Note: An Advance Reader’s Copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Being a fan of Christina Lauren’s books, it’s always a joy to read their latest story. The fun thing about reading their books is that each story is unique from their previous one. Granted, they all still have major romance and sexy times in them, but their stories don’t follow a familiar pattern. 

That goes with this one, The Honey Don’t List, which presumably might’ve been inspired by the real-life, now-divorced couple who hosted HGTV’s “Flip or Flop” series. But that’s beside the point, because this is the story about a couple of assistants, or more like babysitters, who have to prevent a popular home designing couple from killing each other as they go on a book tour. 

Sounds like a fun story, right? That’s exactly right. 

The authors are pretty much all about fun when it comes to writing up their characters and giving their main couple situations that can be hilarious, yet momentous as they deal with their often-developing feelings with each other. 

That’s where Carey and James come in. Carey is assistant to Melissa Tripp, the so-called person behind all the home designs that have made the couple famous. And James is actually a structural engineer tasked with the unfortunate job of keeping Melissa’s husband Rusty in line and away from any potential women that could distract Rusty. As it is, Melissa and Rusty are on a book tour for their newest book on having a successful marriage. 

It’s not long into the book where you see the problems that Carey and James have as they accompany the famous couple on this tour, and there is, of course, some hilarity involved, but there’s also moments of tension and sadness and all those other human feelings that are relatable to any person that’s been through a relationship. 

Overall, like I said earlier, The Honey-Don’t List is fun and heartfelt in a way that my romantic heart craves. Another winner from Christina Lauren. 

About the book:

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…

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.

The Honey Don’t List is now available and can be ordered online through many retail locations where they sell books, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Content warning: Sex involved, strong language throughout, usual adult fare