i had a hard time getting into this one. i just don't think this authors writing style is for me. i think it has a great concept and others might still like though

I really loved this story. Friends-to-lovers is my all-time favorite trope, and this book is one of the best examples of this. There's mutual pining, forced proximity, and opposites attract. If you want a fluffy and fun romance to sweep you off your feet, I suggest you pick this one up.

I loved this book about restoring old houses, first book I have read by this author but will definitely read more of hers.

“The guy that took the pictures of those children playing soccer in the desert is the same guy who taught me how to kiss in the rain.”

Everything you need to know about how utterly adorable and wholesome this charming book is, is beautifully shown in the above quote. Shelby and Cameron are former child stars, first loves and now, some sort of lost star crossed lovers. Her Hollywood career is tanking, he’s documenting for National Geographic and they just aren’t on the same life path.

Until … they are. I adored watching these two characters transform and find themselves and each other once again. The push and pull, the running and chasing and working through the communication issues that were the true root of two people who really loved each other but kept getting scared … It was well done. Cameron and Shelby were strong characters: well written and developed, easily likeable and they had incredible chemistry. Supported by a great cast of side characters - characters I hope I see more of in future books, especially Lorelei! - this book just … charmed. I adore characters with a history you can feel. One you don’t even need all the details of but just enough you can feel the weight of that history between them whenever they are together again. And you felt that with these two. The pull and the meaning that history and connection has for them.

If you’re looking for a charming, well written second chance romance - this is a fantastic choice! 4/5 Stars!

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to enjoy an eARC copy of this wonderful book.

I loved Cameron and Shelby’s story! It was adorable to watch two firsts loves fall in love again. This book was super cute and had a great plot. I loved watching the two MC “fake” flirt for their home Reno tv show and then move to finally admiring they are in love!

If you love HGTV and romance novels then this book is for you!

This is an adorable and sweet second chance romance novel following two childhood sweethearts.

This book was so sweet at times it made my teeth hurt! I’m metaphorically speaking but also literally because I actually smiled so hard at some parts.

I ultimately enjoyed this book. I will say that typically I prefer a bit more angst than this book offered. I loved the main characters and their close friends/family so much that it still made for an overall enjoyable read!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Shelby tends to run to Cam and Cam can’t seem to help but run away. Until now. As kids, they fell in love but words were left unspoken for so long. After years away from the limelight and each other, they are about to be costars again. They have the chance to be the next Chip and Joanna. Can they put the past behind them and build a house and love that can last?

Erin Hahn drew me in from the first page with this one! This is the perfect feel good romance for us Hallmark and HGTV loving millennials 🏠

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.


Erin Hahn

Built to Last

Publication: October 18, 2022

I am a huge fan of Erin Hahn and her latest book does not disappoint! She does such an excellent job of combining romance, character development, and backstories to give you everything you could want in a great romance. This one does have additional steam factor compared to her previous books, hence the adult romance label.

Shelby, Cameron and Lyle were former child co-stars. I loved the flashbacks leading to the current day relationship. As much as I loved Shelby and Cameron (total swoon-fest!)…that was as much as I hated Lyle and Shelby’s mom, too (boo-hiss!)

This book has childhood sweethearts getting a second chance at love. Throw in a home improvement show and humor and tons of sweetness… happy sigh. The romance was great but I also enjoyed how the characters finally discovered their true selves as much as them finding each other again.

5 Stars

When I saw Built to Last on @netgalley, I didn’t even have to read the description to hit “request”. Hahn has already blown me away with her YA storytelling, so I had to see what she’d give me in an adult romance and let me just say, she did not disappoint. The small town setting, the slow burn romance, the dual POV - it all worked so well in telling Shelby and Cameron’s story. Not only their romance, but also their familial problems and the struggles they’ve faced moving on from childhood fame. The female friendships and Shelby’s relationship with her dad were the cherry on top of this adorable rom-com.

• HGTV Renovation Vibes ✅
• Second Chance Romance ✅
• Only one room ✅
• Slow burn ✅

This was a really fun romance! Cameron was an absolute dream and I’m a sucker for home renovation/HGTV type of things. I do feel like they got together realistically quickly and it got a little slow in the middle, but that always seems to be the case for second chance romances for me. Overall a sweet and fun romance!

Shelby, Lyle, and Cameron all starred on a popular coming-of-age show when they were young. Shelby and Lyle shared the onscreen romance, but Shelby was actually interested in Cameron in real life. When Cam heads off to college, Shelby gets together with Lyle, but after Shelby finds out that Lyle is cheating on her, they break up. Cam never stopped having feelings for Shelby and is willing to do anything to help her at the drop of a shoe. So when his chance to help her get back onto the big screen comes, he takes it.

I started reading this book immediately after “The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” so I felt more empathetic towards Shelby’s romantic woes. However, the storyline was a bit too predictable for me and the conflict in the story was a bit flat. I’m glad the characters had a happy ending and all, but just the fake drama stirred up by Lyle because Shelby couldn’t tell him that she had hooked up with Cam before they were together? it just seemed like the issue was easily avoidable with better communication.

I’d recommend the book for a chill and easy read.

Overall: My review is jaded in that I do not like second chance love stories, but I love Erin and wanted to support her.

pros:
dual pov
strong female characters
explicit scenes

cons:
cringey relate to the young people moments
forced wokeness

Characters:

I honestly loved Lorelai and Shelby along with their friendship. It was cool to see women supporting each other.

Unfortunately, Cameron felt too good for me and his bad "running away" quality felt like when people say their loyalty is a negative work quality. I just felt like he was too nice and didn't have as much dynamic nature to him.

I will say, I loved how Daniel (Shelby's father) was someone who saw everything from both sides and helped Cameron grow as a person. He was a constant who supported both Shelby and Cameron.

Writing:

I struggled a lot with the insert forced social justice class lecture paragraphs throughout the book. It just did not feel naturally intertwined and more like I need to add this for performative activism.

Plot:

I felt like there were so many side plots and things happening that I would get distracted at times.

Pacing:

I always was ready and wanted to read more to know what happened, but I don't feel like I loved the characters. It took me about a week to get through it, but know it is an easy read.

I feel bad, but I was really expecting more from this book. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review!

This is the first book in a while that I struggled to finish wondering when I will get to the end. I generally enjoy second chance romance when I am looking for a light read to briefly escape reality, but this fell flat and did not hold my interest.

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

I loved this book! The writing was intriguing, I instantly fell in love with the characters, and there was quick wit throughout the entirety of the book. Cameron and Shelby are easy to fall in love with from the first pages, and they pull you into their world where you get to see them fall in love with one another - and actually, it's like they never stopped loving one another. The whole book is engrossing and definitely a read I will be picking up again!

This was a great read. The book is a great slow burn and it made me want to read more. It’s a great friends to lovers, second chance love story. I couldn’t put this book down and I can’t wait for everyone else to get their hands on this book.

Built to last is a book about to child star costars who end up creating a hone renovation show as adults. It is absolutely adorable and such a lovely, fun read. It is full of joy and I highly recommend it. I wish their show was real so I could watch!

A light and fun romance that brings two people back together to build something worth living for.

The chemistry between Riggs and Shelby leaps off the page, and the cast of characters were all animated and lovable in different ways. When fate brings former child stars Cameron Riggs and Shelby Springfield back together for the pilot of a home renovation show, they don't know that sparks will fly, but they do.

Built to Last was fun and easy to read and had me stress reading or laughing out loud at different points. If you're looking for a steamy read this Autumn, this ought be on your TBR.

Built to Last is about two people who can't seem to get their timing right (initially). Cameron and Shelby met when they worked together on a television show as child actors. It is clear from the get go that the pair are madly in love with one another, but with miscommunications and misunderstandings they seem unsure of one another... until they're not. Cameron and Shelby reunite 10 years after they finished filming one tv show, only to begin another. Their new TV project is a reality show that follows Cameron and Shelby as they flip houses (a la 'Fixer Upper' and and 'Flip or Flop').

At first I had mixed feelings about the novel. It felt predictable - two people who can't communicate but love each other immensely. About halfway through, however, you couldn't help but root for Cameron and Shelby both together and individually. I loved reading about their families and reading the pair grow together throughout the renovation. As I finished Built to Last, I realized how much I truly loved the ending. While cheesy at times Cameron and Shelby's relationship was exactly what I hoped as a reader.

Thanks letting me read this one I loved it, it's adorable and just the right amount steam to love factor and I just couldn't help but fall in love with Cameron and Shelby they are so cute

Shelby and Cameron were best friends, growing up as co-starts on a children's show, but their timing has never quite worked out to explore their mutual feelings for each other. Now, ten years since they've spent much time together, Lyle-- the lead of the show, and Shelby's ex-- ropes them into a home improvement show. Finally, they're in the same place at the same time together. Finally, Cameron isn't running. Finally, they have a chance to explore the relationship they've both wanted for almost their whole lives.

Built to Last is incredibly sweet. It's a beautiful look at what life can be when you allow yourself to follow your passions and take your own time. Shelby and Cameron might not have worked out had they committed to the relationship in the past, but now that they've both taken the time to discover who they are, they can come back to each other with open minds and hearts. I loved every bit of this book.