There were some waffley bits in the middle that I wasn't particularly fond of but I appreciated the ending.

Meh. Another in the parade of underwhelming books from Christina Lauren

Cheeeeezy fun

This tight little contemporary romance may not be breaking a lot of molds--though there are nods to more progressive thinking in the form of a same-sex couple and a romantic lead with a minor disability--but it was worth the two days it took to read. This sweet tale of a young creative being exploited by her HGTV-style megastar boss gives off major The Devil Wears Prada vibes, and in the best way. Carey Duncan has been working for the same people since she was sixteen, taking over more and more responsibilities for the home renovation empire that they have built together. When marital crisis threatens the livelihood of the brand and everyone who works for it, Carey must team up with the handsome, uptight James to handle the dynamic duo and save their careers. The nice thing about this novel when compared to other romances is that each lover is desperately in need of rescuing, and come to the rescue of each other with laudible aplomb. I think those crazy kids might just make it work in the long run--and the scorchingly hot sex scenes don't hurt to read either! Readers who love light romances will enjoy this fun and slightly sardonic romp through the sordid world of modern home improvement and design.

Very cute if sometimes a bit annoying (grow a spine girl!!). I liked the home improvement guru story angle and wonder how many designer couples are really like that…

It felt like it would have been better as a book on abusive and tonic relationships than a romance. The Tripps/Carrie relationship was more center than anything.

✎ The Honey Don’t List 4.5/5

After the toxic males I’ve been reading, the universe has decided to gift me the most wholesome man in the form of James. And I am thankful.

James seems like someone who stands up for women in a meeting and asks them to repeat their point after they were talked over over by a man. He is thoughtful, considerate, really sweet and reassuring. I could wax lyrical on the ways he subtly shows his care and attentiveness. And Carey!! A cinnamon roll heroine!! She’s so cute. It’s been a while since I’ve had a non-sassy heroine, she’s just so wholesome and light!! Carey does have insecurities about her education, but she voices it out and doesn’t let it manifest into some complex - and gives James a chance to reassure her. And hooray to Carey for normalising therapy!

This would have been an easy 5 if the focus was more on Carey and James. I get that the book centres around Melly and Russ, but I wanted more romance less hgtv drama. I could’ve also done without the tweets and police interviews - erase those pages! Make them Carey and James hold hands!!

I’ve become used to the enemies-lovers tension, so reading about a pair creating a healthy relationship without sassy banter or rude quips is so refreshing. It’s nourishing how they’re both trying to do the best they can while wanting the best for the other person. This is lighthearted and adorable and sometimes we need bright content to give our hearts a little comforting hug (an epilogue would have made this hug warmer though).