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3.44 AVERAGE
3.44 AVERAGE
Review can be found on The Life & Times of a Book Addict Blog
I liked the concept of this book. And I loved Carey and James. They have a great chemistry. Even though they never gave each other the time of day before, once they are forced to work more closely together, they quickly discover how much they enjoy each other’s company. They learn to appreciate what the other can do, and their dislike swiftly turns into attraction. The only thing I wished I got in this story was more Carey and James! The story revolved mainly around the Tripps…. mostly Melissa, whom I could not stand at all. Her character is pretty mean, and she didn’t get much better as the story went on. It would have been great to see the Tripps take a bit of a backseat to Carey and James.
The Honey-Don’t List is more of a contemporary romance than a rom-com to me, but it was an enjoyable and easy read...great for the upcoming holiday weekend.
RATING: 3½ OUT OF 5.
**Though I received this book on behalf of the Publisher, the thoughts and opinions in this review are solely my own.**
I liked the concept of this book. And I loved Carey and James. They have a great chemistry. Even though they never gave each other the time of day before, once they are forced to work more closely together, they quickly discover how much they enjoy each other’s company. They learn to appreciate what the other can do, and their dislike swiftly turns into attraction. The only thing I wished I got in this story was more Carey and James! The story revolved mainly around the Tripps…. mostly Melissa, whom I could not stand at all. Her character is pretty mean, and she didn’t get much better as the story went on. It would have been great to see the Tripps take a bit of a backseat to Carey and James.
The Honey-Don’t List is more of a contemporary romance than a rom-com to me, but it was an enjoyable and easy read...great for the upcoming holiday weekend.
RATING: 3½ OUT OF 5.
**Though I received this book on behalf of the Publisher, the thoughts and opinions in this review are solely my own.**
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a super quick story that I read in a few hours. It was so easy to read, I did it in almost one sitting, so if you're looking for a quick read, this is a great option.
I didn't enjoy this as much as other Christina Lauren books I've read. I felt the romance was on the lighter side, and a bit underdeveloped if I'm being honest. And I didn't really connect with the characters personally. I did feel like I got a sense of history between Carey, Rusty, and Melissa and got to see how complex their relationship truly was. I really did not like Melissa at all, she's the worst and was generally just an awful person. Though the romance wasn't a strong point in the book, there was some cute moments between Carey and James I enjoyed.
Not a bad book, not my favorite, but I had a good time reading it so I can't complain all that much. But I felt like I was missing some of the charm and humor that I got from other CL books.
I didn't enjoy this as much as other Christina Lauren books I've read. I felt the romance was on the lighter side, and a bit underdeveloped if I'm being honest. And I didn't really connect with the characters personally. I did feel like I got a sense of history between Carey, Rusty, and Melissa and got to see how complex their relationship truly was. I really did not like Melissa at all, she's the worst and was generally just an awful person. Though the romance wasn't a strong point in the book, there was some cute moments between Carey and James I enjoyed.
Not a bad book, not my favorite, but I had a good time reading it so I can't complain all that much. But I felt like I was missing some of the charm and humor that I got from other CL books.
I’m embarrassed to admit that this is my first read by Christina Lauren. I’ve read so many amazing reviews of her (their) books in the past and have just never picked one up.
At first, I had trouble getting into the book, as I felt the oppressiveness of conflict straight off. The reasoning is because this story is told with flashbacks interspersed, so I got a feel of the drama before connecting with any of the characters.
It didn’t take long, however, before I was able to sync with the book’s rhythm and start trusting the writers to tell me a roller coaster of a story. It almost happened the same way Carey and James got to know each other–one delicious peace of information at a time until you realize that what you’re looking at is engrossing! A little bit of a surprise.
I really enjoyed Carey’s character the most. She started out as a doormat of a character and on her own merit, manages to emerge a fully-capable, and sure of herself adult by the last chapter. Earlier, she has no idea what she wants or who she is. I’m glad to say her metamorphosis felt complete and organic.
I also enjoyed James’ character. It helped that we got alternating perspectives from the two of them. Because some of his actions may have been questionable if the reader hadn’t been able to see inside his mind. Without that, I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed the romance between him and Carey quite as much.
As for Melissa and Rusty… Well, I’m not going to parse out their characters too much. Let’s just say that I feel a bit conflicted about them both. But, I think that may have been the point.
The Honey-Don’t List was a calm ride with suddenly rapid waters towards the end, which served itself up, humorously and intelligently. I felt vindicated at the end and quite content with how things wrapped up.
At first, I had trouble getting into the book, as I felt the oppressiveness of conflict straight off. The reasoning is because this story is told with flashbacks interspersed, so I got a feel of the drama before connecting with any of the characters.
It didn’t take long, however, before I was able to sync with the book’s rhythm and start trusting the writers to tell me a roller coaster of a story. It almost happened the same way Carey and James got to know each other–one delicious peace of information at a time until you realize that what you’re looking at is engrossing! A little bit of a surprise.
I really enjoyed Carey’s character the most. She started out as a doormat of a character and on her own merit, manages to emerge a fully-capable, and sure of herself adult by the last chapter. Earlier, she has no idea what she wants or who she is. I’m glad to say her metamorphosis felt complete and organic.
I also enjoyed James’ character. It helped that we got alternating perspectives from the two of them. Because some of his actions may have been questionable if the reader hadn’t been able to see inside his mind. Without that, I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed the romance between him and Carey quite as much.
As for Melissa and Rusty… Well, I’m not going to parse out their characters too much. Let’s just say that I feel a bit conflicted about them both. But, I think that may have been the point.
The Honey-Don’t List was a calm ride with suddenly rapid waters towards the end, which served itself up, humorously and intelligently. I felt vindicated at the end and quite content with how things wrapped up.
"So this is what it feels like to be with someone who wants to give simply for the pleasure of it"
Here’s the deal. I will read anything that Christina Lauren writes. Because even if the book doesn’t end up on my ‘Favorites’ list, it will never end up on my ‘Waste of time’ list.
I started this in bed this morning over a cup of coffee and finished this afternoon in between loads of laundry. I could belabor what I didn’t like- but I’d rather focus on what I did like. It was a quick, light read that was exactly what my current bandwidth could handle. Lighter on the steam
I started this in bed this morning over a cup of coffee and finished this afternoon in between loads of laundry. I could belabor what I didn’t like- but I’d rather focus on what I did like. It was a quick, light read that was exactly what my current bandwidth could handle. Lighter on the steam
I’m just going to keep this review short and sweet. The Honey-Don’t List is a book that you’re either going to love or you’re going to hate. For me, it was just an ok read. I thought the idea of the story was fun and different. I love home remodeling shows and would be perfectly happy lounging around the house, watching HGTV. I was excited to see where this writing duo would take this story.
What I liked: As I previously stated, the plot was unique. I found the characters to be likable and loved the humorous moments.
What I didn’t like: For me, this book didn’t read as a contemporary romance or even romantic comedy. Yes, it had both of those elements, but the romance between the two main characters really took the back burner in this story. I felt like the main focus of the story was the Tripps, when it really should have been on the budding relationship between James & Carey. So, while I found the characters likable, I was left wanting and needing more. I wanted to know why these characters were together? Why should I be rooting for the two of them? In the end, I just felt like there was something missing.
Overall, this book was an ok read. While there were some aspects that I liked, I just found the story to be lacking and wanted more. So, while this book isn’t a 100% hit for me, I’m still glad I checked it and gave it a chance. I adore this writing duo and will be looking forward to see what they release next.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via NetGalley & the publisher, in exchange for an honest review*
What I liked: As I previously stated, the plot was unique. I found the characters to be likable and loved the humorous moments.
What I didn’t like: For me, this book didn’t read as a contemporary romance or even romantic comedy. Yes, it had both of those elements, but the romance between the two main characters really took the back burner in this story. I felt like the main focus of the story was the Tripps, when it really should have been on the budding relationship between James & Carey. So, while I found the characters likable, I was left wanting and needing more. I wanted to know why these characters were together? Why should I be rooting for the two of them? In the end, I just felt like there was something missing.
Overall, this book was an ok read. While there were some aspects that I liked, I just found the story to be lacking and wanted more. So, while this book isn’t a 100% hit for me, I’m still glad I checked it and gave it a chance. I adore this writing duo and will be looking forward to see what they release next.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via NetGalley & the publisher, in exchange for an honest review*
I love Christina Lauren and I thought this book was very cute.
It just seemed to lack the emotional depth between the two love interests that I needed to really fall for them.
That said, it was a fun listen and great narrators, just really low on the angst and conflict and passion I need to be truly invested.
It just seemed to lack the emotional depth between the two love interests that I needed to really fall for them.
That said, it was a fun listen and great narrators, just really low on the angst and conflict and passion I need to be truly invested.