Second chance romance is my all time favorite trope and this one is particularly adorable.

Shelby and Cameron have known each other since childhood when they starred in a TV show together. After filming ended, their lives went in different directions but he always came running when she called.

Now they are teamed up with their third co-star (and Shelby's ex) to film a home renovation reality show in the town where Shelby has started over after her Hollywood demise.

While there is tons of drama in this book, there's not much between the couple and I liked that. They clearly have loved each other for a long time and just needed a gentle push in the right direction to get together. There's great humor and wonderful side characters.

I highly recommend this one for romance readers.

Shelby Springfield is a former notorious Hollywood party girl, a reputation she has been trying to get rid of since her break up with her high-profile former co-star. Shelby moved back home to Michigan and found her passion for restoring houses. When Hollywood comes knocking in the form of a new home improvement show, Shelby is excited about the opportunity until her new possible co-star, Cameron Riggs, is revealed. Shelby and Cameron have a complicated romantic history, and Shelby isn't sure if she wants to revisit it, but she doesn't know if she can stay away.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Shelby and Cameron's relationship was equal parts sweet and sizzling. Hahn did a great job of integrating commentary on how actresses are represented in the media. The book uses storylines thoughtfully to question the media frenzy around female celebrities while keeping the book playful. The book was a fun, fluffy romance with a little deeper message.

I was able to read "Built to Last" by Erin Hahn on NetGalley. I wasn't sure how much I would like it before I started, but I loved this book! I was hesitant because the main characters were child sitcom stars and I wasn't sure how believable they would be. But I thought all the characters in the book were very well developed. In fact, I'm hoping there will be another book taking up the story of one of Shelby's best friends. The book ending hinted at that!

This is the first book I've read by Erin Hahn and it was definitely a hit! I enjoyed the premise of them being former child stars on a TV show. I found the antagonism between Lyle and his former costars, Shelby and Cameron, to compelling and I just wanted them to take that man down a notch! I am looking forward to reading more of her work.

Erin Hahn was a new-to-me author with You’d Be Mine, the first book of hers I read, and I loved it so much I’ve been hooked on her words ever since. I was curious how she would do making the jump from YA to adult contemporary romance, and overall, I really enjoyed this story of former child actors who were each other’s first love. It’s a solidly entertaining second-chance romance full of complex family dynamics and hard lessons on the importance of good communication. My only real complaint is that it would have been nice to have a little more insight into Shelby and Cam’s past with some more flashbacks to the earlier years. The true gems in this story are the secondary characters in Michigan, that are Shelby and Cam’s friends. It felt like a setup for some follow-on stories, and I really hope we get those from the author!

I loved Erin Hahn's book Never Saw You Coming, and I loved this one too!

Shelby is a previous child tv star who went off the rails. She was on a tv show with Cameron and Lyle. Cameron was her first love, but she ended up dating Lyle who cheated on her. She was able to pull herself together and out of Hollywood to go back to her hometown in Michigan. She now works with her father flipping houses. When she has the opportunity to create a DIY show about house flipping she wasn't expecting her costar to be Cameron. 

Second chance romances are my favorite trope and this one was written perfectly! The connection between Cameron and Shelby was felt on every page. There was so much sexual tension from the very beginning you just knew that their teenage romance also had to be great. Their banter on and off screen was really sweet and I loved how they took their relationship seriously. I also really enjoyed the tv show aspect. 
Lyle and his tricks were obviously terrible. I mean his character sucked, but he was supposed to. 
All around this book was so sweet. It gave small town vibes, with a fun aspect for the renovation show.

In Built to Last, Shelby is a recovering child actor who hasn't had life so easy. She's suffering from a breakup of her childhood costar but she pines for the best friend who got away. Then life throws her a curveball, or perhaps a blessing in disguise, when she and that best friend, Cameron, are paired together for a reality home renovation show. Of course, the ex is heading up this show, so what could go wrong?

Talk about a steamy rom com! The chemistry between the characters was enjoyable to read, and there was definitely a lot of humor, If you are looking for a light hearted read, then this is perfect for you. Erin Hahn is excellent at the unfurling the romance and just enough comedy to keep you reading until you wish you were not finished.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

Built to Last by Erin Hahn
Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 2 chilis
Pub date: 10/18

There’s a lot of history between Shelby, Cameron and Lyle, former child stars best known for their work on the show, The World According to Jackson. Shelby and Cameron dated secretly while on the show, and Shelby thought they were in love. Until Cameron left for college one day without a word and Shelby turned to Lyle for comfort. Now, 10 years and a few ruined careers later, the three of them reunite again to work on the Home Improvement show HomeMade. This could be Cameron and Shelby’s last chance to put the past behind them and move on, together.

This was a wonderful second chance, childhood friends to lovers rom-com with some HGTV vibes thrown in. I love home improvement shows and learning about the intricacies of home remodeling, so when you add a little romance to that, I’m all in!

Cameron and Shelby had great chemistry right from the start and the dual POV made it obvious how they felt about each other. There was a little miscommunication in the beginning but not so much that it was painful to read.

Cameron’s such a cinnamon roll. He always stands up for Shelby and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty by learning the ins and outs of being a contractor for the show. I love when the guy falls first, and even though the feelings are mutual in this one, Cameron’s pining is my favorite...he has it BAD and I loved every second of it.

And Shelby is seriously bad ass. She picked herself up after her career fell apart, moved to Michigan, and started restoring old furniture and flipping houses with her dad. She figured out how to be at peace with her past, which only gets harder for her once the show gets up and running. She comes to rely on Cameron even more when the cameras start rolling and Lyle starts making things difficult.

I loved Shelby’s dad and the rest of the side characters, the small town setting, the friendships, and the STEAM. This book has some great spice and we all know that’s what I’m really here for (wink).

I absolutely adored this one and I think fans of Maggie Moves On or any HGTV home reno show will, too! Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy! Built to Last hits shelves tomorrow on 10/18.

Cute little second chance romance about child stars who had feelings for each other but when the show was over left the spotlight and went on to live normal lives and then are pulled back together to do a home renovation show because Shelby and her dad have been doing renovations successfully since the show went off and when the network brings Cameron back to the scene to co-host the show with her, the sparks fly!
Their chemistry is off the charts and their banter is fun. If you’re a fan of Ben and Erin and the show Hometown, you will enjoy this book.
Thanks to St. Martins Griffin and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Built to Last is an enjoyable look at what happens when childhood friends reunite after a decade apart. Shelby and Cameron grew up on television. They went their separate ways when the show ended, but it wasn’t a happy parting. After a brief reunion five years later, Shelby and Cameron had not seen or spoken to each other until they found themselves in a meeting for a new show that their former co-star was proposing.

My biggest issue with the book is Lyle and his actions. Why is he holding a grudge against Shelby and Cameron after so many years? He did everything he could to mess up their show, but why? Was he truly that jealous of their happiness?

I enjoyed meeting Maren and Lorelai. I, for one, would like to learn more about these characters to see if they all get their happily ever after. And, of course, who wouldn’t want to continue to follow Shelby and Camerons?

Built to Last is the first book I’ve read by Erin Hahn, but it won’t be the last!

I asked for an ARC of this back in May, because I saw the cover on twitter, and the blurb said it has the kind of second chance at love I can enjoy: they were friends and more as kids and teens, now they’re in their late 20s. There’s enough time and distance for them to have grown from the people who screwed up their chances to grown adults who can make a relationship work.

Reader beware: there’s graphic sex on the page, and some cursing; there’s the tropetastic narcissistic stage mom, and a bastard ex whose motivations are…he’s an asshole? Also, all white, all the time.

The story is told, and quite well, in first person present tense, which takes real skill to pull off, and more so when the narration switches between the two main characters.

The first chapter, set five years before the book’s timeline, establishes the relationship between Shelby Springfield, former child actress turned starlet singer turned master carpenter-slash-antique furniture restorer; Cameron Riggs, former child actor turned documentarian working for National Geographic; and Lyle Jessup, former child actor turned showrunner for an unnamed reality shows channel, and the third point of the professional-slash-romantic triangle.

Except, it’s not really ever a triangle, and the book also deals with other relationships.

Both Shelby and Cameron are likable people who have worked hard to overcome the years they were in the fishbowl that is Hollywood, and to become responsible adults. However, both of them still have some growing up to do, each in their own way.

The set up to get these two together is more than a bit contrived–ostensibly, Shelby needs the show to be picked up so that her father can save enough to retire comfortably, but I wasn’t sold on why Lyle would want Cameron there, other than trying to further humiliate Shelby and somehow make Cameron miserable.

(Honestly, in a book where almost every character has a life beyond “serving the plot”, Lyle, his wife, and Shelby’s mother stick out as one-dimensional plot devices.)

It’s especially weird that, knowing just how manipulative Lyle is, and having had him lie to both their agents, both Shelby and Cameron would agree to work with him. It’s not like either of them are unemployed or unemployable; they’ve built decent careers away from Hollywood and Lyle over the last five years, after all.

But whatever, that’s the premise: they sign on to do the pilot, with Lyle as long-distance showrunner, and a local film crew following along on their first house restoration and flip.

From there, we are introduced to Shelby’s and Cam’s family and friends, and all the pointy angles and comforting spaces of those relationships, and it’s honestly great to see the two of them navigate getting to know each other again, as adults, as they work together, while also coming to terms with other issues in their lives.

Shelby has to work out her guilt over her relationship with Lyle, as well as over some of her ‘wild child’ behavior as a teen and young adult. Cameron has to face his daddy issues (literally), and learn to build relationships with his family while staying in one spot. (On this point, I cheered when Cameron finally confronted his father, and I only wish more of that had been shown on page.)

I appreciated that they don’t jump immediately into a sexual relationship, even though at one point I felt that they had already talked it to death.

Speaking of which, I love that these two actually talk. Shelby notices Cameron’s reaction to something, and explains her reasoning, to make sure there aren’t misunderstandings. Later, when she’s unsure what he means, she asks him to clarify. For a bit, it’s only her initiating real communication between them, but eventually Cameron catches on as to how relationships work, which is excellent.

Also, let’s hear it for consent and responsible sex (aka, condoms for the win!), both when they were teens and now.

Aside: there’s a whole “oh, no, the B&B only has one room, whatever shall we do!” passage that is hilarious and delicious, especially as we get to see it from both points of view–and props again to Ms Hahn for her handling of this trope.

I enjoyed the novel a lot, because both main characters are well rounded people and their growth as people, and towards each other, was believable to me.

I could have done entirely without Lyle, though; every time he showed up, it made me question the setup again–let alone the fact that his motivations just make no sense. A showrunner doesn’t get to make many pilots if he sabotages them out of pettiness, do they?

And look, in a romantic suspense, the motivations of the villain are obvious, and generally make sense, so readers can just take it as a given and move on. In a contemporary romance, having a villain whose only motivation is “he’s an asshole”, as he figuratively shoots himself in the groin, is just distracting. Either make him make sense, or just take him out of the equation.

And don’t get me started on Ada Mae, Shelby’s ‘mommy dearest’, who only shows up, courtesy of Lyle, to make Shelby miserable; or on Marcella, Lyle’s wife, ditto. All in all, I spent too much time dreading the next piano Lyle would drop on the characters’ heads, which distracted from the romance.

The ending, of course, is the best kind of fantasy: not only do these two end together in a healthy, adult relationship, but they get to turn the tables on Lyle in the best way, and they do it by being who they are now, and through their own talents.

Built to Last gets 9.00 out of 10, and I’m looking forward to Lorelei’s book (there’s a bit of sequel bait, but it works in context, much better than Lyle’s actions).

A somewhat read. Shelby is a washed up actress and Cameron does her bidding. They embark on a home Reno reality show and of course stuff happens.
I liked both characters, I just wasn’t completely sold on their relationship.
What I did like was all the renovation descriptions and plans. That saved the book, in my opinion.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC for Built to Last for my honest review.

Such a sweet second chance romance between childhood sweethearts and former child stars Shelby & Cameron. Who falls in love when they are 11 with the love of their life? This story follows child stars Shelby, Cameron, & Lyle. Erin Hahn makes you feel all the longing and chemistry between Shelby & Cameron and has you cheering for them to finally admit how they feel. Their every interaction is so tangible you can feel the tension and longing. Loved the character growth and cast of friends who lifted and rallied for Cameron & Shelby to finally have their HEA.

The limelight isn't for everyone and life takes these three in different directions. Cameron chases stories for National Geographic, Shelby moves home and finds herself restoring furniture and flipping houses with her dad, while Lyle lives the hollywood lifestyle. No matter what life throws at them Cameron is always ready to drop everything and show up for Shelby but he never seems to stick around. The three come back together for a chance at a reality show staring Shelby & Cameron restoring and flipping houses. With Lyle as the shifty hollywood exec with an ax to grind who keeps throwing them curve balls.

Very cute read and story between Cam and Shelby but am curious to know more about Lorelei’s story. Really enjoyed seeing the growth of each character and how everything worked its way out when everyone was ready for it.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the free book.
Y'all, I love Erin Hahn. Her YA books were so good, and I was so excited for this one. It was such a good romance and I absolutely loved how she had it play out. There was no rushed ending here, only an extremely well fleshed out relationship between two adults who could communicate! I loved the growth of Shelby and Cameron. They didn't only work on a relationship, but they both knew who they were and what they needed as individuals. I feel like Hahn really dug deep into what a healthy, second chance romance can look like in this novel, and I was here for it from beginning to end. This is a fun, bingeable book that has the added extra of a home renovation show - which I love. I will forever be a huge fan of this author, and I hope Lorelai gets a book next.

Read this book if you like: Dual POV, friends to lovers, childhood sweethearts, second chances, celebrities, HGTV vibes, steamy 🔥

Former child star Shelby Springfield has spent the last few years helping her dad flip homes. She had a mediocre pop career, a meltdown widely documented by the paparazzi, and a huge public break up with her former co-star Lyle Jessup. Her other former co-star was the one that got away.

Now she is being given the chance to co-host her own reality TV show flipping houses with Cam. He's been busy filming documentaries and always dips out when things get real. Lyle is the one that stirs the pot, getting the two back in the spotlight with a home renovation show. Cameron wants to come home and set down some roots. Shelby wants to prove to the world she's not the messy party girl anymore.

I really enjoyed this one! This is the author's debut in adult romcoms. She also writes YA romance. I love a second chance romance. I'm a big HGTV fan so this was perfect. I would have liked more show and renovation stuff included. The main characters are incredibly likeable, Lyle not so much. 🤣 The character growth is great. This was funny, sweet, and steamy. 🔥 I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and St. Martin's Press for the gifted e-book! ❤️

absolutely adored Built to Last!

I've read and loved Hahn's YA novels so was so excited to read her adult romance debut! Plus I love HGTV/DIY so a book about two former children stars who are both trying to redeem themselves and end up filming a home reno show is exactly what I want to read!

Hahn's wonderful writing style and the way she tackles challenging subjects with such grace are why I love her books so much. I love that Shelby and Cameron were down to earth, it was fun to see them fall in love again as adults and of course the home reno aspect.

I'm so excited for the next two books in this series and that will get to read about two of Shelby's friends Maren and Lorelai!

Do yourself a favor and pick up this book and check it Hahn's backlist too!

One of the great things about life is that you don’t have to stay on one path. We are always growing and changing which Shelby and Cameron show in a beautiful story. These two met as kids and became child stars together. They had an immediate connection as kids but doubts and living up to others expectations pushed them in different directions. Shelby is now an accomplished furniture restorer and has a chance to show the world her confident and successful self with a TV show. What she doesn’t expect is for her ex-boyfriend, Lyle, to enlist Cameron as her co-star. Cameron has always loved Shelby but when the show wrapped, he broke away from Hollywood, going to college then becoming a well-known documentarian. He has struggled with staying in one place. When Shelby and Cameron reunite to film the TV show, will they finally be honest about their feelings? What a fabulous couple and a great journey. They both had to deal with family drama as they worked to find their home and happiness. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

Second chance romance books seem to be a new sweet spot trope for me, because Built to Last was such a good read!

The entire read, I could feel the chemistry between our two main characters, Shelby and Cameron, really well. I enjoyed their banter, their flashbacks for more history, and I loved how they interacted with basically everyone around them. I felt like I was rooting for them as if I was watching the tv show in real life and these were real celebrities.

I also really enjoyed how there was tiny pieces of drama thrown into the story. It made the finale of the book feel like it was earned, more than something that just happened at an end of a story.

The premise of this story is super cute and this would be an easy read for someone who's starting to dip their toes into the world of Adult Romance genre.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's, I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Shelby and Cameron.. childhood sweethearts getting a second chance at love. You thoroughly want to root for these two to get together and they do not disappoint. They film a pilot together for a home remodeling show and take us through that process. If this doesn’t get turned into an early 2000’s type of rom com movie.. then what is Hollywood even doing?