I was so excited about this book but I couldn't get over the MC, Cameron's, internal monologue. We follow him as he leaves Alaska to help his friend, based on a single text. Immediately you get the feeling that there is more to their relationship than just a friendship. However, we go on to learn that they haven't seen each other in a while although they had a very close relationship in the past due to working together on a television show. The internal thoughts of Cameron as he was supposed to be consoling his friend through a heartbreak felt really gross to me. He continued to focus on her appearance in an overtly sexual way and unfortunately, I couldn't get past it. This is a DNF for me, but perhaps others will like it more.

this story was so sweet and refreshing. following cameron & shelby’s relationship throughout the years just reinforced the fact that they are soulmates. i’m also partial to books about show business, so I loved the plot of this book! I appreciated that the formula to this book was different from others in the genre; no third act miscommunication, because they had worked through their communication issues earlier in. overall, a sweet, heartwarming read❣️
*thank you netgalley and st. martin’s press for the eARC!

I was alternately gritting my teeth and sighing at this well written story! Angst at the antics of Lyle, joy at the ability of Shelby (love the name) and Cameron to finally have a relationship after years of unrequited love. All were child stars in a hit series and had since moved on in so many directions. Lyle always wanted what Cam had so when he left for a career making documentaries, Lyle made sure to snag Shelby. And she was naïve enough for a while to think he was the ‘one’. Eventually that failed and years later, Lyle brought them all back together with a home improvement reality show. The chemistry was off the wall for Cam and Shelby even when Lyle tried to crush it. Great HEA for a couple who went through so much.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Cameron travels to California to visit Shelby. They are asked to do a home renovation show. I enjoyed the chemistry between Cameron and Shelby. This book was a quick read.

Rating: 4/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Warnings: Difficult Family Dynamics, Cheating (in past)
Read if you liked: A Lot Like Adios
Steam: 3/5
Tropes: Second Chance, Childhood Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Workplace

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Built to Last by Erin Hahn will be released on October 18th, 2022.

Things I loved: Shelby and Cameron's second chance, the chemistry! I loved that they were childhood sweethearts who finally got a second chance to be with each other. You could really show how these two grew up overtime by removing themselves from the limelight. The lack of irrational conflict..thank you! Their relationships with their best friends. All the home building themes, the flee markets, the antiquing...I love an HGTV moments.

Things I didn't care for: Lyle...as a character, I know he's there for a reason but he totally rubs me the wrong way. I think there was opportunity to provide some resolution with the troubled parental relationships.

I enjoyed this book and felt like the whole premise worked. The characters had known each other for many years, and so their romance was believable. The premise of a home renovation / flipping show with former celebrities is also very on point for the current HGTV craze, with folks like Vanilla Ice and others getting into home renovation and reality TV in general. I liked the secondary characters and am looking forward to future spin off books. But I have to admit that I did find a few things harder for me when I was reading this. First, there was no need to vilify Lyle to the degree that he was; it just didn't do a lot to push the plot forward. And then when they brought in Marcella and Shelby's mom .... I just didn't need these nasty people in the book and I felt like they served no real purpose because the story was doing fine without them there. The antiquing expedition was awesome and would have done enough to bring Shelby and Cameron closer together than all the other negative people in their lives. The other piece that I didn't like was the fact that there was so much pushing away because it just didn't work for me and it seemed to just drag out the plot. Again, not necessary. I would have preferred more time spent on the show and the characters around them than on the internal monologue that was pretty much the same for each character.

Despite the things that I didn't like, I did still enjoy the book and thought that it was a fun read especially for a beach read in the summer.

Built to last was a fun, charming, cover to cover read! I had so much fun with these characters and I love a second chance romance.
Shelby and Cameron take quite a journey and we are along for every step of the way!
Don’t miss this fantastic read!

Thanks to NetGalley for access to this super adorable ARC. I loved Built to Last as a huge fan of second-chance and friends-to-lover romance who features Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs as former child-stars who have never gotten over each other, despite life foisting them in different directions. When the chance to host a home renovation reality show together comes up, they hesitate but play along, and shenanigans ensue.

Hahn’s writing is whip smart, quick, and flirty, and the dual POV is something I am usually picky about especially from the male protagonist, but she handles it perfectly. I loved seeing their romance grow. This is my first Erin Hahn, but it won’t be my last.

Built to Last is a second-chance and friends-to-lover romance that just OOZES charm! Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs are former child-stars who have never gotten over their first love, even though life has taken them in different directions. When the chance to host a home renovation reality show together comes up, they both go all in, despite their hesitations, and face shenanigans from their producer (and ex-costar).

Erin Hahn's writing was delightful, and I loved the duel perspective. Both main characters were so likeable, fun, and ready to grow and mature. This was a refreshing romcom, and I'm eager to read another romcom by Hahn. Build to Last deserves 4 amazing stars, and I can't wait to tell my friends about this lovely read!

“Built to Last” by Erin Hahn is a second chances romance novel. In this book we meet Shelby Springfield, a former child star, now a vintage furniture restorer. One of her former co-stars, Cameron Riggs, left the show in order to attend college and now works for National Geographic as a host/presenter. Their other former co-star, Lyle, comes up with an idea that on paper sounds good - have Shelby and Cameron co-host a renovation house flipping TV show. Add in some post-show new friends, some estranged family members (one of whom believe that they’re always in the spotlight), some backstabbing so-called friends, and some miscommunication - and that, omitting some details, sums up this book. I found this book a “cute” read, though at times the lack of communication was a bit bewildering (these people are in their late 20s). Some of the lengths one character went to mess things up I found bewildering (revenge? Why pitch an idea if you really want it to fail?) - but I did applaud Cameron and Shelby’s reactions (for the most part) for dealing with what was thrown their way. I’m glad that another reviewer mention that the chapter subhead was a song title - I only knew one or two songs and was puzzled for a while. For the most part I found this an enjoyable quick read. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

2.5 Star! ***

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This was my first time reading this author. I had really high hopes for this book since it contains some of my favorite things, second chance romance and reality tv home renovation, but it fell flat for me.

Cameron and Shelby are former child stars who reunite to film a pilot for a home reno flipping show. Cameron is a photographer for a National Geographic but hates flying which seems like it wouldn’t work. Shelby restores old homes with her father. Crying is basically a personality trait of hers.

The main conflict for the first half of the book is basically lack of communication and miscommunication. I never really understood why they needed to hide their relationship present day or when they were teenagers. The second half of the book was frustrating to read with the beating Cam and Shelby take from Lyle and his wife. The last couple chapters really redeemed the other 90% of this book for me.

Despite this book not being all I hoped for, I’m interested in Lorelei’s story. It seems like she may get her own book and that looked to have some potential!

So I have a confession to make: I am an HGTV addict. On any given day, if you were to come to my house, you would find me sitting on my couch, watching Love It or List It and not-so-silently judging the renovation choices. So when I saw Built To Last was an HGTV inspired, second chance romance written by Erin Hahn, author of one of my favorite reads of 2019, "You'd Be Mine"? It went right onto my "Most Anticipated Gotta Have It” book list. And let me tell you, this book lived up to (and exceeded) the expectations I had for it.

In this book, Shelby and Cameron are not only former first loves, but also former child stars who left LA to find (and ultimately save) themselves, leaving their relationship behind in the process. However, throughout their 10 year seperation, the feelings continued to linger, and we get to watch both of them work out their current and past feelings against a fun, HGTV-inspired Midwest home renovation background.

Listen, I know it's controversial in the book community, but I personally love rom coms with dual POV (who doesn't want to read the pining inner thoughts of a man written by a woman?) and this book was no exception. While I loved watching Shelby transform from the timid child star she was into the strong-willed, well-adjusted woman she is now, it was ultimately Cameron's chapters that had me in a chokehold. Every time one of his chapters came around, all I could do was smile and think “Oh there you are, you little simp.” The man takes lovestruck to another level. Case in point: "I probably looked like a complete himbo next to her, but I can't even be mad about it. I'm too busy admiring her and following behind, carrying a box of iron hardware like a lovesick puppy. It's a distinction I wear with pride, believe me." All this, wrapped up in the packaging of a respectful, kindhearted man, with a beard and tree trunk thighs? Sign me up.

The sweet, second chance romance is not the only thing this book had going for it. It also contained exploration and healing of familial relationships, well fleshed out, supportive side characters, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and some pretty steamy steam. This book (coupled with You'd Be Mine) has put Erin Hahn firmly on my auto-buy list. Because, let’s be honest, to quote Shelby: "I'm a simple woman. Give me a bearded man and a sun-soaked early-century Craftsman reading nook and I will love you forever".

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press from providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I can't imagine what life would be like to live in public scrutiny all the time. Or to have your life messed with all the time for the sake of "reality" TV. This book sure makes you think about what that might be like. What would that do to the rest of your family too? And who doesn't love a good home improvement show? Great book!

BUILT TO LAST is a spirited story of a second chance romance bursting with first-class brass! Actors Cameron Riggs, Lyle Jessup and Shelby Springfield had a hit TV show as teenagers. They had chemistry, pizzazz and a whole lot more. Then, fame, friends, lovers and even your own mother, as is the case with Shelby, tarnishes your image. Shelby's eager to fix her disorderly life, leaves the limelight and hurries home to her dad's house. She relishes her time spent working along side her father, fixing up old homes and rehabbing furniture. She is very content until former, famous ex, Lyle, comes knocking on her door with a request to star in a reality show. Does Shelby accept?

When, extremely handsome Cameron reunites with stunning Shelby sizzling sparks fly between them. Shelby always loved Cameron. But, now as an adult, he is hotness overload! On the set of the home renovation show, lover boy, Lyle, is scheming between the two of them causing conflicts and confusion. Will the show go on? Is Shelby and Cameron's love for each other too hot to handle?

BUILT TO LAST is a fantastic story about unrequited love and a serendipitous chance at romance again. I was blown away by the author's provocative plot involving child actors, seduction, difficult situations, and the slow-burn romance. There are many unique characters in Ms. Hahn's new novel. I enjoyed learning about the pasts of Cameron and Shelby, what shaped them and how they handle their present situations. The author makes it work beautifully. BUILT TO LAST is speedy, sassy and saucy.

Thanks to NetGalley for access to an advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Shelby is a former child star with a rocky history. After leaving Hollywood 5 years ago, she finds solace and a new start in restoring furniture alongside her house flipper father. After being away from the limelight for so long, Shelby is approached to do a limit of a home renovation show, her co-star being her former co-star and first love. Add in a vindictive ex, a handful of amazing friends, some family drama, and the sweetest second chance love story, and you have “Built to Last”!

I’m not sure what I was expecting with this book, but it was WONDERFUL! I love a second chance love story, but this was more than just that. This story was about taking back your life, sticking it to your ex, and just living your truth! Shelby is such a strong, badass character. I LOVE her! I love that she not only owned the mistakes she made when she was younger, but that she came back from them STRONGER. She and Cameron are absolute goals-I love them! I really appreciated that while there’s conflict in this story, it’s not between the MCs. A couple doesn’t need to have a major argument or break up during the book for the story to be good or engaging. Aside from the few Hollywood whack jobs, the secondary characters in this book were absolutely wonderful. I’m DESPERATE for Lorelai’s story….we’re going to get it, right?!?!?! RIGHT?!?!
BONUS: the author adds a song title at the start of each chapter, and while we’re not told anything about the purpose of these song titles, they fit each chapter and the characters’ POV SO well!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press- Griffin for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Shelby Springfield ran from LA after a humiliating breakup and wild breakdown. Her former teen drama co-star Cameron Riggs has spent the last decade making documentaries for National Geographic. These childhood sweethearts reunite to film a pilot for a home renovation show.

Built to Last is a sweet, second-chance romance. Cameron is loyal to a fault. Loralai is the best friend we all need. Shelby’s journey to personal redemption is very encouraging. The storyline does have some thoughtful side plots about dealing with difficult family members.

I really enjoyed Built to Last and look forward to reading more works from Erin Hahn in the future.

Built to Last by Erin Hahn focuses on former child stars Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs who had been friends since they were pre-teens, although had been living separate lives for the past 10 years. Shelby had left her dramatic Hollywood days behind her and after a humiliating breakup in the spotlight, moved back to Michigan and had found happiness in a career restoring furniture. Cameron had gone to college and had become a documentary filmmaker working for National Geographic. They are brought back together by Lyle Jessup, one of their former co-stars and Shelby’s ex-boyfriend who had cheated on her with a friend 5 years earlier, to film a pilot for a home renovation reality tv show. With Shelby’s new life intersecting with her old life in more ways than one.

A sweet romance between two people who grew up too quickly and who were brought back together as adults to work together to renovate houses and rebuild their relationship.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

This is a young adult novel which is well written. Shelby and Cameron are former child stars. Shelby contacts Cameron for help. He drops everything and goes to help her. They end up teaming up on a fix er up reality show. I enjoyed the story though it was a little slow Thank you Net Galley for an advanced copy for an honest review

Loved this second chance rom com about two former child stars and renovation. Shelby restores vintage furniture something I too enjoy a hobby I picked up from my mom. And the only reality tv I enjoy watching is renovation shows. So this book was right up my reader alley and I loved it. I finished it in one day because I could not put in down.

Built to Last is such a sweet second chance/childhood friends to lovers romance. If you love all things HGTV and Fixer Upper then this is the romance for you!

Shelby and Cameron are childhood stars who have both left the world of Hollywood to peruse a career in house flipping and documentary filmmaking respectively. An opportunity arises to host a house flipping pilot together and it appears neither has gotten over their first love.

I really enjoyed this book. Shelby and Cameron are super likable characters and you can’t help but root for them to get back together. I really enjoyed the house flipping element and it helped to tie in the secondary characters to the story. There wasn’t a ton of steam in this book, but the pining was there. I loved how each chapter began with a song - its like having a built in soundtrack for while you’re reading.

I hope we get to see Lorelei’s story next!

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.