This was a great read!! The book started off a bit shakey, but I wanted to stick with it. It was totally worth it.

Shelby, Cameron, and Lyle were childhood actors with a complicated love triangle. From the age of 11 to 28, we watch these character pop in and out of each other’s lives before returning to their acting roots, as a team.

Lyle begs to be hated. He is such an awful character, but he compliments Shelby so perfectly. The HGTV vibes are relatable… even the behind-the-scenes manipulation.

This was a great read and had me smiling a lot.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4648107276

There were aspects of this story that I really enjoyed, but there was way too much emphasis on the physical aspects of a relationship for it to be too appealing to me.

Pros:
I enjoyed seeing how Shelby went from her messed up child-actor origins to becoming a self-assured, capable adult who left her demons in the past.

I also liked how Cameron was self-aware enough to leave the same messed-up child-actor beginning and reclaim his life. And how he continued to demonstrate that maturity in a tempting situation that presented itself years later.

I loved the bromance between Cameron and his best friend. Too often, strong bonds between male characters are filled with too much testosterone, and these guys talked about the important stuff and supported each other rather than competing all the time. When something good happened to one, the other could be genuinely happy for them instead of feeling compelled to one-up the other.

The story was well-written from the standpoint of showing what Shelby and Cameron had to overcome in order for their relationship to really work.

I loved the emphasis on how much pleasure they found in working together and being together, and how that was such a natural fit for them. And I especially appreciated Shelby's passion for old things and their craftsmanship.

Cons:
Lyle was a real (necessary) jerk! (But it was also hard to figure out his motivation. If he was married, why did he care so much about whether Shelby and Cameron were together or not?)

The story would have been more engaging for me without all the profanity.

Too many important, present-day decisions were made based on hormones, and I really don't need all the soft porn. It seriously detracted from what would have been an engaging story for me.

This book follows the relationship of child stars and a look at first love evolving into a forever love. The couple overcomes obstacles and growing together. I love the character development that is seen in this story. The only thing that confused me was the chapter names are song titles, but seem pretty random.

3.5 stars

There's a lot to enjoy here - Erin Hahn knows how to create a cozy narrative that isn't without hard truths and characters facing difficult realities. The premise of an HGTV-style home renovation reality show also gives her the chance to craft her story in a unique setting, with credible stakes. Both leads, former child stars, are dealing with heavy personal issues and I liked the slow burn of them finding their way back to each other only after a bulk of the personal has been sorted through while apart (the smoldering attraction between them escapes the insta-love/lust trap because they have history and have known each other since they were kids) - and who doesn't appreciate the lack of a final-third misunderstanding? I also enjoyed the world Hahn built around these characters with their friends and families and I wasn't surprised to find out that this was the first book in a trio, the second and third dealing with Shelby's two best friends respectively. I did think there were a few pacing issues and that some of the issues, especially the ones between the leads and their respective parents, felt too easily resolved. And I also thought that the subplot of the jealous sabotaging ex (much of the basis rooted in easily avoidable misunderstanding) added a narrative thread that not only took away valuable time that could have been spent on our leads and their lives, but the dramatic way it unfolded also detracted from the nuance and complexity already present in these characters' individual journeys and their story as a couple.

At some point in life I think everyone begins to envision and fantasize the 'what ifs' and possibilities within their life. Erin Hahn turned childhood co-star's 'what ifs' into a second chance of building an everlasting love that never needed rekindling. The intensity of these two characters puts the reader in an impossible situation of not putting this book down! A well written book that depicts just how fame can quickly distort a person's image, family ties, and integrity. The unfinished story of Shelby and Cameron is only the beginning, and this time, it's Built to Last.

Built to Last was a sweet, swoony romance novel! It was well written, smart, and fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

First-my one negative, the synopsis of this book really could use some work. It's too convoluted and didn't leave me reaching for this book. I ended up giving up trying to make sense of it and going in blind, and the book really worked for me.

The cuteness and banter in this book is adorable. I loved Shelby and Cameron. They are well developed characters who grow a lot from the beginning of the book. They have a great slow-burn love story with both second chance and slight friends-to-lovers tropes. I especially give high marks for their communication skills and no ridiculous break-up/make-up at the 70% mark just because. Their mature relationship was reading catnip for this romance reader! But don't fear that there is no drama throughout this book! It's here and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I loved the setting in Michigan and on the set of a home reno show. There are lots of great side characters who made this book even more special.

Erin Hahn is on my author's to watch list. I really hope we get to revisit these characters for Maren and Lorelai's stories. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance ebook of this wonderful book. All opinions are my own.

Erin Hahn has become one of my go to authors! I loved reading an adult rom com written by her, and was just as in love with it as I am her YA books. The first chapter was funny, and a good tease for what the rest of the book would bring. Overall this was a great read that wasn’t too predictable for this genre. Can’t wait for more!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.

Built to Last is about two child stars and their meddling and manipulative co-star. Shelby and Cameron have loved each other since they were 10 and stars on a TV show but both seem to think it's unrequited. After a few near misses at a relationship, they are thrust back together and back into the spotlight by their former co-star, Lyle. Shelby and Cameron realize their feelings and soon begin an "all in" relationship, despite attempts by Lyle to destroy them. HEA for sure!

I enjoyed this read! The love interests figured out their feelings relatively early in the book. I kept waiting for them to break up and then get back together or have some major miscommunication, but was pleasantly surprised as that never happened! I think the author was able to replace that "strife" and redirect it to the conflict with Lyle.

I loved the Chip and Joanna Gaines feel that Shelby and Cameron had in Built to Last. The chemistry between the two characters while renovating the house was sweet and you could tell they cared about each other. Cameron always left but now he's back and working with Shelby makes him happy. Loved the tie in with Lorelai and her music that also showcased Cameron's other talent of making films. Overall, I loved this book and anyone who loves sappy romances will too!

You guys! This book was A-MAZ-ING! I was attracted to this book because of the cover and description, and was so excited when my request was approved through NetGalley.

I enjoyed the dual POVs between Shelby and Cameron. These main characters had chemistry that was spicy, which I always enjoy in a romance novel. I love watching home renovations shows and HGTV is a favorite channel of mine, which really made me love this plot even more.

Thank you @netgalley for the chance to read this e-arc. You can catch this out October 18, 2022.

This was my first Erin Hahn book and it didn’t disappoint!
This one was very fun. If you enjoy any home improvement shows and the banter that happens on and off-screen, you won’t want to put this book down. I loved the romance element, and couldn't help rooting for Cameron and Shelby, separately and together. When the books starts off sharing a sample of their history, you quickly learn their depth and start to cheer them on. It serves second chance romance and I really loved all the angst, chemistry and the swoon-worthy romance. And there are definitely some steamy parts!
Most importantly I loved the character arc and growth of both the main characters as that’s something I look forward to in the books I pick up.
My long story short, it’s a 5 stars read for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for a review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Built to Last is just what I needed. In Erin Hahn’s romance debut novel, we meet former teen loves and successful child actors, Shelby and Cameron. But being a successful child star comes with a lot of baggage and wounded egos. Both have retired from acting with stellar new careers; Cameron, a producer for National Geographic, and Shelby, a gifted home renovator. But, they are brought back together for a television pilot in a home improvement reality show, and the network execs are betting on their former-dynamic chemistry to make a successful show. Once together, sparks fly, and while they try to be purely professional, long-buried feelings reignite. A cute and funny story with a charming cast of characters. This is a great cozy romance. #erinhahn_author #BuiltToLast #romance #cozyromance #love #success #disappointments #hea #charming #funny #homerenovation #quickread @netgalley @stmartinspress #erinhahn #arc

Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin’s, and author Erin Hahn for the opportunity to read this book which was witty, charming, and entertaining.

#bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #reader #booklove #author #instabooks #literature

I loved this one. This was a second chance romance meets HGTV. The relationship between Shelby and Cameron is swoon worthy and I love that this book didn’t have the typical ‘break up before getting back for a happy ending’ kind of storyline. It actually just followed their relationship while navigating being back in front of the camera - and all of the drama that comes with that. It was such an easy read and I couldn’t put it down. I also love that this was Erin Hahn’s debut into the adult romance (previously a YA author) genre - really well done!

Thank you to NetGallery and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC!

A fun, trope-filled (friends to lovers; one hotel room; mutual pining). Has glamour and rural appeal (child actors and woodworking!), and a few steamy scenes. An enjoyable weekend romance read!

Second chance romances and potential love triangles (which the blurb lead me to believe) are usually not my cup of tea, but I’m so glad I got a chance to review this book. It was like a big warm smexy cozy hug y’all! The second chance is kinda true but there’s no love triangle. And I just absolutely adore any book that has renovating in it. Built to Last just made gave me all the happy feels.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing this ARC to review. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise. ~

I received an advance reader copy of Built to Last by Erin Hahn…and really enjoyed it!

The Description:

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. But as a former child star, it’s hard to forget a mediocre pop career, a meltdown widely documented by the paparazzi, and a huge public break 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.

Anytime Shelby has called, Cameron has come running… And then he runs right off again to chase stories around the world by making documentaries, too scared to admit what he really wants. But when Lyle stirs the pot, getting the two back in the spotlight with a home renovation show, Cameron can’t help but come on board.

There’s something in it for everyone — almost. 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. And Lyle wants to twist the screws on his two childhood friends who had more chemistry than he could dream of with anyone. Sparks and sawdust fly as Shelby and Cameron film the pilot for “Homemade” and battle Lyle’s shenanigans at every turn.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this! It’s a fun, easy read. I love how both of the former child stars have moved on and found new careers. They’ve matured, but both still care for each other. When they reconnect through an HGTV-like renovation show, the sparks are still there, but they focus on their friendship first.

The main characters were very likable, engaging and believable, as were most of the supporting characters (with the exception of the sleazy Lyle). It’s well written, without grammatical errors or typos with an intriguing story.

Sometimes you just need a light, pleasant read and Built to Last fits the bill perfectly. Built to Last will be published October 18, 2022.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.

Build to Last is a story between Shelby, Cameron, and their co-star who they both don't like Lyle.
Although Lyle is Shelby's ex-boyfriend, her real love is Cameron. After all of them not working together for 10 years, Lyle brings them all together to work in a home renovation show. After a decade of Shelby and Cameron having an almost romance they have finally come back together, and the love they have for each other finally starts to show

This was such a cute novel, I really fell in love with Shelby and Cameron and I was rooting for them the whole time. This was a friends to lovers, second chance story. They had a few miscommunications and when they finally told each other how they felt I was so happy.
Overall this novel made me very happy.

Thank you to netgalley and St Martin's Press for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really sweet romantic comedy between former co-star child actors. They had a rough beginning: Shelby with her drinking, partying lifestyle; Cameron with his inability to stick around and communicate his feelings with Shelby (which is normal at that age) as well as cope with his father’s obvious disappointment in his life choices. They came together as one last hoorah to lay some things to rest and help out financially but what bloomed from this collaboration was more than they dreamed it could be.

I loved watching their growth and commitment to each other in their late twenties and each of them honing their craft. The renovation of that home makes me want to flip a house or take up woodworking!

My largest issue with this book and the reason for docking a star is the heavy language (98% the F-word) and blasphemies (many uses of the Lord’s name in vain as well as comments like “patron saint of boners”). It was unnecessary and in many cases offensive or repulsive. The first chapter was actually repellant enough that I almost stopped reading the book. Luckily, I pressed on and suppressed my cringing and sneering to try and enjoy the story anyways.

I don’t want to end on that note though because the story was cute and I laughed out loud many times. I’m thankful to NetGalley and St Martin Press for receiving a copy in advance!

From the description alone I went in expecting to love this one, and it delivered!

Shelby and Cameron had a brief thing while child stars on a popular sitcom. It - sadly - doesn’t last. He ends up leaving LA for school and then a documentary career. Left on her own, she gets in an ill-fated relationship with Lyle, former star in that same show. After their disastrous breakup, she heads back to the Midwest town she barely grew up in and, with the help of her father, gets a fresh start and new career rehabbing houses/furnishings.

Cut to the present day and they - all three of them - are going to be working together again. Capitalizing on their lingering fame, but this time on a reality show flipping historical houses. Saying there is potential for drama is an understatement.

Second chance love story - Friends while secretly pining for years - Side characters just as interesting as the mains - All those scenes set in a DIY show that I kind of wish was real so I could watch it - So Much Heart! - Was this book written for me specifically?!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC
(I look forward to this one’s release so I can get it on my physical bookshelf too!)

Built to Last by Erin Hahn was so damn cute! I couldn’t put this book down! Have no fear, no matter what the synopsis might make you believe, there is no love triangle here!

Shelby is a former child star. She worked alongside Cameron when they were kids. They fell in love as kids. Both left acting. Shelby for Michigan and furniture restoration, Cameron for National Geographic and filming documentaries. For years they pined for each other. Any time Shelby needed Cameron, he was there in an instant.

Shelby lives a peaceful life in Michigan while Cameron can’t stay in one place for more than five minutes. They didn’t speak for five years, until both get offered to film a home renovation show together, just like Chip and Jo!

Shelby’s goal is to prove that she is nothing like the party girl she used to be, while also helping her father afford retirement.

The love story was amazing. There was a lot of flirting, and long looks. Both character grow so much, both individually and together. They COMMUNICATED, and worked through their problems.


Read if you like
•Friends to lovers
•✨communication✨ (not at first but)
•Mutual pining
•Shared hotel room (unfortunately 2 beds🥲)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶/5

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press / St. Martin’s Griffin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!