As a fan of home renovations shows, I knew I needed to read Built to Last when I read our two main characters would be working on a show like that together. Add in the fact that it’s a second chance romance, and it was an automatic I need to read this book. I did just that and want to tell you about it today. Keep on reading to find out what Built to Last is about and what I thought!
A big thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for providing me with an eARC to read and review.
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 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.
Review
A second chance romance and a home renovation show?!? Yes, please. I’ve heard amazing things about Erin Hahn’s books, so why not start with Built to Last? This was such a fast and fun read and just what I needed.
Shelby and Cameron both felt like genuine characters. They’re both flawed and things from their past having them think twice about starting this show together. In the past, Shelby got the bad end of the stick when her image was damaged when people thought she cheated when that wasn’t the case. I thought it was great to see her take control of her life and slowly open up herself back up to love. Cameron coming back into her life wasn’t something she expected.
Shelby and Cameron were so fun together. They didn’t lose their chemistry or banter in the years they were apart. I loved and appreciated them actually talking about their past and issues. It was refreshing having characters talk. I smiled quite a bit reading about them interacting and doing things together.
I was surprised that the home renovating didn’t get a bigger part of the story, UT the parts we got were fun. I could’ve done without Lyle, it him actually kind of bringing the, together more mad up for it. They didn’t let him win. Add some amazing side characters (Shelby’s best friend for example), and this was just an amazing romance. I’ll be reading more by Erin Hahn very soon!
This is my first book by Erin Hahn and it won’t be my last. I just saw that she has written quite a few books that I think I’ll love. Have you read anything by this author? Or do you have a favorite home renovation show? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
