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jenrosedon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ashs_books's review against another edition
4.0
I love Christina Lauren and I’ve had The Honey-Don’t List on my tbr for ages! Was super excited to pick this up and it didn’t disappoint. I loved that it was set where Carey was working for a superstar couple on their tv show and books. It was something different and reality tv is right up my alley. I loved the story, but it always frustrates me when people don’t communicate with each other! It was a cute story that also dealt with important topics like your relationship with your employer. Really enjoyed it!
mary0619's review against another edition
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ashction's review against another edition
4.0
I don't know why the rating for this is so low - I really enjoyed this book!
I love that this Christina Lauren title feels different from all the others I've read so far. This is my tenth title by them, and there's so much here that I enjoyed. The story starts out completely different than you expect; we begin with a police interview, alluding to some incident between the Tripps that involves our protagonists, Carey and James. From there, the book jumps backwards, beginning with a party that kicks off the downfall of Melissa and Rusty Tripp - your Chip and Joanna Gaines kind of couple, house designing and all - in a BIG WAY. Carey and James are their assistants and more who get assigned to managing the couple and keeping their perfect, loving image together as they launch their new book about - what else - their perfect marriage! Meanwhile, Carey and James find themselves becoming attracted to each other, a relationship complicated by their roles in the trainwreck that is the Tripps.
I think a lot of people go into Christina Lauren books wanting the typical romance they provide. And those are great! While there's definitely some of that mixed in, I enjoyed that this book took a more narrative, plot-driven approach than one that was character driven. I enjoyed the what-if, behinds the scenes look at what a couple like Chip and Joanna Gaines might be like behind the sickening, in-love image that we see on TV. (Can you tell I'm not a Chip and Joanna Gaines fan? Also, they get briefly name-dropped in the book, which is HILARIOUS because the whole time there is no one else to compare Melissa and Rusty to!) Even though the story is a different structure than we're used to, one that also has the police interview dispersed between the narrative, I think it's clever and exciting. It turns your classic romance into a mystery with a bit of suspense, and as you build up to the big event that the book spends its time alluding to, the payout is worth it. Everything makes sense, wraps up well, and is honestly one of the more fun books of theirs I read. I did dock it a star because I didn't really swoon, but I also don't think that was the point of the book! So that's just my own opinion. :)
I hope to see more books like this by Christina Lauren! It was definitely different and entertaining. If anything, it reminds me a bit of Sweet Filthy Boy in that way you're waiting to find out the fallout. And boy, is it a ride getting there!
I love that this Christina Lauren title feels different from all the others I've read so far. This is my tenth title by them, and there's so much here that I enjoyed. The story starts out completely different than you expect; we begin with a police interview, alluding to some incident between the Tripps that involves our protagonists, Carey and James. From there, the book jumps backwards, beginning with a party that kicks off the downfall of Melissa and Rusty Tripp - your Chip and Joanna Gaines kind of couple, house designing and all - in a BIG WAY. Carey and James are their assistants and more who get assigned to managing the couple and keeping their perfect, loving image together as they launch their new book about - what else - their perfect marriage! Meanwhile, Carey and James find themselves becoming attracted to each other, a relationship complicated by their roles in the trainwreck that is the Tripps.
I think a lot of people go into Christina Lauren books wanting the typical romance they provide. And those are great! While there's definitely some of that mixed in, I enjoyed that this book took a more narrative, plot-driven approach than one that was character driven. I enjoyed the what-if, behinds the scenes look at what a couple like Chip and Joanna Gaines might be like behind the sickening, in-love image that we see on TV. (Can you tell I'm not a Chip and Joanna Gaines fan? Also, they get briefly name-dropped in the book, which is HILARIOUS because the whole time there is no one else to compare Melissa and Rusty to!) Even though the story is a different structure than we're used to, one that also has the police interview dispersed between the narrative, I think it's clever and exciting. It turns your classic romance into a mystery with a bit of suspense, and as you build up to the big event that the book spends its time alluding to, the payout is worth it. Everything makes sense, wraps up well, and is honestly one of the more fun books of theirs I read. I did dock it a star because I didn't really swoon, but I also don't think that was the point of the book! So that's just my own opinion. :)
I hope to see more books like this by Christina Lauren! It was definitely different and entertaining. If anything, it reminds me a bit of Sweet Filthy Boy in that way you're waiting to find out the fallout. And boy, is it a ride getting there!
jennabarricklo's review against another edition
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
greeyy973's review against another edition
3.0
C’etait une belle histoire mais c pas incroyable non plus, le début était un peu mélangé mais après ça passe tout seul.
Par contre le plot twist dsl mais jsuis déçu il est trop nul je m’attendais à un truc de fouu mais bon tant pis. En tous cas ct cool
Par contre le plot twist dsl mais jsuis déçu il est trop nul je m’attendais à un truc de fouu mais bon tant pis. En tous cas ct cool
dwinareads's review against another edition
2.0
In a word: Meh.
I kinda went into this one blind — I knew it was a romance, and I’ve heard good things about this author. The book was used, on sale, and in great condition, (that’s how they get me, every time!), so I snagged it. It started off well enough, I was intrigued and wanted to know more. The middle of the plot got more interesting, but once the main ‘mystery’ was revealed, I was so bored I only skimmed the last couple chapters.
The writing was good enough, I guess. Most of the characters were unrealistic and forgettable, and some were annoying and unlikable. I do appreciate the disability rep, but otherwise, nothing really stood out.
Not the worst story I’ve read, but not really memorable.
I kinda went into this one blind — I knew it was a romance, and I’ve heard good things about this author. The book was used, on sale, and in great condition, (that’s how they get me, every time!), so I snagged it. It started off well enough, I was intrigued and wanted to know more. The middle of the plot got more interesting, but once the main ‘mystery’ was revealed, I was so bored I only skimmed the last couple chapters.
The writing was good enough, I guess. Most of the characters were unrealistic and forgettable, and some were annoying and unlikable. I do appreciate the disability rep, but otherwise, nothing really stood out.
Not the worst story I’ve read, but not really memorable.
melissa_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Light, fluffy, and fun. Unhoneymooners will always be my favourite Christina Lauren but this one was ok. It was on par with Roomie & My Favourite half-night stand.
sheen93's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0