Book Review: Built to Last by Erin Hahn

"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

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My Review:

That was just so much fun. From the moment I started reading this book, I was pulled into the lives of its stars. I wanted to be there with them, and in so many ways I felt like I was. My heart went out to Cameron and Shelby, and I was deeply invested in seeing them get a second chance to get it right. (Or was it third? Maybe, fourth?) They were surrounded by such a colorful supporting cast. Some of them were there to lift them up, which they did with great skill and humor. Others, while the skill and humor were there, the support certainly wasn’t. There was a wonderful collection of “characters I loved to hate” in this story. A few of them, I would have preferred to see be served larger helpings of Karma. All in all, I loved Cameron and Shelby; hot mess, terrible communication, endearing awkwardness, and all the rest of the issues that kept tripping them up. I suspect I’ll always be a sucker for a second chance, and this book rewarded my devotion with a story I happily got lost into. Now, my fingers are crossed that there may be future books about a couple of the besties on the horizon.

I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.