Navigating Love Amidst Chaos
Author: Christina Lauren
Publication Date: March, 23rd 2020
Genre: Romance
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 1
Official Description:
For the last decade, Carey Douglas has poured her heart into working for the Tripps. Now, with a new show, a book about to launch and a brand built on their marriage, the couple are on the verge of superstardom. There's only one problem: they can't stand each other.
With disaster looming, the Tripps embark on their book tour and Carey is given the impossible task of keeping the quarrelling couple in line. Only this time she has a companion: James McCann, engineering whiz, know-it-all and enticing new addition to the team.
While on the road, Carey and James vow to work together to keep their bosses' secrets hidden. But if they stop playing along - and start playing for keeps - they may actually have the chance to build something beautiful together . . .
The Honey-Don't List Christina Lauren
My Thoughts
I'm kind of sad that this book didn't do it for me.
I have only discovered Christina Lauren this year (where have I been, right?) and so I started reading their books from most recent to oldest. Initially I thought, maybe I didn't like "The Honey Don't List" because it's a bit older and their writing style might simply have become better over the years. Well, yes and no. You can definitely tell that there is a very similar style to the most recent books - and that it works - but then again "Josh and Hazel's Guide to not dating" is from 2018 - and it's my absolute favourite by far!
So, why did I not like this one?
For one, the writing style seemed a bit all over the place. The premise of Carey and James being paired as assistants—and potential love interests—to the popular TV duo The Tripps is both ironic and promising. Their task? To 'save' the Tripps' marriage and public image while promoting their formula for the perfect marriage through book and TV deals.
In reality, 90% of the book depicts the emotional abuse of these assistants, something that just doesn't ring romantic or sexy to me. There was no real banter between Carey and James, not even much interaction to be honest. It all came much later in the book and then James went suddenly from 0 to 100%? It all felt forced. I need a bit of build-up between the characters to become really invested in their story. Instead, I felt dread for Carey, being so manipulated and abused by her boss. I could feel her hopelessness and the way she didn't see any way out, no perspective of a different live.
So..... that was exhausting.
But what really disturbed me, was this idea that one single night of sex with James has completely converted her to suddenly believe in herself, suddenly quitting the abuse. It just didn't feel authentic. And - not only - did he, therefore, change her life but also they realised they love each other? Again... way too quick! This is not a story of falling in love at first sight (which would be fine if it were) but then was it supposed to be? I was really disappointed tbh.
Then again, there are always misses. And that is ok. There are so many other books by Christina Lauren that I have devoured and loved, so I am just gonna shelve it as a little "whoops".
The Honey-Don't List Christina Lauren
Disclaimer: I have added an affiliate link for your convenience so you can directly purchase the book if you are intrigued. This also means that I will receive small commission. This does not affect inclusion in my reviews or the overall rating of the book.
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