Title: Built to Last
Author: Erin Hahn
Genre: Romance
Published On: October 18, 2022
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Source: digital (Netgalley)
Pages: 330
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.
Erin Hahn’s sparkling rom com debut, Built to Last, is a second chance romance sure to have readers falling in love fast.
Two childhood sweethearts find a second chance at love in this adult romance debut from a critically acclaimed young adult author.
My thoughts
(Spoiler free)
“I’m a simple woman. Give me a bearded man and a sun-soaked early century craftsman reading nook and I will love you forever.”
Erin Hahn, Built to Last
Romances with the celebrity or ex-celebrity trope can often be hit or miss for me, so I went into this one with a little bit of trepidation. But I so enjoyed Hahn’s previous young adult book Never Saw You Coming, that I had faith in Hahn’s writing and storytelling. While Never Saw You Coming dealt with some heavier subjects, Built to Last never dives too deep beyond relationship issues, but I found I was okay with that. It was refreshing and positive. Our main characters aren’t wallowing in their past mistakes, they’ve learned from them and become more well-rounded people as they’ve grown up.
It felt like Hahn had fun writing this novel, and it’s reflected in the characters and story.
Our main characters are Shelby and Cameron, both originally from Michigan. They met when they were children working on a juvenile television series in L.A., along with fellow actor Lyle. Shelby and Cam were each other’s first loves, but when the show ended as they turned eighteen, Cam went away to college. As often happens with young love, they both assumed things about the other and didn’t speak. Shelby fell into a very public relationship with Lyle, and when things ended badly, she left the Hollywood life (thanks to some encouragement from Cam) to return to rural Michigan, giving up acting and singing for a business restoring furniture alongside her father. Cam finished college and began working for National Geographic, following his stories around the world. The two have only seen each other once in the past ten years, but they still care deeply for one another.
“I’ve loved you since I was a kid. Since before I knew what it meant to love someone.”
Erin Hahn, Built to Last
When Lyle decides to stir up some trouble, getting the trio back together, he deceives Shelby and Cam into a meeting, proposing a home improvement show they can’t resist agreeing to do. Shelby would like to clear her name and prove to the world she’s changed and Cam would like to put down some roots near his family. And near Shelby.
What ensues is a delightful romance with plenty of hi-jinks from Lyle, a fun cast of side characters, and a love story that is oh so spicy and sweet.
I also enjoyed the musical infusion into the story. Like many young actors, Shelby, Cam, and Lyle all dipped into music, as well, so there might have been a memorable karaoke scene in this one. And it took me a few chapters to notice, but each chapter title is a song title, as well, which is always fun to find in books—and makes creating an accompanying playlist very easy.
Pick up Built to Last prepared to be entertained and romanced. Enjoy the wonderful side characters, some of whom deserve their own books. (I feel like Hahn was preparing the readers for a sequel centered on Shelby’s best friend Lorelai, and I can only hope that it comes to fruition.) Delight in the picturesque country setting, and let this second chance romance charm your socks off!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy.
(All quotes are taken from the advance copy and are subject to change in final print.)
My Rating:
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(Levels inspired by The Well-Read Librarian from Sourcebooks)
About the Author
A Song For A Book
As I mentioned in my review, it took me a few chapters to realize the chapter titles were song titles, but Hahn also mentions many songs and artists throughout Built to Last (some of which Shelby sings to while she works), which made creating a book playlist very easy. I’ve made a Spotify playlist (shared below) that includes the songs in the chapter titles, as well as the songs and artists mentioned throughout the story. I’ve chosen to highlight “The Bones” by Maren Morris.
We’re in the home stretch of the high times
We took a hard left, but we’re alright
Yeah, life sure can try to put love through it, but
We built this right, so nothing’s ever gonna move it
When the bones are good, the rest don’t matter
Yeah, the paint could peel, the glass could shatter
Let it break, ’cause you and I remain the same
When there ain’t a crack in the foundation
Baby, I know any storm we’re facing will
Blow right over while we stay put
The house don’t fall when the bones are good…
Have you read Built to Last? Did you add it to your tbr? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Wandering!
Now I have to go back and look at the chapter titles. That went over my head (I admit, I don’t rally see them when I read. Is that bad?) I did love this book. Characters with history will never grow old for me, and heck, there was so swoony stuff going on there as their affection reignited.
I don’t always read them either. And I was probably five or six chapters in before I noticed. I think I only noticed when it was a song I recognized. 😃 This one was very swoony, indeed!
I really. enjoyed this books too. Like you, I’m not much into celebrity type character, but Shelby and Cam were both down to earth, so it worked for me too. I also hope there is a sequel with Lorelai’s story
Yes! Their down to earth nature made the celebrity trope work.
Ooh, I love The Bones! It’s such a great song 😍 I’ve been looking forward to picking this one up ever since I read the synopsis and saw the cover earlier this year. It sounds like a fun, entertaining and steamy read. Great review, Dedra!
I feel sure you’ll enjoy this one, too, Dini!
Second chance romances can be a lot of fun when done well. Can’t wait to check this one out. 😀
Yes! All that history to build on. 🙂
Great review! I’ve seem the ratings all over the place for this one, but it’s really calling to me. Glad you enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed it! It was one I didn’t have to think too hard about, which is nice every once in a while.
I’m glad you liked this one. I am a big fan of Hahn’s books.
I need to pick up more by her now that I know I’m a fan, too. 🙂
Start with You’d Be Mine.
Oh, I don’t think I’ve added that one to my tbr. Thanks for the recommendation!
Great review!
Thank you for compiling the playlist! I’m listening to the audiobook and hasn’t quite picked up the chapter titles were also songs.
I have a playlist with songs found in the books I read in 2022 and am doing the same for 2023. With your additions, there’s already over 14 hours of music in the 2023 list. 🙂
Oh nice!! Book playlists are so fun, aren’t they?!