Perfect book to read if you are a fan of HGTV renovation shows
Child actors
Childhood friends
Second chances
Friends to lovers
Adult romance
Family relationships
House flipping
Reality TV show
If you are looking for a book that will give you all the above, Built to Last is the book you need to pick up.
Definitely a cute love story with lots of drama and likeable characters (well, except for one character).
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Looking for a sweet second chance rom-com? Then put down your tool belt and pick up a copy of Built to Last. This is the first book I’ve read by Erin Hahn but if she keeps writing rom-coms like this it won’t be the last. Years after their show ended, childhood stars/sweethearts are brought together again for a home makeover show where more than just the house is getting fixed up. This was a fun romance, with the chemistry between Shelby and Cameron really coming through. I’d like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Built to Last.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/built-to-last-erin-hahn/1140777670?ean=9781250827098&bvnotificationId=7fec511f-4f13-11ed-994d-0a4bc4edd261&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=gmail.com#review/220540122

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2G1XX7R7T2BCF/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

I absolutely loved this book! I don't always enjoy second chance romance, but this one really tugged on all the heartstrings. I loved watching Shelby and Cam's relationship progress, and I thought it was so well done showing the growth they both experienced both individually and as a couple. The angst and the pining was top notch, and I really enjoyed the backdrop of the home renovation show. I only wish it were a real show because I would totally watch!

Built to Last is an adorably funny look at a group of former teen heartthrobs who grew up together on a television series, had crushes on each other (some first loves), made some mistakes then went their separate ways years ago. But they never stopped thinking about each other. Some were missed, others, not so much! Sometimes we must leave those we care about behind in order to grow and learn about ourselves before we can find a way back to what we had. This story is a wonderfully heartfelt example of how love can prevail, no matter what the circumstances.

Years ago, Shelby Springfield was a child actor/singer who had it all and then unfortunately had a horrible breakdown. Her mom, her manager, was absolutely no help and added to Shelby’s pressures. But what made her situation worse was when the love of her life, fellow actor Cameron Riggs left for college, Shelby decided to date another actor. Unfortunately, that turned into a nightmare as he broke up with her after cheating with her best friend and THEY wrote a song about Shelby’s break-up which became a hit.

Totally traumatized at the time, she reached out to the only person she knew would understand, Cameron. But even though he rushes to her side, what she really wants he can’t give her for fear they both will regret it. And that was the last time they saw each other.

Ten years later, Shelby has cleaned up her act, works with her father building and refinishing houses and furniture. She is sober and has left her previous life behind. Cameron works as a documentarist for a company called Nat Geo and travels around the world.

When they both get a call from the ex-boyfriend, Lyle that there is an offer for the trio to get back together with Shelby and Cameron working on a pilot for a reality DIY show where they find a house and redo it, with Lyle being the showrunner. Shelby is not interested but knows the money would certainly help her dad, so she hesitatingly decides to say yes. Cameron, who has never stopped caring about Shelby jumps at the chance to work with her although he knows nothing about building and refinishing in order to try and make up for what happened the last time they saw each other.

Of course, Shelby and Cameron must try and work together without bringing up the past, and Lyle seems to be a terrible instigator who wants to cause drama between them for the sake of the project. Is it possible for Shelby and Cameron to be able to try and get back what they had years ago, even though some would like nothing more than to cause them heartache and embarrassment.

Built to Last is a wonderful, romantic, witty and fun read! I look forward to a sequel!

Thank you #NetGalley #Griffin/St.Martin’sPress #OliverWehner #BuilttoLast #ErinHahn for the advanced copy.

The sweet home renovation love story of my dreams! This took me less than a day to get through and it was just cozy and sweet and just lovely!!

I’ve read a couple of Erin Hahn’s books and I think this brand contemporary romance with a touch of Hollywood is her sweet spot. Honestly the only thing that would have made this five stars for me would have been a bigger look at Cameron and Shelby’s teen years - I wanted to see them fall in love twice, tbh.

Cameron was the sweetest bearded cinnamon roll and as a reader it was obvious how much genuine love and care he and Shelby had for each other. It wasn’t just lust or crushes, they both clearly respected each other.

I’m aware of how many times I’ve used the word “sweet” here but really that just sums it up!! GAH so cute!!

Cameron Riggs and Shelby Springfield are former child stars who had a real-life romance. Lyle Jessup is the third of the triangle. After Cameron left to go to college, Shelby fell into the arms of Lyle, embracing a pop-star, party girl lifestyle. But when Lyle cheats on her with Marcella, Shelby first calls Cameron, then runs home to Michigan.

Ten years later, Shelby is working with her father renovating homes. Cam is a documentary filmmaker. And Lyle is looking for trouble. He convinces Shelby and Cameron to produce a home renovation pilot. What he doesn't expect is to watch Shelby and Cameron rekindle their relationship on film.

Shelby and Cameron, along with their Michigan friends and relatives, are so darned likable. Michigan is likable. Home renovation even seems likable. Lyle and Marcella, however, are pure evil.

This is a fun romance, more engaging than most I've read recently and I'm even over the whole HGTV spinoff thing, so I was a hard sell with this one. #BuilttoLast #NetGalley

Built to last has a cute plot. It reminded me of the HGTV channel and I liked the romance that happened. It was a three star rating for me.

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for allowing the chance to read and review.

I’ve been a fan of Erin Hahn since her first book. Her latest did not disappoint. Highly recommend to romance readers!

YES! I adored everything about this book! Ms. Hahn has primarily been a YA author up to now with this being her adult romance debut. Let me just say that she hit it out of the park! I'm a huge fan of second chance romance and this one was stellar - - and the chemistry between Shelby and Cameron....smoking hot. The banter was fun and it really had everything I look for in a rom-com. I'm so glad this author decided to dip her toe into adult romance and hope she has more up her proverbial sleeve for us.

Shelby and Cameron co-starred on the same television show as children. They had a hidden relationship that ended when Cameron left for college. After that, he and Shelby never could fully reconnect but still had a thread that linked them. Picking up on this, their previous co-star and Shelby's ex-boyfriend, Lyle decides to capitalize on the unrequited nature of their relationship by enlisting them to co-star in a reality show. It's one where they remodel a house to be flipped. Shelby has experience in this industry but Cameron doesn't. Yet he can't walk away from Shelby again. Or can he?

The author weaves a great story and pulls you in effortlessly. It's easy to invest in these characters. It's told in dual POV's from both Shelby and Cameron's perspectives. You also get some time hopping where you bounce between past and present. It all helps to fill in the pieces of their lives and give you insight as to why they both react in certain ways.

AUDIOBOOK: I also had the privilege of reviewing the audio version as well. I equally enjoyed it as the narration was spot on for me. I could really embrace the voices and see them as the characters. 5 stars

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

I am a sucker for second chance love stories so I was beyond excited when I got Erin Hahn’s Built to Last!

I loved Shelby and Cam! Their chemistry was spot in! Their banter was amazing! These two had me literally LOLing through out the book. Erin did an amazing job developing their story that was not forced and had me cheering for these two and chopping at the bit for “that moment”!

I can not wait to read more from Erin!

What an absolutely heartwarming story! Child co-stars are brought back together to star in a home renovation show, Cameron isn't sure it's a good idea, he's always run because he's afraid to admit what he wants in life and Shelby just wants the world to see that she's not who she was as a child/pop-star. The chemistry between Cam and Shelby is great and Lyle is a great love to hate character. I love HEA stories and this is a great one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

I've been an Erin Hahn fan for years and this book absolutely delivered. I'm not sure what I love more about her books: the characters, or the musical references! This was absolutely adorable and I can't wait to read Erin's next adult romance!

I really enjoyed Built to Last! It had the small midwest charm, characters and a second chance romance I was rooting for, a home renovation reality show, and just the right amount of drama and obstacles to test Shelby and Cameron's romance. The side characters were just as delightful (well except for Lyle for obvious reasons!) and I hope we get to see more of them in Hahn's future books.

3.5/5 stars

Built to Last is a contemporary romance with a dual POV.

Shelby and Cameron were on a tv show together as kids. But they have been out of touch for big chunks of time since the show ended.

It's now 10 years later and there is the possibility of them doing a reality tv home renovation show.

This book is full of misunderstandings and miscommunication, which I didn't love. However there were also parts of the story that were so much fun. I loved his mom and friend Kevin. I enjoyed her dad and her best friend Lorelai. I love them flipping houses.

Overall this was a cute story with some great supporting characters. It was an enjoyable read.

I find that I’m drawn to stories where the characters are trying to build distance from their past mistakes. Shelby left behind the glitz, glamour, and heartbreak of Hollywood to move back home to Michigan, creating a life of refurbishing wood furniture with her dad’s home rehab company. Cameron also left behind his childhood acting career to go to college and film documentaries for National Geographic. Their childhood friendship (and secret love) was magnetic in bringing them back together for this “Fixer Upper” reality show. Shelby’s ex and show runner, Lyle, was slimy and horrible, making it easy to hate him and how he tried to bring down Shelby as she was making a name for herself out of the limelight.

This was definitely an easy and light read and I devoured it in a day. I can’t wait to read Lorelai’s story next! Thank you to Netgally and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shelby was a child actress. She had a well-publicized meltdown and bad breakup with her costar Lyle. But you can’t believe everything you read in the tabloids. She called her other former costar Cameron, who flew from Alaska to rescue her and take her back to her midwestern home. She joined forces with her father in his business flipping houses and made a name for herself with the quality of her work. She receives a call about starring in a renovation reality show. She has no desire to get back into show business, but her father had been in an accident, and she wanted to make some money to make his life more comfortable. She goes to LA and to her surprise, her meeting turned out to be with Lyle, instead of the person she expected to meet. Another surprise was that Cameron was at the meeting. He was tricked into coming as well. It appears that Lyle has tricked them both. Shelby agrees to the pilot, feeling she has no choice if she wants to make life easier for her father. Cameron agrees to the pilot as well to make things easier for her. It seems like some things haven’t changed, and Lyle is still nursing a grudge against them. Although he has had some success as a producer he still acts like a teenager. It isn’t clear if he wants the show to be a success or is trying to make it fail. These characters are very well developed and there is much more to them than it appears on the surface. I felt it was very well written and held my interest throughout.

Also reviewed on B&N under 1IrishEyes430 and Kobo under IrishEyes430

it took me forever to get invested in this one. I liked Shelby and Cam well enough, they just didn’t excite me or draw me in. I HATED Lyle and wished that he had gotten what he deserved. My favorite part was hearing about how to do restorations

Shelby, Cameron and Lyle spent their childhood in the spotlight. Shelby got used to living her life under a microscope, but she doesn’t miss it. She’s finally distanced herself from the toxic remnants of stardom – the awful choices she made because she was seeking validation, the terrible relationship she settled for because she was lonely. She loves her work as a custom furniture creator. (I kept channeling Kyra Sedgwick’s character from Phenomenon – and I think Cameron would buy all of her chairs just like John Travolta bought Kyra’s… just sayin’)

Cameron is the man who broke her heart when they were becoming the people they are now. He’s a famous National Geographic personality and he’s apparently moved on with his life. Until he’s offered the chance to debut in an HGTV house flip pilot with Shelby. The director is Lyle – the one part of their teen trio that’s still blinded by narcissism. He tries every ploy in the book to make sure Cameron and Shelby are awkward in camera. He relentlessly pressures them to manufacture an on-screen romance and stage the comeback they all need.

The problem with the comeback is that you can’t come back from something you never left. Shelby and Cameron may have gone years without seeing each other. But you know that meme … “You came..” “You called…” --- well that’s the perfect way to sum up their relationship. If Shelby calls Cameron is always going to show up with a hug or a moving truck or a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.
I loved this second chance romance with all my heart! It had the perfect amount of steam, swooning, laughter and snark. Highly recommended if you like the books of Emily Henry or Lucy Score.

A huge thanks to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was really adorable! Childhood sweethearts are some of my favorite stories to read, and while I still don’t understand why Shelby would have dated such a jerk for five years, I loved seeing the two main characters reconnect. I also really enjoyed the home renovation aspect of the story. This would make a great movie!

I had high hopes for this, but they really fell flat. The characters felt like caricatures of people to me, and I couldn't be convinced to care about them or get invested in their story.