***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
"I loved this delightful romance about makeovers of old homes, old personas, and relationships that never had a chance to launch. A sweet, charming reminder of what you can build with a strong foundation." - Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Two Ways
Erin Hahn's Built to Last is a sparkling second chance romance about owning what you’re worth and fighting for the one who got away.
Shelby Springfield has spent the last ten years trying to overcome her past, sanding it away like the rough spots on the vintage furniture she makes over. But as a former child star, it’s hard to forget a widely documented meltdown and huge public break up with her former co-star Lyle Jessup. It’s also hard to forget her other co-star and childhood sweetheart, Cameron Riggs—the one who got away.
Anytime Shelby has called, Cameron has come running... And then he runs right off again to chase stories around the world by making documentaries, too scared to admit what he really wants. But when Lyle stirs the pot, getting the two back in the spotlight with a home renovation show, Cameron can't help but get on board.
There's something in it for everyone—almost. Cameron wants to set down some roots. Shelby wants to prove she's not the messy party girl anymore. And a jealous Lyle can’t help but try to get in the way. But for his two childhood friends who had more chemistry than he could ever dream of, nothing is getting in the way of their second chance at love.
“Thank you, Erin Hahn, for making me laugh and swoon and cry sweet, happy tears. Can I live in this book?" - Jen Doll, author of Save the Date and Unclaimed Baggage
Built to Last by Erin Hahn is a second-chance romance for two characters who were teenage lovers, and now face each other again, years later.
Story Recap:
Shelby Springfield was a child actor during her formative teen years, she was one of the three main characters on a sitcom called The World According to Jackson. Her two co-stars were Lyle Jessup and Cameron Riggs. Cameron and Shelby fell in love while filming the sitcom, but when Cameron left suddenly for college, she turned to Lyle.
When Shelby calls Cameron after her breakup with Lyle, he comes running, but he doesn’t stay. He goes back to his job as a National Geographic documentarian, where he flies around the world 11 months a year. After a public meltdown after her breakup with Lyle, Shelby leaves Los Angeles to live with her father in Michigan and learns the home renovation and furniture rehabilitation trades from her dad.
When Lyle asks both Cameron and Shelby to do a home renovation show, with him as the showrunner, both are skeptical at first, but they eventually agree. Will spending time together working on a reality show spark up the flames they used to have for each other?
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at making a reality show, especially a home-flipping reality show. I felt like the author really understood child actors and the issues they face. Each of these three main characters were child actors and they each had different reasons and a different support system when they were on the popular tv show.
I loved this second-chance romance between child stars. When they first became an item, they were so young, and it makes sense that they both had to go and grow up a bit before they could have a real relationship.
I enjoyed this book from the very first page. Shelby was a bit difficult to like at first, but I did warm up to her quickly. I loved her dad, and could totally understand why the tv show people didn’t want him in the show! Shelby’s mother was your typical stage mother, and I could understand Shelby’s desire to lead a “normal” life.
Recommendation:
I recommend Built to Last to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Erin Hahn
Erin started writing her own books when her little sister gave her shade about a country music-themed Twilight fanfic. By day, she gets to share her favorite stories with her elementary students. By night, she writes swoons. Erin married her own YA love interest whom she met on her first day of college and has two kids who are much, much cooler than she ever was at their age. She lives in Michigan, aka the greenest place on earth and has a cat, Gus, who plays fetch.
I’m not usually one for reality TV shows or books about them, but this one does sound good with lots of themes that tie into the basic plot. Great review!
This sounds like a cute read and possibly a love triangle. I’m not sure how I’d feel since that is my least favorite trope EVER. Lol. I am curious, though.
Sounds like a fun read. The plot reminds me of a book I just read and enjoyed: SO NOT MY THING by Melanie Jacobson. I don’t read much romance, but I do really like Jacobson.
I’m not usually one for reality TV shows or books about them, but this one does sound good with lots of themes that tie into the basic plot. Great review!
It’s on my list, hoping to get to it soon. Glad you liked it. Right now I’m a bit deep down the KU rabbit hole. I really need to come for air.
LOL, that’s funny.
oooh ! Another reality show romance !
Yes! It was fun too.
This sounds like a great book!
Thank you, Emily
I really wanted to grab this one up but I had too many review books. I’ll have to request a library audio sometime. Glad to see it was a hit!
I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
This is definitely one I’m interested in . Glad you loved it!
Thank you, Lucy!
This sounds like a cute read and possibly a love triangle. I’m not sure how I’d feel since that is my least favorite trope EVER. Lol. I am curious, though.
It’s not really a love triangle, Shelby makes it very clear she doesn’t like the one guy, who is a jerk.
Sounds like a fun read. The plot reminds me of a book I just read and enjoyed: SO NOT MY THING by Melanie Jacobson. I don’t read much romance, but I do really like Jacobson.
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I’ll have to keep my eye out for Melanie Jacobson, I’ve never read anything from her.
This sounds like a really cute read. The mom sounds so annoying though.
Happy to see we both enjoyed this one!
Amazing review Wendy! This sounds lovely, especially getting a behind the scenes look at filming a reality TV show!
Great concept, I love watching what people do with their houses. I hope it works well in a book.
Thank you, Cathy.
Sounds a good one Wendy and seems to give an interesting look into things child stars have to face in their lives. Great review🙂
Thank you, Mallika!
I do like second chance romances, great review 😊
Thank you, Jenny!
Great review! I’ve seen some other and since I love HGTV I might have to try this one.
I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
I’ve seen several positive reviews of this book and it does sound like a very cute read. 😀
I really enjoyed it.
The story sounds delightful, but I am not a fan of the cover.
I agree, that cover doesn’t do the book justice.
I really enjoyed this one as well Wendy! I loved Shelby’s transformation as she grew older. Wonderful review.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it too.
I struggled with this one and I’m not sure why but I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I normally love stories about house-flipping. Excellent review!
That’s the way things go sometimes. :).
Ooh good theme, I have enjoyed TV house renovation programmes in the past
Thank you, Rosie!
Wonderful review Wendy! I hope I have this one! Off to check now!🤗📚☕🍁💜
Thank you, Susan!
Excellent review, Wendy! I love the premise of this one, it sounds so fun!
Thank you, Cindy!