Back in 2020 during the COVID lockdown, I came across Erin Hahn’s YA novel More Than Maybe. That day I knew I would read everything she wrote. If you haven’t read it yet, please do it! It’s still my favorite of hers by far.

Besides being Erin’s book, the other reason I knew I needed this was the HGTV vibes. Y’all don’t even know how obsessed am I with home renovation shows. Add it to a romance book and my day is booked!

I listened to the audiobook on audible and I really enjoyed the format.

The MCs in the story Cameron and Shelby were extremely likeable. I loved them both immediately. I’m not a huge second chance romance but I actually wanted them together so bad.

Cameron is the hero we all want and need. He was so down to earth, it was hard not to love him.

The side characters I mostly loved. Shelby’s dad was the best and Lorelei is the perfect girlfriend.
I’m hoping Lorelei’s story is next because I’m obsessed with her!

I could have gone without Lyle and his wife, though I understand the point of them in the story.

Overall this was a lighthearted romance that you all need in your life.

Built to Last is a second chance romance troupe that makes you believe in “meant to be.”

Shelby Springfield and Cameron were childhood co-stars and secret sweethearts. Cameron found his way out of the limelight just in time to head off to college. Shelby took a while longer to find her way out but out she came and headed straight to her hometown in Michigan where she took up furniture restoration to complement her father’s home rehabilitation company.

When Shelby and Cameron are propositioned with a reality TV show where they flip together, Shelby can’t say no because she is trying to help her dad and Cameron can’t say no to Shelby. Erin Hahn has nailed bringing the emotions of her characters to life.

I knew I would love this book! I loved the Shaadi Setup by Lillie Vale and How to Love Your Neighbor by Sophie Sullivan, so if you liked either of those books, I highly recommend Built to Last by Erin Hahn.

Shelby is trying to outrun her past as a child-star. However, that proves difficult with a viral messy breakup from her co-star Lyle Jessup. He sounds like a jerk doesn't he? Gah. I really didn't like him. Talk about a great villain in a story; this guy was just that. Broken hearted and humiliated about her breakup, Shelby calls her forever crush, Cameron and despite his fear of flying, he jumps a flight to be by her side. Sloppy drunk, Shelby is what awaits Cameron and after making sure she's ok, he takes off to keep making documentaries around the globe.

However, years later, when Lyle decides he's bored and wants to stir things up, he decides to play puppeteer. :Lyle orchestrates pushing Cameron and Shelby back into the limelight on a home renovation show. Unable to forget Shelby, Cameron can't resist coming back. Despite running away from his life, Cameron feels drawn to the idea of setting down roots and Shelby is determined to show the world she's no longer a party girl, but a family gal who loves restoring homes and furniture with her dad.

I loved the premise, I enjoyed the rollercoaster ride with Shelby and Cameron, and really liked the growth of these characters over time. I love books about home renovation so much. When authors take time to detail the restoration process in detail and the makeovers the characters make happen, I'm sucked in. I'm always looking to shift furniture around my home and add new touches. Of course after reading this book, I had to keep myself from reupholstering a couch I have.

I listened to this one as an audiobook courtesy of PRH Audio and would highly recommend it!

5⭐️

<b> Everything between Cameron Riggs and me has always felt at once insignificant and extraordinary. We were kids. It was only a crush. It was just sex. I swallow thickly, knowing none of it was that simple.</b>

Shelby and Cameron were once costars on The World According to Jackson, a very Disney Channel-esque teen show, when they were growing up. Shelby and Cameron were always close, and had a relationship in secret during the course of the show. But then after the show ended, Cameron left for college, leaving Shelby behind in Hollywood. Shelby started dating Lyle, the main character and her love interest in the show. The two dated for five years before Lyle cheated on Shelby with her best friend. Shelby immediately called Cameron in a drunken haze, and Cameron dropped everything he was doing for his job at National Geographic to fly in from Alaska. When Cameron arrives, Shelby is a mess and drunk. Instead of staying and taking advantage of her, Cameron leaves and writes Shelby a note telling her to get out of Hollywood and not let the town suck her dry.

Five years later, Shelby and Cameron are called in to a meeting about a potential home renovation show. Shelby has sobered up and moved back home to Michigan and helps her dad with house flipping. Cameron has been traveling for National Geographic. The two are surprised and annoyed to see their former costar, Lyle, is the showrunner calling the shots for the new show. Cameron and Shelby eventually agree to do the show, and get started a month later by picking a house to renovate.

Neither Cameron nor Shelby really got over one another, and they ease back into the way things always were. This is such a cute second chance romance and Cameron and Shelby are so good together. Lyle constantly tries to sabotage them during the show in an effort to see them fail, but in the end they prove him wrong. The drama, the characters, the banter are all spot on and so so good. As far as spice goes, it’s pretty mild but still really great!!

<b> “I had you first, and I’ll have you last.”

“You’ll have me forever.”</b>

BOOK REVIEW: Built to Last by Erin Hahn
2022 Publication Date: October 18

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
️
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Contemporary Romance Book
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2022

CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
Set your love standards based on reality... Not reality shows...

T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
Built To Last is more than just a feel-good love story... It's also a nuanced exploration of celebrity culture and the toll that it can take on mental health.

Hahn doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of stardom, but she also doesn't use them as a crutch or an excuse for bad behavior. Instead, Hahn shows us how the inherent trauma of being in the public eye can lead to very real mental health issues, and how those issues can be exacerbated by a toxic industry that values profit over people. It's a timely and important message, delivered in an entertaining and accessible package.

At the center of the story, Shelby is a relatable heroine who is trying to move on from her past. I loved watching her grow and change throughout the novel. She starts as a woman who is afraid to take chances, but by the end, she’s learned to stand up for herself and fight for what she wants.

Perfect for readers looking for an emotional roller coaster of a romance novel.

This book has it all: forbidden romance, Hollywood drama, relatable characters, and even a bit of social commentary thrown in for good measure.

Erin Hahn's Built to Last is a wonderful second-chance romance that will leave you wanting more. The main characters are richly drawn and the story is captivating with plenty of witty banter. With character development spanning from childhood best friend to adults with lots of history as a real relationship develops via undeniable chemistry.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll root for Shelby every step of the way... You won’t be disappointed!...✨😎✨

Pages: 330
Genre: Best Contemporary Romance Novels
Sub-Genre: Second Chance At Love Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶🌶 (Medium Spicy)
Time Period: Present Day
Location: Lake Michigan Area (US)

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
Movie: A Lot Like Love

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Must-Read Second Chance Romance...

Shelby Springfield has spent the last ten years trying to forget her past. As a former child star, it’s hard to live down a widely documented meltdown and huge public breakup 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.

But when an opportunity for a reunion show comes up, Shelby has to decide if she’s ready to confront her past head-on.

Erin Hahn expertly weaves together present and past, seamlessly transitioning between timelines to give readers a full picture of Shelby's journey.

We see Shelby at her lowest moments, making foolish mistakes out of insecurity and low self-esteem. But we also see her strength and resilience, as she slowly picks herself back up and starts to build a life that she loves. And through it all, we root for her — cheering for her success and hoping that she'll finally get her happy ending.

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.

If you're a fan of Christina Lauren or Jasmine Guillory, you'll love this heartwarming story of second chances and reconciliation.

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• The importance of fighting for what you want.
• The power of second chances.
• The need to be honest with yourself.

BOOK QUOTE:
"I'm all in... No take backs... " — Built to Last by Erin Hahn

--------------------

All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Home renovation plus second chance romance equals a delightful time with Shelby and Cameron. The two former child TV stars end up living next door and are thrown together into a big renovation project. They’ve grown a lot since they saw each other last and Cameron is still wrestling with his feelings for Shelby. This book has a lot of swoon worthy moments that will keep you reading until the final coat of paint is dry.

This is an adorably sweet, heart-warming story that is just pure enjoyment to read, throughout. I found the writing refreshing and the plot as well as the characters more than endearing. I cannot recommend it enough!

Built to Last was REFRESHING in how it handled misunderstandings. Cameron and Shelby, former child costars, have a long history and while certain plot elements could have been drug out with miscommunication, I was pleasantly surprised that they mostly talked like adults. Huh imagine that!
When they are brought back together to film a pilot for an HGTV-like show, they are offered a second chance to become who they want to be. The pacing of this story was great, and the supporting characters really added to the story. This is for all the readers out there who love second chance, friends-to-lovers and slow burns.
Thank you St. Martin's Griffin for the digital ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This second chance romance will have you swooning into your chair. Loved Cameron and Shelby and their journey. The emotional intelligence of their bond is real and they dealt with their interpersonal problems healthily when the time came and I loved that. This book is a great adult romance, this author has already established herself in the world of YA and we love to see a multi-talented author. Also loved the side characters, Maren and Lorelai and could not be happier that they'll feature in their own stories soon!

I’ve really enjoyed Erin Hahn’s YA novels and I’ve been excited for Built to Last!

I really enjoyed the slow burn former lovers to friends to lovers. Cameron and Shelby are former child stars who had crushes on each other on the tv show they costarred on. They’ve been apart for years, but we see a few of these moments in between. I loved seeing how Shelby turned her life around after leaving Hollywood. They had a few missed moments, but I loved seeing Cameron and Shelby reunite. Their banter was on point and this was a little steamy too. This was sweet and steamy. I also enjoyed the reality home fixer upper element. I can’t wait to see what Hahn writes next. I needed up listening to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrators!

I liked this book. It was a childhoods friends to lovers with a little celebrity thrown in. There was a lot of mutual pining in this book and I was just ready for the characters to be together and because of that it just didn't give me the full on butterflies that I look for in a romance book. It was good, but I liked the author's other books better.

I loved this HGTV inspired celebrity renovation, second chance romance. It has everything I love: romance, celebrity, home renovation, characters who remade themselves. Plus a cast of characters that could have their own books, hint hint.
Funny, cute, and feels like this could really happen to young celebrities. Remaking themselves to figure out who they are and still willing to grow for the one they love.
Although the family drama could have played a bigger part just because I liked that background story.

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for this ARC!

I am a huge fan of Erin Hahn’s YA novels, so I was super excited about her first foray into Adult Romance and I was not disappointed! I loved the characters and the storyline.

The story was super cute! I love a good second chance romance, as well as a comeback story. You add in some HGTV level home reno action and it was a recipe for amazingness. I loved the callbacks to the characters’ past on a children’s tv show, and how each of them changed (mostly for the better) with age.

Shelby and Cameron were such fun characters. I loved that they each had individual struggles that were soothed by the other person. They were a lovely fit for each other, and I adored getting to see that love blossom. I could completely see audiences falling in love with their love story on the screen, and it makes me really hopeful that this could be adapted at some point!

For her first attempt at an adult novel, I thought Hahn did an excellent job! I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!

My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I gave Built to Last 4 Stars!

Second chance romances have my heart - so it was no question that I would have wanted to read this. I also, really enjoyed the childhood sweethearts aspect, even if it wasn't as prominent as the second chance trope. Their banter was 10/10, and I was rooting for them all the way through.


Thank you to Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book and really didn’t want it to end! Shelby and Cameron were child actors together who were both completely infatuated with the other. Five years since they’ve last seen each other, they’re reunited by another old cast member and agree to be the leads on a home renovation show. Stolen glances and moments are so well written you can’t help cheering for Shelby and Cam, hoping they’ll find their happily ever after together. Read this book! I know I’ll be checking out other Erin Hahn books now.

While I ended up enjoying this book in the end, I had a very hard time getting in to it. I found the characters whiny and unlikeable, and it wasn’t until about 40% in they (mostly) started redeeming themselves. The writing is descriptive and enjoyable and the character development is obvious, however some of the structuring with flashbacks is in large part what made the first part of the book difficult for me. In the end I’d give this book 3.75/5 stars, but the second half is a solid 5!

“Built to Last” is a cute romance about child TV stars getting a second chance at love. While I liked this aspect, I thought there was one or two additional storylines that were unnecessary. It seemed like I should have liked it more than I did, but the additional plots took away from my favorite parts of the book. 3 star rating.

3.5 stars

This was a really cute second-chance-at-romance story, especially for those who love home improvement shows. I don't watch tv myself, but even I appreciated the home improvement aspect of this book. I loved the descriptions of what they did with the house on Caroline Street and absolutely wanted to visit it. I also really wanted to visit her barn with the home depot and chickens, ha ha!

Cameron and Shelby are absolutely likable, as are their best friends Kevin, Beth, Lorelei, and Marcen. I ended up reading this pretty quickly as I wanted to get back to it as soon as possible every time I was interrupted. I was definitely rooting for them in the second half and wanted their romance and their show to succeed. I loved the ending and the epilogue, although I kind of wished Lyle had gotten kicked off the show completely. But Cameron and Shelby are much more forgiving than I would have been, lol!

There were a few issues I had with the book, although ultimately, they didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. The first is that I wanted them to have done a bit more growth in the time they were apart. It wasn't until Lyle essentially forced the issue that Cameron even considered facing his past. And their romance, as much as it was obvious to pretty much everyone else that they were in love with each other, took a long time to develop, partly because neither of them would come out and talk about the past. It took until most of the way through the book for them both to even talk about the event at the beginning of the book, when he ran for the second time. There were a few moments when I wanted to yell at them--she's/he's in love with you!

They also had a ton of chemistry, but sometimes the sex scenes made me laugh. I'm not sure what it was about them--I could feel their attraction, but some of the wording had me cracking up. I have no idea what the author's YA novels are like, but some of the scenes in the book were more entertaining than erotic. I may be in the minority though!

But overall, I was rooting for them both and I loved their supportive friends. There were only three characters I really disliked--Lyle, of course, Marcella, and Ada Mae. I would definitely read more books by this author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a book I wish I had read this summer because this would have been the perfect beach read! I don’t know about you, but a second chance romance is always at the top of my trop list.

Shelby and Cameron‘s love story is set on the backdrop of a believable history and home renovation show. Needless to say, it is not always easy to get into a book where their history is not clearly outline in the pages beyond simple mentions - it works regardless. The only thing I would change is a desire to see more flashbacks, this would have provided a greater understanding of their shared past.

Despite the various people who try to get in their way, their chemistry cannot be broken! I would be lying if I said I don’t find myself laughing out loud more often than I would like to admit.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Shelby and Cameron’s second-chance romance is very sweet yet agonizing.

Shelby and Cameron shared longing looks and stolen moments when they worked together as teenage stars on a wildly popular TV show. But Shelby winds up with her love-interest from the show, Lyle, in real life when Cameron takes off after the end of the show. Their tumultuous relationship ends in drama and Shelby calls on Cameron to come rescue her. They have a short, bittersweet reunion, that ends with Cameron leaving her behind yet again. Now, ten years after the three of them graced the small screen together, Lyle is bringing Shelby and Cameron together again to co-star on a home renovation reality show.

Shelby was super prickly at first, but we discovered more about her every time something new was revealed regarding her past with Lyle and Cameron. The relationship between Shelby and Cameron developed very slowly and Cam was maybe a bit over-cautious, but it was believable. I enjoyed the descriptions of the renovation project, and the behind-the-scenes look at the reality show aspect of it. Lyle is extremely unpleasant, as he was meant to be.

I enjoyed the book, and it had a satisfactory happy ending. I can recommend it if you like second-chance romances.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.