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.

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I think the author's writing style just isn't for me. I've also been craving more diverse books lately, so maybe a straight white book wasn't right at the moment.

This was a sweet second chance romance between former child stars. There was great character growth, recognition that they needed better communication, and a supportive group of friends. I loved the home renovation show aspect and joining Shelby's thrifting adventures. I also appreciated that there wasn't a late-act break up, just navigating the ups and downs of life.

Overall I enjoyed this one and look forward to picking up more from Erin Hahn. Thank you St. Martin's Press for my advance copy.

A beautiful mature second chance romance; it was such comfortable read that leaves you with a warm cuddly feeling and absolutely content sigh.

Shelby Springfield was a mess. But no longer! Her life is in set order and she know what she wants. Or rather Who she wants. Cameron Riggs had been running for some time and he's getting a bit tired of it. Maybe it's time to make things right... with everyone.

It was so easy to fall in love with both characters. Despite some misunderstandings, they are both quite mature to be able to turn around and set things straight (most times anyways) so I was very happy with this. They were both quite gaga over each other and with the addition of some hot sauce plus a HEA, this novel truly has the hallmarks of a charming romance novels. 

My thanks to St Martin's Press for ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts

Two childhood sweethearts Shelby and Cameron find a second chance at love in this adult romance. Shelby Springfield has spent the last ten years trying to overcome her past, sanding it away like she does the rough spots on the vintage furniture finds she makes over. Cameron wants to come home and set down some roots. Shelby wants to prove to the world she's not the messy party girl anymore.
The story and characters of this book are cute and almost saccharine. Shelby and Cameron are cute and the romance between them is cute and very steamy. Are they too good to be true? Almost. The support characters are excellent and can't wait to read Lorelai and Maren's stories.
However, nothing happens in the book for almost 60% and after this point the story picks up. I enjoyed reading it after this point. I was almost on the verge of giving up but I am glad I persevered.
If you love HGTV shows, child actors and romance between the characters this book will fit the bill.
Thank you St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for the ARC.

💭Thoughts:
This is a cute, fun, second chance romance. I loved the chemistry between Shelby and Cameron. They were so likable and really had me laughing. I enjoyed how their relationship devolved and their great banter! I was totally here for the HGTV vibes and projects they were working on.

I’m looking forward to the possibility there will be another book to follow for some of their friends. I always love a hood rom com series!

Read if you like:
❤️ Dual POV
❤️ HGTV Home Shows
❤️ Second Chance Romance
❤️ Childhood Sweethearts

Thank you @netgalley, @stmartinspress, and @erinhahn_author for my eARC to read and review.

Built to Last is a great story about second chances after cleaning up your act. In Shelby's case, she's worked hard to recover from losing her way as a child star, a very public breakup thanks to her cheating slimy ex (boyfriend and co-star), Lyle, and firing her nightmare of a mother manager. Shelby has kicked her bad habits and found her happy place refinishing old furniture pieces for her dad's home renovation business back home in Minnesota when she receives a call from Lyle with a new renovation show opportunity for her and Cameron, her first everything and also a co-star from the past. Cameron will do almost anything for Shelby which is why he's there just in case, even though he despises Lyle too. They agree to shoot a pilot, which keeps Cam in one place for a time instead of his usual running from place to place shooting documentaries all over the world. He's mentored by Shelby's dad and after facing severe self-doubt in his ability, finds a talent and love of renovation. Will Cam follow his new love of renovation and build a life with Shelby or run for the hills again? Read the book - Cam is swoony and you'll be glad you did. Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5

Let me start off by saying - I am a sucker for celebrity romances. Especially ones that include home renovation and second chance love. I realize that this is a very specific niche, but this book fits it so well! I also devoured this book in no time at all. Erin Hahn’s writing was so smooth and easy to read. I just connected to this story and fell in love with Shelby and Cameron!

There wasn’t much to NOT like about this book! Save for f*cking Lyle. I simply adored the banter between Shelby and Cam and the chemistry between the two on and off set was electric. The characters in this story were so well thought out and each left their mark. I could read another twelve books about these people and I wouldn’t get bored.

Overall, I recommend this one! If you want to read an unputdownable romance that’ll make you swoon, sweat, and swear, this one is for you!

Built to Last was published on October 18, 2022.

Thank you to Erin Hahn, St. Martin's Press (@stmartinspress), and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this story. I really enjoyed the characters and the story was unique. It kept me reading and enjoyed it all the way through.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Shelby is a former child star, but after spending the last ten years out of the spotlight, she's reluctant to consider going back. Her former co-star Lyle broke her heart all those years ago, but now he wants her help for a new show. Cue their friend Cameron, who also starred alongside Shelby and Lyle, to join their latest project. He's the best friend and the one who got away, so who knows what will happen...

I requested this because I read Erin Hahn's most recent book and loved it, and was excited to read an adult romance from her!

Shelby and Cameron are the embodiment of America's sweethearts with their romance. They're cavity-inducing sweet, and the ending really solidifies that. If you need some sweetness in your life, this is it!

CW: alcohol use, infidelity, strained parental relationships

In Built to Last by Erin Hahn, a second chance at romance sparks between former child reality stars and childhood sweethearts Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs as they reunite as co-stars to film a home renovation show pilot. So, because my mom watches nearly all of the HGTV house flipping/renovation shows, I recognized the names of all the couples Shelby’s ex-boyfriend lists when trying to sell them on the pilot. That’s a cool moment. Not only is Built to Last a friends-to-lovers romance, but it starts with them as childhood friends, which I love even more. Even though you see just a bit of them as kids, those moments are powerful, enhancing Hahn’s development of Cameron, Shelby, and their complicated but beautiful connection/relationship.

Sometimes you are lucky enough to have that person, or people, in your lives who, no matter how much time passes between the last time you see them, it’s like nothing changes. You fall back into your friendship and the warmth and comfort of that connection with ease, like no time has passed. Cameron and Shelby’s relationship is like that. I love, love, love Cameron and Shelby’s friendship and relationship—it’s sweet and sexy—and I love how they support each other and make each other laugh. Their fiery chemistry and intense connection continue to grow stronger over time. I love all the pining! And their desire for each other is intense, creating some hilarious moments, especially from Shelby’s viewpoint. There’s even eye f@*#ing, which took me by surprise!

Vivid and detailed description; humor; wit; lively and natural-sounding dialogue; a captivating story, and complex and charming characters drew me into the novel from the first scene. Hahn deftly develops and evolves her relatable, multifaceted, imperfect characters, some of whom are lovable and others downright loathsome—Lyle, I’m looking at you! Cameron and Shelby are so down-to-earth and relatable that you can’t help but root for them to work their stuff out and live happily ever after together. I had to take a break and pick the novel back up later because I feared things would be too dramatic and angsty, and I wasn’t feeling that at the time. I love that Hahn lets them deal with their issues and learn to communicate without a lot of mess or drawing things out just for the sake of drama. That’s not to say that they don’t have other drama in their lives to deal with while learning to relate to each other as adults and dealing with their feelings and attraction to one another. because they totally do. In addition to Lyle’s games, Shelby’s mom is a hot mess, she has unresolved issues with both parents, and Cameron’s estranged from his parents and brother. Hahn makes every page of the book a compelling and entertaining journey.

Shelby renovates and restores furniture and works with her father renovating and flipping houses. A former child star with a brief pop career, she’s spent ten years struggling to overcome her past, all of which the paparazzi widely documented. She’d love to forget all about her public meltdown and huge public breakup with her former co-star Lyle Jessup. But she secretly holds the memories of her other co-star and childhood sweetheart, Cameron—the one who got away—close to her heart. Cameron doesn’t make it easy to forget him because he comes whenever she needs him and calls him. Unfortunately, he takes off ASAP to continue making documentaries around the world because he’s afraid to admit what he genuinely wants. So, of course, when Lyle stirs the pot, thrusting them back in the spotlight with a home renovation show, Cameron’s once again right where she needs him, agreeing to do the show. The show is Shelby’s chance to prove she’s not the messy party girl anymore to everyone, and Cameron’s to come home and set down some roots. Lyle lives to torment Cameron and Shelby because of their connection as kids and having more chemistry than he could ever dream of having with anyone.

Hahn’s secondary characters are just as nicely developed as Shelby and Cameron. I really liked Lorelai. And want to know more about her story. An intriguing character and supportive, encouraging friend to Shelby, she reveals Shelby’s character and growth, helping her stay grounded and holding her accountable. As much as I loved Lorelai, Shelby’s father, Cameron’s friend Luke, and their cast and crew, I couldn’t stand Lyle. But the cool thing about his character and his manipulations is how that reveals the strength and closeness of Cameron and Shelby’s relationship—one of my favorite things about the novel. I love how they support each other and give one another an outlet to let off steam for their feelings about life’s frustrations, disappointments, and stresses.

Hahn wonderfully explores themes of childhood/family baggage, parental approval, parent/child relationships, self-discovery, self-identity, self-acceptance, finding your soulmate, belonging, and discovering your passions. Charming, funny, sexy, sweet, romantic, steamy, and slightly angsty, Built to Last is an entertaining read for childhood sweethearts/soulmates, home renovation/design, small-town, and second-chance romance fans.

Advanced review copy provided by St. Martin’s Griffin via Netgalley for review.

Shelby and Cameron were both former child actors. They have hots for each other or more like destined to be together from the start. But like everybody, young as they were, they never thought those feelings last or their paths will again crossed. But now they are adults, and like magnets they are pulled to get close once again with each other.

Built to last got the good romantic vibe. Something that a Hallmark Channel can feature. It has strong topics that were big factors in defining the plot of the story but still it stayed light and easy read. Not big on drama and the characters were all very likable. I like it just enough to finish the book but not love it.

Thank you St.Martin’s Griffin, SMP Romance via Netgalley for an Advance e-copy in exchange of my honest review.

Built to Last is the first adult novel by YA author Erin Hahn. This is a story of new beginnings, second chances, and coming into one’s own. The three main stars of children’s show Jackson’s World are reunited when Shelby Springfield proposes a reality home restoration show to help her Dad, Daniel, as he recuperates from an accident. Shelby would also like to show the world that after her widely documented retreat from Hollywood that she is no longer the party girl of her former reputation, but an accomplished restoration expert.

Shelby is excited when she gets the call for a meeting to discuss a pilot for her show. She is much less so when she discovers Lyle Jessup, who had played Jackson in the show, is the show runner for the pilot. And Shelby is stunned when she sees Cameron Riggs, another costar and teen real life love, has been brought in to work with her.

Cameron, who left Hollywood for college, then used his degree to make National Geographic documentaries, is losing the wanderlust and would like to spend time at home in Michigan, where Shelby also lives and the show will be filmed. When they get the go ahead, Cameron relocates, Daniel takes him on as an apprentice to learn the trade, and they begin by choosing the home to restore. But with cast and crew running smoothly, Jessup throws multiple curves at them.

This is such a fun story. I very much enjoyed the characters, the settings, and the sweet conclusion. I do recommend this book!

I loved the cute unique story that blossomed in this book. The characters were strong and I connected to the vibrant details.

Thank you for this ARC given to me to review for NetGallery, St. Martin's Press, and Erin Hahn.

Shelby, Cameron, and Lyle all starred on a tv show together when they were children. Shelby and Cameron were romantic towards the end of the show, but Cameron left to go to college and Shelby ended up with Lyle. However, during a very messy public breakup Cameron came back to Shelby's aid, not knowing Shelby's true intentions for a rebound. Again, Cameron left Shelby, but helped encourage her to leave the public eye.
Five years later, Shelby has a fantastic career restoring furniture in her home state of Michigan and Cameron is traveling the world documenting for National Geographic. An opportunity arises to do a home makeover show, the only problem Lyle is the show runner. Lyle decides to get Cameron on board, but attempts to sabotage the show throughout the pilot.
Can Shelby and Cameron work together to outsmart Lyle? Will Shelby and Cameron reconcile their relationship? Will the show get past the pilot?

I adored this book. I love home make over shows and loved this book too. I cheered for Shelby and Cameron the entire book and got so frustrated with Lyle's jealousy. As a Wisconsin girl, I love that this book is set in the Midwest. I didn't love how much emphasis was put on losing their virginity to each other and didn't love that some parts of the book were talked about again from the other POV. Overall, this book is a must read!

Built to Last by Erin Hahn was the first book of hers that I read. This book had everything that I look for in a debut adult romance: interesting characters, steamy romance and characters with internal conflict. I will definitely be picking up more books from Erin Hahn's backlist and recommending this book to other romance readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of Built to Last by Erin Hahn in exchange for an honest review.