The Honey - Don't List by Christina Lauren

Publisher: Gallery Books

Publication Date: March 24th, 2020

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

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Buy Links: Kinokuniya Malaysia | MPH Online

Source: Huge thanks to Pansing for the review copy in exchange for an honest review

Rating: 4.5★

Blurbs

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…

I have been watching Hailey in Bookland's Youtube video (pssst: she is one of my favourite Booktuber!) and she has been talking a lot about Christina Lauren's book. That was the very reason that intrigued me to get my hands on Christina Lauren's book. Here we are, my very first book by Christina Lauren.

That being said, it was really REALLY fun to read. I really enjoy reading The Honey - Don't List like so much. The story put me in a good mood with a slow burn but a cute romance between Carey and James. Carey worked as an assistant to this power HGTV's couple who do a home remodeling and design since she was 16 years old. While, James, the MIT graduate, the new guy who worked closely with Rusty Tripp. Things happened that forced Carey and James to follow Melissa and Rusty to a book tour to ensure these couples are all good. That was the beginning of something unexpected between Carey and James.

Another reason I enjoy reading this book was that I am the biggest fan of anything related to remodeling and designing houses on the HGTV channel. I can watch it all day, every day, every week. No one can ever disturb me when I'm watching my favourite HGTV's show. So, when I read the blurb of The Honey-Don't List I was really intrigued and cannot wait to dive into this story. Without a doubt, I really do enjoy it. Reading this it feels like I get to watch the behind story of the shows.

Favourite quote:

"That trust takes time. But when you love each other, it shouldn't be scary to be vulnerable and it shouldn't be hard to compromise."

I adore Christina Lauren's writing. It is not to fast and it is not that slow. I love the normal pace that we get to uncover step by step of the story. The story feel realistic enough. It felt so real and I like that. We can follow the development of characters throughout this story. There are full of flaws and that is how we are in real life. 

Overall, this is definitely going to be my favourite contemporary romance in 2020. Certainly, I'm going to read other books by Christina Lauren. If you are a fan of HGTV's channel you might want to consider this to be your next read. 

Book is available at all good bookstores.