I love HGTV aspect of this book, but didn’t really love the drama. There was a little too much for my liking. It was a bit messy in the relationship department and there was too much miscommunication for me.

Overall the book was well written and had a great slow burn, but in the end wasn’t for me.

Shelby and Cam grew up together singing and dancing together as child stars on television. They were high school sweethearts off-screen while her on-screen love interest, Lyle, was who she made headlines with. This entire book centers around Shelby and Cam's second chance romance and it is sweet 'n steamy. So flash forward to now and Lyle is proposing a new show pairing up his former cast mates. The show is a home reno show in small-town Michigan and it is nothing but charming. I enjoyed reading a romance in this niche. Lots of mentions of plaid and tree-trunk thighs! Oh, and I love talk of a good flea market and B&B!!

Shelby, Lyle and Cameron were all child stars who grew up under the watchful eye of the world on a popular television show. Though Shelby and Cameron truly had feelings for each other, Shelby and Lyle were set as love interests on the show and ended up dating in real life. Decades later and after Shelby and Lyle's very public and deceitful breakup, Lyle has manufactured a way to get them all back together. Lyle is the showrunner for a home renovation show that Shelby and Cameron would be starring on. Lyle is manipulative and vindictive because he has always suspected that there was something going on between Shelby and Cameron. Eventually they are able to move past all of the obstacles and are able to be happily together.

Who doesn't love a good second chance love story. The love story of Shelby and Cameron. The banter between these two was nothing short of funny and cute. A rom com that you won't be able to put down. My first read by Erin Hahn but it won't be my last. I was shocked that this is her first adult romance. She did good

I've enjoyed Erin Hahn's YA books, so was happy to read her first adult romance novel. It still featured characters on the young end of the spectrum (20s), but the second-chance childhood star romance worked for me. The main conflicts were external issues, and not the lack of comminication tropes that I really don't enjoy. It was fun to imagine these young adults with definite chemistry rebuilding their lives after their young stardom.

I love a second chance childhood romance story so much! the chemistry between them was amazing. I wish they talked more about their childhood or more backstory because we only got glimpses. If you enjoy HGTV shows, you will probably love this!

This book is a freaking delight.

Tropes abound (second chance romance, friends to lovers, celebrity romance, reality tv setting), next level pining, a great mix of sweet with open door spice, dual POV, NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP OR MISCOMMUNICATION - there’s not much more you could ask for from this book.

While it won’t be a forever favourite for me, it’s one I can see myself rereading when I need something good for my heart.

This was such a cute and sweet book, but spicy too.
Shelby and Cameron grew up together as co-stars on a popular teen show. They both left Hollywood and went on to lead completely different and separate lives. Now they are being pushed back together by their ex-co-star, who happens to be Shelby's ex-boyfriend to work together on a home renovation show.
Second chance romances are one of my very favorite tropes and this one worked very well for me. Cameron and Shelby had great chemistry and were a wonderful couple.
I definitely recommend this book if you are in need of a good rom-com.

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

This didn't started as well as I wanted , it took me a little bit longer to get into the story but ended up liking it!It was slow at first but I find this one so sweet and cute. The home renovation angle here was fun and enjoyable one of the best parts in the story, also it's second chance romance another thing I love.

Shelby and Cameron were flirty, sweet and fun together. I loved their banter.

This is the first book I have read by Erin Hahn and definitely want to read some of her others books after reading Built to Last. I couldn’t wait to read this book because I love second chance childhood romances! I loved the chemistry between the two main characters, especially their banter and overall development of their relationship. The only thing I would change is more back story or flash backs of their relationship when they were younger instead of a quick reference to add more depth . Thank you NetGalley for a ARC in return for my honest feedback.

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for letting me read Built to Last by Erin Hahn! I was originally interested in this book because I follow Erin on Twitter and as she was talking about this book and promoting it before it came out, it sounded so incredibly adorable and I’m so glad I got to read it! Built to Last came out back in *date* of 2022, so make sure you grab it today!
Built to Last 4/5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: "I loved this delightful romance about makeovers of old homes, old personas, and relationships that never had a chance to launch. A sweet, charming reminder of what you can build with a strong foundation." - Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Two Ways
Erin Hahn's Built to Last is a sparkling second chance romance about owning what you’re worth and fighting for the one who got away.
Shelby Springfield has spent the last ten years trying to overcome her past, sanding it away like the rough spots on the vintage furniture she makes over. But as a former child star, it’s hard to forget a widely documented meltdown and huge public break up 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 get on board.
There's something in it for everyone—almost. Cameron wants to set down some roots. Shelby wants to prove she's not the messy party girl anymore. And a jealous Lyle can’t help but try to get in the way. But for his two childhood friends who had more chemistry than he could ever dream of, nothing is getting in the way of their second chance at love.
“Thank you, Erin Hahn, for making me laugh and swoon and cry sweet, happy tears. Can I live in this book?" - Jen Doll, author of Save the Date and Unclaimed Baggage
Omg I love Shelby and Cameron! So, so much! I love that Shelby turned from a child star into someone who restores wood furniture and helps her dad flip houses. She grew so much from that initial chapter where we seeing her breaking apart to five years later when she’s so much more put together and looking to have her house flipping show to help her dad. And Cameron, man, what a guy- he’s got so much to work through, but he’s he’s got that like hot trauma which isn’t too detrimental to anything but, you know, long term relationship building. I really liked how Built to Last capitalized on the popularity of house flipping shows these days. In terms of plot and pacing, there were a few points that felt a little slow, but overall, I really liked the way that Built to Last was written and I can’t wait to read more by Erin Hahn!

Link to be added as soon as post goes live

Honestly couldnt put this one down! Ended up listening to this one in audiobook form and fell in love with it! I love a good second chance romance done well and this was exactly it! Cannot wait to read what else Erin Hahn has in store.

This book was not for me, but I appreciated the chance to read it. The characters were not particularly likable, and the plot was a bit tired.

Built to Last by Erin Hahn follows Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs. They both are former child stars. Shelby has been trying to overcome her past struggles, such as a public breakdown and a breakup with her former costar Lyle Jessup. Shelby now enjoys making over vintage furniture and houses. She has a constant friend to rely on in Cameron, her childhood sweetheart. He spends his time travelling the world filming documentaries. Both Shelby and Cameron still have feelings for each other. When Lyle gets the two back together for a home renovation reality show, Shelby and Cameron have their own separate reasons for joining the show. As the pilot is filmed, Shelby and Cameron begin to reconnect.

While I struggled to maintain a connection to the characters, I did find this book to be a quick, fun read. If you love HGTV, you will love this book.

3/5 stars

I enjoyed this cute rom-com and the multiple POVs and the author's writing. The tropes within (somewhat of a love triangle, the hollywood tie-in) were just not my jam. Otherwise, good storyline.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Everyone loves a second chance at their first love trope. Erin Hahn’s Built to Last tells the memorable story of child actors Shelby and Cameron who find themselves thrown back together on a reality TV show a la Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Erin Hahn’s first foray into adult romance from YA definitely shows in the dialogue here as the first half of the book is a little hard to get into - the second half promises better as her character development and story ARC really come into their own.

I would have loved to know more about Cam and Shelby outside of short flashbacks, but all in all - this is an easy read. Not sure if it’s memorable, but definitely worth the perusal if you’ve got the time.

Thanks to Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press, and Erin Hahn for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Read if you like:

+ Magnolia / Chip & Jo
+ Childhood sweethearts
+ Celebrity inspired romance

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved Cam & Shelby’s story and the second (or third) chance nature of their love. I liked the setting of reality TV (but make it cozy) and child stars growing up successfully.

A home improvement shows has young people putting it on and the ups and downs going along with it plus the romantic twist that is set up as well. the characters are good along with the story.

Shelby and Cam grew up in front of the cameras as two of the three child stars of one of the most popular teen shows of their time. Cam eventually left Hollywood behind to travel the world making documentaries for NatGeo. Shelby let her mom use and push her until a bad breakup ends up breaking her and she retreats to help her dad with his contractor business.
Years later, after accepting that they were maybe not meant to be, they find themselves brought together for a home flipping reality show. A show being produced by the third former child star of their past, who also happens to be Shelby's ex and is convinced that she cheated on him with Cam.
It's a sweet, slow-burning coming together for two souls that had to do a little growing up and finding themselves before they could find their happily ever after. The fact that it's all taking place while the vindictive ex is doing his best to make their working experience as painful as possible is extra emotional perfection.
I love stories that show scenes from the point of view of both people in the romance. Hahn does a great job of giving Shelby and Cam very distinct voices so it really sounds like you're getting the thoughts and opinions of two very different people that just happen to complement each other.
I also enjoyed that it's obvious from the very beginning that we're going to get the HEA, but the plot keeps throwing obstacles in the road for the couple to surpass, be it together or as individuals.
Overall, it's a great second-chance romance with fun Hollywood elements and great supporting characters that puts the emphasis on growing into oneself before getting into a relationship, and I will always support that message.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for this upbeat, second-chance romance read!

I liked this book - fast moving plot, good characters, and fun to read. The author did a great job with the story, plot, and setting. Overall, I would definitely recommend!