Unlike when writing my last post, I didn’t agonize with this one. (Actually, I’m typing it up at the eleventh hour – the night before it goes live.) And I know what you’re thinking – another romance! What gives?
To be honest, it’s been a bit refreshing to read something more upbeat than a thriller. The more rom-coms I read, the more I like the genre. Yes, I still believe they are as predictable as a Hallmark Christmas movie, but for someone who just needs to know that everything works out in the end, it’s a welcome relief that a happy ending is pretty much guaranteed. And, so what if I may have read three rom-coms this month! They were all totally and completely worth it.
Title: The Honey Don’t List
Author: Christina Lauren
Rating: A Hot Mess (in a good way)
Genre: Romance
Page Count: 308
Published: 2020
The Honey Don’t list was a lightning-quick read. It’s the story about a home-renovation power couple who bears a striking resemblance to Chip and Joanna Gaines of the Fixer Upper stardom. But the relationship between this DIY power couple, Rusty and Melissa Tripp, is anything but symbiotic in real life. The owners of Comb+Honey play it up for the camera, but once out of eyeshot can’t stand to be in the same room. When they have to go on tour for their new relationship book (oh yes!), shit starts to hit the fan. Their assistants Carey and James are forced to tag along as chaperones, and what starts out as a nightmare for both, turns into a passionate few days.
This book was mildly thriller-esque. The opening scene is a police interview transcript of a defining event we only find out about much later. (Now that I’m thinking of it, this may be a good transition novel for fans of romance who want to get into thrillers. Is that a thing?) I enjoyed the alternating storylines – the “before” narrated by Carey and James and the “after” displayed as the interview transcripts.
Overall, if you’re looking for something light, fun, and comical, you’ve stumbled across a good pick. Christina Lauren has done it again!
TL;DR
Better than your trashy romance paperback. It’s a little bit rom-com, a little bit thriller, a lot a bit entertaining. As a former personal and executive assistant, I can attest that the job totally sucks. Add a sprinkle of co-worker drama and you’ve got yourself a real great time. Hope you’re sensing the sarcasm here.
If you liked this book, you might enjoy: I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella. (If you haven’t noticed, I love all her books!)
Little Book Bites 