Shelby Springfield is a former child/teen star who burned out in Hollywood a decade ago. She's built herself a good life working on rehabbing homes with her dad in Michigan. But, when the opportunity comes for her to star in a new home-rehab show and help fund her dad's retirement, she jumps on it. Enter her two exes, Cameron Riggs (her first true love) and Lyle Jessup (the one who publicly humiliated her and caused her early exit from Hollywood). They were all co-stars, once upon a time, and now Lyle is producing the show and insists on Cameron co-starring with Shelby. Cam, who also left Hollywood for college and a career as a documentarian, has no knowledge of home repair. He's never been in one place long enough to really have a home. But, as history has proven, he will do anything for Shelby. Will this team of former co-stars be able to work together? Do Cam and Shelby still have their undeniable attraction for each other?

I really loved this story. I thought it would be more of a love triangle, and I'm VERY happy it was not (Lyle is a TERRIBLE human). Cam and Shelby's attraction was undeniable and so very spicy. I also loved that there was not some imagined drama that tore them apart like in so many other books of this nature. I'd read MORE of Cam and Shelby any day!

When I seen another Erin Hahn novel.... I had to jump to request this eARC.
When I read her book Never Saw You Coming last year she instantly became a favorite of mine.

And BUILT TO LAST was just as amazing as her last book.

Readers will find fall in love with the way she writes her characters and develops her story.
This second chance romance was refreshing and oh so wholesome.
I haven’t felt this in love with a contemporary story in awhile. These are my favorite contemporaries. Ones that have the sweet and pure relationship between two characters. This is that!
The book has the depth that I've come to expect from her, and some perfectly written love scenes and moments that just make me hungry for more!
Erin Hahn has yet again filled my heart with joy and left me with that feel good feeling I crave when reading a romance novel!

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

St. Martin's Griffin,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my platforms, blog, B&N and Waterstone closer to pub date.

Erin Hahn has graduated to adult romance in the best new rom com. I love everything Erin writes... I stan all of her relationships. Will read again... always.

Two child actors, right person wrong time, one bed, a house renovation and so much more. If you liked ‘Tools of Engagement,’ THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ! This was the first time I’ve read a story where I actually enjoyed a 2nd chance romance!

I love a classic second chance romance. Throw some friends to lovers in there too for good measure. I really enjoyed the story of Shelby and Cameron. They were both likable characters. As a reader we got to grow up with them and see how they both evolved. Additionally I loved the setting of a reality show/HGTV. I personally could have used a little more steam but it was sweet so that made up for it.

3.5/5

Built to Last
by Erin Hahn
Pub Date: 18 Oct 2022
4/5 Stars

Shelby and Cameron are former childhood stars and first loves. They team up with their old co-star and nemesis to do a home renovation tv show pilot. Sparks fly as the two reconnect and fall back in love. This novel is a fun, satisfying read with characters you’ll love (and a few you’ll hate).

I would recommend this to all rom-com lovers and can’t wait to see what Erin Hahn comes up with in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A home reno with a rom-com vibe is exactly what you are going to get with this book. I loved this love story and Shelby is someone I want in my friend group!

Built to Last was such a fun read! There is home renovation, former child stars, a once-love triangle, and lots of family and reconciliation. What more could you possibly want? Sparks? Chemistry? Yep, there's that too!

This was a quick read filled with all the things we all enjoy about home renovation shows, lessons to be learned, and love. I enjoyed Shelby's relationship with her girlfriends and most especially her father as well as Cam's relationship with his friend Kevin and his wife Beth.

If you're looking for a feel good read that ticks all the right boxes and leaves you wishing to know more about the main characters when the book ends, this is the perfect read for you. Pick it up and escape for a few hours.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC at my request. All thoughts are my own.

Read an ARC.

Full disclosure, I am not into home renovation shows and pop star romances are not exactly my thing either... but I liked this book!

It shifts back and forth in the narrative between Cameron, tv wonderkid turned documentarian, who does not know how or has never tried to settle down and Shelby, tv wonderkid turned pop star turned furniture refinisher. It was somehow refreshing to read the parts about sanding and varnishing. Wax on, wax off, and I would have liked more details about the process or about the house they're flipping.

I did not expect the family reconciliation (or attempted) sections to ring so true. The whole thing wrapped up very nicely but the couple of "article" styled chapters with comments? That was a big miss for me and this review lost a whole star because of it.

Either way, I am curious about other offerings from this author.

You will love this book!
5 Star, slow burn with some spice

Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs have known each other since they were childhood costars on a popular TV show. They had a connection on screen and off that their fellow costar, Lyle Jessup, could not stand! 5 years later, after Shelby and Lyle have a messy, very public breakup, the first person Shelby calls is Cameron, and he comes running. He finds that Shelby is a hot mess and suggests that she leave Hollywood. Shelby goes back home to Michigan to live and work with her dad, finds her passion, and makes a career for herself. Meanwhile Cameron has been running around filming documentaries for National Geographic. Another 5 years passes when Shelby gets a call about starring in a Home Renovation reality TV show with her former costar Cameron! She can't resist, but what the two of them don't know, is that Lyle Jessup is behind the entire thing. Will Shelby and Cameron re-form their connection, despite all that Lyle does to sabotage them?

I loved Shelby and Cameron, and I'm certain you will too! Shelby is a character that you will cheer for and want all the best things for! Cameron is the next perfect book boyfriend that you will swoon over! Lyle, well....you'll just have to wait and find out for yourself!

There are SO many things to love about this book! The beauty of Michigan that is so well described, the profession that Shelby ends up giving her whole heart to, the community that surrounds them, and the amazing cast of supporting characters! But MY personal favorite? Shelby's best friend, Lorelai! She is such a huge support for Shelby and an amazing friend that would clearly do ANYTHING for her bestie! Love a great friendship side story!! Really hoping for a second book about Lorelai and her love life!

Can't wait to get my hands on the physical copy!

Shelby, Cameron, and Lyle grew up together in the spotlight of a television camera. As child stars, they have all wound up with varying degrees of dysfunction. Shelby, trying to overcome the public meltdown, documented around the world by the paparazzi, has withdrawn to the safety of the small Michigan town where her father lives. She left her L.A. lifestyle and career behind, rebuilding her life around her successful furniture restoration business. Loyal to a fault Cameron, has been traveling the world filming Nat Geo documentaries. He is running from the broken relationships he has left in his past. The only time he comes home is when Shelby needs him. He just never stays. Lyle was a conniving, narcissistic snake as a youth and has not changed at all. He is still thriving in the television business and cannot wait to get revenge on Cam and Shelby.

When the opportunity arises to create a reality TV home make-over pilot based on the house flipping business Shelby and her dad have created, she can not resist. The money they could make would set her father up for his retirement. What she did not bank on was Lyle being the showrunner for the pilot or that he wants Cameron to be her co-host. Cameron, her first love. The one that keeps running away.

This delightful story is about childhood sweethearts reuniting after years apart, offering them a second chance at love. Allowing them both to find peace with the past and the present. Shelby’s journey to find personal redemption is the main storyline, but there are thoughtful subplots dealing with coming to terms with the past and difficult family members. I loved the dynamic between all the characters. It kept the story flowing well and kept my interest. You had estranged parents, long-lost loves, friends who were never really friends and the best friends everyone wishes they had. It was a feel-good story with a sweet romance. I did thoroughly enjoy watching Shelby and Cameron team up to knock Lyle down a peg or two and put him in his place. Erin Hahn’s first foray into adult rom com was a win for me. I would highly recommend this to any romance lover. If you are an HGTV fan, this is an excellent book for you. I am hoping best friend Lorelei’s story will be available soon.

Overall, this book was romantic, sweet, and well written. I absolutely enjoyed the premise and plot! Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is due for publication on October 18, 2022.

This book was so frigging cute! I absolutely loved the originality and allll of the characters! I would highly recommend to rom com lovers

Built to Last by Erin Hahn is just the sort of lighthearted love story we need coming out of the pandemic.. It's perfect for those of us who can't get enough of Erin and Ben or Jenny and Dave and their wonderful home renovation shows. In this novel, we follow childhood stars, Shelby Springfield, Cameron Riggs and Lyle Jessup, who have disappeared from the public eye after Shelby and Lyle have a public teenage breakup and Lyle and Shelby then get together and breakup. Cameron has always come whenever Shelby needs him, but this time, when Lyle wants them to star in a home makeover show, will they be able to be together again with Lyle pulling the strings?

This novel is a delight from beginning to end. Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This book was the epitome of a great rom com. I LOVED the entire storyline. Loved how fun the banters were. It was a quick and fun read. Reminded me of something I would see on the Hallmark Channel.

Thanks publishers and NetGalley for this ARC.

I enjoyed the start of the book, but sadly I think Shelby’s overall character turned me off the rest.

Two childhood stars and sweethearts meet up again later for a home renovation show. I didn’t really connect with the characters or the second chance plot.

3.5/5 stars

3.5/5 stars

I ONLY COULD SEE BEN AND ERIN FROM HOMETOWN USA WHILE READING THIS. I MEAN SHELBY HAS A BOB HAIRSTYLE?? CAM HAS A BEARD? THEIR COLORINGS MATCH? Anyways.

This is a very solid rom-com by Erin Hahn. I am not a huge fan of second chance romances, but I was rooting for Cam and Shelby and it worked for me in this novel. The years of shared history and the pining were excellent. (I thought the flashback was weird, but whatever)

The home renovation show was a fun setting and overall I just loved how midwestern this was (yay for the fleet farm reference).

My only critique is that it just got a tad boring as we went along and I'm not sure if that is just my current headspace or if the plot just slowed down. I tend to struggle in romance once the characters get together and I wish we had prolonged the tension of "will they, won't they" for a bit longer.

I also thought it was strange that Cameron knew what a "himbo" is, but didn't know what a hashtag was. The relationship to social media in this was a tad weird, like Shelby doesn't have an Insta??

This novel is very mature, once Cam and Shelby figure their stuff out they're isn't miscommunication between them and there isn't a third act breakup. I appreciated their directness and how Shelby didn't want Cameron to protect her.

Overall, I enjoyed this one, it just wasn't the perfect novel for me.

I'm not sure if Hahn has sold her next adult romance, but if so...it's Lorelai's book right?

I was excited to read this star-crossed, friends to lovers romance because the premise was a little different for me. I found both lead characters to be easy to relate to, and I enjoyed reading both perspectives of the story. While the development of Shelby and Cameron's romance seemed a little slow at times, it was accompanied by some nice character development, which gave the story a richer feel. I am extremely appreciative that the author avoided the seemingly inevitable "misunderstanding/break up" towards the end of the book. Rather than adding unnecessary drama, Ms. Hahn opted to have the characters act like adults. Lorelei seems like an obvious choice for a second book, which I would be very happy to read!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Built to Last was an adorable friends-to-lovers, missed chances kind of book. I enjoyed seeing how much Shelby changed over time and I was happy that Cameron and Shelby finally had their chance. With that said, I kept waiting for the BIG drama to happen and… it never did. It felt a little all over the place with what was happening. Love the home improvement show concept, enjoyed the characters, but the plot needed a little smoothing out. I will definitely still read Lorelei’s story though!

I crossed my fingers, toes, legs... basically anything that could be crossed, hoping for my arc request to be accepted. The premise is just too good. Second chance romance? Yes. Between former co-stars who are friends? Please. And they reunite for a reality tv show? EVEN BETTER. I jumped for joy when my request was accepted. Then quickly downloaded it to read immediately.

Built to Last is everything I wanted it to be. Right off the bat, I fell in love with both Cameron and Shelby. Usually, I take time to warm up to characters but both of them were so likable from the jump. Shelby, especially. She is such a good character. From being controlled to being content, she has one of the best character progressions. And her father, Daniel, is right: she's a survivor.

There was one moment where it was touch and go for me, though. I even paused my reading to mentally prepare myself for the usual tropes to come in and ultimately spoil the story and strong female character. When I finally did pick it back up, I found my preparation was for naught. Hahn didn't force the trope traps I was expecting. They were adults, they were finally being transparent.

I fell harder.

For the characters, the story, Hahn's writing. All of it.

This is such a relaxing and cute love story. It wasn't without its drama (hard to avoid when the showrunner is your cheating ex), but the couple held strong through the obstacles. They are the best kind of friends-to-lovers. The one where you can see their history and feel how comfortable with one another. Their chemistry and interactions with the side characters are just as great too.

Speaking of side characters, now I find myself back to crossing fingers, toes, and legs in hopes that Lorelei, Shelby's friend, will be getting her own book. From the small glimpse we got into her background, I really want to read about her getting her own happiness. And if she does, I will be pre-ordering it the first chance I get.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Built to Last was like a big hug. It made me feel all warm and gooey inside. I adored everything about it. The writing was as good as I expected it to be coming from Erin Hahn. I loved how upbeat the story felt even when dealing with the more emotional parts of the story. The characters were fabulous. The second chance love story was sweet. The small-town setting was perfect. The drama was so much fun. There really wasn't much not to like unless you count Lyle and how much I disliked him was still exactly what I would want from this book. 

Shelby and Cameron were two characters I could admire. They both accomplished some big and important things in their years apart. The more I learned about their history and the more time they spent together as adults, the more I shipped them together. They really complimented each other in the best of ways. 

The home improvement show part of Shelby and Cameron's story was so much fun. It brought them together in a cool way and also added to their character development. I also liked how the show pulled in people from their pasts and stirred up some drama. I loved how Lyle, Shelby's ex, figured into the whole thing. Lyle was a great bad guy. 

There were some other great characters in this book besides Shelby, Cameron, and Lyle. Cameron's ex-college roommate and his wife added some great moments. So did Shelby's friend and country music star Lorelei. I adored Lorelei. She had another friend Maren that I didn't get to know quite as well but also loved. These two ladies better get books of their own because I NEED THEM! Like now, please. 

Honestly, I could go on gushing forever about this book and how happy reading it made me. Erin Hahn really hit a contemporary romance sweet spot for me. Built to Last was low on angst, high on adorableness, and full of fun. I highly recommend it.