The only reason I bothered to finish this book was because I received it as an ARC.

My opinions of the characters ranged from "meh" to "ugh." I felt no fondness or connection to any of them. I couldn't even keep the side characters straight. There were too many of them and they made little to no impact on the plot.

There is no development between Shelby and Cameron. Readers are told that they really liked each other as teenagers and then nursed these feelings for a decade despite both of them changing as they grew older. Why were they so hung up on each other?!?! It felt like instalove even though they'd met before. I just couldn't suspend my disbelief to get behind the relationship.

The home renovation reality show didn't play as big of a role in the book as I expected. Even then it was boring to read about.

Overall, I found this book to have lackluster characters, a plot that was both cheesy and unconvincing, and unengaging writing.

I was really looking forward to this one. The blurb had me with talks of HGTV type of shows and I haven’t read many second chance romance books so I wanted to give this one a go!

The book is told from two point-of-views and they come from Shelby and Cameron. I didn’t really like either character. Cameron does a stupid thing in the beginning and it’s really hard to forgive him after that. Shelby makes a lot of choices and I wouldn’t say they are all great. That’s life though. We all have choices to make and some are bad, but why would you decide to do a show when you know that your ex who is a douche canoe will be there every step of the way? I just don’t get it. I guess it makes for an entertaining book, but I was one who didn’t find it all that entertaining.

The romance was okay but there are a lot of communication issues and I wish they would have sat down sooner instead of just hiding the problems.

I did like the aspects of home improvement and will pretty much read anything with it, haha. My mother-in-law always has the HGTV station on and it’s hard to not watch it. They are pretty crafty!

Overall, this was okay but just not for me. I think others will enjoy it if they like a bit of drama, second chances, and HGTV!

Built to Last is a contemporary second-chance romance about two former teen stars forced to reconnect for a Fixer Upper-esque reality television pilot while simultaneously fixing their messy history and fighting feelings for each other.

The concept is refreshing and I love it. Most stories that explore former child/teen stars showcase the MC's longing to return to the limelight or juxtapose a miserable present versus a glamorous past, but not here. Both MC's are mostly happy with their current lives - Shelby is a vintage furniture refurbisher living in a small-town and Cam is a vagabond documentarian for National Geographic - and have no desire to go back to their past lives in Hollywood. They're happy, they're thriving, they're not perfect but they're constantly seeking self-improvement. Then their mutual co-star from the hit teen show they starred in, who incidentally had a very messy public break-up with Shelby and was openly jealous of the bond between the MC's, pops up like the little weasel he is and coerces both to star in a home improvement pilot because it'd be *good* television.

Now, the MC's - I LOVE them! I love good character development and it's well-done here. They have demons from their past they've acknowledged and are actively working on. Their chemistry is palpable and genuine, and I love them together. The only thing that made me uncomfortable was reading about their first time together as barely legal eighteen and possibly seventeen year olds. That was a little weird. It wasn't totally explicit, but it was still a little too descriptive for my liking and made the rest of the book feel... weird. Maybe that's just me though.

Despite the full character arcs for the MC's, there was none for the supporting characters. They're only supporting characters, I get it, but they were cliched and more like plot-devices than people. They felt unfinished, as did some of the writing at times, unfortunately, and it made my attention wane, especially towards the end.

The story has good bones and great execution in some areas, but it needs more color in the grey areas.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Pub date: October 18, 2022

It took me awhile to get through this one, but I appreciated that the story was told well and is very sweet. There's nothing bad about a good second chance romance. As far as the plot, it was paced well. I especially appreciated the author left out the mini-breakup before the final resolution and proclamations of love, something most romances don't do. I, personally, hate a final speed bump on the way to a happy ending. As a whole, I found this book to be a good romance with fun aspects like the child stars turned home reno characters.

Former child star Shelby spends her time restoring vintage furniture and trying to forget her past. She had a public meltdown and messy breakup from former co-star Lyle Jessup. She also can't seem to forget about her other co-star Cameron Riggs. Cameron is the one who got away.

Cameron runs all over the world filming stories, but also comes running whenever Shelby needs him. Lyle has a great idea about getting Cameron and Shelby back together on a TV home renovation show. Both Shelby and Cameron agree to be in the show for their own personal reasons. Now that Shelby and Cameron have a second chance at love, they are determined that nothing is getting in their way.

Built to Last is a friends to lovers, second chance, slow burn romance. I've read so many rom-coms this year, but this one is by far my favorite. I love that you get to read both Shelby and Cameron's POVs because they both have the best personalities. There's phenomenal witty banter between Shelby and Cameron and you will find yourself laughing out loud, there's moments where you will just want to knock them upside the head and tell them to get it together already, and there's perfect swoon worthy romantic moments. This story has it all. This book is a breath of fresh air that will have you smiling the whole way through and maybe even make you want to tackle some home reno projects. I really can't wait to read Lorelai's story!

I will admit, I was worried reading the first chapter about tolerating Shelby's character if she was such a disaster and Hollywood princess throughout the whole book. Luckily, I was very, very wrong! I really felt Shelby's growth throughout the novel, and I love that she found a trade she was passionate about.

I loved the sprinkles of humour mixed in, like making fun of suspenders. It added to the emotional roller coaster that this novel takes you, with happiness, sadness, thrill and compassion.

This book really was "built to last" in the heads of its readers - a nice and fresh view on ex-Hollywood child stars, and the reality of how they may end up, both good and bad.

This was my first book by Erin Hahn, and I really enjoyed it! Her writing style is so breezy and fun, and Shelby and Riggs are an ADORABLE couple! I loved the second chance/lovers-to-friends-to lovers again tropes set in a small town but with the "Hollywood" edge. There was so much humor in this one and while it was very low on conflict between the main characters, I didn't even realize that until I finished the book with a huge smile on my face. I'm a big fan of conflict and I didn't even miss it because this book was such a delight to read. If you enjoyed Maggie Moves On by Lucy Score, you'll love this one. I'm looking forward to Lorelai's story next!

Great read! Excellent characters with just enough steam. Really enjoyed the child star turned reality show DIY angle.

Built to Last is a sweet second chance romance novel. Childhood stars and first loves Shelby and Cameron are now tasked with hosting a home improvement reality TV show. I really loved the premise, small town setting and enjoyed the book overall. In the end, I only liked this and didn't love it. The dialogue felt awkward to me and often took me out of the story. It had me wondering whether this novel is geared toward a younger audience (I am in my 30s). I even checked to see if this was a YA book versus adult. Perhaps readers in their 20s would connect more with the dialogue. There were several times that the alternating POVs confused me. Multiple times I couldn't remember whether I was in a chapter for Shelby or Cameron without flipping back to the beginning of the chapter, which made me feel like they didn't each have a distinct voice. Also, I really did not like the flashback scene to when Cameron and Shelby had sex for the first time. I strongly dislike explicitly described teen hookup scenes in adult novels. Finally, all the conflicts that were built up felt brushed aside rather than resolved. Lyle, certain family members, Shelby's reputation and Cameron's career were all identified as obstacles to a HEA. And then suddenly without much explanation or development everything was fine.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my review.

"I had you first, and I'll have you last."..."It's only fair. I've been yours since the moment I saw you."

Cameron & Shelby. Romance readers will go bonkers for this OTP! Mooning and pining. He looks at her like she put the ever-loving stars in the sky. There are missed connections, bad timing, always leaving...but maybe their timing isn't as bad!

"Stay with me and we can build something together."

THINGS AND STUFF
-former co-stars on a children's TV show
-friends to lovers
-second chance romance
-historical restoration
-first love
-his old Detroit Tigers tee
-pancakes
-road trip! antiquing and a b & b
-grand gestures
-#IsThisAKissingBook: open door.

Thank you SMP Romance for an advanced copy!

Song: Call It Dreaming by Iron & Wine

This was a super cute read. Second chance romance with childhood sweetheart cross who team back up for an hgtv-style home renovation show. Cameron has always had a soft spot for Shelby and will com running whenever she needs help, even if he's off in another country making a documentary. The two reconciling to do this show and their reunion while a bit rocky at first was nothing but sweet and their feelings for each other were nothing but obvious. Their former co-star Lyle was definitely more than a bit of an annoyance, he certainly deserved to be put in his place. Even with Lyle's meddling and mayhem, Cameron and Shelby both had more than one good thing come out of doing the show and I loved seeing the two of them prevail even when things seemed bleak.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press & Netgalley for the arc.

Two former child actors, Shelby and Cam, reunite after 10 years apart to film a pilot for a home improvement show featuring Shelby and her dad's flips. The only catch, their former costar and Shelby's former boyfriend, Lyle, is the showrunner of the show. Will the three of them be able to overcome their pasts (and their reputations) to make the show a success? I read the book in only a few sittings and could barely put it down. The only thing that I didn't like about the book was the unnecessary language and open door romance. Definitely a great read for those that don't mind open door romance.

I received an eARC of this from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Cute second chance romance. I could feel the chemistry between Shelby and Cam, even if I did wish we saw more of their time together when they were younger. I liked the home renovation and though it game both if them a nice second life outside of the Hollywood games and glamor of their youth.

3.5 really so please give me half stars! Second chance is my favorite trope so I was hype to get into this one. It was really cute but a little too much of a slow burn for me. I will say I think if you like home reno shows or basically anything on HGTV that you will enjoy this book. Pick this one up if you enjoy a lot of pining and sweetness, just don't expect it to move too quickly. Overall, I would read more from Erin Hahn!

Erin Hahn knocked her first adult romance out of the park!

I devoured this book in two days. Not gonna lie, I was a little skeptical about Cam and Shelby in the first couple chapters but I trusted Erin to see me through and she did NOT disappoint.

Am I love with more fictional characters? Yes. I had honest-to-God laughs out loud at the “comments section” and even the cast of side characters was perfect. Miracle of miracles, there was NO THIRD-ACT BREAKUP. And a magnificent epilogue really stuck the landing. (As a regular epilogue-skipper, I’m glad I was compelled to get on with it because I would have missed out.)

I’m not a home reno show fan, but you don’t need to be in order to fall in love with these two child stars who get a second chance at love.

Did I think this was a YA based on the cover? Yup. But don't worry, you're quickly ensconced in a scene of the sexual nature and it just gets hotter and heavier from there. I love a home renovation rom-com as much as the next person and this didn't disappoint. A cozy nook in my house? Yes please. Plus the chemistry between Cameron and Shelby is essentially that of 2 horny teenagers who refuse to admit they love each other. And don't get me started on Lyle... He's scum even by reality TV producer standards. If he never gets a happy ending, it'll be too soon. I'd love to see Lorelai and Maren get books, as I was intrigued to what shenanigans we could get up to with a country star and a park ranger.

*Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Built to Last is Erin Hahn's first adult romance novel but her move from YA is seamless. Shelby is a former child star trying to create a private life for herself after a public spectacle. Lyle is her former boyfriend and Cameron is her longtime best friend but all three share a past as costars. They reunite to film a house renovation show, each for their own reason. I loved the development of Shelby and Cameron's relationship from best friends with unspoken crushes to romantic partners. They had great communication and genuinely supported one another. This story is funny, sweet, and an interesting imagining of life after the public eye. The house remodeling pieces were a unique background for the main storylines. I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to see what Erin Hahn creates next!

Thanks to Erin Hahn, St. Martin Press, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Built to Last is Erin Hahn’s debut adult romance, and it contains some minor characters from her previous young adult novels. Shelby Springfield, Cameron Riggs, and Lyle Jessup were childhood pals and stars in a kids’ TV show. When the show ended when they were 18, Cameron headed to college and studied film. Shelby and Lyle had a romantic relationship for 5 years and partied. When they broke up, Shelby contacted Cameron and he visited her but didn’t act on his attraction to her. Fast forward another 5 years and Shelby works with her dad in Michigan, renovating vintage furniture while he flips houses. Shelby is no longer a party-girl and is running low on money. She is trying to secure a TV deal featuring her and her dad renovating houses. Like a Lindsay Lohan-type turning into Erin from HGTV’s Home Town.

Cameron is a successful globetrotting documentary filmmaker for National Geographic, never staying on one place for long. But when Lyle offers a deal, getting Shelby and Cameron a home renovation show called HomeMade, Cameron agrees. Lyle is jealous of the chemistry between Shelby and Cameron and tries to interfere in their budding relationship.

Built to Last is an easy-to-read second-chance romance told in alternating point of view between Shelby and Cameron. It will be especially enjoyed by fans of home renovation shows. However the story is full of profanity and I don’t recommend it for young readers.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Great rom com about former child stars who reunite to film a home renovation TV show. I was all in on them from the start and all against their perpetually fame seeking and trouble causing former costar. The spice was perfect and the comedy gave me laugh out loud moments. The story leads me to believe we will get another book focusing on one of the BFs and I look forward to reading it.

“I had you first, and I’ll have you last.”
“You’ll have me forever.”
“It’s only fair. I’ve been yours the moment I saw you.”

Shelby and Cameron. Former child co-stars that are back in each others lives after years of being estranged. Not only do they have to work together (again) but now all the feelings they had is coming back again.

WOW! What a story! The unresolved feelings, mutual pining, and chemistry! You’ll fall in love with this book as well as with Cameron and his “tree-trunk thighs”.

“I’m not sure of myself around you, but I’ve always been sure of you. Nothing in my life but you.”

🪜READ IF YOU LIKE🪜:
- dual POV
- second chance
- co-star & childhood sweethearts
- friends to lovers
- workplace romance
- Boston cream donuts
- forced proximity
- home renovation show
- stressed-baking
- National Geographic documentarian
- Michigan setting

cw: family dynamics, cheating, slut shaming, divorced, manipulation,

Thank you @netgalley and @smpromance for the advanced copy! Built to Last is available on October 18, 2022!