Former child stars join forces in a home renovation show in this second-chance romance novel. Shelby Springfield, Cameron Riggs, and Lyle Jessup were teen stars in a popular kids’ sitcom. Shelby and Cameron were secret childhood sweethearts, but when the show wrapped, Cameron left for college and Shelby and Lyle ended up together.

When it fell apart, Shelby did, too–in a big, public, embarrassing way. Now, a decade later, Shelby is happy, living a quiet life, refurbishing furniture in Michigan. But Lyle has returned with an offer she can’t refuse: a home reno show, with Cameron as her co-star. The two feel the old pull to one another and fight to make the show a success, while finding their way back to each other–despite Lyle’s meddling.

This was a sweet romance and is a great choice for both previous fans of teen shows and current fans of home renovation shows.

As a fan of second-chance romance and HGTV I adored this as my first read of the New Year! The romantic tension between Shelby and Cameron throughout the book was delightful! Shelby and Cam were childhood TV starts when they first met, which gave me Topanga and Shawn vibes since Cam played the best friend of the start of the show. Shelby had always been able to depend on him, so why would now be any different when they're both asked to film a home renovation pilot - years after both left the spotlight. Such a fun read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance between two child star actors with lots of baggage and a steamy history?! Sign me up!

Shelby was a child actor who retreated to a quiet life on Lake Michigan, refurbishing homes with her father. Five years later, she reunites with childhood co-star Cameron for a pilot show renovating homes and sparks are re-ignited. Throw in an ex-boyfriend, a super-supportive father and a quirky cast of characters and you have the perfect sweet made-for-tv read. Fans of HGTV will especially enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Erin Hahn for an advance copy of the book for an honest review.

I loved this ‘we never got a real chance romance’. It was delightful to read about two used to be famous child stars in the pitfalls of adulthood coming back together to do a home makeover show . The history they have brings them together and the author tells a beautiful, real love story about what happens when timing may actually be on your side.

Shelby is my kind of main character. Real, not here to impress anyone (especially her past flames) and not caught up on who she used to be; only excited about what she has become. Cameron was the respectable man you want and the guy who grew up and learned sometimes it pays to stay.

This was such a fun book and I adored every minute. Even f***ing Lyle.

A delightful read. I really like Erin Hahn's writing and her social media presence. I wish her all the success as she continues publishing. A recent twitter thread of hers made me respect the work she puts into her stories even more.

such a great romcom. I really enjoyed the relationship that grew throughout the book. it left me always wanting more. I couldn't get enough and I never wanted it to end. I highly recommend of you're looking for a more complex romcom.

I found myself fully engrossed in this novel straight from the beginning.
Shelby and Cameron are childhood friends who find a way back to each other after being apart for most of a decade. Both have gone through changes in career but Shelby also fell into the inevitable pitfalls you would associate with fame, Hollywood, and the pop industry. I loved that Cameron never hesitated for a second when he got a call for help from her out of the blue. The pair were destined to be together they just needed to figure that out for themselves.
It is billed as a rom-com but it reads more serious than that with a sprinkling of comedy mixed in. Shelby didn't have a supportive family growing up and she was manipulated into working from a young age by her mother. Her father wasn't a big part of her life until she made the decision to leave LA and began working with him in his home renovation business.
Shelby has a close-knit group of friends who are very supportive and invested in her friendship and potential romance with Cameron. The townspeople love Shelby and it was heartwarming to see them interacting with her, especially the older people for whom she restores furniture with such great care, expertise and respect.
Shelby isn't the only one with nice friends. Cameron's friend Kevin knows all his history with Shelby. There is great banter between the pair with a lot of teasing and funny moments. Cameron also develops a close bond with Shelby's Dad. He also mends his relationship with his brother and dad.
Some of the humour comes from the villains in the story- Shelby's mother is a piece of work as is Shelby's ex-boyfriend and her former friend. I just loved watching Shelby stand up for herself with these people and do so with humour and class.
The swoon-worthy romantic ending was super sweet and satisfying. It also left me wondering about Shelby's friend Lorelei and if there is a sequel in the making.

Two child stars with history and plenty of baggage reunite in this second chance romance. Fans of HGTV will love this story of reinvention, renovation, and reality TV.

I loved the synopsis for this one, but unfortunately it just didn’t work for me. I didn’t enjoy the characters and didn’t feel the chemistry between them. I wasn’t invested in their story at all. I’m in the minority on this one, and I’m open to reading more from this author in the future and giving her another try.

This was great! I enjoyed the characters and storyline and didn't want it to finish! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, I highly recommend adding this to your list to read in 2023!

Shelby Springfield was a child actor who made some very public mistakes in her young career. She's retreated to the quiet life on the shores of Lake Michigan, refurbishing homes with her dad. Cameron was her co-star and the one person she could always count on. He was always there when she needed him, for the moment, but then he'd disappear chasing his stories....or running from his truths. Lyle, co-star and ex is always there too...only to stir the pot and cause Shelby grief. But unfortunately he also hold an opportunity that can provide financial stability, not only for Shelby but for her father and community. A pilot show, featuring Shelby renovating a home ... but co-starring Cameron. Lyle is banking on disasters to be the highlight of this show.
This was a sweet second chance romance! Shelby and Cameron have each other's backs throughout this story...its the conflicts from Lyle and others that actually bring them closer to each other. Loved the secondary characters - Daniel, Lorelai and Kevin!
This was a feel good uplifting book with the right amount of sweet romance, steam and angst!

I wasn't sure what to expect from this story, but I know that I really enjoyed it. I usually don't like second chance romances, but this one felt different from the beginning. I fell in love with Cameron from the moment he hopped on a plane to Shelby at the beginning. Shelby is such a strong woman and I love her. This was such a fun story and a joy to watch them fall in love..
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

A cute friends to lovers second chance romance that I devoured! Cameron and Shelby have known each other since they were young kids, and have never told each other their feelings!!! There are times where I screamed, I just wanted them together so badly!!

Shelby had her fair share of messed up relationships and they are evident in this one. (yes love triangle, but not terrible!). She goes through many breakups, but through them all she is still in love with Cameron. Five years after this fiasco Cameron and her are reunited for a reality TV show, and the sparks fly again!

I liked this one, simple and sweet but could have done without Lyle, who you will have to read to find out about!
4/5

Thank you netgalley for the ARC!

Unsure if it was me or the book - but I was never truly invested in the story or the characters. However, I ultimately loved the way the story turned out, the home improvement background, and the spicy scenes.

Ultimately, I think second chance romances aren't for me - there is too much emotional longing.

However, I still enjoy Erin Hahn's work and am eager to see if she continues writing in the adult realm, versus her YA stuff.

Another decent contemporary, second-chance romance. I loved the rehabbing/upcycling antique pieces that the heroine worked on, and the fact that the two main characters were roped into working on a reality HGTV type show, but the romance wasn't the strongest for me. Definitely a case of me, not the book - I would still try it if it sounds like something you'd like.

Thank you St Martins Press & Netgalley for the early copy!

This was a breath of fresh air! I loved it from start to finish! The second chance childhood friends to lovers romance, the relationships throughout, and the overall home reality show as a backdrop. It was just brilliant!

I loved getting to know the characters throughout their entire lives, and I loved how we got to see both of them through each others eyes. The dual POV was great, always a fav for me! Some of the side characters were favourites as well, especially Shelby's dad!

I think this will be a top read for many, and I can't wait to hear what everyone else thinks about it! I've read a couple of Erin's YA books, and LOVED them! So when I saw her Adult debut, I just knew I had to read it! And I WAS RIGHT!!!

I can't wait to see what else Erin writes!!

Very cute - and no third act breakup!! It's definitely setting up a series (which I am all for) and delivers on its tropes: second chance romance of two former child-costars during a home renovation show. It's milder on the spicy side for me, but it is very cute and easy to read. I definitely want to check out the sequels.

Built to Last was a cute rom-com with a lot of great moments in it. I loved the character development and watching the characters get to know each other throughout the course of the book. The story was well written and kept me hooked enough that I wanted to keep reading so I could find out what happened.

Built to Last by Erin Hahn has a cute premise, but didn't quite work for me. I especially enjoyed the 'HGTV'-ish parts of the story, but found that the characters weren't ones that I connected with and the book had a slow start. Fortunately it didn't take too long to pick up and I started looking forward to what would happen next. It is the story of childhood actors that have taken some time away from acting and are now going back on their terms, on a home improvement show.

Being a child star isn't always wonderful. When Cameron decides to part ways with Hollywood, he leaves behind the girl he loves, Shelby, and a friend, Lyle. What he didn't expect was for Shelby to jump into Lyle's waiting arms.
Lyle wasn't what he was cracked up to be and a few years later, Shelby reaches out to Cameron for a rescue. He comes running but leaves again before daybreak. He did care enough to leave behind some sage advice in a note.
Fast forward a few more years and Lyle wants Cameron and Shelby to star in a reality show flipping houses. Putting Cameron and Shelby back together again makes them realize how much they have missed each other and have not missed Lyle. When Lyle starts to throw drama out, Cameron and Shelby must fight back.
Opinion
I love the dynamic of the three main characters. Two love each other and hate the third. The third wanting to exploit them to get money? Even better. The supporting characters are awesome as well and I'd love to read about Shelby's friends in another book.
This book is such a good novel. Rekindled love, friends to lovers and small town feel make this book awesome.
Many thanks to Net Galley and St. Martins Press for providing me with an ARC of this book.