Built to Last by Erin Hahn: Book Review

Built to Last is Erin Hahn’s first foray into adult romances, as she is best known for her young adult romances. With an anticipated release date of October 18, 2022, by St. Martin’s Griffin, readers are taken to a small town in Michigan where two child stars are reuniting to film a pilot for a home reno show. Shelby returned home to Michigan after a disastrous break-up. Cameron has been traveling the world filming documentaries. Will the house survive the reunion?

I want to thank St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of All I Want for Christmas. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

Synopsis from Goodreads

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.

Positives

A quick and easy read!

Characters are believable and relatable.

Negatives

Parts of the story are believable, but some of it was a bit farfetched!

My Opinions

Built to Last is an enjoyable look at what happens when childhood friends reunite after a decade apart. Shelby and Cameron grew up on television. They went their separate ways when the show ended, but it wasn’t a happy parting. After a brief reunion five years later, Shelby and Cameron had not seen or spoken to each other until they found themselves in a meeting for a new show that their former co-star was proposing.

My biggest issue with the book is Lyle and his actions. Why is he holding a grudge against Shelby and Cameron after so many years? He did everything he could to mess up their show, but why? Was he truly that jealous of their happiness?

I enjoyed meeting Maren and Lorelai. I, for one, would like to learn more about these characters to see if they all get their happily ever after. And, of course, who wouldn’t want to continue to follow Shelby and Camerons?

Built to Last is the first book I’ve read by Erin Hahn, but it won’t be the last!

Looking for some more books to read? Check out my other book reviews and my monthly reading wrap-ups.