It all went flat and lost its charm the charm that these authors used to have and write years ago .To be really honest I haven't thoroughly enjoyed their books for awhile now and again I really miss The Beautiful and The Wild days writing style. I guess those days are long gone because the last a 5 reads have been "meh " at best for me .The only part that was and should have been really fun was the detective interviews leading up to "the incident " but some unfortunate way the authors didn't use that whole spin to it's full advantage and that was a shame .I hope Christina and Lauren read their reviews because I want to say "please bring back the witty , sexy, fun ,sassy ,laugh out loud and emotional depth that you guys used to pull out of your characters. This book had the potential to be a Honey Do read , but instead it turned into a Honey if you really want to read and that's what is so disappointing. Such a promising storyline that just went depressing and flat sorry to say for me .And the ending was so boring so dull and very forgettable , just no ladies , you could have and should have made that ending much better. Ughhhh !!!!!!
M**C
escapist and charming
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.
A**L
One of my favorites
This was one of my favorites by this team. I liked the emotional maturity of the hero and the writing flowed really well as usual. The plot and the characters' behavior was pretty believable, more so that in some of their other book.I enjoyed the characters, found them likeable, and basically read it all in one day.My constructive criticism, because in general, I really like their books:I felt that this one wasn't edited as well as could be. There were some character descriptions (of the parents, for example) that weren't consistent throughout the book, and later descriptions seemed to contradict what was said about them earlier. There were also one or two places where the conversation back and forth didn't really make sense. Character 1 says something, and character 2 has all these thoughts, and by the time we get to their reply, it doesn't really match what character 1 said.But on the whole, I enjoyed.
E**Y
Honey-Do read this!
𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝑫𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝑳𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒚 @christinalauren Christina Lauren have clearly found a formula for writing sweet and funny rom-coms and they’ve done it again with The Honey-Don’t List. They’ve got the perfect mix of a lovable heroine; a sexy, nerdy leading man; and a heart warming storyline to make this a very enjoyable read.Their standalones definitely lack some of the spark and magic that was definitely present in their Beautiful and Dirty Sexy Rowdy series, but nonetheless this is still a good read
G**A
Romance is not strong but a good read
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
L**Z
Not Christina Lauren's best, but alright.
I have mixed feeling about this one. I am usually a big fan of Christina Lauren books, and I did enjoy parts but I felt that it wasn't like any of their other stories. Too much about the bosses and not enough of the love story. I'd rather read about a blossoming relationship rather than a failing one.
J**T
Fab self-isolation escapism!
When stuck inside for 12 weeks what do you do? Moan? Wallow? Or thank your lucky stars that so many books you bought ages ago seem to have reached publication date! Yay!I always enjoy Christina Lauren’s books - they are light, fun, satisfying and pure escapism! I loved Carey and James’ story...James is swoon-worthy! Looking forward to the next!
S**0
Another great book!
Christina Lauren never disappoint! I wish they were more prolific because I’ve read all their books and always read them as soon as they come out, in one go. This story is special and as usual so well written, Carey is a great character, impossible not to root for her! and James is swoony, not only because he’s good looking but because he’s a good person. Five stars.
Trustpilot
5 days ago
2 days ago