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scookiecat's review against another edition
medium-paced
It's giving Lucy Score's Mr. Fixer Upper vibes, the home renovation-esque background and co-workers who kinda hate-like each other. The writing and chemistry of the MC's in this story is better though but not the better ending lol.
charleki's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
maddiesankaran's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
theeclecticreview's review against another edition
4.0
Melissa and Russell Tripp are a couple growing apart in a very public arena. Their personal assistants, Carey and James are tasked with putting out fires for their bosses, which may be too much for their own budding romance.
For the most part James and I have kept to our own schedules since he joined Comb+Honey two months ago. It’s not that I dislike him, exactly, but the way he writes off my job as disposable and frivolous and treats me like I’m only intelligent enough for remedial assistant activities—unless he needs help performing one himself, of course—really pisses me off.
Carey Duncan has worked for the Tripps for ten years and is never credited for the designs she has created for their home redesign store and television empire. She has her reasons for staying with the Tripps, but she wants to take back her own life with less stress. During a promotional tour for their show, Melly and Rusty are a powder keg ready to blow at any second and Carey and her uptight colleague, James, must work together to keep their employers in line long enough to complete the tour. The last thing Carey expected was to fall for James.
Pop culture would have us believe that men look at women and immediately imagine them naked. That is not always the case, actually. As far as my job is concerned, I have generally been too busy and frazzled and worried about keeping it to think about Carey as a warm-blooded woman with responsive body parts. This morning is an exception. To be fair, though, the hotel does have the air conditioning on pretty high.
James McCann is not happy to be on this promotional tour with two of the most miserable and angry people he has ever seen. He planned to vacation in Florida with his family and now he is forced to babysit the Tripps. He is an engineer posing as a personal assistant. He is stuck in this godforsaken job because of shady dealings by the top dogs at his old firm and he needs to build his resume. But he’s developing a crush on Carey, the girl who quotes odd sayings, dresses down for every occasion and has bad eating habits.
James is button-down shirts, suits, and color-coded folders. Carey is Dolly Parton t-shirts, Funyons, and notebooks. Carey is “very clearly the Pigpen to his Schroeder”. I laughed so many times at James and Carey’s playful banter. I was also appalled at how Melly treated Carey after Carey gave up her young life and sacrificed her talents to please Melly. Being rich and famous does not always mean happy and content. On the other hand, don’t judge a book by its cover, it may surprise you.
Overall, this story stirs lots of emotions in the reader such as betrayal, lies, stress, love, laughter, and transformation. The authors do a great job delving into the ruins of a marriage made in public and discovering love in the most unlikely of places.
Thank you to Christina Lauren for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
For the most part James and I have kept to our own schedules since he joined Comb+Honey two months ago. It’s not that I dislike him, exactly, but the way he writes off my job as disposable and frivolous and treats me like I’m only intelligent enough for remedial assistant activities—unless he needs help performing one himself, of course—really pisses me off.
Carey Duncan has worked for the Tripps for ten years and is never credited for the designs she has created for their home redesign store and television empire. She has her reasons for staying with the Tripps, but she wants to take back her own life with less stress. During a promotional tour for their show, Melly and Rusty are a powder keg ready to blow at any second and Carey and her uptight colleague, James, must work together to keep their employers in line long enough to complete the tour. The last thing Carey expected was to fall for James.
Pop culture would have us believe that men look at women and immediately imagine them naked. That is not always the case, actually. As far as my job is concerned, I have generally been too busy and frazzled and worried about keeping it to think about Carey as a warm-blooded woman with responsive body parts. This morning is an exception. To be fair, though, the hotel does have the air conditioning on pretty high.
James McCann is not happy to be on this promotional tour with two of the most miserable and angry people he has ever seen. He planned to vacation in Florida with his family and now he is forced to babysit the Tripps. He is an engineer posing as a personal assistant. He is stuck in this godforsaken job because of shady dealings by the top dogs at his old firm and he needs to build his resume. But he’s developing a crush on Carey, the girl who quotes odd sayings, dresses down for every occasion and has bad eating habits.
James is button-down shirts, suits, and color-coded folders. Carey is Dolly Parton t-shirts, Funyons, and notebooks. Carey is “very clearly the Pigpen to his Schroeder”. I laughed so many times at James and Carey’s playful banter. I was also appalled at how Melly treated Carey after Carey gave up her young life and sacrificed her talents to please Melly. Being rich and famous does not always mean happy and content. On the other hand, don’t judge a book by its cover, it may surprise you.
Overall, this story stirs lots of emotions in the reader such as betrayal, lies, stress, love, laughter, and transformation. The authors do a great job delving into the ruins of a marriage made in public and discovering love in the most unlikely of places.
Thank you to Christina Lauren for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
emilyb_chicago's review against another edition
2.0
While this was easy reading with a light plot and very light romance, I spent much of the time just feeling sorry for the main character. I find it very frustrating when plot points revolve around someone doing something out of character or characters simply not talking. Despite my plot frustrations, I thought the book was fine but rather forgettable.
kle105's review against another edition
4.0
If you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of a home renovation show, this gives you an inside scoop. It also answered the question of whether or not you can work with your significant other without eventually hating them. Or what happens when one of them is addicted to the fame. The Tripps' started out with a small shop, and Melly has the vision of fame.
Having just finished a TV show with a group of people, they now have their own show and traveling on a book tour on their marriage. The problem is the trip is not going as planned and really just trying not to kill each other. Carey and James as their assistants are being tasked with "babysitting" them to ensure no drama makes it into the public, and damage their change of getting a second season. Hilarity ensues, a lot of drama, a few hookups, and lots of snark and wit. Basically all the good stuff.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Having just finished a TV show with a group of people, they now have their own show and traveling on a book tour on their marriage. The problem is the trip is not going as planned and really just trying not to kill each other. Carey and James as their assistants are being tasked with "babysitting" them to ensure no drama makes it into the public, and damage their change of getting a second season. Hilarity ensues, a lot of drama, a few hookups, and lots of snark and wit. Basically all the good stuff.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
jgonz408's review against another edition
4.0
Light sweet romance with Joanna and chip gaine vibes! Carey and James work for Home improvement couple, Russ and Melissa who are the ideal couple in the spotlight but realistically a mess. Plot was interesting and easy to read.
fairytales's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. Christina Lauren books are interesting since I’ve loved some and really didn’t like others but I thought this was a sweet read and I found the juxtaposition of a long but failing relationship and a new healthier relationship interesting. I enjoyed James and Carey and loved seeing the disability representation. There were some good lessons on toxic and abusive relationships. I didn’t love the ending—it seemed like both Melissa and Rusty got off too easy, although I know that’s just how the world works sometimes, it felt a bit idealized. I did enjoy Carey’s ending and that she took time for herself, her social relationships, and for therapy.