Shelby and Cameron were child stars together on a hit TV show years ago. They have since become different people and neither works in Hollywood anymore. When they’re brought back together by their mutual co star to do a home renovation show they both sign on and the sparks had never truly gone away. As they work on their first house project together their “friend” sends surprise after surprise to try to derail everything. Can they work together to get everything done in time? And can they continue to deny the feelings they clearly have for each other?

This was a super sweet and cute second chance romance. I loved their relationship and how they both had issues to work through. Their dynamic is so natural and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

While I enjoyed the overall story the first half was very slow.
I did enjoy the last few chapters the most and there were quite a few moments that I got choked up. I nearly dnf'd just before halfway but I'm glad I didn't because i did enjoy how Cameron and Shelbys story came together in the end.
Overall I'd give this 3.5 stars.

This was a really solid rom com that tied in small-town home renovation with childhood television stardom. Shelby and Cameron were easy to root for: a lovely second-chance at romance story with a redemptive story arc for Shelby and a settling-down story arc for Cameron. It did feel like it ended abruptly and that the story focused mostly on Shelby's family/ex-boyfriend drama. I would have loved to see more time spent with Cameron's family (his relationship with his brother and his mom) and some closure for Lorelei (her best friend who's also an ex-country star?). Cameron's National Geographic job seemed like such an incredible opportunity; I would have loved to see his story continue with them in some capacity. I was also curious how someone like Lyle would have ended up producing home renovation shows when he clearly is a spotlight-loving attention-seeking actor-slash-singer, and the motivation behind his sabotage was simply 10-year-old jealousy, which seemed like not a strong reason. Overall I did enjoy this book and will be happy to recommend to students/friends who like HGTV.

I’ve enjoyed Erin’s ya novels so I was excited to pick up her adult book. I really enjoyed this. The setting was fun and the romance was easy to believe. I look forward to her books and will continue to do so.

Erin Hahn's Built to Last is the story of two former child actors, Shelby and Cameron who reunite for a reality home-renovation show ten years after starting together originally. Their story is further complicated by a romantic history between not only the two of them, but Shelby and the producer of the reality show, Lyle.

It was a sweet story of second chance love and the relationship between Shelby and Cameron is gentle and loving. There were a lot of very unlikable side characters that drive some of the conflict in the story and I did have a hard time with that, mostly because I have a hard time with characters that are hateful. I did adore Shelby's friend Lorelai and would love to read a novel about her. I recommend this book to fans of romance and second-chance romance in particular.

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

This was really heckin cute.

Shelby, Cameron, and Lyle all starred together on a kids show while they were growing up. Cameron wanted out at 18 and left Hollywood behind. Shelby and Lyle dated for a few years after until she left, too.

Shelby and Cam have spent 10 years growing up, but still thinking about each other. So when Lyle wants them to film a pilot of a home reno show, they say yes.

I loved that the reno show wasn’t a crazy plan for one of them to get back to Hollywood. I love how settled into who they’ve become Shelby and Cameron are.

This was also relatively conflict-free, which is just what I needed. There’s some miscommunication, but for once our characters actually sit and talk it out pretty quickly.

Overall, this was lovely.

What an adorable second chance at love story! A three way 1 girl, 2 ex- boyfriends; who does she pick? The author did such a phenomenal job with character development that you have three main characters that you feel a connection with. Her plot was great as well in the story is perfectly character-driven as you watch everyone pine for each other. There's confusion, laughter, tears and happiness all leading choose the correct choice for everyone. Definitely an enjoyable read.

First let me say, ever since I read Never Saw You Coming, Erin Hahn has easily become one of my favorite authors. And from a YA to an adult, nothing has changed. Second chance love is one of the elite tropes and never fails. Can and Shelby share this connection and chemistry that is unmatched. I don’t really steer too much to romance because most of the time it’s just cheesy and feels forced, but not here. Every time Shelby and Cam were scened together, it was believable and unique. Each character was built on their own and together which was a breath of fresh air. I did like the quick little references to their childhood together and it helped bring everything together. I can’t wait for the next Erin Hahn book!

OMG some parts did hit my soul big time. This is one book that I know I will be re-reading for sure. I immediately fell in love with the characters and couldn't put this book down.

Shelby and Cameron were child actors who costarred on a TV show together and briefly had a teenage romance. After several years apart, they are reuniting to film a HGTV-style home renovation show.

This was a super cute and fun read! I loved seeing how Shelby and Cameron’s relationship evolved over time. And if a good second chance romance wasn’t enough for you, this book also has an awful villain, cute father-daughter relationship, and great home restoration descriptions!

I enjoyed this very much and would definitely recommend if you are a fan of the HGTV-style shows!

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the advanced reading copy!

This is the perfect beach read. Its a well written book about second chances and trying to get things right.
First love is always the hardest love (and I believe to be your only love). Our characters just couldnt get it together to have it work. Then years later, they reconnect.

I'll be honest at first I was like "Oh my goodness, another book like this" but this one was different. Its beautifully written and I couldnt help but connect to the characters

Rating: 3.5 stars!
Spice: mild

I have to start off by saying this is the first book by Erin Hahn that I read, and to be completely honest I was not disappointed. The story of cam + shelby captivated my heart in a very special way. They were both exposed to childhood stardom in a TV show along with Lyle (who if you read this book, you will learn to strongly dislike). Although when they were young they kept their love secret, for a long 5 years they were apart wishing they hadn't been.

Cam filmed documentaries for Nat Geo & Shelby was hard at work helping her dad and following her passion for turning homes upside down & renewing them completely. After 5 years, they are reunited and realize that they've been fighting the love they have for each other in the name of fear.

I love the development of their relationship throughout the book, although I did feel like some parts were a bit frustrating to read. They let so many pointless opinions get in the way of them truly making each other happy, and Shelby worried too much about Lyle's opinion. Cam also needed to grow a pair if I'm being honest (cute beard though). I do admire that they protected each other's dignity & reputation no matter what the rest of the world said about them.

If you think that you're a workaholic and love to run from emotion (like Cam), please read -- you'll find that life is much easier when we confront emotion and COMMUNICATE!

You'll find this book in stores on October 18th, 2022!

Built to Last speaks to every nook and cranny of my millennial heart. Childhood costars a lá Cory and Topanga AND a home makeover TV show in a bucolic small town? I am SOLD.

Shelby and Cameron are so earnest and sincere in their love for each other that I couldn’t help but fall in love with them. I love their banter, their gentle teasing, and how sensitive and caring they are in each of their interactions. I wish that we could have seen more flashbacks from their childhood as costars—the first time they met, or the first time they felt the spark of romance, maybe. But the moments as adults are so beautiful and well-done.

Not to be ignored are the side characters! I desperately need a Beth and Kevin for myself, and who doesn’t love a good girl gang that they can gossip with, like Shelby has with Lorelai and Maren?

This is such a beautiful story of a second chance at love. I adore sweet, sincere, slightly spicy rom-coms, and this didn’t disappoint!

Honestly, this one just wasn't for me. I've never read Erin Hahn prior to this, so this may be one sided. Don't let my dislike deter you from reading as I am just one person.

Were there parts I liked about it? SURE! I loved the setting with growing up on a TV show. My default is to always go to "Full House". That probably shows my age. I love the idea of a childhood romance with teenage sweethearts - when well written, it can hold my attention for days. Friends-to-lovers for the win (with a second chance romance)! -- but I feel like some of the romance was underwhelming compared to the drama that was happening with Lyle. I really enjoyed the dual perspectives and it was well done.

Overall, I think I expected something different. I'll definitely recommend to people as it wasn't a bad book - it was just not for this reader.

I immensely enjoyed this book from start to finish. Shelby and Cameron's timing has never been right, but their chemistry has always been perfect. From childhood stars to adults with flourishing careers, they find themselves thrust back into the spotlight and back into each other's lives and maybe their timing will finally be right.

This rom-com was cute, fun, and easy read with laugh out loud moments! Great beach read!

Built to Last was a very sincere hit read for me. I went in without super high expectations, as it was clearly a second-chance rom-com surrounding ex-celebrities. But, Erin Hahn really blew it out of the water. I adored the two main characters. Shelby found fame early on and the entire world watched as she made poor decisions and had her heart broken. She escaped to Michigan where she found her calling, restoring furniture and helping her Dad flip houses. Her co-star, Cameron (aka the one that got away), nursed his own broken heart by traveling the globe behind the camera. When they get a chance to reunite to do a reality show flipping houses, Shelby and Cameron are suddenly face to face with the things they left behind. Told in alternating viewpoints, Shelby and Cameron both find they have plenty of ghosts in the closet, but real potential for future success. I really loved the setting, the amazing cast of characters and the heart that went into Built to Last. There were incredible one-liners that Hahn delivered at impeccable timing and I found myself laughing and highlighting things often. Built to Last is out October and perfect for cozy fall reading!

A sincere thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

2.5 stars

I need to preface that this is my opinion based on one Erin Hahn novel: I haven’t read any of her other works.

This book just wasn’t for me. I liked parts of the story, but overall it was lacking. There was so much more I needed to see in order to be able to really root for the characters. Shelby grew on me, but I never liked Cameron. His mind was all sex and f bombs, and personally that is not what I want to read in a dual POV book like this one.

2 things about the writing style that I must comment on:
1. I don’t like when authors compare human character noises to animal noises. Ex: (“Shelby made a noise like an angry cat.”) (“Behind me, I hear Cameron growl under his breath…”) it’s hard for me to picture and I just know there has to be a better way to convey these emotions the characters are experiencing.
2. I am estimating that there are about 3 curse words per page in this novel. Once again, this is just my opinion, but too many curse words “cheapen” a novel for me. It can add a trashy layer to an overall sweet story.

With that being said, there are things about this novel that I liked.
1. It’s funny. Hahn’s inner monologue writing for her characters is spot on. There were many witty one liners that the characters would say— or think— that were totally appropriate for the character and made me laugh.
2. The idea is very unique. I haven’t heard of or read a novel like this one. Child stars second chance at love while also redoing houses together is a cute idea and made room for a lot of wholesome moments.

Overall, I would say this ARC is okay.
P.s. I would read a sequel about Lorelei’s music career and her journey of finding love :)

Did you grow up watching Disney channel shows and always wish some of the actors/actresses would get together in real life. Do you currently love to watch home renovation shows on HGTV. If yes, then this is the book for you! Shelby and Cam are childhood stars on a popular show, they are best friends and childhood sweethearts. After the show, Shelby ends up dating a different star on that show, Lyle. They all end up splitting up from each other shortly after and Cam is always the one she calls and he comes right away. He has been off filming for National Geographic while Shelby has found herself helping out her dad on home decor and fixing up furniture. For many years, the childhood stars have been apart, until one day Lyle contacts both of them with a new home renovation show. When starting the show, Shelby and Cam get their chemistry back and begin to reminisce on the past. Lyle is trying hard to throw curveballs in the building of their house for the show. Will it be picked up for a season and how will Shelby and Cam be around each other after all these years apart. Erin Hahn did a wonderful job writing this rom-com book and I definitely recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this. My review is unbiased.


This book is perfect for those who love Home Renovation shows. Cam and Shelby grew up starring in a childrens show together and ten years later Shelby’s ex (former costar) calls cam and Shelby down for them to star in a home Reno show together. 10 years worth of chemistry and history collide as they learn to work together and Heal together.

This book was really enjoyable for the most part. I did find that it lulled in certain areas and didn’t grab my attention sometimes but I loved the characters. I think they were really put together and fully fleshed out and developed.
I think this book is a great friends to lovers especially cuz of the history they have together.

On the other hand, having just finished this book, I really don’t have a lot of thoughts about it. Nothing really stood out to me to comment on. It was a good and fun read and that’s all it was. 3.5 stars

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC and letting me an early reader in exchange for an honest review! 📚

I REALLY wanted to like this book but I just couldn’t get into it for some reason. The initial blurb and cover seemed to be exciting and super cute but I didn’t find myself desperately turning the pages. It was almost a DNF for me but I managed to push through. I felt the romance took the backburner to the drama with Lyle. I did enjoy Shelby’s personal growth throughout the story. I know Shelby and Lyle were supposed to be in their mid to late twenties but it felt like they were in their late teens.

The dual-POV was well written. This just wasn’t personally my cup of tea but take it with a grain of salt.

Definitely recommend to those who are a fan of the second chance romance trope and friends to lovers more-so at a YA level then adult.