Cameron, Shelby, and Lyle were all about 12 years old when they started working on a TV show together. Lyle had always been a bit of a jerk when he was younger. I think he just wanted to be the star. Shelby and Cameron had chemistry which Lyle didn’t like. Then all of a sudden Cameron went off to college. I think that was partly why Shelby went wild with drinking and making a scene. Then when Lyle cheated on her with her best friend, she really lost it. She ended going back to Michigan and working with her father who flipped homes. Shelby learned to refurbish old furniture and make them look new and beautiful. I was surprised when Lyle asked Shelby and Cameron to meet him regarding a tv show that they both went. Especially since Cameron had a great job with National Graphic, but he travelled eleven months out of the year. I loved Shelby’s father and how much he helped Cameron to learn about flipping houses. I couldn’t stand Shelby’s mother and how selfish she was. Lyle tried to play dirty and came up with all kinds of tricks to upset Cameron and Shelby on flipping the house. I enjoyed the book and encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

Hahn’s YA novel More Than Maybe is one of my all time favorites, so when I heard she was breaking into the romance genre, I’ve never clicked “request” on an eARC so fast in my life! And it did not disappoint!

This was a wonderfully sweet and spicy, second chance debut romance! It was refreshing real, with beautifully open communication, real struggles and honest solutions — if it weren’t for it being about child stars and how Hollywood effected them, I would see more of me and my own husband in Shelby and Cameron.

If you like low drama (other than the pain in the ass ex variety), lots of sexual tension, <b>no third act break up</b>, and a HEA that renews your faith in love, then this books is for you!

Erin Hahn is a very popular author of YA novels and for a good reason- she always manages to strike the right kind of balance between the plot and characterization without sacrificing the most important part of any kind of romantic story- its emotional side, the heart. Rest assured, Built to Last, her first adult romcom, is as sweet and entertaining as her previous books.

Shelby Springfield and Cameron Rigg's story goes far, far back...Together with Lyle, Shelby's treacherous ex, they used to be child actors and co-stars of a tv show. Then Shelby returned to Michigan to stay with her dad and got involved and fully invested in his house renovation business. When Shelby's Dad got injured in a car pile up accident, it became clear that he needs to slow down and Shelby starts looking for a way to give him a peaceful retirement. Doing a home renovation TV show seems like a great idea. The only problem is Shelby's Dad gets quickly discarded by the producers due to his lack of 'presence', something Shelby's childhood BFF/sweetheart Cameron has in abundance. Did I mention that the show is produced by Lyle who may or may not have his own vision of how to make the show even more popular by playing with Cam and Shelby's unresolved feelings.

Friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes, because there's nothing more difficult and nothing sweeter than loving somebody you have known for years with all their failures and successes, their secrets and their flaws, seeing them face problems and learn from their mistakes. Both Cam and Shelby have changed a lot since their childhood in the spotlight... Can their friendship survive and turn into something even more powerful, given half a second chance? Read for yourself and find out.

Title: Built to Last
Author: Erin Hahn
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Built to Last" by Erin Hahn

My Assessment:

'Built to Last' was an excellent rom-com love story of what happens when two child actors who loved each other meet years later and fell in love again. The two main characters, Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs, had quite a backstory that did finally develop them into some fine adults in this second chance at love.

Be ready for quite an exciting story from 'toxic and exploitive parental relationship, cheating evil, manipulative ex, strained family relationships, unrequited love, reality TV, redemption, and let's not leave it's a little spicy.'

To find out what this story is about, pick up 'Built to Last' and see how well this author brings it out to the reader.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

From childhood star to vintage furniture restorer, Shelby Springfield has found that she much prefers the peace and quiet that comes with living in the midwest over the drama of Hollywood. But when an opportunity comes to start a home renovation show with her Dad and set him up for retirement, she can't resist, even if that means changing the costar from her Dad to her former co-star and first love, Cameron Riggs. The downside, having to deal with their other former co-star and the ex-boyfriend that helped tank her career, Lyle Jessup.

If you enjoy home renovation shows and romance novels, this is the perfect novel for you. This second-chance romantic comedy is full of wit, angst, and spice between two amazing characters. I absolutely adored this book and I can't recommend it enough. The secondary characters were fantastic as well and I can't wait to hear Lorelai's story next fall! I especially enjoyed Kevin and would love to see a short story all about him and his wife. I was afraid that I would get annoyed with Lyle's character, but while he was present, he wasn't around often enough to really get on my nerves more than he was meant to, he had a perfect balance. It's really frustrating that for the books I love I can never seem to find enough/the right words to really portray how I feel about the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via St. Martins Press and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Shelby Springfield is trying hard to overcome her past. She was a childhood star with a pop music career which ended with a meltdown that turned into a media circus. Now she has a content life refinishing furniture and living quietly out of the limelight. When her former co-star Lyle Jessup reappears and offers her a reality series, she is torn. This could be just what she needs, but it also means teaming up with her other former co-star Cameron Riggs. Is Lyle doing it just to ruin what little friendship Shelby and Cameron have left? Will Cameron who wants to settle down even do the series with Shelby? What will happen when the two friends reconnect?

Erin Hahn who is the author of several YA romances, has taken the leap into adult romance with this, her debut novel. It is witty, has a great backstory and plenty of twists and turns throughout the book. I adored the characters, which were well written, and you just cannot help but sneer every time Lyle comes into the story. I was cheering for Shelby and Cameron right from the start. My thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy which I voluntarily read and reviewed. A perfect fall read!

My Thoughts

Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs, once co-stars/childhood sweethearts, are brought back in each others lives 10 years later for the pilot of a home renovation show

Shelby having found her niche in life working with her contractor father restoring homes and bringing to life old furniture has found peace for herself, if not complete happiness.

Cameron, having spent the intervening years by globe trotting making documentaries for National Geographic finds the chance to return home to the town, and girl, he left behind to good to resist.

What the two share this time around, both on and offscreen, has at times made me cry while also making me laugh as they finally realize real life means learning how to take its punches but still soldier on.

A second chance at life on their own terms and love that is long overdue for Cameron and Shelby.

Did not love this one unconditionally but really enjoyed the heck out of it for sure.

[EArc from Netgalley]
On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

3.5

Built to Last has a fun premise - 2 former child actors who co-starred on a popular TV show are brought back together to film a home renovation show pilot. As you might expect of course these two have a history, and being back in close contact after nearly a decade a part is a challenge in many ways. What ultimately transpires is a lovely, low-stakes second-chance romance that I really enjoyed reading.

This is Erin Hahn's adult romance debut and I think it's a super promising start. I can see how this book might not work for everyone as it did feel uneven and not totally flushed out at points, but I overall really enjoyed it despite the more technical issues I had with it. This is sort of rare for me - if I can see the seams when reading a book, it tends to take me out of it, but I had fun reading this regardless. That may have had a lot to do with the hero, Cam, who it's impossible not to crush on. It sounds like there's another book in this series in the making which I will definitely want to check out.

Thank you so much to the publisher for an e-arc. All opinions are my own.

Erin Hahn's BUILT TO LAST is the ultimate in deeply engaging characters, a storyline that delivers happily ever after, and what it takes to renovate and flip a house. The connection between Shelby and Cameron was forged when they were children, strengthened and strained over the years, and resolved into a deep, trusting, loving relationship. While the plot was predictable with reversals, obstacles, and longstanding issues, I was charmed throughout, all the way to the happy ending. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

•Second chance at love
•Childhood sweethearts
•Former childhood stars
•Reality television
•Dual POV
•Romance
•small town

Built to Last introduces us to Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs, former child stars who always had mutual crushes growing up. Shelby has recently been living life out of the spotlight, well as much as a former child star can anyway. But after her boyfriend of five years cheats on her with her best friend--and then writes a Grammy winning song for the world to hear, her quiet life is flipped upside down. Despite many years apart, Shelby knows that in a world of craziness and uncertainty, she can always count on Cameron.
Now a new home improvement show has brought these two back together. Will their childhood crushes turn into an adult relationship? Or will bitter exes try to stand in the way of fate?
This story felt new and fun. I loved the dual point of views and the pining for each other. I do wish there would have been less Lyle and a bit more spice. Overall I enjoyed this book. Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin via NetGalley for an ARC of this super cute romcom. 4 stars.

In short: Former childhood stars and sweethearts, Cameron and Shelby, a more reunited and back in the spotlight with a home renovation show.

What to expect:
🛠HGTV Vibes
🛠Second Chance Romance
🛠Alternating POVs

Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book! Childhood sweethearts estranged for years, but always close to each other’s heart are thrown together by a vindictive ex. Shelby wants to prove she left her party girl reputation behind in Hollywood, Cameron is ready to set down roots. You can tell there is a lot of love between these characters, but a lot of history to work through as well. I loved their rekindling, tension with a little steam and the setting of a home renovation show. This was a great story and had characters that were easy to love, and hate.

Thank you to the publisher + NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

"Built to Last" by Erin Hahn is first and foremost a book about former child stars and reality tv, which made for a really entertaining book to say the least. Shelby used to date Lyle who was also her co-star, but there's also Cameron her other co-star and the one who got away. Now they're all participating in an HGTV-type-show, and the gang is all back together. Except there's still some lingering feelings - of animosity? of love - all around. I really loved Cameron and Shelby's slow burn relationship (I'm a sucker for childhood friends to lovers AND the second chance trope). Lyle and Ada Mae as characters really annoyed me, but hey that's showbiz for you. I liked Erin Hahn's previous YA books so it was only fitting that I would enjoy her rom-com debut.

What a cute story. This is Erin Hahn’s debut rom com, and her writing tells a good story. This is the “reality home renovation” trope, and it was thoroughly enjoyable. I loved Shelby (and her dad) who after being a child acting star has gone back home to Michigan to do home renovations with her dad. One of the child stars on her tv show is now a producer, and another has come to Michigan to find Shelby. Cameron has loved Shelby since those teenage years and Shelby has loved him back but it has all been unrequited. Lyle, the producer, tries to sabotage the two who are working on the pilot for this new home renovation show. All in all, a fun book to read.

I liked this one! I enjoyed the author’s writing style and loved her characters. I thought the storyline was fun and a great escape from reality, especially after reading several mysteries in a row.

This is a friends to lovers story with a few twists. It also includes child actors who are all grown up and still have feelings for each other and family relationships that are not unexpected but not necessarily healthy either. Shelby was a hit on their show when they were young so when Lyle Jessup, a mover and shaker in Hollywood, calls her to make a pilot show about house flipping, she is hesitant. He sweetens the pot by telling her that he is asking that Cameron Riggs, her first love and other co-star from the show, be her new co-star on the new show. The dialog between the two was sappy at times and not totally believable. I really did not like the limited vocabulary, with F-bombs used constantly by most of the characters. The plot was okay but not well developed since it was completely predictable, although it was fun to read at times. I especially enjoyed when Cam and Shelby went to an antique fair together. The chemistry in those scenes did get realistic and gave me hope for the rest of the book, but that was about halfway through. It took half the book to get to anything relatable or realistic and then the ball dropped again and went off into drama that seemed to be there just to make the book longer. This is a romance with the premise of house flipping and finding each other again, but it could just as well have been a short story. Since I enjoy shows on HGTV, i did enjoy the details about how they were making the house a dream house for someone, with all the extras that Shelby enjoyed adding to make it her signature style. Lyle was not well developed, just an evil narcissist who was the one who kept trying to butt into their lives and control them using his reputation and his money. Most of the other characters were developed sufficiently but none were totally relatable to me. Those who enjoy a quick read with little substance will enjoy this book, especially if you are looking for a second chance or friends to lovers story.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This was such a great story! Cam and Shelby were two of three child stars on a popular tv series and the producer of their show, Lyle, was the third. Lyle is the perfect evil foil to making Cam the good guy in this story but in Shelby’s eyes Cam was always in that good guy role. When Cam commits to doing the pilot with Shelby their friendship takes center stage. You can feel how close they are and how much they mean to each other, even all these years later. You can also feel the chemistry through their flirtations and it was totally fun to read.

Both Shelby and Cam had issues from their childhood that needed to be faced in this novel for their relationship to move towards commitment. Shelby had a stage mom that was in it for the money, selling out her only daughter creating a story filled with lies, just so she could capitalize on it and make a buck. Cam lived on the west coast with his mom when he was acting and never had a great relationship with his father and brother. Moving back to Michigan is the chance for them to revisit these relationships and hopefully come out the other side with a healthier outlook. Of course, not everything goes as planned.

I loved this poignant look back at first love. Cam and Shelby’s chance at redemption was a wonderfully fun story but their was also a lot of depth in both these and other characters in the novel. In my mind the best novels are filled with heart and this stories heart was overflowing emotionally. I really enjoyed reading this novel. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!

Whenever a story has "famous" characters, I immediately roll my eyes and wish it hadn't. That being said, I appreciated the underlying theme: people change; they shouldn't be trapped in the past or other people's notion/memory/idea of who they really are.

I appreciated Shelby's tenacity in being a changed woman who is proud of who she's become despite her toxic childhood and early 20s. She was pushed into working in an adult world when she was just a child, was taken advantage of by her garbage mother, and spiraled like most teens/twenty-somethings do when they can't take the pressure. But Shelby turned her life around, moved back to her real roots in Michigan, made solid friendships, and learned a craft that she could be proud of. That's a beautiful story, to me.

The relationships/friendships/come-backs and all that were fine. Predictable, but fine.

I would have just read the story of Shelby learning her craft, restoring furniture, flipping houses with her dad, and going to flea markets, so the rest was just fluff for me.

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for sharing this digital ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

I had such a good time with this book! I have read and enjoyed two of Erin Hahn’s young adult romances so far (I still have one that I need to read and hope to remedy that situation soon.) so I was really eager to read her first book for adults. I had high hopes for this book and it did not disappoint. I fell in love with Cameron and Shelby right away and couldn’t wait to see them find their happily ever after. This is definitely a book worth picking up.

Cameron and Shelby have known each other since they were kids starring on a tween show and were first loves. They are older now but the spark between them is still there as they work together on the pilot for a home renovation show, HomeMade. Shelby has spent years refurbishing furniture and helping her dad restore homes while Cameron is new to the whole business of home renovation since he has spent years traveling the world with his job with National Geographic.

These two were meant for each other. The chemistry between them was off the charts but I liked the fact that they took things at a slower pace because I felt like we really got to see them fall for each other. They were so supportive of each other, especially when Lyle would try to make things difficult for them just to get a reaction for the camera. I love that they have a history together and were able to understand the fame of growing up in front of a camera. They both were so down to earth and deserved to have good things happen in their lives.

I would recommend this book to others. Erin Hahn is quickly becoming a favorite author. This book was filled with fantastic characters, some swoon-worthy moments, and just enough humor. I will definitely be reading more of her work soon.

I received a digital review copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press.

It all started on a tv show called The World According to Jackson where three child stars meet. Lyle plays Jackson, Cameron plays the best friend Carter and Shelby plays Jackson's love interest Makayla. But she's always felt sparks with Cameron and after one wonderful night under the stars, he leaves without a word for college ruining the show and what might have been between the two of them. He takes a travelling journalist position for National Geographic but still comes to help anytime she calls. In a break between shows, he agrees to help pilot a new home renovation show with Shelby, produced by Lyle. As the show continues, Cameron has more and more trouble trying to hide the way he feels about her and when the truth comes out, Lyle will throw every curveball he can to try and break them apart since he's always been jealous of how close they are. Can they sell the pilot and continue the series or will he have to give up on their budding relationship and go back to National Geographic?
This was a sweet romance set in a home renovation show. I loved Shelby's excitement at finding antiques and restoring them. The parts where they can relax and be themselves were my favorite. Cameron was a little frustrating at first, always running away and not facing his feelings, but when he finally settled in he was so sweet and romantic. I love the way they handled Lyle in the end. That part was hilarious!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Child actors Shelby Springfield, Cameron Riggs and Lyle Jessup grew up in front of cameras. As they got older, Shelby and Cameron were dating behind the scenes. Lyle was trying to date Shelby also. Cameron got tired of it all and went to college. He then got his dream job of working for National Geographic. When Shelby called, he dropped everything. Her world was crashing and she needed the only person that was a true friend. When he left he told her to get out. Shelby would go home to Michigan and begin the life she was meant to have. She's working with her dad flipping houses but also has a side business restoring old furniture. An opportunity came up for a new home show. The only problem is Lyle Jessup is the producer. He is bound and determined to mess with them. In the end Cameron decides to stay and put down roots. Shelby is happy and ready to start the next chapter of her life.