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.

Oh sweet lord! I couldn’t put this book down! When I first read the blurb, I was afraid of reading a love triangle ( unfortunately that trope never works for me) but as soon as I start delving more about Shelby and Cameron’s back story, I truly wanted them reunited and I relieved to find out this is friends to lovers/ second chances love story! Shelby and Cameron literally burn for each other since they were kids and they let other people intervene on their behalf’s! I literally screamed at them to come clean about their feelings. It was so obvious they were soul mates who meant to be together!

Their chemistry is combustible! Their banters are sweet and sexy! Both of them are adorable characters!

Here’s the recap of plot:
Shelby Springfield ( 27), a famous childstar with ruined reputation, leaving her past behind after her co-star ex Lyle a-hole Jessup cheating on her with her close friend and humiliating her by making a Grammy awarded song with the lyrics mentioning her as a cheater!

Shelby is in love with her other co-star Cameron Riggs from the beginning. But when Cameron leaves the show the college, cutting contacts with her, she starts dating with Lyle. Even though this is under the belt punch, that results in loveless relationship, regrets, ruined career. When she breaks up with Lyle, the only one she calls was Cameron who is in Alaska, working for National Geo. And he takes the plane to come back to her! But he doesn’t want to be rebound so he leaves her when she is sleeping, writing her a note advising to leave La La Land forever!
This is the summary of their unfinished love story!

Five years later: Shelby who moved to Michigan, working with her father reconstruction of old houses and vintage furnitures’ business, wanting to prove the world she is not the same child star actress and a mediocre pop star parting nonstop, making impulsive decisions with documented public meltdown!

She has a peaceful life with the house she’s renovating, with the chickens she takes care of and her besties including Lorelai Jones: a former Country singer who still tries to heal her wounds after her bad breakup!

She wants to prove the world she’s changed and she also wants to support her father’s medical bills by working on a home renovation reality show concept but the channel producers want to replace her father with someone else and they want to have a meeting with her!

When she goes to the meeting, she finds out two things; Lyle the ex cheater is the producer of the show. And he wants him to team up with Cameron who was her first and last live and who left her without say good eye five years ago!

Shelby wants her comeback and Cameron wants to compensate his mistakes.

That’s just a reality show and both of them are professionals, right? Even though the douche bag Lyle thinks Shelby cheated on him with Kyle and he is adamant to avenge them by bringing out the people from their pasts during the rolling of the show! And let’s not forget the unresolved issues of these two people who literally burn for each other!

Well, the love story of Shelby and Cameron was amazing! Their evolving, growing up, facing their problems, learning for their mistakes parts were well written!

I think that’s the best thing the author has written since You’d be mine deserving my five Michigander, antique flee market, country singing, sweetest couple stars!

By the way: I think we’re gonna get sequel for Lorelai Jones and Drake Colter story which truly intrigued me! I am looking forward to read it!

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

I loved this book I couldn’t put it down I absolutely love the childhood friends to lovers trope and they found themselves together after all these years and they fix there lives together loved this book

I really enjoyed this book. It is about a second chance romance. The two main characters Shelby and Cameron meet as kids and find love at a young age, and then finding each other again at adult.
They meet as child actors and then come together again to do a home renovations television pilot. This is a sweet romance with a touch of steamy. I would recommend this book. This is my first book by this author but will not be my last.

I received an ARC from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for my honest opinion.

Built to Last is a second chance friends-to-lovers romance. I absolutely loved its premise and the main characters were so likeable. I found myself quickly getting wrapped up in the author's writing style, my only issue with the book is that the three main characters' history, although interesting, made for a bit messy of relationships and caused a good amount of miscommunication. Still, in spite of that, this book is painfully cute. Built to Last is a really good slow burn with so much mutual pining, I couldn't help but enjoy it.

Child stars Shelby and Cameron reunite for a home renovation show and renovate their lives at the same time. This was a fun romance that explores second chances for homes, romance and careers. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book that I am voluntarily reviewing. It was a light read.

Great story about second chances, finding your soulmate at a young age, and finding each other again as adults. 5 stars for this one!
Cameron and Shelby grew up pretty much in front of everyone's eyes on TV, but as with Hollywood, outside forces, even ones you thought were friends, get in the way, even your own mother as is the case with Shelby. She escaped the lime light and is now restoring furniture, along side her dad and loves her life. When they are approached by their former co star who's also her ex, to do a TV pilot about home renovations, she accepts the opportunity so her dad can retire. What she's not ready for is to be thrust back into the pettiness that comes with TV.
Read along as you learn about their pasts, and what brings them here to the present. I enjoyed this story, my first by this author! Grab it when it releases!

Ok, so I want to preface this by saying I loved Erin Hahns first two YA books that I read and was so excited to read this one!

First, I love the best friends to enemies to lovers trope and this looked like that. While it did have those elements, it was pretty insta love/attraction and I didn’t feel like we were caught up with the history and love between the two MCs

I adored the whole chip and joanna feel of the home renovation. It was so cool.

I also felt like these were a bunch of kids playing at adults. They didn’t stand up for themselves or each other. No one really worked through their issues in a healthy way. There were also some flashbacks that just made the story feel a little more like they were adults trapped in the past.

This made the steam kind of cringy/awkward to read.

Overall, the two MCs were sweet together, but this wasn’t for me.


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This was delightful. The plot was well-paced and captivating. The characters were charming, witty, and well-developed. I highly recommend this fun and quick read. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.