Built to Last (Smitten in the Mitten)
"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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Community Reviews
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.
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.
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.
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#popsugarreadingchallenge2022 (prompt #19b - A book that takes place during your favorite season; Spring)
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