Book Review: Built to Last

Built to Last by Erin Hahn ~ 336 pages ~ published by St. Martin’s Griffin on October 18, 2022

Goodreads Synopsis:

Shelby Springfield has spent the last ten years trying to overcome her past, sanding it away like she does the rough spots on the vintage furniture finds she makes over. But as a former child star, it’s hard to forget a mediocre pop career, a meltdown widely documented by the paparazzi, and a huge public break 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 come on board.

There’s something in it for everyone — almost. Cameron wants to come home and set down some roots. Shelby wants to prove to the world she’s not the messy party girl anymore. And Lyle wants to twist the screws on his two childhood friends who had more chemistry than he could dream of with anyone. Sparks and sawdust fly as Shelby and Cameron film the pilot for “Homemade” and battle Lyle’s shenanigans at every turn.

What I Thought:

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for this ARC!

I am a huge fan of Erin Hahn’s YA novels, so I was super excited about her first foray into Adult Romance and I was not disappointed! I loved the characters and the storyline.

The story was super cute! I love a good second chance romance, as well as a comeback story. You add in some HGTV level home reno action and it was a recipe for amazingness. I loved the callbacks to the characters’ past on a children’s tv show, and how each of them changed (mostly for the better) with age.

Shelby and Cameron were such fun characters. I loved that they each had individual struggles that were soothed by the other person. They were a lovely fit for each other, and I adored getting to see that love blossom. I could completely see audiences falling in love with their love story on the screen, and it makes me really hopeful that this could be adapted at some point!

For her first attempt at an adult novel, I thought Hahn did an excellent job! I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!