Built to Last by Erin Hahn: Book Review

Built to Last has three child stars of a TV show reunited for a home improvement show pilot. It is enlightening, engaging and romantic. I really enjoyed it!

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From The Publisher:

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.

Erin Hahn’s sparkling rom com debut, Built to Last, is a second chance romance sure to have readers falling in love fast.

My Thoughts:

Shelby, Cameron and Lyle spent much of their teens starring on a TV show that made them famous. After the series was completed, life changed for them all. Shelby and Cameron who had a secret romance parted ways when Cameron went on to college. Shelby established herself as an actress and singer and went into a relationship with Lyle. Five years later when Lyle broke up with Shelby in a very public way it was Cameron that Shelby called. He did what he needed to do and went on his way.

Fast forward another five years. Shelby is now working with her father as a furniture restorer. Cameron is working for National Geographic making documentaries. Lyle is working in television and approaches Shelby and Cameron about doing a home renovation show pilot back in their home state of Michigan. Although they do not fully trust Lyle they sign on for the pilot.

The story is much about relationships that the characters have had with their parents and others in their lives. As positive a force that Shelby’s father was in her life, her mother was a stage mother who was there to reap the benefits of having a famous daughter. Cameron’s father on the other hand couldn’t see any of the work Cameron had ever done as being worthwhile. His mother is a supportive parent.

There is plenty of steam in this second-chance romance as Shelby and Cameron discuss their prior relationship and build on it. Lyle is a narcissist and opportunist who interferes in their relationship far outside the expectations of his role with the TV station. I loved the strength of Shelby and Cameron’s relationship and the supportive friends and family around them.

I enjoyed the outside of the filming scenes between Shelby and Cameron. A weekend trip to find antiques for the home, and the night of karaoke was particularly fun to read. I found the steam factor just perfect for my tastes.

I recommend Built To Last for those readers who enjoy romance.

What I Liked:

• The second-chance romance between two characters with a longstanding relationship
• The home renovation show setting
• The fun activities the characters experienced

Acknowledgments:

I received an ARC of this book from St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

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