Built to Last by Erin Hahn
Contemporary romance. Alternating chapters between male and female perspective.
Childhood tv stars Shelby and Cameron are back together rehabbing a house as a Pilot episode. As adults, they click back into habits and pour their hearts into building something renewed.

Adorable and touching. Hot romance with clever conflicts and a feeling of taking the high road ala Michelle O. A bit of humor and a few deep friendships. All the keys to a wonderful romance and a compelling story.
I want to look for more by this author. The timing and pace made it delightful.

Excerpt:
“I’ve never really delved into the whole ‘soul’ business before, bit of we do have souls and those souls have mates, Shelby’s mine. After all, I am hers in every literal iteration. Why should my soul be any different?”
Excerpt from Built to Last

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

“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.”

I’ve read books about character who were former child stars.
I’ve read books about characters on reality television.
I’ve read books about characters taking on home reno projects.

This book had ALL THE THINGS.

And yet, it didn’t seem too much.

I loved the likeable main female and male characters.

I loathed the repellant ex BF and BFF.

I loved all the characters orbiting the mains, particularly the strong friendships and complex parent-adult child relationships.

There was just the right amount of humour, spice, sentimentality, and romance.

Also: the popular (and relevant) singles as chapter titles was a delight.

I really hope the author takes a few of the orbiting characters and runs with them.

I’m looking at you, Lorelei.

8/10

Thanks to NetGalley, OrangeSky Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for this handy ARC.

Built to Last is the first book I remember reading by Erin Hahn. A second chance romance with some meddling by a third friend this is a fun read. Shelby Springfield, former child star, has been trying to get herself together for years. Her past story could be straight out of a celebrity magazine. Her story here and in the future is the stuff movies are made of. Movies worth seeing that is.

Along with Shelby are Lyle Jessup and Cameron Riggs. All three are now grown up and so much more interesting. Add a home renovation show and you have the making of a great story. An author that I will be on the lookout for more in the future. This is a crowd pleaser read.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Built to Last, by Erin Hahn, is such a blast to read! This new romance is perfect for those who are a fan of Hollywood starlet tropes and childhood sweethearts.

Any reader will find themselves rooting for Shelby and Cameron from the beginning, from their best to their worst moments. Their chemistry is as strong as Lyle claims, and it’s clear from Erin Hann’s perfect storytelling skills!

Be sure to keep an eye on the songs listed at the top of each chapter. It’s a treat for any music fan, and may even convince those to give it a reread with the full playlist! I know I’m planning to, as this heartwarming novel is sure to stay on my bookshelf for some time.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book. Cam and Shelby were teenage stars on a popular TV show. They were attracted to each other and acted upon it once but Cam couldn’t handle it and took off. Shelby then ended up in a long-term relationship with the third member of the TV show. When Lyle did her dirty, she reached out to Kim who’s cross the country to come and comfort her only to takeoff again.
Now it’s years later and Cam and Shelby are pushed together to star in in home improvement show. Shelby and her dad are professional flippers and cam has worked as a documentarian. They agree to do the show and then find out they’ll be working with Lyle.
What I liked about this book was how it portrayed the damage that was done to young people in a high stress situation and how long lasting the effects were of that damage. Both of them have moved on but they’ve never resolve the emotional issues between them. Both of them have family issues related to their earlier career. Even as adults, the media finds ways to try and bring them down aided by Shelby’s ex.. The ending is satisfying on several levels and there’s a pretty good teaser for what I assume is going to be the next book in the series. This is a new author to me and I look forward to reading future books.

Happy pub day to Built to Last by @ErinHahn_Author! I finished this one today and wish it wasn’t over.

Erin Hahn always writes characters I love, and her adult debut romance is no different. If you’re sick of miscommunication and a contrived third act break up that makes you crazy, this is the book for you.
Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs were child stars on a Nickelodeon/Disney type show, and were each other’s first loves. But when Cameron left Hollywood to go to college, Shelby turned to their other co-star, Lyle Jessup and had a very public relationship that didn’t end well. Years later Shelby has worked to put that life behind her. She works with her father restoring old houses in Michigan and Cameron is flying around the globe shooting documentaries when they’re both called about an opportunity to star in a reality house flipping show—with Lyle, who’s still holding a grudge, as the showrunner.

I’m not one to compare books to blankets, but this one was so cozy I couldn’t put it down. Shelby and Cameron are both great, swoony characters who communicate like adults. Shelby is strong and speaks her mind which I always love to see, and Cameron meets her at every turn. They have some blips in their romantic road, but they’re both reasonable and talk them through (gasp!). I can’t tell you how refreshing that was to read. I was absolutely rooting for the characters through the entire book.

I would have liked to understand Lyle’s character a little better. He’s the villain of the story and I was sort of waiting for him to have a redeeming moment, which doesn’t really come. That said, Shelby has some great moments of introspection and taking responsibility about her relationship with Lyle that I absolutely loved, and I guess it’s not his story.

I got the sense that there’s the possibility of another character getting their own book in this world, which would be amazing. But I’ll read anything Erin Hahn writes.

When I first started Built to Last, I wasn't how I felt about it. It took a bit for it to hook me, but once it did, I became delighted with Cam and Shelby's second-chance romance. I did not want to put this one down!

Former child star and party girl, Shelby Springfield is now a respectable, upstanding part of her hometown in Michigan, learning to refurbish antique furniture under her dad for the last ten years. When producers making a new home renovation show, ‘Homemade’ come calling, she gladly accepts to do the show with her dad as her costar. Daniel Springfield doesn’t test well with the audience and soon her former costars, Lyle Jessup and Cameron Riggs are brought in to be the show runner and costar instead. Shelby has history with both of them, one she never wants to see again and the other is the one that got away.

A simply fabulous second chance romantic comedy, Built to Last captured my attention and I couldn’t put it down, reading it in less than a day. #spriggs , the trending hashtag for the new couple, has such electric chemistry and smart, witty banter, it renewed the fact that second chances, recovering from past mistakes, and positive changes are possible.

Two Michigan kids in L.A. This book was everything and more. Am I biased because I am from Michigan? Specially Grand Rapids and this book mentions it MULTIPLE times and does not fail to remind you that it takes place in Michigan!? Maybe. But this was easily one of my favorite reads. You know a book is good when you don't feel like you read it.. and that you watch it. I felt like the book was a whole movie that I saw. I love the second chance romance, I love the "it was always you". What I would give to be able to see the music video for "what they have". Exceptional. This is my first Erin Hahn novel and I can promise you it won't be my last.

~3.5 stars rounded up~

Built to Last left me wanting just a bit more built. Overall, the premise was so cute and despite not typically loving the friends to lovers trope- the character evolution of Shelby and Cameron was great. I felt most of the side characters, aside from the best friend, we’re just oozing with too much drama and nasty. Which I get to a degree, the exploitation of childhood stars is a serious topic but between Lyle and Ada Mae felt irrelevant to the story and I could’ve handled one of the other.

A very slow going read until it explodes towards the end and we just jump to the happily ever after of I love you. I felt the first half could’ve been skimmed more and the meat of the book should’ve focused more heavily on the actual build and flip with the romance blossoming. I absolutely adored Shelby’s handiwork and creativity and that was what kept me going. If you’re a fan of the HGTV world and home Reno mixed with the Chip and Joanna vibes of cheesy romance- this will be a fun read for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

“Two childhood sweethearts find a second chance at love.” From this one sentence, I knew I would adore this book. This is the stuff of my dreams, and Hahn did it so well. She gave me sweet peeks into Shelby and Cameron’s past, let me watch them fall in love as kids, and then allowed me the privilege of seeing them fall in love again. Do you hear that? It’s the sounds of my heart exploding.

I have zero complaints about this couple. They had amazing chemistry, I loved their banter, and Cameron was a swoon worthy hero. A big part of their story was how they had changed since they first met and fell for one another, but the sparks were still there. Now it was time to fall in love with the grown-up versions of each other. I am a sap, and the idea of this couple growing together is one I adore.

The story was elevated with a stupendous supporting cast. Shelby was able to find a great circle of friends in Michigan. They, along with her father, formed an amazing support system for her as Shelby attempted to leave her past behind and embark on a new future. Cameron also had some great friends. It was so much fun spending time with them all, and I am positive that there were allusions to returning to this world. If this is true, I say, YES PLEASE!

Overall: Fun, sweet, and throughly entertaining. I reveled in every minute of this book!

Shelby Springfield was a child star along with Cameron and Lyle. She has struggled for years to get over everything that happened back then. There was so much to this story. Her mother used her for the money and her father wasn’t there when she needed him. She came home and her father was able to help her get past what happened in the past and she has been successful with refinishing wood furniture and wood fixtures in homes that she has been working on alongside her father as they bought and renovated homes. Cameron always came running when Shelby called for help but he didn’t stick around. As for Lyle, I didn’t like him at all. He was a trouble maker and jealous that Shelby and Cameron became successful in their careers. Also the fact that Shelby loved Cameron first didn’t help. I really enjoyed this story. There is a lot more but I will let you enjoy it yourself.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.

It's an HGTV romance I didn't know I wanted but needed and I really enjoyed this book! It's a good one from Erin and I hope to see more of her books!

This book is the love child of Disney and HGTV. It definitely took me a bit to get into it, but it was worth it! The premise of the book relying on the fact that they all were child actors together who went their separate ways to be reunited again on a house renovation show is absolutely insane (but like in the best way). While the book does have some flashbacks to their child acting days, it mostly emphasized the second chance aspect. The banter between Shelby and Cam was so genuine and you truly could tell how connect they were. Honestly a sweet and quick book. Definitely would recommend to fans of any HGTV shows.

Romance

Such a sweet story. Who hasn't had fond memories of their first love and wonder what if?

Cameron and Shelby were child actors and fell in love when they were barely 18. Like many teenagers, communication wasn't their strong suit and misperceptions drove them apart. 5 years later Shelby calls for Cam's help and when he arrives she makes a drunken pass at him. Believing Shelby is on the rebound and not wanting his heart to be shattered again, he leaves.

Another 5 years passes and they are brought back together to film a reality TV show. Can they both drop their defenses enough to be honest? Is Cameron always destined to leave? Can Shelby be unguarded enough to show her true feelings?

Of course the answer is yes, but that didn't stop me from wanting to read about these characters. The best words to describe this novel is sweet. It has its steamy moments, but primarily remains PG -13. I could totally see this one as a Lifetime movie.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel.

Built to Last by Erin Hahn was a second chance romance for Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs who met as children on a popular television show. Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs were child-stars on a popular show, secretly crushing on each other during those growing-up years. After the show was over and they went different ways, Cam went to college. Shelby stayed in LA for a bit longer, dating Lyle Jessup, their other co-star, until Lyle not only cheated on Shelby, but also wrote a Grammy winning song full of lies about her and married her best friend. Shelby left LA five years ago, working with her father’s reconstruction of old houses and vintage furniture business; wanting to prove the world she is not the same child star actress and pop star she had been. She’s enjoying her life: living in a house she’s renovating, refinishing vintage furniture in a workshop in her barn, raising chickens. Her best friends, Maren and Lorelai, a former Country singer, have her back and help her through her worse moments. Shelby wants to prove to the world she’s grown-up, matured, and wants to support her father’s retirement fund by working on a home renovation reality show concept but the channel producers want to replace her father with someone younger; someone she’s already has onscreen chemistry with, Cameron. Not only that, it’s Lyle who’s producing the show, pulling the strings. Cam decides to take a sabbatical from his videographer job with National Geographic to work on this show. His family lives nearby as does his best friend and former college roommate, allowing him the opportunity to spend time with them.

Working together, Shelby gets to demonstrate her real talent, refinishing vintage objects, while Cam learns how to flip a house from Shelby’s dad. These two complement each other as they work together flipping a house, flirting, and communicating, showing that the chemistry Shelby and Cam had as teens is still evident, sparking and igniting flames between them. I enjoyed watching them become closer, spending time together away from the “set”, their conversations, their group of friends, and their families. It was obvious they were soul mates, meant to be together. I highly recommend Built to Last to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Shelby and Cameron met when they were eleven years old on the set of their tv show. Alongside them was Lyle Jessup and the three of them grew up together until the show ended when they were 18.

When Shelby calls Cameron 5 years later out of the blue, drunk and upset, he drops everything to fly to Los Angeles from Alaska to make sure she’s okay only to leave again before the end of the night.

After hitting her rock bottom, Shelby moves home to Michigan to do construction with her father Daniel. Shelby uses this time away from the spotlight to heal from the traumas of her past - manipulative ex boyfriends, growing up in front of the camera and a mother who used her as a bank, and she ends up making a name for herself in the construction, furniture restoration world.

5 years since they last seen each other, Cameron, Lyle and Shelby come together again when Shelby is offered a deal she can’t turn down, sign on to do a pilot of a construction reality show starring her and Cameron with Lyle as the show runner, and they will sign her father on as a consultant. All Shelby wants is to have her dad taken care of as he ages, so she agrees to this crazy idea.

After seeing and working with each other again after so many years, feelings from childhood start to resurface. Will Shelby and Cameron finally get their chance at a happy ending? Or will this time end up the same as the others - with both of them heartbroken and alone?

I really enjoyed this novel! First of all, the cover is so cute. This was definitely a slower burn but once the story began, I couldn’t put it down!

I’m not normally a fan of friends to lovers - but friends to lovers when paired with second chance romance is just perfection!

Erin did such a good job with both characters perspective. Cameron was just swoon worthy with how obsessed he has always been with Shelby!

I would recommend this book to all my romance reader friends!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this novel.

Happy pub day to this book that I LOVED! Built to Last is sweet, homey, and full of the most loyal friends. It was really a JOY to read this story about teenage tv stars with complicated pasts that are thrown together 10 years later for a home renovation show. I want to watch the reno show, walk into the houses they restore, and see the amazing pieces that Shelby rehabs in person. The story ended perfectly but I really wanted to continue reading about these character! Rom com lovers, get your hands on this book!!

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my e-arc!!

POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶 🌶 🌶

This was such a fun and well written romcom and I feel like Erin Hahn is definitely an author we will be seeing a lot more of!

I love books about a romance developing over a home renovation, but add in that in this book they are on an actual home reno show and I’m completely sold! Shelby and Cameron are both former child stars and we see a lot of character development with both of them, but especially Shelby. She is almost a completely different kind of person from the peek that we get in the beginning, and I felt so proud of her. She really is such a great character and you can’t help but root for her! Cameron is such a nice guy and him and Shelby together are #goals.

This childhood friends to lovers, second chance romance is mostly light and funny with a few emotional moments. I loved Shelby and Cameron’s group of true friends and I can’t wait to see more from them (and this author) in the future!

Ok, wow - I enjoyed this so much more than I had anticipated! I went in fairly blind and am so happy I did!

🔨 friends to lovers / second chance romance
🔨 former childhood stars
🔨 home renovation show
🔨 Dual POV
🔨 Mutual Pining
🔨 No 3rd Act Break-up 🙌🏻

There is so much to enjoy about this book! This was such a sweet and swoony romance with fun banter, great secondary characters, and a glimpses of stardom (oh and a sh***y ex-boyfriend who a common villain that we can all root against lo).

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️