Honestly, this one just wasn't for me. I've never read Erin Hahn prior to this, so this may be one sided. Don't let my dislike deter you from reading as I am just one person.

Were there parts I liked about it? SURE! I loved the setting with growing up on a TV show. My default is to always go to "Full House". That probably shows my age. I love the idea of a childhood romance with teenage sweethearts - when well written, it can hold my attention for days. Friends-to-lovers for the win (with a second chance romance)! -- but I feel like some of the romance was underwhelming compared to the drama that was happening with Lyle. I really enjoyed the dual perspectives and it was well done.

Overall, I think I expected something different. I'll definitely recommend to people as it wasn't a bad book - it was just not for this reader.

I immensely enjoyed this book from start to finish. Shelby and Cameron's timing has never been right, but their chemistry has always been perfect. From childhood stars to adults with flourishing careers, they find themselves thrust back into the spotlight and back into each other's lives and maybe their timing will finally be right.

This rom-com was cute, fun, and easy read with laugh out loud moments! Great beach read!

Built to Last was a very sincere hit read for me. I went in without super high expectations, as it was clearly a second-chance rom-com surrounding ex-celebrities. But, Erin Hahn really blew it out of the water. I adored the two main characters. Shelby found fame early on and the entire world watched as she made poor decisions and had her heart broken. She escaped to Michigan where she found her calling, restoring furniture and helping her Dad flip houses. Her co-star, Cameron (aka the one that got away), nursed his own broken heart by traveling the globe behind the camera. When they get a chance to reunite to do a reality show flipping houses, Shelby and Cameron are suddenly face to face with the things they left behind. Told in alternating viewpoints, Shelby and Cameron both find they have plenty of ghosts in the closet, but real potential for future success. I really loved the setting, the amazing cast of characters and the heart that went into Built to Last. There were incredible one-liners that Hahn delivered at impeccable timing and I found myself laughing and highlighting things often. Built to Last is out October and perfect for cozy fall reading!

A sincere thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

2.5 stars

I need to preface that this is my opinion based on one Erin Hahn novel: I haven’t read any of her other works.

This book just wasn’t for me. I liked parts of the story, but overall it was lacking. There was so much more I needed to see in order to be able to really root for the characters. Shelby grew on me, but I never liked Cameron. His mind was all sex and f bombs, and personally that is not what I want to read in a dual POV book like this one.

2 things about the writing style that I must comment on:
1. I don’t like when authors compare human character noises to animal noises. Ex: (“Shelby made a noise like an angry cat.”) (“Behind me, I hear Cameron growl under his breath…”) it’s hard for me to picture and I just know there has to be a better way to convey these emotions the characters are experiencing.
2. I am estimating that there are about 3 curse words per page in this novel. Once again, this is just my opinion, but too many curse words “cheapen” a novel for me. It can add a trashy layer to an overall sweet story.

With that being said, there are things about this novel that I liked.
1. It’s funny. Hahn’s inner monologue writing for her characters is spot on. There were many witty one liners that the characters would say— or think— that were totally appropriate for the character and made me laugh.
2. The idea is very unique. I haven’t heard of or read a novel like this one. Child stars second chance at love while also redoing houses together is a cute idea and made room for a lot of wholesome moments.

Overall, I would say this ARC is okay.
P.s. I would read a sequel about Lorelei’s music career and her journey of finding love :)

Did you grow up watching Disney channel shows and always wish some of the actors/actresses would get together in real life. Do you currently love to watch home renovation shows on HGTV. If yes, then this is the book for you! Shelby and Cam are childhood stars on a popular show, they are best friends and childhood sweethearts. After the show, Shelby ends up dating a different star on that show, Lyle. They all end up splitting up from each other shortly after and Cam is always the one she calls and he comes right away. He has been off filming for National Geographic while Shelby has found herself helping out her dad on home decor and fixing up furniture. For many years, the childhood stars have been apart, until one day Lyle contacts both of them with a new home renovation show. When starting the show, Shelby and Cam get their chemistry back and begin to reminisce on the past. Lyle is trying hard to throw curveballs in the building of their house for the show. Will it be picked up for a season and how will Shelby and Cam be around each other after all these years apart. Erin Hahn did a wonderful job writing this rom-com book and I definitely recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this. My review is unbiased.


This book is perfect for those who love Home Renovation shows. Cam and Shelby grew up starring in a childrens show together and ten years later Shelby’s ex (former costar) calls cam and Shelby down for them to star in a home Reno show together. 10 years worth of chemistry and history collide as they learn to work together and Heal together.

This book was really enjoyable for the most part. I did find that it lulled in certain areas and didn’t grab my attention sometimes but I loved the characters. I think they were really put together and fully fleshed out and developed.
I think this book is a great friends to lovers especially cuz of the history they have together.

On the other hand, having just finished this book, I really don’t have a lot of thoughts about it. Nothing really stood out to me to comment on. It was a good and fun read and that’s all it was. 3.5 stars

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC and letting me an early reader in exchange for an honest review! 📚

I REALLY wanted to like this book but I just couldn’t get into it for some reason. The initial blurb and cover seemed to be exciting and super cute but I didn’t find myself desperately turning the pages. It was almost a DNF for me but I managed to push through. I felt the romance took the backburner to the drama with Lyle. I did enjoy Shelby’s personal growth throughout the story. I know Shelby and Lyle were supposed to be in their mid to late twenties but it felt like they were in their late teens.

The dual-POV was well written. This just wasn’t personally my cup of tea but take it with a grain of salt.

Definitely recommend to those who are a fan of the second chance romance trope and friends to lovers more-so at a YA level then adult.

A sweet, fun, sizzling second chance romance. Cam and Shelby have such great chemistry! Their banter is cute and believable, and their relationship develops beautifully. I would have liked some more flashbacks for character development and to establish their childhood sweetheart relationship. Overall, two likable characters leave you rooting for them, their home renovation show, and their sizzling romance!

I’m not usually a fan of second chance romances but this was a good read. It did put me into kind of a slump but I think the pacing and characters were well written.

4.5 Stars.
Super cute story! Former child stars end up back in a small town. Shelby's love for restoration projects is so pure and she's just so easily likable and sweet.
I'm a sucker for dual perspective books and this 100% scratched that itch.
Story full of second chances, love, and Friendship. Also I would love to hear more about Kevin and Beth..!!!
As much as I love Cam and Shelby you know I have to have some hatred for someone... so glad Lyle could fill that role for me. He truly boiled my blood throughout the entire story and reminded me of people I have encountered.
Overall I would highly recommend if you love cute second chance at love type stories :)

I started to read this book but I don’t care for the cussing in it. For that reason I will not be reviewing this book. Thanks for the opportunity.

Erin Hahn knocked it out of the park again!! I took my time and savored this one. Everything I’ve ever read by this author has been wonderful and this one is right up there with the others. I can’t wait to read more of her work.

I will admit that I did not love this book, it was just okay. On that note, the idea for this book in my head was much different than how I read it so that is totally my own fault here. I wanted so badly to love romance books but this just didn’t do it for me… I had such high hopes for this but just feel it was not executed right.

The plot has SUCH potential but i felt myself “cringing” quite a bit throughout the book. I know many people who would LOVE this book but unfortunately i was not one of them. Definitely give this book a shot if you love second chance romances!

I really enjoy Erin Hahn's books (and, as a midwest girl, enjoy that they're always set in Michigan!). When I saw she had written her first adult romance novel (her previous novels are YA), I was so excited to get my hands on it. The story is about two childhood TV stars who parted ways abruptly as late teens and are reunited five years later on the pilot for an HGTV-style home rehab show. The supporting cast of characters (her dad, his mom, their friends) are great and I always love a book centered around rehabbing a house.

The only thing that was a bit off (though I'm not complaining!) was that there was sort of a lack of issues or drama. There's an annoying show runner who tries to throw a wrench in things, but overall, there was a lot of hesitation in them getting together that I couldn't really discern the reason for.

Overall, I enjoyed Hahn's debut adult romance novel and am looking forward to the inevitable next book featuring the best friend. Thanks for NetGalley for this ARC.

This is book was really good. I really liked the characters and story was fun to read. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

3.5 stars
This was such a cute rom-com story, and I liked the multiple character POVs. Quirky small-town romances are absolutely my jam, and this hit all of the marks. I am an HGTV junkie and would absolutely watch a show like theirs! Very predictable throughout, but I really enjoyed this and flew threw it in a day.
I would recommend this to others.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC!

Sweet story. I enjoyed home makeover storyline.
Shelby and Cameron has been working together on kids show, then Cameron left to finish college. Shelby was dating her other costar till they break up.
Great read

Young love and bad timing make for the best plot in the super cute romance, Built to Last, by Erin Hahn.

Most of us can relate to a relationship never truly getting off the ground floor because they were too young or the timing just wasn’t right. Shelby and Cameron met as preteens while filming their hit tv show. As they grew up their relationship blossomed from co-stars, to friends, to first loves.

Sadly, growing up in the spotlight stripped them of their privacy. In an effort to keep their relationship out of the public eye, they unknowingly set themselves up for failure. Years later the two briefly reconnect under less than ideal circumstances. It ends just as quickly as it started and all communication is lost. Until, a second opportunity to work in television brings about a third chance for them romantically. Will these two ever be able to figure out their timing or are they destined to never be?

Erin Hahn managed to combine two of my favorite things, home renovations and romance. This book is for everyone who is a fan of HGTV and romantic comedies.

I couldn’t put this book down!!! It gave me hope that relationships that haven’t worked in the past could in the future. Sometimes a great love story is possible if the two people are given the time they need to grow.

The characters were well developed and super relatable. Hahn managed to show that no matter how famous or rich you are, we ALL are dealing with our own insecurities and issues. No one is immune!

The secondary characters were some of my favorites! They were well developed for getting far less story time. In fact, the friendship captured in Built to Last is some of the healthiest examples I have read in a book. I love the idea of having friends that truly want the the best for you and are always there to pick you up or be an advocate.

Special thanks to NetGalley.com and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

Oh my goodnessss, a secondchance trope is something that I always can get behind. It just warms my heart and makes me root for the couple. The way this is written make me want to keep reading until I finished the book in one sitting. Also, I am a sucker for home improvement kinds of projects as well. Thank you to NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Built to Last is a really cute adult romcom centered around the kind of home-renovation shows we know and love. I had a bit of a hard time connecting with the characters at first, but once I did, I wanted nothing but an HEA for them. I really appreciated the Michigan setting, too. The Midwest needs more love in literature!