Review of The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren
There’s something inherently magnetic about the notion of home remodeling, especially in the hands of a power couple. I couldn’t resist picking up The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren, especially after hearing whispers that this new release would dive deeper into character relationships than their previous works. As someone who adores a good romantic comedy, I was eager to see how these esteemed authors would weave humor and love amid the chaos of a chaotic book tour.
At the heart of the story are Carey Douglas and James McCann, two incredibly relatable characters grappling with their challenging roles in the shadow of America’s favorite duo—Melissa and Rusty Tripp. Carey, having dedicated years to helping the Tripps build their empire, finds herself cornered, needing health insurance while resisting the uncomfortable truths about her demanding employers. Meanwhile, James, initially hired as a structural engineer, quickly learns that keeping peace in the Tripp household is a full-time job in itself. Their determination to navigate the ups and downs of the tours together forms the crux of their budding relationship.
One of my favorite moments in the book captures the essence of relationships through the metaphor that "relationships are a lot like houses: without a good foundation, they’ll crumble." This rings especially true as Carey and James slowly discover the cracks beneath their bosses’ picture-perfect surface. The emotional unraveling of the characters alongside the physical journey up the West Coast offers a rich narrative experience that reflects the tumultuous, sometimes messy reality of both love and life.
While the Tripps can sometimes feel like exaggerated caricatures of the TV host archetype (and perhaps a critique of our entertainment industry), I appreciated that Carey and James provided a more grounded perspective. Their sweet and relatable connection was a refreshing highlight, and I found their chemistry quite endearing—even if it leaned towards a semi-insta-love trope that I usually tread lightly around.
Despite the compelling premise, I found myself wishing for a touch more depth in character development, particularly concerning Melissa’s treatment of others, which felt unresolved. Compared to Twice In a Blue Moon, I appreciated the narrative growth in The Honey-Don’t List, but I still craved a stronger emotional arc that would leave me breathless, rather than merely entertained.
In terms of writing style, Christina Lauren’s trademark wit shines through, but I sensed a slight shift toward a focus on women’s fiction rather than the more romantic atmosphere of previous novels like The Unhoneymooners. It’s not necessarily a negative change, but rather a testament to their evolving storytelling.
In conclusion, The Honey-Don’t List is a pleasing read for anyone who enjoys a blend of contemporary romance with a sprinkle of life’s comedic messiness. Ideal for those who appreciate lighthearted stories with deeper themes of resilience and connection, this novel might just capture your heart—albeit with a few reservations. For me, it landed at a solid 3.5 stars, a step up from its predecessor but still leaving me yearning for that magic spark that leaves readers raving.
I’d recommend this book for anyone who’s ever found solace in the idea of building something beautiful together, even amid the rubble. After all, isn’t that what home truly is?