I love a good second chance / childhood sweethearts story. Built to Last was a well written, fun, fast paced story of Shelby, a childstar with a ruined reputation, and her costar, Cameron, the one she secretly crushed on. The chemistry between the main characters was not only believable but fun to read them grow closer. The humorous banter is always a plus.
You won’t regret picking up this book!

Second chance romances between childhood sweethearts is my kryptonite. I just swoon for it. This was an adorable story between childhood co-stars of a teen drama who have been in love since they were 11 but have never quite been able to figure it out and make it work. Reunited after 10 years apart Shelby and Cameron team up on a home renovation show that brings them back into the spotlight and back into eachother lives but will they finally be able to make it work this time.

I am 100% team #Spriggs and this couple just had me rooting for them from the get go. Definitely pick this one up if you also love second chance romances and first love backstories.

Shelby, Cameron, and Lyle have a history from their childhood acting careers. This story brought them forward for a fresh start across the board, and getting to know their stories and how they have grown was written so well! I wish there was more on Lorelai’s story/past (sequel!!??) but all of the other’s complicated history to know was written so well!

This book is the perfect mix of home renovation and small town love story which is probably why I was obsessed with this book! Seriously I couldn't tell you the last time I read a 5⭐️ book before this one so that's telling considering I read 100+ books per year.

What I loved:

1. Honestly I love a great character transformation and the reader gets to see both Shelby and Cameron grow up and mature throughout this book. Most of us did a stupid thing or two during our younger years and I loved how these two didn't let stupid mistakes define their future. Just in case you need to hear this, you are not your past mistakes and if the people in your life can't accept the improved you it's time to find new people.

2. A home renovation book in a small farm community is everything I didn't know I needed. I would love to move to their fictional house, but I have to wait a few more years to fulfill my dream of living on my own homestead (plus there is the hurdle of it not being real 🤣). I did get a bit of a headstart and have 9 adorable chickens to hold me over until it's time to start the farm life.

3. This book explores complex relationships between the main characters and estranged family and a toxic ex (I think most have a few of these, I know I do) without over doing it or overshadowing their love story. Honestly it was wonderful and I just loved this duo and how they worked through everything.

I loved this book and highly recommend you give it a shot!

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy!

I could not get invested in the story, started so well, but then he left because he didn’t want to take advantage of the drunk girl he had had a crush for years, and then meet again for a show were her ex boyfriend was the producer for some reason, drama I guess,
And then there was a lot of pinning and a lot of talking but not enough banter for me, it just dragged in my opinion and I really didn’t care about what happened to them.

First of all the cover of this book is so cute and I love Rom Coms
Plot 4/5 characters 4/5 overall I pretty good book if I say so myself

I love Erin Hahn's books (and an ADULT romance book!) I love home renovation romances. This was a slam dunk for me.

This was a purely sweet book about former child stars trying to "grow up" and grow out of their childhood/teen personas and, when they do, attempting to prove to the world what they have done with themselves out of the Hollywood pressure. I really appreciated just how un-tense this romance was. There were definitely some more high-stakes moments with Lyle stirring up reality tv show drama and emotional growth around family, but the ROMANCE itself was so refreshingly straightforward. These are two people we are told from the beginning have chemistry and love each other and that is what it was without the third act breakup, a horrible miscommunication or betrayal, etc. that you tend to see in romances.

The only downsides I had with this were that so much of Cam and Shelby's past relationship and feelings toward each other were told to us and not shown. So the first 30% or so as this was being established was frustrating. And then, I realized by the end the big barrier to their relationship in the past was Cam's running away (which he did twice the blurb makes it sound like he was always showing up and running) and I don't think they ever cleared up WHY he ran the first time when they were, as far as we were told, happy and dreamy and in love. So I wish I understood all of that a bit more.

Erin Hahn is a beautiful writer and I have yet to read one of her books without a smile on my face and joy in my heart. Excited to see more adult romances from her in the future!

Built to Last by Erin Hahn is a deeply emotional and incredibly personal romance that manages to pack a punch of humor and heat into this beautiful love story. Child co=stars Shelby and Cameron had a secret love affair when they were kids on set years ago. Now, their lives have changed drastically (for the better) but the magnetic pull between them hasn't. Self-aware of their many faults, but willing to push past them, these two circle around each other when they are assigned to work on a project together. Even with strained familial relations and a meddling ex in the mix, these two can't stay away. But, is their timing wrong again, or is the third time the charm? I loved this book so much and I cannot wait to read more from Erin Hahn! I will definitely be recommending this to all my family and friends! Thanks so much to the publisher for gifting me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Built to Last, written by Erin Hahn, is an adult contemporary romance novel. The plot is very much Hollywood child stars grow up and take on HGTV. Some tropes featured are miscommunication, to a painful degree, and the seconds chance love trope. One of the main issues I had with this book was that the "conflict" wasn't strong enough to cause any trouble. I have heard others compare this to a Jima and Pam from the Office, and I can see it! I enjoyed reading it despite wishing the main characters communicated better. Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.

OH MY GOD. IT IS PERFECT. I cannot wait to see everyone raving about this on social media. This is the perfect romcom.

Shelby and Cam have always had a special connection. They grew up onscreen together as child stars (and crushes), but the rush and fame of LA became too much. They went separate ways to live more normal, private lives, but never stopped loving each other. Shelby dives into woodworking and house restoration with her dad, and Cam travels the world making documentaries for National Geographic.

Ten years later, their lives meet again when a former costar (and Shelby's former boyfriend), Lyle, asks them to star in a house renovation reality show. The chemistry between Shelby and Cam almost immediately returns, and though they try to keep it on the downlow, the cameras catch it all.

This was a sweet romance. I liked Shelby and Cam a lot. Their separate loneliness was felt, and their joy was palpable when they finally admitted their love for each other. I loved the relationship between Cam and Shelby's dad, Daniel. Like the dad he never had. It was a wholesome story of community, true friends, and the relief and happiness of finding what (and who) you love.

Oh. My. Gosh. This is Erin Hahn’s debut adult novel and I can’t wait to read more from her.
Shelby Springfield, Cameron Riggs, and Lyle Jessups were all child stars in a Disney channel-Type show. Obviously, there’s a love triangle between the three. Lyle and Shelby go on to date and breakup in spectacular fashion. After 10 years of going their separate ways they are reunited for a home renovation show that vindictive Lyle will produce. Love and shenanigans ensue.
This book has everything I love: childhood friends to lovers, second chance romance, and home renovation. Everything about this book was a hit for me. The MCs, the side characters, the family dynamics, and the inside look into the different relationships child stars have with their parents. If you are looking forward to swinging your legs and giggling like a pre-teen, this book is for you

This is a story about two childhood stars who reunite years later to film a reality show about fixing up houses. Shelby and Cameron met on set of a tv show when they were 10 years old and played best friends but off camera were hiding a relationship from fellow costar Lyle. Not having spoken in over a decade Lyle brings in Shelby and Cameron to pitch a tv show where they would fix up houses in their home state of Michigan. Shelby is now owner of her own business where she restores furniture and helps her father fix and flip houses. Cameron left Hollywood at 18 to go to college and has since been working for National Geographic filming documentaries. The two are reluctant at first but decide to give it a try. Overall I enjoyed this one, I especially liked the parts on rehabbing the house. I am usually a sucker for a book about home renos. I did struggle a bit with their relationship, at times I felt it was kind of forced and not always natural. I also hated Shelby's mother and it makes me sad to know that there are people out there just like her. If you are a fan of second chance romances than I think you should try this one. I thought the authors writing style was great but just didn't connect with the characters. Thank you St. Martins Griffin for my #gifted copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I adore the way Erin Hahn tells a story. There is something so effortlessly addicting in the writing, and so unexpectedly rewarding in the humor. I have loved this author’s YA and, as it turns out, I love her contemporary romcoms as well.

I am powerless to resist a Hollywood / famous person trope, and this sort of stripped down “where are they now” glimpse at fame and child stardom was *chef’s kiss* the exact sort of thing I die for. Outside of the opening chapter, where I was really, really uncertain if I was going to be able to handle Shelby, there’s not much Hollywood scandal or glam going on – but I honestly preferred the sort of “acoustic” Hollywood Hahn delivered with this story.

And, despite my early misgivings, I absolutely adored Shelby and, even moreso, the adorable relationship she had with Cameron. If there was unnecessary drama, it wasn’t happening between Shelby and Cameron. I loved how they respected each other and communicated with each other and stood up for each other when the situation demanded it. I loved how they gently walked with each other as they sorted through old baggage and committed to not allowing that to derail the beautiful thing that was blossoming between them.

Ugh. I just loved them so much.

But my favorite thing might have been the secondary characters. Shelby and Cameron’s friends were scene-stealers extraordinaire (especially Kevin who accidentally stole my heart from the go). I loved the banter, the humor, and the tough love. I loved how supportive and protective they were. And, of course, I loved how it all came together in the end (leaving me with a few sniffily tears).

I just genuinely enjoyed this story so much and am hoping there will be more of these wonderful characters in my future! ~ 4.5 Stars

I’ve read so many contemporary romances lately that were just mediocre. I was pleasantly surprised to see I was approved for an e-arc of this book from NetGalley and jumped right in. This is the first book I’ve read by Erin Hahn but it won’t be my last. I was entertained from start to finish and was so happy this book got me out of my contemporary romance slump. All of the characters, even the anatagonists, had depth and flaws. Cam was such a lovable leading man with relatable fears. Shelby had in interesting character arc from a child star with mommy issues to an independent woman who found her backbone. I really enjoyed the evolution of the romance between Cam and Shelby. There wasn’t a feeling of will they/won’t they, just a question of when the timing would be right. I also enjoyed the little breadcrumbs sprinkled in the story that made me think another book about Shelby’s best friend Lorelai and her ex-fiancé is in the works. I would definitely check it out if it is. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of romances, especially if you love the best friends to lovers trope. Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin’s Press for the e-arc!

Two child actors (stars, really) who tried to leave Hollywood behind are suddenly back in front of the camera. Cameron and Shelby are brought together to costar on a reality TV show renovating houses.

Friends to lovers and old flame are the tropes that come to mind for this book. And we get to see both points of view - which is my favorite in romance books! I personally think it gives us an even deeper connection to the characters as we see their love blossom.

It is such a cute read with a bit of spice!

Child actors who grew up and experienced so many firsts together, then separated by life and circumstance find themselves back in front of the camera again, only this time with more to prove … not only to their fans but to themselves. Built to Last is all about perfect timing, second chances, and believing in yourself.

Shelby and Cameron may have been physically apart for the last 10 years, but they have still been apart of each other’s lives. Now they find themselves together again, only this time instead of acting they are flipping houses in northern Michigan.

Built to Last is Hallmark meets HGTV, in this reno RomCom. I enjoyed these characters, and their history together. I loved their friends. I adored the Midwest feel and backdrop. This was my first book by Erin Hahn, but I will definitely be visiting some of her backlist, because I enjoyed reading this one so much.

Built to Last starts about 5 years before the main plot starts,
and introduces us to Shelby and Cameron right after Shelby
and her ex-boyfriend, and former costar to Shelby and
Cameron, Lyle, break up. The reader gets a sense of the
unfinished business these two have.
Fast forward 5 years, and we see Shelby living her best life
away from Hollywood, restoring furniture and flipping houses
with her dad. I enjoyed that Hahn made Shelby the handy one
out of the three, and portrayed her as a woman who had hit
rock, but pulled herself out of it and made something of
herself outside fame. A reality show brings Shelby, Cameron,
and Lyle back together, and immediately I hated Lyle. And it
continued through the book.
The book does a good job with tension, will they or won't they,
and growing this rekindled relationship between Shelby and
Cam. The side characters are great and add color to the
story, they aren't just there to be there. There were a lot of
other relationship issues to work through with side characters,
Shelby with her mom, and Cam with his dad and brother.
also loved how maternal Cam's mother was to Shelby
knowing that her own mom was a trash.

Shelby and Cameron are famous former child stars who had crushes on each other when they worked together - but now haven't been in touch for years. Now, Shelby is living in Michigan doing furniture restoration and home remodels. When she gets a call to come back to the small screen as the host of a home renovation show, guess who's been asked to learn the trade and be her co-host? Cameron had no intention of ever going back to show business either, but he can't resist the opportunity to rekindle things with Shelby. Unfortunately, while the plot sounded promising, I didn't love this one - too many obnoxious side characters that I just wanted the main characters to put in their place. I was hoping for a little bit more insight into what HGTV is like behind the scenes, and I also thought the romance was too slow burn given that Shelby and Cameron admitted their mutual attraction so early in the plot. It was sweet, but it could have been so much better.

Former childhood stars collaborate in the most unlikely way in terms of a reality renovation show called HomeMade. Shelby Springfield left L.A. over five years ago to start over in Michigan. Having been an actress and pop singer with too much tabloid exposure of her spiral downward, she now finds solace and satisfaction in home and furniture restoration. Cameron Riggs, her first friend and love, has been traveling the world to do documentaries for National Geographic. He left Hollywood over ten years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Then there’s Lyle Jessup, who is still a public celebrity and in the limelight, always trying to stay relevant. He’s Shelby’s ex-boyfriend and certified jerk extraordinaire, but he’s funding the pilot series project so he’s pulling the strings behind the scenes.

I was intrigued by Shelby and Cameron’s unfinished business in the sense that the feelings were very much still there, but they were never at the right place and time for a relationship to take off. Not to mention that Cameron really doesn’t have any experience in building and is hired as a face for the camera, but he’s learning everything he can anyway. Lyle is completely self absorbed and enjoys drama for the sake of drama. Between Shelby trying to prove the newer and older version of herself who is not the wild party girl and Cameron deciding to stop running away from his own life, these two have a lot to confront regarding both public and personal opinion. The writing is funny and witty and I was rooting for these characters, knowing they are past the glitz and glamour of fame and simply wanting to give the audience something they could be proud about. The angst between Cameron and Shelby isn’t too high now that they’re grown adults who can communicate honestly, but there are still so many relationships to be mended otherwise. It’s a bit of a growth story and journey for both of them, struggling with the tug of Lyle’s imposed spin versus controlling their own narrative. There’s just something fascinating about seeing kids who grew up together in the spotlight who know the song and dance of being on camera, but pave their own way to be the individuals they never had the chance to be before. Fingers crossed that there may be a story about Shelby’s best friend Lorelei Jones some day.