I love a second chance childhood romance story so much! the chemistry between them was amazing. I wish they talked more about their childhood or more backstory because we only got glimpses. If you enjoy HGTV shows, you will probably love this!

This book is a freaking delight.

Tropes abound (second chance romance, friends to lovers, celebrity romance, reality tv setting), next level pining, a great mix of sweet with open door spice, dual POV, NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP OR MISCOMMUNICATION - there’s not much more you could ask for from this book.

While it won’t be a forever favourite for me, it’s one I can see myself rereading when I need something good for my heart.

This was such a cute and sweet book, but spicy too.
Shelby and Cameron grew up together as co-stars on a popular teen show. They both left Hollywood and went on to lead completely different and separate lives. Now they are being pushed back together by their ex-co-star, who happens to be Shelby's ex-boyfriend to work together on a home renovation show.
Second chance romances are one of my very favorite tropes and this one worked very well for me. Cameron and Shelby had great chemistry and were a wonderful couple.
I definitely recommend this book if you are in need of a good rom-com.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This didn't started as well as I wanted , it took me a little bit longer to get into the story but ended up liking it!It was slow at first but I find this one so sweet and cute. The home renovation angle here was fun and enjoyable one of the best parts in the story, also it's second chance romance another thing I love.

Shelby and Cameron were flirty, sweet and fun together. I loved their banter.

This is the first book I have read by Erin Hahn and definitely want to read some of her others books after reading Built to Last. I couldn’t wait to read this book because I love second chance childhood romances! I loved the chemistry between the two main characters, especially their banter and overall development of their relationship. The only thing I would change is more back story or flash backs of their relationship when they were younger instead of a quick reference to add more depth . Thank you NetGalley for a ARC in return for my honest feedback.

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for letting me read Built to Last by Erin Hahn! I was originally interested in this book because I follow Erin on Twitter and as she was talking about this book and promoting it before it came out, it sounded so incredibly adorable and I’m so glad I got to read it! Built to Last came out back in *date* of 2022, so make sure you grab it today!
Built to Last 4/5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: "I loved this delightful romance about makeovers of old homes, old personas, and relationships that never had a chance to launch. A sweet, charming reminder of what you can build with a strong foundation." - Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Two Ways
Erin Hahn's Built to Last is a sparkling second chance romance about owning what you’re worth and fighting for the one who got away.
Shelby Springfield has spent the last ten years trying to overcome her past, sanding it away like the rough spots on the vintage furniture she makes over. But as a former child star, it’s hard to forget a widely documented meltdown and huge public break up with her former co-star Lyle Jessup. It’s also hard to forget her other co-star and childhood sweetheart, Cameron Riggs—the one who got away.
Anytime Shelby has called, Cameron has come running… And then he runs right off again to chase stories around the world by making documentaries, too scared to admit what he really wants. But when Lyle stirs the pot, getting the two back in the spotlight with a home renovation show, Cameron can't help but get on board.
There's something in it for everyone—almost. Cameron wants to set down some roots. Shelby wants to prove she's not the messy party girl anymore. And a jealous Lyle can’t help but try to get in the way. But for his two childhood friends who had more chemistry than he could ever dream of, nothing is getting in the way of their second chance at love.
“Thank you, Erin Hahn, for making me laugh and swoon and cry sweet, happy tears. Can I live in this book?" - Jen Doll, author of Save the Date and Unclaimed Baggage
Omg I love Shelby and Cameron! So, so much! I love that Shelby turned from a child star into someone who restores wood furniture and helps her dad flip houses. She grew so much from that initial chapter where we seeing her breaking apart to five years later when she’s so much more put together and looking to have her house flipping show to help her dad. And Cameron, man, what a guy- he’s got so much to work through, but he’s he’s got that like hot trauma which isn’t too detrimental to anything but, you know, long term relationship building. I really liked how Built to Last capitalized on the popularity of house flipping shows these days. In terms of plot and pacing, there were a few points that felt a little slow, but overall, I really liked the way that Built to Last was written and I can’t wait to read more by Erin Hahn!

Link to be added as soon as post goes live

Honestly couldnt put this one down! Ended up listening to this one in audiobook form and fell in love with it! I love a good second chance romance done well and this was exactly it! Cannot wait to read what else Erin Hahn has in store.

This book was not for me, but I appreciated the chance to read it. The characters were not particularly likable, and the plot was a bit tired.

Built to Last by Erin Hahn follows Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs. They both are former child stars. Shelby has been trying to overcome her past struggles, such as a public breakdown and a breakup with her former costar Lyle Jessup. Shelby now enjoys making over vintage furniture and houses. She has a constant friend to rely on in Cameron, her childhood sweetheart. He spends his time travelling the world filming documentaries. Both Shelby and Cameron still have feelings for each other. When Lyle gets the two back together for a home renovation reality show, Shelby and Cameron have their own separate reasons for joining the show. As the pilot is filmed, Shelby and Cameron begin to reconnect.

While I struggled to maintain a connection to the characters, I did find this book to be a quick, fun read. If you love HGTV, you will love this book.

3/5 stars

I enjoyed this cute rom-com and the multiple POVs and the author's writing. The tropes within (somewhat of a love triangle, the hollywood tie-in) were just not my jam. Otherwise, good storyline.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Everyone loves a second chance at their first love trope. Erin Hahn’s Built to Last tells the memorable story of child actors Shelby and Cameron who find themselves thrown back together on a reality TV show a la Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Erin Hahn’s first foray into adult romance from YA definitely shows in the dialogue here as the first half of the book is a little hard to get into - the second half promises better as her character development and story ARC really come into their own.

I would have loved to know more about Cam and Shelby outside of short flashbacks, but all in all - this is an easy read. Not sure if it’s memorable, but definitely worth the perusal if you’ve got the time.

Thanks to Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press, and Erin Hahn for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Read if you like:

+ Magnolia / Chip & Jo
+ Childhood sweethearts
+ Celebrity inspired romance

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved Cam & Shelby’s story and the second (or third) chance nature of their love. I liked the setting of reality TV (but make it cozy) and child stars growing up successfully.

A home improvement shows has young people putting it on and the ups and downs going along with it plus the romantic twist that is set up as well. the characters are good along with the story.

Shelby and Cam grew up in front of the cameras as two of the three child stars of one of the most popular teen shows of their time. Cam eventually left Hollywood behind to travel the world making documentaries for NatGeo. Shelby let her mom use and push her until a bad breakup ends up breaking her and she retreats to help her dad with his contractor business.
Years later, after accepting that they were maybe not meant to be, they find themselves brought together for a home flipping reality show. A show being produced by the third former child star of their past, who also happens to be Shelby's ex and is convinced that she cheated on him with Cam.
It's a sweet, slow-burning coming together for two souls that had to do a little growing up and finding themselves before they could find their happily ever after. The fact that it's all taking place while the vindictive ex is doing his best to make their working experience as painful as possible is extra emotional perfection.
I love stories that show scenes from the point of view of both people in the romance. Hahn does a great job of giving Shelby and Cam very distinct voices so it really sounds like you're getting the thoughts and opinions of two very different people that just happen to complement each other.
I also enjoyed that it's obvious from the very beginning that we're going to get the HEA, but the plot keeps throwing obstacles in the road for the couple to surpass, be it together or as individuals.
Overall, it's a great second-chance romance with fun Hollywood elements and great supporting characters that puts the emphasis on growing into oneself before getting into a relationship, and I will always support that message.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for this upbeat, second-chance romance read!

I liked this book - fast moving plot, good characters, and fun to read. The author did a great job with the story, plot, and setting. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

Shelby is a former child star who is out to live a normal life and prove she is no longer who she used to be. She's grown up, capable, and a strong woman who does not need a man to succeed in life. I loved how she turned out normal despite her crazy childhood.

My only complaint is that the timelines jumped around to tell both Shelby and Cameron's backstories. And there is a lot of backstory when you have stereotypical child star mom Ada Mae and bad boy Lyle in your lives. It was 100% predictable on what was going to happen there.

Thanks to @Netgalley for an advance copy.

I sort of loved this one 🥰 Y’all know I’m a fan of “right person, wrong time” trope (AKA second chance) so when I discovered “Built to Last” incorporated my favorite trope into the storyline, I was S O L D!

Shelby and Cameron grew up together while starring in a kids sitcom. Along for the ride is their co-star Lyle who, now years later, is Shelby’s cheating, no good ex. When Hollywood star turned TV producer Lyle offers Shelby and Cameron an offer they can’t refuse — a home renovation show of their own — the duo is given a second chance to star in their own happy ever after.

I think I was the problem when it came to this book! I just was not in the right headspace for a slow burn romance and that really affected my attitude. This is a classic second chance, friends to lovers with some forced proximity action and had all of the makings of a wonderful romance! I think I just wanted a little more action and a lot sooner. I loved that this book focused on renovating a house- and it gave a fun little nod to all of those shows on HGTV that we absolutely love and that made it super fun! Overall, if you like low spice, just super sweet romance books, this one is definitely the one for you!

3.5 rounded to 4. Ready for more celebrity romance? It was definitely my most read troupe of 2022. So many were published.

Shelby is a former child star who is out to live a normal life and prove she is no longer who she used to be. She's grown up, capable, and a strong woman who does not need a man to succeed in life. I loved how she turned out normal despite her crazy childhood.

My only complaint is that the timelines jumped around to tell both Shelby and Cameron's backstories. And there is a lot of backstory when you have stereotypical child star mom Ada Mae and bad boy Lyle in your lives. It was 100% predictable on what was going to happen there.

GOODREADS 1-LINE : Two childhood sweethearts find a second chance at love in this adult romance debut from a critically acclaimed young adult author.

READ IF YOU LOVE:
• HGTV and all their home shows
• celebrity, second chance, childhood friends-to-lovers romance comedies
• dual point of view narrations

Thank you to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Built to Last is Erin Hahn’s debut Adult RomCom. I am unfamiliar with this author's YA backlist, so she was entirely new to me. I will definitely be picking up more of her books. Shelby and Cameron are the perfect couple. They are so in sync and the way their long-term friendship is reflected in their relationship is wonderful.